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In June 2013, second year M.Arch students submitted their final proposals for Ursus, Warsaw. The projects were strongly underpinned by the wider strategies developed in the Urban Strategy stage of the project and each student/group took these forward into a more developed masterplan and building proposal of varying scales, extent and detail. Projects range from intricate building systems to massive 13,000m2 institutions, from modest buildings/refurbishments with extensive landscape propositions to a radical rethinking of the socio-cultural and economic situation. So, while we were working within the same context, and with the same issues, and all of this underpinned by the studio's agenda of 'Re-industrialisation_Industrial City 2.0' – the diversity of proposals will present our hosts in Ursus with a rich variety of ideas about possible futures for their site, and indeed, the entire district.
The links below contain a short description of each project with a selection of images. It is important to note that each project was accompanied by at least 3 documents (in some cases 6) which set out in more detail the Design Strategy (including contextual analysis, architectural discussion, and design approach/proposal) and Technical Strategy (structural, environmental, construction strategies), as well as a Technical Study (plus a physical (1:20, 1:10, 1:5 or 1:1) or digital model) which focused on the detailed design and tectonic approach to a key part of the building proposal. The images and descriptions here provide an overview of the key concept and approach for each project.
Click on the links below to view images and descriptions of the final projects:
Suzanne O'Donovan _ Performative Assemblages
Chris Turner _ Securing Scarcities: The Territorialisation of Production
Dan Green _ Protean Production / The Feculent Resource
Sophia Souglidou and Maria Michail _ Electri[city]
Kostas Ipeirotis _ ANAMNESIS: heritage activation through the reformative landscape
Charlotte Shobrook _ P[Re] Fabricating Ursus
Damien Bulman _ Cultivate: Engaging with the Future through the Past
more projects to be uploaded shortly…


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Electronegativity as a Basic Elemental Property
This page gives links to a paper, written by Dr Mark R. Leach and published in Foundations of Chemistry, that discusses electronegativity and the Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements.
Concerning Electronegativity as a Basic Elemental Property and Why The Periodic Table is Usually Represented In Its Medium Form
Electronegativity – described by Linus Pauling described as "The power of an atom in a molecule to attract electrons to itself" (Pauling in The nature of the chemical bond, 3rd edn, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, p 88, 1960) – is used to predict bond polarity.
There are dozens of methods for empirically quantifying electronegativity including:
Indeed, there are such strong correlations between numerous atomic parametersphysical and chemicalthat the term "electronegativity" integrates these correlations into a single dimensionless number between 0.78 and 4.00 that can be used to predict/describe/model much of an element's physical character and chemical behaviour.
The design of the common and popular medium form of the periodic table is in large part determined by four quantum numbers and four associated rules. However, adding electronegativity completes the construction so that it displays the multi-parameter periodic law operating in two dimensions, down the groups and across the periods, with minimal ambiguity.
© Mark R. Leach 1999-
Queries, Suggestions, Bugs, Errors, Typos...
If you have any:
This free, open access web book is an ongoing project and your input is appreciated.

subset: commoncrawl


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Saturday, October 18, 2008
2 LO's and a card
Created and written by Krissy Christie at 10/18/2008
4 comments:
- jules said...
i just adore these krissy ...there is just no limit to your talent is there...they are stunning.....really love that first one of morgan!!!
jules xxx
- October 18, 2008 at 4:26 PM
- sandy the husband lover said...
wow Krissy i have just gone through your entire blog and i love all of your pages. i have some trial and error happaening to work out some of your tricks they are gorgeous
- October 18, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Krissy your LO's and cards are amazing! I am so envious of your talent! So glad you are on the Allcraftz design team! I'm always excited and eager to see what you create next!
- October 18, 2008 at 10:27 PM
- Kate said...
Gorgeous, gorgeous , gorgeous!! Love it all as per usual:)
- October 20, 2008 at 8:04 AM
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Official destination marketing organization for Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties, PA – collectively known as the Pocono Mountains
1004 W. Main St. Stroudsburg, PA 18360 | 570-421-5791 | email@example.com | PoconoMountains.com
« Back
American Ribbon Craft and Fabric
American Ribbon Manufacturers was incorporated in 1932.American Ribbon's sister company, Monroe Silk Mills, was incorporated in 1913 and is one of America's oldest ribbon manufacturers. Today the company continues as a manufacturer and seller of high quality ribbon by offering its customers a wide selection of standard and custom-made ribbons. Seniors receive discounts on Wednesdays. All motorcoach inquires, please call for information.
- 925 Ann Street
- Stroudsburg, PA 18360
- Phone: (570) 421-7470
- Toll Free: (800) 233-8158
- Fax: (570) 476-7611
- Email: email@example.com


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from an article originally posted October 23, 2014…
Since the birth of my first daughter, I have written my journals in light of them one day being read. They are simply a family history. The small, silly moments captured, the hard journey in life we have traveled. The honest assessment of each day. So I have journal after journal capturing the essence of our life. One day soon I will reread them to remember those exhausted, amazing days of life with my littles. It was important writing, because in the midst of sleep deprivation, it's hard to remember. I look forward to revisiting those most precious years I captured in my journals. One day my children may want to read that journey. Maybe not, but it will be there for them. I was always careful to journal with freedom. Some weeks I would write and write, some months the entire month would pass before I would write. But I gave myself freedom.
I started to wonder what I wanted to leave behind for my children on their important days to come where I may not be present. I have been challenged to write letters for each big event. But there was part of me that thought those moments could be hard if my kids were asked at each exciting moment to read a letter from me that made them sad. I may still write those letters, but I have taken a fun and new path. Since I have many who follow this blog now that are also seeing the endless of the horizon of days vanish, I thought I would share what I'm doing. I have started to interview my children in a causal setting: my bed. I sit with my children and ask them simple questions about their future. It's delightful. And more than that, it's simple to do with my computer. More than that, you don't have to have a story like mine to capture such living. It's amazing.
So pick a moment in life you desire to ask your children questions about. I have started with their weddings. It has been such fun. Keep it light hearted. Delight in your children and their answers. For instance, Ella said she wanted a petting zoo at her wedding. I sat beside her and told her it was a great idea. I know when the day comes, she will likely not want a petting zoo at her wedding, but how fun will it be to hear from her 13-year-old self with a mama beside her saying, Go for it. And when the actual day comes, I pray she will hear my heart asking her to go for it. To enjoy her day. To delight in the day and not get bogged down in the details. To capture the love of the day and to move into her marriage with joy.
Would you consider making a video for your loves to watch in the future? Do you journal for your family to one day read your heart? How do you plan for future moments for your family? How do you want your love to be left to those who live beyond you?


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We are a not-for-profit organization. All funds generated are used for club activities and for team support!
- Home
- Lugnuts Players of the Month.
- Lansing Lugnuts 2017 Calendar of Events!!
- Booster Event Photos
- Mission Statement
- Types of Events and Descriptions
- Contact
- Membership Application
- Host Family Program
- Major League Lugnuts *UPDATED 4/8/16*
- Team Roster
- Lansing Lugnuts Record Book!
- Toronto Blue Jays News Links (MLB and Minor League News)
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
7/31 Get away bags rescheduled and FW Update for 8/4
Nick called FW and due to scheduling complications we are not able to do the dinner with the team in FW, HOWEVER, we will be getting together on the morning of Sunday Aug 4th to make sack lunch bags for the team. They will be given to them after the double header in the lobby of the hotel. There will be a sign put up in the locker room on the 3rd or 4th stating that. Also a note will be given to the coach staff...this way the players wont go out to eat as the hotel is one block from the stadium and they do not ride the bus to and from the park to hotel. With that said the scheduled get away bags on 7/31, will be moved to 8/26 after the game. The final dinner is 8/25 and the get away bags now on 8/26 will be the final home even with the team. If you are interested in going to FW on the 4th, it is a double header and I will need names for the pass list! I should be at the next 8 home games so if anyone has questions they can email me or find me at the park!
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Here at SET Ixworth School we believe that healthy eating plays a vital role in the successful education of our students.
We have therefore invested in a high quality catering service that offers healthy, good value meals. Our nutritional standards are in line with national guidelines and we are absolutely committed to promoting an environment which encourages healthy lifestyle choices.
Click the links below to download the weekly menus:
- Ixworth Menu – Week Commencing 20 September 2019
- Ixworth Menu – Week Commencing 16 September 2019
- Ixworth Menu – Week Commencing 09 September 2019
Allergen Menu for current week:
For more information on our catering service, please click the links below for more information:
Our School restaurant has a Food Hygiene rating of 5.


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Repository Server Control Panel user interface
The Repository Server Control Panel provides you with repository server information and repository lists; it is the "central command" from which you control the repository and the repository services.
Information on the server and repositories is displayed in the two main panels of the dialog box. Additionally, a status message concerning the state of the repository service is displayed in the lower left of the dialog box.
The Repository Server Information panel provides the local host name and its IP address, the port on which it listens for requests, the Java heap size, and repository backup information.
The panel Repository List specifies all the TestArchitect repositories residing on the local host (and thus managed by this TA Repository Server service). The Auto-backup column indicates whether periodic backups are scheduled to run regularly for each respective repository.
Primary Repository and Replication Repository
columns indicate the companion repositories involved in a primary-replication
configuration, where such a relationship exists. (See Replication repositories for more information.) A repository can be primary,
replication, or standalone, and you can determine its type from these two fields. A
replication repository always has a master primary associated with it, and the
<host:port> identifier of that primary will be present in its
Primary Repository
Similarly, a primary will have one or more replication repositories, and they will be listed in
its Replication Repository field.
Repositories with blank fields in both the Primary Repository and
Replication Repository columns are standalone: that is, they are not
involved in a Primary-Replication arrangement.
The toolbar of the Repository Server Control Panel displays most of the commands available through the control panel. Additional commands are available through the menus.
Buttons on the toolbar, as well as menu items in the menus, are enabled or disabled based largely on the state of the repository service (started or stopped), as well as your current selection in the Repository List. Certain actions performed on repositories require that the repository service be shut down. These include the import and export of repositories, as well as their deletion. Other actions, such as adding a new repository and setting a password requirement, need the service to be running.
|Start Repository Server
|Make repositories on this host accessible to applications
|Stop Repository Server
|Turn off accessibility of repositories
|Close the Repository Server Control Panel
|Stop the Repository Server Service/Demon
|Add repository
|Create a new repository
|Delete repository
|Delete a repository
|Import repository
|Import a repository from a file
|Export repository
|Export a specified repository to a file
|Set primary repository
|Specify another host as the primary repository for a given imported repository. This action establishes imported repository as a replication repository.
|Disconnect from primary repository
|Dis-establish a specified repository as replication
|Back-up schedule
|TestArchitect Utility Server Information
|Require password
|Specify a password which will be required for all future creation of new repositories on this host
|Set the amount of memory for Java Virtual Machine
|Upgrade repositories
|Upgrade the specified repositories for compatibility with Time-traveling execution .
|Clean up
|Collect garbage in repositories to optimize their performance.


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Durham News
Durham mayor to send letter urging repeal of HB2
Mayor Bill Bell announced a plan Monday to urge state lawmakers to repeal House Bill 2, despite not having majority support on the City Council.
A letter that Bell plans to send Tuesday recommends a compromise in which the N.C. General Assembly repeals the controversial law and imposes a moratorium on municipalities passing any anti-discrimination ordinances for six months or until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a related case.
"As a part of this compromise for repealing HB2, I am also encouraging my fellow colleagues who are mayors and/or members of the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition to also support this compromise and provide leadership on their respective councils to also support the proposal," states the letter addressed to Gov. Roy Cooper, Senate Leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore.
Bell read the letter at the Durham City Council meeting Monday. The letter is only signed by Bell.
Late last year, state Democratic leaders rejected a move that would have repealed HB2 but imposed a six-month moratorium on cities passing anti-discrimination ordinances.
Bell said two things have since changed.
The Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board on March 28. The Virginia case involves a transgender teen objecting to a bathroom and locker-room policy.
In addition, the NCAA and other athletic associations have made it clear that the repeal of HB2 will be an important factor in determining whether they will hold tournaments in the state, "which could have at least a five-year impact on North Carolina, its schools and its economy," Bell's letter states.
Bell's action follows the City Council debating at a Feb. 9 work session how to respond to HB2, seeking to protect Durham's LGBT residents but not draw Republican state legislators' ire.
At the work session, Bell asked City Council members to support a strategy like the one outlined in his letter.
City Council members Charlie Reece and Jillian Johnson, however, objected to that strategy.
Reece and Johnson said the action would ultimately do nothing to protect residents in the city from discrimination.
Bell responded that people aren't protected now, but at least such an action might address the boycotts and other economic-development challenges associated with HB2.
The council does not typically take action at its work sessions, but it can if five members agree to suspend the rules and take action. Bell's proposal failed when the council deadlocked 3-3 to suspend the rules.
Councilman Steve Schewel, who wasn't at the work session, said Monday he would like to retain the right for the city to pass a non-discrimination ordinance.
In other business
Also Monday, the City Council approved a rezoning that would allow up to 132 townhomes on 26 acres in southwest Durham.
The City Council unanimously approved national homebuilder Ryan Homes' request to rezone three parcels on Ephesus Church Road near Creekside Elementary School.
The Durham Planning Commission voted 12-0 to recommend approval in December of the proposed development called Creekside Commons. Commissioners supported the rezoning after Ryan Homes reduced the density of the planned development proposal from 6.3 units per acres to 5 units per acre.
Opponents expressed concern about an increase in traffic in the area and overcrowding at Creekside Elementary, which houses some of its students in trailers.
Virginia Bridges: 919-829-8924, @virginiabridges


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Travellers, hosts, and campers alike all extol the virtues of air mattresses. But travelers, hosts, and campers alike have all had experiences with bad air mattresses. Maybe it was impossible to inflate, maybe it slowly lost air throughout the night, or maybe it tore so easily that you were barely able to get one use out of it. Whatever the experience, it becomes clear very quickly that not all air mattresses are created equal.
In my experience, I have used air mattresses to expand the sleeping capacity of hotel rooms, to host family and friends in my one bedroom apartment, and while sleeping outdoors. Those are all unique circumstances, so below we have listed the three best air mattresses for each situation.
Best Air Mattresses for Hotels
Let's break this down before we get to the product list. If we are looking for the best air mattresses for hotel rooms, we are probably traveling to the hotel room in question. Automatically that means we're looking for an air mattress that travels well. We are also looking for space-saving air mattresses, since hotel rooms generally do not have a ton of floor space. Also, hotel rooms have a lot of outlets, so an air mattress you can plug in to inflate is doable. With that in mind, here are our top three picks.
AeroBed with Built-In Pump
This air mattress has a built-in pump, which automatically means it is easier to pack than beds that have external pumps. It weighs 11.36 pounds and has 3.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Aerobed is famous for their oval coil construction which mimics a traditional mattress, and it comes in full and queen sizes. It is a low-profile bed, which isn't always the most comfortable, but it makes it much more compact for travel.
You save 14% (14%)
Intex Comfort Plush Mid Rise Dura-Beam Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump
This air mattress also has a built-in pump. It comes in a twin size but is raised further off of the ground than the AeroBed, which is better for comfort. It weighs slightly more at 12.6 pounds. That may seem trivial, but when it comes to airline luggage weight restrictions, every ounce counts.
Intex Pillow Rest Classic Airbed with Built-In Pillow and Electric Pump
This air mattress is the smallest and lightest on the list, while still featuring a built-in electric pump. It comes in a twin size and is low profile. The compact size and built-in pillow cuts down on the material to make it easier to pack. It is also inexpensive and weighs only 9.5 pounds.
Best Air Mattresses for Your Home
If you are using an air mattress for out of town guests, and not to travel out of town yourself, you are likely to have a different set of priorities. First of all, space is much less of an issue. That means we can prioritize comfort over weight and dimensions; also, internal vs. external pumps become less important. Below are our top 3 picks for the best air mattresses for your home.
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress with ComfortCoil Technology & Internal High Capacity Pump
This is the Cadillac of air mattresses. It tops more than a few "best air mattresses of 2017" lists. It has a built-in pump, sits high off of the ground, and features 40 internal air coils to mimic a real mattress. If you want to make sure your guests are as comfortable as they can be during their stay, this is the mattress to get.
Coleman Queen Airbed Folding Cot with Side Tables and 4D Battery Pump
This air mattress isn't just a mattress, but practically it's own bedroom set. It comes with a battery-operated pump, along with a folding cot which serves to raise the mattress off of the ground. This also provides your guests with valuable under-bed storage space for their luggage, and a built-in side table during their stay.
Etekcity Upgraded Air Mattress Blow Up Elevated Raised Bed Inflatable Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump
This air mattress is an Amazon bestseller, and it's easy to see why. It is elevated for maximum comfort, features a built-in electric pump, and the inner construction makes it stable and comfortable.
Best Air Mattress for Camping
If you plan to sleep outdoors, whether it be in a tent or under the stars, you are probably going to want something to keep you off the cold, hard ground. That being said, there are a few key features that your mattress must have. First, it has to be compact, light, and easy to transport. Second, it can't have a plug-in pump. If it has a pump at all it should be battery operated. Third, and last, it's got to be durable. Below are our top 3 picks for the best air mattresses for camping.
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Self-Inflating Foam Camping Air Mattress
This mattress is pricey, but if you are an avid camper, it is probably worth it. It's got very high reviews, which indicates it is comfortable and holds up well. It comes with a sack with a carrying handle for portability and weighs a measly 6.75 pounds.
Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set with 2 Pillows and Double Quick Hand Pump
This mattress is low profile and comes with a hand-pump which eliminates the need for electricity. It is waterproof, which is great for the outdoors, and even comes with two inflatable pillows.
FreeLand Camping Self Inflating Sleeping Pad with Attached Pillow Lightweight Air Sleeping Pads
This air mattress has it all for the casual camper. It self-inflates, is inexpensive, comes with an attached pillow, and is the lightest weight on the list at only 3.3lbs. It's also got high reviews on Amazon — a good indication that you are going to be satisfied.
Safe travels and sweet dreams. Enjoy your air mattress!


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This week we are completing the speaker installation and additional wiring for a customer in Chiang Mai. They've opted for our Nuvo wireless range of multi room audio for their home sound system. We will also be on hand to offer additional audio visual work installing TV's and media centres once the property has been completed.
Nuvo whole home audio systems guarantee an unparalleled listening experience, with wired and wireless distributed audio solutions specially designed to match incredible fidelity with the latest in streaming source variety and intuitive control. Easy to install, easier to enjoy, Nuvo systems are the perfect fit for any home.
A superior home audio experience is closer than you think with the flexible, high-performing Nuvo Player Portfolio. Conveniently available in both wired and wireless configurations, it's easy to build the perfect solution to fit your home. Each player features access to both networked music libraries and the near-infinite variety of Internet Radio.
Our client chose the Nuvo sound system because they wanted an easy to use AV experience, it had to be simple to use and control. The Nuvo range of wireless music systems are certainly easy to control simply open up the app, choose a room (or all rooms) and hit play.
The last couple of years has seen us working on more Chiang Mai homes and a Chiang Mai office is on the cards for the near future. The Chiang Mai property market is featuring more and more new-builds for successful individuals looking for something special with value for money and bigger landholding than equivalent homes in say either Bangkok or Phuket.


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Being able to breathe properly is very important. This might seem to be an obvious statement but if you are an individual who suffers from allergies or asthma, then this is a statement that rings especially true. Not being able to breathe can feel terrible and you will wind up being more tired and sluggish than usual because of it. There are plenty of steps that you can take to make your situation conducive to good breathing, though.
Obviously, it's important to see your doctor about any medical conditions but there are some practical things you can do in your home that will make life much more pleasant. One of the smartest things you can do is put a really good air purifier in your home. This will increase the quality of the air you're breathing in substantially. Some people may not realise just how effective an air purifier can be at changing the air around them.
Air Purifiers Work Great
If you buy a really good air purifier for your home, you'll notice a big difference in your air quality. There are all sorts of toxins and negative things in the air around you. This can be avoided inside your home when you have the right air purifier. It will come equipped with an advanced filtration system that eliminates pet dander and keeps other elements from being able to harm you.
A suitable home air purifier will be very affordable while providing plenty of utility. You can change the quality of your air significantly without breaking the bank. You will notice very quickly that you are breathing in deeper and having fewer issues with congestion over time. For people with severe allergies, these air filters are an absolute necessity.
Even if you don't have any conditions that harm your regular breathing, you will be able to make good use of an air purifier. The air in your home will smell much nicer and you can prevent undesirable odours from ruining your home environment. When you have pets, it's a great idea to rely on an air purifier because despite their overall cuteness, they really negatively impact air quality.
Buy an Air Purifier Today
You should definitely look into buying an air purifier today. It will make you feel a lot better when you're lounging around at home. Your home will be so much more pleasant when the air is free of all of the pet dander and toxins that harm you. The smell will be much nicer and you can just simply enjoy yourself that much more.
Air purifiers are very cost-effective too. You don't have to spend an abundance of money to get a good one because the top-notch models are very reasonably priced. Look into getting a powerful air purifier for your home as soon as you're ready to change the air quality in your house.


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We wish there was a way for your bill to appear in the form of a warm hug, the same warmth you get when you enjoy the benefits of natural gas, but unfortunately, that kind of technology doesn't exist … yet. Don't worry, the calculation of your cost isn't as hard to understand as it might look at first.
Due date for payment.
Used for billing purposes.
In cubic metres or centa-cubic feet, based on the meter reading.
Used to convert your gas consumption to Gigajoules.
Current year vs. previous year consumption.
Includes balance and monthly charge.
Difference between EPP payment requested to date and the actual charge to date. This amount is your credit or charge to date for your settlement month.
Reminder that you are signed up for the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan.
For information on payment options.
Your current rate class. See the back of your bill for a full explanation.
For the current billing period.
A monthly fixed charge to cover costs such as a meter reading, pipeline maintenance, customer support services and 24-hour emergency service.
The charge for the distribution of natural gas through our pipeline to your property.
The cost of the natural gas supply that you use. If you have a contract with a Gas Marketer other than Enbridge Gas New Brunswick, you may be billed separately for your supply.
Such as finance plans and service charges.
Includes any previously unpaid charges.
A late payment charge of 1.5% will be applied if received after due date.


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Brass Arrow Ring // Sterling Silver
$ 19.00
Which direction does your arrow take you? The brass accent gives the ring a unique and artistic look. A fun and simple accent piece.
The ring is made of solid sterling silver and lightly hammered. I added a tiny hand cut brass arrow as the focal point. I added some hammered details which give the arrow a playful and unique look. The ring has also been tarnished and then polished for contrast.
This is a great ring for mixing, matching, and stacking!
Band measures about 2mm wide.
This little ring also looks great stacked. See my other stackers in my rings section: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TarnishedAndTrue?section_id=8156279
My rings are completely handmade by me! Tumbled in my tumbler for durability, and made to last..
Made to order in any size. Please let me know in 'note to seller' at checkout.
All metal is solid sterling silver (except the brass accent).
All jewelry from Tarnished & True comes sweetly gift wrapped ready for giving and getting! Are you giving more than one piece of jewelry? I am very happy to wrap things separately! Please mention that at checkout, otherwise your order will come wrapped up all together.
Check my shop announcement for current shipping times and remember that each piece of jewelry is completely handmade by me, so it takes a little time. :)
If you have a question about anything, don't hesitate to send me a note! I am happy to help.
Be Real.
Adorn Yourself.
Just Be.


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Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) has provided many leading hotels in India with LEED certification. Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, MD – APAC & Middle East Markets, GBCI speaks about the increasing acceptance of LEED certification by the luxury hospitality segment
How do you perceive the adoption of green practices in India's luxury hospitality segment ?
The adoption of green certification is increasing across sectors. In addition to commercial buildings other industry segments like residential buildings, factories, hospitals, retail, data centres, metros, airports and ports are also getting into the Green movement. We also have LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) for cities.
In the hospitality segment, there has been a growing acceptance and implementation of LEED by luxury hotels in India. LEED is essentially the certification hotels opt for. We have certified several hotels in India including Jaypee Vasant Continental, The Leela Palace and Hyatt Regency. In addition, ITC Hotels has committed its entire chain to the highest standards of global green buildings, with their entire portfolio of hotels certified as LEED Platinum, proving that green building and luxury accommodations can indeed go hand in hand. The ITC Chola in Chennai is the largest LEED Platinum hotel in the world, while the ITC Maurya in Delhi has installed the world's largest solar concentrators in the hospitality sector. Fifty-five per cent of ITC's total energy demand across all properties is met through renewable energy sources.
A recent study by McGraw Hill Construction also points to the growth of green building in the hospitality sector: green construction has increased by 50 per cent from 2011-2013 and now represents 25 per cent of all new construction today. USGBC's recent Green Building Economic Impact Study also found that across industries, green construction is outpacing that of traditional construction and is poised to create more than 3.3 million US jobs and US$ 190.3 billion in labour earnings by 2018. These trends show the growth of green building in hospitality is expected to continue at a strong pace. This new direction represents an important milestone for the industry.
For a hotel, what are the distinct advantages of your certification (vis-a-vis others) ?
Hotels and other hospitality venues have a significant opportunity to reduce negative environmental impacts associated with guest rooms, event space, and general facility use through measures such as energy and water efficiency, waste reduction and management, sustainable and local purchasing, and use of alternative transportation.
The 2016 LEED hospitality report also highlighted how LEED practices and strategies are flexible, easy to implement, generate impressive results and can be integrated into the hospitality industry throughout the building's life cycle, leading to high-performance in human and environmental health.
LEED is by far the world's most widely used green building rating system and has a growing presence in the hospitality industry. According to the 2016 LEED in Motion Report, there are more than 2,070 hotels participating in LEED, representing 1.1 billion square feet worldwide. Of that, there are more than 400 LEED-certified hotels comprising nearly 134 million square feet of space.
As India's growth in hospitality is driven by the mid-market hotels, what do you have for this segment?
We have recently added a technology platform called "Arc" which can track the LEED scores real-time and also help in LEED Certification. This can be a great fit to the expectations of this industry segment.
What are the long-term cost benefits of green certification for a hotel ?
Hotels consume natural resources at an extraordinarily high rate, as they are occupied 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to a TripAdvisor survey, nearly two-thirds of travellers reported plans to make more environmentally friendly choices over the next year. And while on vacation, 88 per cent of travellers turned off lights when not in their hotel room, 78 per cent participated in the hotel's linen and towel reuse programmes and 58 per cent used recycling in the hotel. As guests demand more sustainable travel solutions, hotels are positioned to deliver high quality experiences with the help of tools like LEED, that positively impact human health and the environment.
Incorporating LEED includes sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.
Which are the future trends in this space in relation to the hospitality industry ?
The hospitality industry is noticing a change in consumer behaviour. Consumers are requesting sustainable resources, evaluating the indoor environment for health concerns and placing a preference on sustainable buildings. As this trend continues, consistent metrics and standards to support the quality of product the hospitality industry delivers will become even more important for a variety of stakeholders, including owners, investors and operators. Integrating green building strategies into the design, construction and daily operations of hotels makes business sense and can be an important part of a company's commitment to sustainability.
Health and wellbeing of the hotel guests is also a significant zone of interest which GBCI will add to the benefits of adopting the standards.
Would you like to highlight any other significant factor regarding GBCI ?
USGBC is recognised globally for market transformation, and GBCI is the leader of speed to market transformation. Together, we are creating an unstoppable momentum in the marketplace, covering nearly every sector of the sustainability industry. USGBC and GBCI will redefine performance and offer real tools to benchmark, measure and manage ROI (return on investment and return on impact). We will continue to offer a diverse array of sustainability certification systems, extensive reviewer knowledge and resources, a suite of professional credentials and certificate programmes and excellence in customer experience.
Through rigorous certification and credentialing standards, we are driving adoption of green business practices that foster global competitiveness and enhance environmental performance and human health benefits. We have also partnered with a variety of businesses, non-profit and government leaders in India who understand the value of LEED and whose exceptional vision is transforming the market. They are raising the bar for the global market and positively impacting the quality of our built space and we are working with them to develop more sustainable buildings and cities—and by extension our planet and its people.
Our vision for India is simple: to build a healthy, smart, productive, efficient, equitable, resilient and, above all else, sustainable society.


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"In the beginning there was Jack … and Jack had a groove, and from this groove came the grooves of all grooves. And while one day viciously throwing down on his box, Jack boldly declared 'Let There Be House,' and House music was born." Chuck Roberts – Chicago – 1987
This Saturday, July 7, 2018, The Chosen Few DJs are back at Jackson Park for The Chosen Few Picnic & Festival. What started as a small gathering of friends behind Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry in 1990 is now one of the world's longest-running events dedicated to House Music, attracting fans from all over the world. Nicknamed the "Woodstock of House" and the "Love Fest," the family-reunion-style event features 12 hours of music and performances from the Chosen Few DJs – Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett, Alan King, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn, plus guest DJs and vocalists.
The reunion kicked off because the DJs each moved to different areas in the United States and came back together one summer to reconnect. Chosen Few DJs Founder Wayne Williams states, "Two of my DJ's, Andre Hatchett and Tony Hatchett [brothers] had a family reunion thing they were doing out there, so [we decided] after that event, every year on the 4th of July weekend, we will come back together and DJ together like we used to." From that point on, the group of DJs have grown the picnic from 50 people to now more than 50,000 house music fans from nearly every continent.
House music is a genre of electronic dance music created by club DJs and music producers in Chicago in the early 1980s. There are devoted fans that have come out to this event faithfully over the years. They come to feel the beat, love and positive vibes.
South Sider Jasmyne E'lise, 32, credits her father as the one who started the House Music phenomenon in her household. "My father has been going to [the Chosen Few Picnic] since day one and would always come home and tell us what a great time he had. Finally, my mother and I had enough and decided to crash the party. It's been at least five years since then, and it's become a celebration of life and a homecoming."
E'lise also said that every year all her family and friends from college travel to Chicago for this event. They all come together to enjoy each other and catch up on what they've missed throughout the year. "It's the one time I have the opportunity to cut loose and be free of judgement because all of the people are there with me!"
Another Chicago Native, Darvel Ahmad Stinson, 47, is going for the second year not only because he has been a House Music fan since high school [CVS class of 1988], but he had such a good time last year. "There's great music, and it's a beautiful atmosphere. Everyone I met and saw made me feel like it was one big family reunion. To be at an event with so many people enjoying each other's company was a great feeling– without any crime or incidents."
Leonard Ward, 45, from Milwaukee, Wis., has been attending for about ten years. Ward and his friends have booked hotel rooms, and they are ready to dance! "We spend our day enjoying the music, eating, socializing and dancing. We're there about noon until it ends, weather permitting. I love the energy of house music."
The Birth of House
Beginning in the late 1970s and into the early 1980s, the seven then-teen DJs from Chicago's South Side played their unique brand of soulful dance music to considerable crowds in packed basements, high school cafeterias, and legendary nightspots. They also performed at Sauer's, the Tree of Life, First Impressions, the Playground and the Loft, a club of historic importance in the birth and development of house music.
Along with a handful of other legendary DJs including Frankie Knuckles at the Warehouse, Ron Hardy at the Music Box and Lil' Louis on the West Side of Chicago, the Chosen Few were the DJs primarily responsible for popularizing the underground dance music that came to be known as House Music.
And that sound will be heard throughout this weekend. This year's guests at the picnic and festival include House Music powerhouses the Basement Boys – DJ Spen, Karizma, and Teddy Douglas, Ralph Rosario from the legendary Hot Mix 5, and one of House Music's hottest vocalists Sheree Hicks.
"We're featuring some local talent– Terisa Griffin, Sheree Hicks, Chuck Roberts from the West Side of Chicago. That's what our festival is about– dancing, having fun and love, everybody eating food and sharing food, sharing drinks and just having a great time in our community– and there's no community like Chicago. A lot of time we hear about the wrong things in Chicago, but the citizens of Chicago are great, and we are proud to show them off at this event.
Williams explains that each year most of their guest DJs and vocalists are good friends and they know them by the work they put in by grinding in the streets of Chicago. This year is going to be another for the books as The Chosen few brings out local Chicago Talent mixed with more fun.
There will be games and prizes for people to participate in as well. The themed dress code theme is Wakanda. People will be dressing up in their African clothing to show African-culture and pride while getting down to House Music.
The only thing that has changed over the years is the economics of the event. As the attendance grew, it went from being free (with donations) to requiring an admission fee. Not only did the City of Chicago start to charge the DJs, but they also needed more staff to accommodate everyone too.
Williams stated, "The first 19 years we didn't have to charge, we would pass the bucket around, and we came out of our own pockets to have this event. As more people attended, the city started to charge us, so then we had to start charging for entry. We had to get more security staff; we had to get more porta-potties, you know everything that we needed to make it a pleasant, safe, successful event. It is a growing festival. Most people charge $100, $200, $250 but our starting individual ticket is $40 and the presale tickets [earlier this year] were $25." Tent packages can cost up to $450.
There has been speculation of whether or not the festival will have to move next year with the new Obama Presidential Center being planned in the area. But Williams says fans can rest assured, they will not have to relocate.
"They [City of Chicago] haven't said anything to us where it would affect the event but the area that they're talking about is West to where we are, so it really won't affect us," Williams told the Defender.
If you are wondering if you should drive, take the train or Uber, you can do all three: "Most people come through Lakeshore drive or Stony Island. There is also places to park around the area as well in the neighborhood like school lots, church lots, things like that where you can pay to park as well," states Williams.
The DJs have had events all over Chicago to kick off the main event this Saturday. This past week they had the Chosen Few DJs Night at a Chicago White Sox game. There has been a Hot Lunch Mix at Daley Plaza and on Thursday, July 5, there will be a kickoff party at the Promontory with music by Chosen Few DJs Mike Dunn, Tony Hatchett and Andre Hatchett with special guest DJ Tony Touch of Funkbox NYC. On Friday a day party is planned at Truth Italian Restaurant, Saturday is the Main Event, and Sunday concludes the Festival with the closing party at the Renaissance Bronzeville.
If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, you can buy them at the gate or purchase your tickets online at http://chosenfewdjs.com Bring your grills, tents, kids, and dancing shoes, because everyone is welcome at the Chosen Few Picnic.


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Forever 21 Fall Transitional Looks
*All views are my own and not of Forever21 or any other affiliate.
Hello guys!
My friends at Forever 21 sent me a couple items to help you all get ready to transition into Fall attire. The above looks are some of my favorite new releases of the season. Fall is my favorite fashion season because you can pretty much get away with anything. It's also a good time to mix in items that you typically wouldn't wear in the dead heat of the summer. I love the range of item choices ranging from statement rocker tees, to coach coats whenever it gets a little drafty.
If I had to choose a favorite piece, it would have to be the Warrior Tour Muscle Tee. It just screams "cool" and I'm a big fan of sleeveless t-shirts whenever I'm on the go downtown. I also love a great statement graphic tee (as all Millennials do).
Whether you're still holding on to the beach or ready for the autumn winds, you should be able to find a multitude of pieces you'll like from F21's new transitional arrivals. Have fun!
Shop Forever 21 New Arrivals here
Outfit One
Forever 21 Warrior Tour Muscle Tee
Forever 21 Fitted Plaid Flannel Shirt
Forever 21 Classic Slim-Fit Jeans
ASOS Chelsea Boots in Brown Leather
Outfit Two
Forever 21 Distressed Not Today Graphic Tee
Forever 21 Contrast Trim Sweatpants
Vans Vans SK8-HI
Outfit Three
Forever 21 Longline Hooded Parka
Forever 21 Skinny Fit Jeans
Converse Pro Leather Lux Leather High Top


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Need a spare tyre for your hand truck in a hurry? Check out our range of hand truck tyres and get yourself back in motion quickly. With a range of rim and ply sizes we are sure to have the right tyre for you.
Our pneumatic tyres are quick and easy to fit, just check the correct tyre pressure and you're good to go.


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We are proud to announce that we have been featured in The Telegraph's online Business Club with an accompanying video showcasing Amazon Filters at our Camberley site.
This highlights Amazon Filter's successful growth for almost three decades, recognising us as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of filtration systems. The Telegraph Business Club has taken a deeper look to establish how, despite economic downturns, we have managed to achieve steady growth since our humble beginnings in 1985.
"It is an honour to be featured as part of The Telegraph Business Club," said Neil Pizzey, Managing Director at Amazon Filters.
"We definitely have ambitions to have a stronger presence in countries outside of Europe, so our aim is to continue improving our reputation and spread the word about Amazon Filters. However, we will always firstly focus on the core values we have as a company – developing and manufacturing excellent products and providing outstanding customer service."
You can view the new video via our recently launched You Tube channel by clicking here or on The Telegraph's Business Club by clicking here.


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Please click anywhere to continue browsing our site.
At Cooper®, we talk tires every day, and we understand that the four tires on your vehicle are what keep you connected to the road, playing a crucial role in how your vehicle handles, and in keeping you safe on your travels.
As an American company since 1914, our focus is on making quality tires that will perform well and last for thousands of miles. With more than a century in the tire industry, we know that tires matter, and that is why you should count on Cooper®.
Shop Cooper® tires with us today.
The beginnings of Cooper date back to 1914 in Akron, Ohio, when two brothers-in-law John F. Schaefer and Claude E. Hart formed a company to produce tire patches, tire cement, and tire repair kits. In 1915, Schaefer and Hart purchased The Giant Tire & Rubber Company of Akron, a tire rebuilding business, and shortly thereafter moved the business to Findlay, Ohio.
In 1926, Ira. J. Cooper developed the "Cooper Creed" which focused the company on providing "good merchandise, fair play, and a square deal." The vision of Ira J. Cooper continues at Cooper today.
At Cooper, we believe that manufacturing a quality product is key to ensuring your peace of mind. All Cooper® tires are backed by a standard or premium limited warranty, and select products are also backed by a 45-day road test or mileage warranty, helping to give you peace of mind on the road.
Precision Tune Auto Care & Brakes is your source for automotive repair, tires, and maintenance in the greater Durham, NC region. Precision Tune Auto Care & Brakes services customers in Durham, NC, Chapel Hill, NC, Cary, NC, and surrounding areas with precision and expertise, as our skilled technicians have more than 115 years combined experience in automotive repair. Need brakes in Durham, NC? Car repair in Cary, NC? Tires in Chapel Hill, NC? Precision Tune Auto Care & Brakes is the only place to go when you need complete automotive care for your vehicle.


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This Diwali was indeed special for all of us at Dazeworks. We had decided to celebrate it with the wonderful kids at Home of Faith, Kakkanad. This is a convent…Continue Reading
The answer to this question lies in your budget and your specific needs. Hiring a full-time Salesforce consultant is usually recommended for large companies that require quick help with numerous,…Continue Reading
In the present hyper-competitive business environment, grasping digital transformation is a prerequisite instead of an extravagance. Digital transformation empowers associations to open up new sales channels, find new markets and…Continue Reading


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Crufts 2018 in pictures: Adorable pooches compete for Best in Show
WE bring you the best photographs of the most adorable dogs from the canine event where pooches are competing for the coveted title of Best in Show.
The annual four-day event sees around 22,000 pedigree dogs visit the centre, before the "Best in Show" is awarded on the final day.
Crufts is one of the largest and most famous canine events in the world.
Thousands of dogs are competing this year for the coveted 'Best in Show' title.
The first Best in Show competition was in 1928, when Greyhound Primley Sceptre was crowned the shows' first champion.
This year of Crufts will be 127th year of the world famous canine event.
As the first day of agility runs and breed shows gets underway, these pictures from the NEC provide insight into the world of tail-wagging goodness.
Click through the gallery to see the highlights in pictures of Crufts 2018 so far.


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08 Nov 2018
Two carefully handcrafted fales, modelled on traditional Pasifika buildings, were delivered to Samoan pre-schools in Linwood and Aranui yesterday and received positive feedback from the most important recipients – the children.
Children at "Tino e Tasi Pre School" in Aranui check out the new fale built and donated by Ara Trades department.
Carpentry students from Ara's Dual Enrollment pathway built the two structures over some five months while attending Ara one day per week. Māori Trades Training students helped to deliver the fales to Mapusaga Fou Pre School in Vili Place in Linwood and Tino e Tasi Pre School in Shortland Street, Aranui.
Children and teachers were delighted with the gifts.
The trades students benefited from practicing their skills building the fales and then seeing their work being put to good use. Ara's carpentry department regularly donates their work to community organisations.
Read more: Construction Trades at Ara


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For hundreds of years cider has been made at Burrow Hill. Every year the harvest starts when the first of our 40 varieties of apples start to fall. The art and the craft of cider making is blending these apples. At Burrow Hill this is the responsibility of cider makers Julian Temperley and Tim Stoddart who between them have 65 years of experience.
"The man behind Burrow Hill also pioneered Somerset Cider Brandy. Over the past three decades Julian Temperley has done more than anyone else in Britain to develop classy drinks from homegrown apples"
- Financial Times


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The Eurovision Song Contest has decided the final 10 contestants who will battle to be crowned Europe's best pop act, following the event's second semifinal Thursday.
The countries advancing to the final, hold Saturday in Tel Aviv, are Netherlands, Sweden, North Macedonia, Albania, Russia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Malta.
Representative of Azerbaijan Chingiz Mustafayev performed at number 18 with the song "Truth".
The contestants eliminated from the running are Ireland, Armenia, Moldova, Latvia, Romania, Austria, Lithuania and Croatia.
Five European countries sweep straight to the final. Israel automatically qualified because it won last year.


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FDI in Foriegn brand retail not a big deal
FDI in multibrand retail comes with restrictions and opposition from political parties is not lucrative for investorsRead More
FDI in multibrand retail comes with restrictions and opposition from political parties is not lucrative for investorsRead More
London, Sep 19 (ANI): The world's leading pharmaceutical companies are abandoning the search for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease after a series of failed high-profile drugs trials. Pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide are under huge pressure as the neuroscience unit has been disproportionately hit, with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Merck, Sanofi, Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline all downsizing their European departments….Read More
Washington, September 19 (ANI): In a study, researchers have found that bariatric surgery reduces the long-term risk of developing diabetes by over 80 percent among people with obesity. Conducted by Professor Lars Sjostrom, Professor Lena Carlsson and their team at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, the study observed that bariatric surgery is considerably more effective…Read More
London, September 19 (ANI): A UK man made a world record by pulling on 302 pairs of underpants. Around 1,000 cheering fans saw Gary Craig nicknamed the "Geordie Pantsman" – unofficially reclaim his own record, the Sun reported. The 53-year-old had set a previous best of 211 last year, but American Janine Keblish then squeezed…Read More
Melbourne, Sept 19 (ANI): The woman, who featured on the cover picture of Time magazine with- "Are You Mom Enough?"- as the headline, revealed that she doesn't agree over the image as it made her family look odd. The woman named Jamie Lynne Grumet, asserted that she agreed to do the controversial Time interview and…Read More
New York, Sep 19ANI): New York Jets quarterback has claimed he might enter politics after his career in American football ends. "I haven't ruled it out," the New York Post quoted Tebow, as replying when questioned he'd consider running, considering his popularity in Florida where he won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Florida….Read More
London, September 19 (ANI): Tamara Ecclestone found inspiration from reality star Kim Kardashian, donning her favourite pair of Givenchy boots while going out for dinner with sister Petra on Monday. The daughter of Formula 1 boss Bernie wore the beige leather 'Shark Lock' boot that feature a quirky concealed zip section – worn by Kardashian…Read More
Islamabad, Sept. 19 (ANI): Pakistan Attorney General Irfan Qadir has said the Supreme Court has accepted the constitutional clause granting immunity to the president, and added that the government would also refer to the president's immunity in the letter to the Swiss authorities. Qadir said the letter to the Swiss authorities would ask for a…Read More
Washington, Sept. 19 (ANI): American actress Susan Sarandon has said Republican president candidate Mitt Romney's remarks, in which he called lower paid Americans 'victims', are 'so entertaining' that he reminds her of a 'Scrooge' like character. TV host Joy Behar had asked the outspoken liberal actress for her opinion on the leaked Romney video at…Read More
London, Sep 19 (ANI): Brit-Indian businessman Shrien Dewani, who is wanted in South Africa for the honeymoon murder of his wife Anni, is set to apply for being treated in an open NHS rehabilitation ward after his mental health showed signs of improvement. Dr Paul Cantrell, the psychiatrist treating Shrien Dewani, would "wish to see"…Read More


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You want to know something that really upsets me? Something that immediately feels like a heavy weight upon my heart? Something that is a fingernail on the chalkboard of my very soul?
It's when a conversation is going along like this —
I say, Oh? You have three children? That's wonderful! How old are they?
And the mother responds, Susy and Sally are 15 and 13, and Joey is just 5. *uncomfortable laugh* Yeah, he was our little accident!
Or I say to an old friend, Your granddaughter is beautiful!
And the woman answers in a quiet voice, Yeah, thanks. Our daughter isn't married. She got pregnant in high school. Our granddaughter was sort of an accident.
Maybe you've said this or something like this. I really do try not to judge you. Really. But it's hard for me. Because my heart senses the damage your words are doing. I can hear the pick-axe of your words and underlying attitude chipping away at the identity and security and self-confidence of your child.
Or maybe you've never said those words. Maybe you are the child conceived before the wedding vows were said. Maybe you sense that your birth was a total surprise. Maybe the woman who birthed you was so surprised she couldn't even raise you. The circumstances of your conception were certainly not the well-scripted ideal. So you feel like an accident. Like your whole life carries this banner of Oops!
But I want you to hear something. If you are the parent who has fallen into the habit of describing your child as an accident or if you have been living under the weight of this Oops! label, I want you to let this truth penetrate your mind and seep into your heart.
There are no accidental lives. Sure, some pregnancies are a surprise to us. Some babies are unplanned by human minds and schedules. But nobody is a complete surprise. No person is an accident.
The Psalmist sang out, Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God – you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration – what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; you know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day.
The God of the universe created you. Your conception, your beginning, was not hidden from Him. He was not surprised. You didn't accidentally sneak into this world, escaping notice of the God Most High. No, He Himself lovingly formed you.
Psalm 119 assures us God's hands made us and formed us. Psalm 100 reminds us God made us, not we ourselves. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that we are God's workmanship. We are His handiwork.
The circumstances of your conception or of your child's conception may not have been filled with love and closeness and hope for life. But the God of all love, the God of life and hope and mercy formed your tiny body into existence. He lovingly knit together your child. God is an expert at making something beautiful out of the hard stuff in life. Creating beauty from ashes is His specialty. Maybe your life is His handiwork of beauty from the midst of despair or fear or confusion or pain.
You, dear one, are not an accident. You were planned and lovingly formed by a God who knows all about you and loves you deeply. You were created to do good and glorify Him. God in Heaven created you with good plans for you, plans to give you hope and a future. No, you may have been a surprise to the people around you; but you were not a surprise to God. Your life is not an accident. You were planned for and known and loved and fashioned by the Great Creator Himself.
Take down that banner of Oops! that casts a shadow over your life. God, the Lover of your soul, hangs His banner of love over you. This banner declares Formed By God, Knit Together By His Loving Hand, Created with Good Plans for a Future, God's Very Own Handiwork.
*Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 100:3, Psalm 119:73, Isaiah 61:3, Song of Songs 2:4


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Things just aren't the way they used to be. That's true in life and also in education.
With the release last month of the 2017 Illinois Report Card, The State Journal-Register looked at how 15 school districts in the area have changed over the past 15 years, using data from the annual report.
The newspaper analyzed data available both 15 years ago and today in these categories: enrollment, low-income population, budgets, average teacher and administrator salaries and elementary classroom sizes.
Standardized test scores were not included because the test has changed.
Also important to note, the data is always a year behind. For example, the 2017 Illinois Report Card includes data for the 2015-16 school year.
Here's what the data shows about how local schools have changed:
// //Local education data
Nine of 15 area school districts saw their enrollment increase over the past 15 years. Ball-Chatham had the largest increase in actual numbers, jumping from 3,978 students in 2001-02 to 4,717 students in 2015-16.
To accommodate the growth, the district built a new high school in 2001 and then expanded it two years ago. A new elementary school also was built and the junior high was divided into a middle and intermediate school.
New Berlin had the highest rate of growth, with the number of students increasing by 38.9 percent over the 15 years. Rochester also saw a significant increase in enrollment of 25 percent during that stretch.
Springfield went up slightly, and has remained between 14,000 and 15,000 students for years.
Districts that lost enrollment were Jacksonville, Pawnee, Petersburg PORTA, Buffalo Tri-City, Waverly and Taylorville.
The latter saw the largest dip in enrollment, of 482 students. Due to declining enrollment, Taylorville closed two elementary schools in 2008.
Low-income population
Every school district in the area saw its low-income population rise, and in the case of some communities, more than double.
The rise in low-income students has been especially stark in Riverton. Enrollment has been relatively flat, but the percentage of low-income students has skyrocketed from 28 percent to 58 percent.
Superintendent Lance Thurman, who was hired four years ago, said the jump can be explained, in part, because Riverton has seven mobile home parks, some of which have expanded in recent years, and a number of apartment buildings.
"The rentals encourage more of short-term stay than in other communities I've been associated with," he said.
Ball-Chatham also saw its low-income population more than double as the community has expanded, as has Rochester. Jacksonville, Taylorville, Pawnee and Springfield also have seen significant jumps.
Out of all the districts, Waverly has remained the most level, only inching up from 35.2 percent to 35.4 percent.
Not surprisingly, school districts are spending more money today than they did 15 years ago.
But in recent years, superintendents say, overall expenses have leveled off or declined as districts have become more cash-strapped because of decreases in state funding, a trend that could reverse with the passage of a new education funding formula.
Springfield, for example, used to spend in excess of $200 million per year. However, state data shows the figure has dropped to about $190 million each of the past few years.
Ball-Chatham is spending about $59 million per year. The district's budget was as high as $63 million in fiscal year 2014, state data shows.
In Rochester, Superintendent Tom Bertrand said the district's budget has hovered between $21 million and $22 million since the recession began in 2008.
Bertrand said school districts were forced to find ways to hold the line on spending and dip into reserves when the state pulled back on general state aid.
"The recession hit and the bottom fell out," he said.
Teacher and administrator salaries
The average teacher's salary for 15 area schools increased from $40,236 to $49,036 per year over the past 15 years, an increase of 21 percent.
Meanwhile, the average administrator salary jumped from $75,211 to $92,695, an increase of 23 percent.
Bertrand said most of the jump can be attributed to the early- and mid-2000s when it wasn't uncommon for teachers and administrators to receive as much as 4.5 to 5 percent annual raises.
But when the recession hit and state funding declined, Bertrand said so has too the ability for districts to offer as much of a yearly increase.
Typically, salaries and benefits account for 80 to 85 percent of a school district's budget.
Perhaps surprisingly, Pleasant Plains has the highest average salary for teachers in the area, at $64,063 per year in 2015-16 school year.
Superintendent Matt Runge said the higher average salary can be attributed to a veteran staff with advanced degrees and little turnover.
"Typically when a teacher leaves Pleasant Plains, it is due to retirement," he said.
Springfield was next at $60,311 per year. There was a big dropoff after that.
Average teacher salaries in Ball-Chatham, Pawnee and Riverton were all around $50,000, and most other districts were not far behind.
The lowest average salary was in the Tri-City School District. Out of all districts, Tri-City teachers have seen the smallest increase the past 15 years, only climbing from $38,837 to $40,110.
Elementary classroom sizes
A big selling point for school districts is keeping classroom sizes as small as possible. Over the past 15 years, some school districts have had more success than others.
The ratio of students to elementary teachers for most schools has increased one to two more students the past 15 years, while some have gone up as much as four.
Most districts in the area range from 17 to 22 students per elementary teacher. The data shows Ball-Chatham actually had the highest ratio in the area of 22 to 1.
Elementary classroom sizes in Springfield haven't changed much over time. The data shows 17.6 students per classroom to 18 recently.
The lowest ratio in the area belongs to Waverly, which went from 15 students in 2001-02 school year to 13 students in 2015-16 per elementary classroom.
Superintendent Dustin Day said classroom sizes come down to grade-level enrollment. Waverly is a smaller district and therefore may only have 20 to 30 students in first grade, for example.
If there were 26 students enrolled, the district would have two first grade sections, meaning 13 students per classroom. The absolute highest the district would go in one elementary classroom is 25 students, he said.
"Some years you have two sections and others you have one," Day said. "Especially in grades K-3, I found it's a good investment of your money to have small classes. Problems can be easily identified and not turn into bigger issues down the road."
— Contact Jason Nevel: 788-1521, email@example.com, twitter.com/JasonNevelSJR.


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For the backyard birder the next couple of months will be a little on the dull side in regards to wild birds. The breeding season is over, with the exception of some final Bluebird nests, and the usual cast of bird characters will typically become a little less busy at the feeders, at least until the end of October. Fall migration, of course, will provide opportunities to see all the neo-tropical migrants heading back to Central and South America. Hopefully, hummingbirds have picked up their pace at your feeders and are providing their unique "aggressive" style of entertainment. Remember to keep nectar fresh and to clean feeders regularly. There is no particular time to take your hummingbird feeders down. It is not true hummingbirds will not migrate if feeders are still available.
Now is a great time to turn some of your attention and interest to butterflies and late-summer and fall wildflowers. My yard has been very busy with Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Pipevine, Spicebush, and Black Swallowtail. And most summers I get to see Giant Swallowtail and Zebra Swallowtail. It's so easy to get a good look at these butterflies because they are so intent on getting nectar from flowers they seem to barely notice your presence. Other common yard butterflies include: Red spotted Purple, various Frittalary's, Sulphur's, Skipper's, and of course Monarch's.
And when the fall wildflowers are at their peak one can spend hours observing and identifying the plants and the butterflies at the same time. Some of the areas I frequent are loaded with Ironweed, a tall (up to 10"), stalky plant that has clusters of intensely purple flowers, and Tickweed with its yellow flowers, and the several varieties of Sunflowers. The purples and yellows and all the greenery make for quite a show and the butterflies can't get enough of it.
Both subjects are challenging so a really good field guide is needed to help one get started. The definitive guides to wildflowers of TN, "Wildflowers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians"by Horn, Cathcart and butterflies, "Butterflies of Tennessee" by Rita Venable are available here at the store. To help you get started we are offering 20% off both of these fantastic field guides. There has been a lot of buzz over the return of the wildflowers book so if we run out of our first order we will promptly re-order and honor the sale price.
Friday the 10th through Thursday the 15th both books are 20% Off.


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3 responses
My father Johnny Magda part of VF 12 on the USS Saratoga shot down three zeros Nov 5, 1943 over Rabaul. I recognize Joe Clifton and it may be my father with the dark hair. I am writing his story and would like to know if I can get a copy of this photo to use in his book. thank you. Marni Magda
September 16, 2011 at 6:10 am
I'm indirectly related to you. My father was your father's cousin and I know all about John and I am very interested to know more about him and your book which I'm sure to buy when it's out. I have six older brothers and sisters and boy would we love to talk with you. I hope you find this reply soon and respond.
Jeff Hoback
January 18, 2012 at 6:03 am
From down in the ready room I had a pic of Joe with a drink and a cigar, the skipper , an Australian guy in a white shirt and a young looking guy , presumably radar / communications from Lt . Jorgensen . I hope I didn't lose it , haven't seen it since I moved off Long Island .
May 12, 2014 at 11:24 am


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Save the date! Join the Parkville Symphonic Band this coming Sunday, April 6th at 3:00pm for a free concert. The concert is located at the Tyler Graham Memorial Chapel. See the flyer below!
Reception for Mayor Jim Brooks
45 Highway Public Hearing Information
IN PARKVILLE, PLATTE County
Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a preliminary design public hearing will be held in the Union Chapel Elementary School Gymnasium, 7100 NW Hampton Road, Kansas City, MO 64152 on Tuesday, April 22 between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Daylight Savings Time. Access for the physically disabled is available. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning their views on the preliminary design to widen Route 45 from two to four lanes between Route K and Interstate 435 in Platte County with reference to the economic and social effects of such design, its impact on the environment and its consistency with the goals and objectives of the community. An open-house format will be used, and persons may discuss the project and offer comments at any time between the prescribed hours. The presently contemplated improvements are as follows:
Widen Route 45 to four lanes between Route K and I-435, completing safety enhancements at various intersections, and flattening hills to improve sight distance. The shared-use path will be extended to the west of the project.
Maps, preliminary plans, plats, environmental information, and other detailed information prepared by the Missouri Department of Transportation, or interested agency, will be available for public inspection and copying at the office of the District Engineer of the Missouri Department of Transportation, 600 N.E. Colbern Road, Lee's Summit, Missouri, 64086. Written statements and exhibits as well as oral statements will be received at the hearing. Written statements and exhibits will be made a part of the public hearing transcript if received within ten working days after the date of the hearing.
Tentative schedules for right of way acquisition and construction will be discussed at the hearing.
If you are disabled and require special services at the public hearing, please notify Kerri Lewis by Apr. 1, 2014 at 816-607-2151 or TDD (telecommunication devices for the deaf) 1-800-735-2966 so that arrangements for those services can be made.
BY Dan Niec, District Engineer
Request for Proposals for Appraisal Services
The City of Parkville is inviting qualified, licensed appraisers to submit a proposal to prepare a report-format appraisal for approximately 72.23 acres with improvements. Below is a link to the request for proposal (RFP) with details about desired services, the property, submittal requirements, schedules and other pertinent information.
All proposals must be received at Parkville City Hall, 8880 Clark Avenue, Parkville, MO 64152 on or before 12:00 pm (noon) on Tuesday, March 25, 2014.
Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Assistant City Administrator Sean Ackerson at 816-741-7676 or email@example.com. For efficiency, responses to questions will be made available to all parties via this webpage. In addition, any interested party that provides their address can receive notices via email.
Please click the following link for detailed information: RFP for Appraisal Services.
Status Update on Google Fiber
Some residents in Parkville and the surrounding area recently received a direct mail piece regarding Google Fiber. While Google Fiber is expanding in the Northland, sign-ups are limited to residents in specific areas of Gladstone and Kansas City. Currently, the signup area excludes Parkville.
Google has not disclosed its long-term timeline of when and where fiber will be extended. Parkville City officials have been advised that there is nothing more that the City or its residents can do to accelerate (or even ensure) the build-out of the Google Fiber network in Parkville. The City will provide updates if and when new information becomes available.
For more information please visit https://fiber.google.com/
Brink-Myers Road Lane Closure
Spring 2014 Residential Newsletter
The Spring 2014 Residential Newsletter has been posted online. Check out Parkville news, events, pictures, and more! A hard copy will be mailed out to all Parkville residents in the next 2 to 3 weeks.
Parkville Volunteer Recognition Event
National Volunteer Week is April 6 – 12, 2014. This year's National Volunteer Week is about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change, with the goal of discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference.
The City of Parkville plans to conduct a volunteer recognition event during National Volunteer Week for the City to honor local Parkville residents or Park Hill School District student volunteers who have helped make a difference in the community over the past year. Volunteers would need to be Parkville residents, volunteers serving Parkville-based agencies, or any student in the Park Hill School District.
Nominations will be accepted via a web form on Survey Monkey. The nomination website address is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7KTCK6. Nominations will be accepted from March 5 – 31, 2014. City Staff will then select from among the nominations and highlight a different volunteer each day during Volunteer Week on the City's website and in social media. The Board would provide recognition at the regular Board of Alderman meeting on April 15, 2014, for those volunteers interested in attending.
Press Release! Sewer Negotiations Update
Please head to the following link for the March 3, 2014 Parkville Sewer Negotiations Update.
Parkville Municipal Code Update Complete
The newly updated Parkville Municipal Code is now online at http://www.ecode360.com/PA3395. It has a very new look and feel compared to the old code and is much easier to navigate. There are free webinars for those interested in learning how to use it at www.generalcode.com/eCode360.


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September 2013
Bryan Burroughs knows how to tell a story, even through the unborn eyes of a self-confessed "omniscient narrator" that is about to be delivered by C-section.
With nothing but his bare-footed self and the empty space of a minuscule corner-set stage, this captivating one-man show bears all the merits of an action-packed motion picture (and more), without so much as a prop, gimmick or special effect in sight.
Through Burroughs's expert metamorphoses and compact direction by David Horan, we meet an array of epic creatures as the tale of the great fated Beowulf unfolds with polychromatic brilliance before us. As enchanting as the legend may be (for us, as well as the nine-year-old boy to whom it is being told), our senses are rightly cuffed throughout by the reminder of why it is being told; it's a father's only way of telling his son he is dying.


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Veteran corporate executive Terry Krezmer has joined Larson Design Group as Vice President of Human Resources for this 300-person, nationally emerging architecture, engineering and survey company with offices in four states.
Krezmer, of Montoursville, has more than three decades of human resources experience with global manufacturer Lonza Inc. and Williamsport Wire Rope. Her accomplishments have ranged from performance management and organization culture development to team management and succession planning. While with Lonza's Specialty Ingredients Division, she helped provide HR support for more than 2,800 employees at 25 sites in 19 countries.
"Terry understands LDG's Vision and Values and the strong connection between an engaged professional service workforce and business success," said CEO Keith Kuzio.
Krezmer is an alumna of Leadership Lycoming and HR Leadership Academy of the Corporate Executive Board. She received a bachelor of science, summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University in 1991.


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Melissa + Ryan
Vendor List
Photography | Lenny & Melissa
Florist | Steven Mueller Florist
Ceremony Location | Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Reception Location | Marriott Grand St. Louis
Dress Designer | Allure Bridal
Dress Salon | Mia Grace
Cake- MacArthur's Bakery
Ice Sculpture - Ice Visions
Tell us how you first met? who what when where why? give us the dirty details.
We almost met in 2007 in the parking lot at Kaufmann Stadium after a Cardinals vs, Royals game. Good thing we didn't because the timing would not have worked out for either of us. Fast forward to July 2012, we met at a happy hour that extended into dinner. The next day I called one of my friends whose brother knew Ryan and asked for any insight. I knew that the night had gone really well but wanted to get the inside scoop. She said Ryan was always a nice guy and had a great sense of humor. I was the one to make first move…kissed him on the cheek as we parted ways that night. I had stood up my friends…we had made plans for later that night and he went up to meet with his friends at a bar near by.
Tell us about the proposal. (Did you see it coming, how long was it in the planning?, how did you feel? nervous, excited, freaking out?)
I had no idea…granted we had been talking about marriage for a few years. I had no clue. I had the day off and was finishing up Christmas shopping and getting my hair done (and luckily a manicure—thanks Groupon). We met up for dinner at Gilt Bar and afterwards went for a walk. Ryan asked if I knew of any Christmas lights around but the only lights nearby were on Michigan Ave. It was unseasonably warm for Chicago on 12/23 so we went down to Riverwalk. We were just chatting and stopped under one of the renovated bridges and he stopped and said I have a treat for you …I was so full from dinner so I told him I was good. That's when he got down on one knee and pulled a ring box from his work bag. It was good work on his part…. excellent atmosphere, beautiful ring, and the best guy.
Besides getting married - whats the one thing you are looking forward to on your wedding day?
Missy- Celebrating with family and friends.
Ryan- First dance


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Our insurance advisors take time to understand your unique needs, identify and eliminate gaps in coverage that might leave you exposed and create custom plans that fit your life. From auto insurance to home insurance, we're in the business of helping people protect what they value and have worked so hard to build.
Home Insurance
Your home is one of your biggest assets, and it's important to do all that you can to protect it. We'll help you plan for the unexpected with insurance coverage that's just right for you and your family.
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Secondary Home Insurance
Your vacation property is an amazing getaway from the daily grind, but it comes with unique risks. We'll make sure you have the right coverage specially designed for the unique exposures involved.
Renters Insurance
When you rent or lease, your landlord's insurance usually only protects the building itself — not your personal belongings. We'll design coverage to protect your personal property and your lifestyle while renting.
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Valuable Possessions Insurance
Accidents happen. Stones fall out of diamond rings. Antiques break. Art gets stolen. We'll get you the protection you need for your most precious belongings in the event of loss through theft, accident or natural disaster.
Rental Property Insurance
Don't be fooled, just because your tenant has renters insurance doesn't mean that you—the owner—are protected. Rental property insurance is specially designed to cover the risks faced when you rent your property to others.
Motorcycle Insurance
While you're on the road chasing the sunset, you need insurance that works hard to protect your adventurous spirit. We'll help you hit the road with smart, customized coverage – no matter what journeys you find yourself on.
Watercraft Insurance
Whether you own a paddle boat or a power boat, you want to enjoy your time on the water without worry. We'll help you leave your worries on dry land and fully enjoy your time on the water.
Off-Road Vehicle Insurance
Your off-road vehicle needs protection that's different from what your auto or homeowners insurance can provide. We'll help keep you and your off-road vehicle safe and secure while you explore.
Travel Insurance
Traveling is exciting, but there are risks associated with every trip. Investing in a travel insurance policy can help put your mind at ease so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
Excess Liability Insurance
Excess liability insurance is the best way to take your protection to the next level. It kicks in to pay any remaining costs once your original insurance policy has reached its coverage limit.
Yacht Insurance
Spending time on your yacht is a luxurious, relaxing pastime. But, the risks associated with yacht ownership can put a damper on your downtime if you're not fully protected. Our insurance advisors will review your risks and help you decide on coverage that keeps your investment afloat.


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Have you hopped on the essential oils train? I have and there's no turning back. Up until now I've used essential oils as air fresheners (and reaped the various benefits) in table top diffusers and even humidifiers, but now it's easier than ever and more effective with the GuruNanda Natural Mist, a plug-in essential oils diffuser.
~I received a sample to help facilitate this post. As always, opinions are 100% my own.~
With three kids in the house now I'm a little more conscious of the chemicals I allow in my home, particularly when it comes to the indoor air we're breathing. But with that being said, when there's three kids running around things get a little stinky from time to time. Sometimes I just need a little scent refreshment and that's when I turn to my essential oils. Not only do I get the refreshing smells around the home, but we all reap the various benefits of each essential oil I use.
Natural Mist Features:
- No water required.
- Diffuse essential oils directly from bottle.
- Chemical-free freshness.
- Two spritz modes – every 10 minutes or 20 minutes.
Up until now I've used essential oils in table top diffusers and humidifiers, but of course that requires watering down the actual oils. With the new Natural Mist by GuruNanda, water is completely eliminated and I get nothing but pure essential oils to liven up my home. Simply place the essential oils bottle directly into the diffuser and it's ready to mist pure essential oil right from the bottle.
But it's not just the lack of requiring water that makes the Natural Mist so special. It's a plug-in diffuser! It can be plugged into the wall just like a traditional air freshener (minus the chemicals), or even plugged into a USB port. So it's not just for use at home, but can be taken to the office or even outdoors for instant aroma therapy. The plug-in feature has freed up space on my counter and table tops, and it's just overall a quick and easy way to refresh my home.
You may know that I have a newborn in the house now and in the weeks leading up to his arrival I had a bottle of tea tree oil in my Natural Mist. I wanted to make sure the home was clean of as many toxins as possible and tea tree oil is great for cleansing living spaces. Since no water is involved, it took no time for the home to smell and feel lighter.
Now that he's here I've switched to lavender oil to keep the mood relaxing and improve everyone's quality of sleep. There's no doubt we need all the help we can get when it comes to sleeping with a newborn in the home. Every time the Natural Mist sprays, the essential oil travels throughout the room and it's an instant sense of calm.
No more chemical filled air fresheners for this house! Now I just need a GuruNanda Natural Mist for every room.


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Tuesday, August 10, 2004
I decided to include several of my favorite poems here and comments on why I like them. Some of them I have included the full text here on the page, other because of their length had to be linked to. I hope that you enjoy them and that they touch you in some way.
Afton Waters
By: Robert Burns
Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes!
Flow gently, I'll sing thee a song in thy praise!
My Mary's asleep by thy murmuring stream, -
Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream!
Thou stock-dove whose echo resounds through the glen,
Ye wild whistling blackbirds in yon thorny den,
Thou green-crested lapwing, thy screaming forbear, -
I charge you, disturb not my slumbering fair!
How lofty, sweet Afton, thy neighbouring hills,
Far-marked with the courses of clear-winding rills!
There daily I wander, as noon rises high,
My flocks and my Mary's sweet cot in my eye.
How pleasant thy banks and green valleys below,
Where wild in the woodlands the primroses blow!
There oft, as mild evening weeps over the lea,
The sweet-scented birk shades my Mary and me.
Thy crystal stream, Afton, how lovely it glides,
And winds by the cot where my Mary resides!
How wanton thy waters her snowy feet lave,
As gath'ring sweet flowerets she stems thy clear wave!
Flow gently, sweet Afton, among thy green braes!
Flow gently, sweet river, the theme of my lays!
My Mary's asleep by thy murmuring stream, -
Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream!
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of poetry that I have ever heard. I first came across it via the bluegrass band Nickel Creek on their self titled CD. The poem is about a man and the woman that he loves as they are by the shore of the river. Whenever I read this poem or listen to the song, I can imagine a beautiful Scottish glen next to a river. Burn's wonderful use of imagery transports the reader/listener to another place.
The Devil and Billy Markham
By: Shel Silverstein
Unfortunately, due to the length, I can only link to this great piece of work. Most people will only be acquainted with Mr. Silverstein's children's work, such as "A Light in the Attic" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends". This poem, as is suggested by the title, takes a wholly different approach to Silverstein's poems. This is a lengthy poem about a down on his luck country singer in Nashville who gambles with the devil and loses. The poem follows him and all his dealings with the Devil and eventually with his redemption and his family. To say any more would be to give away the best part, but I highly recommend that everyone read this poem.
The Naked and the Nude
By: Robert Graves
For me, the naked and the nude
(By lexicographers construed
As synonyms that should express
The same deficiency of dress
Or shelter) stand as wide apart
As love from lies, or truth from art.
Lovers without reproach will gaze
On bodies naked and ablaze;
The Hippocratic eye will see
In nakedness, anatomy;
And naked shines the Goddess when
She mounts her lion among men.
The nude are bold, the nude are sly
To hold each treasonable eye.
While draping by a showman's trick
Their dishabille in rhetoric,
They grin a mock-religious grin
Of scorn at those of naked skin.
The naked, therefore, who compete
Against the nude may know defeat;
Yet when they both together tread
The briary pastures of the dead,
By Gorgons with long whips pursued,
How naked go the sometime nude!
I first encountered this poem in my senior English book. The poem describes the subtle differences between what is beautiful and what is vulgar. Mostly, intentions are the backbone of the differences. If one's intentions are love or scientific, then the disrobed body is a thing of beauty. If one's intentions are lewd, then the body is merely a plaything.
The Tygre
By: William Blake
Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?
When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger! Tyger! burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?
This poem manages to superbly capture the majesty and ferocity of the tiger. As a person who loves large cats, especially tigers, this poem is one of my favorites. I like it so much that I am actually at a loss for words to describe it.
The Iliad and The Odyssey
By: Homer
These two epic poems are required reading for almost anyone receiving a high school education in America. These Greek tales of heroics are classics and should be part of any personal library. "The Iliad" is the story of the Greek siege of the city of Troy. Recently, this poem has enjoyed a popular revival in the movie "Troy". "The Odyssey" also has also been made into a made-for-TV movie. Also, it was loosely the storyline for the popular movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?".
The Aeneid
By: Virgil
If I include Homer's two epic poems, then I must also include Virgil's work, "The Aeneid". This poem is by a Roman author and traces the journey of Aeneus and the eventual founding of Rome. This was one of my required readings for college and is another must have for any personal library.
Memory Pain
By: J. R. Guinness
June 08, 2003
Yesterday I took a trip.
It was down a lane.
Instead of houses on either side,
Were memories that filled me with pain.
I looked.
And everywhere I could see,
Were visions of us,
And we were happy.
Yesterday I opened a book
It was filled with memories
And on all the pages
Were notes you had written to me.
I read the book
From cover to cover
And a lump formed in my throat
Remembering how I pushed you away, lover.
Now I sit
All alone
You're with him
Because my heart was a stone.
Today I take a trip
Down memory pain.
This poem is one that I wrote when I was feeling particularly sad, as you can probably tell. I won't relate the events that led to me writing this, becuase those are personal. I find it amuzing that most of the poetry written is either because the author is feeling incredibly sad or incredibly happy. You don't seem to see much in the way of "I had an ordinary day" poetry. I do hope that you will read this and enjoy it.
Playful Wind
By: J. R. Guinness
Playful wind
blowing through the grass
flowing through the leaves
dancing your invisible dance
Playful wind
rustling the young girls hair
not her nor there
but everywhere.
Playful wind
Here one moment
Gone the next
Where are you, playful wind?
This is a poem that I wrote on the way home from work. The phrase "playful wind" had been bouncing around in my head all day and this is what came out. Not particularly original, but very cathartic in terms of emptying my head of that phrase.
These are merely a few of the poems that I enjoy. I will make sure to add more as they come up.
Posted byJ. R. Guinness at 11:23 AM


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When you want to pick a good campsite, it is very important that you use the following tips that will guide you to find the right campsite. Firstly, you should look for an area that is has inaccessible location. It is very important that you look for a campsite are that is far away from the road. This will help you when you want to have a wilderness camping experience where you will eliminate any vehicle camping. It has been proved statistically that you will be safer when you camp far away from the roads. This is because criminals normally committee a crime when they are near the roads. You should also not camp off a trail, you should look for a spot that is 100 feet just for your camping position. This will help you to keep away animals and hikers.
You should find an elevated ground. It is important that you find a higher ground that will help in drainage. It is important that you avoid camping in lowlands especially during the cold seasons. This will help you not to contract cold since cold normally accumulates in lower areas. You should find a campsited area that is well elevated for you to have a good camping site, this will help you to have a good campsite.
You should not set your camp facing the wind. This is very important since you will have slight breeze that will help you to feel comfortable. You should look at the direction that the wind is coming from, this will help you when you want to locate a good campsite. It is important that you note the direction of the sun rise since it will help you to catch the morning sunlight.
You should find a campsite that will protect your from environment hazards. It is important that you avoid camping near falling rocks and boulders. This will help you to control environmental hazards that may happen to you. You should stay at a safe place that will help you to guarantee your security. You should be keen not to shelter under a dead tree, this will ensure that during a strong storm you will prevent branches from dropping on your tent.
You should look for a flat ground. It is important that you look for well-drained soil this will help since when it's raining, it will prevent you from being affected by the rains. Read more now on how to choose a good camping site: https://www.britannica.com/topic/camping/images-videos.