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My previous post set out some of the criteria for the 'empirical site' that will fuel Latour's diagnosis of religion as a mode of existence. You might also like to refer to this post for a critical comparison of Latour's empiricism with that of Badiou.
But what aspect of the empirical site does Latour intend to shift up to the regime of truth that constitutes [REL]?
The aspect Latour particularly highlights centres on a request for affirmation of love. He depicts a scenario[1] in which one partner within a love relationship asks the other: 'do you love me?' (Rejoicing, pp.25-26, and all subsequent references in this post). To this question, the latter replies: 'yes, but you already know that, I told you so last year' (Rejoicing, p.25). Evidently, this would not represent an appropriate reply to the original question, which was asking not for a banal repetition of the datum of a previous love experience, but for a verbal, or phatic, actualization of love in the present moment. In fact, the latter's reply can be readily understood as a [DC] informational reference: it is as if the partner 'imagines that he had recorded this memorable sentence on a tape recorder and that, as his only answer, he's just happy to press the replay button to produce the indisputable proof that he truly loves' (Rejoicing, p.53).[2] By responding in this way, he seeks to fulfil his partner's request by referring to a past event that he takes to be the complete encapsulation of their love in itself and that he supposes represents without any further modification or alteration an appropriate answer to her question (Rejoicing, p.25). Of course, this response is unsatisfactory. The partner is in fact highly sensitive to the tonality of the words that are uttered. Implicitly she weighs them up, analysing their meaning:
It isn't the sentence itself that the woman will closely follow, or the resemblance or dissimilitude between the two instances, but the tone, the manner, the way in which he, her lover, will revive that old, worn-out theme. With admirable precision, exact to the second, she will detect if the old refrain has captured the new meaning she was waiting for, if it has renewed in an instant the love that her lover feels for her, or if the weariness and boredom of a liaison long over show through the worn-out vocables. (Rejoicing, p.26)
For the partner, then, amatory speech comports more than merely a vehicle for the transport of information. Her original question was in fact inviting a performance of something in the present: in this case, the bringing-into-presence of two people to each other. As far as she is concerned, the meaning of her question is found not in informational transfer but in relational transformation, in such a way that the response to her question will draw her into relational closer proximity with her lover.
The contrast between these two utterances, or as Latour calls them 'regimes of enunciation', can now be brought out in full. On the one hand, the in-form-ational response[3] attempts to secure a value (the bringing-into-presence of two people) by carrying forward the stable form of a previously-declared attribute into the present (the rehearsal of a previous declaration of love). On the other hand, and by way of contrast, a trans-form-ational response attempts to secure that same value by an alternative means: it enacts in the present an entirely new configuration of the previous declaration of love, in such a way the two partners are brought-into-presence precisely by dint of the freshness, the originality and the innovation to which the original utterance is subjected. Measured by that criterion, the in-form-ational response is of course bound to fail. Its logistics are designed for the preservation of form from past to present, and not for its alteration. Indeed, in this empirical context, an in-form-ational utterance will be deemed irrational—if this word is understood in the context of ontological pluralism, that is, as bypassing [NET:PRE] associativity. It will fall flat on the ears of the partner. The trans-form-ational response, by contrast, does not trade at all in the currency of [DC]: in fact, it brings informational 'disappointment', that is, 'zero informational content' (Rejoicing, p.32). Instead, it brings disturbance to the stable transports of [DC] by means of a 'twisting' or 'alteration' of the original utterance. Latour's primary description of this process is 'reprise' (Inquiry into Modes of Existence, p.306). It is precisely on account of reprise that trans-form-ational amatory speech is able to activate love, that is, to bring-into-presence two individuals.[4] Thus, when reprise is enacted, the love relationship comes alive in the present as if it were new: 'when they look at each other again, talk to each other again and once again something happens, they find themselves in each other's presence, and then their love, beyond and between them, gets back its freshness and effectiveness, its force' (Rejoicing, p.125).
Reprise therefore enacts alteration of the form of the original utterance.
However, this alteration does not render the original utterance less meaningful in the present, but more. This much seems to be indicated by the word itself: for an original utterance to be subject to reprise implies that something that came before is being taken up again and re-appropriated in the present. And Latour argues that this is also attested empirically in the situation of amatory speech: successful communication and activation of a love relationship in the present can only be achieved by recalling or re-activating a shared history of love that came before, to such an extent that Latour even suggests that by means of reprise the lovers end up getting 'the same' back again (Rejoicing, p.47). If reprise is to be activated in the present it must be reprising a previous love declaration of some sort. To lose that connection would be to lose reprise altogether. Thus, to use an idiomatic formulation: reprise must be a reprise of something. Reprise must be neither an immediate repetition nor a wholesale betrayal of the original utterance: it sits between the two in an uneasy and never completely secure tension, playing out every time 'the question of fidelity or treason: faithful or falsified invention, impious reworking or astounding rediscovery' ('Biography of an Inquiry', p.288). As the argument proceeds, and the empirical site is shifted up to the mode of existence, this will provide vital ballast in countering cheap accusations of relativism that have been thrown at [REL] in the critical literature.
In summary, reprise repudiates the procedures of [DC]. When reprise is activated, a value is instituted: the 'bringing-into-presence' of two people. Reprise can therefore be understood as a logistics (that is, as a particular configuration of the [NET:PRE] crossing that defines a rationality). Amatory speech provides an empirical demonstration of this movement. Thus, although the language might seem counterintuitive, for Latour it is correct and accurate to describe a love relationship as one that is 'gripped by a logic of transformation—and yes, it is indeed a logic, and even a mechanics, as lovers themselves know only too well' (Rejoicing, p.100).
[1] Descriptions of this scenario occur at various points in Latour's writing on religion, for a typical version cf. Rejoicing, or the Torments of Religious Speech (2013), pp.25–26.
[2] Latour usually figures the offending partner as the 'male' (this practice will be continued here for ease of reference).
[3] Latour sometimes transcribes this as 'in-form-ation' so as to indicate that the lover's response seeks to preserve a stable 'form' of the original utterance through a spatial and temporal shift (the new place and time in which that love needs to be validated), for which cf. Rejoicing, p.25. This is then contrasted with its opposite, which is transcribed as 'trans-form-ation'.
[4] The influence of Michel Serres' concept of 'translation' is crucial here. Particularly in his Hermès series and in The Parasite, Serres analyses patterns of communication as equal mixtures of signal and noise, or 'interference', produced in the course of transmission. For Serres, can there be no straightforward exchange of messages from one point to another: 'translation' is therefore a necessary, and productive, component of all information transmission.


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Happy Saturday! Every week, I send out an email with my upcoming shows, one thing I think is great, one thing that made me laugh, and one thing I found interesting.
Upcoming Shows
Season One of Wyatt Cenac's Problem Areas. is officially a wrap, but you can stream all ten episodes on HBO Go / HBO Now. The full last episode is also up on YouTube here: Link
Jo Firestone, Zhubin Parang, and Shalewa Sharpe encounter the chambered nautilus on the most recent episode of You're the Expert. Dr. Jennifer Basil teaches them all about these mysterious creatures of the deep and how they're helping her understand memory and navigation. Link
TODAY! Saturday, June 23 at 4 p.m. at Caveat. I'm hosting You Get A Spoon, my variety show and audience prize giveaway with comedy from Julia Johns (MTV) and a reading by Mads Jensen (Rookie Mag). Link
Tuesday, June 26 at 8 p.m. at The Bell House. Sarah Kay's Wordy Thirty. A night of poetry, music, and performances put together by the incredible Sarah Kay. All proceeds to benefit Hispanic Federations' UNIDOS program for Puerto Rico relief and recovery efforts. Link
Sunday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at Caveat. I'm hosting You're the Expert with comedians Josh Gondelman, Dylan Marron, and Ashley Brooke Roberts! Link
My full schedule with all upcoming dates is online here.
This week's list
Becca Heller is the co-founder and director of the Immigrant Refugee Assistance Project, an organization that provides legal assistance and advocacy. IRAP is doing amazing work fighting against policies like the travel ban and child separation and Becca is a fierce advocate. She's also hilarious. Her interview with Trevor Noah on The Daily Show was so funny and unexpectedly full of profanity and great off-the-cuff moments. You can see the whole thing in its unedited glory here: Dispelling Myths About Refugees in the Trump Era (and here is IRAP's site if you want to donate to them)
CJ Hunt is a comedian, writer, producer, storyteller, director... he basically does it all. He's someone I've admired as a person and a comedian since I was in college and first saw him on stage. This story he told for a Father's Day episode of The Moth Radio Hour encapsulates what I think makes CJ so special. He's funny and goofy, but also vulnerable and intelligent. CJ's story starts at 7:20 in. I Will Be Your Father Figure
(See more from CJ here)
I read this illustrated essay a couple weeks ago and I have thought about it many times since. It's the kind of work whose power is getting stuck in your psyche, bouncing around and creating a new awareness of how people struggle and see the world. Emily Flake's beautiful illustrations make this a work of art. It's an issue and a mindset that too often gets ignored in the media. The Difference Between Being Broke and Being Poor
Thanks for reading! If you like these emails, please forward to a friend or come say hi at a live show. If someone forwarded you this email and you want to sign up, you cansubscribe here.
Enjoy the weekend,

subset: commoncrawl


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In Switzerland, comprehensive car insurance (German: Teilkasko) covers damages to your car or motorcycle which you are not responsible for. Typical coverage provided by a Swiss comprehensive car insurance includes:
- Natural hazards like fire, lightning and flooding.
- Animal damage, including damage caused by collisions with wild animals (deer, wild boars).
- Damage to cables, including those inflicted by martens.
- Damages caused by theft or robbery are also covered.
Vandalism, or damages deliberately inflicted by a third party, is typically covered by comprehensive insurance. However, the exact hazards which are covered vary between insurers. Damage to parked cars by other vehicles and scratching or denting typically is not covered. Some Swiss insurers offer parked car insurance as an optional rider for comprehensive car insurance, while others only include it in their more expensive collision car insurance policies or offer it as an optional rider for collision car insurance.
Although comprehensive car insurance is not compulsory, this coverage can be worth having in many cases. However, if you drive an old car with little cash value, a comprehensive insurance policy may not provide much added value.
Swiss car insurance comparison
Full casco car insurance explained
Collision car insurance explained
Liability car insurance explained


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If you're feeling flat or even defeated about Term 1 enrolments remember these three teachings!
And if you want 6 months of business training, mentoring and coaching for Yogis by a Yogi, make sure you check out my Growing Your Yoga Biz Program here: http://www.amymcdonald.com.au/growingyouryogabiz/
It doesn't have to take 10 years to develop your voice, create and maintain your boundaries and build a strong and fun community.
It can take six months.
That's what my signature program, Growing Your Yoga Biz , is.
My 10 years of experience, trial and error, consolidated trainings and mentoring all in one Yogi-centric package.
So if you're looking to get out of struggle and into spiritually-aligned Yoga biz confidence and success, please take a look at the program
Making the decision to invest in your Yoga biz dreams isn't something these Yoga teachers have taken lightly.
And rightly so!
GYYB is a place for growth, discovery, connection and insight. For Yoga teachers ready to change.
It would be an honour to support you to Grow Your Yoga Biz in 2019.
To help you fast track your success so you can support more of the people who need you right now.


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Challenging and unusual concert pieces for the more advanced violinist
Aleksey Igudesman takes us to his homeland and then around the world with his own arrangements and humorous compositions for solo violin. Aleksey Igudesman's solution, when considering mistakes that could be made when performing well-known virtuoso pieces, was to "…write my own virtuoso pieces so that in performance I could make my own mistakes without anyone judging me." He generously invites performers of these works to "feel free to alter them in any way, be it the rhythm, articulation or even the notes and form."
Fasten Seatbelts


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Frequently Asked Questions
Original Artwork
Schofield's beautiful portraits and landscapes envision the historical western frontier of the American old west . The paintings primary medium is oil on mounted canvas, along with several illustrations. For more information about an individual piece or to purchase, please inquire.
Limited Edition PRINTS
High quality fine art prints are available in both paper and canvas form. All prints are the same size as the original artwork. Limited edition prints are signed by the author, have a print number, and come with a certificate of authenticity.
Open Edition Prints
All artwork is available in open edition prints. These high quality prints are 11 inches by 14 inches and are are only available on paper.
Print Quality
Paper and Canvas Limited Edition Prints
Den's limited edition painting reproduction prints are of the highest quality. The digital setup has been developed directly from his original oil paintings. Prints are produced with pigmented inks on archival quality watercolor papers and canvas, much like an original painting. This gives each piece a similar look and feel to an original work of art. All of these media are treated for use with the inkjet process and produce brilliant, velvety color. We do recommend that customers treat their prints the same as they would an original piece of art. You should never expose any type of artwork to prolonged sunlight or other harsh conditions. Each limited edition reproduction also comes with a certificate of authenticity and is signed by the artist.
Paper Open Edition Prints
Den's open edition reproduction prints are printed at the same level of quality as the limited edition prints (above). These smaller prints are available in any quantity.
Shipping costs are in addition to the print price. Both paper and canvas prints will be rolled and shipped via tube.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for shipment of paper prints and 4-6 weeks for canvas prints.
Shipping costs are in addition to the painting price. Original paintings are on canvas mounted on stretcher bars and will be shipped flat. All paintings are unframed.


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An eye for information
Or an eye for intuition
Which do you believe
Science or religion
The poster above the door
Says Fred Bear appears tonight
Yet half the crowd it seems
Are thread bare and not quite right
A canoe is not a hard ship
Lest you row against the tide
So just turn your hardship round
And the world will come on side
The clip clop clop of Drayman's horse
under wool blanket eating oats
The other feeling for his oats
under stars and petty coats
Severance from pain and learning
Avoidance and me thinks yearning
Pale moon under thin dark sky
Hard rain to follow t'won't pass you by
The paradigm of complexity
is as simple as you let it be
Wordsmiths can only play
at the hardship of your ministry
Do your best with the adverse camber
the changing traffic lights, red green and amber
To enjoy strange contradiction, this life we embrace
This aspiration to better, to finding a happier place
I think perhaps it's here and now
If I pull the dusty curtains wide
If I leave down all my heritage
And let love be my guide
David Jackman
Feb 2014
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My friend Adam Brown introduced me to a wonderful new hiking trail in a place called Hog Canyon. To get there, we drove west on Interstate 90, away from Spokane, and took the Fishtrap Exit. In fact, Hog Canyon is part of the Fishtrap Recreation Area.
An impressive waterfall is the highlight of the hike.
We parked at the trail head and then followed the main foot path around a bend and over a hill. A few scattered pine trees stand watch over the entrance to the canyon.
The falls drain into Hog Lake.
The water from the falls passes under a plain formed by pieces of loose basalt, making the river temporarily invisible. In a few places, you can actually see the water flowing under the rocks, like in this place where someone removed part of the basalt to expose the subterranean river. The river becomes visible again when it reaches the lake.
The falls are completely accessible by foot. We easily climbed the hillside and reached the top of the waterfall.
Above the waterfall...
As we returned to the car, the sun began to set.
An abandoned farm house near the highway...
A salmon shaped cloud in the evening sky...


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Content developed with Kurt Neumann of clients the BoDeans...
"Starting out as a drummer definitely influenced how I play guitar. Everything I do on guitar is based on rhythm and patterns, which is absolutely what you do on the drums.
"Rhythm and soul and groove and feel…
"And hopefully the audience can feel it too!"
Comments are closed.
Content marketing for bands and individual musicians.
Anyone can publish a post. We can tell your story.
Cris Cohen
October 2019


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Looking for the WORST POTHOLE in our neighborhood!
Looking for the WORST POTHOLE in our neighborhood!
Parking? There isn't any parking to be had… unless you're willing to pay the price
Walter "Bud" Hayes passed away at 7 p.m. on Monday July 10th. He went peacefully and exactly where he wanted to be, in his humble home in the town he loved, Mendota, Illinois. Many in Oak Park knew Bud from his days as proprietor of Hayes Coffees on Marion Street in Downtown Oak Park. His … [Read more…]


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ORIGOWORKS was established to design and develop projects and properties that bring value to its community and clients through a philosophy that integrates climate, context, culture, and craft, and that takes into account current lifestyles, modern materials, and new construction techniques.
Today, ORIGOWORKS projects range from small multifamily townhomes to 100,000-plus SQ. FT. retail centers.


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Tag Archives: enfp
Which MBTI type is best for different life stages?
There is no doubt that in certain stages of life, different MBTI types have different advantages. This article shall address which MBTI type achieves maximum happiness (which assumes it is the best type) at six stages of life- primary school, … Continue reading
Posted in ENFP, ESFJ, ESTJ, ESTP, INTP, ISTJ Tagged best, different life stages, enfp, erikson stages, erikson's stages, esfj, estj, estp, intp, istj, psychological, which mbti type 12 Comments
Which MBTI type are the characters from The Hunger Games?
Katniss is an ISTP; Peeta is an ENFP and Gale is an ENTJ Continue reading
Posted in Characters, ENFP, ENTJ, ISTP Tagged characters, enfp, entj, gale, istp, katniss, peeta, the hunger games, which mbti type 68 Comments
Which MBTI type is the most distinctive?
ENFP's are the most distinctive type. Continue reading
Posted in ENFP Tagged different, distinctive, enfp, mbti, type, unique, which 8 Comments


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Let's face it, Wearable Technology is here to stay, and while it might not have found its running shoes yet, it's off to a brisk walk at least. With industry giants like Samsung, Sony and LG all getting in on the game, it's hard to see the wearables industry go anywhere but up. This latest leak from the infamous @evleaks however, has us scratching our heads. Frankly, we're asking what he hell this thing is. It's obviously something that wraps around your wrist and features a stylus at the end of it, but is it anything more than a throwback to the nineties?
Our friendly neighborhood leakster different have anything more to offer, other than simply "Wearable?" So our guess is perhaps as good as his. We're thinking that this is too thin to be a wearable and might simply end up being a poorly thought out accessory on LG's part. No matter what though, it's an interesting little accessory for someone as large as LG to even think about producing. Another thing that leads us to believe that this isn't a wearable, is that LG already has their Lifeband Touch fitness tracker-come-smartwatch on its way to market and we doubt LG wants to release too many of these things in a short space of time. Besides, why would a wearable need to have a rubber-tipped stylus at the end of it? We know that LG and Samsung both come up with some interesting ideas, but we doubt even LG could make this work.
You can take a look at the full image just below, but we'd love to hear what you have to say on this strange appearance, do you think it's a wearable of some sort or is it simply a throwback to the days where slapping plastic against our wrists was a lot of fun? Let us know what you think in the comments below and over on Google+!


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Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Doctors are medical physicians specialized in addressing the root causes of disease by using an integrative, functional, and holistic medical approach that combines both modern conventional medicine alongside traditional natural therapies.
Naturopathic Principles
The principles of Naturopathic Medicine guide the physician to create an environment of healing that focuses on treating the cause, using the least force necessary to get results, treating the whole person, and trusting the body to return to a healthy sustainable state when given the support it needs.
The Healing Power of Nature
Trust and support the body's inherent ability to heal itself.
Identify and Treat the Cause
Look beyond the symptoms and treat the underlying cause.
First Do No Harm
Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies first.
Doctor as Teacher
Take the time to educate patients about achieving and maintaining health.
Treat the Whole Person
Understand and treat all aspects that affects a person's health.
Focus on disease prevention, overall health, and wellness.


text: Bay County Farmers in 14 Michigan counties eligible for flood loans By The Associated Press • Aug 7, 2017 Michigan Agribusiness Association Farmers and ranchers in 14 Michigan counties are eligible for emergency loans due to widespread damage amid severe storms and flash flooding in June. The update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture comes after President Donald Trump last week made a disaster declaration for four Michigan counties. Trump declares disaster in Michigan counties after June floods By Emma Winowiecki & The Associated Press • Aug 2, 2017 Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio President Donald Trump has made a disaster declaration for four Michigan counties that sustained widespread damage amid severe storms and flash flooding in June. The announcement Wednesday makes federal funding available to residents and business owners in Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Midland Counties for things such as temporary housing, repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. The assistance will also aid the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe within Isabella County. State grants available for communities recovering from June floods By Steve Carmody • Jul 25, 2017 Michigan Agribusiness Association Local communities in four Michigan counties hard hit by flooding last month are getting some help from the state. In late June, more than seven inches of rain fell on parts of Bay, Gladwin, Midland and Isabella Counties last month, causing widespread floods. In many cases, damage to roads and other infrastructure has overwhelmed local resources. Now local governments can apply for up to $100,000 from the state Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund. FEMA teams surveying flood damage in mid-Michigan By Steve Carmody • Jul 6, 2017 Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio The Federal Emergency Management Agency has eight teams surveying damage in four mid-Michigan counties hard hit by flooding last month. The FEMA assessment will play a large role in the state's expected request for federal disaster relief. Farm industry officials say rural communities will need help recovering from June flooding By Steve Carmody • Jun 29, 2017 Michigan Agri-Business Association Michigan agri-business leaders say recent floods have devastated farm fields and heavily damaged rural infrastructure in several mid-Michigan counties. More than seven inches of rain fell on parts of mid-Michigan last Thursday. Water inundated farmers' fields. Dry beans appear to be the hardest hit crop, with about 10% of the crop lost, according to state agriculture industry officials. Jim Byrum is the president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. FEMA will help assess flood damage in 4 mid-Michigan counties By Steve Carmody • Jun 28, 2017 steve carmody / Michigan Radio FEMA will soon take part in a joint preliminary damage assessment of four Michigan counties hard hit by flooding this month. Gov. Rick Snyder asked federal disaster officials to assist with a review of damage and response costs to flooding in Bay, Gladwin, Isabella and Midland counties. Bay County plans another public forum on heroin epidemic By Associated Press • Apr 10, 2016 Narconon BANGOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Bay County is planning another public forum as part of an ongoing effort to deal with a heroin epidemic as declared by the health department and law enforcement officials in June. Michigan mixed bag for home buyers making a low down payment By Steve Carmody • Jun 25, 2015 Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio Michigan counties rank near the top and the bottom of a new national report on home buying. Realty Trac looked at affordability and accessibility for home buyers putting up a low down payment. The report finds 90% of 370 counties nationwide were more affordable than they have been historically. Consumers Energy puts Genesee County power plant project 'on hold' By Steve Carmody • Jan 30, 2014 Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio Consumers Energy is suspending plans to start building a $700 million power plant in Genesee County. The utility announced today it will instead buy an existing Jackson County power plant for $155 million. "You know, frankly, we can look out our windows at our headquarters at Consumers Energy, look east, and see the steam when that plant is operating, which is quite often," says Dan Bishop, a Consumers spokesman. The Jackson County power plant has been generating electricity for a decade. As a merchant power plant, it sold electricity on the wholesale market.


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Dissident Voice — Dec 23, 2015
Heavy darkness befalls the North; the sun rarely emerges from between the clouds. This year, Russia has noticeably less street illumination, and the spirits are anything but festive. Only the whiteness of the snow and Christmas trees break the gloom and remind us of the forthcoming low point of the cosmic wheel, Yuletide, when days starts to wax and nights to wane. As this stellar event foretells the Nativity of our Savior, this is a period of hope after a very difficult year, all over the world.
Putin supporters are unhappy
The Russians keep guessing what President Putin will tell them in his traditional televised address to the nation at the break of the New Year. He should say, this year is over, and we shall all cheer, people propose. Even the most optimistic ones are disappointed by lacklustre economic performance, and they blame the government of Prime Minister Medvedev and his liberal monetarist team. Meanwhile Putin rises above the blame game, but the government is less and less popular.
As the Rouble drops, even the rather pro-Kremlin mass-circulation newspaper KP (full disclosure: I write an occasional column for the KP) published a call for the economy and finance ministers to resign or to be fired. There is a very little chance that Mr Putin will take this advice and clean his government stables.
He could beef up his credit by dumping some (or all) of his ministers, but Putin is stubborn and unusually loyal to his colleagues. No accusation has ever convinced him to dismiss a man of his team. His former defence minister Mr Serdyukov has allegedly been involved in some shady dealing, while Serdyukov's paramour and assistant amassed millions by selling prime MOD assets to her cronies. Still, Putin did not dump him, and saved him from jail. (He had to resign to become a CEO, while she served a few weeks in prison, at most).
Last week, the opposition leader Mr Navalny aired some heavy charges against Attorney General Chayka. For his defence, Chayka said that the man behind the campaign is the notorious Mr Browder. Browder is an American crook who managed to appropriate many high-quality Russian assets for pennies during Yeltsin's privatisation. Eventually he was forced to part with his loot and he has been sentenced to many years of jail in absentia. Browder is slime, no doubt, but it is a weak defence for Chayka. Still, Putin refused to drop Chayka or even to initiate an independent investigation of his alleged crimes.
Putin stands by the most hated politician of Yeltsin's era, Mr Anatoly Chubays. The Financial Times called him Father to the Oligarchs. After leaving the government, Chubays has been appointed to lead the RUSNANO, a state-owned corporation notorious for its embezzlement and waste. Putin saved him many times over from prosecution.
Putin went, hat in hand, to Yekaterinburg for the grand opening of Boris Yeltsin's Memorial Centre (price tag – nine billion roubles) and referred kindly to the loathed late President who appointed him his successor. People were furious seeing their president enjoying himself among the carpetbaggers of Yeltsin's regime.
Can you imagine Fox TV transmitting Russian propaganda? In Russia, a major chunk of Russian media, state-owned or subsidised by the taxpayer, transmits pro-Western and anti-Russian agenda, alleged the eminent film director Nikita Michalkov, a staunch supporter of Putin, in his video seen by over two million viewers in a few days. He called upon Putin to assert his line and banish the enemies within, but state TV refused to broadcast the video.
Putin's recent press-conference provided a chance for more criticism. Beside the points mentioned above, the journalists asked why state enterprise CEOs are paid millions of dollars a year, while everybody else is called upon to tighten the belt. They asked why the Russian Central Bank keeps buying US bonds and supports the US Dollar at the expense of the Rouble. They asked why import substitution does not work etc.


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secretaryu needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 43 designs submitted by 7 freelance designers.
The Native Seed Project
The Native Seed Project's mission is to encourage ecological restoration by increasing the obtainability of local ecotype seeds and plants. We collect and clean seeds of native species to be used in prairie and oak savanna restoration projects.
We'd like a simple design that incorporates a native plant and possibly a native pollinator (not a honey bee). Ideally, the native plant should be a wild flower that is native to the tall grass prairie of the midwestern United States. It would be ideal to have the roots of the plant as part of the design Examples can be seen on the attached poster from the MN DNR. Some good species to illustrate would be Lead Plant, Indian Grass, Porcupine Grass, Heath Aster, Big Bluestem, Switch Grass, White Wild Indigo or Little Bluestem. The logo should say The Native Seed Project.
Thank you!
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Backup as a Service
Our UK-cloud based backup provides a simple-to-use client interface with unlimited scalability with secure, reliable and compliant backup of your data. Our backup driven by Veeam industry leading technology, will work with EXSi and Hyper-V hosts and provides security and…Read more
Who we are
We are a group of highly qualified IT technicians able to provide a secure and cost effective IT data backup service. We provide small and medium businesses with safe and secure onsite and offsite backup with fast restore capability, to…Read more
Who do we do it for
Backup Baby provides our secure backup service to small and medium sized businesses. We work with internal IT staff, and we can also provide the service via external IT suppliers you may be using. Backing up is the easy part.…Read more
Is the Backup Baby service for you?
If your business would suffer serious consequences if you could not get access to your business data then yes.


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The menu here at HDBC is the ultimate pairing of inventive comfort food and exceptional house-brewed beer. We feature several house beers brewed on-site to compliment the menu. Our head chef works closely with brewer (Dan Jr.), developing Half Door's distinctive food and beer as a singular experience to savor!
Scotch Egg
Hard boiled egg, panko encrusted Irish sausage, horseradish aioli
Smoked Salmon Toast
Smoked salmon, horseradish cream cheese, dill
Salted Pretzel Bites
Bearleener dijon mustard, HDBC Pale Ale cheese sauce
Avocado Toast
Avocado, fresh tomato, basil, balsamic reduction
Strawberry & Kale Salad
Almonds, strawberries, Irish white cheddar, strawberry vinaigrette
Pork Belly Hash
Breakfast potatoes, poached eggs, caramelized onions, white rosemary hollandaise
Breakfast Flatbread
Irish Sausage, mozzarella, thyme scrambled eggs, poblano salsa
Breakfast Burrito
Grilled steak, scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, poblano salsa, pico de gallo
House Hash
Irish Sausage, rasher, breakfast potatoes, poached eggs, white rosemary hollandaise
Fish N Chips
Coleman's Stout battered Alaskan cod, malt vinegar chips, jalapeno tartar sauce, kaffir lime slaw
HDBC Burger
Irish white cheddar, butter lettuce, oven roasted tomatoes, pickled red onions, truffle aioli
Turkey Brie Sandwich
Roasted turkey, warm brie, applewood smoked bacon, Bearleener dijon mustard, mixed greens, fresh tomato, focaccia bread
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Mixed greens, Irish white cheddar, pickled red onions, horseradish aioli
Breakfast In Bread
~listed ingredients baked into a warm and toasty bread bowl, then topped with an over easy egg~
The Classic
Irish sausage, rasher, Irish cheddar, spinach, roasted tomatoes, oyster mushrooms
The Veggie
Spinach, roasted tomatoes, brie cheese
Chipotle Sausage
Sausage, chipotle sauce, Irish cheddar, spinach, roasted tomatoes
Brunch specialty Cocktails
Irish Mule
Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, House Ginger Syrup, Bitters, Lime, Sprite
House Bloody Mary
Seagram's vodka
Your choice of Blackcurrant Apple, Blackcurrant or Orange
White Sangria
St. Germain, Peach Schnapps, Triple Sec, Chardonnay, blackcurrant, orange juice, soda water
Irish Coffee
Tullamore Drew Irish Whiskey, brown sugar, coffee, house whipped cream
Pimm's Cup
Pimm's No. 1, lemon juice, ginger ale
Breakfast Margarita
El Jimador Blanco, Triple Sec, lime juice, agave, orange juice
Fortaleza Blanco Tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, Sprite, lime


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Shane Huffman
@ Rowley Kennerk Gallery
119 N Peoria St, 3C, Chicago, IL 60607
Opening Friday, October 29th, from 6PM - 9PM
On view through Saturday, December 18th
Rowley Kennerk: What will be in your show at the gallery?
Shane Huffman: The exhibition will contain works from the series, "Preceding Lascaux: Levi's Scribbles before Three years old," and "I maintain that chaos is the future and beyond it is freedom. Confusion is next and next after that is the truth."
The first "Levi" series are scribbles that I collected from my youngest son before he turned three. I wanted them to precede the cave paintings in Lascaux, in the sense that before bulls danced in the cave there were scribbles. This is the beginning of human development for want of organizing and interpreting the world around us and even creating new worlds in concept, pre-code and pre-sign.
The "I maintain….." series contains magazine clippings with semen on them. They are taken from a 2009 issue of a Scientific American magazine with an article titled, "Origins: The Start of Everything." The idea of the article was to shift the magazine's usual discussion of origins of things like the universe and life to that of "everything else," like Scotch tape and artificial hearts. I thought that by masturbating and releasing my sperm onto the proposed "known" it would be an act of placing humans at the center of the question of whether or not we can know anything at all. Alas, my swimmers dried and died on this infertile field of origins and the known.
RK: The caves at Lascaux?
SH: They may be considered by some viewers and thinkers as abstract, but do they remain abstract? What qualifies something as abstract if it is something specific? A lot of my work is concerned with this issue. Levi has no choice but to make marks in this fashion. He has not been trained in drawing or graphical perspective. Unlike most of abstraction in art history, it is not spiritual, nor the unconscious, nor jazz, nor the mind. It is a desperate act, a definitive act. He's attempting to organize and understand his world around him at his fingertips and with his lips, like an early Paleolithic human.
RK: I remember seeing an image of Courbet's L'Origine du monde in your studio.
SH: Yes, it's hanging alongside an image of Hans Bellmer's, I am God (a hand-colored photograph close-up of a vagina spread open) and a photograph of mine called, I am the origin of the world God, which is of a vaginal birth. All of these place the human, or specifically, being born, as the origin of the concepts of "world" and "God." Existential concepts that we grapple with til death.
RK: Your work addresses the personal and the cosmic, from your children to the moon. At first glance, this is disparate subject matter…
SH: The connection is transformation. The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transferred and transformed into other states. This is how I approach my subject matter, my mediums, my conceptual odysseys. Simple acts of transformation: chanting to the photographic paper to record breath in another form; placing photographic paper in the microwave to have the invisible microwaves recorded onto the paper; photographic greyscales that are simply revealing light accumulation like compound interest; dryland recordings of swimming stretches that become gnarly torn photographs…
RK: What perspective does the artist offer? What does creation have to do with understanding?
SH: I question any claim to know anything at all. This would require knowledge of the totality in an infinite Universe. This is beyond our capability as human becomings. All we have are "ambiguities" of finite "things" that have many permutations, short lived, and transforming forever, in the totality.
I guess I wonder what is at the center of "everything else." Our language, our systems of enumeration, physics, biology, engineering, are all grounded in the "fallacy of misplaced concreteness," that our abstractions are taken as concrete values and things. Yet, it is this perspective that I embrace and question. It starts with us, as children of the Paleolithic draftsman, interested in our world, our surroundings through our eyes, emotions, feelings we develop our systems, our logic, our sciences, our language to define and know. For the only way we experience the world is through our own existential becoming. Yet, still, the claim to know is masturbation. When dependent upon fallible "misplaced concreteness," our development of facts, laws and truth is selfish.


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Florida State University
College of Education
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Ph.D. in Higher Education - Public Policy or Student Affairs
- Ph D.
- Administrative Leadership
- Student Learning & Development
ContactJimmy Pastrano
Program Statement
Established in 1957, the Florida State University Higher Education Program boasts a long tradition of excellence in preparing students for successful careers in higher education and in disseminating research on higher education policy issues at the national, state, and institutional level. Our mission is to draw upon and apply knowledge from the broad areas of organizational theory, student development, public policy, as well as teaching and learning to improve the quality of practice in college and universities.
The mission of the higher education program is to prepare leaders who contribute solutions to the challenges facing higher education and society. The program provides a student centered learning community; promotes a culture of critical inquiry; emphasizes the discovery, integration, and application of knowledge about higher education; fosters a caring, collaborative, and inclusive environment; and encourages educational transformation and change.
Core Values
We value and attempt to create a learning community in which students develop a framework of knowledge that enables them to think critically, articulate values, and put their knowledge and skills to use.
We value and seek to develop collaborative relationships in which faculty, students, staff, and practicing professionals identify and share in the realization of mutually valuable learning outcomes.
We value and try to create an open community based upon democratic ideals in which freedom of expression is protected, civility is affirmed, and appreciation and understanding of individual differences are honored and respected. In this light, we value a caring community in which the well-being of each person is important, and a life-net supports every member.
Tracks - Public Policy or Student Affairs
A student's program of study is designed focus on one of two specializations: either the Student Affairs track or the Public Policy of Higher Education track. By choosing a specialization, a student will be able to combine elective and core courses with other learning experiences in order to pursue their unique educational and professional goals. In general, curricula are
designed to provide a knowledge base about the professional field and a theoretical framework to guide research and career development in higher education.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the doctoral degree, graduates will have mastered a comprehensive body of knowledge related to the field of higher education. Doctoral graduates will have demonstrated knowledge and competence in utilizing the analytic skills of disciplined inquiry and the leadership skills associated with the management and administration of postsecondary institutions. The graduate will have adopted a code of professional ethics and demonstrate knowledge and application of technologies used in administration, leadership, and research.
A Ph.D. student will demonstrate knowledge of theory and research through the composition of an integrated literature review of research, the development of testable research questions or hypotheses generated from deductive and inductive logic, and the elaboration of a research design that will meet rigorous methodological standards for theoretical and empirical research on a selected topic.
A Ph.D. student will demonstrate knowledge of theory and research. Ph.D students will gain expertise in their chosen specialization and expertise over the course of their studies. Using these specializations as a basis, they will learn how to develop testable research questions or hypotheses, construct corresponding literature reviews, and develop strengths in methodologies that will allow them to devise a policy-relevant original research study that meets the requirements of the students' discipline of inquiry. Ultimately, students will graduate with the ability to conduct independent research of a quality required by the field's major associations and academic publications.
Ph.D. Program of Study [1]
Based on the 2018-2019 Doctoral Student in Higher Education Handbook. Degree requirements are subject to change.
Higher Education Core (9 hours)
EDH 5051 Higher Education in America (3) [2]
EDH 6635 Organization and Governance (3)
EDH 6936 Seminar in Student Development Theories (3)
EDH #TBD Pro Seminar (0)
Specialization (Specified Track: Public Policy or Student Affairs) (18 hours)
Public Policy:
EDH 6505 Finance of Higher Education (3)
EDH 6401 Public Policy in Higher Education (3)
EDH 5005 Sociology of Higher Education (3) (or EDH 5630 Sociology of Education) (3)
EDF 5652 Policy Development (3)
EDH 5931 Politics of Higher Education (3)
EDF 5624 Economics of Education (3)
Student Affairs:
EDH 5931 Seminar on College Student Populations (3)
EDH 6040 Research on College Students (3)
EDH 6081 Leading Change in Higher Education (3) (Alt. Fall Terms)
EDH 6085 Social Justice in Higher Education (3) (Alt. Fall Terms)
Choose 1 Technology course:
EDH 5309 Technology in Higher Education (3)
EME 6414 Web 2.0 based learning and performance (3)
EME 5457 Intro to distance learning: Trends and issues (3)
Choose 1 of the following courses:
EDF 5089 Black and Latino Education: History and Policy (3)
EDH 6067 International Perspectives in Higher Education (3) (Fall)
EDF 5519 History of Higher Education in America (3) (Alt. Spring Terms)
EDH 5005 Sociology of Higher Education (3) (or EDH 5630 Sociology of Education) (3)
EDH 6401 Public Policy in Higher Education (3)
Discipline Courses (9 hours) - work with major professor
Research Core (minimum 21 hours)
EDF 6486 Applied Research Methods in Educational Leadership & Policy (3)
EDF 5400 Basic Descriptive and Inferential Statistics (4)
EDF 6475 Qualitative Methods of Education Research (3)
EDF 5649C Applied Education Policy Analysis (3)
Advanced Methods I (3)
Advanced Methods II (3)
EDA 6930 Literature Review (or EDH 6935 Prospectus Development) (3)
Dissertation (24 hours)
EDH 8964 Preliminary Examination (0) (Spring, Summer)
EDH 6980 Dissertation Hours (24)
EDH 9985 Dissertation Defense (0)
[1] Scheduled semester may vary. Check department listings.
[2] Students who completed a graduate degree in student affairs/higher education within five years or less of beginning doctoral study should substitute EDF 5519: History of Higher Education for EDH 5051: Higher Education in America: Basic Understandings.
Number of Program Faculty
Visitation Program
- February 9, 2020 to February 11, 2020
- Full time
- Part time
- In-person
- Evening


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FISHERS Home | FISHERS TEAM | PARENTS | News & EVENTS | PARTNERS
News & Events
This section of the Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) website provides the latest information on FYAP's activities what is happening with our organization.
Fishers Youth Assistance Program Seeks Support to Prepare 63,000 Meals This Summer
May 21, 2019 - FISHERS – Organizers of this summer's Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) Summer Meals Program are encouraging local businesses and residents to help raise funds and food to feed 700 kids a record 63,000 meals for the upcoming nine-week endeavor.
FYAP annually provides Hamilton Southeastern School District children who receive free and reduced lunches with breakfast and lunch during the summer months. The group provided 185 students in 2017. In 2018, FYAP served more than 600 students, which was a 229 percent increase over the prior year.
"We are so grateful for the past support our entire community has provided to this worthy cause," FYAP Board President Leah McGrath said. "This year is no different as we have quickly exceeded the number of families who need assistance in the summer months. It is an opportunity for businesses, families, and others to come together to help their fellow neighbors."
FYAP Board Member Lynda Carlino, who is directing the Summer Meals Program for the second year in a row, said there are different ways the community can support this year's summer meals program. They include:
Donate Cash
· Donations of cash are welcome so that our summer meals organizers can use funds to purchase items from this year's menu. We use gift cards to purchase fresh produce for our families.
Participate in Food Drives
· FYAP and FPD is seeking food donationsand volunteers to help at the Fishers Police Department's annual "Pack the Cruiser" event on Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at all Fishers Kroger stores. If you are interested in volunteering for that event, please contact FYAP at firstname.lastname@example.com.
· If you are interested in organizing your own food drive, please let us know by e-mailing firstname.lastname@example.com. Food may be dropped off at the City Service Center (former police station) on May 22 (3 pm. to 5 p.m.) or at Fall Creek Elementary on May 30 (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
FYAP is a single point of resource for families in Fishers who need assistance. It has served more than 950 families since it began in 2014 through direct advocate support, and provided more than 1,000 youth additional support services, including the FYAP Summer Meals Program. FYAP was formed to strengthen youth and families through community involvement. Like other peer Youth Assistance Programs throughout Hamilton County, local volunteers develop and provide access to programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and enhance home and community relationships.
# # #
FYAP Issues 2018 Annual Review
Fishers Youth Assistance Program has issued its 2018 Annual Review. Readers can learn more about the organization's activities and those who supported them in 2018.
BoomBozz Pizza & Taphouse to Help Raise Funds for FYAP in June
June 5, 2018 - BoomBozz Pizza & Taphouse in Fishers will give a percentage of its proceeds on Wednesdays in June to Fishers Youth Assistance Program. Bring the following flyer and present it to your server on the dates mentioned.
Community Partners Step Up to Support FYAP Programs
April 26, 2018 - Community partners from across Fishers contributed more than $30,000 to support this year's Fishers Youth Assistance Programs, including its upcoming Summer Lunch Program. The fundraising drive was highlighted at the April 25 Vibenomics open house to introduce community and business leaders to their new space in downtown Fishers. See our sponsors list below.
BRONZE SPONSORS: BLASTMedia, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Citizens State Bank, ClearObject, Delv Design, Duke Energy, Hagerman Group, Iconic Digital, Knowledge Services, Magnolia Bank, Meyer Najem, OfficeWorks, OurHealth, Paragon, and Rebar.
IN-KIND SPONSORS: Brown Forman Beverages, Four Day Ray, Hot Box, Mathoos Egg Rolls, Riviera Maya, Sprint, and Taylor's Bakery.
FYAP Proud to be a Community Partner for The Peyton Riekhof Foundation's Night of Hope Event
March 4, 2018 - Parents and teens (6th to 12th grades) are invited to attend The Peyton Riekhof Foundation's Night of Hope Event on March 20, 2018 at Fishers High School. The event takes place from 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. in the auditorium. Dinner will be provided. The Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) has been a community partner to the Foundation for several years. We will be on site to answer any questions about resources available to families who need support for any number of issues. Go to the RSVP page to register for this important event.
FYAP to Co-host Feb 22nd Presentation of SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age
Jan. 30, 2018 - Several local community organizations, including Fishers Youth Assistance Program, are hosting a special screening of the movie, SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age, on Feb. 22, 2018 at Fishers High School.
A self-professed documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time, SCREENAGERS addresses this most pervasive issue head on by depicting teen struggles over social media, video games and internet addiction. The film helps kids and parents find the best ways to navigate the digital world provides families with resources.
This FREE event is presented by: FYAP, YMI, Parents in Partnership and Peyton Riekhof Foundation. Make sure to RSVP for seats.
Youth Assistance Takes Part in March 6th Hamilton County Career Hiring Fair
Fishers Youth Assistance Program Names 2018 Board of Directors
Jan. 30, 2018 - The Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) recently approved new leadership for its Board of Directors, including Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath, president; Jessica Billingsley, secretary; and Paul Count, treasurer. Additionally, the organization welcomed its 2018 Board of Directors. They include:
Lisa Allen, Independent Non-Profit Organization Management Professional
Brad Battin, RQAW
Jessica Billingsley, Church Church Hittle & Antrim
Steve Burzynski, Imavex
Lynda Carlino, Former S.P.O.R.T.S. Executive Director
David Compton, Pulte Homes
Paul Count, The National Bank of Indianapolis
Amy DeLucia, St. Louis de Montfort
Nick Duvall, Little Red Door Cancer Agency
Ty Gerig, Sease, Gerig & Associates Public Relations
Dr. Bijender Kumar, Hancock Regional Hospital
Camishe Nunley, Independent Mental Health Counselor
Deb Polise, Berkshire Realty
Troy Robertson, Marketing Cloud at Salesforce
Anderson Schoenrock, Memory Ventures
Sneha Shah, Midwest Ear Institute
Cathy Worrall, HSE Schools Teacher
Deputy Mayor Leah McGrath, City of Fishers
Lieutenant Dave Dunbar, Fishers Police Department
Lieutenant Mike Johnson, Fishers Police Department
The Honorable Steven Nation, Hamilton County Superior Court
The Honorable Paul Felix Judge, Hamilton County Circuit Court
Dr. Mike Beresford, Hamilton Southeastern Schools Assistant Superintendent
Tricia Akers, Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program Director
Fishers Youth Assistance Program Issues Inaugural End-of-Year Review
Jan. 29, 2018 - Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) has issued its Inaugural End-of-Year Review about the organization's activities since its inception in the Fishers community.


text: Children's Eva Faux Fur Multi Vixen ScarfFrom$67.20The cool contemporary colours of the Eva multi Vixen are simply irresistible. The Multi Vixen is such a popular design in our adult range, we have made a perfect miniature version with the same bands of colour and sweet little foxy tails. A real fashion statement for the modern girl. Designed and made in England by Helen Moore. Learn More


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Caramel.FM | A Sweet Taste Of Groove Theory | Tell Me
the time that is now it is high time!
Groove Theory is an American duo, with former member, singer-songwriter Amel Larrieux and songwriter/producer/actor, Bryce Wilson. The group is best known for their 1995 hit "Tell Me", which reached the top five of Billboard 's Hot 100 and the US Billboard R&B chart. The group formed in New York in 1993, when Amel Larrieux met Bryce Wilson while she was working at Rondor Music as a receptionist. Larrieux had been working at the music publishing company since the age of 18. A publisher at the company had signed Wilson as a producer, and knew he was interested in forming a group. He approached Larrieux, who he knew was a singer-songwriter, with one of Wilson's production tracks, saying "look, you wanna try writing a song? You know I can give you one of the tracks, and you can do it, and if you don't mind, you can demo it. Wilson hoped to use the group as a chance to utilize his production talents, while Larrieux wanted a chance to shine in R&B. Wilson also found it useful for Larrieux to both write, sing, and arrange each song instead of shopping around for different singers and songwriters.
The group signed a recording contract with Epic Records, and in 1995, they released their self-titled debut album Groove Theory. The album featured the gold-sellinghit single, "Tell Me", which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. "Tell Me" peaked at #31 in the UK Singles Chart in November 1995.[2] Other charted singles included "Baby Luv" and "Keep Trying", which reached numbers 18 and 36 on the R&B chart, respectively. The album also went on to be certified gold.


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Greek banks are reopening after three weeks of closures sparked by the deadlock over the country's debt.
Athens reached a cash-for-reforms deal aimed at avoiding a debt default and an exit from the eurozone.
But several restrictions remain in place, including a block on money transfers abroad, and Greeks also face price rises with an increase in VAT.
Meanwhile, Germany has said it is prepared to consider further debt concessions to Greece.
Queues at ATMs have been a feature of life in Greece for weeks, with people waiting in line each day to withdraw a maximum of €60 (£41) a day, a restriction imposed amid fears of a run on banks.
From Monday, the daily limit becomes a weekly one, capped at €420 (£291), meaning Greeks will not have to queue every day.
Source: BBC


text:
|by Mark Wicks
|23 November 2015
Next year, the 125cc Vortex RoK DVS will be introduced to both the KA1 category (which was this year called KF2) and the KA2 class (KF3 junior) in the Australian Kart Championship.
According to the recently released Karting Australia manual, for 2016 the engine will run alongside the existing approved motors in both these classes, and also be eligible for Junior Performance and Open (senior) Performance.
Above: Vortex Rok DVS 125
Australian Distributor, Paul Feeney Group, organized a private test at the Geelong circuit the Monday after the final round of the Australian Kart Championship series.
The PFG/Vortex team had set up several karts in '2016' senior and junior specification for people to have a run.
Above: Graham Powles oversaw a number of the juniors testing the DVS
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: The day after the AKC final
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
While the DVS is in the spirit of the new generation CIK-FIA "OK" regulations, it is not Vortex's homologated OK engine.
The DVS is a 125cc water-cooled, reed-valve engine, but has no on-board starter, clutch, wiring loom or battery. The lower weight makes it a lighter and more maneuverable machine than a TaG kart. It's also direct drive. While this means it's back to push starting, the de-compression valve in the head means there is no requirement for pushers to lift the rear of the kart off the ground to get the bump-start happening.
There are three key differences between the 'senior' DVS and the 'junior' version:
What this means is the motor meets KA's 'pathway' requirement of being able to be upgraded from junior to senior competition.
Above: Like the Rotax MAX, the Junior version of the DVS cylinder does not have an exhaust power valve
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
The cylinder is cast iron with CNC ports, has a balance shaft for smoother running and pumps out 38hp in Senior spec (@11,000rpm) and 28hp in Junior spec (@10,000rpm).
The engines come as a complete kit that includes the motor with Ibea carburetor and Arrow intake silencer, plus the appropriate ignition and DVS exhaust. Recommended Retail Pricing (includes GST) - Junior DVS: $4190, Senior DVS: $4390.
Also, the DVS is a 'fixed spec' engine, must be run as homologated and is not subject to further development, Feeney telling me there will be no evolutions or upgrades for DVS.
Above: High quality IBEA carburettor for the Rok DVS, 24mm diameter
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Apart from me being too fat for the seat in the senior kart, the DVS felt good!
Bolted to a Kosmic chassis running MG Yellow tyres, the DVS fired without issue (start with zero throttle then, when it fires, gradually crack the throttle to about one-eighth and begin to drive away).
On new MG Yellows and a track that had just seen three days of hard racing, the Geelong circuit was pretty grippy, particularly so for someone who hasn't raced competitively for so long.
With gearing to cope with the circuit's long straight, the motor did feel a bit soft on the tight section of the infield. But when the DVS gets up and goes, it really goes! Keeping the tail in line as the power came in through the sweeper was fun. Also, the DVS sounds much more like how a high performance kart engine should.
A couple of drivers at the track who have race experience with a KF2, also tested the DVS and tell me this engine is smoother and more forgiving. The DVS has much less of the "two stage" power delivery of the KF2s they'd been running.
Above: Playing with ignition timing
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
While the DVS is an excellent, well engineered piece of kit, is going back to direct drive and push starting appropriate for modern karting?
One could justifiably argue the OK concept - of which the Rok DVS is but one example - is a step backwards in this litigious world (think, lots of people trying to avoid karts on the out grid).
In my opinion, lighter direct-drive engined karts are more fun to drive from a handling and on-track perspective than the heavier TaG-style equivalent.
However, observations on the test day led me to this conclusion: teams are going to need to get fitter starter motors!
The increase in popularity of TaG-engined classes in Australian karting means lots of karters and their crews have lost the ability to push-start effectively. In fact, many of today's racers have had no exposure to such a thing!
Above: Decompression valve open. When the engine turns over, the intake charge can escape from the combustion chamber via this valve. But when the engine fires for the first time, combustion chamber presssure snaps the valve closed. Depending on gearing, that can happen at very low road speed, so the pushers must remember to keep pushing until the kart can drive away. On the test day, some pushers bailed out as soon as the engine fired first time. That's not going to do the job.
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Decompression valve closed
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
The instructions to me as the driver when starting were "carry no throttle when being pushed, then once it fires the first time, crack it open to about an eighth until it starts to pick and then introduce more gas and drive away". That's exactly what I did, and I drove off down pit lane without issue.
But the same can't be said for a few of the others, and one of the junior karts was proving troublesome. Whether that was because of driver input, pushers not up to the job, or inherent tuning of the engine (mechanics were playing around with the ignition timing), I don't know. For the drivers and their pushers using this engine, there's going to be a bit of a re-education process.
Above: All the exhausts (senior and junior) come with EGT fitting pre-welded, but not drilled through
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above & Below: For the Senior DVS, an exhaust spacer and gasket can be fitted or removed from between the cylinder and header to tune power delivery
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above & Below: Power valve on the senior DVS (note extra spacer between heaader and cylinder)
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
The engine's good, but will it save KF2? I'll close with a quote from 2015 Championship runner-up Scott Sorenson as found in the PFG/Rok info pack: "It is an amazing engine and once you drive one you'll be jumping out of your skin for more, it is just that good! If introducing the new Vortex Rok DVS engine does not fix the KF2 class, nothing will."
Above: Vortex etching on the senior muffler
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Junior DVS muffler, externally quite similar to traditional 100cc pipes
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Senior DVS muffler has a much fatter expansion chamber
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Junior ignition (green box)
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Senior ignition box (black)
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Head combustion chamber template
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: IBEA carburettor profile template. These gauges are a quick and easy check for compliance and that no modifications have been made
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Combustion chamber template fits perfectly in the stock head - as it should!
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above & Below: Vortex's pics of the DVS
Above: 'L'-shaped piston ring
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: DVS piston, 54.00mm (engine stroke is also 54mm)
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: The DVS uses a coated piston
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: De-compression valve, from the inside
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews
Above: Jason Pringle gets pushed out for a run
pic - Mark Wicks, KartSportNews


text:
Seema Chowdhury
» Click to list general statistics » OR, select a date :
Spring Awakening
Get education in life and learn from it
Real life has so much to offer in bits
Just wake up and let it stir your soul
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Pavilion for the pool is a stable and solid construction of aluminum profiles with inserts of polycarbonate panels with ultraviolet protection.
Pavilions are stationary and sliding. Sliding pavilions are more popular, since they occupy considerably less space and save the budget. On sunny days, the dome of the pavilion moves away, and gives the opportunity to swim, jump and sunbathe next to the pool. On rainy or cool days the pavilion will protect the pool from contamination, and also keep the heat of the water.


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I'm not a purse girl, I am a pocket girl usually, but the latest onslaught of home made clothing in my wardrobe (in which I stupidly didn't put pockets) has created a need. That and I needed a bag for my camera because I lost the strap.
LOOONG straps so I can Carry it like a messenger bag
Oh Schnap...what's this? It goes reversi?!?
And then I found this pin on the ground the other day, so now she has a new home. I think I like this side better anyway...
I did this late, so the sewing got a little sloppy at the end. That and I was also watching Wonder Showzen, so the attention was a bit averted. That and I am new at sewing, but I will stop the self depreciation.
Tell me what you think.
that pink fabric is my greatest find ever, I got it for fifty cents a yard at walmart, I ended up getting like 5 yards of it. No I didn't use a pattern. Really I just needed a camera bag for the next day because a friend of mine asked me to take pictures of his band durring a show. The sewing on it actually is pretty good, I am just learning a new sewing machine. I learned the straps are a little long, so I need to fix those. Other than that, just some strings here and there...
next is a skirt, I got a pattern on ebay for like pennies and a not to bad shipping price. I just made my duct tape dress form to use to. Rock.


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July 1st, 2016, 05:24 AM
I just bought a AKG Y20 with line control. But I can't double click to skip track and click three times to backward, it just pause then play. But it works well with other music players.
View Full Version : Headset control by wire support


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What I Learned at My First Maker's Faire
Quilting is a fundamentally social act.
This discovery surprised me. But, now, I wonder why it should.
My early understanding of quilting came from my grandmother and her sisters sitting in the front room, under a big quilting frame. Their fingers move, side by side, stitching together.
The very story of Quilting is riddled with Quilting bees, for heaven's sake. But, somewhere, in the solitary hours of sitting at my machine I've lost sight of this truth.
I am in a high school gym when it re-emerges for me. A quilt is spread over my lap and I am directing small fingers. Many of them are taking the very first stitches of their lives. In this noisy, rowdy room, that feels a little sacred, and more than a little powerful.
There is a Maker's Faire going on all around us. Robots wiz around obstacles. Wind tunnels churn. People fold dainty paper flowers. There is a steady hum of making.
The making happening in this quilt is slow and it is quiet. I've thrown some quilts over tables, and draped one over the gymnastic mats against the wall. People wander by. Students. Teachers. Parents. The community that makes up this school streams past.
They stare at the quilts. Their eyes roam over our making. Some ask if any of the quilts are for sale. A few ask if there is a place in Warsaw to learn to make a quilt. And, plenty hurry on to the next booth.
If they pause at all, I invite them to join us.
"Oh, I can't."
"I don't know how to sew."
"I'd mess it up."
This, always from the adults.
Some of the children are shy. Some are more interested in robots than sewing. But none of them say they can't. That's a lie we learn in adulthood.
There are a fair few, though, who are game to give it a try. They sit for a few minutes and make their own marks on this bit of fabric stretched between us. Many still carry with them their own perfectionism, worry and fear. I tell them (honestly) that their hesitant, unsure stitches are every bit the gift as the well-practiced ones.
And then they begin to talk. They tell me that their grandmother (or mother, depending on their age) used to quilt. Some people tell me that quilting started in their country. It's a Swedish legacy. A Finnish heritage. An Irish one. I love every version. I listen to their stories. They tell me about hands they've loved, and the things those hands have made.
I don't know if they are conscious of the connections they are drawing. I wonder if they recognize the act of making and what it is doing to their souls and to their memories. But, I think their fingers know. And, through their fingers, they begin to tell stories.
Because quilting is a fundamentally social act.
It must be. I am surrounded with people who you don't know one another, sitting down under the same blanket and stitching. A remarkable thing is happening. Perhaps even a profound thing. In the midst of our own disconnection and isolation, we are sharing this space and this goal, for just a few minutes together.
A quilt is an object, yes. But it is also more than an object. It is a square of space, under which people can connect. It is its own type of small, holy room. It is a room for reading books, watching dying fires, and listening to one another. Elevated as the roof of a fort, it covers a multitude of adventures. Piled high, it guards from the chill of impending winter.
We are making all of that. We are making a quilt. And we are making a space for one another.
The Anatomy of the Quilt
I've been quilting exclusively with used/discarded materials for a few years now, and this quilt was no exception. It was made with an old tablecloth and a holey duvet cover.
The Geography of the Quilt
Finishing the hand quilting on this was my car/bus/train project for the summer, so it saw quite a few miles. It traveled with me to Krakow and Zakopane, Poland. It also went to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.


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And you will be able to:
- find new friends who would share your interests;
- write reviews and comments to the games;
- be the first to know about news and updates;
- to participate in contests and win prizes;
- and much more!
Registered users: 1078354
Pirate Adventures is an action packed hidden object game that will excite everyone who loves mystery and pirate romance!
Once upon a time, a pirate named Sharpshooter Jack obtained a mysterious, ancient box. Jack knew immediately that this box contained something very, very important, but what? It's locked tight! Trying to find out what is hidden inside the box, Jack gets caught up in wonderful adventure! He will meet with the spirits and become a psychic, escape from prison and learn his destiny! Will he learn a secret of the box too? The answer depends on you!
- an incredible story of pirates, treasure and an ancient curse
- sixty-five challenging levels
- colorful locations and interesting quests
- challenging mini games
- amazing graphics and music
Wonderful adventures, picturesque characters and a little mystery are waiting for you! Hurry up and begin your treasure hunt!
To be continued with "Pirate Adventure 2"!
- My Kingdom for the Princess
Pass all the trials and receive a well deserved award!
- City Cat
Jump from one roof to the next!
- Million Dollar Quest


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Here are the products that I love and discovered in 2014, and will continue to repurchase. I truly feel like I found my biggest beauty gems during this year. There are a lot more great products that I bought last year, but I narrowed it down to these because otherwise this would have resulted in me basically just photographing half of my makeup collection.
MAC's Studio Concealer is the best concealer for covering impurities and discoloration. period. During 2014 my skin began to act up so this has been my savior. The shade variation is also perfect for me because I (fake) tan a lot. This foundation by Armani is the most luxurious one I've tried - it's very lightweight but yet covers the skin by the perfect amount, resulting in a flawless finish. This is in my Top 5 foundations, which I'll be doing a post on soon.
This blush is beautiful. It's a very wearable baby pink with subtle shimmer and I love pairing it with a matching lipstick/gloss. It's not too BAM in your face either, so it's great for everyday wear. Give Me Sun! is great for achieving a natural looking tan. HOWEVER, this is not suitable for very pale nor strongly red-based skintones because the results will resemble a carrot. I am very pale myself but my skin is really yellow-based so it works on me.
This contour kit revolutionized the makeup world last year when it was launched! Halleluja, it's amazing! It's a must for anyone who is into contouring. I couldn't live without it. The powders have just the right amount of pigment in them and they're easily blendable, which is much desired when contouring. The Full Exposure palette is my favorite palette for when I'm doing evening looks because of the shimmer shades - they're incredible when used wet!
Tämä varjostus paletti mullisti meikkimaailman viime vuonna! Halleluja! Se on kyllä mahtava tuote. Todellinen must kaikille ketkä tykkäävät tehdä varjostuksia ja korostuksia. En pystyisi olemaan ilman tätä. Puutereissä on juuri sopiva määrä pigmenttiä ja häivyttäminen tapahtuu vaivattomasti, mikä on toivottua varjostuksien tekemisessä. Full Exposure -paletti on lemppari palettini iltameikkejen tekemiseen, kimallesävyjen vuoksi - ne ovat mielettömiä märkänä käytettyinä!
All hail the queen! Anastasia Beverly Hills has really hit it off with her makeup empire. Her products are amazing and it's one of, if not, my favorite makeup brand. These tweezers will pluck out every single undesired hair, and the Brow Wiz is one of a kind with its extremely precise tip, but yet it results in natural looking brows, whereas many other pencils result in that drawn-on effect. I don't think I would even know how to do my brows without this product anymore. This kayal is my favorite for lining the waterline and here is an in-depth review on it (apologies for its ugly appearance, it ofcourse had to open up in my clutch when I was out).
I'm all about those glossy baby pink lips! Nude Peach is my go-to everyday gloss that I wear to run errands, school or work. It's pigmented but not where it's too much for an everyday product. It looks great ontop of lipsticks too - same goes for the Butter Gloss. The whole line of Butter Glosses is amazing though, because the formula is one of a kind - nonsticky and lightweight, yet highly pigmented. The greatest part about these are their price - around 5e! Woo!
Kiiltävät baby pink -huulet on se "mun juttu"! Nude peach –sävyssä on sopivasti pigmenttiä arkikäyttöön, kouluun tai töihin. Kiilto näyttää myös hyvältä huulipunan päällä. Samat sanat Butter Glossista. Itseasiassa koko Butter Gloss -sarja on loistava, sillä niiden koostumus on täydellinen - kevyt eikä yhtään tahmea (tuntuu melkein huulirasvalta ja tarpeeksi pigmenttinen). Paras asia näissä tuotteissa on myös hinta - n. 5 euroa! Woo!
This is the best makeup remover in the world! I just simply can't even use anything else anymore. Click here for an in-depth review on it. Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Eye Cream is my favorite because it keeps my undereyes very hydrated, and that's what we want to do to keep those wrinkles from coming early on! It also ensures that the undereye concealer will look good. This chapstick by Palmer's, that I discovered in London, was such a find because I haven't found anything else that conditions my lips as effectively as this!


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On June 2, 2016 Reserve Bank of India published its circular on cyber security requirements for banks operating in India, a much awaited initiative from RBI, as most of its western counterparts ...
The IoT sensation took its toll on the digital world, completely altering the conventional definitions of integrated systems and connectivity, creating a parallel cloud world. As the interaction
The heist of over $80 million sent shock-waves through the global financial system
Canara Bank, one of the leading lending and banking institution suffered a cyber incident. Their main page read, "We are a team of Pak Cyber Attackers. Go Home Kiddo. Need Security? Contact me".
When your infrastructure is attacked your business may fail to relive the attack
Preserving your organization's information security can be like playing a game of chess with an opponent that gets smarter with every move. If you want to win..
The cyber threat landscape is transforming rapidly on a daily basis. The nature of attacks is becoming more sophisticated and security mechanisms are struggling to keep up at their best, and, at worst,
How real is the threat of cyber security for your organization? Let's begin by looking at the numbers.
Platinum has been leveraging a technique known as hot patching to hide it's malware from security products


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- Home
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Moody Bible Institute's Commencement offers graduates the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.
Here you'll find schedules, directions, parking and contact details for all Moody undergraduate, graduate and seminary commencement ceremonies. If you missed one of the ceremonies, watch the full video by clicking the links to the left.
Chicago | Undergraduate and Graduate
Michigan | Seminary
Spokane | Undergraduate


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Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Fairy Tale Part Three: Keeping the Dream Alive
12 comments:
- Suzanne said...
We celebrated 20 years together yesterday and it is still a journey full of wonder and some bumps in the road:-)
- May 18, 2011 at 9:07 AM
- Lisa Maria said...
Congrats to you Suzanne! May you be blessed with many more! P.S. The bumps make you hold on to each other tighter.. don't you think?
- May 18, 2011 at 9:25 AM
- signingcharity said...
Thank you for visiting my blog recently. As you might have gathered, my hubby has weathered more than his fair share of bumps and bruises with me as I deal with PPD and he continues to be so wonderful, letting me know how loved and cherished I am. Thank you for the reminder and prod in the right direction to communicate my love to him!
- May 18, 2011 at 4:21 PM
- Lisa Maria said...
Signingcharity...Glad you visited with me and I'm happy to be of any help whatever. Praying for you as you continue your struggle.
God Bless!
- May 18, 2011 at 4:30 PM
- SimpleThingsSweetLife said...
I always appreciate your comments and visits to my blog Lisa Maria...what a sweetheart you are as well as a woman of God. May He bless you extra today!
Donna :)
- May 18, 2011 at 5:04 PM
- SimpleThingsSweetLife said...
PS...Tomorrow is our 27th wedding anniversary! So thankful that God has kept us together and enjoying each other all these years. To Him be all the glory and credit!
- May 18, 2011 at 5:06 PM
- Lisa Maria said...
WOW Donna! Congrats to you both! I pray that God blesses your love and your marriage abundantly and you have many more years together. Thank you for blessing me with your visit today.
Love & Blessings!
- May 18, 2011 at 5:09 PM
- Kristin Bridgman said...
I love happy endings!
My husband and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage in October. We always have "dates" even if it's just going out for a burger and a trip to Wal-Mart or the hardware store. (I love the hardware stores)
And the little notes and just because phone calls are nice. We also sit together A LOT out in our porch swing or in the one out back. Quiet time just for him and I to talk and just be together without distractions.
I'm so glad little princess is enjoying the ride! :)
- May 18, 2011 at 8:10 PM
- Lisa Maria said...
Kristin, I love happy endings too.. always the romantic! 30 years is SUCH a milestone! Isn't it wonderful to know that you can ease into the autumn and winter of your life with this unconditional love and this man to lean on and hold your hand. What a glorious ride indeed!
- May 19, 2011 at 12:36 PM
- "Ima" said...
Oh I am glad that I caught up on your posts! What a blessing to read. I loved how you reminded me about getting his attention. I try to remember to email and such, but it is such a nice reminder. Again, what a great fairy tale. I think it's better than Disney's because it is real and grounded in Christ. :)
And your post on love-oh so true. It is sufficient if we can learn what love really is. What a great reminder. Like I said, so glad I caught up. Hoping the rest of May isn't as busy.
- May 20, 2011 at 1:31 AM
- Lisa Maria said...
Ima.. so glad you visited! Thanks for blessing me with your sweet words. Hope all is well in the nuthouse ;-) I know what you mean about being busy .. its manic on my end, but God's grace abounds, as always!
Love & Blessings to you and yours!
- May 20, 2011 at 6:47 AM
- Anne @ Modern Mrs Darcy said...
Love this series!
- May 20, 2011 at 12:31 PM


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My Choice Essential Oils Company: Nature's Gift
The Start
This January one of my New Year's resolutions was to learn about essential oils. I am in the infancy of my essential oil journey. I received "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood as a Christmas gift, so that was/still is my launching point. The book is great for explaining the basics of essential oil; how they work, methods of use, and it has a TON of recipes for just about everything and everyone. So with a list of ingredients a mile long for all the fun things I wanted to try, I needed to find the best essential oil company.
The Search
I spent many of my kids' precious nap-times trying to make sense of and sort through the abundance of essential oil companies online. They seemed to all be making the same claims about their oil quality, yet some at very different prices! I didn't want to overpay, but I also didn't want to trade quality for low cost. It felt like a maddening search and I became even more cautious and determined to find a great company after reading the article "What's in Those Supplements?" from the New York Times. Basically they said that when testing popular store brand herbal supplements, authorities found that about FOUR OUT OF FIVE products contained NONE of the herbs listed on their labels. WHAT?! Talk about unnerving! So first I scrutinized websites for information on quality oils and picked those that made promises like ethically harvested, 100% undiluted, organic, wild crafted, etc. Then I narrowed down the list by simply getting frustrated and sending out an inquiry email. I asked why the huge price differences between companies and why I should buy from them. Anyone who didn't reply was knocked off the list.
The Final Two
One of the two companies I picked to try was initially chosen by the very "human" reply I received to my mass email inquiry. Instead of a professional/generic "Dear So and So our oils are hand selected and pure", the email I received from Marge at Nature's Gift felt more like a letter from a dear old friend. She described a 20+ year passion with oils– teaching others and making them available-that morphed into a business. She directed me to their About Us page and to a really great read about their oils that cleared up the "therapeutic grade" phrase I kept hearing. I was sold. That kind of attitude was exactly what I was hoping to find.
The second company I chose to try was Mountain Rose Herbs. Along with the same promises of oil quality, they had been recommended to me on several occasions from different people and sources. Simple as that.
First Order Comparison
I placed an order with Nature's Gift and Mountain Rose Herbs of nearly the same cost on the same day. This was my first order ever from either company. Here's what I found and my experience with both.
Their oils:
I was more impressed by the LARGE selection of essential oils that Nature's Gift sells. For example, they sell six types of Eucalypus: Eucalyptus radiata, E. globulous, E. smithii, E. citriodora, E. staigeriana, and E. dives. Eucalyptus globulous is the most common but not recommended for children. E. smithii and E. radiata are better for children, but Mountain Rose Herbs only sells E. globulous and E. citriodora. Such choices may seem overwhelming but to me Nature's Gift's variety caters to both the beginner and the experienced. As a paranoid beginner I want to follow the recipes in my book EXACTLY which means I want the EXACT Latin plant name for each oil. This is more possible with the large selection that Nature's Gift offers. As I gain more experience, I know I'm going to love not being limited with say three options of lavender, when I can chose from Nature's Gift's 12 options. I'll be able to find the best fit for both my applications and my wallet. Nature's Gift's oil descriptions are also excellent. I find myself going to their website to read about an oil, more than I go to the glossary in my essential oil book.
The Price:
When comparing prices, the two companies balanced out to cost about the same. Where say, Mountain Rose Herbs' Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) is more expensive, Nature's Gift's Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) is more expensive, etc.
Processing and Shipping:
Nature's Gift was processed and shipped in one day and arrived in three days. Mountain Rose Herbs was processed and shipped in three days and arrived in nine days. Nature's Gift shipped Priority Post for less cost than Mountain Rose Herbs' UPS shipping. *To be fair, Mountain Rose Herbs was coming from farther away than Nature's Gift but to that, see my "Order Satisfaction" below.
Order Satisfaction:
Nature's Gift's order was correct and contained several free samples (fun!) and a coupon for my next order (sweet!). Mountain Rose Herbs' contained neither and the order was incorrect (disappointing). Now their customer service was extremely responsive and had the necessary replacement shipped right away to me via Priority Post. Which brings me back to shipping…their Priority Post arrived in half the time of their UPS…so why can't they just send all their orders Priority Post? Furthermore, they had a website at the bottom on their shipped receipt to fill out a 'customer satisfaction survey'-so I thought great, I'll go fill this out. Except the website had expired in 2014. Perhaps they should delete this off their receipts or update the website.
To sum it all up, Nature's Gift is my choice essential oil company. Huge Variety, excellent quality, great customer service, reasonable prices, fast processing and shipping, and ensuring future business with samples and a coupons-check and check.
I don't dislike Mountain Rose Herbs, I'm just not as impressed with them as I am Nature's Gift. Mountain Rose Herbs does have a greater selection of glass containers, larger quantities of carrier oils, plus herbs and these great glass spice containers. So I would order from them again if I needed those items specifically. However, when it comes to essential oils, Nature's Gift is my favorite.
The next part of this journey-trying out all these great oils! Stay tuned!
Hi there! I'm Kaley, prevailing parent and wife, but also just me; stubborn lover of DIY everything, outdoors, and chocolate. Read more about myself and my family under the "Parenting" > "About My Family" tabs.


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3 tips to save money for your first home
Are you ready to make the transition from renting to owning your own home? Then you've probably already looked into the incentives and concessions available to first home buyers in your state or territory. But did you know there are other steps you can take to help save time and money? Here are three of our top tips to buy your first home sooner.
1. Apply for a deposit bond instead of paying a cash deposit
Don't pour your money into a cash deposit, or lock it up behind a bank guarantee. For a one-time, upfront payment, a deposit bond will secure your contract of sale, and you'll only need to pay the deposit amount on the settlement date. That means you've got more time to save up for your deposit, and more flexibility to use your cash elsewhere if an opportunity arises.
2. Lock in your property price now, and start saving
One of the biggest challenges that all first home buyers face is the constant movement of the property market. We hear this frustration all the time: you figure out what you can afford and start saving towards your deposit, but that target keeps rising with the house prices, and you always end up short of the mark.
Don't save harder—save smarter. When you buy off the plan, you're locking in the property price now, so you can save towards a fixed target instead. With most developments taking 18–24 months to complete, pairing this approach with a deposit bond may give you a significant financial advantage, empowering you with the possibility to expand your property portfolio sooner.
3. Save time by researching genuine opportunities online
Savvy home buyers want all their options on the table before they commit. We get that. That's why our website features a powerful search function that gives you access to new developments across Sydney from the comfort of your own home. We're a one-stop shop, no more traipsing around town visiting multiple display suites and real estate agencies!
If you'd like to learn more about our current opportunities we have available, talk to our team today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for information purposes only and cannot be relied upon. You should seek professional advice tailored to your specific personal and financial circumstances.


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Bellinzona/Berne, 30 January 2012
After already having signed 11 cooperation agreements with the electric power companies Basel, Berne, Lucerne, Geneva, St Gallen and Zurich among others, Swisscom has now been able to reach an agreement with AMB. The commercial and technical details have been recorded in a declaration of intent. The agreement between Swisscom and AMB creates synergies, which will lead to an optimised use of resources. In addition, this collaboration will avoid the parallel construction of two different fibre-optic networks and will therefore reduce the costs involved, benefitting the customer. The agreement allows the region to drive forward technological development. The customers profit from this partnership, not only from an economic point of view, but also with regard to the services on offer. The partnership allows an "open access" infrastructure with four fibres per connection point. This means that inhabitants will be able to choose their telecom providers.
Swisscom and AMB will be connecting over 14,000 homes and businesses to the high-speed fibre-optic network in the coming years, of which Swisscom will be creating 10,000 connections in the city of Bellinzona, while AMB will be expanding the network in bordering communities. To this day, Swisscom has already connected approximately 500 homes and businesses to the fibre-optic network. Both Swisscom's and AMB's existing fibre-optic connections will be incorporated into the partnership.
The fibre-optic expansion in the region of Bellinzona is to cost around CHF 47 million. This lends the project great importance for the local economy. Swisscom is taking on 60%, while AMB is covering 40% of the costs.
AMB is a public enterprise of the municipality of Bellinzona that has been the agglomeration's utilities provider for more than 140 years. Right from the start, AMB's main business activities have included supplying drinking water and producing and distributing electricity.
The usual activities have now been expanded to include new services, such as the improvement of energy efficiency and advice, as well as new telecom services using fibre-optics. Thanks to a well thought out technological innovation strategy, AMB has become a leader in the telecom sector. WAMBO Fibra ottica products for the internet and telephony have contributed to this success.


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Information Map Magnets
With unique icons, interesting state information and high-quality materials, customers are eager to collect each the Information Magnet for each state. Each magnet features information about the state's nickname, size and date of inception in the Union.
- 6 square inches / 0.2" thickness / 5 colors
- Features popular state icons and interesting information
- Uses flashy metallic foil colors
- All 50 states available, plus Washington, D.C.
- Available bulk or in a printed "Classic Magnet" souvenir poly bag
- Quantity Price Breaks available at 72, 144, and 288+ total pieces in each series
- Note: Prices will be adjusted when we review your order.