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It was June when I first got the letter. I remember opening and being like, What the actual f… I hadn't looked at front of the envelope at first. The letter was from Concentrix regarding my tax credits. Not one to keep up to date with things like this, I was initially unaware of who they actually were. A company contracted to save HMRC money by weeding out fraudulent claimants. Then I actually noticed the top of the letter.
It was sent to my address. But it wasn't addressed to me. There was someone else's name where my name should have been. The warning bells went off and I remember ringing my mum and sister in a fit of rage. Indignant at the insinuation I was a so called fraudulent claimant. Sure I was a bit lax in updating my details, namely I still hadn't done my annual review, but informing me they had information that I had an undeclared adult living with me sent me over the top.
Having not opened the letter until 10 mins after their offices closed I ended up stewing on this all night until 8am arrived and I could voice my issues to an actual person. Why did they send me the letter and more importantly who was this person the letter was addressed to? Having spent the small hours of the morning convincing myself it was a mistake the person who answered my call realised the mistake was in fact theirs. Sure they had printed the wrong name on the letter but I was told I was being investigated as they had proof 2 other people lived at this address with me. I live in a small 2 bedroom house. Surely if they had information on these people living with me, they would also have information on the address too!
No, they didn't it seemed and after lulling me into a false sense of hope and optimism I ended the call awaiting my 'real' letter to prove that I am indeed a single parent. In that instant I could feel it all slipping away. The fabric of my life, of me started unravelling. I was being put under the microscope and being unfairly dissected.
It soon turned into a modern day witch trial where truth is irrelevant and you are going to be burned at the stake without having a fair trial or even a chance to clear your name. You are what they say you are despite evidence to the contrary. I sent in the requested paperwork required but August saw my payments unfairly stopped. No letter has still been received to this day. No warning, no explanation, nothing. A big fat zero. Concentrix, as I soon learned, played by their own rules. Unwilling to divulge their questionable 'sources' they forced me into a situation no one in 2016 should have to live in.
For the first time in my life I was forced into poverty. Sure I worked. But 16 hours on minimum wage doesn't stretch that far. Housing benefit and council tax benefit were the next to stop. I had to find money for bills. For food, gas electric. There were opportunities on the blog to earn extra money but that too disappeared on basic living expenses. Not that enough came in to make a difference. Frantic phones followed to my utility companies begging for help. The electric in my meter was nearly gone and I didn't have any money to pay day. They had no choice but to load credit on my card until the next payday. This at least gave me some respite.
Emptying our cupboards of the just in case food as there was nothing left. This was our just in case. More calls to Concentrix left me more more frustrated. The stories changed, use a food bank they told me. So I sent Olivia to stay with family as at least there I knew she would be warm and fed. What kind of mother can't afford to have her own daughter live at home? But it was the demands for back payment that broke me. They wanted over a years worth of payments back asap. Not content with plunging me into poverty, they now wanted to cripple me with a debt I would be paying back for years. The onslaught was still coming thick and fast. There was no let up.
The stark reality of living under the black cloud of Concentrix was soul destroying. Counting out your wages each week. Counting how many meals the food in your cupboards would give you before you had to buy more. Apologising to you daughter because you knew she had outgrown certain items of clothing, yet your money didn't quite stretch far enough that week to buy new ones. Skipping dinners in work because you had money to buy anything to eat and nothing at home to bring in until you got paid the next day.
Out In The Open.
Then it hit the news. For months I had struggled in silence. Hid my shame at my failure and kept frustrations locked up behind closed doors. But I wasn't alone. It wasn't just Concentrix and me. I could hold my head high knowing that I didn't do this. I hadn't failed. They had failed me. And thousands more like me. The stress, the tears, the heartbreak of telling your daughter no she cant have sweets from the shop because you have no money. Wasn't my fault. It was theirs. Concentrix had failed on a massive scale and now it was exposed.
Faced with a task of proving my innocence hit me like a brick wall. How do you prove something like this. Sure they had my tenancy agreement and bank statements for the past 12 months. I sent household bills over too. Everything in my name as you would expect being the only adult living here. Exasperated and exhausted this was one challenge too far. Is there a way of clearing my name and would they believe me if I tried. The answer, in the face previous issues seemed to be a resounding no.
Luckily I didn't have to. My case has since been sent back to HMRC who are dealing with in due course as they are with the thousands of other people who have unfairly victimised by this shambles of an exercise. And despite 3 different people telling me 3 different things their is finally light at the end of the tunnel. My case still hasn't been finalised, nor my payments reinstated. But my most recent letter from HMRC gave me what is hopefully going to be the final date for this mess to be over.
More phone calls to HMRC managed to secure me a token hardship payment. Whilst not even covering the amount of one missing payment, never mind 10 I am missing so far, it enabled my to make sure I had enough gas, electric and food in to help see me through for a few weeks if I'm careful. I will still continue to sit in the dark as long as I can to conserve electric and keep the heating off as much as possible to make the gas last as long as I can. Meals will be stretched and nothing wasted. The belt tightening isn't over just yet.
With less than 10 days to go I wake up everyday hoping today will be the day. The day I am hoping for good news, the day I finally wake up from this nightmare.
If you are reading this because you too are stuck in Concentrix hell, then I urge you to check out this page on Money Saving Expert with some recent information on what is happening and also ways to can push your case forward. Should you want to get in touch with me about any issues in this post then you can find my email address on my about me page and I will try to help anyway I can.
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The Oil is commanding the attention.
Good Morning,
The broad stock market continued its long-term uptrend on Friday, as the S&P 500 index reached new all-time high above 2,200 mark, as investors' sentiment remained bullish following presidential elections outcome. But yesterday all the markets closed with a relevant correction, and the S&P 500 sees its biggest decline since before the election, as financials retreat from this month's winning streak waiting for OPEC producers prepared for a crucial meeting on Wednesday where they aim to agree on a production cut. On Monday, OPEC technical teams reportedly failed to agree on any details for the proposed cuts.
The OPEC meeting is commanding the attention of global financial markets this week, a possible cut deal has led bullish speculators to bid up the oil price, while skeptics have pointed to doubts about any effective deal being made. Naturally, if the market views the OPEC meeting and announcement as a disappointment, the oil price will fall significantly.
Today the European bourses were lower as investors focused on talks between OPEC members and the political uncertainty ahead of a key referendum in Italy. Crude and Brent are trading lower on the back of reports that OPEC's technical experts have failed to agree the details of an oil output deal. This move lower reverses yesterday's trend. Oil prices had closed 2 percent higher in US trade after Iraq's Oil Minister told reporters he was confident OPEC could reach an agreement.
Meanwhile, President Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank warned Monday that Britain will feel the pain from Brexit before the euro zone. Draghi also asked for clarity over the upcoming negotiations.
The S&P 500 index has reached Friday another new all-time high at the level of 2,213.35. The nearest important support level is at 2,190-2,200, marked by previous level of resistance. The next important level of support remains at 2,170-2,180. The market continues to trade along its medium-term upward trend line. We still can see technical overbought conditions.
Graphics by: www.etoro.com
EUR/CHF is trading sideways. The pair is still way into a medium-term bearish momentum which should not last long as the SNB is defending the franc. Expected to bounce back way above 1.0800. Strong support is given at 1.0695. In the longer term, the technical structure remains positive. Resistance can be found at 1.0859. The ECB's QE programme is likely to cause persistent selling pressures on the euro, which should weigh on EUR/CHF.
Graphics by: www.etoro.com
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subset: commoncrawl


text: i have an airport extreme 802.11n and airport express 802.11n that i use to extend my network. why is it that when i am in the range of the extended network(express), transferring of files gets slow but when i am in the range of the extreme my transfers are fast? i have the new aluminum macbook. ISP is connected to the extreme. i have an external HDD connected to the extreme. transferring files to the external HDD slows down when i am in the range of the express. thank you. hope someone can tell me how to remedy this problem


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For those of you that don't already know...today is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a July 2014.
Click here for the official website. We have had several cow associated related costumes and attire in the past. This year, I made some simple capes for my three super heroes. I sewed a lightning bolt on the back, and attached some ribbon to tie around their neck. However, you could just as easily use press in tape or adhesive to whip up some of these capes!
Q: What is Cow Appreciation Day?
A: For one day only, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire in the nation's second largest chicken chain. In celebration of July 11, Cow Appreciation Day, an unofficial – yet nationally recognized holiday, Chick-fil-A will award a free combo meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) to any customer who comes to one of the chain's 1,200-plus restaurants fully dressed as a cow.
Q: What does "fully dressed as a cow" really mean?
A: "Fully dressed like a cow" means effort to be dressed like a cow from head to toe. "Partial cow attire" means just a cow accessory, such as a cow-printed hat, vest or purse.
Here are some of our past projects...
We just glued some black felt on a white t-shirt.
This was a fancier version of the cape we made in the past. I can't seem to find it though after our move 6 months ago!
Either way, the point is you can score some free Chick-fil-a today! They even have free printables on their website to make it really simple.
Good luck with your cow costumes! We must fly off now to Chick-fil-a to celebrate this special day!!


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Twitter Reacts as Costa Rica Score 2 Goals in 3 Minutes vs. UruguayJune 14, 2014
Uruguay seemed to be in full control of their 2014 World Cup match against Costa Rica on Saturday, taking a 1-0 lead into the dressing room thanks to a confident penalty from star striker Edinson Cavani.
Two quick goals from Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte turned the match on its head, however, with the heavily favoured Uruguayans suddenly trailing a Costa Rican team many predicted to give up four or five goals against La Celeste.
Campbell first took advantage of some sloppy defending from the Uruguayans, slotting home from the edge of the box.
Goal.com's Nick Sabetti thought the team's first goal was well deserved:
Just three minutes later, Duarte put his team in front with a wonderful diving header, sending fans of the Central Americans into a state of delirium.
BetVictor couldn't stay as calm after the second, reporting the goal was Duarte's first ever for Costa Rica:
Squawka couldn't believe what they were seeing when it happened:
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl thought it was but the latest example of how the 2014 World Cup has lived up to its billing so far:
Bleacher Report's Karla Villegas Gama was more disappointed with Uruguay's defending:
Via WhoScored.com, Costa Rica were deadly efficient in front of goal:
Squawka couldn't help themselves, thinking Liverpool's Luis Suarez was sorely needed:
Duarte's fine header marked the second time we saw a wonderfully headed goal in two days, following Robin van Persie's splendid effort against Spain on Friday. Bleacher Report's Nick Akerman wondered whether he could use this in his betting:
Eduardo Mendez is perhaps the team's biggest fan, and ESPN FC's Jason Davis had a feeling how he might be feeling about this:
This particular fan perhaps best summed up what a lot of people were thinking:
Costa Rica now have a lead to defend against a powerful Uruguayan side, but should they hold on, it will make for one massive upset few people had seen coming.
The chances for Uruguay to qualify over Italy or England would drastically decrease in case of a loss against the Costa Ricans, and the latter might suddenly believe they have a realistic chance of actually progressing to the next round of the 2014 World Cup.


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YDNEY LEA was Poet Laureate of Vermont from 2011-2015. His most recent collection of poems, No Doubt the Nameless, is available from Four Way Books. His fourth collection of lyrical essays, What's the Story? Short Takes on a Life Grown Long, was published in 2016 by Vermont's Green Writers Press, which in 2017 produced Roads Taken: Contemporary Vermont Poets, an anthology he co-edited with his successor as state poet, Chard deNiord. The same publisher has scheduled The Music of What Happens: Lyric and Everyday Life, News that Stays News, a collection of newspaper columns on poetry, composed during Lea's laureate tenure for fall of 2018.
.....Click Here for information on all his books and how to get them.
Lea founded New England Review in 1977 and edited it until 1989. Of his twelve previous poetry collections, Pursuit of a Wound was one of three finalists for the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for poetry. The preceding volume, To the Bone: New and Selected Poems, won the 1998 Poets Prize. In 1989, Lea also published the novel A Place in Mind with Scribner, soon to be re-issued in paper by Red Hen Press. Growing Old in Poetry: Two Poets, Two Lives (Autumn House, 2013), his collaborative book with Fleda Brown, former Delaware Poet Laureate, is available in e-book format. The authors longtime fascination with upper New England and its vanishing traditions is recorded in A North Country Life: Tales of Woodsmen, Waters and Wildlife, (Skyhorse Publishing, 2012).
Lea has received fellowships from the Rockefeller, Fulbright and Guggenheim Foundations, and has taught at Dartmouth, Yale, Wesleyan, Vermont and Middlebury Colleges, as well as at Franklin College in Switzerland and the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest. His stories, poems, essays and criticism have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New Republic, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and many other periodicals, as well as in more than fifty anthologies. He lives in Newbury, Vermont, and is active both in literacy efforts (see HYPERLINK Central Vermont Adult Basic Education, Inc and in conservation (HYPERLINK Downeast Lakes Land Trust) Click the following link for a recent interview with Sydney Lea HYPERLINK http://plumepoetry.com/2017/03/featured-selection-sydney-lea/
.....Lea has been described as a man in the woods with his head full of books, and a man in books with his head full of woods. His affection for story, moreover, an affection derived in no small measure from men and women elders in New England, colors his poetry, just as a relish for the musical properties of the word colors his prose. His lifelong passion for the natural world informs almost his every utterance.
a Vermont Public Television feature of Sydney.
CLICK HERE to a hear a recent Sydney talk on poetry presented by the author.
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Tour Stop: Defining Destiny by Deanna Chase- Review & Giveaway
Publisher:Release Date: February 20th, 2014Genres: New Adult, Paranormal RomanceSummary:When destiny fails…Singer-songwriter Lucy Moore thought her life was perfect. At just twenty-one, she's already met her soul mate and together they've landed a recording contract. But when her father dies and the love of her life betrays her in more ways than one, she returns home to pick up the pieces. On the shores of Mendocino, California, Lucy has some decisions to make. Should she start a solo career? Or should she leave it all behind for some semblance of normalcy in the quiet town she grew up in? And what about Seth, the tortured artist who always seems to be there when she needs him?Seth Keenan has demons of his own. Eighteen months ago, he was involved in a horrific accident that he never talks about. His career as an accomplished oil-paint artist has been abandoned, replaced by the buzz of his tattoo gun. And women—well, he never sticks around for longer than a few hours of pleasure… until he meets Lucy. After one evening of listening to her seductive voice, he's pulled under. But what about the vow he made to never get close to anyone again?In a world where everyone has one true soul mate, can these two find love in the arms of each other?
About the Author:Deanna is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans, playing with her two shih tzu dogs, making glass beads, or out hocking her wares at various bead shows across the country. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her blog.
a Rafflecopter giveawayGiveaway:
My Thoughts:
So this book is set in a world where everyone has one soul mate. The MC's (Lucy) soul mate, Caden, is a giant douche-wagon who cheats and all that stuff that's opposite to being a soul mate-type. Seth (the other MC)'s soul mate died years before and now he's a player. So, basically this book is about a girl who gets cheated on, then reforms a player (more or less).
First, gotta get out that there were typos a-plenty, but what I've been discovering is that a lot of ebooks have typos. Some of the typos aren't very noticeable, but when boots have feelings, I start to question the wording a bit.... "The four-inch feels on my thigh high boots wobble with each step..."
I did like that although this book was basically a reforming the player story, it had a little bit of a twist with the soul mates thing. But then, you gotta think, if there are soul mates, then why wold the soul mates cheat on their other half? Wouldn't they (presumably) be consumed with love for their other half at all times, because they are soul mates? Making Lucy's soul mate a douche canoe therefore makes no since in the scheme of the soul mates theory, because he shouldn't have wanted to cheat on her (right?). The author's version of soul mates wasn't really explained much, so I came in with my idea of soul mates.
I sort of like Lucy's character. She seemed like a smart girl who knew that even though they were soul mates, he would still cheat and her hurt [(emotionally) in the book]. But, I do think that in the beginning of their break up, she should've defiantly sung without him (though that's just what I would've done in her position). At least she didn't end up with him by the end of the book, right?
Seth's character... eh, he was a player, and owned up to it, but he wasn't really a player in his head, like most cliche player types in these stories. I wish he would've been a little different, had a little bit more dimension.
Them as a couple: eh. I felt like their relationship was a game of tug-or-war because it was all like "She's gonna go back to her soul mate/ex... or will she?" etc. I did like some aspects of them as a couple, as in that they seemed like they should've been soul mates rather than Lucy and Caden (I can't say much about Seth and his soul mate, E [who died], though).
All in all, this book received three hearts (almost docked to 2.5, though).


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Concert Etiquette:
In an effort to promote respect in each of our performances, it is important for
students and parents to understand acceptable behavior on and off the stage.
- Concert Etiquette Guidelines:
-Be quiet during performances.
-Wait until the end of a performance to clap or cheer.
-Wait until the end of a song or section is finished to leave the
concert hall.
-Do not leave a concert before it is completed.
(Exceptions to this guideline:
- -If you have small children that cannot sit with you during the
performance and be a good listener...Please don't bring them
to the performance or please take them home.
- -If your child is done performing and needs to go home, go home.
-Stay attentive! (Please don't slouch in your chair, make loud noises, use your
cell phone, or participate in other behaviors that are distracting).
-Respond appropriately after a performance!
All the above guidelines are for the performers as well as the audience. The music students have worked extremely hard and long hours to provide the audiece with a wonderful concert. Please allow them to do their job without distractions.
Thank you from the performers, the director, and the audience.


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Event: 2014 Parents & Reunion Weekend at Homecoming
Date: October 11, 2014 Duration: 88 minutes
Fifty years after the Free Speech Movement, engagement in civic life can still involve challenging authority and current policy. But it is consensus through civil discourse - not just protest or partisan opposition for its own sake - which holds the greatest promise for inspiring public involvement and stimulating social progress.
Panelists Henry E. Brady, Robin Lakoff and Waldo E. Martin, Jr. discuss civility and free speech in a polarized society - particularly as they play out in university settings - and address the ways public institutions can best foster thoughtful conversations, spirited debate, and constructive dissent. Moderated by Richard "Dick" Beahrs ('68).
Sponsored by the Goldman School of Public Policy's Center on Civility & Democratic Engagement, founded by the Cal Class of '68.
Webcast also available at: YouTube and UCTV
View other webcasts from:
HomecomingCenter on Civility and Democratic Engagement


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Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong is a comprehensive research-intensive English language University which ranks 28th in the World and 2nd in Asia.
Research and teaching on public policy is spread throughout the University and focuses on ageing, behavioral health, civil society and NGOs, climate change, the economy, education, environment, food safety, housing, internet, media and culture, non-profit management, public administration, public health, social work, tourism, transport, urban planning, and water governance.
The University seeks to establish a world-leading public policy program that includes cutting-edge research and innovative teaching and learning, and that provides a platform for public engagement focused on novel solutions to local, regional, and global problems. The public policy program organizes public lectures, policy forums, seminars and workshops; has established a public engagement platform; and provides opportunities for visiting academics and practitioners to visit HKU.
Together with the University of Southern California, we will launch a joint Master of Global Public Policy, aimed at providing solutions to critical transboundary public policy issues, providing East-West perspectives on policy problems, and nurturing the next generation of policy entrepreneurs.
For further information please visit the website.


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If you have never been to any Conferences please check out some we have listed below. Some of these are free conferences and some do cost we are not affiliated with any of these we just want to provide the SEO crowd with a full list of conferences.
We do attend some of these conferences however we cannot make every event. If you would like to attend and leave a review on our website (Guest blog) please get in touch email@example.com Please also check out our community section where hope this will help convince you to get in touch and create a blog.


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Tired of peering at the bottom on your take-out containers, trying to figure out whether you can recycle them or not? Lucky for us, an earth-friendly new robot from Osaka, Japan, may soon make such annoyances obsolete.
According to Green Diary, researchers at the Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Corp. and Osaka University have joined forces to create a device capable of identifying various plastic materials mixed in amongst trash and sorting them into piles–a robot that uses laser sensing technology to distinguish between various types of plastic based on the reflectivity of five different wavelengths.
This is great news for the earth, as the plastics that are most widely recycled these days–PET and PS–are not the ones most widely used, comprising just 5% and 7.6% of total plastic production, respectively. The plastics that fall into the largest production category– PE and PP, making up 23% and 22%, respectively–have apparently not been recycled at all until now, as they can't be distinguished by from one another by the human eye.


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Central Synagogue
We developed a signage and wayfinding system for Central Synagogue that respects the architectural materials and draws inspiration from classical design. We transformed the entrance into a welcoming and memorable experience by designing a glass feature wall that references the stained glass in the sanctuary building.
- Signage and wayfinding
- Interior graphics and art
- Donor recognition signage


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Why Relationships Build Value
True story.
A professional contact of mine wanted to educate his staff on beef primals – where the cuts come off the animal. He went to his purchasing department to get the cuts of beef he needed to do a class, and they told him, "you can't get that." Still, he urged them to try; they did and the big purveyors said, "There's no SKU for that."
Case closed, right? Not so fast.
Determined to make this happe3-28Food For Thought Meat 101 Training, the Chef called me to ask if I knew anyone who could help. I immediately thought of John (Cecala). My contact was ecstatic and ultimately decided to have Buedel Fine Meats do the training for his staff.
Read the full story on the Buedel Meat Up blog.
5 Things Considered on a Plate
If I was asked the question what are the most important things you need to consider when coming up with a new dish or a plate presentation? I would have to say it is, in reality, fun. What I mean by fun,is that you need to know why you are making this plate of food in the first place and are you going to get excited about creating it. Is there an inspiration, a request from a client or just for the "hell of it" because you feel like eating something good. In my business I get a lot of requests for "one-off" menus for a single particular event or celebration. The challenge here is that most of these requests are uniquely focused on a theme or particular combination of cuisines. This past week I had to shift back and forth from a family wedding of 350 people who needed a purely authentic Vegetarian Indian menu as part of a western style ceremony and the next day I was writing a menu for a cocktail reception inspired by Shakespeare's literary works. In both cases, I used the same process. I go through the following steps to ensure that my final dish has some conceptual back up and is grounded in some elements of proper cooking or cuisine. Some of this is logical, some is totally"out there" but it is the ultimately the thought process of the chef. So here are things that need to go into/on to a plate:
1) A knowledge of the Theme or Inspiration:
The present project I am working on is for a Wedding Reception where the couple would like to incorporate some Vietnamese dishes into their menu. Unless you are an expert or have a first hand knowledge of the foods of Vietnam either by birth, lineage or time abroad, it is a unique cuisine. I start by doing basic research by looking at the traditional dishes that most people may be aware off such as the noodle dish Pho or a Bahn Mi Sandwich. I then look at the core ingredients associated with the cuisine from spices, condiments, components of the dishes. There are a lot of items such as chili paste cilantro, fish sauce and cinnamon sticks that start to stick out in my mind. I write these down on a pad of paper and start seeing patterns as well as service styles. I ask my self how can I incorporate a bowl of Pho into a wedding?
2) How is this dish intended to be served?
In this case, the bride wants to have little dishes or a buffet station that is part of the overall wedding meal. I also have to consider who will be eating this dish. I don't think that the grandparents want to be walking around slurping noodles or the bridesmaids trying to navigate a bowl of broth while wearing a long dress and heels. So is Pho a choice? I think so if designed correctly. I want to give the guest the experience of the foods of Vietnam in the flavors of the dish. If you have ever been to a Vietnamese noodle shop, there are some components of the food that stand out. For me its, the intensity of the broth from the meats, charred onions, cinnamon sticks and fish sauce. It's the plate of fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, fresh chilis that is served on the side. It's the condiments on the table, from Nuoc Cham, chili paste and fermented fish sauce that give me the direction to create a dish that's full of complexity. There are flavors here that are useful even if they don't show up as a traditional dish.
3) What are the boundaries of cooking?
I have to be realistic sometimes and ask the question, do I have the equipment or the staff who can properly execute a dish as it was intended. If you travel, you also have to eat. For some, eating what the locals eat is an important part of the experience. A very simple dish of noodles and broth at 6 stool counter on the outskirts of the famous Tokyo Fish Market will never taste the same as when I make it at Japanese Udon home. There are many contributing factors such as repetition, ingredients, subtle finishing techniques and ultimately the atmosphere which affect that memory. I had that experience and because of that I working diligently to try to get as close to recreating those flavors and aromas in my noodle dishes. For our example, I have never been to Vietnam and don't have a mental or sensual memory of an authentic meal. So all I can do is educate my self and count on my ability to visualize what a dish would taste like in my mind and on my palate. The cooking techniques applied and used around the globe are all based on heat transfer whether conduction or convection and the use of both dry and wet mediums. So there is some knowledge to be had on understanding the fundamental cooking methods of the cuisine. For most kitchens and culinary teams these unique techniques from other parts of the world are unfamiliar processes and not a regular part of daily operations. Breaking down a recipe into familiar processes such as marination, par-cooking, slow cooking and a la minute methods can help drive the creative process and provide a common reference point for the culinary team. In our case of Pho, the are many of these techniques involved but the one which has some potential is the pouring of the broth over a bowl of noodles. Can this action be employed to create a "feeling" or an experiential part of the dish? I can start to formulate a plan.
At this point of the development process I am still writing rough notes and expanding my concepts in my mind. I know I want to put a twist on bowl of noodles. The question is still, can my culinary team put together a dish that will in some way take the guests of this particular event to a noodle stand that they remember from a trip or family's memories of the kitchen table?
4) What ingredients do I have to work with?
In today's food media and marketing efforts, there is a continual push to stress, sustainable, local, seasonal, artisan in our food vocabulary. Then there is the need to make the public aware of gluten-free, vegan, trans-fat free ingredients produced on machinery that may contain peanuts or tree nuts. This can just be the starting point of a menu writing challenge, as with our case. We have the family favorites, personal dislikes and personal expectations of the person/person's writing the check to pay for this bowl of noodles that I have yet determined. So how do you navigate this? You need to ask good questions, process the information and make a good guess on what what's left and what will taste good together on a plate. In our case maybe a bowl. This is also a personal choice on the person writing the menu. In my case, I look at traditional flavor profiles and then put a little twist on it but making sure I hit all of the basic flavor profiles. Making sure that the sweet, salt, sour, bitter and especially the Umani profiles are working together. The seasonal influence is highly important not so much for the ingredients but also for the style of the food. You try to look to have fresh, raw, lightly cooked items in Spring and heavy slow cooked components in the Winter. In the fall, for our wedding, I want to see tomatoes, grilled meats, vibrant herbs, may be some smoked items. Colors should be vibrant. Acidic tones of pickled vegetables need to be fruit juices not from a deep long salting processes. Can I incorporate a local influence such as local tomato grower, an all natural soy sauce or hand pulled noodles? Now that I have a better list of ingredients. I start a new sheet of paper and write out some more details in my descriptions. It is kind of like my own secret language or code. It may not make sense to someone other than me. So I am going to work with a light rice noodle with a marinated grilled chicken thigh which has lemon grass, ginger, fish sauce and some dried shrimp paste in it. I will probably choose a fresh shiitake mushroom instead of dried for some Umami and then work in some smoked/charred tomato into the soup base. Then it stops. I put the notes away, turn of the screen on my computer and go grab a cold adult beverage. Why because it is amazing what a clear head will come up with. Space is the key when writing menus. You need to walk away from the pen sometimes.
5) It's all in the words.
This is where it comes down to a good sense of balance. Dishes in print on menus that are going to be presented to a guest can be written with a raw "Bauhaus" sense of minimalism to a grandeur "Baroque" tone. I like neither. Noodles, Chicken and Tomato don't give me a very clear picture of what I am eating. However, Hand Pulled Organic Rice Noodles embellished with Farmer Stew's Free Range Amish Chicken and Heirloom Sunburst Tomato Broth is over the top. Neither give me a sense that this is a Vietnamese dish. Where is the balance or excitement? It comes from knowing the right sequence in listing ingredients, adding clues about their preparation and creating an anticipation that the person reading this description is sold at first read. There should be no questions about what you are going to get served. If there is, then you are loosing opportunities to serve your guests a great plate of food.
Now that I walked away from my noodle dilemma, had a good nights sleep and a the concepts rattled around in my mind, I think I know what we are going to serve:
Vietnamese Inspired Pho Cups with Lemon Grass Grilled Chicken, Thin Rice Noodles,
Poached Egg, Cinnamon Mint and a Charred Tomato Shiitake Broth.
I am going to set this up as an action station where a chef serves these pre-made cups by pouring the hot broth over the noodles and garnishes with the Mint and then a drizzle of a mixture of Fish Sauce, Chili Paste, Lime Juice and Sesame Oil over the herbs as it served. It will be presented in a handled cup on a saucer with a spoon. I am going to cut the noodle is small pieces so it is easy to eat with a traditional spoon. It can also be sipped if so desired.
This dish has all the flavors of Vietnam but is still approachable by the crowd I expect to serve. Now some chefs may have issues or say this is not authentic but as I stated earlier, my needs were based on an interpretation of the cuisine for a particular event. If I was doing a street food station or concept, totally different story. This is way I think about writing menus. It is not the only way but one way that works for me.
The Tools of Refinement
I use this phrase as a staring point. It is a concept I bring to my clients when helping them get to the next step. Thomas Keller in his book The French Laundry discusses things such as a sieve or tamis to refine a sauce or mousse. I see this thought process as essential for preparing food at a high level. However there are tools of refinement that need to happen not just in the kitchen and can't be bought at the local foodservice equipment supplier.
The most important tool is a really a "second set of eyes". For most it is the hardest thing to do; take critique from a third party. Having someone tell you your hard work is all for nothing can be exasperating at best. For most professionals deeply invested in their product on a daily basis, it is uneasy and in some cases the fuel on the fire if they have a bit of a temper. The defense starts and the individual hold their breath and when they have a free moment let loose and vent. I know as I did this for years. It wasn't until I took a deeper look at the process and learned that critique is the most important thing one can have in the kitchen. Without it, that is constructive criticism, a culinary team or chef can't take their food to a different level. After competing for many years, being an educator, as a judge or even a certification evaluator; I have learned many things and look at food differently.
What do I look at? I look at many things. I start with the menu, How is it written and especially the sequence of the words and the emphasis they play in creating the anticipation of what the guest is going to receive. A menu is the first thing a guest may see. If I see the word "roasted" I have already begun to create an image in my mind. I want to see caramelization of the exterior of what is being roasted. If it a red meat, I want to see the skill of the chef by seeing the color of the meat at the perfect temperature when it is sliced. In taking it to the next level, I want to extrapolate the next steps in the process. What happened to the pan it was roasted in? Did the chef capture the "fond" or caramelized flavor on the bottom of the pan to create a sauce or jus? This process is fundamental to good cooking and creating flavor. If ignored, was there an opportunity lost?
In some cases, there is a inappropriate sequence of words which causes emphasis of a technique or ingredient to be mis interpreted by the person reading the menu. For example "Pan Seared and Marinated Sirloin of Beef" In reading this, I envision the beef being seared and then marinated. If you spend time creating all that flavor through searing and then put the meat in a wet marinade, the flavors developed through the maillard reaction are lost. Affects of acids usually associated with marinade take hold and deaden colors and change flavors. Thus " Marinated and Pan Seared" would be more appropriate course of action would result in a more refined product.
This is just one example of some one from a different perspective evaluating a recipe, presentation or complete menu. I invite my colleagues to look out side your organization to have some one look at your items and give a review. For a caterer,
who is getting ready for a large high profile event, bring someone outside at the tasting who has experience and a knowledge of food to evaluate what you are serving. It is not the client, bride or event planner. It is someone who is not emotionally tied to it.
What should they look at:
Menu Writing
The food matching the description
Presentation and repetitiveness of ingredients and techniques
How well it eats with the proposed plates and flatware
Portion size in relationship to each course
Authenticity to the theme or cuisine being represented
There are many other things to consider. If you need more help, Customized Culinary Solutions www.customizedculinarysolutions.com is there for you. We specialize in helping clients with their menus and how they are seen by the end user.
Farm to Table Menus
Here is a great article form the CIA discussing how to incorporate the Farm to Table movement in your establishments. You can start small and work this into your daily menus. It take time and if you need help look to the resources around you for support.
Chef Nemo Bolin talks seasonal restaurant Cook & Brown Public House
My favorit kind of story. This is how we should think about menus. This thought process of taking what is infront of us and creating a fabulous meal with soilid techniques and that relies on the natural beauty of the ingredient is the awesome.
This type of thinking is how need to change our ways in catering. Trusting our culinary team to prepare food on the day of the event is the key. Setting a menu 8 months out and hoping it will be the same is becoming harder for caterers who want to cook from the market.
So take a read and think how you can change your sales perspective and process. Would that be on trend. No menu tastings just an first date with the culinary team.
Chef Nemo Bolin talks seasonal restaurant Cook & Brown Public House | Nation's Restaurant News.
Today's top four food trends
Are your menus ready for the fall. Ethinc Flavors, Local Ingredients and value added ingredients need to be brought to the forfront of you fall catering menus. Caterers are always competing against restaurant style menus. Don't be behind the curve react to trends now instead of after the fact. Consultaning chefs are always there to help companies push the envelope and make your menus pop and give you that competitive edge. Read this post and think about the next steps for your menu programs.
"Customization" a Food Trend I Can Live With
I tend to agree with a few of these trends. I especially believe in the customization trend. I started my business partly because I was tired of seeing the same items menus across the city. Chicken Ceasar especially. Why? I wanted to help culinary teams fine their "inner groove".
The top five food trends according to a culinarian | QSRweb.com.
Every kitchen has a soul. It is a collaboration of many factors and each should have a unique identity. Just because some else has it on the menu does it mean you have to. I have termed this the "vanilla" factor. Kitchens as well as guests want to have their unique twist on a dish and make it there own. By developing a menu writing formula and recipe writing processes based on things a kitchen believes in and does consistently well will allow continual improvement by the kitchen. It will also allow you to easily make special requests or custom orders possible.
A kitchen should focus on producing a core group of recipes very well and then with the right guidance from the kicthen a well trained sales person should be able to easily create unique menus. The sales person can be a waiter, catering sales manager or the receptionist who is the only one office. If they understand the way menus are put together it can work. CCS is has developed a series of worksheets for custom writing menus which details cooking methods best suited for a particular protein, provides an internchangable list of seasonal sides, sauces and garnishes which can combined in any manner based on the desires of the person writing the menu item. There is no experimenting on the guests with a on-the-fly menu item because it sounds good.
For more information please contact us
How do people really see your menus?
Menu writing is very important in todays market place. Have you every really thought about how they see the words on the menu. Words are a power medium. The wrong words used out of context can be devistating and bad for business. Everyone sees and interprets the words in a book diferently. Some guests who are detailed orientated my see a spelling mistake and become annoyed, they don't see the great combination of flavors on the menu. They start looking for more mistakes. Are they focused on choosing dinner or commenting on your bad english. Sequencing of words is also overlooked sometimes. For example have you ever wondered about the Marinated Grilled Steak at the local bistro. Was the steak grilled first and then marinated. Well that is how it reads. Shouldn't it really be Grilled Marinated Steak. It is the logical method of preparation.
So it is interesting to see how someone like Phil Vettel looks at a menu in the following article. Jam: Deconstructing the menu by Phil Vettel. How do your guests critic your menu. It would be an enlightening experience for a third party to review your menu and see how they interpret it. Good questions to think about.
Don't be afraid to talk to a non-biased person to help you move forward and write great selling menus
A Catering Christmas Story
As a culinary consultant I spend many days a week in a variety of kitchens discussing ways to improve kitchen operations. Impromtu demos, menu and recipe design and coaching are always are always happening. Stepping in and out of kitchens you don't always see immediate impact or maybe I just witness a quick fix. As we are in the height of the holiday season I visted several kitchens these past few days and was given a great gift without even unwrapping something. It was calmness, professionalism and focus. Owners, operation managers and chef's always know this time of year is coming. They can react in several ways, lets buy everything so we don't get overwhelmed, hire extra staff who might not be properly trained to prepare what is sold or even stop taking events as they have oversold their true capabilities.
My present was none of this. I have worked over the last year with kitchens to focus on the process of effieciencies, standardizing menus, defining roles for cooks etc and the work paid off. It is exciting to walk into a kitchen and see things being made from scratch. Trays of hand formed hors d'oeuvres not boxes being opened, The care of preparing things like this are important not only to the confidence and pride of the kitchen but the guest who can actually taste an original hand made morsel. I have nothing wrong with the companies who help the catering companies and food service operations by mass producing frozen items for the convienence. However the variety becomes limited and one is exposed to the fact that all of the companies using them start tasting the same. Where is the competitve advantage in that?
Walking in and seeing trays of hand decorated cookies made me feel warm inside and feel excited of seeing the cooks who made them smile with pride. The days that followed her where no dought going to be long, her feet will be sore from standing all day but there is honesty and truth in the 100's of dessert trays and countless gift bags she was going to make.
This is a bust time for many catering compaines but they are doing great. Why? Because they saw the need to start looking at their opeations earlier in the year and look at the needs of the future. They needed support and guidence not someone to do the work. They wanted to take ownership of their buisness and work with a coach and mentor. I loved going into these kitchens and spedning time with all of the cooks teaching them new things. They may have looked disinterested at times as they went through a demo, cooler conversation or a random sanitation inspection of their work station. However it"s paying off now even if they don't relize it at the start of a midnight shift
Thankyou all for making my holdiays special.
Planning a New Year's Eve Menu
I write and develop a lot of menus over the course of a year. From small little snacks to elaborate menus for a fundraising gala based on a specific theme. After all these years some of the questions I ask myself when thinking about what to serve are instinctive and come very natural to me. I want to stop for a minute and take some time to write down the process I go through when putting together a menu. In this case it was putting together a menu for new year's eve for my family and best friends.
I break down the menu writing process into several steps:
- Inspiration or Directive
- Research and Experience
- Selection of Ingredients
- Adaptation and Natural Flow
- Execution
The process started with a vision of a 10-year-old girl who would be there for the evening. She said "can we make home-made pizza?" Great, that starts the process. A direction, a request or need. Immediately I start thinking about homemade dough. Next I consider the fact that there will be a diverse group of ages at the party and it's also New Year's Eve. (more…)


text: Woodward is gearing up for its annual "Home of the Brave Fest" at Crystal Beach Park to celebrate the 4th of July Wednesday. The day will feature a full list of activities, beginning with the Firecracker 5K at 7am. Courtney Weese, Event Coordinator for the Woodward Convention and Visitor's Bureau says a new event is…Continue Reading


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Archives de Tag: beatmaker
Can a website be human enough to allow us to say that a website is another website's friend? Seriously, I have no clue, I don't even care so stop asking weird questions, will you?
Famelik here. I've decided to mark this transition to spring and to make some things more explicit : Unlog is, one way or another, connected to many people and projects. So lets do an update and introduce you to some of them. Not because they pay us, but because each one of them deserves it.
• Kalbut DSGN : Graphics you'd like to fuck
We can credit Mr Freezy for most of our visual and graphic identity at Unlog. The best ones I mean. Hailing from Belgium,
he and his partner in grime are talended hard workers who teamed up go way beyond your expectations in graphism, art and product design.
> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kalbut-DSGN/206733312704625
• High On Beats : Electronic music dream team from Montreal
Formerly JaimeLeDubstep.com, HOB is an art collective based out of Montreal, Canada. The core team consists of Construct, Def Child, Geoff Bukk, Amy DubSelekta, Wally and Rob Habit, working with an extended team of people who all are actors in the Montreal music scene. They all joined forces to share their love and passion for contemporary underground electronic music of all kinds, with a focus on bass, beats and sound culture. You'll undestand it at the first look on their brand new website, which offers a variety of content that will make you a busy listener for the days, weeks, months (years?) to come. Long life to HOB!
> http://www.highonbeats.com
• Stroll Around the Groove : Rare groove weekly radio show
Crate digging and rare groove here. SATG is a weekly radio show and event I'm proud to be part of. Pride is not even the right word, but the best I have in mind to express how amazing it is to discover by my teammates' digging report every week. We've recently celebrated our 33th radio show, and we certainly won't stop here. Sit tight, we bring the records.
> http://cjlo.com/onair/stroll-around-groove
• Rider Radio : Never ending stream of tunes
RR is an innovative web based music platform that provides exclusive mixes, playlists and live performances, as well as reports on emerging trends from our correspondents across the world. We teamed up with this brand new project to bring some Unlog vibes to the platform, so expect some more news on this side soon! +1 for their amazing interface and the quality of their live shows. Hard work, again.
> http://www.rider-radio.com
• Beat4Battle : Cut it up f.f.fresh…
2013, and still, B4B is one of the most active boards for turntablists and beatmakers all around the world. Each day, new people with different levels, different music orientation join the family to share media, events and knowledge about turntablism, challenging each other on monthly scratch and beatmaker battles. What else, join the crew!
> http://www.beat4battle.fr
• Audace Radio : trip to Japan
Our crew members are based in France, Canada, Belgium, and Japan. For those among you who're interested in the Japan part, here's the link for you. Audace Radio is the main project of our friend Audace, DJ and producer based in Tokyo. Apart from his own events, label releases, mixes, he'll also share content related to the hip hop/broken beat/electronics scene in Tokyo. Stay in the loop.
> http://audaceradio.com/
• Tales from the Crate : Radio show based in Belgium
Belgium again, with our friends Fabot and Reverend D (B4B, Pipolass) who'll keep you in the loop on the latest releases linked to the turntablism and beatmaker scene in Europe and around the world. French language again, but you'll like their selections. Tune in!
> http://talesfromthecrateradioshow.blogspot.ca
• BassMusic Magazine : Bass music, yes. But French style.
When DJ Noyl does not dig for Unlog on work on his beat-juggling patterns, he writes articles for his french family : Bass Music Mag. A web-zine magazine focused on bass music, with articles, interviews, portrait, chroniques, playlists and a diary of french events.
> http://www.bassmusic.fr
• Blackelk Recordings : A new beat scene based in Southern France
If you've been hanging around lately, you've obviously read several times about Blackelk Recordings. Created by UM, one of our very first podcasters, the label recently celebrated its first anniversary and plans some interesting things for 2013. All the catalogue of this new beat scene is available for free download, a good opportunity to discover previous works from artists such as Broken Drop, UM, Everydayz, Duff Ill, Hentitan, Killacam, Le Med, MLp, Freaks Show Spores, Famelik (who's that guy again?) and many more. No shameless promo here : our connection being the logical consequence of our similar views on music, they definitely have to be on that list.
> http://blackelkrecordings.com
• Shabu Recordings : Splash
« post arty ambient electroacoustic synth music inspired by acid and techno » can be an option if you try to find a keyword combo to describe what's Shabu about « whatever, just feed me new music » could be another combo. Either way, this Montreal based label holds the key to a world known to few people, full of immersive textures you'll sometimes want to listen to at night. Axel Helios, Jesse Somfay, Avus, Niccolò Bianchi, Vaghe Stelle, Groj… are the core artists signed on this label, not to add the impressive list of artists about to join the spash (hehe, I know, you don't). Thanks again to Axel Helios for mastering our Ravi Shankar tribute beat tape by the way!
> https://www.facebook.com/shaburecordings
Props to our team, our party friends, artists who contribute to the projects, to all those who listen, follow, support, help, love, share, read, acknowledge our existence, whatever. Many other websites and people would fit here but we'll keep some for the next update. What an update.
As usual :
> Unlog x Blackelk Recordings : Unlog Complex 01 (Free download beat tape)
> Unlog : A tribute to Ravi Shankar (Free download beat tape)
Toastdawg – The Love Loop
Kenlo – Tomates
KenLo has delivered a strong effort the day after the Mayan predicted the apocalypse. It marks a new beginning for him, straight from his Afro-Bas-Canadien semi-electronic laboratory shed.
Lomovolokno – At least never
We all know the quality of the mad hop's releases. They strike again with the brand new album of Lomovolokno.
« Up to this point, only a few of Lomovolokno productions saw the light of day. Now, the mysterious producer is releasing his new album 'At Least Never', where experimental hip-hop meets electronic music. However, just these two labels don't do the release justice. Delicate, magnetic vocals make the production deep, emotional and thought provoking. Let this young Russian producer take you on an epic journey through his world full of broken sounds. »
High Klassified – Flexury
Here's the new EP from the Piupiu beatmaker from Montreal High Klassified. Enjoy
Follow Him:
Introducing Blackelk Recordings (2012) – Free DL inside
Introducing to you a new indie label based in southern France : Blackelk Recordings
Artists :
MEDYUM : http://soundcloud.com/medyum/ – http://medyum.bandcamp.com/
UM : http://soundcloud.com/ultroniks – http://ultroniks.bandcamp.com/
Le Med : http://soundcloud.com/le-med – http://lemedparts.bandcamp.com/
KILLA CAM : http://soundcloud.com/mjwarp
DUFF ILL : http://soundcloud.com/duff-ill
FREAKS SHOW : http://soundcloud.com/freaksshow
EVERYDAYZ : http://soundcloud.com/musicforeverydayz
MLP : http://soundcloud.com/dj_mlp
SOFTLYEND : http://soundcloud.com/softlyend
DRUMPAD FAMELIK : http://soundcloud.com/famelik
HENTITAN : http://soundcloud.com/hentitan
JEAN 3D : http://soundcloud.com/jean3d
L' ADLD : http://soundcloud.com/largent-de-la-drogue
DR ROSEMBLUM : http://soundcloud.com/dr-rosemblum
AUREGRAFIK : http://www.auregrafik.com/
Latest releases :
The Blackelk website offers the first two releases for free download in WAV format.


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- Description
Ultra-lightweight and packing down extremely small, Exped Mini collapsible trekking poles are ideal for thru-hikers, trail runners, or any hiker who wants to keep weight and packed size to a minimum.
Rather than employing a traditional telescoping design, Mini poles instead have a Dyneema cord that runs through the three folding sections. Integrated locking collars lend additional strength and stability.
NOTE: Though collapsible, Mini trekking poles are only available in fixed lengths (115 cm or 125 cm lengths) and do not provide an adjustability range.
Streamlined foam grips serve as secure hand holds and have an extended section of foam that lets you choke up on the poles on switchbacks and rolling terrain. Integrated straps help to relieve stress on the wrists.
Exped Mini trekking poles are sold in pairs.
- 3-section poles in fixed lengths
- Internal Dyneema tension-lock cord holds sections together
- 115cm pole collapses to 35.5cm(14in)
- 125cm pole collapses to 38cm(15in)
- Locking collar engages to secure pole sections
- Specs
Best Use Backpacking, Hiking, Running/Fitness, Travel Warranty 5-Year Type Aluminum Shafts Other 3-Section Pole Minimum Length Mini 115: 14"
Mini 125: 15"
Maximum Length Mini 115: 115 cm
Mini 125: 125 cm
Item Weight Mini 115: 11 oz
Mini 125: 12 oz
- Reviews
Real Customer Reviews
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My dream readers,
I feel lucky today. I see an opportunity in every corner. I have a new idea at every step of the way. I'll try every and each one of it and if I fail, I'll learn something, I'll change something, I'll achieve something.
Today I wanted to talk to you about Goedzak, but I'll have to pass it on to another post. I'm only craving to enjoy this feeling and transfer it to you. Sense this joy. Sight, smell, hear, taste, touch, embrace it. Make it your breathing.
Try something new today. Make a new mistake today. Learn a bit more of yourself today. (And tell me the results later.)
Have a great day,


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Back to: Galleries // 2015 Spark:Product // Typo keyboard for iPad Mini
Typo keyboard for iPad Mini
Winner - Bronze
Competition: Spark:Product
Designer: Simon Yan - Design Director
Design Type: Product Design
Company / Organization / School: Bluemap Design
Website: http://www.bluemapdesign.com
Team Members: Typo design team
Typo Keyboard for iPad Mini combines a protective case with an adjustable stand and a remarkably thin Bluetooth keyboard. It was created with a single goal in mind — to create a better typing experience on an iPad. We took the world's best tablet and made it even better by bridging the gap between tablet and laptop, and wrapping it with an integral protective case.


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The 5 Stage Approach to MCERTS Certification
CSA Group has developed a 5 stage approach for manufacturers who wish put their products through MCERTS assessment, including recertification.
Stage 1
Manufacturer Requirements
Manufacturer contacts CSA Group explaining their compliance requirements.
Via phone, email or website enquiry. CSA Group is also happy to offer an initial meeting to explain the process and answer any questions.
The Certification Process
Estimated quotation is sent within 10 days of receiving application.
CSA Group Responsibilities
CSA Group sends application pack and arranges an initial meeting.
The application pack includes:
- Application form
- Guidance notes
- MCERTS standard
- Details of laboratories that perform testing
Stage 2
Manufacturer Requirements
Manufacturer places a contract with CSA Group for certification.
The certification work that is contracted includes:
- Establishing a certification committee
- Agreeing the scope of certification
- Finalising a test plan
- On-going project monitoring and liaising between manufacturer and certification committee
- Reviewing the evidence submitted
- Production of report and certificate
- Issue of certificate and posting on CSA Group website
The Certification Process
Certification Committee meeting
Existing evidence is reviewed at this meeting and a test programme is generated in agreement with the Certification Committee. The manufacturer decides where the testing is conducted, but CSA Group should be kept informed to ensure they are acceptable.
Minutes will be taken by CSA Group and circulated within 10 days with a formal quotation.
CSA Group Responsibilities
Certification Committee meeting.
The Certification Committee consists of a Director of CSA Group, an independent expert and generally a representative from the Environment Agency. The Committee members must be acceptable to both CSA Group and the manufacturer, and must not have worked for the manufacturer for at least 2 years.
Stage 3
Manufacturer Requirements
Commission of tests (direct with test house).
Client engages test house to conduct relevant testing and issue of test reports in line with the agreed test programme.
The Certification Process
Testing duration depends on availability of test house.
CSA Group Responsibilities
CSA Group performs MCERTS manufacturing audit.
This is to ensure the manufacturer can consistently produce products to the same standard and the correct controls are in place.
Stage 4
Manufacturer Requirements
Manufacturer collates test data and submits to CSA Group.
The Certification Process
Assessment of test data
Assessment time will be set out in the quotation and will vary depending on the complexity of the certification.
CSA Group Responsibilities
Test data is assessed by Certification Committee.
If the Certification Committee considers the test data satisfactory, certification can take place.
Stage 5
Manufacturer Requirements
Manufacturer now able to sell MCERTS compliant products.
The Certification Process
CSA Group Responsibilities
MCERTS requirements are fulfilled: certificate issued.


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The View is Bringing Back EVERY Co-Host
|The View to reunite every co-host they've had
As part of it's week long farewell to the legendary Barbara Walters, long running talk show The View will reunite all 11 of it's past and present co-hosts on the same stage.
The 11 co-hosts are Meredith Vieira, Joy Behar, Star Jones and Debbie Matenopoulos (the original panel), Lisa Ling, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, Jenny McCarthy and of course, Barbara herself.
The special show will air on Thursday, May 15, 2014 – just one day before Barbara's final show on The View. Walters created The View 17 years ago and it has been a popular (and often controversial) pillar of daytime television.
This episode should be SUPER interesting!
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My good friend Claudia Messelodi has recently won an award for her poetry.
You can read about it at her blogsite a stream of small stones
If you don't already follow her, you should! Her poetry is calming, illuminating and just so exciting to read.
If you have time, please pop over and show her your support!
(She also appears frequently on my other blog site Pure Haiku)
Freya's first published book is Dragonscale Leggings. What comes next? Well, dragonscale clippings obviously - musings as she seeks to write other tales...
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Award Winning Poetry!
Posted by Freya Pickard at Wednesday, February 29, 2012
1 comment:
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Change nameservers to set up Office 365 with Azure
Check the Domains FAQ if you don't find what you're looking for.
The procedures in this article must be performed at the domain registrar where you purchased your domain. This is because Azure is not a domain registrar, and you must manage nameservers at your domain registrar's site.
Use the procedures in this article to add and set up your domain in Office 365 so that your services like email and Skype for Business Online will use your own domain name. To do this, you'll verify your domain, and then change your domain's name servers to Office 365 so that the correct DNS records can be set up for you.
Follow these instructions if at least one of the following three statements describes your situation.
You have your own domain and want to set it up to work with Office 365.
You want Office 365 to manage your DNS records for you. (If you prefer, you can manage your own DNS records.
Your domain is hosted at a DNS hosting provider or domain registrar that is not listed in the article How to buy a domain name.
Return your domain to your registrar's default nameservers
The domain that you added to Azure was purchased from a separate domain registrar; Azure does not offer domain registration services. To verify and redelegate your domain to Office 365, you first need to return your domain to your Domain Registrar's default nameservers.
After you return your domain to your registrar's default nameservers, you will perform additional steps at your domain registrar.
To get started, go to your domains page at your domain registrar. You'll be prompted to log in first.
Find the area on the domain registrar's website where you can edit the nameservers for your domain.
Choose the default nameserver option, and then save your changes.
Many domain registrars require you to select a custom nameserver option before you added the Azure nameserver records. The options for returning to the default nameservers vary; often there is option to explicitly choose the domain registrar's default nameservers instead. Alternatively, you may have to type or copy and paste the domain registrar's nameserver values into the nameserver boxes and then save those changes.
Your nameserver record updates may take up to several hours to update across the Internet's DNS system. Then your Office 365 email and other services will be all set to work with your domain.
Add a TXT or MX record for verification
You must perform this procedure at the domain registrar where you purchased and registered your domain.
You will create only one record in this procedure, either a TXT record or an MX record. TXT is the preferred record type, but some DNS hosting providers don't support that type, in which case you can create an MX record instead.
Before you use your domain with Office 365, we have to make sure that you own it. Your ability to log in to your account at your domain registrar and create the DNS record proves to Office 365 that you own the domain.
This record is used only to verify that you own your domain; it doesn't affect anything else. You can delete it later, if you like.
Find the area on your DNS hosting provider's website where you can create a new record
Sign in to your DNS hosting provider's website.
Choose your domain.
Find the page where you can edit DNS records for your domain.
Create the record
- If you create a TXT record, use the values in the following table.
|Record Type
|Alias or Host Name
|(Type or copy and paste either ** @ ** or your * domain_name* .)
|MS=ms XXXXXXXX
|Set this value to 1 hour or to the equivalent in minutes (60), sections (3600), and so on.
- If you create an MX record, use the values in the following table.
|Record Type
|Alias or Host Name
|(Type or copy and paste either ** @ ** or your * domain_name* .)
|MS=ms XXXXXXXX
|For Priority,to avoid conflicts with the MX record used for mail flow, use a lower priority for any existing MX records.
|Set this value to 1 hour or to the equivalent in minutes (60), sections (3600), and so on.
- Save the record.
Now that you've added the record at your domain registrar's site, you'll go back to Office 365 and request Office 365 to look for the record.
When Office 365 finds the correct TXT record, your domain is verified.
Choose Setup > Domains.
On the Domains page, choose the domain that you are verifying.
On the Setup page, choose Start setup.
On the Verify domain page, choose Verify.
Typically it takes about 15 minutes for DNS changes to take effect. However, it can occasionally take longer for a change you've made to update across the Internet's DNS system. If you're having trouble with mail flow or other issues after adding DNS records, see Troubleshoot issues after changing your domain name or DNS records.
Change your domain's nameserver (NS) records
To complete setting up your domain with Office 365, you change your domain's NS records at your domain registrar to point to the Office 365 primary and secondary name servers. This sets up Office 365 to update the domain's DNS records for you. We'll add all records so that email, Skype for Business Online, and your public website work with your domain, and you'll be all set.
When you change your domain's NS records to point to the Office 365 name servers, all the services that are currently associated with your domain are affected. For example, all email sent to your domain (like rob@ your_domain .com) will start coming to Office 365 after you make this change.
When you have completed the steps in this section, the only nameservers that should be listed are these four: > ns1.bdm.microsoftonline.com > ns2.bdm.microsoftonline.com > ns3.bdm.microsoftonline.com > ns4.bdm.microsoftonline.com > The following procedure will show you how to delete any other, unwanted nameservers from the list, and also how to add the correct nameservers if they are not already in the list.
Find the area on the domain registrar's website where you can edit the nameservers for your domain.
Either create two nameserver records by using the values in the following table, or edit the existing nameserver records to match the values in the following table.
|First nameserver
|Second nameserver
You should use at least two name server records. If there are any other name servers listed, you can either delete them or change them to ns3.bdm.microsoftonline.com and ns4.bdm.microsoftonline.com.
- Save your changes.
When you change your domain's NS records to point to the Office 365 nameservers, all of the services that are currently associated with your domain are affected. If you skipped any steps of the wizard, such as adding email addresses, or if you're using your domain for blogs, shopping carts, or other services, there are additional steps that are required. Otherwise, this change could result in service downtime, such as lack of email access, or your current website being inaccessible.
For example, here are some additional steps that might be required for email and website hosting.
Move all email addresses that use your domain to Office 365 before you change your NS records. Learn more: Why should I add users to Office 365 while I'm adding my domain?
Want to add a domain that's currently used with a website address, like www.fourthcoffee.com? You can take steps while you add the domain to keep its website hosted where the site is hosted now, so that people can still get to the website after you change the domain's NS records to point to Office 365.
Your nameserver record updates may take up to several hours to update across the Internet's DNS system. Then your Office 365 email and other services will be all set to work with your domain.
We'd love to hear your thoughts. Choose the type you'd like to provide:
Our feedback system is built on GitHub Issues. Read more on our blog.
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Just ahead of the fan frenzy that is now the three-day NFL Draft extravaganza, the NFL will announce team schedules on Tuesday, April 20. The preseason schedule and times were set the last week, and come Tuesday we will know the Pack's schedule versus the team's designated opponents.
For those needing a refresher, here are the Packers' 2010 Home and Away opponents:
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Minnesota Vikings
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins
Atlanta Falcons
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Wayne Larrivee's draft prognostications
The radio voice of the Green Bay Packers, Wayne Larrivee, spoke on flagship station 620WTMJ (Milwaukee) this morning about this year's NFL Draft. His opinion is that it is not as deep overall as many media types suggest. Still, he said in the areas that the Packers have needs, good options should exist. In particular, he said offensive tackle, outside linebacker and cornerback are the areas where the Packers will need to bolster the roster...in short, pretty much what everyone knows.
Where his comments became very interesting, however, was the order in which Larrivee thought the Pack's first picks might fall. Rather than the conventional wisdom of selecting an offensive tackle with their first round pick (assuming the Pack stays at #23 rather than tradiing out of it, which could also be a real possibility given GM Ted Thompson's tendencies), Larrivee said he believed the Packers would select an outside linebacker to provide a pass rushing complement to last year's draft sensation, Clay Matthews. Larrivee then said the Pack would address their offensive tackle needs in the second round.
This does seem to make sense as there is a greater opportunity for an outside linebacker to make an immediate impact, as Matthews did. A rookie offensive tackle will sit behind Chad Clifton or Mark Tauscher to learn the trade, and perhaps won't have the possibility of starting for at least another year. Given that scenario, and the apparent equality of tackle prospects beyond those that will likely go in the first 20 picks, Larrivee's scenario might indeed be the one that plays out.
On the other hand, it could also very well be that the Packers would pop for a cornerback in the second round -- or even first -- if one of their key targets is still on the board. There are several good corner prospects in which the Packers would no doubt have interest. A few could not only provide key backup support initially -- or perhaps move into a starting spot depending upon how 35-year-old Al Harris returns from his injury -- but also have kick/punt return capabilities as well, which is also something the Packers have needed for about the last decade now.
Ah, the draft...great to be able to start talking and thinking football again, isn't it, kids? You bet!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Packers 2010 schedule coming Tuesday
Posted by packrphan at 10:07 AM
Labels: Al Harris, Chad Clifton, Mark Tauscher, schedule, Ted Thompson, Wayne Larrivee


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Fast, Free UK Delivery is available on the majority of our products, most orders are delivered the next working day!
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In 2010 Ghostbikes.com's dedication to our customers has been recognised by The Lancashire Biba awards regarded as the one they all want to win, and have reached the finals in three categories including "Best use of E-Business", "Small business of the year" and "Excellence in customer support".
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The modern GIVI reality is a vision which has taken shape over the years. The idea to move together: an Italian design, a strong technological attitude and a great specific knowledge of materials.
It is the development of a quality idea which makes a small factory in Brescia grow to the actual dimensions and mondial fame of today. At the base of our items, from the smallest accessory to the top range helmet, there are always two inseparable elements: the most innovative technology and the recognized quality made by hand in Italy.
New in to GhostBikes, the Givi XS313 Motorcycle Expandable Seat Bag 20L is another superb addition to the Givi Xstream Range of motorcycle luggage. Made in Italy from the highest quality materials this tailpack is a boon to all bikers, featuring 2 side pockets in addition to the large main compartment for storing your possessions and a simple 4 strap universal fitting, this saddle bag is perfect to let you get back on the road with a minimum of fuss. Equipped with reflective panels for improved visibility when on the road and a convenient carry strap when you are off, this versatile saddle bag is not to be missed. For extra security and protection the bag includes Givi's excellent safety lock zip to keep the bag securely closed and a fully removable fluorescent rain cover for defence from the elements. Available now, make sure you don't miss out and get yours from GhostBikes today!
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Family man, actor and occasional model, Matthew McConaughey has been the front-man for Dolce & Gabbana's fragrance 'The One' since 2008. Now on it's third leg, Dolce & Gabbana invited McConaughey back in studio to take his place as ambassador to the brand.
Photographed by Brigitte Lacombe, the latest fragrance ad features two of his children, Vida and Levi, alongside their famous father, each one looking as if they belong in any of the other Sicilian family-themed advertisements we've seen of late. In the latest update to 'The One' we have a deeper fragrance in time for winter if you're stateside, with top notes of grapefruit, coriander and basil and a base of tobacco, ambery notes and cedar-wood. Ginger, Cardamom and orange blossom finish off the fragrance.
I'm personally a fan of the original (I'm wearing it right now!) so I look forward to giving this new addition a try.
Image via thefashionisto.


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FOXBORO, Mass. — It's looking like the Patriots will still be without Tom Brady's top two targets again on Sunday afternoon.
Danny Amendola looked in rough shape during Wednesday's practice, limping significantly with his injured groin. Rob Gronkowski looks in much better shape than Amendola, but it's still looking more likely the Patriots bring their All-Pro tight end back in Week 4 against Atlanta than against the Buccaneers.
It's important for Gronkowski to be at full health and strength when he makes his triumphant return. Gronkowski looked like he got a full workout in on Monday, coming back into the team's locker room in a full sweat. He's expected to talk to the media on Wednesday, though explicit updates on his health are not to be expected.
To hear more about Gronkowski and Amendola's injuries, watch NESN Patriots writer Doug Kyed discuss Wednesday's practice with MassLive.com's Nick Underhill.
Have a question for Doug Kyed? Send it to him via Twitter at @DougKyedNESN or send it here.
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text: A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the minority discovers that by manipulating public policy it can transfer the wealth of the nation into it's own pockets. This process continues until the rest of the country is so powerless it surrenders to the need to survive.


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My name is Emily Joáchim and I would like to welcome you to the Hawk and Owl Trust's new UK Little Owl Count website! I have been studying Little Owls since 2008, so it may come as no surprise for me to admit that I am Little Owl obsessed, but I know that the UK's smallest owl has many other fans.
Over the years, I have encountered so many lovely people who have shared their Little Owl stories with me. I never tire of hearing delightful tales of people avidly watching their enchanting Little Owls in their garden, from a window at work or on a fencepost along their regular walking route, but the stories are not always cheerful. A question that has repeatedly been posed to me by concerned landowners is 'Where have my Little Owls gone?'
These landowners are right to be concerned by the loss of their owls as the UK's Little Owl population appears to be in trouble. Results from the BTO-run Common Bird Census and its replacement, the Breeding Bird Survey indicate that our Little Owl population has declined by 64%1 since 1962 and there has been an 11% contraction in this species' range2 between Bird Atlas 1968-72 and Bird Atlas 1988-91. The current UK Little Owl population estimate is 5,700 pairs3, which is 18.6% lower than the previous estimate of 7,000 pairs in 2000.
Presently, we do not know why our Little Owl population appears to be declining. Also, we should not assume that this species is declining across its full range, which extends across England, Wales and the Scottish Borders. As the Little Owl is predominantly nocturnal, it is possible that this species has been under-recorded in some regions as most surveys are conducted during daylight hours, which is not ideal for monitoring for Little Owls.
I have worked with the Hawk and Owl Trust as part of the launch team for this exciting new UK Little Owl Count project. We want this website to enthuse and encourage keen and amateur birders and nature lovers to go out and find their local Little Owls and report their sightings on this website. We have provided photos, videos, useful information and links about Little Owls as guidance and it would be fantastic if more people look for owls at dawn and dusk and at different times of the year. We have added a map on the sightings report page so you move the marker to the exact location of your Little Owl. All we need now is your help!
The submitted sightings data will be used to look at the distribution of the Little Owl across the UK and to develop much needed future Little Owl surveys.
Now that the launch phase has passed my role in the project will be to concentrate on managing and understanding the statistical data generated which will assist further research into Little Owls. However, I hope to contribute reports and updates as the project progresses.
We would love for you to get in touch with photos and tales of your Little Owl sightings and we will publish our favourites. So please come back and visit this Blog!
- Data Source: British Trust for Ornithology BTO http://blx1.bto.org/birdtrends/species.jsp?s=litow
- Data source: British Trust for Ornithology BTO http://blx1.bto.org/atlases/LO-atlas.html
- Data source: British Trust for Ornithology BTO http://blx1.bto.org/birdtrends/species.jsp?s=litow


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Sunday, May 25, 2014
Isn't this a fun end of the year keepsake? I used festisite to create the word art of all the names in our class. The children water colored over them to make a flower. This is going in the May pocket of our Kindergarten Keepsakes book. We are winding down the year....
We planted morning glories and they have sprouted!
We did a little picture to cover the milk cartons with a morning glory and the verse "To God be the glory!" I thought that might help the children remember the name of the flowers. ; )
Spring has finally arrived in full....my lilies of the valley are in full bloom! Love this little flower!
Thought I'd end with this photo today...a sign of the times...my little guys were working on writing google today during their free time...
Thanks for checking in and have a great day!
1 comment:
I LOVE the flowers! What kind of paper did you use?
- June 7, 2015 at 2:25 PM
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Multiple Card Holders
Items 1-12 of 14
Items 1-12 of 14
These days what good is an ID card holder that can only hold one card? Many workplaces and organizations like conferences and tradeshows are so security focused that you often end up with multiple cards or badges. Even in the average office today you will often have two cards - one for entering the building, one for office access. That's when you need one of our multi-card holders!


text: New home buyers who hate bugs are being offered a new way to fight the pests. DeBugg Systems, a system of installing insecticide spray lines throughout a building, has opened an office in Winter Park. When a home or commercial building is constructed, a system of polyethylene tubing is placed within the walls. Every four months, a pest control operator inserts insecticide through the tubing from a pressurized tank. The company claims the system hits bugs where they hide -- within the walls. Installation costs start at $200 for 1,000 square feet. Single-family home service costs start at $90 a year, the company said.


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Office Address:
Therapy for Your Soul
3534 Bee Caves Rd. Suite 211
Austin, TX 78746
Therapy for Your Soul offices are located in a quiet office complex in Austin, Texas. We are located between Mopac and Loop 360 on Bee Caves Rd. in the heart of Westlake Hills. There is plenty of parking available.
Our office is located on the second floor. If you are unable to climb stairs please indicate this when booking your appointment and arrangements can be made to use the office complex conference room which is on the first floor and meets all ADA requirements.
From Mopac go West on Bee Caves Rd. for about 1.8 miles. Go just past the American Bank on your right. The office complex will be on your right and is called The Raintree Office Park. Building 3534 is the second building back from the road. Suite 211 is upstairs on the Southeast corner of the building facing Bee Caves Rd.
If you would like to email us please click here


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Does SP support Amazon Associate feeds?
Yes, Syndicate Press supports Amazon Associate feeds. To determine the correct URL for an Amazon product feed see the amazon site here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/tagging/rss-help.html.
In short, you will need to add your affiliate ID to the URL using the ?tag=… parameter. This is done in the SP Admin 'Feed URLs' tab where you define your feeds.
Posted in: Feed publisher support
Comments are currently closed.


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My friend Will has e-mailed this from the Washington Post to me – It may cheer Steph up a little to know that he's not fighting a purely British problem….
"Two years after launching the most technologically savvy presidential campaign in history, Obama officials ran smack into the constraints of the federal bureaucracy yesterday, encountering a jumble of disconnected phone lines, old computer software, and security regulations forbidding outside e-mail accounts.
What does that mean in 21st-century terms? No Facebook to communicate with supporters. No outside e-mail log-ins. No instant messaging. Hard adjustments for a staff that helped sweep Obama to power through, among other things, relentless online social networking."
Update: Steph's results are up!
Filed under: Being a politician, Obstacles for democrats to overcome | Tagged: Lockdown, Obama | Leave a comment »


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Following the overall review of Perstorp´s use of sales channels Perstorp is happy to announce that during 2nd half of 2012 an extended distribution agreement has been signed between Perstorp AB and the Nordmann, Rassmann GmbH, Hamburg - NRC.
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text: Lovely photo from the 2005 Naga festival in Kachin State, Myanmar (see Naga Festival and Manau Leader). Real reason for this post, however, is that the Myanmar government has halted construction on the controversial Myitsone Dam on the Irawaddy River in northern Kachin State (click here for more about this surprising development). Financed by the Chinese, the dam would have been the first to span the Irrawaddy and was a showcase project of the previous military government. Victory for the dissidents in Kachin? A step in the right direction? Will I be getting back into the Hukaung Valley anytime soon? I'd love to know what is really going on here. [NOTE: Photo by U Tun Shuang (see Tea Break)].


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Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich have a plan to whittle away the youth unemployment rate and protect our public lands. With the recent reintroduction of the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013, the senators aim to provide young people with job training and educational opportunities, while addressing the backlog of conservation and restoration projects piling up on our public lands.
The expansion of conservation corps activities would help solve at least two national challenges. First, the legislation would begin to address the youth unemployment rate which hovers at 13.1 percent, nearly double the national unemployment rate. "Passing this legislation would help combat the unacceptably high unemployment young people face by providing them with job training, education and skills they can utilize long into their careers," said Senator Tom Udall. The Outdoor Industry Association just released their annual report which found that outdoor recreation supports 6.1 million jobs and generates $646 billion in consumer spending in America. The corps experience would give today's youth a cost-effective leg up in pursuing careers in conservation and recreation.
Second, the bill would help inspire a new generation of conservation leaders. I challenge you to find one conservation leader today that can tell you that their interest in the environment did not begin with the time they spent in the outdoors during their youth. Today's young people are spending less time outdoors then their parents did one generation ago. Instead of exploring the natural world, young people are using their free time surfing a virtual world -- today's youth spend 7.5 hours each day plugged into electronic media. At a time when the divide between people and the natural world seems to grow every day, the corps experience can connect more and more youth to the great outdoors. Public lands stewardship training will also better equip corps participants to tackle the challenges our lands and communities face due to climate disruption. The legislation would encourage participation among young people (aged 15 to 25) from communities with high unemployment rates and create new incentives to encourage young Native Americans and veterans to participate.
The legislation would accomplish all of this by raising the priority of conservation corps activities within the Departments of Agriculture and Interior, and establish new authority for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce to participate in the program. The bill would also expand the scope of eligible activities to include historical, scientific and cultural research, visitor services and interpretation. Representative Raúl Grijalva introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives during the 112th Congress.
The Public Lands Service Corps Act is a win-win for the economy and the planet. It would support valuable conservation and restoration projects as well as improve visitor services in our parks, improving the health and resiliency of our public lands while ensuring greater opportunities for more people to explore and enjoy the lands that we love.


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about mylocalpitch
set up with the aim of improving the sporting landscape and making life easier for sports venues and players
So that's it. Read more about some of the great partners we're already working with as well as some background on our team.
MLP has dipped into the transfer market to build a crack team that forms the heart of London's fastest growing sports startup, and work tirelessly to make it easier for people to find the best venues and book them online.
MyLocalPitch began with a problem faced by countless sports players in cities across the world. Jamie Foale and Sandford London were trying to book a football pitch in London for their Sunday league team, but kept hearing the monotonous tones of answer machines and the faint buzz of rejection from an unanswered email.
They couldn't believe there was no one-stop shop for sports players looking to find, contact and book local sports pitches. They set about researching, getting support for and then building a platform that showed all sports venues anywhere in London, and that was free and easy for anyone to use. MyLocalPitch was launched in January 2014 and quickly became the hub for sports players of all types, whether it be casual players for an after work game, tennis rivals on a bright Saturday morning, or those looking for a social but competitive netball team to join.


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PBS came out as the big winner at the 39th annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmys on Sunday night with 13 wins, including Emmys for children's series ("The Electric Company"), writing in a children's series ("Sesame Street") and preschool children's series (also "Sesame Street").
Nickelodeon was in second place with 10 wins. ABC was tops among the major networks with 8 wins. Oprah's fledgling cable channel OWN even managed to grab one Emmy for special class series for "Super Soul Sunday."
Comedian Byron Allen hosted the event, which took place at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and, unlike the regular Daytime Emmys, wasn't televised.
The complete list of winners:
Outstanding Children's Series
"The Electric Company," PBS, and "Jack Hanna's Into the Wild," syndicated
Outstanding Commercial
MiO / The Seven, MTV
Outstanding Lifestyle Program
"Cars.TV," Cars.TV
New Approaches - Daytime Children's
"Design Squad," PBS
Outstanding Preschool Children's Series
"Sesame Street," PBS
Outstanding Promotional Announcement - Episodic
"General Hospital": "Brenda Wedding" & "Kidnapping" ABC