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BlackBerry Apps
There is no smartphone without apps these days. They make our life so easy. RIM has worked hard lately on developing apps on their platform. BlackBerry doesn't have the following as Apple or Android does, but when it comes to business or quality apps they are second to none. For latest BlackBerry devices, check BlackBerry 9900, BlackBerry 9810, BlackBerry 9790, BlackBerry 9850 and BlackBerry 9360.
For apps for BlackBerry PlayBook check Must have apps for BlackBerry PlayBook.
For BlackBerry 10 apps, check Must have Apps for BlackBerry 10.
To download new Blackberry App World click Blackberry App World from your BlackBerry Browser. The following are my top apps for current BlackBerry devices in 2012.
BlackBerry Messenger – This is the must have app for your BlackBerry. You can chat and share funny stories, pictures, videos and more with individual contacts or groups of friends or family instantly. Share your pin or unique barcode to connect with friends and family anywhere, anytime in the whole world. Take comfort in knowing that you are only a BlackBerry Messenger message away. For free download, click BlackBerry Messenger
Facebook for BlackBerry – Stay on top of your social life with Facebook for BlackBerry smartphones. This free application makes Facebook services – like sending messages, poking friends, writing wall posts, inviting friends to join and uploading photos – available on the go! Take Facebook wherever life takes you and don't miss a beat! For free download, click Facebook for BlackBerry
Twitter for BlackBerry – Doing the things you love on Twitter are made quick and easy using your BlackBerry smartphone. With Twitter for BlackBerry smartphones, you receive a notification as soon as a Message or @Mention arrives – no matter which application you're using. And because you're using a BlackBerry smartphone, you not only receive a notification, the message itself is delivered directly to your inbox making it even easier to stay on top of what's important to you. For free download, click Twitter for BlackBerry
BBM Music – BBM Music is a social music service that allows you to share. Build a personal music profile with 50 of your favourites songs. You can refresh your profile by swapping out up to 25 songs each month. For more details check BBM Music. For free download click here – BBM Music
BlackBerry Protect – BlackBerry Protect is a free application designed to keep your information secure if your BlackBerry smartphone goes missing. You can download BlackBerry Protect and then log into the website where you can lock, locate or wipe your smartphone from wherever you are. You can also choose to have your crucial data backed up wirelessly and automatically, as often as you choose (daily, weekly, or monthly). It can't get any secure than this. For free download, click BlackBerry Protect
BlackBerry News – With the BlackBerry News app, all the content you care about comes right to you, hot off the press and in one convenient place. It also make it easy to share it with your social network like BBM, Facebook and Twitter. Must have app for news. For free download, click BlackBerry News.
WordPress for BlackBerry – The all new WordPress for BlackBerry app allows you to write post, upload photos & videos, edit pages and manage comments. Both WordPress.com and self hosted WordPress (2.9.2 or higher) sites are supported. For free download, click WordPress for BlackBerry
BlackBerry Travel – BlackBerry Travel makes it easy to plan, book, manage and share your travel activities. Looking for flights or places to stay? Find flight schedules and great hotel options, all right from your BlackBerry. The automatic trip scanning feature will automatically recognize itineraries that are emailed to you and push them to your BlackBerry – no matter where you booked. It can even identify gaps – like a hotel stay that ends a night earlier than it should – and make recommendations which you can book right from your BlackBerry. For free download, click BlackBerry Travel
BeWeather – BeWeather is a visually stunning weather application for your BlackBerry smartphone. Get instant access to current conditions plus a 5-day forecast for locations worldwide. Keep up to 3 locations at the same time and switch between them with a flick of the trackpad. Main features are current conditions including "Feels like" temperature, wind, pressure, dew point, humidity. Easily switch between 2 different views, today with daily forecast and compact daily, customize homescreen icon showing current conditions. For free download, click BeWeather
Opera Mini – The browser on the latest generation of BlackBerry devices like the Bold and the torch is a big step forward, but you're still getting the mobile version of Web pages in many cases and when you do load a standard desktop Web page, running the scripts and rendering the page can be slow. Opera Mini is a great way to get better browsing on your BlackBerry. For free download, click Opera Mini
Navita Translator – Translate and Speak words, phrases from e-mails, Browser, SMS or typing in the software. Navita Translator translates more than 50 languages and is capable to speak languages like English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, German and Russian. Main feature include send your translations to: Twitter, Mail, SMS, PIN, MEMO,supports English, Portuguese, spanish and chinese interfaces, free online support, compatible with all BlackBerry. devices. For free download click Navita Translator
Shazam – Loving that tune? With Shazam you can discover, buy and share music. Main features include Identify what song is playing (5 Tags per month), buy the track, share Tags with friends (by text, email, Twitter and Facebook), read track and album reviews, see what's hot with Shazam's Tag chart and search for music by artist and track. For free download click Shazam
Simple Screen Shot – Simple app does the simple job, capture any BlackBerry screen – for record keeping, for debugging, for evidence collection etc. Simple Screen Shot helps you keep the moment of truth or beauty on your BlackBerry. Picture is as clear as the screen itself. You specify the picture type (PNG, GIF, JPG or BMP). Simplest app; yet clearest picture. Simple Screen Shot
Advanced OS and LED – Free alternative to BeeBuzz. Add unrestricted features to your phone such as UNLIMITED CONTACT'S (Email & SMS & Calls)LED ID. Also LED customization for Battery & Network status, apps like BBM, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc and more for free unlike BeeBuzz. No restrictions at all and app is free. For download, click Advanced OS and LED.
ScoreMobile for BlackBerry – ScoreMobile is a true mobile application built from the ground up for all BlackBerry smartphones. We provide up to the minute sports scores, boxscores, player stats, betting odds, game previews, recaps, top stories, and league standings. In addition we publish exclusive live blogs for key games. For free download click ScoreMobile for BlackBerry
Adidas Micoach – Turn your phone into a personal coach. miCoach uses GPS and real-time voice coaching in your ear to pace you through easy to understand workout zones as you run. Choose a training plan tuned for your sport to build speed and endurance. Track and share your achievements with the app or at miCoach.com. Be Faster with miCoach! For free download, click Adidas Micoach
Poynt – Use Poynt to find businesses, retailers, people, restaurants, movies, petrol prices, events and weather information around you. Poynt uses GPS or cell-site location to quickly deliver the information you need, whenever and wherever you need it. For free download, click Poynt
TXTLater – TXTLater schedules SMS, Email and Calls to be sent /invoked later at a future date directly from your BlackBerry. TXTLater allows you to schedule Email and SMS messages and Phone CALLS to be sent/scheduled at chosen date, time, and recurrence e.g. once, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. For download, click TXTLater. Update : TXTLater is no longer free anymore. You have to purchase app for $2.99.
Foursquare – Foursquare is all about helping you find new ways to explore the city. Earn points and unlock badges for discovering new places, doing new things and meeting new people. When you check-in someplace, we'll tell your friends where they can find you and recommend places to go & things to do nearby. For free download, click Foursquare
eBay for BlackBerry – Stay connected to everything that's important to you on eBay with the eBay application for BlackBerry smartphones. Search, watch, sell, bid or buy. Get reminders in your BlackBerry calendar when a listing is about to end, enjoy near real-time alerts when there's another bid or you've won or sold an item, and pay for an item using your BlackBerry smartphone. For free download, click eBay for BlackBerry
For more updates on new apps just follow the blog or follow @harrym20 on Twitter. This post will be updated periodically with new apps. If you are looking for OTA links to BlackBerry apps then please get in touch.


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International Watershed Studies (IWS) at Texas State University is an emerging theme devoted to enhancing our ability to manage and utilize our freshwater resources (lakes, rivers, wetlands, groundwater aquifers), and the myriad of life-supporting services they provide, in a sustainable manner. IWS's activities revolve around the development, analysis and implementation of integrated, ecosystem-based assessment and management approaches directed toward meeting both human well-being and economic development needs, while also maintaining the ecological integrity and productivity of these important freshwater systems. Interdisciplinary by the nature of its mission, IWS addresses both the scientific/technical and the socio-economic/governance elements that comprise the core of integrated approaches to managing our finite, sensitive and irreplaceable freshwater resources.
Director: Walter Rast, PhD
Associate Director: Vicente Lopes, PhD
International Project Advisor: Emily Warren, MSES, MPA
International Project Advisor: Meredith Miller, MSB

subset: commoncrawl


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I have been looking into model building of some sort for quite some time now.
When i was a kid i used to build the old Airfix and Tamiya plastic models, everything from planes, bikes, cars and boats.
Grew up watching Robotech and remember loving all the high tech stuff!
As well as radio control gliders, electric gliders and cars. Scratch built a lot of gliders back in the day.
I stumbled on Gundam by wasting some time on Instagram while searching for #plasticmodels to get some inspiration!
Never knew there was such a huge following for this kind of model building! It's awesome!!
Also found a group on reddit that seem like a great bunch of people! They are just in the middle of a Secret Santa and the gifts are amazing!
So today i picked up two kits for $30, not a bad deal in my opinion!
Brand new and still sealed!
The kits are identical and are the RX-78-2 Gundam E.F.S.F. Prototype Close-Combat Mobile Suit in 1/144 scale. The kits are from 2015.
They appear to be a good beginners intro into the hobby. I plan on building one as is straight from the box, while the other i will attempt to detail with markers, paints and decals.
I really like the bigger version with an internal skeleton! Maybe after a few more builds...
Really looking forward to starting but it will be a few months before anything happens...We have just sold our house and will be moving in early January.
I will use the time to read and watch everything i can and buy supplies and possibly another kit or three...
Guess this was supposed to be about me...LOL!
Originally from beautiful South Africa, i now live in Ontario Canada! Quite a geographical change.
I love working on my wood lathe and metal lathe, making pens and some small steam engines.
I make teeth for a living so small scale, detail stuff is what i love! And working with my hands and small tools!
A lot of my dental tools have many uses in the hobby area and workshop, especially the brushless handpieces for small grinding, smoothing and polishing.
Right, enough about me i am off to be a sponge throughout the forum!
(actually i will be going through all the "New To GunPla" threads...)


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Chinese, WuPrint
Primary tabs
80,700,000 (2015). Total users in all countries: 80,797,910 (as L1: 80,734,510; as L2: 63,400).
Anhui province; Fujian province: Shangrao area; Jiangsu province: Chongming Island, Haimen, Qidong, and Qingjiang at mouth of and north of the Changjiang in Nantong area; Jiangxi province: northeast; Shanghai municipality; Zhejiang province: Jinhua, Quzhou, and Wenzhou.
5 (Developing). Language of recognized nationality: Han.
Taihu, Jinhua (Kinhwa), Taizhou, Oujiang, Wuzhou, Chuqu, Xuanzhou, Shanghai (Shanghainese), Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Youngkang, Quzhou, Suzhou, Shaoxing, Danyang, Chongming, Zhenhai, Tangxi, Wenling. Varieties of Taihu dialect are Piling, Su-Hu-Jia, Tiaoxi, Hangzhou, Lin-Shao, and Yongjiang; Chuqu subdialects are Chuzhou and Longqu; Xuanzhou varieties are Tongjing, Taigao, and Shiling. A member of macrolanguage Chinese [zho].
SVO; tone sandhi, tonal.
All ages. Also use Mandarin Chinese [cmn].


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He is undoubtedly Nigeria's best-documented artist; Bruce Onobrakpeya needs very little introduction in art circles both within and outside of the country. He is indeed a living legend; Bruce Onobrakpeya has devoted his life to his work, and is today regarded in some quarters as the main custodian of Urhobo folklore and culture. He never forgets his roots; he is unapologetically attached to the history, art and culture of the Urhobo people of South-South Nigeria. He tells their rich history and portrays unendingly the colourful cultures of his people in his writings, paintings and of course his major medium of expression – print-making.
|Bruce Onobrakpeya
Bruce Onobrakpeya is a founding member of the Zaria rebels; they were actually a group of young artists who formed the nucleus of the art department or the Zaria (art) School when the current Ahmadu Bello University was known as the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (NCAST). He is of course also a shining light among the first generation of academically trained artists who were responsible for the renaissance in Nigeria's contemporary art.
He was in the vanguard of the early league with contemporaries such as Ben Enwonwu, Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke, Demas Nwoko, etc. In the course of his academic and studio exploits, Onobrakpeya had pitched his tent with, and triumphed through his vision from St. Gregory's College, Lagos, where he headed the fine art department - teaching, raising and mentoring so many disciples including one of his popular protégés – David Dale, also an accomplished print-maker.
After a memorable stint in the school which spanned a period of about thirteen years, he retired fully into his studio – Ovuomaroro Studios located in Mushin, a suburb of Lagos. Since then he has continued working assiduously extending his practice and mentoring a host of adherents through apprenticeship, extensive research, guest lecturing and writing. Through his various workshops and symposia, Bruce Onobrakpeya has influenced generations of young artists, and he is today respected and acknowledged as one of the leading print-makers in the world.
Bruce Onobrakpeya, a Nigerian Urhobo printmaker, painter and sculptor, belongs to the first generation of contemporary artists having graduated from the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology (NCAST) presently known as Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. Onobrakpeya's training was based on what is popularly described as the Western illusionistic tradition of representational art. However, many of his artworks do not reflect his training in Western aesthetics. Instead, they portray stylistic elements and compositions that mirror traditional African figural sculpture and decorative arts especially drawing inferences and inspirations from his native Urhobo cultural background.
|Plastocast relief work by Onobrakpeya
In 1998, Bruce Onobrakpeya pioneered and established an artistic outfit of a unique nature which holds an annual creative feast of visual artists of various backgrounds, training and age brackets in his hometown of Agbarha-Otor. In this annual convergence, artists are challenged with disciplines and tools that are not their familiar terrains with the aim of establishing a cross fertilisation of ideas and techniques as well as the encouragement of modern processes. The popular creative hideaway which is popularly called the Harmattan workshop (studios) is within a location built by the renowned print-maker and it comes with in-built chalets.
The Harmattan Workshop studios effectively took off, and since then it has continued to host myriad of artists both Nigerian and international professionals, to a communion which since then has somewhat become a regular annual event. Thus the Harmattan Workshops in addition to his numerous body of works including worldwide collection of paintings, print-making, illustrations and publications, will forever remain a landmark legacy for the present generation of artists, scholars and historians, as well as those of many generations to come.
And so the Harmattan Workshop and Onobrakpeya's works have continued to draw artists, researchers and curious minds from all parts of Nigeria and abroad. Bruce Onobrakpeya is involved with art works and projects that show concern for the environment thus also excelling himself as an earth campaigner through the ages. Foremost among his works that tilt towards this direction is the well known series of plastocast relief works (a style he developed) called the Sahelian Masquerades. This chapter of his works in print-making which was soon to go on an international travelling exhibition more than two decades ago saw the artist and his works touring Europe, America and Southern Africa. Thus Bruce Onobrakpeya has travelled and exhibited extensively in Nigeria and abroad.
Among art scholars however, Onobrakpeya's plastocast relief works which the master himself refers to as print-making, some arguments had arisen in trying to re-define or classify these works. And as such wouldn't you for instance agree that these works of plastocast reliefs are just another form of low relief sculptures? Also, can Bruce Onobrakpeya be rightly referred to as a painter as well? Sometimes I see the great master as a mixed media artist; you may want to agree or disagree. Kindly leave your opinions and questions in the comment box below.
By Morgan Nwanguma


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A pretty disgusting topic but, I guess we all get Verrucas or warts from time to time.....
In a previous post I mentioned covering them with duct tape, this works to an extent but will not clear you totally. I reverted to a very strong acid as prescribed by my doctor: Salicylic acid.
The regime that I have adopted is :
File the affected area with emery board;
Apply the Salicylic acid as per OME instructions;
Apply a normal plaster/band-aid.
The effect of the plaster is fairly dramatic as it keeps the acid applied to the affected area and softens the verruca or wart at the same time.
If you maintain this regime it may work for you, it has for me. The affects are noticeable after around two weeks. Please ensure you obtain advice from your doctor, my views are just of my personal experience and do not constitute medical advice.
Good luck....


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Why ginger is good for you
Use it for travel sickness, indigestion, catarrh, even as an aphrodisiac.
Cornelis van Dalen explains
'Bite into a fresh ginger root, and you will feel the sun's fire stored in the paper brown wrapper'. The quote is from an unknown source, but the writer got it right. The skin of fresh ginger is remarkably like brown paper, though usually it is peeled very thinly before the root is used.
As for the sun's fire, it is not only a hot spice; it is also a very powerful one. Ginger root � called a rhizome � is said to have originated in Asia but is now cultivated in many hot and tropical climes. It is a medicinal herb, used fresh, powdered in capsules or dried, also used as a spice for culinary purposes. When combined in herbal formulations, it has the ability to support and enhance the action of other herbs.
More Natural Remedy Information:
Fresh ginger combined with cumin and coriander helps to break down high-protein foods such as meat and beans, and lessens the formation of uric acid in the body. With beans, it counters the problems of flatulence. In Indian cooking, no dhal or bean dish is ever contemplated without the addition of ginger. Here we have a great secret of traditional cuisine food that not only sustains life and promotes growth, but also incorporates cooking techniques that aid digestion.
Best ways to take ginger
make ginger tea, cut several slices of fresh ginger,
add to water and brew - the longer the stronger. Ginger tea can offset the
craving of sweet and alcoholic drinks.
Drinking ginger tea after eating Indian food of an indigestible nature once saved me.
I had been eating flat bread, or roti, made with white flour and copious baking powder, something I learned to avoid (it is best made with wheat flour and no baking powder). I felt this heavy lump in the stomach and was feeling most uncomfortable.
Fortunately, my hostess had ginger tea brewing on the stove. Within a few minutes, I felt a warming sensation and thereafter total physical relief.
Ginger for travel sickness
The most convenient form for this purpose is capsules. Take half an hour or so before travelling or have crystallised ginger on hand when motion sickness occurs. This does the trick for some people. Several studies show the positive effect of ginger on travel sickness, though doses vary. One study suggests taking 500mg 1 hour before travel and then 500 mg every two to four hours as necessary.
Half doses can be given to children - if they are willing to try the spicy flavour.
Powerful herbs and strongly medicinal foods should be used cautiously in the normal diet. To use ginger as a medicinal aid, remember that each person will react differently, as they do to any other herb or spice. The amount that suits you is a matter of moderate experimentation and observation. To get best results, you may want to seek advice from a Naturopathic practitioner. A Chinese folk saying warns, Healthy people who regularly use medicines become ill.ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cornelis van Dalen has more than ten years experience in the Naturopathic approach to health and well-being. He is the media liaison for the College of Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine (CNM) and Secretary-General of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (ANP).
For any questions regarding courses in Naturopathy and Complementary Medicine (Homoeopathy, Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nutrition), you are invited to contact the CNM Head Office, at Unit 1, Bulrushes Farm, Coombe Hill Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 4LZ. Telephone 01342 410 505, Fax 01342 410 909
or e-mail :firstname.lastname@example.com.
If in any doubt about any of the information covered in health related articles and its relevance for you, consult your GP
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Available at YourLocal Beadstore
This area of the website is for established TierraCast accounts only. If you would like to become a qualified buyer, please click to fill out our new client application.
Link Oval Ring
Clasp Set Lock & Key
Crimp Bead 2x2
Jumpring 5mm Round
Head Pin 2" 24g


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One of the counties served by a sustainable communities planning grant recently declined to be a partner in the effort, expressing concerns about federal intrusion in local government.
Sumner County commissioners this month voted not to join the grant's consortium leadership team, a victory for opponents of the federal grant who liken it to the United Nation's Agenda 21. They say the grant comes with strings attached and is based on a non-binding U.N. agreement that calls for people to set aside their cars and ride bikes and live in high-rise apartments.
One of the opponents is Sedgwick County Commissioner Richard Ranzau, who hopes other local government groups follow Sumner County's lead.
"I hope it will create a domino effect," Ranzau said. "My intent is to kill this particular plan altogether."
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The $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Urban Development to the Regional Economic Area Partnership (REAP) of South Central Kansas will help a five-county area — Sedgwick, Butler, Reno, Harvey and Sumner — take a regional approach to planning.
Paula Downs, project manager for the sustainable communities regional plan appointed by REAP, said she still hopes Sumner County will become a partner.
"Of course we wanted all of the counties and cities and as many people as possible to be involved in this effort," said Downs, who was hired by the Hugo Wall School at Wichita State University.
Sumner County's unwillingness to sign on as a member of the consortium team doesn't exempt it from the planning process, said Downs, whose salary is paid by the grant. She also said the grant is not in jeopardy of being revoked because of the county's decision.
Grant opposition
When Sumner County declined to sign an agreement to be part of the leadership team, one of its three commissioners said he considered the grant to be "the nose under the tent for federal intrusion into local government," according to minutes of the board's meetings.
Another commissioner, the minutes said, thought the plan was "too broad and vague."
Ranzau voted against Sedgwick County participating in the grant, as did Commissioner Karl Peterjohn. But they were in the minority.
Sedgwick County and Wichita agreed to provide in-kind services, mostly in staff time. The county committed to $120,707 in in-kind contributions over the three-year period of the grant, and the city committed to providing $166,410.
Ranzau recently attended the National Association of Counties' annual meeting in Pittsburgh, in part to try to persuade others against supporting the grant, which he sees as a waste of federal money and a way for the federal government to win more control of local decision-making. Ranzau served on NACO's environment, energy and land use steering committee.
He arrived in Pittsburgh on Thursday, attended meetings on Friday and Saturday before leaving Saturday. The conference continued through Tuesday. The county paid $1,463.50 in travel expenses to send Ranzau to the conference, including the $490 registration fee.
"I didn't think it was a good use of my time," Ranzau said when asked why he didn't stay for the whole conference. "There might have been some things that would have been interesting, but my intent was to help influence some of the policies that NACO advocates for at the federal level."
The group voted against a resolution opposing Agenda 21, Ranzau said.
"I was disappointed by the outcome," he said.
Ranzau last week also missed a commission staff meeting because he wanted to talk to Reno County commissioners to try to influence them to not join the consortium. Reno commissioners were meeting at the same time as Sedgwick commissioners but canceled their meeting.
"I was asked by some people who were going to speak there," he said. "If I thought it would interfere with my work here, I wouldn't go."
Commissioner Dave Unruh, the chairman of REAP, said he too could miss a meeting because he plans to go to Reno County on Aug. 7 to support the grant when commissioners there consider it. He said it's possible Sedgwick County's meeting that day will be canceled because of the primary election. He also said he expects Ranzau to be there to speak against the grant.
Ranzau said the grant is one of his key issues but declined to say it was his top priority as a commissioner.
"I'm concerned about a lot of things," Ranzau said. "This has certainly turned into more than I thought it was.
"It is a big issue for me because I think it could have significant long-term negative impacts on our community. It stands out from all the other grants we've gotten from the federal government because of the concept and the agenda attached to it."
Asked about such criticisms, Downs said, "I can't speak to Agenda 21 because none of my work plan has anything to do with the language in Agenda 21."
'Look to the future'
Unruh said Ranzau's passion about the grant is "an interesting commentary on his priorities. He is definitely driven by his desire to do everything he can to interrupt and eliminate any sustainable planning. It seems interesting that he would go to Pittsburgh for a conference" and not stay for all of it.
Unruh said he doesn't understand the concerns about Agenda 21.
"They think they can connect to the dots to all that," Unruh said of opponents' drawing parallels between the grant and Agenda 21. "It's a difficult conversation. They have stimulated concern among the Farm Bureau that the government is going to come in and confiscate their farmland.
"A lot of folks get emotional, and they are just assuming this is the beginning of world-centralized government that is going to be oppressive."
Unruh said he sees the grant simply as an "effort to make decisions about our future for us and our future generations that will save money, conserve resources and be the best solutions for all the folks in our region."
Commission Chairman Tim Norton also attended the NACO conference. He went as a representative of the Kansas Association of Counties, of which he is president.
The Kansas association paid for Norton, who was there from Friday through Tuesday, to attend. He served on a health steering committee and attended five subcommittee meetings. He also served as a moderator.
Norton said he sees the grant as a way to "look to the future, try to figure out best possible outcomes and make decisions today that will be good for tomorrow."
"We're all in this together. You may not like the federal government. You may not like the state government. You may not even like the local government. But I like being at the table and being involved in the future."
He dismisses any connection to Agenda 21.
"It was a non-binding agreement passed during the first Bush era," he said of former president George H.W. Bush. "I don't rail on President Bush because it happened on his watch. I'm not twitchy about it. I'm not worried about it."


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I guess if you had never met me, you could get away with not wearing any sunscreen. But you and I both know, at least by now you should be, that I am a strong believer in sun protection. I was not very much so before, but ever since I do realise that the Australian sun can be
potentially quite dangerous – I cannot stress enough how crucial sun protection is.
How is everyone's first week of the new year? I still cannot believe it is already the year 2012. Did the world just skip the year 2011? Oh wait, it didn't, it just went by so quickly.
So this summer, Dermalogica teamed up with… well… no other better candidate than sunscreens and offer you the kind of skin kit we all need. I think so, it is also very handy, considering it comes with… oh I'll show you soon. Also for those who like to sunbake or just have no choice but to be out in the sun, this kit caters for all. The products in this kit also contain vitamins, anti-oxidants and hydrating botanical extracts.
I have used this for several weeks now, on and off with my other sunscreens – and I have not felt any burning. Yay! Saved!
What I like about it:
- Comes in a nice pouch – I really like this pouch, the colour, the texture and that it is see through without being too transparent. I can clearly see and find what I am looking for when I'm out, very easily. I have been carrying this everywhere with me as my makeup kit in my handbag. I somehow feel as though, even the pouch has a sun protection tint! (you know, like a car's window's tint) … get it?
- Solar Defense Booster SPF30 – can be applied directly or mixed in with your moisturiser or your foundation. It is lightweight and does not feel greasy. It does not have the strong stinky sunscreen smell many other sunscreens possess. This product IS meant to be added to your favourite moisturiser without compromising your favourite moisturiser, so to say.
- Multivitamin Bodyblock SPF20 – is slightly thicker in texture but still is not greasy or smells anything strong. It is easily absorbed into the skin. Nice product and I have not tanned so easily or burned. It is not oily nor is it drying.
- Solar Shield SPF15 – this is a cute little practical sunscreen stick that I now carry everywhere with me. It looks like a lipbalm but you can use it anywhere around your body, wherever you feel needs the extra shield when you are out. You can use it on your lips, your ears, your nose and I used it on my nape and shoulders the other day because the sun had suddenly decided to go all out with their power. I did not get burned – yay! It contains vitamin C and E to counteract free radical damage. Perfect for lips and ears. This comes out clear.
- After Sun Repair – is a clear gel that you can apply after you have been out in the sun. It is cooling and calming. This can be used on face and body. No strong fragrance. It contains Japanese Alder which accelerates DNA repair.
Now you can purchase the products individually at their website www.dermalogica.com.au or … at the Dermalogica counters for AUD$59.
But guess what!?
Wanna win one?
You can!
How to win?
- You have to be a subscriber – click "Join This Site" on your right
(through Google Friend Connect)
- Tell me your Google Friend Name in the comment below (1 Entry)
Don't forget to let me know your email as well, so I can contact you if you are the lucky winner
- Tweet about the giveaway mentioning @blushfully and @DermalogicaAUS (+2 Bonus Entry)
Example: Win @DermalogicaAUS Daylight Defense Kit by @blushfully (link to blog page)
- Like Blushfully facebook page and Share (+2 Bonus Entry)
AUSTRALIA Only
Sorry for everyone else overseas! I promise I'll do another giveaway that is International…
Giveaway closes - IS NOW CLOSED
Winner will be notified via email to arrange postage details.
Disclaimer: The products mentioned were kindly provided by Dermalogica.


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The Czech Republic offers great attractions and is very affordable.
Prague is a must. An absolutely wonderful town. We enjoyed our 3 days there immensely and wasn't even bothered too much by the other 10 million tourists 🙂
Can't get enough of all the beautiful castles, and loved the great trekking of the Northeastern part of the country. Check the travel description below for a detailed account of the trip.
Packing for the trip
We recently bought a car, and therefore decided that this years trip should make use of that. Eastern Europe seemed to be the logical choice being both a relatively cheap travel destination and one rich on attractions. The exact route ended going through the Czech Republic, Slovakia and one corner of Poland. Our expectations were met in all regards. There is lots and lots to see, and we spent only about US$1500 on our 20 days journey. Including gas, food, accommodation and all. My guess is that we will visit Eastern Europe again!
Packing for the trip was a new experience. We are used to travel with a backpack and the limited space that follows. Having a car and wanting to bring a tent added quite a few items to the list we usually lean against when packing. It also turned out that there was a number of practical things to remember when going by car. Maybe a section on this will be added to the WEB site at some point…
The only thing I will mention now is, that you are required to buy a sticker which allows you to drive on the Czech roads. It can be bought at most gas stations.
Our first stop in the Czech Republic was Terezin. Maybe better known by its German name Theresienstadt. The fortresses of Terezin were built in 1780 by Emperor Joseph II so that the city could defend itself against the Prussians. The fortress must have been very effective, because the city was never attacked.
Instead, part of the fortress, called lesser fortress, was made into a prison in the 19th century. In 1940 Gestapo established a prison in lesser fortress. By the end of 1941 the entire city was a transit camp – or ghetto – for Jews being sent to concentration camps in Poland.
The nazis tried – with great success – to make the rest of the world think that Terezin was a peaceful oasis for Jews, a place where they could decide for themselves and do what they wanted. Even the Red Cross organization was fooled.
The truth was, that almost 150.000 people passed through Terezin on the way to extermination camps. About 35.000 died in Terezin from torture, suicide or disease. The fortress was originally built to house about 5.000 people, but during WWII up to 60.000 people were detained in the camp.
Lesser fortress was used as an actual prison with both tiny cells and larger rooms in which far too many people were gathered. The conditions were horrible. As in many of the nazi camps, the prisoners in lesser fortress had to walk through a gate with a sign saying "Arbeit macht frei" (work makes you free) – a cynical nazi motto.
Saw the Ghetto Museum. In one of the rooms in the museum, many of the names of the people who passed through Terezin are listed on the wall. There were also a film about Terezin. It told about all the transports of people to the extermination camps. A 1000 people would leave by train, and only a few of them would survive the war.
The destination for many of the transports were Auschwitz. An extermination camp is a terrible place – but everybody should see one. To see what horrific events took place there, and help make sure that nothing like that ever happens again.
Next stop was Prague – an absolutely wonderful city! A must see. There are extremely many people in Prague, but in spite of that, it is a great city. We had read that it was difficult to find a room in the high season, but we had no problems and checked into a hostel right next to Old Town Square. Great. If you want to try something difficult in Prague, then try to find an ugly building or street. That's difficult!
Had a sandwich at a restaurant on Old Town Square and then went out to see some of the city.
Followed the stream of people down to the Vltava river and the famous Charles bridge (Karluv most). It is a special bridge, and we could understand why it is so famous. There is a great atmosphere on the bridge with music, artists and small stalls all along the sides of the bridge. The view is fantastic with the Prague Castle lying on a hilltop. In both ends of the bridge there is a large watch tower. For a small amount you are allowed to go up in these towers and get a good view of the bridge.
The Charles bridge have existed in different versions. The first couple were made of wood, but they turned out to be too weak. They were toppled by floodings. The work on the bridge in its present form began in 1357 under Charles IV. The king was interested in astrology and the foundation stone was therefore laid at a very special time – the 9th of July 5:31. Year, date and time can be written 1357 9 7 5 31. In astrology terms this is a "lucky number" because it is the same forwards and backwards.
To make absolutely sure that the bridge would hold, they mixed the mortar with milk, eggs and wine. Whether that actually made the bridge stronger will be left in the open, but it still stands…
At the Malá Strana end of the bridge lies an area called Prague's Venice. Beautiful houses next to small canals.
Next stop was Prague Castle. It is possible to buy different kinds of tickets depending on how much of the castle you want to see. All of it is worth a look though so get the large package.
Going through 2 courtyards brings you to the impressive St. Veits Cathedral, founded in 1344 by Charles IV. It took nearly 600 years to finish it. The church hold the Czech crown jewels, but unfortunately they are seldom on display. It is possible to climb an 80m high tower. The 2-way staircase leading to the top can be a bit claustrophobic, but the magnificent views of the city of Prague from the top makes up for that.
Saw the Old Royal Palace dating back from 1135. There was a beautiful hall inside which was used for banquets, councils and coronations – and even jousting in bad weather.
We also saw the Convent of St. George, Bohemia's first convent established in 973 by Boleslaw II. Continued down the Golden Lane, a tiny street filled with tiny houses. It was built in the 16th century for the sharpshooters of the castle. In more recent times the houses have been used by artists. Kafka lived in no. 22 from 1916-1917. Today the houses are small souvenir shops.
Now it was time for a break. We walked back to Old Town Square, passed the beautiful Týn Cathedral and took a time-out at our hostel.
In the evening we went for a walk in the streets of Prague. Got a glimpse of the National Museum before we found a place to eat.
First stop this day was Josefov – the old Jewish quarter. It still stands as a memory of the Jewish culture of Prague, which was practically eradicated by the nazis during WWII. As was the case for Prague Castle, you by a ticket package for the sights you would like to see.
The most famous sight in this part of Prague is probably the Old Jewish Cemetery. The cemetery was in use up to 1787. According to Jewish beliefs, a grave cannot be discontinued. People therefore lies in many layers on this cemetery. There are an estimated 12.000 grave stones on the cemetery, but as many as 100.000 graves in the ground.
It is tradition to place small stones on top of the grave stones. Sometimes with a little note below the stone.
Saw a small museum and then a couple of synagogues. The Spanish Synagogue is built in Moorish style, making it somewhat more interesting than the Maisel Synagogue.
Prague has an excellent metro system. From Josefov the nearest metro is the Staromtska station. From there we took the metro to the Mezeum station which lies right next to the National Museum.
As can be seen from the pictures to the left, the metro is both modern and clean. Trains run every few minutes from 5am until 12 midnight and carries an incredible 450 million passengers a year! There are different kinds of tickets, but a safe bet is the red ticket (12 Kč) on which you can go anywhere within an hour.
We are not really museum people, so having read that the best feature of National Museum is the building itself, we skipped the museum. The building is beautiful though! The museum building is from 1890 and totally dominates the large square in front. It looks like a palace, and it is said that the Russians fired shells at the building during the invasion in 1968. They thought it was the home of government.
At the foot of the museum steps there is a small memorial in memory of Jan Palach, a student who set himself on fire in protest against the Russian invasion. The memorial is placed where he fell and died.
Walked out to the Vltava river and then up towards the National Theatre. Passed the New Town Hall on the way. It looks exactly like the Old Town Hall.
The National Theatre holds a special place in the heart of most Czech's. The money for the building was collected in a national subscription. The building was finished in 1868 but burned to the ground a few months later. The Czech's immediately started building again, and the Theatre in its present form was finished in 1881.
Crossed a small bridge to go to the Slovansk ostroy island. It is possible to rent a boat from this island, but we just enjoyed the great view.
The bridge in the middle picture below is Legil most. We crossed this bridge and walked through the Mala Strana quarter. Lots of narrow streets. Even though there are tons of people in Prague, it is easy to avoid them. Just stroll 50m to either side of the main streets and you will have Prague for yourself 🙂
Walked up to the Church of St. Nicholas, one of Europe's finest baroque buildings. The church was finished in 1755 and now features the largest fresco in Europe. It covers the ceiling of the church and depicts the life of St. Nicholas. The fresco is made by Johann Kracker.
It is possible to get up a level in one side and get some great views of the church.
We now made our way up to Prague Castle once again. This time to see the gardens next to the castle. The gardens are pleasant, but the best part is the view. The river with all the bridges and all the beautiful buildings makes sure that you never get tired of the view.
Walked back towards Stare Mĕsto. Passed lots of trams, and on the Charles bridge there was an organ grinder. Again we enjoyed the small narrow streets – even the street signs in Prague are picturesque. Why make them stiff and boring when they can look like this.
Back on Old Town Square we found a pleasant restaurant where we had a beer and watched the astronomical clock on Old Town Hall do its magic. The clock is made by Hanus Ruaze. It is said that the city council had him blinded after he finished the clock, so that he wouldn't be able to build an even greater clock in another city. The working conditions were tough in those times! Or maybe it's just a story 🙂
The restaurants on Old Town Square are more expensive than elsewhere in Prague, but the view is worth paying a little extra for.
Later in the evening we took a romantic stroll down to the Vltava to enjoy the view of Prague Castle by night. When it gets dark the lights are turned on and both the castle and the Charles bridge are lit up. There are benches all along the river where it is possible to sit.
That was it. Another full day in Prague had come to an end.
Day three – it was time to see the rest of Prague. Just kidding. It would be impossible to see all of what Prague has to offer let alone in 3 days. But we gave it our best and started out seeing some of the sights on Old Town Square. The beautiful Tan Cathedral where the famous danish astronomist Tycho Brahe is buried. There is also a St. Nicholas church on the Old Town Square, but it was nothing like the one in Malâ¡ Strana.
For the third day in a row we decided to visit Prague Castle. Crossed the Charles bridge, which was surprisingly empty, and entered the castle grounds by way of the old castle steps. Our goal was actually the Strahov Monastery, but we got curious when we discovered that the area in front of the castle was closed to visitors. It turned out that the Austrian president was visiting.
We decided to wait a while, and after half an hour an orchestra marked the prelude to the arrival of the president. Then a large motor caravan came and the president entered the castle.
We continued towards the convent. Things are easy to find in Prague because of extensive signposting. There are even markings in the sidewalks marking walking trails.
Passed the ČernÃn Palace and visited the Loreta. A baroque place of pilgrimage founded in 1626. The Loreta holds an impressive treasury in which the most valuable item is a 90cm high monstrance called the Prague Sun. It is made of silver and gold and more than 6200 diamonds!
Next stop – and the real goal of the day – was the Strahov Monastery. This monastery has a fantastic library. The book collection is very interesting, containing books by among many others Tycho Brahe, but the library's halls are what we found most impressive. You can almost see Indiana Jones searching for leads to the lost ark within the books in the Philosophy Hall (the hall with the red carpet). The Theology Hall is also beautiful although less spectacular.
An incredible 3 days in one of Europe's most beautiful cities had come to an end. We took the metro back to the bus station and then the bus back to our camp ground.
Plzen – the famous beer capital of the Czech Republic – is only a 2 hour drive from Doksany where we were staying. Parked the car in a multi-storey car park. Found a nice pension and went out to see the city. Like Prague, Plzen is a beautiful city with lots of interesting buildings and narrow pleasant streets.
The main square is called Namesti Republiky. The Bartholomew Cathedral looks impressively large lying there in the middle with nothing around it.
First stop was Plzen's underground. In the period 1400 – 1900 the citizens of Plzen digged a lot of wells and cellars in connection with their houses. They were used for various things like producing beer, keeping food etc. Extensive excavations has laid open a lot of these wells through almost 11km of tunnels below the city. 500m are open to the public and can be seen on a 40min guided tour..
On the tour you see examples of the things that have been excavated. Pottery, glass material, weapons etc. Very interesting actually.
It's only 10° Celsius in the tunnels so bring some extra clothes.
Last stop was the tower of the Bartholomew Cathedral. 300 steps brought us about 60m up in the 100m high tower. The view of the city was excellent. The building in the picture to the left is Old Town Hall.
Now there was only one thing left to do. Buy a couple of Plzen's famous Urquell Pilsners and relax!
Caught a final glimpse of the cathedral and then headed north west towards one of the most well known castles in Europe – Karlstein Castle.
It's a short uphill walk from the parking lot to the castle. The first glimpse of the castle is pretty amazing. It looks like something out of a fairytale. A real castle. The castle was founded in 1348 by Charles IV with the purpose to function as a treasury for the Czech crown jewels.
It is only possible to see the inside of the castle on guided tours. In one of the rooms 4 violin players supplied the exact right atmosphere – it felt like being back in the 14th century.
The tour was interesting, but the best part of the visit is definitely seeing the castle from the outside. The road leading to the castle is filled with souvenir shops and small restaurants.
The high tower where the crown jewels were kept is closed for restoration. Apparently the many visitors have caused the humidity to be all wrong for the paintings in the tower. Some guidebooks doubt the tower will ever be opened to the public again.
As mentioned earlier, the crown jewels are now kept in the St. Veits Cathedral in Prague Castle.
Our original plans called for a trip south to the Äsumava National Park, but we changed our minds and drove north west instead, to Jičän, a good base for visiting the rock formations of the north western part of the Czech Republic.
Found a nice place to stay on the outskirts of Jičän and went sightseeing. About 20km from JičÃn lies the castle Kost. It was built in the last part of the 14th century and is one of the best preserved castles in Bohemia.
Later in the day we took a stroll into the city of JičÃn. The square in the centre of the city is absolutely beautiful. Right down to the lamp posts!
Having met lots and lots of foreign tourists in the Prague and Plzen area, we saw almost no foreigners here. There are still lots of people though because the Czechs enjoy traveling in their own country.
Cesky Raj
Cesky Raj (meaning "the Czech paradise") is a wonderful area with castles, ruins and rock formations. Perfect for trekking. We started in Prachovskä skä¡ly where some of the most impressive rock formations are. Parked the car in the small town of Prachov and went for a walk in the area. There are different coloured routes, of which the green route passes most of the largest formations and best view points.
The highest rocks are 20-30m tall, so you feel quite small when standing at their foot. There were a lot of mountain climbers trying to scale the vertical sides of the rocks. Some succeeded and had a well deserved lunch at the top.
The round trip on green route is only about 3km. It was easy to see why this place is very popular among the Czechs. It's a spectacular place.
Look hard at the two pictures to the left and a couple of mountain climbers will appear. It looked pretty hazardous, but I guess they know what they're doing.
Prachovskä skalä is not the only place to see rock formations in Cesky Raj. We drove north towards Turnov and turned left just before the town. Here, hidden in the hills, lies the Valdstein Castle. It's not nearly as spectacular as some of the other castles mentioned here, but the view from the place was good. The most interesting part was a couple of recreated rooms where it was possible to see how the people of that time lived.
From the castle it is possible to make a roundtrip to another castle, Hruba Skála, by taking red trail one wayand yellow back. There are lots of impressive rock formations along that route. It's about 7-8km and a beautiful trip.
The formations here were even taller than the ones we had seen earlier in the day.
The Hruba Skála lies beautifully with rock formations in the foreground and the ruins of Trotsky Castle in the background. The two towers of the latter castle lies on a hill top and can be seen from many view points in the area. The Hruba Skála Castle is a hotel today, so if anyone wants to be king for a day, this is a good opportunity.
The weather was great, so the rest of the afternoon was spent on the terrace with a couple of cold beers and a game of backgammon.
Yet another day in the sign of rock formations. A 2 hour drive took us passed Trutnov and to the town of Adrspach, not too far from Polish border. This is where the Adrspach – Teplice rock formations can be found. The formations here were the largest and most dramatic we had seen, but so was the crowds! Lots of school children and tour busses. Fortunately 98% of the tourist as usual kept within 500m of the giftshop, and on the yellow trail to Teplice (about 5km) we therefore hardly met anyone.
There aren't a lot of rock formations on that trail, but pleasant marsh and wooded areas. Ladders and bridges made it possible to avoid climbing and wet shoes.
From Teplice we took the red trail back. Another 5km later we were back in Adrspach. Great trip.
Bouzov Castle
That was about it for the Czech part of this vacation. We now headed east towards Slovakia. There was time for one last castle though :-). The Bouzov Castle is another fairytale castle, lying beautifully on a hilltop. If was founded in the 15th century but heavily renovated in the period 1895-1910.
The castle was occupied and ravaged by the nazis during WWII
Now it was time to continue the trip in Slovakia. There is still lots to see in the Czech Republic though and we will hopefully be back for more at some point.


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Why Makari de Suisse Products are the Best in the Market
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Makari products are known for many reasons. First of all, they are made in Switzerland. Switzerland is a country which is recognised for manufacturing some of the world's best skincare products. On top of that, the ingredients which are used to make Makari products are those which are found locally and which have beneficial results for the skin. Castor oil, for example, is important for moisturising the skin and making it protected from the elements such as weather conditions and dust.
The other benefit of Makari de Suisse face care products is that they contain caviar. Caviar, as research has recently shown, has the effect of mimicking the human skin. It therefore, when applied on the skin, stimulates the growth of new skin. This results in fresh looking skin which is both youthful and healthy. You need not worry about wrinkles and old skin when using Makari de Suisse products.
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9 Lessons I Have Learned in My First Year of Entrepreneurship
For the last couple of years, at the end of every year, I would make a list with what I did, not to brag, but to remind myself that in 12 months amazing things can happen. Last year I embarked on an entrepreneurship journey, one that I was looking for since a very long time, and it finally happened. That's why, I decided to share a couple of lessons that I have learned in 2016. Its that hard to have an international team with people living in 3 / 4 different countries. It's not impossible, as the Basecamp founders would say Most people will tell you that working with a team you can't ph...View More


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Virginia Child Care PlanThe Virginia Child Care Plan provides detailed information about how Virginia currently meets or intends to meet federal requirements in eight areas:
- CCDF Leadership & Coordination with Relevant Systems
- Family Engagement through Outreach & Consumer Education
- Stable Child Care Financial Assistance to Families
- Equal Access to High Quality Child Care for Low-Income Children
- Standards & Monitoring Processes to Ensure the Health & Safety of Care Settings
- Qualified & Effective Child Care Workforce
- Continuous Quality Improvement
- Grantee Accountability
Click the following links to access Virginia's approved Child Care Plan and the federal approval letter.
Read More
Types of Child Care in Virginia
A child day care program in Virginia refers to a regularly operating service arrangement for children where, during the absence of a parent or guardian, a person or organization has agreed to assume responsibility for the supervision, protection and well-being of a child under the age of 13 for less than a 24-hour period.
There are two types of child day programs in Virginia: child day centers (center-based) and family day homes (family-based).
Categories of care include:
- Licensed
- Unlicensed (but regulated)
- Approved
- Unlicensed and unregistered
Although, choosing a licensed provider is strongly encouraged, not all programs require licensure. If you are unsure about the type of care you are receiving, ask your provider if they are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Licensed programs are required to display their license certificate. Look for this license certificate to be visibly displayed near the entrance.
Educating yourself on available care options, and knowing what to look for when selecting a program, are essential to your child's well-being.
Read More
File a Complaint
If you believe a facility or individual providing care has violated applicable child care regulations or you suspect abuse or neglect of children in care, you may report those concerns to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
If you suspect that a facility or individual is providing care illegally (the person should have a license but doesn't), you may report those concerns as well. The Department of Social Services has the responsibility to investigate these complaints.
The purpose of reporting a complaint is not just to protect a specific child, but rather to protect all the children in care at that facility. You do not have to know which specific standards have been violated; you can provide a description of the situation and the licensing inspector will determine which, if any, standards or laws have been violated.Child Care Standards
Licensed Child Day Centers
Licensed Family Day Homes
Religious Exempt Child Day Centers
Family Day Care Systems
Voluntary Registration of Family Day Homes
Complaints may be anonymously submitted in written format or orally.
If you are willing to provide your name and contact information, the licensing inspector will be able to contact you for additional information, if necessary, and to provide information about the results of the complaint investigation after it is complete.
Before filing a complaint, reference the questions listed below and be prepared to provide as much specific information as possible, especially if you are filing anonymously, as the inspector will not be able to ask you any follow-up questions.
- What happened?
- Who was involved? Who may have witnessed what happened?
- When did it happen? Did it happen more than once? How long did it take?
- Where did it happen?
- Why did it happen?
How to file a complaint
There are multiple ways you can file a complaint. You can call, submit an online complaint or mail a complaint.
- Call Licensing's statewide toll-free number: 1-800-543-7545 (or, in the Richmond area only, 804-692-2394);
- Contact the appropriate regional licensing office directly by phone, fax, or letter;
- Submit a written complaint via the online complaint form;
- Contact by phone the licensing inspector assigned to the facility or home. The inspector's name and phone number is listed for each child care program on the Search for Child Day Care website; or
- For complaints regarding possible child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline toll free number: 1-800-552-7096 (or, in the Richmond area, 804-786-8536)
Read More
Deaths, Injuries and Abuse in Child Care Settings
The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 directs states to make information available concerning the number of deaths, serious injuries and instances of substantiated child abuse that occur in child care settings each year.
The Virginia Department of Social Services publishes annually a report summarizing child protective services complaints in out-of-family settings which include child care settings. The report shows by locality the number of complaints accepted, the number of founded complaints and the number of unfounded complaints. Click here to access the most recent report.
Beginning October 2016, child care providers participating in the Virginia Child Care Subsidy Program will report to VDSS the number of child deaths and serious injuries that occur in their settings. Prior to October 1, 2016, this information was not routinely reported to VDSS. The most up-to-date information can be found on the Death and Serious Injury Excel Spreadsheet.
Statewide Child Care Disaster Plan
The Statewide Child Care Disaster Plan provides guidance and procedures for ensuring compliance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 to ensure a coordinated effort for the continuation of child care programs authorized under the Act during and after a disaster or emergency event.
Click this link to access the Statewide Child Care Disaster Plan
Final Child Care Underserved Areas Workgroup Report
In 2014, the President signed the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, reauthorizing the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) that provides states with resources to 1) help low-income parents afford child care while they work or pursue education and training and 2) to enhance the quality of child care for all children. The reauthorization sets forth many new requirements, including the expectation that states have in place strategies to meet the needs of specific target populations: children in underserved areas; infants and toddlers; children with disabilities; and children in need of care during nontraditional hours.
While Virginia has numerous strategies in place, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) wanted an up-to-date assessment of the current state of child care needs among localities and target populations. To do so, the VDSS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Development convened a workgroup of stakeholders from across the state to:
- Evaluate and, to the extent possible, quantify the child care needs of these specific populations in Virginia.
- Identify potential strategies to increase the supply and quality of child care for these populations.
- Share ideas and form collaborations to implement selected strategies.
Click this link to access the Final CC Underserved Areas Workgroup Report
Virginia's Child Care Subsidy Program – Market Rate Survey Report
Virginia conducts a market rate survey before submitting its Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) plan to the federal Department of Health and Human Services for approval. The survey helps the state assess and establish its reimbursement rates for child care providers participating in the Child Care Subsidy Program. Click this link to access the 2018 Market Rate Survey which was completed prior to the implementation of the 2019-2021 Child Care Plan.


text: After watching the front of the former Stars/Trader Vic's become a homeless hangout, I'm happy to hear a new restaurant is going to open in the space: ~MAESTRO~. The Inside Scoop announced the operators are behind La Bohème (WARNING: website with tango music) in Burlingame. They are planning to open in December after a quick remodel, and will serve lunch and dinner, with a pâtisserie and café featuring French pastries and more. 555 Golden Gate Ave. at Van Ness.


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The Secret (English, Hardcover, Byrne Rhonda)
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is a self-help book, in which the central tenet is that the law of attraction coupled with positive thinking can bring about life-changing results that will lead to a fulfilling life.
Summary Of The Book
The Secret begins with Byrne introducing the concept of the law of attraction. Byrne maintains that the universe emits a certain frequency which people can attract towards themselves. She stresses that positive thinking is a powerful entity which draws in energy in the same frequency range. In other words, by always engaging in positive thinking, Byrne claims that people will attract back positivity. The term 'positive' could apply to a positive event, people, thoughts, or material items. Byrne feels that if a person thinks like a winner, he will be a winner, if he thinks like a rich person, then he will become rich. The author states that positive thinking will always attract back positivity from the universe.
The Secret introduces a three-step creative process to help people turn their dreams into reality. The process involves Asking, Believing, and Receiving, which is also a concept mentioned in the Holy Bible. Along with the creative process, The Secret stresses the importance of feeling gratitude and visualizing in order to help one's desires manifest. Byrne recommends to readers that they list everything that they feel grateful for, and along the way, this will only attract more positivity and lift the reader to a higher frequency. By using visualization, the mind becomes more focused on clearly communicating with the universe.
The chapters included in the book demonstrate to readers how the law of attraction can be used and what can be done to receive those desired results in areas such as wealth and relationships. The Secret was featured twice on The Oprah Winfrey Show. It also remained on the New York Times Bestseller list for 146 weeks. On January 15, 2009, an article was published in Forbes stating that the book and film had generated 300 million dollars in revenue. Following the release of the book, it was turned into a documentary film and DVD.
About Rhonda Byrne
Rhonda Byrne is an author, television writer, and producer. Byrne has authored numerous self help and inspirational books. Some of them are The Power, The Magic, The Secret Gratitude Book, and The Secret Daily Teachings. At present, she is working on two Australian television shows called Marry Me and World's Greatest Commercials. In 2007, Time magazine recognized her as one of the 100 people to have shaped the world. Forbes placed Byrne on their "The Celebrity 100" list. Byrne currently resides outside Los Angeles, California.
|Publication Year
Not recommended at all
Certified Buyer, New Delhi
9 Feb, 2018
Changed me Forever
Tavleen Singh
Certified Buyer
6 Nov, 2012
Share this Secret!!
Karthikeyan Balasubramanian
Certified Buyer, Chennai
25 Aug, 2014
Simply awesome
Vijay Kumar
Certified Buyer, Bhainsa
27 Jun, 2018
The Years Old Secret revealed
Santosh Nair
Certified Buyer
18 Aug, 2012
feel good yes
24 Dec, 2011
Its Secret...!
Rithik Loomba
Certified Buyer
4 Jul, 2014
Great Book...to change your thinking process
Sunil Y
31 Dec, 2012
Terrible product
Priyanka Arora
Certified Buyer, New Delhi
19 Apr, 2018
Tejas Rane
10 Jul, 2012


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This single Italian modular charm features a Fantasy link in the Ceramica style by Bruno Zanetti, with orange, purple, light blue and yellow abstract "rainbow" designs, on a stainless steel base. Made in Italy, this charm is in the medium size. This hip charm is used as a decorative accent on your bracelets. Each Fantasy link is unique, therefore, please note that the Fantasy link you receive will vary slightly from this photo. Please note: We show two links as examples of the variation between this style of Fantasy Links. You are purchasing only ONE Fantasy link.
Price: $3.00


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When you think about businesses failing, your mind is often filled with images of huge disasters or serious mistakes that cause everything to fall apart at once.
Now, there's no denying that this is definitely something that happens, even big companies are capable of making some pretty deadly missteps, but that's not really the reason that many businesses, even some with huge amounts of potential, tend to fail.
The reality is both much less interesting and much harder to spot. The reason that businesses fail is usually that there is some small problem with them that slowly grows into something more significant.
Only by the time that it's causing serious issues do many business owners take note of this problem and actually start doing something about it.
The best thing to do is to try to pay close enough attention to your business as a whole in order to avoid falling into this trap.
In order to help you do just that, here are some common things that can grow into the kinds of problems that could potentially doom a business.
Poor Infrastructure
No business can function without decent infrastructure. It might not be the most interesting or glamourous side of your business, but without it, things are likely to fall apart pretty quickly.
Keeping things up and running is a challenge that even the most experienced business owner often struggles with.
This is why it's a good idea to put your infrastructure in the hands of dedicated professionals. Outsourcing things like your data centre infrastructure solutions means that you're going to be sure that they are getting all of the attention that they need while you focus your energy elsewhere.
It's all too easy to start taking things like data storage, your internet connection, and even your phone lines for granted, but without proper care and attention you could end up with some serious technical problems.
A Lack of Purpose
There's a fantastic sense of momentum in the early days of your business.
The strength of your idea combined with the motivation you're feeling to turn your business into a success is often enough to propel you forward and get you through that incredibly challenging first year.
However, once that starts to wear off, it can be surprisingly easy for a business to start meandering around with no real sense of direction. This is the moment to start looking at your business plan and reminding yourself of the goals that you set out at the very beginning.
What is your business trying to achieve? Once you can zero in on the answer to that question, you're going to able to focus your efforts more effectively to help you achieve it.
Your Leadership
It's sad to say, but the problem might be you. If you're not able to provide your staff with the kind of leadership that's going to encourage them to really give their full effort all the time, then things are going to fall apart pretty quickly.
The most common reason that this happens is that business owners are trying to keep themselves above their employees to give a sense of authority.
If you really want to connect with and inspire your staff then communicate with them directly. Give them a reason to care about what they're doing beyond the promise of a decent paycheck.
If you can help your employees understand why they should give one-hundred percent every single day, then your business is going to be in a much stronger position.


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The Aitkin County Assessor's Office values and classifies all types of real estate in the County. The market values and classifications of taxable property are primary factors in the calculation of property taxes. The Office operates under Minnesota State Statutes, Minnesota Department of Revenue directives and County Board directives.
Appraisers from the County Assessor's Office will be reassessing the following areas for the 2018 assessment: Beaver Twp, Glen Twp, Idun Twp, Lee Twp, Libby Twp, McGregor Twp, Nordland Twp, Pliny Twp, Salo Twp, Spencer Twp, Williams Twp, Workman Twp, Unorganized Townships 47-24, 50-26, 50-27, and 52-27.
A reassessment is when a physical property inspection is done in a certain area. This inspection is intended to verify and correct the county assessment records. State law requires a reassessment of all taxable property at least once every 5 years. If you own property in one of the areas listed above, be advised that an Appraiser from this office will be inspecting your property sometime between May 2017 and February 2018.
Please call (218) 927-7327 with any questions.
The Aitkin County website currently has a feature called LINK that enables a user to access a variety of parcel information free of charge. To reach this page, click on the link above. To access more detailed building information, including dimensions and sales report generating capability, a subscription to LINK is required. Please call (218) 927-7327 for more information.
To Treat All People Fairly and with Respect and to Value and Classify Property under State Law with Competency and Diligence.
Frequently Visited Links:


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Everybody sing along…
It's a happy day… Oh happy days. It's a happy day…Oh happy days. When sequestration rules it drives the tears away… Oh happy days!
Those are the words President Obama used to describe what would result from sequestration.
Please, don't make me laugh. The sequester will not only not ruin America, it will in fact start the process of fixing what Congress can't – no, make that won't – fix.
What's the upside?
Our magnificent Founding Fathers were all together in the creation of the United States, but it didn't mean they all loved each other or that they all had the same views about government. They sure didn't. But, those differences were acknowledged and incorporated into the Constitution and sanctified – for the people – in the Bill of Rights.
That's divided government folks. This ain't socialism, though sometimes it feels like it.
And it's that nagging feeling that a slimy, slithering strain of socialism is snaking its way into mainstream politics that keeps me up at night, in case we, the people, are overrun by "them" – the usurpers of republican democracy.
Thank goodness that divided government gave us sequestration.
So, Congress can't get along. That's nothing new. The question is who gets to pander to their constituents. That's nothing new. We have sequestration. So, what? That's nothing new.
We need to cut crap out of the budget – A lot of crap. I'm sorry if that word bothers you… but I'm not allowed to use stronger language. Don't hate me because I'm fed up. You should be, too. Maybe you don't use strong language. Maybe you don't use colloquialisms (you're better then me, I grant you that, for sure) but I'm willing to bet that you're just as mad as I am.
The Republicans want to protect the rich and their tax loopholes – including carried interest. I get that, and I vehemently disagree (and believe me, folks, I enjoy carried interest). The Democrats want us all to share the cost of running a social welfare state to pander to their voting constituents. I get that, and I vehemently disagree.
So, they can't agree on tax increases (oh, wait, wait don't tell me… they did agree on $600 billion in tax increases in January, remember?) and they definitely can't agree on spending cuts. Why are spending cuts so hard? Because, silly, spending is the bread and butter that Congress feeds to their voting constituents – and campaign-backing cronies. Duh!
Sorry, I got carried away. Forget all that stuff. I just had to get it off my chest.
This is really about sequestration and how good it will be for the country.
We need to cut wasteful spending, period. What better way to do it that to take spending cuts out of the hands of Congress and put the task squarely in the hands of the departments and programs that are wasting the money in the first place? They should be tasked with making cuts and laying off unproductive people who do unproductive things. This is great!
The Budget Control Act, passed in August 2011, basically said, "Hey, if this Super Committee we put together can't cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next ten years (they were shooting for $1.5 trillion, go figure) then, by this law, sequestration will go into place to the tune of $1.2 trillion between January 2013 and October 2121."
Pretty simple, but no one figured we'd get here. Me, personally? I was praying we would.
Here's a brilliant, simple play-by-play I found from Brustein & Manasevit, PLLC, Attorneys at Law:
How Does Sequestration Work?
1. Calculate the total adjusted amount of deficit reduction needed. Though the ultimate amount of the reduction will be $1.2 trillion, this includes both cuts in spending and savings on interest on the national debt as treasury expenditures will be lower. This interest savings is estimated at 18% of the total, leaving us with a deficit reduction target of $984 billion.
2. Divide the remainder by year. The $984 billion is divided evenly among the years over which the cut is to take place (2013 – 2021). This leaves about $109 billion per year.
3. Take this number and divide evenly between defense (Function 050) and non-defense (Function 500) spending – about $54.5 billion each.
4. Remove exempt programs (see below) from the calculation.
a. Mandatory spending (entitlements and similar benefits) is exempt or limited to specific cuts (e.g. cuts to Medicare are limited to 2%).
b. There are specific cuts to non-defense discretionary spending for implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and more.
5. In fiscal year 2013, apply the remaining dollar number in equal percentage cuts across the board.
6. In other years, lower the discretionary spending caps (known as 302(b) caps, these are the total amount that each account is allowed, and the total number each appropriations subcommittee is given to work with) by the sequester amount. The lowering of the caps allows the cuts to be distributed by appropriators on a program‐by‐program basis, rather than across the board.
7. If in any future year the caps are broken (if spending bills are passed that go above that limit), automatic, across the board cuts are once again triggered.
It's just that simple.
So what if we have to cut $85 billion in a year? Does anybody think we can't find waste when we take a knife and cut $42.667 billion from the defense budget? Or cut $31.32 billion from non-defense programs? Or cut $11.347 billion of Medicare payments to doctors and hospitals?
The country's wildlife fire management program is $2.501 billion. It's going to get cut by $125 million, that's less than 8%. Come on! What if there are no serious wildfires – we can't save that money? And if there is a serious fire, is the government going to let it burn? Seriously.
The Air Force's aircraft procurement budget is $22.803 billion. It is going to get cut by $1.799 billion, or 8%. Come on! What's the big deal if they don't get to buy a few extra planes from defense contractors (that soak us taxpayers through and through anyway)? Seriously.
The Energy Department's nuclear non-proliferation budget is $2.442 billion. It's going to get cut by $191 million. Come on! What are we paying 2.5 billion for in the first place? To talk about reducing our arsenal? Seriously.
No, it's a happy day. Look at the markets, they're singing my song. Come along and join me. Everybody now… It's a happy day… Oh happy days. It's a happy day…Oh happy days. When sequestration rules it drives the tears away… Oh happy days!
Related Articles and News:
- Money Morning:
Deal Making is About to Get White Hot
- Money Morning:
The Great Rotation Makes Stocks a Generational Buy
- Money Morning:
What Does the Sequestration Mean for Investors?
- Money Morning:
The Sequestration Follies: How Washington Outsmarted Itself
Join the conversation. Click here to jump to comments…
About the Author
Shah Gilani is the Event Trading Specialist for Money Map Press. In Zenith Trading Circle Shah reveals the worst companies in the markets - right from his coveted Bankruptcy Almanac - and how readers can trade them over and over again for huge gains.Shah is also the proud founding editor of The Money Zone, where after eight years of development and 11 years of backtesting he has found the edge over stocks, giving his members the opportunity to rake in potential double, triple, or even quadruple-digit profits weekly with just a few quick steps. He also writes our most talked-about publication, Wall Street Insights & Indictments, where he reveals how Wall Street's high-stakes game is really played.


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The Universe is a series of Energy Stations that serve to transmit and receive Emanations of Love through the Universe's Energy Grid of Stars. This functions to expand and bring constant growth throughout the Universe in an infinitely expanding process. Similarly our Solar System functions in the same manner but rather than the Stars transmitting and receiving Emanations of Love, the process is accomplished through our Sun, Moon, and planets. Our Sun is also the transmitter and receiver of Emanations of Love within the Universe's Energy Grid of Stars. The human body is likewise a replication of the Universe in that it is designed to transmit and receive Emanations of Love through the Heart Chakra, much like our Sun's role with the Universe, for Creation is a process of expanding and growing with Love throughout the Universe!
Until February 2, 2013 our Solar System was not enjoined with the Universe. Instead it was in dimensional evolution to bring Man of Destiny Souls into preparation for working with the Universe's vast Energy Grid of Stars, where everything is Created with Love. And as the month of July 2013 begins so will the Test of Love begin to see how much Man of Destiny Souls have prepared in their transition to work with the Universe! From July 2, 2013 through August 3, 2013 the Test of Love will endure to allow only the essence and qualities of Love to manifest within Mother Earth and its place in the Universe!
For those like you, dear Ones, the Test of Love will not hinder, obstruct, or even delay your movement with the Universe as you Create with the Harmony and Rhythm of the Universe once more! Choices during the first week of July 2013 will function to bring you closer and closer yet to realizing that you are a Co-Creator in Unity with God! And when the Energy of July 16, 2013 through August 10, 2013 rolls around, you will find yourself more than ready to Create with the momentum of the Universe! This Time period, as you will see, will also serve as the separation of Souls into three categories: 1) those who will lead and role model Creating with Love, 2) those here to learn and understand how to Create with Love, and 3) those learning to release fear in order to begin to understand the inherent quality that Love provides in the Universe!
The last category will have the most to learn during this three year time period for fear is not part of the Universe for fear is a contradictory vibration to the Vibration of Love! By recognizing and understanding this Truth, one will begin to realize that he or she is a Spiritual Being rather than a physical being of unfulfilled needs and wants. Further, by dispelling fear and moving into the Vibration of Love, one's quest to activate as a Co-Creator in Unity with God can finally begin! For the only way in which one will be able to work with the Universe and in Unity with God the Father and Mother of ALL Things is with Love and Harmony that only Spirit can bring!


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Montego has finally released version 1.1.0 of the TegoNuke(tm) Downloads (NSNGD) module. It sports PHP 5.2+ only, full XHTML 1.0 Transitional compliance, bug fixes, code clean-up, and built-in anti-leaching capability. On-line documentation is being worked and is available at our Wiki pages. TegoNuke(tm) Downloads Wiki page.
While this module was developed on
for RavenNuke(tm), it may be possible to use on other *nuke variants with slight variations. Come get the
latest download.


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Monday at 2:00 PM
In the very first year of Exploring Music, the production team set out to make five programs on the life and music of Hector Berlioz. Though many fine performances were available, Bill McGlaughlin insisted on using the recording of Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique conducted by Sir Colin Davis. Bill and many others have long thought Davis, who died in April of 2013, was the greatest Berlioz conductor.
Hear that landmark recording on Monday afternoon at 2:00 PM on WFMT with Sir Colin Davis and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
Article and video on Symphonie fantastique.
Download the orchestral score:


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Famous Mappila song artist, mentor and critic Faizal Elate has been declared the winner of prestigious Moinkutty Vaidhyar Memorial Award installed by Mappila Kala Vedi Kuwait (MKVK) for the year 2015. The awardee was selected by the jury comprising of renowned music director Vidyadharan Master, mappila song lyricist Jamal Kochangadi and Social worker Abdul Salam Focus.
Faizal Elate has played a key role in guiding the new generation mappila song artists by leading them through the traditional flavour of mappila songs. The jury commented on his effort to create the awareness in the new generation singers on the soul of mappila songs which is now getting deviated from the original version. Award consisting the certificate and cash of Rs. 25,001 will be handed over at the 2nd annual celebration of Mappila Kala Vedi Kuwait which is scheduled to be held on 1 May, 2015 at Indian Community School, Kaithan.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed."
"Envy comes from wanting something that isn't yours. But grief comes from losing something you've already had."


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SeasonedCitizenPrepper.com mission statement…
A web-based community focused on a self-reliant, preparedness lifestyle.
Seasoned Citizen Prepper is a site devoted to the older prepper that believes in prudent, practical preparedness. Self-reliance, frugal living, and faith are the cornerstones of this site. Our goal is to facilitate sharing of knowledge among our subscribers in order to build a sense of community.
By Bev,
First off, YEAH Warroad, Minnesota, "Hockey Town USA", population 1,700, almost as cold as International Falls, 2 Olympians on the US Hockey Team that just beat the Russians! Okay, I got that out of my system. :-D
What did I do to prepare this week? I am still working on the Solar Cooker I started last week. Refining the design and adding another panel as it didn't cook the chicken I tried. Of course it was only +5 degrees and I had only 3 hrs. of sun. The roaster was mighty hot, but I had to finish it in the oven. Got my 50′ roll of Mylar in, but they sent white on the back instead of black – reorder! Then I made a solar/electric dethawer for my inground horse waterer. Why both? Well, Minnesota doesn't always have sun and it is stuck between two buildings anyway with only 1 hour of sun and I have electric available, so I put a cord for a light bulb in it. If it works (The
horses keep bumping it off. I currently have a piece of plywood over it – we'll see…) I'll show you what I did. And I have been working on a very lightweight version of a pop can solar collector for heat. Problem is getting the bottoms of the cans off with my old arthritic hands – not going too fast. Plus I need more pop cans.
Ah yes, and I set up my Big Berkey water filter. Sitting proudly on the kitchen counter. When they say to hand tighten they mean a man's strength. You test it by adding food coloring and my water turned blue – the color I added. It also takes almost 24 hours to get 2 gallons of water to filter through with just the 2 ceramic filters that come with it. Must buy more more filters – room for 4 at a time.
We got another 4″ of snow yesterday with 4 out of the next 7 days showing snow… I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty darn tired of winter! The horses are even looking pretty disgusted. But I am finally starting to get an egg a day or so, must mean we are getting more light.
We are at least above zero now. But I think I may be getting a bit of cabin fever as I'm obsessing on Mylar.
And I did some winter sowing of perennial flowers. The ones I think you may be interested in are the Pepsi plastic singles. I put a combination of slits and holes in the bottom. Cut off the tops on the large side and made slits in those. Then I cut off the bottoms on the middle slimmer area. The tops fit right over the bottoms and duct taped them together with cottage cheese contain slices for interior markers. I scatter a few Giant Delphinium seeds in each. I think these might be perfect for "plugs" of well started plants – we'll see.
I started Romaine lettuce, onions and celery and they are growing! Put in a core of iceberg lettuce too and it actually has a sprout so we will see about that. I have a post this week on 16 different veggies you can start from kitchen scraps.
This week Coach is giving us his opinions on bugging in and a book review on Surviving in the Marsh. I believe GrammaMary is going to let us know how she is using her oven as a survival tool – me too – more natural remedies and some surprises.
This site is all about YOU! The older prepper. SHARE!
Please email us at: scprepper at outlook dot com, checked a couple times a week by Rourke.
Or email me at my personal box: bcfossillady at gmail dot com, checked a couple times a day usually, when I'm not at my Mother's.
Okay Patriots, how did you prepare this week?
John from Iowa shared this one:
Proverbs 27:12
"A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions.
The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences."
In God We Trust


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Under a plan proposed by the leader of the Democratic majority in the Senate, Harry Reid, leader of Republican senators, Mitch McConnell, Obama would get expanded powers to increase the borrowing capacity of the government together would be put in place measures that could lead to cuts in federal spending.
Senator McConnell said that officials would continue to negotiate in the coming days.
An official at the White House said that congressional leaders would consult their colleagues on the backbench budget cuts and tax increases proposed so far by either party. They said that negotiators would meet probably during the weekend.
The day's discussions were overshadowed by the warning by the chairman of the Federal Reserve issued on Thursday. Ben Bernanke, testifying before Congress, warned politicians that their inability to agree on raising the debt ceiling on time would mean the "mutilation" for the economy, by increasing interest rates and slowing the fragile economic recovery.
It is not known very well at the moment when MM. Reid and McConnell publicly unveil their bill, or if he will want to first present their ideas to President Obama or other officials involved in the daily meetings at the White House.
Mr McConnell said that the participants in Thursday's meeting did not discuss his plan. The meeting lasted less than 90 minutes.
Threads are blocked because of a disagreement on possible tax increases that would be part of any eventual agreement to control the deficit. Obama and the Democrats want higher taxes, while Republicans oppose it.
The U.S. reached last May, the legal ceiling of government debt, set at 14,300 billion dollars. The Obama administration says the government can no longer meet its obligations and will end up in default if the borrowing government is not relieved by August 2.


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Wednesday, January 6, 2016
10 comments:
So pretty Shona!ReplyDelete
Loved the background ,does look like tree with blossom ! perfect quote tooReplyDelete
Both of the cards are so pretty. Love the look you got using the powders.ReplyDelete
I love how this card looks and great way to use the Nuance powders. Love the sentiment. The next project looks great too so will be good to see more of that one.ReplyDelete
Hi Dear Enabler Shona! This background does so look like a Springtime tree filled with Wisteria, and a perfect perch for these black birds! (I got the Nuance set on sale at SnS and also some of the peacock EP you used recently). We had to look through your past blog posts so that we could get the name! Lovely use of the powders and the birds die. TFS & Hugs.ReplyDelete
Sounds like Santa recognized that Shona was a very good girl since you now own the entire set! Can hardly wait to see how you use them! Your purple and green background is beautiful! Love the sentiment and the "standing out " golden bird! Your sneak peek has me enthused! Thanks for sharing, Shona! Hugs, deReplyDelete
I forgot to ask... How long did it take for the powders to dry on the glossy CS or did you use a heat tool? Thanks xxooReplyDelete
Wonderful card. Looks beautiful.ReplyDelete
Yes the background certainly looks like a floral tree the birds are sitting in, it's beautiful. With the front bird in it's glory a beautiful card.ReplyDelete
Great cards you have made Shona, I love the background and the words on the first card , great image to these words!! The second card looks very pretty , I will come back next week to see more of it!!!ReplyDelete
Have a great creative time!!
Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me share in part of your day. I would love to hear what you think about my latest creation!


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This "grasping pair" of male and female red king crab,
Paralithodes camtschaticus, were collected in the shallow waters of Womens Bay, Kodiak Island. They migrate to shallow water to mate or
"grasp." The juveniles stay in shallow waters aggregating into huge balls of crab; in Womens Bay these congregations
often cling to pilings under a pier. The pods disperse at night, reforming at dawn. Adults are large, males
227 mm by 283 mm, reddish brown to purple, covered with spines. They range from
Barrow and the Chukchi Sea (MacGinitie, 1955), the Bering Sea to the Queen Charlotte Islands, and
along the Aleutian Islands to Japan. They have been recently introduced to the
Atlantic coast of Russia and Norway (Kuzmin et al., 1996). Adults prefer sand or mud bottoms, ranging from 3 to 366 m.
Their diet consists of sea stars, urchins, clams, barnacles, and other benthic
invertebrates. The largest crab in U.S. waters, the king crab are very important commercially; in U.S waters,
they are presently taken primarily in the Bering Sea and in Southeast Alaska.
Scientific name: Greek para (beside, near,
parallel) andlithodes (rock like); and Latin camtshaticus (belonging to
Digital photo by Jan Haaga. References (a complete list) in the text include: Jensen
(1995), Williams et al. (1988), Barr (1983), or Hart (1982).
Aquarium crab