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January 25, 2021 | 12:20
Companies: #silverstone
Chassis, power and cooling specialist SilverStone Technologies has launched a new PSU. It isn't one of the firm's popular SFF models, this is a full sized ATX PSU but the trick up its sleeve is that it is a fanless model, rated at 700W. The new Nightjar NJ700 is 80 PLUS Titanium rated and 100 per cent modular too.
SilverStone finishes the Nightjar NJ700 fanless PSU in a white metal housing, characterised by abundant hexagonal venting holes present on all six sides, but particularly the top, rear, and sides.
Above you can see the modular connector face of the NJ700, as well as the opposite side of the PSU with the IEC power inlet and on/off switch. The following modular connectors, with black flat cables, are provided:
SilverStone describes the NJ700 as providing a "powerful single +12V rail design, perfect for future high-end component upgrades or overclocking". Being 80 PLUS Titanium rated means that this PSU is between 90%~94% efficient at 10% ~ 100% loading.
Japanese capacitors are used throughout the PSU's construction, which will hopefully help it operate reliably without any cooling fan within. The NJ700 is designed for 24/7 continuous power output with 45°C operating temperature. SilverStone's official MTBF is 100,000 hours (11.4 years). Various protections are built in: Over Current Protection, Over Power Protection, Over Voltage Protection, Over Temperature Protection, and Short Circuit Protection.
Other important specs to take note of are the unit's size at 150 mm (W) x 86 mm (H) x 170 mm (D). It weighs 2.3kg.
The Nightjar NJ700 fanless PSU should be available soon but SilverStone hasn't provided any pricing as yet. As an indication of the price you should expect to pay, the Nightjar NJ600, which was launched in 2018, costs approx US$280.
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October 14 2021 | 15:04


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Addicted to Stamps and More - Make your Mark (Copics)
Thursday, August 18, 2016
A Just for Fun Card!?!....What the what????
Addicted to Stamps and More - Make your Mark (Copics)
16 comments:
Hey friend, so cute, was fun crafting with you, and chattin, awesome card, makes me think of us having a cuppa while we crafted. Cheers!ReplyDelete
Well this is really so much fun, and I love it. So retro, wonderful design!! Great take on the challenge, thanks so much for playing along with us this week over at the Mod Squad!ReplyDelete
Judy - Challenge Host
A lovely card. Just for fun cards always turn out best I find as you can let your creativity flow, love the sweet colours.ReplyDelete
Lovely card, great design!! Thanks for joining our challenge this week with Kraftin Kimmie Stamps!ReplyDelete
Marilyn DT
Love the design of your card! Awesome job! Thanks for joining us for the Come and Get It Challenge. Hope to see you again! ~DT DanaReplyDelete
Very nice card thanks for sharing!!!ReplyDelete
Super cute card! I am totally loving the colors and makes me think of you every morning. Glad you got time in for a fun card and crafting with Leanne. Maybe a few more fun ones in your future!ReplyDelete
Nice image and fun colors, great job :-) Good luck in the draw. Thanks for joining us at Come And Get It challenge.NevaReplyDelete
I love this adorable card! It makes me imagine just sitting with my bestie on the sunny summer porch and chatting up a storm. Thanks for sharing it with us at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!ReplyDelete
Very nice card with beautiful colors Lori!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for entering our ATG challenge at Through The Craft Room Door this week. Looking forward to see you again next challenge.
Cards and Creativity {My Blog}
A really cute card. Lovely colors.ReplyDelete
Thanks for playing with us at Craft your Passion Good luck!! Michelle(DT)
Lovely card,great card design and beautiful color combo...thank you for joining us at ATSM-Make your mark...hugs ŽeljkaReplyDelete
great coloring the tea pot and the cupReplyDelete
lovely choice of paper
and cute flowers
I adore your cute card
thanks for joining us at ATSM
big hugs
Monika (DT)
Love this card!! Perfect for the coffee lover out there :) The design is awesome!! Thanks for sharing it with us at ATSM this week :)ReplyDelete
Susan- DT
Fantastic card! Love the country charm to the design and image. Thanks for joining us at Love to Scrap! Challenge BlogReplyDelete
Tina dt
Lori, this is so cute and lovely.ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing in The Crafty Addicts, see you soon.
Rebecca, DT

subset: commoncrawl


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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
what i wore > trip to Toronto
28 comments:
Cute outfit! love your brown belt trick, I'll have to remember that one!ReplyDelete
those shoes are great! and seriously good all day? hmmmm...ReplyDelete
wardrobe tricks? if a dress is too short (because i have long legs and can it can go from cute to hoochie pretty quickly) i layer another skirt or slip under it to peek out. that way i never have to say no to a cute dress ;)
This is a pretty outfit, i especially love the white headband :)ReplyDelete
I LOVE this outfit. And I feel the same with the all black/throw in the brown thing. In fact today I'm wearing a black high-waisted skirt but I felt too sassy for work so I threw on a brown belt. Problem solved haha ;)ReplyDelete
I'm loving that dress! Whole outfit is so cute!ReplyDelete
You know, I love that you wear so many dresses. I find them awkward and hard to pull off, but when you wear them you look so put together. Good job, hey :)ReplyDelete
Your hair looks sooo pretty!!ReplyDelete
And I am in love with that dress!!
- AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 10:33 AM
GAH! i feel like i always miss meeting some of my favourite bloggers by a hair! i'm going to toronto THIS weekend.ReplyDelete
in any case, what an adorable outfit! you're such a babe!
I *heart* your hair here! I've been obsessed with bouffants and beehives lately. :) You're adorable!ReplyDelete
Nice! You look very smart and together!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 8, 2011 at 12:07 PM
I've followed your blog for a while now, but this is my first comment for you. I'm Fnnish and my english is really bad. Still I want to say that you are very cute and lovely! And so friendly for everyone. <3ReplyDelete
I just love your personal style. Keep it going! :)
I love your outfit! You adorable girl, you.ReplyDelete
Hi! I found your blog yesterday and I really love it! I'm adding you to my reader right now!ReplyDelete
oh man i almost bought that dress! it looks so cute on you! so sad i didn't get it :( i love your hair up with the headband! looks really good!ReplyDelete
I feel the same way about wearing all black. I try to spice it up by wearing a colored sweater or some funky jewelry. I seriously love your dress!ReplyDelete
xx Erin
I LOVE the white scarf against your hair!ReplyDelete
♥ sécia
Love comfy wedges! I recently wore a pair out and about to my sisters bachelorette party. While everyone else in their heels was aching and complaining, I was still dancing my butt off!ReplyDelete
I totally do the same thing when I wear all black and feel too funerary, btw. Brown purse or brown belt always does the trick.
p.s. You always make adorable faces in your posts.
<3 Robyn from http://www.citizentiny.com
I love your outfit photos. So cute!ReplyDelete
SO so cute. Your hair is adorable. My favorite trick would have to be making a dress a shirt sometimes. Girl on a budget, you know?ReplyDelete
ohh that dress is soooo sweet!!!!!ReplyDelete
Cute! I almost never mix brown and black... it reminds me of my dachshunds! BUT, if I want a semi-dressy-casual (or semi-casual-dressy) vibe, I tend to wear a bold pattern with clean lines in the cut, and bright colors. If it's an all black outfit, I throw on a cute cardigan in an obnoxious color or pattern to dress it down a bit, and bright shoes!ReplyDelete
okay, you are CUTE! I just saw your video about how to make a vlog, and i was dying lauphing so I had to come over and check out your blog! Ive always wanted to go to Canada! Lovely outfit!ReplyDelete
That's such a cute little dress. I like the mostly black look with it. The tights and cardigan look great and I adore your shoes!ReplyDelete
adorable dress, i love the hearts!!ReplyDelete
<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons
ugh, you are SO adorable!!ReplyDelete
your hair looks great like this, very 50s :)
I shared this in my passion for fashion feature today :)ReplyDelete
I love the outfit! You look good in black!ReplyDelete
Your comment will appear after approval. Thank you so much for stopping by and saying hi, I may not always respond but I always appreciate hearing from you.


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This low-profile fan and aluminium alloy bracket assembly is a great way to keep your Raspberry Pi 4 cool without expanding the size of your project.
Powered via the Pi's GPIO pins, the fan uses just 20mA to run and uses the Raspberry Pi's 5V and GND GPIO pins to operate. The aluminium bracket makes direct contact (via the included thermal tape) to the Raspberry Pi CPU, RAM, USB and Ethernet chips to keep the entire system cool.
Version Options
Two versions of this item are now available (select option above).
The standard version comes with the aluminium alloy bracket, fan, thermal tape, fixings and a small screwdriver.
The unit is also available with a GPIO adapter as well, for adding HATs and add-on boards above the fan assembly.
- Compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B/3B+/3B
- Low-profile aluminium alloy heat-sinking bracket
- GPIO pins (inc. PoE pins) remain accessible
- Powered via Raspberry Pi GPIO
- Rated power: 0.1W@5V, 0.02A
- Fan: 3007 fan 8000±10%RPM
Package Contents
- Fan unit
- Aluminium Alloy Bracket
- Thermal tape
- Fixings
- Optional: GPIO adapter (select option above)
- Product Wiki (shows dimensions and thermal tape placement)


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Via David Bruggeman's Twitter feed, I came across this fascinating article on how two different evangelical Christian organizations view climate change. From the introduction:
The stereotype of Evangelical Christians is that they are anti-science, and therefore don't believe in climate change. But in fact, they are deeply divided over environmental issues. A debate over climate change is raging in Evangelical churches, fueled by conflicting interpretations of Biblical scripture.
Among the most active groups in this debate is the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN). Founded in 1993, its defining document is the Evangelical Declaration on the Care of Creation, which affirms basic Evangelical tenets such as the "full authority of Scriptures" while also rejecting nature worship and positing stewardship of God's creation as the Biblical rationale for environmentalism.
Although EEN is primarily an educational outreach organization, it has become increasingly active in politics. In 1996, the group helped wage a successful campaign to prevent congressional Republicans from weakening the Endangered Species Act, which the EEN called the "Noah's Ark of our day." More recently, the group has emerged as a prominent voice in the Florida gubernatorial race.


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Press and Brand Guidelines
Providing up-to-date information to press and media as well as access to brand assets and press releases about 123Loadboard.
News, assets and information for our users and the media
Writers and media outlets may use the 123Loadboard logo in published articles, press releases, blog entries, and news programs specifically about 123Loadboard. Writers and media outlets are bound by our press and brand guidelines.
For Press Inquiries, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com.
In The News
123Loadboard has increasingly become a major part of the trucking industry by providing unparalleled load board solutions.
Press Releases
123Loadboard is dedicated to providing ongoing news and notifications to its customers and industry partners. See announcements, guest posts, interviews and other news here.
Creatives & Banners
We created an assortment of banners that you can add to your website, blog, social posts, etc.
Brand Guidelines
These guidelines will help you use our brand assets without having to negotiate legal agreements. To use our assets in a non-standard way, contact us for permission with a visual mockup of intended use.


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Ballet Skirt Mira
1 In stock
Ballet skirt
Dhs. 70.00
Subcribe to back in stock notification
- Chiffon flowy skirt with a slit
- Comfortable waistband with soft fabric
- Sheer skirt is ideal to be paired with tights
- Easy, pull on skirt
- Suitable for any ballet training and performance
- Chiffon
Sheer skirt with slit that fits perfectly to twirl and dance. Skirt has the perfect length to show techniques and elasticated waistband ensures comfortable fit
Care Recommendation:
- Delicate machine wash
- Do not bleach
- Do not iron
- Wash light colors separately.
Size Chart:


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The enchanting village of Riomaggiore dates back to the thirteenth century and is a village that like many others in this region stretches along a vertical axe on a romantic little bay, with typical stone houses with colored façades connected to courts and small gardens. People that stroll along the small alleys and the steep staircases of the small town can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Riomaggiore is part of the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre, one of the best preserved parks in Italy, and it is the last town of this park you come across if you arrive from Genoa. The park stretches from the land to the sea and thanks to its steepness – you will be able to admire from land dolphins and whales playing in the protected marine area. The view of the sea from the houses or the typical tower houses is amazing even on a hazy day!
Civil ceremonies are performed Monday to Saturday on the terrace of the town hall that comfortably holds 30 guests with very nice panoramic views. The town hall can be easily reached on foot and is an ideal setting for those who wish to have an intimate ceremony with closer family and friends. Back up inside hall available in case of bad weather conditions.
There is no need to visit the Town Hall before the wedding since the sworn declaration is done at the time of the wedding and originals can be provided to the authorities on your wedding day. Vows and short poems are allowed at the end of the ceremony. The terrace is also available for a quick toast with your guests, but not for a formal cocktail with food.
We recommend weddings in Riomaggiore during spring and summer.
Your message has been submitted, thank you.


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Leather for Men
Animal skins - dried, tanned, cut and sewn – that is how footwear has been made since times immemorial. Leather remains, till date the most favored material when it comes to making footwear. Simply put, leather is classic.
Our Murtle Leather Classics combine our durable sole with classic designs using genuine leather. Made to be used universally, by both sexes, these Murtles are an attempt to harness the sturdiness and adaptability of leather.
Murtle Leather Classic straps soften and stretch over time, adapting to your feet's needs. They make use of leather's high tensile strength to provide increased durability, and its breathability. They are resistant to wet and dry abrasion, making them low on maintenance.
Murtle Leather Classics can be paired with all kinds of apparel, ranging from pants to pajamas and from printed shirts to plain skirts. Everyone from the young lass next-door to the gentle retiree enjoying a walk in the park.
Murtle Leather Cassics are truly classic.


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We are pleased to announce the opening of the new Clinics at KDH on September 11, 2017! We have modernized more than 4,000 square feet of under-utilized space in order to double the services and programs we can offer to outpatients.
The Clinic Modernization Project will enable KDH to provide –
- New Specialists' Clinics
- Children and Youth Services
- Chronic Illness Programming
- Prevention, Education and Wellness Programs
- A Room for Families
This is what our previous clinic spaces looked like:
Here's what the clinic space looks like now:
Take a virtual tour of the new clinic space.
Read monthly Project Status Updates.
New Programs and Services made possible by the Clinic Modernization Project:
New Specialists' Clinics
With double the number of clinic spaces, KDH can add a variety of new specialists' clinics. New offerings may include clinics for concussion, ophthalmology, pain management, psychiatry, sleep apnea, and urology. We also anticipate shorter wait-times, compared to booking a specialist's appointment in the city where the volume of patient visits is much higher.
Children and Youth Services
These will include clinics for children and youth to help manage mental health and addictions challenges before they reach the crisis stage, as well as support groups for parents and caregivers.
Chronic Illness Programming
Enhancing KDH's ability to support people with chronic conditions means that they will have the tools they need to manage their conditions and lead better, happier lives, with fewer visits to the ER, few hospitalizations, and the ability to remain at home as long as possible.
Prevention, Education and Wellness Programs
Healthcare is not just about healing, but also about preventing illness, and the best way to do that is through education. The Clinic Modernization Project will allow us to increase our programs designed to help people of all ages stay well.
A Room for Families
A key component of the project is the creation of a private visiting or grieving space for families. Now a standard in hospitals, the concept of a designated room for families to gather in private did not exist when KDH was built; the Clinic Modernization Project will enable KDH to offer this source of comfort.


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Oil could plummet to $35 a barrel next year if OPEC doesn't reach an agreement by the spring, oil price tracker Tom Kloza said Wednesday.
The founder of Oil Price Information Services told CNBC's "Squawk Box" that he expects at least a "lip service agreement" from OPEC members Thursday, when they meet to discuss output, but the members will largely ignore it, creating a bigger crisis in about six months.
"When you look at the second half of 2015, that's when you see oil beginning to dwarf demand by about a million, a million and a half barrels a day," he said. "Thirty-five dollars is a possibility if they don't get an agreement next spring because that's when the oil really starts to build and you can have a billion barrels of oil with really no place to put it."
Read More Oil steadies below $79 as market doubts OPEC cut
At that point, U.S. deep-water drilling and mature shale projects can keep pumping, but shale plays that require significant investment could be cut, he said.
The slowdown in shale growth has already begun, and the growth of the U.S. oil industry could slow to 750,000 barrels a day from earlier estimates of 1 million barrels.
Oil prices have fallen 30 percent from their highs in June.
Traders are likely to see some unofficial production restraint from Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies as they aim to chill the production growth rate among U.S. producers and prevent excess supply from flooding the market, said Greg Priddy, director of global energy at the Eurasia Group.
The chance that OPEC produces a disappointing headline at the meeting on Thursday has not been completely priced into oil markets at this point, but it's unlikely that oil will fall to the $50-to-$60 range on the news alone, he said.
"If the full-flood scenario played out and you actually had to kill off a million barrels a day of production growth, we could very well be there," he said.
Kloza said OPEC ministers may agree this week to cut production by 750,000 to 1 million barrels per day, but members will likely produce all they can, and there will be no compliance with the accord, except from the Saudis, Kuwaitis and the United Emirates.
Read MoreSaudis to push OPEC to cut output: CNBC survey
Iran, Iraq and Venezuela are unlikely to stick to an agreement because they are already below their quotas and the production levels they need to support social programs and balance their budgets, he said.
Priddy said the Saudis are likely to seek language in a communique that commits members to share the burden of production cuts, but the meeting is unlikely to produce quotas with individual numbers for members.
The problem with the Iranian position is that, as far as they're concerned, the country has been cutting production for several years due to sanctions related to its nuclear program, which it sees as unfair and enriching Saudi Arabia, he said.
Unplanned oil outages over the last four years caused by the Iran sanctions and turmoil in Libya have offset the overage of U.S. shale growth in the face of relatively weak demand, he said.
"It's kind of masked the effect of the shale boom, and we've finally gotten to the point where the supply side has really won that battle, and OPEC has had to reckon with that, but those disruptions are why they haven't had to do so thus far," Priddy said.


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Wind analytics becomes key tool in COVID-19 battle
Lockdowns are putting pressure on wind power analytics to improve performance and logistics, highlighting data gaps, experts said.
Related Articles
COVID-19 lockdowns and supply chain disruptions have put unexpected pressure on newly-implemented wind power analytics and remote technologies.
Prior to the outbreak, a growing number of operators were installing predictive maintenance solutions to reduce downtime and labor costs.
Turbine suppliers have invested heavily in analytics solutions to improve competitiveness in the growing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) market.
Siemens Gamesa is currently implementing a new global digital infrastructure platform. The platform will improve data collection and predictive maintenance capability, and boost spare parts efficiency, the company told New Energy Update in January.
Travel restrictions are now testing these analytics solutions to the full and prompting some firms to fast-track modifications.
Damage limitation
Larger wind operators have been the biggest deployers as they seek to use the scaling benefits of analytics to boost growth plans. Facing intense market competition, utilities have been building analytics capabilities and bringing O&M activities in-house to gain a competitive edge.
Under current lockdowns, operators are prioritising reactive maintenance over predictive maintenance to manage labour resources. Analytics allows operators to prioritize key maintenance tasks and flag critical maintenance needs.
"Well developed monitoring systems and data analytics allow companies to monitor and pre-emptively shutdown 'at risk' turbines to prevent major failure to capital components," Daniel Liu, principal analyst at Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, told New Energy Update.
The failure of major components such as gearboxes, often due to bearing issues, can incur large costs and long maintenance procedures. Analytics can also optimize spare parts deployment and help operators adapt to longer delivery times under COVID 19 restrictions, Liu noted.
Analytics can also improve enterprise resource management (ERM).
"Administration tasks have increased so an effective analytics platform can tie into [enterprise resource planning] to better manage technician dispatch and supply chain management," Liu said.
Data drive
Amid the lockdowns, operators are making greater use of central SCADA (Supervisory control and data acquisition) systems to analyse the performance of their turbines, Alberto Cena, Technical Advisor at the Spanish Wind Energy Association (AEE), told New Energy Update.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted gaps in datasets and analytics capabilities, Cena said. Gaps might include historic asset information or data on similar assets under similar conditions.
"Another area of growing interest is to integrate the data from condition monitoring systems (CMS) with SCADA information," Cena said.
Many companies have been hiring external specialists to increase the frequency of data collection and improve performance indicators, he said.
New gadgets
Across the business world, worker restrictions are severely testing remote technology solutions.
GE Renewable Energy has used its analytics capabilities to accelerate the use of global remote collaboration tools, the company told New Energy Update.
GE is using its analytics technology to provide a "real time view of the status and health of our fleets" and to "remotely direct, execute and debrief work activity," it said.
Improvements to key performance indicators should also enable more accurate remote monitoring of asset performance. A shift away from time availability to energy availability indicators is helping operators optimize maintenance resources and maximize revenues.
In some cases, operators are using augmented reality to steer on-site work, or drones.
Combined with advanced imaging technology, drones can pinpoint faults and support accelerated data analysis through centralized systems.
Winners and losers
As countries battle to control the COVID-19 outbreak, wind operators could face waves of lockdowns or self-distancing measures in the coming years.
Companies that have not invested in data analytics and remote technology could be left behind.
Facing the current day-to-day challenges, many companies will not have the capacity to implement these technologies, Liu said.
"Deployment of data analytics and remote monitoring technology does take a lot of resources and time, so it is doubtful that small to medium players without said technology will implement it now," he said.
Until now, analytics has been deployed to improve operational efficiency and prepare for rapid renewable energy growth, Lui said.
After COVID-19, increasing the resilience of fleets to global lockdowns could become a higher priority, he said.
Reporting by Neil Ford
Editing by Robin Sayles


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Listing Eagle
Listing Eagle provides real-time alerts via email or text when one of your listings is suppressed by Amazon or another seller adds their own product to the listing, which is also known as hijacking. Notifications are live and instant, so that you can respond immediately.
The software includes a selection of well-written, effective email templates that allow you to fire off a cease & desist warning immediately on receiving an alert that one of your listings has been hijacked. The templates can be customized.
When Amazon suppresses your listing, they prevent it from being found via Amazon's search results, most commonly due to incorrect or incomplete product information, but potentially it can also be caused by breaking Amazon's terms and conditions. Amazon is not likely to let you know, so the sooner you know about it the quicker you can fix it.
You can have 3 users on your account and it is easy to get set up with their bulk loader. The software works in the US, Canada and the UK.
Starting at $9.97 per month .
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Species Preservation and Public Education Promote Ecological Balance by Helena Souffrant, Ohio Young Birders Club
With the rapid growth of the human population comes the demand for more land and resources. According to Wildlife Biologist Kevin Kenow of the U.S Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, the ideal habitat for migrating birds is disappearing.
With the rapid growth of the human population comes the demand for more land and resources. According to Wildlife Biologist Kevin Kenow of the U.S Geological Survey's Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, the ideal habitat for migrating birds is disappearing. Examples include wetlands, forests and prairies. Instead, the rich habitat has been taken over by human development, urban and agricultural runoff and other forms of habitat degradation. As a result, many of the migratory birds that once flourished are now absent in these altered and degraded areas.
Every animal species plays a role in the food chain (especially birds!). Every species is vital to keeping everything in balance. When humans meddle with the food chain, everything gets thrown out of whack. The result is unprecedented loss of biodiversity. To illustrate, each year about 27,000 plant and animal species have been driven to extinction due to human influences.
Ohio is widely filled with farms and fields. The once promising fields of crickets and katydids have now been cruelly taken over by pesticides, chemicals and developments. Crops are great for economic success, but when striving for success you must also gauge what is not directly in front of you. The environment plays an unbelievably crucial role in our everyday lives. Many people are used to focusing on school, work and money. We often forget that there is a natural world out there. As humans, we feel naturally inclined to focus on what is directly in front of us. Whether you are trying to muster up enough courage to ask for that raise or are trying to get a B on your next physics test, it is important to know what obstacles you must pass in order to get to where you want to be. The same analogy can be applied to sustainability and the protection of birds worldwide. Windmills are great for cities but not for birds. Eliminating the use of pesticides and insecticides is great for birds but does not add to your lawn's aesthetics. Everything needs to be done in respect of the other aspects. Everything needs to be in balance.
Because of these factors, along with many others, groups such as the Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society, American Birding Association and the Ohio Young Birders Club are so important in preserving the lives of birds and educating the public on the importance of birds. These amazing feathered creatures have inhabited the planet for millions of years. It would be too short of a stay if they were to go now because of human influence.
Make A Donation to Western Cuyahoga Audubon. Your gifts guarantee chapter activities, programs and research continues to reach members and connect birding conservationists around the world. Use our safe and secure PayPal payment button below to make a donation of any amount you choose. All donations are gratefully received.
Story Blog
The Feathered Flyer blog publishes human interest stories about birding and habitat conservation.
After watching, 'My Painted Trillium Quest' by Tom Fishburn, Kim Langley, WCAS Member said, "Wonderful! It was a lift just knowing that such a site exists and is being protected!"
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WCAS is a proud member of The Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters (COAC) and promotes chapter development by sharing the best practices, brainstorming solutions to common problems, and building relationships in workshops and retreats. Subscribe
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Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible. The tax ID number is: 34-1522665. If you prefer to mail your donation, please send your check to: Nancy Howell, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Treasurer, 19340 Fowles Rd, Middleburg Hts, OH 44130. © 2020 Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. All rights reserved.
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1 July 2014
charity makes
8 comments:
Awe forget about the housework Ali much more fun things to do than that! ;)ReplyDelete
Great charities!
The Knitted Knockers is such a worthwhile charity. I'm sure a knitted one would be much more comfy than silicone.ReplyDelete
Jacqui x
Wow Ali you have been busy again! Great knocker!ReplyDelete
Fab to find out about the Spud Bears too!
My housework is taking even more of a back seat...footy, tennis, getting out into the sunny garden...not to mention anything woolly...
Hope you find some more fun to distract you!
Ali x
Such worthwhile charities. I'm sure they'll be very pleased with the support you're showing them.ReplyDelete
I made a set of those too! Mine are still sitting here, however. I need to find a local charity that might accept them. They were surprisingly easy to make.ReplyDelete
Just to let you know that I've nominated you for a blog hop over on my blog.ReplyDelete
love your knockers!!! I have two relatives/friends recently undergone mastectomies so a very worthwhile cause, love the bear too. As regards housework, my mother used to say only boring women had clean/tidy houses !ReplyDelete
Wonderful makes for such very worthy charities, Ali!ReplyDelete
Hope you have a great Tuesday!
Susan x


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How to Choose Which Disaster Restoration Company to Work With
Disasters are stressful. Not only is there damage to your property, potentially disrupting your daily life or even displacing you or your tenants, but you also have to figure out exactly how property insurance works AND deal with navigating disaster restoration. Choosing which disaster restoration company to work with can be an overwhelming and confusing…Read More
Winter Fire Safety: A Guide to Protecting Your Property
Last week, we talked about how property managers can prevent winter disasters (whether it be for a residential community or a commercial property). Part of that prevention included educating tenants about fire hazards. Whether you're a commercial property manager, a community manager, business owner, or private homeowner, winter fire safety is a subject you should…Read More


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Mark Zuckerberg announced last week yet another change to the Facebook newsfeed. Following a contentious year that embroiled the platform in controversy, Facebook intends to give preferential treatment to news sites based on users' feedback as to which providers are most trusted.
From Zuckerberg's post,
"The hard question we've struggled with is how to decide what news sources are broadly trusted in a world with so much division. We could try to make that decision ourselves, but that's not something we're comfortable with. We considered asking outside experts, which would take the decision out of our hands but would likely not solve the objectivity problem. Or we could ask you — the community — and have your feedback determine the ranking."
Who those users are, how they are selected and exactly how "trust" is measured remains to be revealed. News and media professionals don't appear to have a voice in determining the authority and credibility of news sites.
That's problematic. In the past, Facebook demonstrated clear vulnerabilities when relying on its community. In mid-2016, when Facebook fired the editors curating its Trending module to instead rely on its algorithm and user engagement around stories, the community proved itself to not be the most reliable arbiter of legitimate news. False stories from dubious sources, such as a false report indicating Megyn Kelly had been fired from Fox News for endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, immediately rose to the top. Facebook later changed Trending again to try to tackle those issues.
So far, Facebook's attempts to police its own platform have had little impact on the mitigation of disinformation and "fake news." The platform itself reported that over 126 million Americans saw Russian disinformation leading up to 2016 election emanating from the community. Furthermore, independent fact-checkers brought in by Facebook to flag fake stories have said efforts to stem the tide of disinformation are falling short.
Outside of Facebook's walls, trust is a contract between the audience, who gives an investment of time and the publishers' ability to match that with quality journalism. Handing all of that power to the "community" creates dangerous opportunities for propagandists and purveyors of fake news to exploit the platform to further their own agendas. During the French elections, special interests organized on platforms like Discord to orchestrate social media events on Facebook and Twitter. More recently, following a November 2017 mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, a false story spread across Facebook saying Antifa terrorists were the perpetrators.
At Storyful, we spent the last two years mapping and understanding the pathways that "fake news" travels. Our work makes it clear that Facebook is a well trod avenue for disseminating dubious information from private or semi-private platforms and communities to the masses. Following the tragic events in Las Vegas last year, we detailed false claims made by questionable entities on Facebook. In the UK, we highlighted the efforts of a special interest group to affect elections and advance an agenda. And, on our podcast, we discussed the impact of social media and disinformation in India.
What happens in the following weeks and months may have very serious implications for the news industry and the world. Upcoming elections in Eastern Europe, Brazil, Pakistan, Cambodia and the United States (among others) are prime opportunities for those who seek to spread disinformation via an increasingly siloed social media population who are most likely to trust sources they agree with.
Users the world over flock to Facebook to discuss happenings big and small, local and global, factual and fictional. Left alone, these would be the very same users that would assess the value and reach of stories generated by newsrooms that endeavor every day to report facts and vital information.
We at Storyful will watch for any further developments on these changes and hope industry experts will have a seat at the table to influence the fate of news on Facebook.
[This post was originally published on Storyful's blog]


text:
DC Info_Result Update Presentation_Q4 FY23
DC Info Result Update Presentation Q2 & H1 FY23
To Bhavesh Singh Company Secretary. DC Infotech and Communication Ltd. Contact Information - 022 2839000 Email Id: firstname.lastname@example.com
1. Details of its business
2. Terms and conditions of appointment of Independent Directors
3. Composition of various committees of Board of Directors
4. Code of conduct of Board of Directors and Senior Management Personnel
5. Whistle Blower policy
6. Criteria of making payments to Non-executive directors
7. Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and on Dealing with Related Party Transactions
8. Policy for determining 'Material' subsidiaries
9. Details of familiarization programmes imparted to Independent Directors
10. Email address for grievance redressal and other relevant details
11. Contact information of the designated officials of the listed entity who are responsible for assisting and handling investor grievances
i. Notice of meeting of the board of directors where financial results shall be discussed
ii. Financial results
iii. Annual Report
13. Shareholding pattern
14. Details of agreements entered into with the Media companies and/or their associates
i. Schedule of analyst or institutional investor meet
ii. Presentations made to analysts or institutional investors
16. New name and the old name of the listed entity for a continuous period of one year, from the date of the last name change
17. All credit ratings obtained by the entity for all its outstanding instruments
18. Audited Financial Statements of Subsidiaries Companies
19. Advertisements in Newspapers as per Regulation 47(1)
20. Secretarial Compliance Report under Regulation 24A
21. Disclosure of the policy for determination of materiality of events or information
22. Disclosure of Contact Details of Key Managerial Personnel as required under sub-regulation (5) of Regulation 30
23. Disclosures under sub-regulation (8) of Regulation 30
24. Statement of Deviation (s) or Variation (s) as specified in Regulation 32.
25. Dividend Distribution Policy under Regulation 43A
26. Annual Return as provided under section 92 of the Companies Act, 2013.
27. Disclosure under Regulation 62 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations


text:
[this is a technical blog post, but easy to follow]
recently I had to setup and present my idea of a ssh bastion host. You may have already heard this as jump host or a security ssh hoping station or ssh gateway or even something else.
The main concept
Disclaimer: This is just a proof of concept (PoC). May need a few adjustments.
The destination VM may be on another VPC, perhaps it does not have a public DNS or even a public IP. Think of this VM as not accessible. Only the ssh bastion server can reach this VM. So we need to first reach the bastion.
SSH Config
To begin with, I will share my initial sshd_config to get an idea of my current ssh setup
AcceptEnv LANG LC_*
ChallengeResponseAuthentication no
Compression no
MaxSessions 3
PasswordAuthentication no
PermitRootLogin no
Port 12345
PrintMotd no
Subsystem sftp /usr/lib/openssh/sftp-server
UseDNS no
UsePAM yes
X11Forwarding no
AllowUsers ebal
- I only allow, user ebal to connect via ssh.
- I do not allow the root user to login via ssh.
- I use ssh keys instead of passwords.
This configuration is almost identical to both VMs
- bastion (the name of the VM that acts as a bastion server)
- VM (the name of the destination VM that is behind a DMZ/firewall)
I am using the ssh config file to have an easier user experience when using ssh
Host bastion
Hostname 127.71.16.12
Port 12345
IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.vm
Host vm
Hostname 22.214.171.124
Port 23456
Host *
User ebal
ServerAliveInterval 300
ServerAliveCountMax 10
Create a new user to test this
Let us create a new user for testing.
$ sudo groupadd ebal_test
$ sudo useradd -g ebal_test -m ebal_test
$ id ebal_test
uid=1000(ebal_test) gid=1000(ebal_test) groups=1000(ebal_test)
Copy .ssh directory from current user (<== lazy sysadmin)
$ sudo cp -ravx /home/ebal/.ssh/ /home/ebal_test/
$ sudo chown -R ebal_test:ebal_test /home/ebal_test/.ssh
$ sudo ls -la ~ebal_test/.ssh/
total 12
drwxr-x---. 2 ebal_test ebal_test 4096 Sep 20 2019 .
drwx------. 3 ebal_test ebal_test 4096 Jun 23 15:56 ..
-r--r-----. 1 ebal_test ebal_test 181 Sep 20 2019 authorized_keys
$ sudo ls -ld ~ebal_test/.ssh/
drwxr-x---. 2 ebal_test ebal_test 4096 Sep 20 2019 /home/ebal_test/.ssh/
bastion sshd config
Edit the ssh daemon configuration file to append the below entries
cat /etc/ssh/sshd_config
AllowUsers ebal ebal_test
Match User ebal_test
AllowAgentForwarding no
AllowTcpForwarding yes
X11Forwarding no
PermitTunnel no
GatewayPorts no
ForceCommand echo 'This account can only be used for ProxyJump (ssh -J)'
Don't forget to restart sshd
systemctl restart sshd
As you have seen above, I now allow two (2) users to access the ssh daemon (AllowUsers). This can also work with AllowGroups
Testing bastion
Let's try to connect to this bastion VM
$ ssh bastion -l ebal_test uptime
This account can only be used for ProxyJump (ssh -J)
$ ssh bastion -l ebal_test
This account can only be used for ProxyJump (ssh -J)
Connection to 127.71.16.12 closed.
Interesting …
We can not login into this machine.
Let's try with our personal user
$ ssh bastion -l ebal uptime
18:49:14 up 3 days, 9:14, 0 users, load average: 0.00, 0.00, 0.00
Let's try from windows (mobaxterm)
mobaxterm is putty on steroids! There is also a portable version, so there is no need of installation. You can just download and extract it.
Destination VM
Now it is time to test our access to the destination VM
$ ssh VM
ssh: connect to host 220.127.116.11 port 23456: Connection refused
$ ssh -J ebal_test@bastion ebal@vm uptime
19:07:25 up 22:24, 2 users, load average: 0.00, 0.01, 0.00
$ ssh -J ebal_test@bastion ebal@vm
Last login: Tue Jun 23 19:05:29 2020 from 126.96.36.199
ebal@vm:~$ exit
Success !
Explain Command
Using this command
ssh -J ebal_test@bastion ebal@vm
- is telling the ssh client command to use the ProxyJump feature.
- Using the user ebal_test on bastion machine and
- connect with the user ebal on vm.
So we can have different users!
Now, it is time to put everything under our
~./ssh/config file
Host bastion
Hostname 127.71.16.12
Port 12345
User ebal_test
IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.vm
Host vm
Hostname 18.104.22.168
ProxyJump bastion
User ebal
Port 23456
and try again
$ ssh vm uptime
19:17:19 up 22:33, 1 user, load average: 0.22, 0.11, 0.03
mobaxterm with bastion
It is a known fact, that my favorite hosting provider is edis. I've seen them improving their services all these years, without forgeting their customers. Their support is great and I am really happy working with them.
That said, they dont offer (yet) a public infrastructre API like hetzner, linode or digitalocean but they offer an Auto Installer option to configure your VPS via a post-install shell script, put your ssh key and select your basic OS image.
I am experimenting with this option the last few weeks, but I wanted to use my currect cloud-init configuration file without making many changes. The goal is to produce a VPS image that when finished will be ready to accept my ansible roles without making any addition change or even login to this VPS.
So here is my current solution on how to use the post-install option to provide my current cloud-init configuration!
Josh Powers @ DebConf17
I will not get into cloud-init details in this blog post, but tldr; has stages, has modules, you provide your own user-data file (yaml) and it supports datasources. All these things is for telling cloud-init what to do, what to configure and when to configure it (in which step).
NoCloud Seed
I am going to use NoCloud datastore for this experiment.
so I need to configure these two (2) files
Install cloud-init
My first entry in the post-install shell script should be
apt-get update && apt-get install cloud-init
thus I can be sure of two (2) things. First the VPS has already network access and I dont need to configure it, and second install cloud-init software, just to be sure that is there.
I try to keep my user-data file very simple but I would like to configure hostname and the sshd port.
Add a single user, provide a public ssh key for authentication and enable sudo access to this user.
- name: ebal
- gh:ebal
shell: /bin/bash
sudo: ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL
Hardening SSH
- Change sshd port
- Disable Root
- Disconnect Idle Sessions
- Disable Password Auth
- Disable X Forwarding
- Allow only User (or group)
- path: /etc/ssh/sshd_config
content: |
Port $SSHDPORT
PermitRootLogin no
ChallengeResponseAuthentication no
ClientAliveInterval 600
ClientAliveCountMax 3
UsePAM yes
UseDNS no
X11Forwarding no
PrintMotd no
AcceptEnv LANG LC_*
Subsystem sftp /usr/lib/openssh/sftp-server
PasswordAuthentication no
AllowUsers ebal
enable firewall
ufw allow $SSHDPORT/tcp && ufw enable
remove cloud-init
and last but not least, I need to remove cloud-init in the end
apt-get -y autoremove --purge cloud-init lxc lxd snapd
Post Install Shell script
let's put everything together
apt-get update && apt-get install cloud-init
mkdir -p /var/lib/cloud/seed/nocloud-net
# Meta Data
cat > /var/lib/cloud/seed/nocloud-net/meta-data <<EOF
dsmode: local
# User Data
cat > /var/lib/cloud/seed/nocloud-net/user-data <<EOF
disable_root: true
ssh_pwauth: no
- name: ebal
- gh:ebal
shell: /bin/bash
sudo: ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL
- path: /etc/ssh/sshd_config
content: |
Port $SSHDPORT
PermitRootLogin no
ChallengeResponseAuthentication no
UsePAM yes
UseDNS no
X11Forwarding no
PrintMotd no
AcceptEnv LANG LC_*
Subsystem sftp /usr/lib/openssh/sftp-server
PasswordAuthentication no
AllowUsers ebal
# Set TimeZone
timezone: Europe/Athens
# Install packages
- figlet
- mlocate
- python3-apt
- bash-completion
# Update/Upgrade & Reboot if necessary
package_update: true
package_upgrade: true
package_reboot_if_required: true
# PostInstall
- figlet $HOSTNAME > /etc/motd
- updatedb
# Firewall
- ufw allow $SSHDPORT/tcp && ufw enable
# Remove cloud-init
- apt-get -y autoremove --purge cloud-init lxc lxd snapd
- apt-get -y --purge autoremove
- apt -y autoclean
- apt -y clean all
cloud-init clean --logs
cloud-init init --local
That's it !
After a while (needs a few reboot) our VPS is up & running and we can use ansible to configure it.
last days events, made me rethink of this story.
I am not the hero of the story.
I was in my early 20s, working part time on the tech lab of my uni. In this lab I met another student, I will call him Bob instead of his real name. I was just a couple months away to get my degree. He was ten years older than me, still trying to go through the studies to get his. We met and for the next couple of weeks, worked together, both part time in this lab. Bob was deaf. He could speak but due to the fact that he could not hear his voice, the words he made were not very clear. He was struggling with the courses. Bob was able to read lips but you had to speak directly to him and not very fast.
The majority of our courses had custom textbook and they were difficult. Dual courses, theory and lab was not always on the same subject. Theory was about compilers, lab was about pascal (just to get an idea). It was a difficult time for me. Back then (end of '90s - begging of '00s) the internet was not the place it is today. To solve a problem, you had to find the reference manual, read it through, understand it and learn from this process. Nowadays most of us are using search engines to copy/paste commands of software solutions. It wasn't like that back then.
Bob was a good worker. But it was very difficult for him. He could pass some of the labs but he had problems with the theory courses. Ten years of his life in uni. I tried to help him with some of the courses. I was happy I was able to help, he was happy to find someone to help him. But I could not do much. To explain something back then it was not very easy for me. Also I had to slow my speech, find simple words and somehow translate some of the terminology to something that Bob could understand. I wasn't the best person to do that and he knew it. I don't know if I ever managed to actually helped him.
One time, I asked him:
- Why are you not attending the theory courses?
he replied
- I can read lips, but it is very difficult to understand if the professor is not speaking directly to me. Also when they turn their back to write something on the board, I can not see their lips. I spent more time guessing what they are trying to explain that the assumption I make is usually wrong. So I can not participate in those classes. I have to read alone from the textbook, buy additional material, search the internet and find someone to help me. We have so many courses that it takes two,three or even more times for me to pass a course. I am trying, but on my own time.
I had never understood the privilege I had, till that moment.
This was a true lesson for me. It was hard, It was difficult. I was in all theory classes, I was active, engaged, worked with other students together, asked gazillion questions and it was still difficult for me. You know what? It was 10times harder for people with a disability ! But I never, ever had any idea, I was looking everything from my perspective and this is not how you build a community or a society. You need empathy and understanding.
He also had some bitterness, it was not fair to him. Understandable but he also was angry with the system. With the systematic exclusion. He had a bad mouth for their peer students and our teachers. He had enough. Some times he wanted to break everything in the lab, instead of fixing it. From time to time, he was depressed, angry but a few times he was also happy. When he worked in the lab, he put his soul in his work but the majority of people didn't expect much of him and he -sometimes- he would not even try much. This was his life. People saw him as a person with a disability, and treat him like that. He was also proud. Reaching a goal, passing a course, achieving something, overcoming his disability against all odds.
One day, I gather my entire courage to ask him, point blank a very stupid question:
- Why are you still here? Ten years of your life to get a degree? With no help from anyone? I do not think I could do it.
I will never forget his answer. Till this day, I am still thinking about what he said to me.
- When I use the computer, the person on the other side, does not know that I am deaf. They do not judge me by my disability, they actually don't care at all. They speak to me, as if I am a person.
Lost every word and almost broke into tears.


text:
This section discusses when to use the same trigger at multiple levels and how to override the default scope of a trigger by making it fire more than once. Examples are provided in the appropriate subsections as to when it is required to follow each method.
Using the Same Trigger at Multiple Levels
There are many situations in Forms when it is required to use the same trigger at multiple levels. The knack behind this is to use the same trigger at multiple levels if the trigger has to behave differently at any one level, for the same triggering event.
A quick example is the behavior of the KEY-NEXT-ITEM trigger for tabbing in a block. This is a requirement when groups of items are in a single-record control block and no two groups are similar functionally. A good example is an input parameter screen for a list of reports in which different parameters are grouped per report (and might be placed in different canvases). So there should not be any tabbing between two dissimilar groups. Also, think of the situation in which items in each group are in different canvases. One way to do this is to write KEY-NEXT-ITEM triggers: one at the block level, which nullifies the action, and one each for the first and last items in each group that enables tabbing.
Also, we do not write the KEY-NEXT-ITEM trigger for the remaining items in the block, assuming normal tabbing between them.
The KEY-NEXT-ITEM at block level fires while navigating between those items that do not have an item-level trigger attached to them. The KEY-NEXT-ITEM for the item level fires for the first and last items of each group. In the second case, the block-level trigger does not fire as the lower-level trigger always fires, by default.
Of course, using the properties Next Navigation Item and Previous Navigation Item would have done the same job, but keeping in mind a situation like the one previously described, it is best to handle the navigation using triggers rather than relying on default Forms functionality. The code for the two triggers previously described is as follows :
KEY-NEXT-ITEM at block level NULL; KEY-NEXT-ITEM at Item level NEXT_ITEM;
The example of programmatically simulating a Cancel Query when in Enter-Query mode, as described in the previous section, suggests the behavior of the same trigger in two different ways in response to two different triggering events, exiting the form and coming out of Enter-Query mode. In this case, KEY-EXIT is fired when both these events are triggered.
Making the Same Trigger Fire at Multiple Levels More Than Once
The technique previously described involves the same trigger fire at two different levels by defining two instances of it. Now the question arises as to how to make it fire more than once at different levels. The default trigger that fires is the one at the lowest level.
To make the same trigger fire at multiple levels, set the trigger Execute Style property to Before or After to override the default trigger firing functionality. Then the same trigger can be made to fire more than once at different levels. (Note that the Execute Style property can be set only in the property palette of the corresponding trigger and cannot be set dynamically.)
A good example of this is pointed out in the preceding subsection, defining a KEY-NEXT-ITEM trigger, one at block level and one at item level. Here, the Execute Style property for the item level trigger is set to Before so that it fires first before the block level KEY-NEXT-ITEM trigger.
GUI Development
Advanced GUI Development: Developing Beyond GUI
Multi-form Applications
Advanced Forms Programming
Error-Message Handling
Object-oriented Methods in Forms
Intelligence in Forms
Additional Interesting Techniques
Working with Trees
Oracle 8 and 8i Features in Forms Developer


text:
Martian Lit is proud to reveal the cover to Lazarus, the Forever Man #1, a special 70-page issue that follows the Biblical Lazarus as he comes to terms with his past, while first-century history unfolds around him!
The cover is by Julian Darius, who is also the writer of the series.
Lazarus, the Forever Man #0, reprinting Lazarus's two previous appearances, is currently available on comiXology. We've already revealed the cover to issue #2.
For more information on Lazarus, the Immortal Man, visit its official page and follow the series on Facebook.


text:
Who says travelling is an expensive affair? Just because you're on a budget or are simply struggling with end-of-the-month blues, doesn't mean that you should be deprived of your right to go forth and travel. There are a plethora of getaways across India that you can head out to for an amazing fun-filled trip. And that too, under Rs. 5,000. Getaways like:
1. Rishikesh
Famous for its white water rafting, and home to the holy river Ganga, Rishikesh is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and laid-back tourists alike. What's more, at just 225 kms from Delhi, Rishikesh is easy to get there as well with a network of state as well as privately owned buses (including plush Volvos). The tickets start from as low as Rs. 200 and go Rs. 1400 for one way. And with the mushrooming of a host of backpackers' options and ashrams, you can get a room for less than Rs. 150 for a day!
2. Kasauli
You can also spend your weekend taking in the scenic views of the beautiful hill station of Kasauli. The most cost effective way to reach Kasauli is to board a train from Delhi to Kalka and then take a shared taxi from there to Kasauli. This caps your round trip travel expenses at less than Rs 1500. Pocket-friendly hotels accommodate you for Rs. 1000 or less, which leaves you with about Rs. 2500 to splurge on the trip.
3. Vrindavan
In case you are a spiritual sort or anyone looking for a good photo-op, then the holy city of Vrindavan definitely warrants a visit. But don't just go by the general stereotype, Vrindavan is more than just your temple hop; it's steeped in history and makes for a fascinating people-watching space. Since it is designed for pilgrims, hotels start at as low as INR 600 for a night, if you are looking to make it an overnighter.
4. Lansdowne
Unblemished by excessive tourism, Lansdowne still remains one of the most preserved and genuine hill stations in India. Located at a distance of 250 km from Delhi, the best way to reach here is to board a bus to Kotdwar, a town 50 km from Lansdowne, and then switch to a local bus, to help you keep the round trip travel expenses less than Rs. 1000. It's secluded and relatively less commercialized outlook allows you to find splendid accommodation within Rs 1500, sparing you with Rs 2500 for other expenses.
5. Binsar
Just about 9 hours away from Delhi, Binsar is nothing but 300 kms of pristine panoramas. The town is famous because of the it's wildlife sanctuary, which was declared an important bird region in the late 90's. If you're lucky enough, you can also spot a leopard or a barking deer. The easiest and cheapest way to get here is to take a train from Delhi to Kothgodam, the nearest railway station to Binsar (about 119 Kms away). And then take a local bus from there. The total cost to reach (one way), including both the train and the bus journey is around Rs. 1500.
6. Kasol
Famous for its trekking trails, Kasol has jaw-dropping natural beauty. The hill station has an eclectic crowd, with people from all over the world touring in to enjoy its hippie style bars & restaurants and Goa-like aura encapsulated in breezy mountains. Although relatively far from Delhi, you can still enjoy your trip on a shoestring budget with overnight bus tickets starting from as low as Rs. 800 for one side.
7. Kanyakumari
At just 85 km from Trivandrum, Kanyakumari was a major go-to destination for a lot of people living in South India during the 90's. However, it still sees throngs of sleepy-eyed travellers waiting by the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in the mornings to catch the rising sun. A bus ticket from Trivandrum (one way) would be around Rs. 250 and the basic rooms in hotels start from around Rs. 800. Which means you are still left with a good Rs. 3000 or so to splurge on your trip!
8. Varanasi
Ever wondered how and why Varanasi became a hippie town with backpackers making this city their home? Firstly it's a cultural meting-pot and secondly it's got dirt cheap accommodation, food and transport costs! While you can easily get a stay option for less than Rs. 200 (or less) a day at Varanasi, it's well-connected to almost all the major cities in India. Getting a train to Varanasi from Delhi is the cheapest option with fares starting from Rs. 350. What's more, a quick trip to Sarnath can also be clubbed with it!
9. McLeod Ganj
If you are in or around Delhi and are eager to get away from the city din for a weekend, McLeod Ganj is a great budget option. While the hotel tariffs can come down to as low as Rs. 200 for a day if you wish to stay at Naddi or Dharamkot, Rs. 300 will get you a decent, comfortable accommodation in McLeod Ganj. Staying at Dharamkot also brings in more things to do like learning jewelry designing or dabbling in Tai Chi!
10. Hampi
A fast emerging destination for bouldering, Hampi has been a long time favourite with travellers from all around the world. A city of ruins, it's India's very own Petra. Perhaps, more beautiful than Petra can ever be. Lying on two sides of Tunghabhadra River, Hampi has a charm that will leave you mesmerised. A backpackers' haven, Hampi should be on your travel list for a weekend if you are anywhere around Bengaluru.
And if you're really particular about keeping the figure under Rs. 5000 but unwilling to compromise on comfort, book an OYO Room and laugh all the way to the bank.
Sponsored by OYO Rooms


text:
By Sal Bommarito
Preamble: A decision to send ground troops into battle is an epic decision for any president. Over the years, American commanders-in-chief made decisions to go to war in the name of freedom and to fight tyranny.
Any suggestions made herein are offered with the proviso that the deployment of American ground forces in Iraq and Syria will result in U.S. casualties and collateral damage, things that cannot not be taken lightly. Some have commented that Americans are not prepared to face the possibility that body bags will arrive from the Middle East. I totally respect and understand this perspective.
But, the price of liberty is high. If the unfortunate deaths of our brave soldiers decreases the chances that thousands will be murdered and tortured, I can live with a tactic to deploy troops.
Exactly, what would happen in an all-out assault by the U.S. against ISIS in Iraq. I suspect the most violent aspects of a confrontations would be brief as they have been in past encounters in the region (I'm not suggesting that nation-building projects are short-term). The long-term implications of such an action would be a different story.
If the U.S. employed a combination of massive bombing operations coupled with a large ground incursion, ISIS would be helpless. There is no way that the insurgents could survive an aggressive American assault with superior weaponry. The main problems would include enemy landmines, booby traps and suicide bombers, all of which can exact only minor damage.
It is likely that the retaking of Mosul, the supposed capital of the Islamic State, would be the end of major fighting. Subsequent mop-up operations around the countryside would be fraught with danger, but nothing that would hamper U.S. power. I have no inside information on the logistics but doubt the entire effort would last more than a few weeks.
The really important work begins after the assault is ended. Many Arabs would resent yet another U.S. invasion in the Middle East. But, this one would be different than previous Iraqi and Afghanistan experiences. Once the hostilities have been concluded, U.S. forces will shore up security with the Iraqi government and depart.
The reaction of Iraqi Sunnis will determine whether the country will segue into the next phase, an all-out civil war pitting Shiites against Sunnis for the control of the country and its resources. The latter will be hard pressed looking for a seat at the negotiating table for the formation of a lasting government. It is doubtful the transition will occur without violence. But, this should not be America's problem.
The importance of finally destroying ISIS cannot be overstated. It is in America's interest to rid the Middle East of these murderers. The price on the battlefield is worth it in my opinion. These actions will hopefully ensure that the ISIS threat does not spread any further outside of the Middle East.


text:
jacket: h&m [30]
skirt as dress: thrifted [30]
booties: madden girl [30]
black tights: targetnecklace: a collection of other ones
Love this outfit! Chunky knit, flowy floral skirt...amazing! =)ReplyDelete
you look fabulous among the autumn leaves :)
love your coat!
Love those little booties!ReplyDelete
I really love this outfit - there is a nice contrast between the summery looking skirt and the November-appropriate jacket and tights. Gorgeous!ReplyDelete
Great layering today :)ReplyDelete
Great outfit! I love how the brown boots look with the black tights!ReplyDelete
I love this outfit--it's my favorite fall combo right now: skirt/dress, jacket, tights, boots. It just can't get any better than that!ReplyDelete
How cute are those booties! I love them :)ReplyDelete


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President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, on the appointment of additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
This was made known Sunday night by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
The President wrote: ''Pursuant to the provisions of Section 230(2) A&B of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to request that you initiate in earnest the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make the full complement of 21 Justices as provided by the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution.
''This is in line with the Government's Agenda of repositioning the Judiciary in general and Supreme Court in particular for greater efficiency, with a view to reducing the backlogs of appeals pending at the Supreme Court.
''Please accept, your Lordship, the assurances of my highest regards.''
Meanwhile, President Buhari has accepted the voluntary retirement from service of Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, effective from May 28, 2019.
The President thanked Justice Onnoghen for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best of retirement life.


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Reducing disparity may ease migration
by Max E. Pierson and Robert F. Hall
Max Pierson and Robert Hall are professors of Educational Administration at Western Illinois University. The authors wish to give special thanks to Connie Wise, Don Corrigan and the staff of the Department of Research and Policy, Illinois State Board of Education, and acknowledge their contributions towards this effort. The authors would also like to recognize the contributions of Lori Sutton, of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, for her assistance in analyzing the data supplied by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Boards of education make difficult decisions at each and every meeting. One of the most difficult decisions they must make is the determination of a fair and equitable salary for the administrative staff.
While several recent changes in law, most notably the requirement of performance contracts for administrators with multiple-year contracts, would seem to make this job easier, there is no negotiated rate or industry standard by which raises are determined. Several factors enter into the administrators' salary or raise as determined by the board of education. Some of these factors are:
1) the general rate of employment within the community,
2) median family income,
3) consumer confidence,
4) the "approval rating" of the board of education and the superintendent,
5) general educational level of the members of the community, and
6) major local economic developments.
Goals usually found in administrator performance contracts include increasing student achievement, improving the fiscal condition of the district and improving instruction. These performance contract goals are not necessarily tied to administrative compensation. Consequently, it is possible for an administrator to achieve each of the goals in his/her performance contract and not receive an increase in salary.
Most school superintendents accept the fact that the only way to achieve a significant raise in salary is to move to a different district. While this may appear to be an attractive alternative to some boards of education, the costs to the district can be enormous. Specifically, changes in top-level leadership result in a period of time during which the board of education is totally immersed in recruiting a new superintendent, often to the exclusion of consideration of other significant educational issues that should be addressed in the district. Further, the board must pay the costs of a search, diverting monies from other worthwhile educational pursuits. When a board of education fails to provide a fair and equitable salary for the administrative staff, inevitably administrators seek new positions that provide greater financial rewards for their talent.
There is no doubt that the supply of experienced school administrators is soon to be at an all-time low. Approximately 40 percent of the sitting superintendents will retire in the next five years. That figure is being reported not only in Illinois, but throughout the country. Boards of education will have two alternatives: 1) reduce the disparity between the different regions of the state by increasing salaries downstate to match those in the suburban areas or 2) accept the migration of experienced, qualified school administrators to the Northeast region of the state. When reviewing the data for the Northeast region, it becomes obvious that district size and type is not a necessary determinant for superintendent salaries. At the same time, the demand for administrators, as evidenced by the number of attendance centers and districts, is not decreasing enough to alleviate or match the supply issue. The result is an ever-decreasing supply with a stable demand for administrators.
Boards need to be proactive in setting administrator salaries. We hope that the following information will assist boards of education in their efforts to provide "fair" increases for incumbent school administrators and provide guidance for boards of education forced to seek a new school administrator.
The information concerning superintendent and principal salaries was developed from unaudited information reported by the school districts to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) on the Teachers Service Record for fall 2000. It was gathered by the staff of the Department of Research and Policy, ISBE, who made the timely development of this report possible. It was compiled and analyzed by staff of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs and Department of Educational Administration and Supervision at Western Illinois University.
Response rate and statistical methodology
The Teacher Service Record data aggregates the results of 621 district reports, of 892 possible districts, for a response rate of 69.6 percent. Some districts have not submitted the report yet because of unresolved salary disputes, some are still in transit from the regional offices and no part-time or interim superintendents' salaries are included. This year, for the first time, only districts using electronic filing were used. All principals' salaries from the reporting districts were available for use with all superintendents' salaries. This number has grown so large that it gave a random distribution throughout the state. Data from the regions, while not complete, appears to be representative. The salary data from Cook County and the City of Chicago public schools is not contained in this report. The data were sorted by region and district type before the range and mean were calculated.
Superintendents' salaries (Table in PDF file)
This year, as last year, the superintendent earning the highest reported salary of $253,875 was a high school district superintendent in the Northeast. Again, the Northeast paid the highest salaries in all categories of districts: high school, elementary and unit. The West Central led all regions for the highest percent of increase in elementary school superintendent salaries (10.9 percent) and was second, statewide, in the unit district category with an increase of 6.6 percent. These percentages equated to an increase in the average salary of $13,809 (high school); $9,801 (elementary); and $5,759 (unit districts). The Southwest led in high school salary increase (17.7 percent). High school districts in the East Central and Southeast regions both reported a mean salary decrease of 2.1 and 2.7 percent, respectively. Elementary districts in the Southwest region reported a decrease of 5.8 percent; however, there were twice as many districts reporting this year as last. This decrease in the Southwest average may be attributable to more small districts reporting. Larger numbers of districts reporting also may explain the relatively small increases in mean salaries for elementary superintendents in both the Southeast and East Central regions. Finally, while the range of salaries for superintendents in the state varies from a low of $47,500 to a high of $253,875, the average salary for all superintendents is $102, 612. Please remember that this average includes all types and all sizes of districts.
Principals' salaries (Table in PDF file)
First, it should be noted that the salaries quoted this year are based on a sample of the salaries of 1,718 principals compared to 1,148 principals in last year's survey. There are approximately 3,900 building principals in the state. The average salary for all principals ranged from $65,211 in the Southeast region to $86,359 in the Northeast region.
The highest overall salary percentage increases were noted for high school principals in the West Central region with an increase of 12.5 percent. In the Northeast region, which has traditionally had the highest reported salaries, high school principal salaries were up 2.7 percent, middle school principal salaries were up 6.2 percent and the greatest percentage increase was seen at the elementary with a 9.1 percent. Middle school and elementary principal salaries increased significantly except in the Southeast region.
As has been true for the past five years, high school principals still make more than middle school principals who make more than elementary school principals. The highest reported salaries for high school principals ranged from $159,647 (compared to $185,654 last year) in the Northeast to $93,080 in the Southeast. For middle school principals the highest reported salaries ranged from $143,167 in the Northeast to $78,941 in the Southeast. Among elementary school principals, the highest reported salaries ranged from $130,033 in the Northeast to $84,644 in the Southwest. Average salaries for high school, middle school and elementary school principals in the Northeast region are again the highest in the state.
General recommendations
As reported in previous years, the job market for superintendents and principals is really a statewide and, in many cases, a national market. An ever-decreasing supply coupled with stable demand will result in significantly higher salaries for experienced administrators. New, inexperienced administrators are being hired for the same salary as the retiring, experienced administrators. If downstate districts fail to increase salaries to match those in the suburban areas, then they will need to face the reality of a migration of experienced, qualified school administrators to the Northeast region.
The impact is profound. When some districts begin to seek a new superintendent, they find that they simply cannot attract a suitable candidate with the salary they are proposing. They have two choices: either dedicate more of the school budget to a higher superintendent's salary or share a superintendent with a neighboring district. This is a reality that many small downstate districts face. The authors would offer two other suggestions for boards. First, if you have high-quality administrators in your district, then pay a competitive salary (above the average for your district type) to retain them. Second, if you find potentially high-quality administrative talent in your teaching staff, encourage and assist them in moving to administrative positions within the district.
Communities and boards that value quality leadership and wish to attract and retain such must be prepared to offer salaries that are competitive with the average salaries being received statewide. Boards are cautioned that if they have quality leaders within the district, when these people are promoted, they should access salaries comparable to those they would receive if they moved to another district. If boards don't provide this, they will.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post27990155143091108..comments2023-11-28T05:40:32.935-05:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Before and After: Thoughts on Makeup and Self-ImageGertiehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47491648139801812662013-11-15T23:42:42.495-05:002013-11-15T23:42:42.495-05:00I wear makeup once in a blue moon. Definitely not ...I wear makeup once in a blue moon. Definitely not daily - I'm a "roll out of bed with 20 minutes to shower and get dressed" kinda girl. My skin is changing though now that I'm in my 30s. I've been thinking of developing my "5 minute face" (a la Carmindy of What Not to Wear)SewCraftyChemisthttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-12119455959174464772013-11-11T12:56:33.126-05:002013-11-11T12:56:33.126-05:00I almost never wear makeup, and now it is partiall...I almost never wear makeup, and now it is partially because if I DO, then people make comments. Not nasty ones, just regular things like 'going somewhere after work?' or 'you look fancy' and I just don't like the extra attention.Rycraftyhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44162874175628531092013-11-11T08:42:04.317-05:002013-11-11T08:42:04.317-05:00Gertie, you are a beautiful woman, inside and out,...Gertie, you are a beautiful woman, inside and out, with makeup or sans. A quality make up is actually good for your skin. It protects skin from the grime of the city and the harsh rays of the sun. If you want to be kind to your body, some make up must be part of that equation. However, no matter what the ads say, when you wear it, you must remove it before bed.

 Just like our outer garments, our make up telegraphs messages, so depending what we'd like to "say", our make up is minimal, functional or really shouting out.

I love the verve with which you telegraph your messages with your designs, hair, body art and make up. Now here's the part that I apologize in advance about: please think about being kinder to your hair. It's not about the color because you really rock it, but to keep it under constant stress is pretty hard on it.

Thank you for a thought provoking firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62713441349869326382013-11-09T19:00:34.444-05:002013-11-09T19:00:34.444-05:00I don't read tabloids or anything along that l...I don't read tabloids or anything along that line on principle. Their sole purpose is to humiliate, shame, and belittle people. Ugh. Not my cup of tea, to be sure.

I normally wear mascara and a bit of lipgloss/lipstick but many days find me going makeup free. I have little patience with makeup to start with and the few times I've had a face full I feel as though I am wearing a horrible mask! Plus, the damage that amount of makeup does to your face long-term has me avoiding it anyway.

You are just lovely, Gertie! I love your pink hair and red lipstick. Your nerdy glasses are also a particular favourite. email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-43831482312806998402013-11-09T12:50:09.103-05:002013-11-09T12:50:09.103-05:00I love wearing tons of makeup. In the past year o...I love wearing tons of makeup. In the past year or so I've started learning how to wear fun eyeliner and other tricks, which has been awesome because I've always felt like a makeup dummy that has no idea what she's doing. That said, since I quit my job, I only put on a full face maybe a couple times a week. I definitely leave the house with no makeup on all the time, and I still feel foxy. If you're broadcasting extreme lady confidence, people think you're beautiful even if you don't put any effort into your looks that day. I think you look beautiful in both pictures!Ashley Annhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82137378818888533392013-11-09T11:33:30.071-05:002013-11-09T11:33:30.071-05:00Au Naturelle is me and has been since my 20 year o...Au Naturelle is me and has been since my 20 year old was a tiny baby. My Beaty products gave him an eye infection. I think I look pretty without makeup as well do so many more. I HATE seeing the headlines about stars without makeup on in public. Who do they think we are, stupid for not knowing that how stars appear on tv or the big screen is very made up. BTW, Gretchen, you have beautiful skin!Anonymoushttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-46644900157462804812013-11-08T12:31:39.708-05:002013-11-08T12:31:39.708-05:00I haven't worn makeup for almost 20 years now ...I haven't worn makeup for almost 20 years now due to allergies. I love email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-56995937981289697222013-11-07T13:16:12.830-05:002013-11-07T13:16:12.830-05:00I have to wear a little something to feel better, ...I have to wear a little something to feel better, mascara and a light foundation.Rebeccahttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7142360522709017482013-11-06T20:22:08.039-05:002013-11-06T20:22:08.039-05:00I wear tinted moisturiser most days (as it has sun...I wear tinted moisturiser most days (as it has sunscreen in it too - essential in the Australian climate) with a bit of bronzer (I'm really pale), mascara (again, pale, pale eyelashes), eyebrow pencil and lipstick. I consider that pretty minimal. Occasionally in summer I'll get my brows and lashes tinted, so I can look human when swimming. I feel its part of getting dressed and presenting yourself to the world.

Just as I wouldn't go out in sweatpants, I also want to show a neat and tidy face to the world. The French understand this - it's about making the world lovely for everyone in it, through your manners, your grooming and your kindness. Makeup is not the only way to achieve this. Good grooming is the most important thing, whether for you that means moisturiser and a regular haircut, or everyday makeup. Just show the world you care, about yourself and others in it.pearlcardiganhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50296173118190564892013-11-06T17:54:47.993-05:002013-11-06T17:54:47.993-05:00I like wearing makeup. It's part of the outfit...I like wearing makeup. It's part of the outfit and I feel "ready" when I leave the house. I figure if I'm going out in the world, then I'll look my best for whatever comes along. You never know when someone wants to take a pic, or you meet a friend out and about and go to dinner. Besides it only takes 5 minutes to look great. I figure it's 5 minutes well-invested.Anonymoushttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2910161348343663892013-11-06T04:39:37.108-05:002013-11-06T04:39:37.108-05:00I am just stopped to visit your website and I say ...I am just stopped to visit your website and I say a great visit anda very good informations..jual jaket kulithttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16917958351418964492013-11-05T22:30:26.902-05:002013-11-05T22:30:26.902-05:00yip i had to look 3 times before i saw the differe...yip i had to look 3 times before i saw the difference, and i think you look cuter without it. i am biased i dont where make up, hell i dont even own a hairbrush.Brenda The Bregle Rebel Bag Ladyhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-66070827844882385282013-11-05T17:12:53.575-05:002013-11-05T17:12:53.575-05:00I rarely wore make-up when I was in my 20s and 30s...I rarely wore make-up when I was in my 20s and 30s. Now in my early 50s, I do wear make-up to work sometimes and almost always for evenings out. I don't feel pressured to do it, but I have a very pale complexion and I like how I look with a little eye makeup and lipstick (never use mascara - it gets under my contacts and drives my eyes crazy). My routine takes me about 3 minutes, because I'm pretty lazy. I'm also a big believer in moisterizer because my skin is also very dry. The biggest difference I noticed in the photos was your hair - it's more styled in the "after" shot.Susanmhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-90872829506944741362013-11-05T12:10:41.772-05:002013-11-05T12:10:41.772-05:00How appropiate! I recently read this quote and lov...How appropiate! I recently read this quote and loved it. "The most beautiful make-up of a woman is passion" YSL
firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-3194913041138417722013-11-05T09:52:03.262-05:002013-11-05T09:52:03.262-05:00I do not read those articles, nor the ones that sh...I do not read those articles, nor the ones that show their cellulite, bad clothes, etc. Given what they deal with when they are recognized, I don't blame them for going unadorned at times. I'd look a lot better too, if my job was to look good and I had a couple hours a day to work out, plus people to pick out clothes and do hair and makeup for events. And the plastic surgery many have had. And why is it that men are not often the target of those articles?!?! Ooops - getting close to ranting - sorry.

I used to wear more makeup, I'm down to BB cream and mascara for work. Weekends - nothing other than moisturizer. I can't wear eye shadow any more, it makes my eyes burn and water.

Hair - no perms in about 30 years since the last one gave me chemical burns and fried my hair, no haircolor in about 15 years. I'll cut-and-grow until it gets too gray to donate.JustGailhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-55909031776823654502013-11-05T09:20:58.566-05:002013-11-05T09:20:58.566-05:00When I don't wear any make up people (even str...When I don't wear any make up people (even strangers!) ask me if I'm feeling ill!! I have pale Celtic skin and dark hair so just need a wee bit of eye make up and blusher to make me look 'healthy' LOL!!Alihttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-36615555834000117322013-11-05T08:05:42.294-05:002013-11-05T08:05:42.294-05:00I have a quick look that I wear every day to work ...I have a quick look that I wear every day to work - I still work in a business formal setting, so it seems silly to have on those clothes and nothing on your face, sort of unfinished! It's just foundation, eyebrows, liner and mascara and lipstick. On the weekends, or for work-at-home days, nothing at all. For evenings out I wear more.

I am comfortable with my face without makeup, particularly wearing casual clothing and in the right setting, but I do like how makeup can draw attention to features you like and hide less-than-even skin tone.

I don't understand the all-or-nothing approach in either direction, either all-makeup-all-the-time or no-makeup-ever. Annhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23357822964764722572013-11-04T20:47:28.552-05:002013-11-04T20:47:28.552-05:00I feel bland without eye makeup, just because a ni...I feel bland without eye makeup, just because a nice thick coating of black eyeliner has become so very ME over the years, but I almost never wear anything else. Foundation is not my friend, and I'm usually too lazy for lipstick, although I do have quite a collection that I eye up wistfully every once in a while and then ignore again. I just can't be bothered with getting up earlier so as to have time to do it in the morning, and touching it up throughout the day is realistically not going to happen either, haha. Sarahhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-43576321674699989012013-11-04T17:57:44.625-05:002013-11-04T17:57:44.625-05:00This is a really interesting discussion, and one I...This is a really interesting discussion, and one I think about occasionally. Growing up, my mom was not a big makeup wearer--maybe a little blush/mascara/eyeliner/lipstick, but to this day I'm pretty sure she doesn't own a bottle of foundation. I sort of followed her lead, and I didn't even start wearing makeup until I was 15 and several of my friends had recently begun. I had a selection of eyeshadow, mascara, etc. when I was in high school and I wore it often, but I was always bothered by the thick, cakey foundation and ridiculous quantities of black eyeliner that many of my peers sported. I decided that I never wanted to be a person who wore so much makeup (or so often) that I didn't look like myself without it.

I've always felt very comfortable with that decision. I don't like to spend a lot of time on my appearance in the morning, and most days, I wear nothing but concealer (I have dark circles under my eyes). I still don't wear foundation, ever. But I really enjoy the transformation when I do get dolled up with eye makeup and lipstick and the works--I feel like it really adds to a dressy look and I like being able to do it.

I marvel at the artistry of how some people apply their makeup and can change their whole face with it. But I just don't like feeling tied to slathering that much stuff on my face every day! email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-59933220217463015832013-11-04T17:55:50.185-05:002013-11-04T17:55:50.185-05:00I feel comfortable not wearing make up, but I do f...I feel comfortable not wearing make up, but I do feel extra pretty when I am wearing make up. I've always worn just enough to play up my features, and only foundation on very special occasions. Lately I've been trying bold lip colors! It takes confidence to carry it, but it also helps me feel more confident in myself.Anonymoushttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89781950230779419982013-11-04T15:25:08.457-05:002013-11-04T15:25:08.457-05:00I wouldn't say I wear a lot of makeup. I have...I wouldn't say I wear a lot of makeup. I have a hot and sweaty job as a glassblower and putting foundation on to sweat it off seems silly. Yet, I am reluctant to leave the house without mascara and a bit of eyebrow pencil. It is as if I haven't got dressed until then. Funny, really, when you think about it. If I feel a bit gloomy a bright red or pink lipstick works wonders! Line Victoriehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37036594923248230102013-11-04T14:37:07.461-05:002013-11-04T14:37:07.461-05:00Except for a brief flirtation with blue mascara in...Except for a brief flirtation with blue mascara in junior high, I've always been au naturel. At times I've experimented with makeup, but I always felt inauthentic, even clownish with it on & usually wash it off without even leaving the house. I don't know why that is. My mom & sister have always worn at least some, but it just doesn't work for me. The exception is lipstick, which I wear b/c it feels comfortable & keeps my lips from drying out, though I do stick to shades that are pretty close to my natural coloring. It probably helps me feel comfortable au naturel that I live in CA, where makeup is more or less optional, and that I have pretty good skin (though I'm about to turn 54, so, you know, it's not what it used to be.)Linda email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-78872979310039555352013-11-04T09:49:29.409-05:002013-11-04T09:49:29.409-05:00When I lived in NYC I wore makeup almost every day...When I lived in NYC I wore makeup almost every day, but since moving to Western Mass I don't feel the need to bother anymore. I wore makeup all the time because I was single in a big city where I often felt lost amongst mobs of the fabulously stylish. Just a year later I'm living a slower-paced life in a place where most of the women don't wear makeup or dress up fancy on the daily, and it has become more of a special occasion/I-just-want-to-feel-extra-pretty-today kind of thing. Sometimes that feels freeing and sometimes it just feels slovenly.melodycharlottehttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2204044055805919802013-11-04T09:38:16.902-05:002013-11-04T09:38:16.902-05:00I always wear makeup when I go out, but I don'...I always wear makeup when I go out, but I don't feel like I have to. If I go to the gym or just out for ice cream, something more relaxing, I don't wear any. To me it's like fashion, I play with it. Also, Gertie you look gorgeous!!!! I didn't even notice you didn't have makeup in the before photo. You're beautiful :)
-Reyna
email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-4295952692784413322013-11-04T06:49:40.241-05:002013-11-04T06:49:40.241-05:00I don't wear makeup often these days, except m...I don't wear makeup often these days, except maybe for job interviews or days when I want to feel extra pretty. I work a job that involves a lot of moving around, so there's not much point in putting it on if I'm going to sweat it all off. But when I was a teenager, I used to wear a middling amount for the job I had then. I'd use concealer and foundation at a minimum, and then small amounts of eye and lip makeup. Sometimes I look in the mirror and feel frustrated about my acne because, wow, I wasn't this zitty as a teenager! And it's true that they've migrated somewhat, but I try to keep in mind that my self-image is distorted here because I wore makeup back then so regularly. The only thing I need to wear now to feel ready for the day is moisturizer, tinted and otherwise. My skin just feels wrong without firstname.lastname@example.com


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The proposed changes to NASA's exploration plans have, in the last few months, generated a lot of discussion and debate (if not necessarily as much insight) among those who, by profession and/or interest, consider themselves part of the space community. But what about the general public? A new poll indicates that they haven't been paying much attention.
The poll, released Saturday by The Everett Group, surveyed 1,200 people in the US between March 27 and April 12, three days before the president's speech. When asked how familiar people were with the proposed changes announced by the FY11 budget proposal released at the beginning of February, only 10% said they were very familiar, with an additional 24% saying they were somewhat familiar. By contrast, 42% said they were "not at all familiar" with the proposed changes. Yet, 70% said they were somewhat or very interested in the US space program! Adding to that lack of knowledge, 35% said they believed there were private companies in the US today launching humans into Earth orbit. (One could argue that Space Adventures is such a company, but it would be something of a stretch as they're more a broker for the Russian flight that an actual launch services provider.)
Asked what they thought of the plan "based on what you know" (which wasn't much, apparently), 42% had "mixed feelings" about it, compared to 24% who supported it to some degree and 32% who opposed it to some degree. How much those people oppose the plan because of its change in direction, versus general opposition to human spaceflight, isn't clear from the poll results. However, there is a nearly equal split in another question about the government's priorities: 45% say the bigger priority should be in cutting spending on space to reduce the deficit, while 47% say it should be to increase space program spending to maintain US leadership.
Another recent poll by Rasmussen Reports found the situation even worse for space advocates: 49% said that, given the state of the economy, the US should "cut back on space exploration", versus 34% who said no. That poll found a split on the question of whether the space program should be funded by the government or the private sector : 38% say the private sector and 36% the government.