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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) expects India's growth to pick up in the coming financial year ending March 31, 2019 to 7.3 percent from 6.7 percent in the current year, said the Bank's Vice-President (operations 1) Zhang Wencai recently in an interview with Xinhua in New Delhi.
Zhang said inflation is likely to remain modest, and average less than 5 percent in the forthcoming financial year. Some recent measures taken by the government such as GST (Goods & Services Tax), improving ease of doing business, bolstering agriculture and rural development in next year's budget, are expected to boost growth in the short run, he added.
According to Zhang, India had the potential to grow at over 8 percent for a sustained period in the medium term due to a variety of factors, such as steady urbanization leading to strong increase in the consumption power and demand for goods and services, favorable demographics with a relatively young workforce, significant improvement in the ease of doing business during the past few years, and emerging as an attractive destination for FDI.
But, for achieving this, he said, India needs to overcome a few challenges, including resolving infrastructure bottlenecks, closing the gap between advanced and lagging regions where most of the poor are concentrated, improving its skilled workforce, addressing worsening environmental degradation, natural resource depletion, and climate change impacts.
The new ADB country partnership strategy (CPS) 2018-2022 for India approved in 2017 aims at supporting the country's rapid economic transformation from lower towards upper middle-income status and achieve a faster, more inclusive, and sustainable growth.
The CPS envisages an enhanced annual lending of 3 billion to 4 billion U.S. dollars for 2018-2022, including private sector operations, compared with an average of 2.65 billion U.S. dollars per year in 2013-2017, subject to resource availability and project readiness.
The ADB had in 2017 approved a total of 12 projects for India totaling 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in areas such as transport, energy, urban, agriculture and natural resources and skills sectors, Zhang said, adding that the bank approved non-sovereign projects amounting to 460 million U.S. dollars in 2017.


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ExpiredInfluencing the Board – A Fool's Errand
- 10 October 2018
5:30 am - 8:00 am
Venue: EY Melbourne Office
8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
As the information security industry matures and information security increasingly becomes recognized as an important aspect of any enterprise organisation, there is greater and greater drive and aspiration to be able to 'influence the board'. Whether you're a partner at a Big4 consulting firm, a small independent business operator or even an internal Security Manager or CISO, attaining influence of an enterprise board is considered to be crucial to the success of any security programme.
Unfortunately, this approach is misguided and typically driven as a result of a misunderstanding of what the role of the board and its members are in defining and guiding the strategy of an organization. This typically results in wasted time, effort and precious resources. Worse yet, attempting to influence the board can have unintended consequences and actually impair your ability to effect organisational change.
This presentation will help attendees to better understand the role of the board, how boards function and why attempting to influence the board is largely a waste of time. We will also discuss the underlying psychology of influence and why it works; identify appropriate stakeholders within a typical enterprise organisation and how to apply the psychology of influence to those key stakeholders – ensuring that your security programme has the best chance of holistic adoption and ultimately, success.
CPE Hours
1.5 hours, based on the assumption you have signed the attendance sheet when attending
Registration and Admittance
• Due to our sponsoring partner's facilities, access requirements and for catering purposes, we request that you register for this event to ensure you are able to attend.
• Registration to this session is open and free of charge to all current and prospective ISACA members.
• A registration door prize will be drawn from the list of duly registered attendees.

subset: commoncrawl


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The mission is simple: prepare your home and business to survive future energy challenges.
The mission is simple: prepare your home and business to survive future energy challenges.
As designers who are conscious about sustainability, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of a building, be it residential, commercial or Institutional to a minimum while maintaining a high quality of life. We understand that for a building to be truly sustainable, it not only has to have a low environmental impact but also be economically viable and aesthetically pleasing. It also needs to be long lasting and easy to maintain. Hence, we strongly believe that understanding the requirements and limitation of the user, the architect and the engineers is very important in developing an integrated solution. We aim to develop a truly viable solution based on constant interaction with all the Stakeholders involved during the design and construction of the facility.
Click HERE for More Information on New Building Consultancy
Construction Costs: The trend is a reduction in the construction costs associated with green construction as building codes around the world become stricter; the green material supply chain matures, and the technology backing green construction becomes more efficient.
Asset Value: As investors and occupiers become more knowledgeable about and concerned with the environmental impact of their assets, sustainable buildings will have increased marketability. There is a demonstrated link between the green-features of a building, and its ability attracts tenants and command higher rents and sale prices.
Operating Costs: Green buildings save you money via reduced energy and water consumption along with lower operating and maintenance costs in the long-term. The energy savings alone exceed any cost premiums associated with their design and construction within a reasonable payback period.
Productivity and Health: The physical characteristics of buildings and indoor environments have the ability to influence resident/worker productivity as well as their health and well-being.
Future Proof: Regulatory authorities constantly introduce building codes which threaten inefficient buildings. Instead of worrying about what's next, we want you to be ahead of the curve so you can focus on what matters most to you.
An Energy Audit can range from a quick facility walk-through (Level 1 Audit) identifying superficial problem areas to a comprehensive analysis (Level 2 Audit) of your operations to determine the alternative energy efficiency measures necessary to satisfy your financial criteria.


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A couple weeks ago, I took a workshop in my town: Diversity and Inclusivity. If you've read my About Me page, you know that I am copastor with an African American pastor for a church that is roughly 50/50 white and black people.
The area I live in, which used to be composed of all (or mostly all) white people, is gradually having more and more people of color move into it. The mayor wished to be proactive and a series of workshops and presentations has been put together for townspeople to participate in, if they so wish.
About 100-150 of us gathered the second night in the high school's common area.
Not Wired to Perceive Unknown
What did we learn that night? The brain is not wired to perceive the unknown.
Imagine an iceberg. Above water, we see is human behavior. Under the water are the structures, systems, thoughts, paradigms, ideas, images, and beliefs that show up by way of behavior.
Researchers used to believe that we could not unlearn the implicit "education" we received in childhood because we are unaware of those influences.
But recent research suggests we can reshape our unconscious attitudes and beliefs.
How might this work?
Four Stage Movement to Awareness
There is a four stage movement:
- unconscious incompetence 4. unconscious competence
- conscious incompetence 3. conscious competence
During the couple of hours were we together, we were given several different exercises to do. After each exercise we were encourage to find people at different tables, people we didn't know to talk briefly about the exercises with one another.
What are some of the important take-aways to becoming a more diverse and inclusive community?
- stress exacerbates biases
- are we motivated to learn new information and change
- are we willing to see others, who are different from us, as individuals (rather than as a uniform group to hate and use as scapegoats)
- do we work with diverse people as equal members in pursuit of a common goal
- do we see leaders work with diverse people as equal members
And the final question we were left with for the evening:
What will I commit to do to manage my own unconscious bias?


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We created this women's shoe to grab attention and hold onto it. A patent leather upper encases the soft midsole and comfy padded sockliner. Durable rubber protects your stride as this shoe catches the eye of passersby.Materials: Patent leather upper for support
Low-cut design for a sleek and sophisticated silhouette
Best for: Classic style, everyday wear
EVA midsole absorbs shock
High abrasion rubber outsole adds durability
Padded foam sockliner cushions each step
Product code: CN0771
Product color: Desert Dust / White


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RE/DONE + Weejuns
11th September 2018
We're excited to announce the launch of an exclusive partnership landing on our shores just in time for London Fashion Week.
Earlier this summer we teamed up with RE/DONE jeans, the US based fashion brand founded by industry veterans Sean Barron and Jamie Mazur. Since launching in 2014, the brand has carved out a reputation for reconstructing vintage Levi's denim into modern fits at their studio in downtown Los Angeles. Committed to taking the old and making it new again, the label has partnered with iconic American sportswear brands, like Hanes and Champion, on vintage inspired T-shirts and hoodie lines.
Respectively, for its first footwear launch, RE/DONE lends its distinct cool factor to another classic: the G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns. The iconic Weejuns penny loafer, is a design first introduced to American markets in 1936 and was inspired by the Norwegian farm shoe designed for 'loafing in the field'.
The Limited Edition RE/DONE + Weejuns capsule collection is a modern interpretation of a classic, using carefully sourced vintage tapestry, calf hair, patent and box leathers.
Opening in time for the launch of London Fashion Week, RE/DONE will be bringing a touch of LA cool to our Beak Street store, transforming the space into an exclusive RE/DONE + Weejuns pop-up. The space will feature the UK exclusives from the collection, including The Penny, a modern interpretation of the classic in vintage tapestry and calfskin, and The Heeled Penny, a three-inch iteration of our classic style.The space has been designed to capture the rocky Californian terrain, used as the backdrop of our campaign starring Paris Jackson and shot by famed photographer Juergen Teller.
The installation has been designed to create a playful space in which viewers can take pictures and interact with the campaign images and, of course, shop a host of RE/DONE+Weejuns styles and assorted classics.
The pop up will be open from 12th September - 23rd September. If you're in the area, we'd love to see you.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates on the pop up and exclusive collection.


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Donyel and his team were fantastic. From the very start we knew we had chosen a photographer who comes with a lot of expertise. Donyel is very talented and keeps his kool while working with our huge wedding party. Our Fine art book is simply Gorgeous and we love it. Thank you Donyel for being a true professional and making our wedding day amazing.
Kendra & Chris M.


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Acolyte (CR 1/2)
Human cleric 1
LN Medium humanoid
Init +0; Senses Perception +2
AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 17 (+5 armor, +2 shield)
hp 5 (1d8+1)
Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +4
Speed 20 ft.
Melee shortspear +1 (1d6+1)
Ranged shortspear +0 (1d6+1)
Special Attacks channel positive energy 7/day (DC 12, 1d6)
Domain Spell-Like Abilities (CL 1st; concentration +3)
5/day—rebuke death, touch of law
Cleric Spells Prepared (CL 1st; concentration +3)
1st—bless, command (DC 13), cure light woundsD
0 (at will)—guidance, resistance, virtue
D domain spell; Domains Healing, Law
Str 12, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 14
Base Atk +0; CMB +1; CMD 11
Feats Extra Channel, Selective Channeling
Skills Diplomacy +6, Heal +8, Knowledge (religion) +4, Sense Motive +6
Languages Common
Combat Gear scroll of protection from chaos, scroll of sanctuary; Other Gear scale mail, heavy wooden shield, shortspears (2), healer's kit, silver holy symbol
Boon An acolyte can tend a character's wounds or provide a free wooden holy symbol or sacred tract (granting a +2 circumstance bonus on Knowledge [religion] checks about the acolyte's faith). An acolyte can also make holy water for PCs at a 20% discount. an acolyte is a priest in training, often a callow youth fresh from the cloisters, loaded with zeal but not much practiced in proselytism. They are found in temples and monasteries throughout the world, and their enthusiasm and devotion makes them eager to take up arms and armor to defend their faith and flocks.
Acolytes of different faiths can be easily created by simply changing their domains, spells, armor, or weapons. Evil acolytes might have the Death and Evil domains, for example, and channel negative energy instead. An acolyte of nature could have the Animal and Plant domains, and wear leather armor. Acolytes can be temple caretakers or messengers, attendants at small roadside shrines and chapels, or assistants to more experienced priests. A pair of acolytes may accompany a temple guard (CR 3), a pilgrim (CR 4), or a medium (CR 5).
Section 15: Copyright Notice – Game Mastery Guide
Pathfinder RPG GameMastery Guide, © 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Cam Banks, Wolfgang Baur, Jason Bulmahn, Jim Butler, Eric Cagle, Graeme Davis, Adam Daigle, Joshua J. Frost, James Jacobs, Kenneth Hite, Steven Kenson, Robin Laws, Tito Leati, Rob McCreary, Hal Maclean, Colin McComb, Jason Nelson, David Noonan, Richard Pett, Rich Redman, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Amber Scott, Doug Seacat, Mike Selinker, Lisa Stevens, James L. Sutter, Russ Taylor, Penny Williams, Skip Williams, Teeuwynn Woodruff.


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Factors to consider for buying condo in West Coast Vale
During the seashore or the golf training course, you strike up interactions with many individuals so you understand they live up northern (undoubtedly you meet up with Minnesotans and Michiganders); they go to 2 or 3 times each year, plus they personal trip condos in the area. So that you chat it above and decide to start out exploring the notion of buying a vacation condo in south west Florida. A two master bedroom, two bath condo with a complete kitchen, lanai, and wonderful look at is quite a somewhat more cozy compared to a tiny hotel room with a 2 cup coffee machine. It makes sense, you believe you're very brilliant, and so you dive to the search.
The initial step is figuring out which kind of perspective and location is the concern for you. You can push for the seashore or possibly a golf course or a marina or motorboat ramp or shopping center or amusement park. Should your top priority is seaside, sunsets, and expansive normal water landscapes you'll be in the course of beach Whistler Grand customer. You naturally continue to go boating or golfing, it's just that the vessel is just not in your yard or maybe the golf course will not be inside your yard. Likewise, in case you are an avid boater or angler, but just a casual golfer, your top priority is a waterfront home with a canal or in a group with marina facilities. To keep it simplistic, let's generalize about three classifications of condominium attributes:
Prepared gated residential areas:
There are several private areas that supply a wonderful merge of all of the facilities a lot of condo shoppers are seeking: playing golf, football, clubhouse, health and fitness bedrooms, strolling trails, and so forth. These communities are an assortment of individual-family member's homes, cottages, and condos. Some also have marinas, boat safe-keeping, and so on-premise eating places. With this group, attributes on the waterfront could have landscapes in the Caloosahatchee River, Charlotte Harbour, or perhaps a big lake-like saltwater basin.
In South west Florida, the majority of substantial-go up condo towers are normally found in the downtown area Fort Myers along the Caloosahatchee Stream and on the beaches from the Gulf of Mexico (Fort Myers Seashore, Bonita Seaside, Naples). In addition, some private communities have substantial increases amongst other property kinds. Illustrations are Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour in Cape Coral, Gulf Harbour and Mastique in Fort Myers, and Burnt Store Marina about the Charlotte Harbour.
Small condo buildings:
More compact buildings, say 8 to 100 overall houses and three-5 tales great, can be bought in centrally-found areas including main Fort Myers, over the waterfront (canals, the Caloosahatchee Stream, as well as the Gulf of Mexico) and are popular on Sanibel and Captiva islands. There are also small waterfront complexes on canal solutions, usually with vessel docks to be used by citizens or their tenants. In the beaches, you can find corporate and business-possessed condo-lodges and little proprietor-association managed condo-resorts.


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- "Ending Attack Techniques 200" is now on sale! (26-07-2019)
- "Ending Attack Techniques 200", which had been out of prints for a long time, finally came back. This book is recommended by many top-flight professional shogi players. (Recommendations are shown in the products page.) Please do check the page and order before it runs out!
- the price hike regarding Ono-ore pieces (03-06-2019)
- Regrettably, we must inform you about the price hike regarding Ono-ore pieces. Due to the recent price increase in raw materials, our supplier decided to raise the price for this product by 5000JPY. Accordingly, the sets including Ono-ore pieces such as Hidetchi Shogi Set (Standard Model) and Hidetchi Shogi Set (Premium Model) also increases its price. We guarantee its beauty of the pieces and its high quality.
- Service during the New Year holiday season (25-12-2018)
- During the New Year holiday season, which will be from December 29th to January 3rd, Shipment cannot be proceeded due to the closure of postal system in Japan.
We truly appreciate to your kind contribution for this year. We are looking forward to your orders next year as well.
- Nekomado Booth in Spiel-Messe 2018 (22-10-2018)
- Nekomado booth will be open in Spiel-Messe in Essen, Germany from Oct 25th to 28th. Madoka Kitao will be waiting to see you at the booth; 4J104 in Hall 4. Please feel free to drop by.
- Printed Calligraphy Towel by professional shogi player is available now! (15-01-2018)
- Amahiko Sato MEIJIN
Shintaro Saito 7-dan
Saki Satomi Jyoryu 1-dan
Emina Yamaguchi Jyoryu 1-kyu
- A new Shogi Clock! Available now! 5,940JPY! (15-01-2018)
- A new chess clock called 'Shogi Clock' is available now!
We recommend it as a simple & compact chess clock for shogi players.
- Republished! The new version of "Dobutsu Shogi in the Greenwood"! (10-11-2017)
- The new version of "Dobutsu Shogi in the Greenwood" has been republish by a new maker called Shogakukan on 8 NOV, 2017!
- New products! Seals of Shogi Pieces! For sales now! (09-10-2017)
- New products! Seals of Shogi Pieces! For sales now!
200 JPY for one set, 2500 JPY for twenty sets!
You can get 20 sets of this item by a discount price.
- "Dobutsu Shogi in the Greenwood", new version! pre-sale starts! (06-10-2017)
- The new version of Dobutsu Shogi in the Greenwood will be republished on 8 NOV, 2017. The pre-sale of this item is now started. You can book this cute item now and we will ship it to you after its publication day.
- "Glance Shogi Series Set (4 books)", advance booking starts! (26-07-2017)
- One of books of Glance series, "Sabaki at a Glance" will be republished on 1 AUG, 2017. Now the advance booking starts. Please pay attention if you order this item, the shipment will be made after 1 AUG.
- "Sabaki at a Glance" republished! Advance booking starts! (26-07-2017)
- A book of Glance series, "Sabaki at a Glance" will be republished on 1 AUG, 2017. Now the advance booking starts. Please pay attention if you order this item, the shipment will be made after 1 AUG.
- Shogi Set for beginners! (01-06-2017)
- A set of Plastic pieces and Nekomado Shogi Board.
Recommend to beginners!
- New Price Now! (13-06-2016)
- Some of the products' price has been altered.
- Now you can shop without price limitation! (01-06-2016)
- The rule that the products with (*) mark are not able to be bought unless the total amount is higher than JPY 5,000 is canceled from June in 2016.
- Business hours and business days (01-04-2016)
- 10:00 - 18:00 JST (01:00 - 09:00 UTC) Mon-Fir
- NEKOMADO online shogi shop is open! (01-10-2011)
- NEKOMADO starts an online shogi shop for international sale.
We would like to promote this wonderful board game to the world. Please enjoy looking at many interesting shogi goods and equipment in our shop.
Hidetchi's Internationalized Pieces
Sale Price: 3,200 JPY
Hidetchi's internationalized piece set finally became a real one!
Glance Shogi Series Set (4 books)
Sale Price: 3,500 JPY
The famous shogi book series by Madoka Kitao come as a set for a discount price.
A set of Nekomado Shogi Board and 1-kanji Promotion Pieces
Sale Price: 3,200 JPY
We recommend it for its reasonable price and high quality!
Study Shogi
Sale Price: 4,000 JPY
Movements are shown on each piece. Very good tool to teach/learn shogi.
Hidetchi Shogi Set (Entry Model)
Sale Price: 15,900 JPY
An entry shogi set that is very similar to what Hidetchi uses in his YouTube videos.
Dobutsu Shogi New!
Sale Price: 2,500 JPY
New Design!
It is an interesting board game with profound ideas which even small children can quickly understand its rule.
NANAHOSHI -Ladybirds-
Sale Price: 3,500 JPY
New board game designed by Madoka Kitao, who is also the designer of the famous Dobutsu Shogi.
New Mate-in-3 Handbook by Masahiko Urano
Sale Price: 1,500 JPY
200 mate-in-3 problems by professional player Masahiko Urano.
■Important notes
□ Currently we only accept orders from countries listed in "Price & fee" page.


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Alfreds diner
Chrizelle Lategan
Saturday mornings are meant for relaxing, acai bowl hunting, coffee shop hopping and sleeping in. This is exactly what we did this specific morning. We love coming to Alfred's cafe on the Gold coast on weekends. There is nothing I love more than having nothing to do but to relax. And may I say I am quite the expert when it comes to doing nothing ;) - I can keep myself busy for hours!
I hope that everyone will have a relaxing weekend. Feel free to comment and let me know what you like doing on weekends? Stay tuned for an exciting collaboration with Elliat clothing coming soon to Chasing daylight.
Happy weekend everyone!
Hat: Lack of color Shirt: Witchery Jeans: Zara , Boots: Zara


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Time Management Tips Every Business Owner Must Know
Most professionals will admit that time management is not their area of expertise. Business Owners, in particular, are
savvy procrastinators who will delay important tasks until the very last minute. This is not only detrimental to the business itself but also an indication of poor leadership. Continue reading →
Stop Being a Fool! The Do's and Dont's of Staff Meeting Etiquette
Staff meetings are not typically the most exciting part of an employee's work experience. Often avoided at any cost, they are regarded as a waste of time and resources for those who would prefer to be productive elsewhere. What most team members fail to realize is that staff meetings are actually an arena for self-promotion. They provide participants with the opportunity to promote their brand, share their ideas, and develop key relationships. For those who play their cards right staff meetings can help get them the job they want and the salary they deserve. Sadly, many employees are CLUELESS and don't take advantage of what these professional gatherings have to offer. They speak and behave in ways that are destructive and contrary to the image they are trying to build. Are you making some of these mistakes? If you value your position and want to move forward in your career ready below to learn how staff meeting etiquette can help your reach professional Excellence! Continue reading →
5 Mistakes Women Make in Business
So many women sabotage their careers by making mistakes that can be easily corrected. Before you start whining and feeling sorry for yourself take a good luck in the mirror and see if you are guilty of these infractions: Continue reading →
My Story of Excellence…..
"Excellence starts with a positive attitude and a great presentation!"
I first learned about excellence from my mother. A strong woman with unrelenting values, she raised me to show pride in my work by never accepting mediocrity. Initially focusing on perfection, I focused on creating work which was flawless and free from error. I soon learned that this approach was both unrealistic and unhealthy. Most importantly-it did not yield results. By focusing on excellence instead of perfection, I remained committed to my work and transformed my challenges into opportunities for learning. I used this model to reach all of my academic and professional goals including my current position as a Director for a large social service agency in New Jersey.
As a Supervisor I found a passion for the training and development of staff. High standards- with a focus on quality work and professionalism afforded me a reputation as a strong leader. I knew that in order for a program to be successful, its' staff needed to thrive. I focused, then, on creating an environment where professionals could develop their strengths, challenge themselves, and feel fully supported by leadership. I began to share my skills with new supervisors, colleagues, and other professionals and soon transformed by approach into a theory of excellence focusing on presentation and communication.
In developing my model, I focused on those behaviors, practices, and attitudes which contributed most to my professional success. I highlighted the impact that appropriate work attire can have on your public image and the value of a positive attitude in the workplace. I brought attention to the importance of a strong work ethic and consistency in results. Finally, I presented a focus on the power of relationships in the professional world. The result- "The Wheel of Excellence" became the focal point of my business and the foundation for my work with professionals looking to move up in their careers.
Through my work, I often find myself reflecting on those professionals who remain stagnant in their careers. How are they different from those who have reached success? What personal and professional factors have led to their reality? Many individuals find reasons to fail because they don't have the confidence to believe in their brand. I reject the notion that success is predetermined and fight every day to find that energy in each client I work with to strive for excellence. Every person-regardless of educational background or socioeconomic status is capable of reaching their professional goals. I hope to be that mentor and coach to those who need my inspiration and guidance.
I am thankful to my mother for helping me understand the difference between perfection and excellence. She is a true testament to the fact that hardship often leads to excellence when the only option is success!


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Famous Scientist Project
Range of scientists - http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/videos/famousscientists.html
Edward Jenner - http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/edward_jenner/
PPT about famous scientists – you will need to download
This site has an enormous list of scientists – picture and bio of who they are and what they did
What is a Scientist?
Thank you everyone for your fantastic ideas on what a Scientist is! See below for some of the amazing work the children created at home.


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Tonight on Bravo their new reality show based on the family that started a music revolution, First Family of Hip Hop, premieres with an all new Sunday, January 15, 2017, episode and we have your First Family of Hip Hop recap below! On tonight's First Family of Hip Hop series premiere as per the Bravo synopsis, "The Robinson family struggles to maintain peace in the series premiere of this reality show about a family's attempt to put hip-hop label Sugar Hill Records back on top. Also: LeA works to create new music with her cousin; dual birthday parties stir up drama; Darnell has his own musical ambitions."
So make sure to bookmark this spot and come back between 9PM – 10PM ET! for our First Family of Hip Hop recap. While you wait for our recap make sure to check out all our television spoilers, news, videos, photos, recaps & more, right here!
Tonight's First Family of Hip Hop recap begins now – Refresh Page often to get the most current updates!
On the series premiere of The Royal Family of Hip Hop we are introduced to the Robinson family. This family founded The Sugar Hill Gang and has been making hits for thirty years. This is the story of the new generation of the Robinson family. We meet Leland Robinson Sr. There are also his sons Leland Jr and Darnell and his daughter LeA.
When Leland arrives home he finds LeA working in the studio. He tells her "Turn that music down. It is too loud." LeA says "I am the granddaughter of Hip Hop, but I want to be known for my own voice than for my family name." She is working on her EP.
Darnell and his girlfriend Esemi are hanging out at home getting dressed to go out. Esemi asks him " What did you get me to eat?" Darnell tells her "Nothing." She tells him "You forgot about me." He tells her "No. I didn't. I thought you were going to eat somewhere else." When Esemi emerges in her first outfit Darnell is not impresseed. He tells her "I don't like that one." She agrees and goes back to change. When she emerges the second time he tells her "Now you are getting it together."
LeA takes her tracks to Leland to listen to. He tells her "I don't like it. People want to listen to something familiar. It needs to be a little more Mary J. Blige." LeA tells him "I don't want to be more like Mary J. Blige or Alicia Keys. I want to be me. I want my sound to be original." Leland tells her "People want to listen to things that are familiar to them. That's why Sugar Hill Gang's music continues to sell so well." LeA says "I don't know how my dad can talk about what's popular when he is still listening to his old cassette tapes."
LeA is at home with her mother Vernetta. The two are celebrating LeA's birthday a day early. Vernetta asks her "What do you want to do?" LeA says "How about a birthday brunch?" Vernetta agrees.
Shanell is in a relationship with Samaya. This seems to be an adjustment for everyone. LeA is talking to her mother. Vernetta says "You and Samaya share the same birthday right?" LeA says "Yeah." Vernetta says "You should wish her a happy birthday tomorrow." LeA is not exactly happy about that. She tells her mom "It's bad enough I have to share my cousin with her girlfriend, but now I have to share my birthday with her too? No. I'll wish her a happy birthday another time."
Darnell is struggeling in the studio. He has a new artist and has a vision for the future of Sugar Hill. He tells Antonio "My dad doesn't care about developing new artists. He only cares about making sure that Sugar Hill doesn't sink. I want to move the label into the future." Antonio agrees and says "I think we need to work on developing new artists."
Darnell invites an aspiring singer named Naomi over to the house to try and help her with her career. He asks her "What is it that you're looking for?" Naomi tells him "I need the guidance. Do you think you can help me?" Darnell tells her "I'll be right back." He goes back upstairs and Esemi is there. She is not happy that he has brought home a random girl. She says "At least have the respect to let me know that you have a session going on, but you brought home some random chick." Darnell says "You never have a problem when I am in the studio working with a guy." Later everyone is at LeA's birthday brunch except Darnell and Somaya. When the family texts Darnell he texts back telling them "I have a headache." Meanwhile Somaya is celebrating her girlfriends birthday. They are at a bar drinking. Somaya tells Shanell "We have to hurry up so that we can make it over to LeA's party." Shanell is not happy to hear this and tells her girlfriend "Can we just focus on my birthday for right now?" At first Somaya has every intention of making it to LeA's party, but after drinking so much with Shanell she realizes that she is not going to be able to make it after all. Somaya says " I kinda feel bad for not feeling bad at all."
Later everyone is at LeA's birthday brunch except Darnell and Somaya. When the family texts Darnell he texts back telling them "I have a headache." Meanwhile Somaya is celebrating her girlfriends birthday. They are at a bar drinking. Somaya tells Shanell "We have to hurry up so that we can make it over to LeA's party." Shanell is not happy to hear this and tells her girlfriend "Can we just focus on my birthday for right now?" At first Somaya has every intention of making it to LeA's party, but after drinking so much with Shanell she realizes that she is not going to be able to make it after all. Somaya says " I kinda feel bad for not feeling bad at all."
The next day LeA and Shanell meet up in the studio. Shanell asks her "How was your birthday?" LeA tells her "You would've known had you been there." Somaya says "It's not my fault you guys were born on the same day." LeA says "You could've come late." Shanell says "By the time we got over there you guys were gone." Shanell has her own issues and tells LeA "What about the meetings you and your new managers have been setting up?" LeA seems shocked to find out that Shanell knows about that.
Vernetta heads over to the house and meets with Leland. He tells her about the surprise party that they are throwing for LeA. Leland is really depressed. Vernetta asks him "What's wrong?" Leland tells her "I don't know. I just never expected to be sitting here. This was supposed to be Joey's thing. Now he's gone and it's just me." Vernetta starts to cry. She apologizes to Leland and tells him "I've been around you for twenty years and we have three kids together. He was part of my life too and him being gone affects me too."
Esemi is in the kitchen when Darnell walks in. There is instant tension between the two. She is really angry about the girl being in the house. She tells him "You seem to forget that you are in a relationship." Darnell tells her "I don't forget that." Esemi responds "Then you shouldn't have some random bitch walking in the house." Darnell explodes and tells her "She's not a bitch! She's an artist I'm working with! Everyyone knows how I conduct my business. You have to chill out and let me conduct my business."
Everyone is gathering for LeA's party. Darnell and Esemi are not there and the questions are flying already as people wonder where they are. Meanwhile the arguemnnt rages on between the two of them. Esemi tries to approach Darnell and talk to him about the situation again and he snaps telling her "You need to stay in your place as a girlfriend. I'm trying to grow my business and you can't grow with me if you are constantly flying off the handle everytime someone comes to the house!" Esemi does not take this well and gets angry in her own right.
LeA is shocked when she sees her whole family gathered at her favorite restaurant. LeA asks after Darnell. The family tells her "We don't know. Want me to call him?" At home Esemi and Darnell continue to argue. He yells at her "DO I SLEEP WITH MY ARTISTS?! DO I!" Esemi seems shocked by his response and has no answer to his question.


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Phakaaathi's Fantasy Premier League (FPL) action has now finished its third round, though at the time of writing, the points had not been finalised, with Manchester United taking on Tottenham Hotspur last night in the last English Premier League (EPL) clash of the weekend.
We will bring you an update on the standings and leaders later in the week.
The early stages of Fantasy Premier League, meanwhile, always tosses up some surprise top points scorers, players that come at a good price and that one must decide whether to put one into the team, or let him leave, believing they may blow out as fast as they rose to the top. Here are three players you might consider bringing in for week four.
1. Roberto Pereyra (right, £6.2 million)
Watford have made a good start to the EPL season, winning their first three matches, and midfielder Pereyra has been at the heart of their success, netting three goals, and amassing an impressive 26 FPL points, making him a great selection for those who picked him from the off, and a decent option to add to your FPL side. However, Watford's next two games are against Tottenham and Man United, surely reducing the likelihood of Pereyra having an impact.
2. Alexsandar Mitrovic (£6.5 million)
Fulham look a side likely to score plenty of goals this season with some fine attacking football, even if they are likely to concede plenty at the other end too. Mitrovic has made a fine start back in the EPL, with three goals already, including a brace on Sunday in a 4-2 victory over Burnley. At £6.5m, he looks a good option as a second striker to a more expensive name like Sergio Aguero or Harry Kane. His 24 points thus far actually put him at the top of the FPL striking charts before last night's United-Spurs clash.
3. Steve Cook (£4.6 million)
Bournemouth are another side to have got off to a fast start this season, Eddie Howe's men are unbeaten in three matches. Steve Cook represents a defender proving excellent value for money so far, with 21 FPL points, including the winner at West Ham United in Bournemouth's second league match. Cook might just be worth a punt as a cheap defender, though it remains to be seen exactly how many clean sheets the Cherries keep as the season goes on. Next up for them – Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Readers can still join Phakaaathi's Fantasy Premier League and give themselves a chance to win monthly prizes. The prize for August is a Jasmine 3-Piece Recliner Set valued at R12 000.
To join our fantasy league, follow these steps:
1. Register your team at fantasy.premierleague.com.
2. Click here to fill in the entry form, once you have done this, we will supply you with a code for our private league.
If you've lost your code, please SMS the keyword FANTASY, followed by your full name, date of birth and email address to 33521 and the code will be re-sent to your phone (SMSs are charged at R1.50 each and errors will be billed. Free and bundle SMSs do not apply).
Registration is a once-off for the duration of the competition and there are new prizes up for grabs each month until May 2019.
Would you like to place a soccer bet? Click here to get started in 3 easy steps.


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Boise Lifestyle Photographer | What's In My (Camera) Bag?/
What's in my (camera) bag?
I'm going to be honest here. I'm not the photographer that grew up knowing this was her calling. I never studied it in college. I didn't have any family members who were professionals. In high school I thought I was going to be Jennifer Lopez's character on the Wedding Planner. Like many of us in our young adulthood, I went through several "callings" throughout my 20's trying to figure it all out. That said, chasing this dream of mine started at the ripe old age of 25, never knowing how to attach a lens.
I desperately wanted to learn how to take beautiful photographs before we started having a family of our own. The business side followed with much doubt. "I'm too old to start a new skill." "No one is going to take me seriously." "You can't make a living doing a silly dream." I often look back at that very first newborn session I documented have to remind myself that this is the sweetest journey I could have asked for.
I'm here to tell you it's never too late to try something new. I'm also here to tell you, you'll need some new gear. Here's my line up, my go-to's, and favorite must haves when I get out and play.
The body/workhorse/best friend:
Nikon 3200: My first DLSR and baby for 2 years while I learned how to shoot in manual. If you're really wanting to really go for it and you can swing for a D610 or greater it'd save you the trouble in upgrading later on. I quickly found I was limited to what I could photograph with the low lighting capabilities. And side note, I never recommend getting the kit lens that many starter DLSR cameras come with. It's worth every penny saving up for a 1.4 fixed lens or wider. You'll thank me later. :)
Nikon D610: 3 years ago the hubs upgraded my camera to this sweet friend and to this day it never leaves my side. Ever. Sure, I could upgrade, but I feel 100% confident going into any lighting situation. Spoiler alert, I like to avoid flash for my style, so knowing I can crank up the ISO to 1600 and still deliver beautiful photographs is peace of mind if you ask me.
Lifemate Camera strap: When I primarily photographed weddings, I didn't use one. I didn't like them. I felt I couldn't get the shots I needed throughout the day if I took my finger off the shutter. A little neurotic, I know. Now that I specifically work with newborns and young families, I decided to strap one on my camera. I can't take any chances when it comes to safety and photographing newborns. I'm shocked to say that I love it. This one is by no means high end but I love the fabric and how comfortable it is.
My lens line up:
Nikon 50mm 1.8mm: For my style, I shoot primarily with prime lenses and this was the first one I invested in while learning. (A good price point when just starting out.) It has a wide enough aperture (f/1.8) to bring in enough light in and it's flattering to use for bridal portraits, reception details, and family lifestyle sessions. Nowadays, I will use it for the Christmas card "everyone smile and look at the camera" shot. I've been eying the Sigma 50mm 1.4 so if you see my hubby, you know what to do! ;) Fun fact, the wider the aperture, the creamier the bokeh. If you're unfamiliar with the world of bokeh, think about that blurred out background behind the subject in focus...where all the magic happens.
Nikon 85 1.8mm: I didn't know I needed this lens until I became a second shooter for weddings. It lets you stay far away from your subjects so you can photograph editorially. When I'm not using the 70-200mm (wedding day work horse!) I use the 85mm to ensure the bride and groom have their intimate moment during their first look. I don't typically bring it out for family lifestyle sessions, but when I do, you better believe I focus on those long toddler eyelashes or sweet mama and me moments.
Sigma 35 1.4mm: This baby is insane and my absolute favorite. When I talked about the creamy bokeh magic, this lens has that plus more. It rarely leaves my camera and fits my style the most. I love the wider lens for documenting lifestyle, especially those sweet newborn goodness moments as a fresh family of 3. I can get the perfect angle when nurseries tend to be a bit smaller and I'll need allll the help I can get.
Yongnuo-YN-568: This flash is just what I need when I need it. I'm not typically relying on flash for what I do, but during a wedding in a romantically lit barn, I can't get by without it. I'll set up a few of these flashes on stands and the party is ready to be photographed. This is by no means fancy when it comes to flashes, but you can save your money knowing it's reliable and oh so handy when the time comes.
MISC: The must have's!
I couldn't get through a wedding day with this set up. Like my almost 2 year old, I always have snacks. I'm always sure to have an extra battery (not shown) and extra cards (because you never know!), a lens cleaner (also not shown), and hand sanitizer is always a must when working with kiddos before and after a session. My go to lip balm and Valor is always on hand (because emotions, friend!) If you've never used Valor you need some in your life. Stat. I buy it from Young Living and let me tell you, a drop on your heart or 10 drops diluted in a roller bottle is a lifesaver when those nerves hit.
My bag:
Kelly Moore Camera Bag - I've been rocking this bag for over 3 years and it has served me in many ways. It has been used as a diaper bag, airport carry-on, purse, and fits all the gear I need for any photography session. It gives me all the pockets I need and has an inside lens divider which can be used as a diaper/bottle/water divider if needed. :) It has gone through much love during the last few years and still looks brand spankin new.
Did I miss anything? Investing in photography is a slow process, so make sure to research a lot before jumping in.
I'd love it if you said hi and tell me what's in your bag (camera/purse/diaper) bag. I'll be over on insta or at firstname.lastname@example.com if you want to connect more!


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1 Kings 10:14-29 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Solomon's Wealth
14 The weight of gold that came to Solomon annually was 25 tons,[a] 15 besides what came from merchants, traders' merchandise, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.
16 King Solomon made 200 large shields of hammered gold; 15 pounds[b] of gold went into each shield. 17 He made 300 small shields of hammered gold; about four pounds[c] of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
18 The king also made a large ivory throne and overlaid it with fine gold. 19 The throne had six steps; there was a rounded top at the back of the throne, armrests on either side of the seat, and two lions standing beside the armrests. 20 Twelve lions were standing there on the six steps, one at each end. Nothing like it had ever been made in any other kingdom.
21 All of King Solomon's drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, since it was considered as nothing in Solomon's time, 22 for the king had ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram's fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.[d]
23 King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the world in riches and in wisdom. 24 The whole world wanted an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. 25 Every man would bring his annual tribute: items[e] of silver and gold, clothing, weapons,[f] spices, and horses and mules.
26 Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen and stationed them in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedar as abundant as sycamore in the Judean foothills. 28 Solomon's horses were imported from Egypt and Kue.[g] The king's traders bought them from Kue at the going price. 29 A chariot was imported from Egypt for 15 pounds[h] of silver, and a horse for about four pounds.[i] In the same way, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram through their agents.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
You'll get this book and many others when you join Bible Gateway Plus. Learn more


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An Evolving Market of Light and Color: Collecting Modern American Glass Art
In the 1970s, a prediction was made that Studio glass would become the "antiques of the future."[1] Due to the growing interest in Studio and Contemporary glass art in recent years, we may well be on our way to having a future generation that remembers Great Grandma's Sliced Arc by Harvey Littleton displayed on the shelf or Uncle Pete's prized Volante vessel by Toots Zynsky.
With the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the Studio glass movement in 2012, the market for this type of glass art is no longer a novelty. Although certainly impacted by the Great Recession, a decade later demand has returned to steadily increasing values as the Studio movement becomes recognized as an important part of American cultural heritage. One reason for the rising values of Studio and Contemporary glass is the result of longtime and ongoing exposure to a wider audience. Consider museum exhibitions and symposia (e.g. Corning Museum of Glass), inclusion in art fairs (e.g. SOFA), temporary installations (e.g. Chihuly at the Biltmore), periodicals (e.g. Glass Quarterly), workshops (e.g. Penland School of Crafts) and societies (e.g. Glass Art Society). In addition, glass art has successfully made the transition from being viewed solely as a form of craft to also be treated as a fine art in its own right. With this change in status, some choose to describe these glass forms as a type of sculpture, but many appreciate them as hybrids of various categories: sculpture, fine art, design, craft, social commentary, poetry, and alchemy – no wonder glass art continues to gain traction by crossing boundaries and appealing diversely.
The defining characteristic of the Studio glass movement is the creation of glass art by a maker who is involved from initial concept to finished product while working with a small-scale furnace or kiln. The genesis story for the birth of the Studio glass movement ("Movement") invariably begins at the Toledo Workshops. During the summer of 1962, ceramics professor Harvey Littleton and research scientist Dominick Labino demonstrated hot glassmaking techniques of the Toledo Museum of Art premises in Ohio. Although there had been earlier innovators like Louis Comfort Tiffany who had experimented with the pure aesthetics of glass at the beginning of the twentieth century, it had not yet become a widely embraced material for artists to use independently. Littleton was the next in line to take on the challenge in the United States. After visiting glass makers in Europe, Littleton believed there was a way to achieve a studio environment where the entire process could be performed without depending on an industrialized space. The combination of Littleton's zeal and Labino's low-melting glass formula sparked a Studio phenomenon in the glass world that continues today.
The Movement gained initial momentum during the late 1960s mainly due to numerous colleges adding glassmaking to their studio art curriculum. Littleton himself founded a glass program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where acclaimed artists such as Marvin Lipofsky and Dale Chihuly first learned about the medium. Many students also later established glass schools and workshops outside of the university system, like Pilchuck, where artists could meet, exchange knowledge, and inspire one another. Although early Studio makers were experimenting with the sculptural potential of glass, they were limited in technical knowledge and often relied on the single method of glassblowing. However, the next generation began to focus on exploring various techniques. This desire for more skills in craftsmanship was greatly aided by visits to European glass centers and visiting glass masters from countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, and Sweden. This international dialogue not only helped artists learn new skills, but also spurred the Movement to occur on a global scale. In fact, the Movement can be viewed as still ongoing and presently in its third generation of the Studio ethos. Many current artists often choose to build on what previous makers have discovered and seek to find new means for glass to speak beyond its materiality.
The marketplace uses several phrases to describe modern glass art made during the 1960s to present day. Terms frequently used include "Studio glass," "Studio movement," "Contemporary glass," and "Contemporary craft." They are often employed interchangeably among buyers and sellers. The underlying characteristic for all of these terms is the small-scale production in contrast to mass factory or industrially produced glassworks. Studio and Contemporary glass are also frequently associated with design. This is especially the case in the auction environment in which glass works are often sold as part of modern design sales. Such an association has benefited Studio glass values since twentieth-century decorative arts have become quite fashionable. Such variations in description indicate that the Movement is still a relatively new field of scholarship with well-defined terms and phrases still to be determined.
Another set of vocabulary to keep in mind are techniques. With advances in technology, there is now a multitude of ways to transform glass. Since the formation process is often a significant component of the glass collector's fascination, the method used to create a specific work is almost always mentioned in its description. A few techniques that you may read in a catalogue or museum label are hand-blown, mold-blown, cast, molded, pressed, kiln-formed, lampworked or flameworked, etched, engraved, cut, laminated, cased, fused, slumped, cold-worked, hot-worked, etc. If you are curious to delve deeper into the glass art world, become familiar with the general concept of these techniques. It will not only give you a greater appreciation for the skill involved but also aid in identifying the works of particular artists. While most makers will experiment with a variety of methods, they usually find a favored technical mode. Like the painter's hand seen in the brushwork, a glass maker's trait is often revealed by means of construction.
The glass art market is still a friendly one for both novices and seasoned buyers as there is a broad spectrum of price points to begin acquiring. Since there are thousands of artists who have worked in glass over the past five decades —from revered pioneers, popular contemporaries, up-and-coming artists, and all the lesser-known makers in between— it is up to the collector to deem what is worthy of buying. Today, a discerning buyer often purchases at different market levels including retail galleries, directly from the artist, studios, and auction houses.
Galleries have played a crucial role in the Movement since the beginning by spreading the glass gospel thereby generating broader interest in the medium. The existence of retailers exclusively selling glass art continues to be a strong indication of consistent demand. Galleries like Habatat, Heller, Schantz, Holsten, and Ken Saunders have been in the business since the early days of the Movement and are known for representing quality work.
Gallery dealers have also been influential in fostering creatives and nurturing collections. They take special care to be on the lookout for new talent graduating from art school. Most makers are eager for gallery representation as it is the most common way to cement one's reputation and establish a market value. Inclusion in exhibitions and receiving awards are also common ways to demonstrate prestige and enhance the artist biography. The next step is for the works to be placed in reputable public and private collections, which the dealer can be most helpful in achieving. Yet despite progress made in the art world, high-quality glass works still does not achieve the soaring prices as seen in more traditionally perceived mediums of fine art such as painting.
Visiting artist studios is another popular option for the collector to meet the artist and acquire works with more personal and experiential meaning. After all, observing the glass making process is a dynamic one, especially when hand blown. Hand blowing is the shaping of glass after heated by fire through the use of a metal pipe. Many large metropolises have studios where you can observe glassblowing and sometimes give it a try yourself. If you happen to be in St. Petersburg, Florida, visit the Duncan McClellan Gallery. The former fish and tomato packing plant has been converted into a multi-functional space and provides occasional glass demonstrations.
The resale environment at the secondary level is the market which has seen the most recent growth. Since the majority of retailers tend to focus on offering newly made pieces fresh to the market, you are more likely to find the reselling of Studio objects at auction houses and estate sales (Although some galleries are certainly dabbling in the resale as well. For instance, Habatat has a couple of auctions a year while Wexler has a select secondary market listing). As mentioned previously, glass art is often incorporated into the design sales of regional and international auction houses. Rago, Wright, and Toomey are a few regional houses that have developed reputations for selling modern glass. In general, market values in the secondary market for well-established, first and second generation Studio artists are generally more stable than for emerging or mid-career artists. This not surprising since most Contemporary artists have not experienced the same level of recognition as the Studio pioneers.
Several museums are also actively purchasing glass art examples for their permanent collections. Like the private buyer, curators and directors may purchase at retail and auction usually with the aid of grants and funding. However, the preferred acquisition method of cultural organizations is through donation. Thanks to the downsizing and charitable giving of Baby Boomers, more and more Studio pieces are being offered as gifts to museums and institutions. Such opportunities to curate new collections will shape the American glass art narrative, influencing who and what will appear in the art historical annals. And in turn, the varying market levels will respond accordingly.
As is true when collecting any type of object, condition is always an important consideration. The inherent nature of glass makes it a medium vulnerable to breakage. Therefore, it is not surprising to find minor nicks or some surface abrasions. The older the piece, the higher the chances that it has experienced some type of wear, particularly if it has been frequently handled and/or transported. Obviously, the best case scenario is for a piece to be in perfect condition without alterations by damage, repair, or loss. A major chip or crack may make the piece no longer collectible. For good quality glass art, a general rule of thumb is that collectors are more willing to overlook damages or repairs that are not readily visible to the eye until upon closer inspection. If a glass piece has more modest market demand even in excellent condition or there are numerous pieces that are similarly available, the presence of wear or damage will more greatly compromise its desirability and overall value.
Another condition issue to be aware of is glass disease. Also known as glass illness, the chemical composition of the glass becomes unstable resulting in a gradual deterioration of the material which at various stages can appear as weeping, crizzling, cracking, and ultimately fragmentation. Unfortunately, this type of damage cannot be reversed although conservation treatments can be performed. While glass disease is more commonly found in antiques, early signs of weeping can even appear in a younger piece if it is kept in a very humid climate. Any type of condition issue and its value impact for a piece should be evaluated case by case.
When prospectively buying glass art in a resale setting, it is best practice to request a written condition report. Such summaries are especially helpful when previewing an auction online since you cannot make a physical inspection personally. Make sure you inquire about the condition of an item early enough before the live sale so that specialists have time to respond, and you can ask any follow-up questions. It is also helpful to have documentation of an item's condition before shipping or long-term storage. If any unfortunate damage takes place, a description or photographs of an object's appearance before the incident will serve the owner well when filing a damage claim with insurance.
Since so many Studio artists experiment with formulas and techniques, all sorts of condition issues may reveal themselves many years from now. As the owner of a glass collection, an important part of your stewardship is to monitor the condition of pieces and engage a conservator when needed.
The market for Studio and Contemporary glass is shifting from a niche interest to becoming a more widely-recognized area of art collecting. With the exception of a handful of esteemed makers and studios, works by early Studio pioneers and well-established second-generation artists command values on the higher end of the spectrum and will likely do so for the foreseeable future. However, there is still plenty of room for makers to rise to prominence. The inherent decorative quality of glass and the means by which it was made are often points of interests for buyers. In contrast to other collecting categories, visual appeal and subject matter rather than historical significance remain the more important factors of value. This focus on aesthetic preference rather than cultural importance will likely change as more scholarship emerges. But for now, buying habits seem to be more closely aligned to design trends and the enjoyment of ownership rather than as investment pieces. With some discretionary income together with a passion for the interplay of light and color, many individuals can enjoy participating in this evolving area of the art market.
Courtney Ahlstrom Christy, ISA CAPP, AAA AM is Co-Editor of Worthwhile Magazine and Principal Appraiser of Ahlstrom Appraisals LLC. Courtney can be reached at ahlstromappraisals.com.
© Courtney Ahlstrom Christy 2018
American Craft Museum
Corning Museum of Glass
Everhart Museum
Liberty Museum of Philadelphia
Mint Museum of Art
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Toledo Museum of Art
Wheaton Village
Glass Focus
Glass Quarterly
Neus Glass
American Craft Council
Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass
Glass Art Society
Duncan McClellan
Ken Saunders
[1] Hampson, Ferdinand. Studio Glass in America: A 50 Year Journey (Atglen: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.), 12.


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exitgames. "We're thrilled to be opening the second eBingo facility in Windsor with our partner, OLG," said Tony Rosa , President CEO of CGEG.
| published: 09 Jul 2010 18:37:19


text:
Latest News
The fight for net neutrality isn't just for consumers. It's a fight for California
As you might have heard by now, the fight to save net neutrality isn't over. So it's worth understanding exactly what consumers — particularly those of us who live in California — will be fighting for in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Here's a hint: It won't be as noble as the current narrative suggests.
To review, the argument over net neutrality is essentially an argument over the handling of web traffic. Enacted during the Obama administration, the rules required that internet service providers — run by telecommunications behemoths AT&T, Comcast, Charter and Verizon — treat all web content equally.
That meant Comcast, which owns MSNBC, was banned from deliberately slowing the connection speeds of customers live-streaming news on rival CNN or even on Facebook. And it also meant AT&T, which was just cleared to buy Time Warner, couldn't charge more to access Netflix, the way it does for access to HBO.
But the Trump administration's Federal Communications Commission upended all of this on Monday, officially repealing net neutrality.
Instead of California's Facebook, Apple, Google and Twitter running the show online, coming up with innovative apps and websites that drive entertainment and communication around the world, now telecommunications companies have the legal power to shape the internet.
Never mind AT&T's insistence that "the internet will continue to function just as it did yesterday" and Comcast's vow not to "block, throttle or discriminate against lawful content." Telecom giants can now do as they wish, and they probably will once riled-up politicians and consumers stop paying attention.
The pushback to the FCC's about-face has been understandably swift, fierce and surprisingly bipartisan. Dozens of states have stepped up with legislation for their own net neutrality rules to guarantee their residents have access to a free and open internet. Lawsuits agasinst the Trump administration are flying, too.
In California, Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, is carrying a measure to ban telecommunications companies from blocking websites, throttling connection speeds and generally prioritizing some web content for a fee. Senate Bill 822, which cleared the Senate and should go before the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee in the coming days, also imposes some restrictions on how wireless companies handle web traffic.
Washington and Oregon have already passed laws reinstating net neutrality, and the Democratic governors of several other states have issued executive orders banning contracts with broadband companies that don't abide by it.
A bill also is stalled in Congress and, on Monday, U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris explained that "House Democrats are trying to gather support to force a vote to save net neutrality just like we did in the Senate."
Meanwhile, Jessica Rosenworcel, one of only two FCC commissioners who voted to uphold net neutrality, is rallying the troops: "If the arc of history is long," she said this past week, "we are going to bend this toward a more just outcome."
It's unclear whether these piecemeal tactics will work. The FCC majority has already promised a fight.
And consumers can't be blamed for wondering which side is the lesser evil: the giant telecommunication companies or the tech titans of Silicon Valley.
Everyone enjoys a good Netflix binge for a few bucks a month and it's become almost redundant to talk about getting ripped off subscribing to cable. We're looking at you, Comcast.
But Facebook also has repeatedly flubbed on consumer privacy, perhaps most disastrously with Cambridge Analytica. It's no wonder Congress is considering regulating the tech industry and voters this November will consider an initiative to better protect their privacy online.
So we'll make it easy: Californians, root for the home team.
Net neutrality isn't just about your right as a consumer not to be extorted for the privilege of surfing whatever website you want. It's also about who controls the internet — Silicon Valley billionaires or a bunch of East Coast telecom magnates.
Sorry, America, but let's face it: That California's will do it best.


text:
May 26–ANTIOCH — The long-awaited Bay Point-to-Antioch BART extension rolled into full-time service Saturday, giving traffic-weary commuters in East Contra Costa a reason to hope.
The service, which provides a rail link from Antioch and Pittsburg to the Bay Point/Pittsburg station and trains headed west, cost $525 million and took nine years from BART board approval to Saturday's launch.
The extension is expected to ease traffic on often congested Highway 4. If filled to capacity, the train cars will remove from the roadway the equivalent of one lane of traffic during peak commute hours, BART officials said.
Commuters had gotten a little relief even before the new rail extension opened for business, as the busy highway was widened to eight lanes between Loveridge Road in Pittsburg to just west of Highway 160 in Antioch. But even that couldn't help the morning commute, where even a minor fender bender can bring cars to a near standstill. On some days, traveling Highway 4 between Antioch and Bay Point, which takes just 10 minutes on the BART extension, can take an hour.
All was going smoothly on Saturday with the new line, and although ridership was light, passengers appeared to be enjoying the quick trip from Antioch to Bay Point. Many oohed and aahed over the new cars, which can carry 104 seated passengers and accommodate 96 standing.
The new environmentally friendly diesel-powered cars, which use an advanced fuel produced from bio-based sources such as vegetable oil, might have been the most photographed objects in the Bay Area Saturday as passengers snapped photos and selfies, inside and out of the trains.
Tristan Bryans, 28, of Pittsburg, narrated a video for his girlfriend of himself aboard the train. He also used a camera to record the round trip between Pittsburg and Antioch for his YouTube channel.
Bryans, who said he's a "huge transit fan," hopped aboard the train Saturday morning just to see how it worked. He said he is thrilled with the new extension.
"It's very quiet, very smooth, very quick," Bryans said.
He doesn't ride BART often, but he does plan to make use of the extension to help him get to a program in Antioch that he attends.
Nererda Mosqueda, 33, of Concord, was giddy as she boarded the train at the Bay Point station, taking a few photos of herself in the comfortable new seats.
Mosqueda, whose family lives in Oakley, said she'll be riding the new line on weekends to visit her family, something she does every week, fighting traffic all the way. Now she plans to take the Concord BART train to Bay Point, walk across the platform and onto the extension line.
"It's going to a big help," Mosqueda said. "A huge help. I'm so tired of Highway 4 traffic."
Kimbra Brazeal, 29, boarded the train at the Railroad Avenue station, headed to Concord. Brazeal, who was on her way to work Saturday morning, usually drives from her Pittsburg home to the Bay Point station to catch a train into Concord for her job in car sales.
"Railroad gets pretty backed up just trying to get onto Highway 4," she said, "so I can imagine how much better this is going to be."
The stations and platforms were well-staffed by BART employees and police. They answered questions — the most often being "Which way to the stairs?" — and accepted compliments on the new trains, which provide a smoother, quieter ride and have large windows that show the traffic snarls passengers won't be missing.
___ (c)2018 the Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) Visit the Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) at www.eastbaytimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


text:
Anderson, SC – Southern Wesleyan fell in the doubleheader against the Trojans on Wednesday afternoon in 9-0 and 6-3 final scores.
Southern Wesleyan had two hits in the loss to the Trojans. Taylor Le and Ashton Martin had the lone hits for the Warriors. Martin posted her second double on the season. Southern Wesleyan posted two strikeouts in the loss. One from starting pitcher, Delanie Laudenbacher, and one from relief pitcher, Emma Collins. Laudenbacher went 3.2 innings and allowed nine hits. Collins went 0.1 innings and allowed one hit.
The Warriors had five hits in game two. Ashton Martin, Emma Collins, Taylor Le, Delaney Byers, and Lydia Clanton each posted one hit apiece. Clanton led the team with two RBIs and was followed by Amber Belk with one. Martin and Lexi Thompson each drew walks. Clanton had her third home run of the season. Le, Grace McGuffin, and Amber Belk each had a stolen base. Southern Wesleyan posted six strikeouts, all coming from starting pitcher, Ashton Martin. Martin pitched all six innings and allowed nine hits.
Game Vitals
Game One Final: Anderson 9, Southern Wesleyan 0
Game Two Final: Anderson 6, Southern Wesleyan 3
Coach Adkins Says…
"Thought we definitely did some good things today. We just weren't consistent in doing them. Now, we just look forward to getting three great practices in before beginning conference play."
How It Happened
Game One
The Trojans struck first in the contest on Wednesday afternoon in the bottom of the third inning. Kasey Grant scored on a single from Josie NesSmith and a home run from Mattie Hamilton cleared the bases to lead 5-0.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Trojans added four more runs to lead 9-0 and went on to win game one.
Delanie Laudenbacher faced 24 batters and posted one strikeout. Emma Collins came in as relief to face three batters and strikeout one.
Game Two
Anderson struck first in game two with a triple down the right field line from Morgan Charter to score Mattie Hamilton. The Trojans led 1-0 at the bottom of the second inning.
Emma Collins singled in the top of the third inning and stole second and third base. Amber Belk reached first on a fielder's choice but was out at second base. This allowed Collins to score and give Belk an RBI. The Warriors were tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the third inning.
The Trojans countered in the bottom of the fifth inning. Joshlyn Martin doubled down the left field line to score two runs and give Anderson the 3-1 lead over the Warriors.
In the top of the sixth inning, Taylor Le led-off with a single down the left field line. Le stole second and was in scoring position when Lydia Clanton came up to bat. Clanton homered to center field to score two runs and tie the game 3-3.
Anderson added three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead 6-3. They went on to win game two against the Warriors.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan opens Conference Carolinas play on March 12 as the Emmanuel College Lions come to town. Games will be at 3 and 5 p.m. They will then travel to Lees-McRae to play the Bobcats on March 15 at 1 and 3 p.m.


text:
I AM- Guest Blog
July 26, 2012 § 7 Comments
Guest post at Boomie's blog! 😀
I AM by Archana K
I am the algebra, the meaningless numbers you cannot define.
I am the pain at the loss of something you wanted badly.
I am the brain chemicals which make you panic and act stupid.
I am the serial killer, the stranger in the dark.
I am the calculation, the girl who knows how to set things right.
I am the joy of reaching a farfetched destination.
I am the much-needed sanity on those long-nights.
I am the daughter, sister, friend and lover. I provide meaning.
I am naive and inquisitive.
I am limitless and I have my boundaries.
I know it all, and I am still learning.
I am the one who is suicidal
and i am the one still alive.
The poem says it all about me 🙂
But there's always much more to a person, right?
A Chartered Accountant by profession and…
View original post 57 more words
July 26, 2012 § 27 Comments
He asked her what was bothering her
so much that she stopped looking
into his eyes while talking
and kept all her
words and muses
to her
didn't know
how to tell
him about the fact
that she won't live long
enough and that the cancer is going
to kill her sooner than she expected.
Current State of Mind.
July 23, 2012 § 38 Comments
Lulling it over
Obssessing over it
Cant get it out of my head
Unable to rest
I wonder,
What is it that i am after?
Untitled- V.
July 21, 2012 § 25 Comments
Huddled around the tiny fire
of my longing
Always wanting to be somewhere
i am not
Loving with an incomprehensible
Falling in love at the drop
of a hat
Altering each poem a
hundred times
Carefully scanning my life
and the people
Making promises i do not
want to keep
Meeting people just to escape
from myself
Observing everyone and
being observed
Ushering my dreams out of the
window for a while.
I meet you a some festival.
You. With the same dreams,
longings and love.
We either recoil. Or fall in love.
Or both.
We e mail each other. And
one day you stop replying.
Maybe because i have no money
or i dont have a flat stomach
or you're just bored.
I wouldn't know.
Or maybe you're throwing
your dreams out of the
window, too.
On Infidelity.
July 18, 2012 § 20 Comments
Most affairs begin when a husband or wife makes a new friend, and an apparently harmless intimacy is born. You dont sense the danger as it's happening, because whats wrong with friendship? Why can't we have friends of the opposite sex- or of the same sex, for that matter- even if we are married?
There is nothing wrong with a married person launching a friendship outside of matrimony- so long as the walls and windows of the relationship remain in the correct places. Every healthy marriage is comprised of walls and windows. The windows are the aspects of your relationship that are open to the world- that is, the necessary gaps through which you interact with family and friends; the walls are the barriers of trust behind which you guard the most intimate secrets of your marriage.
What often happens, though, during so-called harmless friendships, is that you begin sharing intimacies with your new friend that belong hidden within your marriage. You reveal secrets about yourself- your deepest yearnings and frustrations- and it feels good to be so exposed. You throw open a window where there really out to be a solid, weight-bearing wall, and soon you find yourself spilling your secret heart with this new person. Not wanting your spouse to feel jealous, you keep the details of your new friendship hidden. In doing so, you have now created a problem: You have just built a wall between you and your spouse where there really ought to be free circulation of air and light. The entire architecture of your matrimonial intimacy has therefore been rearranged. Every old wall is now a giant picture window; every old window is now boarded up like a crack house. You have just established the perfect blueprint without even noticing.
So by the time your new friend comes to your office one day in tears over some piece of bad news, and you wrap arms around each other, and then your lips brush and you realize in a dizzying rush that you 'love' this person- that you have always loved this person!- its too late. Because now the fuse has been lit.
~Dr. Shirley P. Glass
On marriage.
July 18, 2012 § 22 Comments
It is astonishing that, under the circumstances, marriage is still
legally allowed. If nearly half of anything else ended so
disastrously, the government would surely ban it immediately.
If half the tacos served in restaurants caused dysentery, if half the
people learning karate broke their palms, if only six percent of
people who went on roller coaster rides damaged their middle ears, the
public would be clamoring for action. Yet the most intimate of
disasters..happens over and over again.
~Lionel Tiger.
July 16, 2012 § 41 Comments
So this, is my 100th post on this blog. Woah, i still cant believe i have managed to post so much in less than a year!
I seriously didn't know what should i write in the 100th, so i thought i'd just thank all the special people in life!
I cant do the cliché i want to thank my family thing. No thankyouverrymuch! I mean i love em and all, but not here! 😛
But there is one person i would want to thank, that'd be my brother. I look up to him in almost every respect, though i hate to admit it. He does read my poetry sometimes, and NEVER asks why'd i write it. Thank you bro, you mean the world to me! 🙂 And you know it!!
And well, among the regular friends i have, i must thank
Nitin, for being an asshole
DJ for all the motherly concern
Akshi for understanding without me having to say it
Nikhil for never reading my blog 😛
Neha for all the mindfucking
Sanjoli for not letting the bitch in me die
Kiki for being a good daughter 😀
Rameet for just being there
Abhishek for hating my blog
Gaurav & Gunjan for being awesome buddies
Irfan for bearing with me
Anjali, Mastak, Prachi, Shreya and Riddhi for not changing; despite the distances
Vaibhav for always reading it and telling me nice things that he doesn't always mean
Vipul for being the reason i have a blog. 🙂
Thank you guys. Each one of you means a lot to me!!
And among the virtual friends i have, i want to thank everyone who's connected for being a constant inspiration. I read the comments you write and they lift me up when i am down, or elate me when i am happy.
If it weren't for you people, i would not have known me. Thank you. For everything!
As Robert Frost said:
"Being a poet is a condition, and not a profession";
i guess i'll continue with this bit. For a while, certainly!


text:
Vet Recommended Product Woofmints(TM) Is Now Available Exclusively Online
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Dec 8, 2015) - Jacquii LLC, founded in 2010, announced its launch of Woofmints™, a revolutionary all natural dog breath freshening product, and is partnering with BarkBox to introduce it to a multitude of pet parents everywhere. The product provides a simple yet effective answer to dog breath, available exclusively online at www.woofmints.com.
Created to solve dog breath issues that have hounded the pet community for eons, Woofmints™ are made in America and dubbed completely safe for dogs by the New York Animal Medical Center. Woofmints™ is a 100% natural product comprised of gel capsules containing parsley, peppermint oils and other vegan, gluten free ingredients. Easily included with meals or finger fed, Woofmints™ gel caps dissolve in the stomach, providing long-term, fresh breath from within.
Woofmints™ is your classic "necessity breeds invention" story -- where Jacqui Rosshandler, inventor of sister product Eatwhatever®, a duel mint and gel cap breath freshener, was shown close affection by a black lab with awful breath and had an "Aha!" moment. Following a hunch, she confirmed that her gel cap formula could also solve the dog breath issue and Woofmints™ was born. The innovative oil based gel caps work on dogs just as they do on humans creating sustainable fresh breath for hours.
Jacqui Rosshandler, president of Jacquii LLC, says: "We are excited to be working with BarkBox. Going forward, our focus is to help pet parents make their pets even more sociable by increasing awareness and trial via on-line availability. Partnering with BarkBox, #1 in their category, is a great beginning. We share the same values, of all-natural, healthy, innovative products that make dogs and their parents' lives better!" Woofmints™ can be purchased online at www.woofmints.com.
Woofmints™ is an outgrowth of its successful sister brand Eatwhatever®, an effective breath freshening product line for adult consumers sold in supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies nationally as well as online at www.eatwhatever.com.
About Woofmints™
All natural, vegan, gluten free and Vet recommended, Woofmints™ gel cap formula freshens canine breath from within the stomach. Fed with meals or in their favorite snack twice daily with consecutive use, pet parents will enjoy their pups' increasingly kissable breath day by day.
About Jacquii LLC
In 2010, Jacqui Rosshandler joined forces with Arthur Shorin, former CEO of Topps, a multi-national company famous for sports picture products and confections. Together they formed Jacquii LLC, a privately held company dedicated to improving the sociability of humans and pets via healthy, natural, effective products. The company presently markets Eatwhatever® -- 2 Steps to Kissable Breath -- and new Woofmints™ -- No More Dog Breath.
Contact Information:
Company Contact
Jacqui Rosshandler
PR and Media Contact
Matthew BIRD
1-800-PublicRelations, Inc.
+1 (800) 872-6185


text:
How Visualization Helped My Fertility Success
I first started experimenting with visualization years before I thought about trying to become pregnant.
I was training for a marathon that was on the Pacific coast and the course was especially hilly. I live in Chicago which is a beautiful—completely flat—city. The hills of the marathon course terrified me. I came across an article in a running magazine about athletes using visualization as a way to mentally prepare for a race. It seemed like a quick, low-stress, low-effort method worth adding to my program.
I studied the course map and imagined the entire course every day while I was training. I started picturing myself overcoming each hill. I would picture my legs being strong, my body leaning into the hill, my breath going in and out evenly. I imagined specifically what I might be hearing, seeing, and smelling at the same time.
And it worked! The hills fell away from my shoes with relative ease and that marathon remains one of the best experiences of my life.
I started visualizing what I wanted the medication to do before and after each injection. Come retrieval time, I pictured healthy, full follicles with ripe eggs.
Fast forward to my fertility journey at the crisis point: I was years into the experience and had endured two failed IVF cycles and many months of heartache and disappointment. I was lying on an acupuncturist's table trying desperately to slow my mind while it raced with the details of my upcoming IVF stimulation cycle and a litany of not-so-positive "what ifs."
I started visualizing what I wanted the medication to do before and after each injection. Come retrieval time, I pictured healthy, full follicles with ripe eggs.
The practice of imagining what I wanted to happen within my body came slowly. It started as a way to calm my mind during acupuncture: I pictured the needles directing energy to my reproductive organs, and guiding blood to flow through and nourish my entire body and help it work more efficiently.
Over the course of the next few weeks, the practice became more frequent. I started visualizing what I wanted the medication to do before and after each injection. Come retrieval time, I pictured healthy, full, follicles with ripe eggs. Before the transfer, I pictured a thick uterine lining that was comfortable and soft—just the place for an embryo to settle into for the long haul. During the "two-week wait," I pictured the embryo attaching and cells multiplying and growing.
Part prayer and part meditation, the images I pictured in my head were detailed and vivid. Just like with the marathon training, I tried to include every sense where could…imagining textures, movement, and color.
During that round of IVF, our son Ben was conceived. And my visualization practice continued through the pregnancy as I pictured my body adjusting for and supporting this precious little life.
Of course, I don't know that visualization was "the" part of my fertility plan that made the difference. I also can't guarantee a positive outcome for anyone who tries this—especially when some people need deeper medical intervention—but it was a helpful, calming, and empowering part of my strategy. It can be a useful tool for you, too.
Now, you may be thinking this is all a bit "woo-woo," so I'll share some background.
What is Visualization?
Visualization is the act of using your brain to "see" what you want your body to do. Dr. Clifford Lazarus of The Lazarus Institute and a specialist in health psychology and collaborative psychopharmacology, says: "The mind and the body are different sides of the same coin and they intersect most strongly at the level of imagination."
Said another way: where the mind goes, the body will follow.
Visualization can help because when you imagine yourself doing what you want to do, you physiologically create neural patterns in your brain, just as if you had physically performed the action. It is essentially a way for you to direct your body to perform in the ideal way once the time comes.
The keys to success for a visualization practice are belief, repetition, and detail.
Benefits of Visualization
Research has shown in some cases that "mental practices are almost as effective as true physical practice, and that doing both is more effective than either alone."
Studies have shown that mentally "practicing" what you want your body to do can enhance motivation, increase confidence, improve motor performance, elevate the immune system, and increase feelings of empowerment and positivity.
How to Get Started
The keys to success for a visualization practice, in my opinion, are belief, repetition, and detail.
- Belief: If you don't believe the visualization will have an impact, it probably won't. Think of it as if someone was handing you a prescription note while also silently mouthing, "this won't work." You probably wouldn't bother to fill the medication.
- Repetition: Set specific points in your day where you will pause to practice. I loved waking up and visualizing my intentions for the day. If you are going through an IVF cycle, a good time could be when you are taking medication or preparing for a procedure. It can be before a meal or in the shower. Where doesn't really matter and I found I didn't need to be completely still, just focused. Studies show that consistent and repeated visualizations have the most impact.
- Detail: Decide what you wish to focus on and start imagining in as much detail as you can what the perfect scenario looks like. If you need to, do a bit of research so you can picture your internal workings more clearly.
I confess this is a self-taught practice. I hope, though, that this gives you even more confidence to explore visualization as part of your fertility plan. My experience shows that you don't need much more to get going than the desire to try.
I've created a couple of free guided visualizations that can help you start or continue visualizing your fertility success on the My Fertility Coach YouTube channel.
Give it a try. At the worst, you spent some downtime thinking about your internal workings in more detail than you ever have. At the best, who knows? Maybe you, too, could find yourself feeling empowered and motivated while your body carries out the perfect scenario that your mind imagines for your fertility journey.
This post was originally published on pregnantish.com, the online community dedicated to helping people dealing with infertility and fertility treatments navigate the emotional, personal, and practical realities of an often overwhelming process.