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At the dawn of the Jet Age, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy strode across the red-carpeted tarmac of the Mexico City Central Airport into the arms of President Adolfo López Mateos for a traditional abrazo . It was JFK's third state visit to Latin America, as he built support for his pan-hemispheric social and economic cooperation plan, the Alliance for Progress. Between all the standard stops — an honorary luncheon at the National Palace, a bilateral meeting at the Mexican presidential residence — his hosts squeezed in a tour of a massive new housing complex, Unidad Independencia, on the southern outskirts of the capital.
" Amigos ," Kennedy declared, in brief remarks at the site, "I want to compliment … the architect[s] and all of you for how beautifully this project has been put together. I have seen in many places housing which has been developed under governmental influences, but I have never seen any [such projects] which have fountains and statues and grass and trees, which are as important to the concept of the home as the roof itself." 1
Completed in 1960, Unidad Independencia was indeed impressive — a vast Modernist development that housed 10,000 working-class residents in comfortable units, neatly arranged in angular mid- and high-rise buildings, all integrated with shops, schools, performance venues, and a medical clinic. The architects, Alejandro Prieto Posadas and José María Gutiérrez Trujillo, fused Le Corbusier's vision of the Radiant City with nods to pre-Columbian megaprojects, including giant stone sculptures of the ancient deity Quetzalcoatl.
The megaproyecto was designed to alleviate poverty, glorify the presidency, and impress international visitors (not necessarily in that order).
The charismatic Kennedy won over the crowd, and the traveling Washington press corps reported (with surprise) no sign of anti-imperialist protest. Whether the Mexican masses truly loved the American president or had been intimidated into silence by the dictatorship of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), who can say. Regardless, the visit was a triumph for López Mateos, the eighth in a line of fourteen PRI presidents who held uninterrupted power from 1929 to 2000. Since the Mexican constitution limits leaders to a single six-year term, its presidents invest in massive infrastructure projects that become their legacies. Unidad Independencia was López Mateos's signature megaproyecto , designed to alleviate poverty, glorify his presidency, and impress international visitors (not necessarily in that order). It all seemed to be working perfectly.
Kennedy ended his speech with a call for inclusive prosperity: "Political freedom, however vital it may be, does not reach its full significance until there is also economic participation in the life of the country by the people themselves. Housing, education, jobs, and security go hand in hand with the real concepts of political equality and freedom. … This hemisphere must understand [this] if we are going to accomplish the goals of the Alianza para el Progreso , a great movement forward by the people of this hemisphere. ¡Viva México! "
How distant this speech sounds today. While the current Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, cowers beneath corruption scandals and historically low approval ratings, the White House is occupied by a tin-pot banana-Republican who tars Mexican immigrants as "rapists" and vows to build a border wall on an installment plan. The first state visit was cancelled last month, after a phone call in which President Trump suggested sending troops over the border to deal with "a bunch of bad hombres down there." An anonymous White House official later dismissed Trump's threat as "lighthearted." In any case, it's unlikely the America Firster will ever fly south with " ¡Viva México! " on his lips.
It might disappoint Donald Trump to learn that his border folly is not the only oversize infrastructure project in the hemisphere.
It might disappoint Trump to learn that his border folly is not the only oversize infrastructure project in the hemisphere. With the PRI back in power, President Enrique Peña Nieto is building the grandest megaproyecto ever attempted — an enormous new airport set to rise on a sinking lakebed in the middle of a nature preserve. Once completed, there will be no need to drag visiting heads of state around town to tour the presidential legacy project. Every trip will begin with an obligatory tour of Peña Nieto's masterpiece.
Viewed from, say, 38,000 feet, the project is jaw-dropping. The price tag runs US$13 billion, and the initial annual capacity of nearly 60 million passengers will put it on par with the international airport in Miami, the de facto capital of Latin America. After expansion, it could serve 120 million passengers, a figure never approached in the history of commercial aviation. All this, Peña Nieto insists, will be delivered on a model of good government and open competition, a clean break with his party's crony-capitalist past.
Enrique Peña Nieto is building the grandest megaproyecto ever attempted, a $13 billion airport on a sinking lakebed.
But surveyed at ground level, I found a project buffeted by criticism. Environmental advocates are aghast at the destruction of the nature preserve. Civil engineers warn that the lakebed site is unstable — the ground has sunk roughly 25 feet in the past half century and is still subsiding — making it technically unwise to build upon. The villagers who live nearby fear rising property values will attract gangs and corruption in a nation where the rule of law remains weak. And just about everyone mutters that for all promises about "transparency" and "open competition," the project is producing work for the usual suspects: tycoon Carlos Slim, Mexico's richest man, and his son-in-law court architect, Fernando Romero.
The sharpest criticism comes from a younger generation of planners and designers who have drawn acclaim for their small-scale urban interventions, the kind pioneered in cities like Amsterdam or Medellín that then proliferate around the world. This crowd questions the value of Peña Nieto's megaproyecto , or really any megaproyecto , in a country that faces such deep social, economic, and environmental challenges. The new airport, in their eyes, is a shiny object that will distract from (or exacerbate) more pressing concerns. Why, they wonder, is the government doubling down to win a game — achieving global respect through starchitecture — that no one even plays any more?
Back to the Future
Enrique Peña Nieto ran for president in 2012 on a platform that promised both a clean break from the past and a restoration of lost glory. The fresh-faced 46-year-old claimed that his Institutional Revolutionary Party had been chastened by 12 years in the political wilderness. The cronyism and corruption that was synonymous with PRI rule in the 20th century — when Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa dubbed Mexico "the perfect dictatorship"— would never return. Peña Nieto vowed to bust the monopolies that forced Mexicans to pay high prices for everything from text messages to tortillas, and he pledged to restore the public grandeur that defined the ruling bargain in the PRI's heyday, when it came with tangible benefits like high-quality transit and social housing.
Mexico has a long history of megaproyectos with egalitarian aims. The Metro transformed life in the capital and opened up the metropolis to the poor.
At the heart of this promise were new megaproyectos that would put a 21st-century face on a globalizing Mexico. The candidate pledged to build highspeed rail lines, including one linking the capital with the industrial city of Querétaro, 200 kilometers north, where foreign-owned factories were generating mass employment in the formal economy. The ultimate symbol of progress, he declared, would be a new international airport welcoming the world to Mexico City.
Delivered by a telegenic leader, that unique blend of forward-looking optimism and sepia-toned nostalgia was widely appealing. And the sales pitch could be backed up with concrete examples. Mexico has a long history of megaproyectos , like Unidad Independencia, with egalitarian aims. Greatest of all was the Mexico City Metro, which transformed life in the capital after it opened for the 1968 Summer Olympics. Designed for use by the city's masses, each Metro line was given a color and each station a pictograph, so that even citizens who could not read could ride. Fares were subsidized down to mere pocket change, to make it affordable to all. For the poor, the Metro dramatically reduced commuting times, and, even more crucially, it opened up the metropolis. Working families from outlying districts could zip in to the Alameda Central on Sunday afternoons to enjoy the shade trees and cotton candy.


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Useful e-tools for teachers to explore
Innoreader www.inoreader.comInoreader/
an automatic net search which will sift through the internet and select the topics you most want to hear about and which you can classify easily into files to be read later.
You Tube https://www.youtube.com/schools and TUBEBOX for downloading http://en.tubebox.org/index.html
TED: http://www.ted.com/ Ted Blog http://blog.ted.com/
Educanon: http://www.educanon.com/ Create your own teaching videos
Screencast: http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/ Video your own content and share
Paper.li Create and share your own digital newspaper content
PADLET: https://padlet.com/ Create walls of content from anywhere on the net
Delicious: https://delicious.com/ Find and share online content
Scoop it: http://www.scoop.it/ Find and save online content to share
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ Organize online graphics to share
Socrative: www.socrative.com Create educational activities for laptops, smartphones and tablets
Nearpad: https://www.nearpod.com Create and assess activities by Smartphone or tablet
Powtoon: www.powtoon.com/ Create the latest in smart presentations
Prezi: https://prezi.com/
CNN student news: http://edition.cnn.com/studentnews. 10 minute daily news programme
Lyricwebsite: www.lyrics.com/
Games to Learn English: gamestolearnenglish.com/
Sporcle: www.sporcle.com/ online trivia quizzes
Kahoot.com: https://getkahoot.com/ Game based platform for teachers
Dropbox/Onedrive: www.dropbox.com
One drive: www.onedrive.live.com
We transfer: https://www.wetransfer.com
Evernote: https://evernote.com/intl/es/ Manage and save digital content

subset: commoncrawl


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The Cove Atlantis
What to expect (based on 3528 reviews):
5 most recent TripAdvisor reviews:
Great Stay!
Reviewed by charli G(Clinton, Maryland) on Sep 19, 2019
The Cove at Atlantis was everything I expected. Overall, we had a great stay! Beautiful and spacious rooms and bathrooms w/ an ocean view. Food throughout was a bit pricy but still decent. -1 star for the unfriendly staff!
Beautiful hotel
Reviewed by CindyPL(New York City, New York) on Sep 15, 2019
I love everything about this hotel~~ Very luxurious and beautiful view from my balcony. Will definitely come back. Everything is very expensive but my family and I had a great time. Highly recommended.
Too many things gone wrong here!
Reviewed by Dany F(Chicago, Illinois) on Sep 13, 2019
We came to atlanti's the cove because of the reviews. The common areas and grounds are breathtaking, however the rooms are dated. We were charged an additional fee of $495 To stay at their hotel after cancellations during hurricane Dorian according to Hotwire, we had to pay. Secondly on the very same day we arrive the Air conditioning didn't work. We were waiting for 2 hours after a long flight with a baby for them to try to fix it, to only end up having us pack our things to move to another room. Did I mention the crib that was offered at check in arrived 7 hours later. It was 10pm and my crib still hadn't arrived. 3rd, we had baby milk and hotel wanted to charge me $22 for a mini fridge for baby milk. (Warning no fridge or microwave in room) 4th we forget apple watch and immediately called and they wouldn't let us back In room because they claimed someone was already using room. (Either they were lying or their staff stole it). 5th the power went out for 10-15 mins at a time! Elevators shut down as well! Scary stuff! Spoke over phone with an employee to ask if we could use elevator since we were on the 16th floor and he advised against using elevators because he wasn't sure if they shut down or not. Ugh! So basically Jamie Sturrup suggested we stay locked in our 16th floor room with the AC going out and no power with a baby! He showed lack of compassion and empathy and was rude as can be! 6th! Be ready to spend big here! I mean big big big! The mosaic restaurant although very good is to the extreme expensive! $170 for 2 adults. Last and final straw, we found a cockroach in our room! And were denied any complementary dish soap to make sure My baby bottles were clean. After discovery the only solution they found was to send up the exterminator to spray chemicals in our room where we had our baby! This vacation was a total night mare, thank you Atlantis for making this trip as horrendously memorable as possible. I'll never ever forget the night mare experience here.
Really disappointed with staff and tired property
Reviewed by NH2580(Greater London, United Kingdom) on Sep 08, 2019
Had high expectations for The Cove. Lobby is beautiful but the rooms are really tired and dirty. Be prepared to double check. Only thing gets done is the bed changed and clean towels in addiction to supplying 2 bottles of water and coffee capsules. Beach is beautiful and sand so fine and white. Water park is good fun. Food unless you eat in Nobu is a bit meh for the price. Be prepared to add 27% to EVERY bill. 12% vat and 15% gratuity. It's a bit of a shock at first. For example cappuccino coffee at Plato is $4.75 with the extra it's $6.03. I'm fine with everything else but disappointed in the cove. Had high expectations.
Fantastic time at the Cove
Reviewed by Dosleons() on Sep 07, 2019
My family had the best time at the cove in Atlantis. Beautiful beach, room, food, grounds and awesome service. We stayed at cove 2 bedroom sapphire suite with club level. Beautiful room with great views. Everyone at hotel especially at club lounge were the best! Super nice with my daughter and elderly parents. Nasette, Arlene, Valentina and Milan( sorry spelled wrong) at the club gave us vip treatment and we truly felt like family. Butlers were also very nice and helpful. Even the airport and car service to hotel was fantastic service! Arlene at the club went out of her way to make my moms 80th birthday extra special. She's super sweet. Food at club was also super delicious. Hurricane Dorian was on its way and all the ladies made us feel at ease. We will be back soon - already looking for dates in 2020!
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Are you ready to become a covenant partner with Hulen Street? If so, please drop by the Discovery Center immediately following the worship service to sign up for Partnership Workshop, where you will get more information about Hulen Street Church. It includes dinner and childcare by reservation. Deadline to sign up for the workshop is Sunday, January 15. For more information, please contact Connections Pastor Paul Eaton at firstname.lastname@example.com
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: January 22Route 1:8
Later Event: February 5Hulen Squad Super Bowl Party


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How to Download Sentinel Satellite Data for Free. Download Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Satellite Data If you want to download Sentinel satellite data, then you've come to the right place.
One of the most exciting developments in remote sensing at this time is the European Space Agency's Copernicus Programme. Copernicus' six Sentinel satellites collects comprehensive pictures of our land, ocean, emergency response, atmosphere, security and climate change to understand the health of our planet. Until very recently, this data has become available to the public at no cost Today, we show you step-by-step how to download Sentinel satellite data: Sentinels Scientific Data Hub In 2014-15, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2A were successfully launched from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. One Sentinel scene after the other, data has been rolling out on a user interface called the Sentinels Scientific Data Hub. It's now available for the public to access. But you will have to hop through a couple of hoops before you can get your fingers on it. What's Next? Aerea Download. ESA CCI Soil Moisture website. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
On the basis of soil parameters provided by HWSD seven key soil qualities important for crop production have been derived, namely: nutrient availability, nutrient retention capacity, rooting conditions, oxygen availability to roots, excess salts, toxicities, and workability.
Soil qualities are related to the agricultural use of the soil and more specifically to specific crop requirements and tolerances. For the illustration of soil qualities, maize was selected as reference crop because of its global importance and wide geographical distribution. Soil qualities and related soil characteristics Soil qualities have been estimated for the sequence 1 soils in each grid cell with as reference crop maize. The derived maps for the individual soil qualities represent therefore the qualities of 'main soils' only. Details of estimation procedures for the individual soil qualities from soil characteristics in HWSD are: Nutrient availability (SQ1) Nutrient retention capacity (SQ2) Free GIS Datasets - Categorised List. WaterBase. GeoNetwork - The portal to spatial data and information. CGMS-IPWG, International Precipitation Working Group. Center for Sustainable Water Resources. BP Global Website 1.
Hydrological Flux Variable Data Sets 1.1 Precipitation Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Version 7 3B43 precipitation: § Spatial resolution: 0.25°×0.25°; § Spatial coverage: Lat 50 S to 50 N; Lon 180 W to 180 E; § Temporal resolution: Monthly; § Temporal coverage: 1998 to present; § URL: 1.1.3 GPCC Precipitation Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC): In situ data (Schneider et al. 2014) § Spatial resolution: 0.5°; § Spatial coverage: Global; § Temporal resolution: Monthly; § Temporal coverage: 1901 to present § URL: 1.1.4 PRISM Precipitation Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) incorporates point data, a digital elevation model, and expert knowledge of complex climatic extremes, e.g., rain shadows, coastal effects, and temperature inversions, to produce continuous, digital grid estimates of monthly, yearly, and event-based climatic parameters (Daly et al. 2008).
UN-SPIDER Updates May 2015. SPOT and Pleiades data available for research and application development - Did you know? - eoPortal Satellite News. SPOT and Pleiades data available for research and application development 10 April 2015 The SPOT-1 to 5 mission archive, SPOT-6 and 7 mission archive and new acquisitions, Pleiades mission archive and new acquisitions, and SPOTMAPS 2.5 complete dataset are now available to the scientific user community.
IRI/LDEO Climate Data Library. Terrestrial Hydrology Research Group @ Princeton University. Global Meteorological Forcing Dataset for land surface modeling A global 50-yr (1948-2000) dataset of meteorological forcings derived by combining reanalysis with observations.
Available at 1.0-degree spatial resolution and 3-hourly, daily and monthly temporal resolution. Sheffield, J., G. Goteti, and E. F. Satellite Hydrology at The Ohio State Unviersity. GIS Data Indexes. Understanding GIS: An ArcGIS Project Workbook. GEODATA. GIS Data. Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center. Data Granule: Land Cover Type 1 (2001): IGBP global vegetation classification scheme. GLCF: MODIS Land Cover. Land-Atmosphere Interaction Research Group at Beijing Normal University. MODIS Web. Data Data Products There are many standard MODIS data products that scientists are using to study global change.
These products are being used by scientists from a variety of disciplines, including oceanography, biology, and atmospheric science. This section provides some detail for each product individually, introducing you to the products, explaining the science behind them, and alerting you to known areas of concern with the data products. Additional information about these products can be obtained by going to the appropriate URL's noted below. USGS HydroSHEDS. USGS Home Contact USGS Search USGS HydroSHEDS Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices U.S.
Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey URL: Page Contact Information: email@example.com Page Last Modified: March 13, 2013. ORNL DAAC Spatial Data Access Tool (SDAT) Home Page. Free GIS Datasets - Categorised List.


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How To Customize Your Filofax Or Personal Planner: Add Jewels, Studs And Transfers
Make Your Filofax Sparkle
If you're like me, and you carry your Filofax around like a cherished pet, or even a fashion accessory - then you might be interested in customizing your Filofax to make it look even more pretty.
This hub illustrates how you can add a sparkle and flair to your Filofax, without breaking the bank and with barely any skill whatsoever. All you need are a few low-cost items (bar the Filofax itself) and a little patience.
I used my A5 Metropol Filofax because that particular variety of Filofax has a soft, leather-effect cover. It feels almost padded, so I knew that this would be soft enough to be able to press studs into using a key piece of equipment that you need to add studs and sparkles to your Filofax: the Grafix Fashion Decorator (ages 6 to 10. Ahem).
You could try the method I have outlined in this article using a different type of Filofax or planner, but I wouldn't recommend it. Filofaxes don't come cheaply - and you don't want to go pressing studs and gemstones into something that is going to rip, tear or warp beyond repair. For the sake of ease, I would stick to using the items I have outlined here.
Note: I have also seen a couple of different fashion decorators on the market - all of which are very similar to one another in that they provide a safe and easy way to add studs and gems to items of clothing. All are priced at roughly £5-6 (or $10), and look as though they do exactly the same job. However, if you are going to purchase one to customize your Filofax with, I would recommend doing a little research to see how they each compare to one another.
You Will Need
Where To Get One
Filofax Metropol
Filofax website, Amazon, Ebay
Grafix Fashion Decorator
thetoyshop.com, Amazon, Ebay
White Watercolour Pencil
Any art or craft store
Metallic Transfers
Any art or craft store
Assemble The Fashion Decorator
OK - the first thing you need to do is assemble the blasted Fashion Decorator. Something which I had particular trouble doing.
Now - what makes me feel particularly ashamed about this is the fact that the Grafix Fashion Decorator is a children's toy. It's true - and yet I puzzled over it for half an hour before I finally gave in and handed it over to my boyfriend to assemble (which he did in 5 minutes, all the while laughing and shaking his head at me).
I'd like to think of myself as a relatively intelligent woman, but when it comes to assembling anything (such as furniture, or indeed toys) I'm useless. But you may not be. The Grafix Fashion Decorator comes with instructions, so don't be put off by my failings - follow the instructions and you'll be fine.
A word of warning though - it is incredibly flimsy. You get what you pay for - and while the Grafix Fashion Decorator is fully functional - it is a very inexpensive toy, so do treat it with care.
Also, make sure you keep hold of the box, and the bags of gems that come with the item - as it is very easy to lose these, and then accidentally step on one of them - which isn't a very pleasant experience.
Plus, the chances are you may only it once - so if you keep the box it means you may be able to sell it on ebay, or give it as a present - either to your own child or someone else you know.
Which do you prefer as a decoration in crafts, upcycling and DIY?
Choose Your Sparkles
Now that you've got the Grafix Fashion Decorator assembled, it's time to choose your studs, gems and diamantés.
The decorator comes with a selection of different coloured gemstones, plus metal studs (silver and gold coloured) and a selection of clear diamanté style gemstones.
Sift through the studs and gems that come with the decorator and find the ones that you want to use. It might help if you have a play around at this stage, placing the gems and studs onto the Filofax in the pattern you want to apply. The Fashion Decorator comes with more plain studs that coloured gems, so just bare this in mind when you set out designing your pattern
Once you are happy with a pattern, set the gemstones that you want to use to one side (otherwise they could get mixed up - and you might end up spending fifteen minutes looking for a particular coloured stone).
Now it's time to mark out the pattern.
Draw Your Pattern
Using a white, water-soluble pencil (a watercolour pencil), mark out the pattern you have decided on.
Dip the tip of the pencil in water to moisten it - and it will act like an ink. But, due to the fact that it's water-soluble, if you make a mistake you can use a cotton bud, or a small section of damp cloth, to rub out your mistake and start again.
If you don't have a watercolour pencil handy, you could use a normal HB pencil - but this will not show up as vividly against the black of the Filofax cover, so you will have to pay extra attention when applying your gemstones.
I tried to keep it simple when drawing my pattern - as it is difficult to translate a more detailed pattern with only a limited amount of studs and gems. I stuck with a straight-line design, although if you're more confident (and indeed patient) then you could try a more intricate design.
The fashion decorator comes with a sheet of patterns - so you could follow one of these. I almost went for the butterfly design - but realised how soul-destroying it would be for me to be unable to execute it properly, considering that this toy is intended for girls aged 6 to 10!
Also, make sure that you space the gems at least a centimetre apart in your pattern, to stop the material of the Filofax from stretching and warping.
How To Use The Grafix Fashion Decorator
Apply The Decorations To Your Filofax
Now that you've mapped out your pattern, and have selected the decorations you want to use - it's time to add them to your Filofax.
Follow the instructions included with the Fashion decorator and load the device up with the decoration you want to use. Make sure the corresponding plates are lined up, and slide your (opened) Filofax underneath the arm, so that when the arm is pushed down the gem or stud hovers directly over the spot where you want it.
Press down with a little pressure and carefully lift the arm back up. Don't apply too much pressure when you do this - I got a bit carried away when I was testing it out and heard a loud crunching noise. This thing will definitely break if you don't treat it with some care.
Repeat this process until you have completed your design, then step back and admire your handiwork.
Metallic Butterfly Transfers
Add Transfers To Your Filofax
The next step is to add the transfers or stickers to your Filofax. Again it is a good idea to take a look at the transfers you have and sketch out on the Filofax where you would like them to go.
You can either do this, or if you don't mind cutting into your sheet of transfers you could cut them out and then arrange them in a position you are happy with. It's a good idea to take a photograph using your phone or a digital camera once you have the design that you are happy with, and then work off of that when it comes to applying the actual transfers.
Simply peel them off and stick them down - then step back and marvel at your sparkling handiwork!
Try It For Yourself
It really is as simple as that.
A quick, easy and cost-effective way to jazz up your tired-looking planner, and posess something truly unique and original. I wouldn't suggest tampering with such an expensive planner (we all know Filofaxes don't come cheaply - even the Metropol which is one of the more inexpensive varieties) if I didn't have complete confidence that this is a foolproof method.
Just remember:
- Choose a simple pattern that is easy to follow
- Don't place your gems, diamantés or studs too close together
- Be patient - take the time to make sure the decorator is fully lined up with your design
- Have fun!
If you want to see some other cool Filofax hacks and decoration ideas, check out philofaxy.blogspot.com , Pinterest, or you could visit my Blog :)


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In this lesson, you will learn how to make sounds with your Arduino. First you will make the Arduino play a 'musical' scale and then combine this with a photocell, to make a Theremin-like instrument that changes the pitch played as you wave your hand over the photocell.
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by M. Schwartz
by M. Schwartz
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The First Book of Samuel
All three readings facilitated this sermon, so take a minute to follow those links and read them. <3
We talk about family a lot, here at church. The family of God, the Bethlehem Lutheran family, our own families, etc. I really identify with this image because, boy, have I got a family. Every year on Christmas Eve, dozens of us gather to celebrate together—our tradition is 87 years old and we've never missed a year. The attendees are my mom's dad's family—four generations of Turpins under one Los Angelino roof. When someone brings a significant other to Turpin Christmas Eve, you know they're in it for the long haul, because you don't subject just anybody to the hugs and the questions and the food and the drinks from every aunt, uncle, and cousin.
In today's Gospel story, Jesus asks, "Who are my brothers and sisters and mother?" We've got those relations down, but occasionally we have to ask, "Who are my cousins and who are their sisters and brothers and mothers?" Since we can hardly keep it all straight, we've abandoned modifiers like "half" and "step" and "second" and "once-removed." Everyone's a cousin or an aunt or an uncle. Those details are irrelevant to us. And I like to think that Jesus is making a similar claim, here. His biological mother and brothers are at the door, yet he looks around him, to a crowd of people not regarded as desirable family members—as usual—and proclaims that all are his mother, brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew—kindred, every one.
Jesus exemplifies here that families do not fit in boxes. Families are communities of love—blood relatives, certainly, but friends and neighbors. Family does not have to mean Mom, Dad, 2.5 kids, dog, picket fence. Family is step-moms and half-sisters and two dads and foster parents and single parents and great-uncles-twice-removed. Jesus' family is always expanding, and therefore, so is ours.
This is all very lovely, until your family—your community of love—becomes dysfunctional. Communities of love are torn apart by abuse, divided by prejudice and fear. Communities of love cannot remain intact with these sins and evils among them. Jesus tells us in this Gospel story that a house divided against itself cannot stand; a kingdom divided cannot stand; a family divided cannot stand; a community divided cannot stand.
We in the United States are familiar with division. In this, a most divisive election year, party lines are clearer than ever (Maybe even among our own families?). In 1 Samuel, the Israelites are in a similar predicament. They're in need of a new king, they say, and neither Samuel nor any of his sons are the men for the job. I admit that I am no Old Testament scholar—but I learn from a very good one, and he taught me that many of the greatest Old Testament stories are those of turning points. This story in 1 Samuel is one such turning point.
You'll recall that the Israelites repeatedly fall in and out of favor with their God—and very often for how they choose to govern themselves. They're always demanding this or that or that someone should or should not be their god or be their king. And they always forget that pesky part where God insists He serves as their heavenly king.
Jeanyne Slettom, a great process theologian, says about this God/empire dichotomy that, "Empire colonizes in the geographic sense, but also in the construction of our desires and the manipulation of our fears. Empire is finding ultimacy in anything that is not God. Empire is an external power that conquers us—by coercive or deceitfully seductive means. God, on the other hand, is a creative and persuasive power that saturates our being and emanates from within."
Over and over, the Israelites fall victim to the allure of empire. Over and over, Americans fall victim to the allure of empire. Over and over, you and I fall victim to the allure of empire—within our communities, within our governments, within our denominations, within our businesses, within our families, within our own selves. We live in a world of choice and avoidance and distraction.
Here in the United States we are Republicans and we are Democrats and we are Independents and we are Libertarians and we are exhausted. "The system is broken," we cry. And we're all correct—the system is broken. In this nation, we hold tight to our two-party system. We just love that dualism—male/female, rich/poor, young/old, white/black, documented/undocumented, slave/free, heterosexual/homosexual, progressive/conservative, right/wrong, in/out.
And just as the crowds in the Gospel of Mark have demonized Jesus—literally declared him possessed by Satan—so our empire has demonized any of these we regard as "other." We are, without a doubt, a kingdom divided. And while we perpetuate this cycle of institutional and systemic sexism, racism, classism, and all the other -isms under the sun, we have fallen victim to the allure of empire, once again.
In this nation, this community, among whom Jesus still walks and to whom God still speaks, what have we demanded be our kings and our gods? What have we put first? Things. We've put first things – money things, and power things, and we have put first our fear of people and our hate for people and our distrust of people and things that are not us and are not our money or our power or do not lead us immediately to more money or more power. Some of us have even demanded that our democratically-elected government be our kings and our gods. Some of us have expected our President to be the savior of this nation in its time of great economic hardship. Some have demonized our President as the catalyst for the fall of our American empire. And among all of these things we have not once remembered Christ, the king.
Christ, the king who eats and drinks with sinners and prostitutes and tax collectors—the marginalized of his time. Christ, the king who recognizes these people and all people as his family. Christ, the king who rules not by condemnation and oppression and exclusion but by love and empowerment and inclusion. Christ, the king whose words were not welcome in his divided community. The words of a prophet do not come to a community who has everything together. Christ came to a broken world to a broken community of broken people. And by his words and by his life and by his death and resurrection he made them whole. God has made us whole and makes us whole and will make us whole.
So, "do not lose heart," the Apostle Paul has written, which is lucky, because I was about to. This could be our turning point.
What happens to the dichotomy of God and empire when we look at the "outer" and "inner" natures Paul presents as our past selves—baggage aplenty—and our becoming selves—the "us" that can exist if our future relies not on the seductive power cycle of empire, but on the transformative power of God? What if rather than fall victim to the allure of empire, we allow ourselves to be lured by the power of God? With God, our inner nature is being renewed, day by day, moment by moment—renewed by the grace of God through Jesus, the Christ. So do not lose heart!
And as Paul has written, "we have believed and so we have spoken"—we as believers are called out of that belief, out of that grace so freely given to us, we are called out to proclaim the gospel of Jesus the Christ to the world. The Gospel of community of love. The gospel of family. The gospel of the creative and transformative power of God. The gospel of unity—not uniformity. The gospel of hope and love and freedom and life.
Do not lose heart in this weary world, my brothers and sisters. You are being renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit daily by your baptism into this, the family of Christ. This community of friends and neighbors. And finally, remember that Martin Luther tells us that we are simultaneously saint and sinner—constantly in the process of life and death, renewal and sustenance in this united kingdom of God.


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Tuesdays In Moria – "Forgotten Password"
Hey, it's Tuesday! Squid Salad presents Episode 2 of the new guest comic, Tuesdays In Moria. Now, when most of us forget our password.. we don't have to deal with a giant squid-like creature. To be fair, it's an undead… squid-like creature since Orlando Bloom killed it in the year, 3019 (Yes, that is accurate and I feel incredibly nerdy to have known that… don't judge me). Hope you folks like it! Catch ya next week, filthy humans.


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Feeling Fierce..... 11/20/17
Although my oversized sweater is not available, I've linked some of my current favorites below:
1. Asos
2. Lost Ink
7. Yes Style This one is a little more giraffe in my opinion- but hey!
It's Monday and you know what? I AM feeling fierce for the week ahead! Heading to a fall wonderland tomorrow and then it's Thanksgiving with family and friends! My favorite holiday because food. Duh. Also looking forward to scoring some amazing black Friday deals! If anyone has any recommendations I would love to know! I will be posting what I find on my insta stories all week long so make sure you check frequently so you can score some deals with me too!
Exciting things to come and I feel like kicking butts and taking names in this oversized leopard sweater. The red lip leaves me feeling even more fierce, dare I even say ferocious! I've linked so many goodies above that I'm now playing with the thought of having more than one leopard sweater in my closet. If this one is oversized, then surely I need a normal size too right? Tee Hee.
Anyways lovelies, I hope you have the most amazing Thanksgiving/Black Friday/holiday week! And let me just leave you with what I am most thankful for this year: YOU ALL! Thanks for the continued support. It really does mean the most to me.
You'll see me around these parts soon!


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About Emiko Venlet
Hello! I am a fine artist and crafter based in beautiful North Vancouver, Canada.
My inspiration comes from the colors and shapes that I see and feel everyday. I feel the colors and shapes in my physical body so strongly that I feel it is my job to recreate the feelings in my paintings and share them with the world. I chose abstract forms of painting to examine and understand my inner landscapes that are curved and shaped by my visual and physical experiences of the world around me. I love the freedom that abstract paintings give me and the viewers for their interpretation.
I also make hand woven wall hanging through which people can touch and feel the world that I recreate from my own physical and emotional experience with my surroundings.
When I am not painting or making art, I am home with my two busy boys with special needs and we enjoy life and learn about the world through unschooling.
For any inquiries, please email me hello(at)emikovenlet.com *please change (at) to @ when sending email.


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Our Autumn launch is only days away! Those who can make it to one of the shops on Thursday evening will be greeted with a free glass of bubbly. You will also recieve a 10% discount on anything purchased during the evening!
If you are unable to make it to the shops, we are also offering the 10% discount online on the same night. Just make sure you place your order between 5.30pm and midnight, adding the following code to your shopping basket:


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The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications (LCCI IQ) Office in Spain is organising the first edition of the National English competition for students. The competition will be held on 24th. November and the best performing students will be awarded with a laptop computer. To find out more:http://www.lcciebspain.com/competition.html
Anyone interested?


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Follow our news and events about what's happening in the Swiss and Austrian real estate market. Alpine Homes will keep you posted!
Our New Summer Alpine Property List is out! Click here to find out more about all our fantastic listings in the Swiss Alps, price reductions and advice on buying on properties.
For a personalised selection of properties, please contact our team of passionate alpine experts email@example.com or +41 27 323 77 77.
Choosing the right chalet for you from a plethora of 'for sale' items can sometimes be nerve-wracking. So much so that you might end up not buying at all and then regretting it each time you feel like hitting the slopes. This is why we've put together a step-by-step guide on how to choose the best chalet for your needs, so that you can attain your dream of owning a snow-toppled home in the heart of the Alps. And since one always learns best by force of example, we thought that a case study would best illustrate our tips. The natural choice for this was Verbier - one of the most sought-after ski resorts in the world. Without further ado, let's take a step-by-step walk through our guiding points.
We're starting our journey assuming that you have already picked out a resort in which you'd like to settle. But if you are still having trouble deciding, you can check out our article offering general advice on buying ski property for some tips in choosing the resort. For all intents and purposes, we will be looking at Verbier in this article. However, Verbier is a not a single point in space and there are many locations one can settle for, depending on his or her needs. When filtering through chalets, you should first think about how close to the piste you would like to be. If you cannot stand having to commute even for a little bit, then finding a chalet that is within walking distance of a gondola is a must. Nonetheless, you should bear in mind that the closer you are to the ski slope, the more expensive the house will be. But it pays to have the comfort of hopping straight into a gondola. If closeness to a ski-piste in Verbier is what you are looking for, then the luxurious Residence Agate could be just the choice for you with its 5 en-suite bedrooms and private sauna. Even though Residence Agate is a penthouse and not technically a chalet, its roominess make it a strong rival for any chalet on the market.
If, however, you don't minding taking a short ride with a bus shuttle to reach the gondola or you are fond of walking through the snow for a bit of exercise, then you should filter out properties closer to the slopes and only look at those that are slightly further afield. One such choice could be the beautiful and cozy Chalet Vermont.
When considering the location of your future chalet, you should also ask yourself what you intend to use the chalet for. Do you want to go there only during the winter or do you wish for a year-round house? If the former, then a chalet closer to the piste might be better for you. If the latter, you should explore chalet locations that are slightly further from the main skiing attractions, but closer to hiking trails or areas where one can enjoy other types of summer outdoor activities. You should also consider whether you'd like to cook your own meals most of the time, or whether you prefer to always dine out. In that case, you should choose chalets located in the heart of the Verbier resort, which are closer to restaurants. One such example is our Valentine 210 property, located at the center of Verbier and part of a complex that offers a Spa area, a sauna, a Hammam, a gym and a games room. Or, Belle Neige, which features a smaller kitchen, ideal for those that do not want to waste any space for facilities they will not utilize.
2. Number of bedrooms
The second item on your filtering list should be the number of people that you want your chalet to house. If you are a family of two, then you could settle for something smaller in size and opt-out on the chalet, focusing on a mountain apartment, such as Le Kid 118 that features cozy interiors and stunning mountain views.
But if your family will increase, you should bear that in mind and choose a more spacious chalet that has at least 3 bedrooms. At this point you should also consider whether you will be vacationing only with your close family or whether you will be housing extended family as well. Or perhaps you are an outgoing person that likes to throw parties and have many friends over. If that's the case, then a spacious 4 bedrooms+ chalet is what you are looking for. Chalet Corniche with 4 bedrooms and en-suite showers for all of them, including an en-suite bathroom for the master bedroom is the perfect choice. Another option is the previously mentioned Residence Agate that features 5 luxurious bedrooms.
3. Interior design
And speaking of luxury, another thing to consider when looking to buy a chalet is its interior design. Do you prefer an extremely luxurious feel or are you more of a down-to-earth person that prefers to feel the rustic style of the mountain side? Depending on your answer to these questions, you can easily rule out properties that do not fit your choice of style.
When looking at the interior design of a chalet, you should also consider the modern vs traditional dichotomy. Not every chalet has a rustic, traditional style, some come fitted with modern furniture and finishings, making them ideal for a modern person.
Chalet Vermont or Residence Agate are ideal for modern style chalets, while for a more traditional look we recommend choosing the spacious Fleur de Lin or the tranquil Montigny 24.
But what if you want a bit of both? Then try a mix of modern and traditional, such as the one displayed inside Le Fayard that combines a crisp and clean white colour with classic wooden pieces that are reminiscent of traditional German houses.
4. Facilities
Last but not least on your list of filtering items when choosing a chalet, are the facilities it comes equipped with. Some people are really keen on every bit of comfort that a chalet can offer, while others are more restrained. Either way, you can easily rule out property if it does not cater to your needs. For example, do you want to enjoy a relaxing sauna moment after being out in the cold without having to share it with anyone? Then look only at properties that have this type of feature. Would you like to have heated-boot warmers in the hallway to warm up your feet before heading out into the snow? Then choose the above-mentioned Le Fayard. Is a ski room essential for you in order to store your gear? The answer could be Residence Agate. Are you just as fond of swimming as you are of skiing? Make sure your chalet has an indoor pool like the ten-meter one with swim jets inside Chalet Corniche.
Whatever your preference, make sure you take it into consideration before deciding on a property. This way your decision process will be much easier since you will be ruling out everything that does not absolutely fit your most important needs. To go over the list again, you will have to decide on a location in Verbier, on the sizing of the house, on the type of interior design and on the types of facilities the chalet has to offer. If you've run through all of these, step-by-step, you will reach a decision in no time. Good luck!
The Alpine Homes Team wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Swiss Alps!
We look forward to assisting you in your alpine property search in 2019,
Warm wishes,
Marjorie, Elyse, Jonathan and Larry
We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting an Open Event at the Chestertons Knightsbridge on the 4th of December to celebrate the opening of 2018/19 Alpine Winter Season! Come speak with our experienced and professional staff to discuss properties in the Alps.
Time and Venue:
5 - 7 pm, 4th December 2018
Chestertons Knightsbridge, 31 Lowndes Street, Belgravia, London SW1X 9HX
Please RSVP to firstname.lastname@example.com
Verbier is first and foremost a luxury ski resort. One could even say it is THE luxury ski resort since many tourists would claim that there is no other like it. Being graced not only with the presence of celebrities such as James Blunt or Richard Branson, but also with that of British Royal Family members such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, together with their cousins Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie of York, Verbier is a top choice when it comes to looking for a chalet location in the Alps. While its popularity amongst royals and celebrities is a factor to consider when thinking of purchasing a luxury chalet here, there are plentiful of reasons why it should be your first pick.
Why choose Verbier
First, as a luxury ski resort par excellence, Verbier offers some of the best ski slopes in the world with snow lasting most of the year. Up to 1999, one could even ski here during the summer. Nowadays, this is no longer possible, but Verbier is also a busy resort in the summer with amazing outdoor activities such as mountain biking, paragliding, hiking, etc.
Second, ski pistes aside, Verbier also offers some great opportunities for off-piste skiing. So all the powder hounds looking for hidden and untrodden skiing locations should consider Verbier with the backside of Mont Fort or the valley of Vallon d'Arby with its tree skiing and steepy and bumpy itineraries.
Third, facilities are paramount when looking for an alpine location since most people look for easy-access to slopes and effortless post-skiing relocation. Moreover, great luxury restaurants and nightclubs are not a bonus, but a necessity to most luxury skiing lovers. As such, Verbier lands on both feet with a great plethora of the world's finest dining experiences and excellent facilities.
Last, summer activities abound in Verbier and for someone looking to make the most out of his or her investitions, this makes the location ideal for buying alpine property. Amateurs or daredevils will be both satisfied by the Verbier Bike Park with 12 km of downhill tracks, 213 km of enduro and more than 500 km of cross-country tracks. If biking is not quite your thing, you might consider hiking. With lifts taking you to the remotest of places, you can enjoy hiking trails that would otherwise be more cumbersome. Add to that a summer pool, golf, or paragliding and you have all the reasons to take a look at our top picks for luxury ski chalets in Verbier, which you can find below.
An exclusive development, found in the heart of Verbier, Valentine 210 benefits from the private facilities of the 'Victoria and Valentine complex' - a Spa area, complete with sauna, Hammam, gym and a games room.
If you're not a fan of properties that span in height and prefer one-floored ones, then Valentine 210 is the choice for you. All the more so if you have a family, since out of the three bedrooms, one is a quad bunk room. While bunk rooms aren't synonymous with luxury, the minimalist and clean touches of the old wood finish created through masterful carpentry all throughout the chalet and most notable in the kitchen, will make you feel like the privileged patron of coziness.
The open plan living, invaded with natural light through the French windows hosts a modern fireplace, ideal to sit in front of while sipping hot cocoa topped with lavish marshmallows. If the preferred environment for hot cocoa tasting is the ravishing scenery of the Alps, then the roomy wrap-around terrace offers an unhampered view of the mountains.
The apartment also comes with 2 internal parking spaces, cave and ski locker, ensuring facilities are topmost on the list of priorities when it comes to chalet features.
Le Fayard is a luxurious abode, accessed via a private flight of stairs and bathed into a crisp and clean white colour, reminiscent of traditional German homes. Tradition however, blends seamlessly with modern touches and finishes. The up-to-date furniture mixes with cozy sofas and classic wooden pieces to create a wonderful blend of new and old.
A spacious living area boasts plentiful of light coming in through the ceiling-to-floor windows and an impressive stone fireplace that has a unique and modern structure. Add to that the terrace with panoramic views of the mountains and there's little left to be desired.
No mountain vacation is complete without the privacy of an en-suite bathroom, and the master bedroom features a stunning wooden barrel-style bathtub and a separate steam/Hammam shower.
But the crowning feature of this ski chalet is represented by the heated boot-warmers that greet you in the hallway when preparing to leave the house for an energizing ride down the slopes.
The crown jewel of renowned "Les Trois Rocs" residences ensemble, located in the heart of Verbier, the Agate Penthouse will satisfy the pickiest of luxury lovers. The duplex penthouse apartment occupies two floors and, even though not technically a chalet, does feel like one, and a roomy one at that. With 5 en-suite bedrooms and a private sauna for the master bedroom, Agate Penthouse features more luxury and space than most chalets, even those of Verbier.
Sometimes space is the epitome of luxury, other times it's the closeness. Agate Penthouse mixes the two with full-height ceilings and colossal, exposed roof ruses and the proximity of the ski slopes which are a stone's throw away.
Accessibility is also a feature of the house indoors, with the vast wrap-around terrace reachable from most of the rooms. This same terrace, together with the entire house, benefits from abundant sunlight, due the SW orientation.
Natural stone and old wood use creates a unique experience throughout the house and adorns the carefully-crafted living room fireplace. And if you are wishing for the same kind of coziness, but whilst waking up or going to bed, Agate Penthouse does not disappoint with an intimate fireplace in the master bedroom that will put you to sleep in no time.
Add to that your own private spa area, Hammam and shower, and private ski room and your skiing and mountain vacation desires are fully-satisfied.
A family chalet first and foremost, Chalet Vermont is located in the region of Patier, very close to the centre of Verbier and with easy access to the Navette bus which will take all ski lovers to the best pistes.
Since no one would even think of calling a small wooden cabin a luxury chalet, luxury means space. And Chalet Verbier has that plentifully. With 4 bedrooms equipped with ensuite showers or bathrooms, you get both privacy and room for a wholesome mountain experience. The spa/TV room inside the chalet could also be employed as a 5th bedroom, so if unexpected friends drop by, there will be nothing to worry about. A worriless life is also indicative of luxury. While we can't guarantee you will be worry-free year-round, your stay at Verbier should pose little problems in terms of stress.
All the more so since you will benefit from your own private garden terrace, complete with a sunken hot tub and some breathtaking mountain views which you can enjoy while being surrounded by warm water or while lounging on the balcony. Speaking of balconies and windows, space is nothing without light. And so, while you are warming up in front of the centerpiece fireplace in the living area, you will be bathed in light coming in through the generous windows. Chalet Verbier is your very own sun trap.
A sumptuous property, in the vicinity of the Savoleyres lift station, Chalet Corniche is the epitome of luxury, cabin-style. 3 floors snugly fitted with wooden panels, together with a separate ski-entrance, a boot room, and a guest toilet, make this space the ideal one for having friends staying over or just popping by for a quick change before heading to one of the restaurants downtown.
En-suite showers for the four bedrooms and an en-suite shower and bathroom for the master bedroom will guarantee privacy and enough room for you to feel quite at ease and unencumbered by worries or shabby fittings. And there's nothing shabby about the stunning dining room and fireplace that warms up the entire house.
But we've saved the best for last - your very own private spa, found on the lower floor, where you can also enjoy some steam in the sauna. A Hammam, a gym and a ten-metre pool with swim jets top this luxury chalet in Verbier.
If you enjoyed our pick of the luxury ski chalets of Verbier, revisit our article from time to time as we will be updating it with our most desirable and attractive alpine properties.
You've thought about it, dreamt about it, actually considered it as feasible, maybe even started looking for some ski property for sale, and now you've finally decided that it is time to become an Alpine home owner. While the desire to become a homeowner in the Alps is strong, you shouldn't rush into a decision without first considering some important aspects. This is why we've put together our best advice when looking for ski property for sale. Here's our top 5 tips.
This seems intuitive when looking to buy property in general. Researching the market should always come first, but in the case of ski property for sale, there's more than meets the eye when it comes to research. Popular or high-demand resorts are most obviously the first place to look, but don't mistake popularity for luxury or high price. Extremely expensive resorts aren't always the most popular or the only popular ones. While well-known and advertised skiing locations in the Alps can be a sure deal when buying property, the purchasing of a chalet in one of these resorts might also mean a higher price paid when buying, but not a higher income from rent. As such, the best tip when looking for ski property for sale is to research those resorts that are not as expensive, but still quite popular with the skiing aficionados.
2. Consider up-and-coming resorts
If you cannot find any property at a reasonable price amongst the popular but less expensive resorts, then try a different market research technique. Dig deeper and see what the trends are. Which is the most likely resort to become the next big thing? Find a couple of locations that are the best candidates and start looking for property in the Alps. But since this isn't a sure deal, there are risks. While the gains might be big since you caught on the trend early and bought your house at a reasonable price, you might also end up with a chalet that isn't faring as well as you hoped because the trend turned out to be just a fad. So bear in mind that when going for up-and-coming resorts, you might not necessarily strike gold.
3. Off-season opportunities
Buying high-altitude property in the Alps will ensure better slopes, but it might also mean fewer opportunities for renting or using off-season. If you are acquiring a chalet with the intention to spend as much time as possible there, even during late spring and summer, then you might want to consider properties at lower altitudes as these generally offer more opportunities for outdoor activities during the warmer months. In terms of ski slopes, you might have to rely on snow cannons for late and early winter, meaning inferior-quality snow. But not everyone is as picky when it comes to the piste on which they are sliding down and it might be worth the risk. This way you will have a chalet that can be used or rented year round. If you are interested in this type of property, be on the lookout for chalets that have nearby picturesque lakes, stunning landscapes, multiple hiking trails, and outdoor activities.
4. Match the resort's visitors with the property
When choosing to buy property in the Alps, it is also essential to know the type of visitors specific to your designated resort. For example, some resorts are more popular with families with children travelling alone or accompanied by family friends, while others cater more to the needs of younger couples or groups of friends and to the needs of younger generations such as millenials. Depending on your location, you should look for property that matches the visitors to make the most out of your chalet. If your chosen resort is extremely popular with families, then invest in a bigger chalet that has amenities fit for a family of four or more and includes a separate space where children can play without disturbing the adults, with a big garden where they can run around all summer long. No point in buying an intimate couples retreat.
5. Beware of hidden costs
When looking at ski property for sale, you should always take into account the hidden costs of owning that chalet. Ignoring all the expenses that pertain to the actual purchasing of the property, you should always bear in mind when calculating your budget all the maintenance costs. You won't be there year round to take care of everything and a leaky roof, a window that doesn't close properly anymore, or the central heating system not working will be a nightmare for your tenants and for yourself. Consider things carefully before buying, so that you have enough money left for maintenance if needed.
If you need more information pertaining to purchasing property abroad, you can find useful advice on the gov.uk website. Make sure you seek out all the advice needed before committing to anything and there will be nothing standing in between you and your dream property in the Alps.
What are the first things that pop into your head when you think of Switzerland? Chocolate, expensive watches, banks, the Swiss army knife? Maybe all, maybe some of these things. But there is something that will always be on that list - the Swiss Alps. If Switzerland were to have a nickname, it should probably be "home of the Alps" with 65% of its entire surface area being covered by this mountain range. It's no wonder then that some of the world's most beautiful chalets can be found in Switzerland.
With a plethora of ski slopes, mountain trails and scenic views of world famous mountain peaks, this country is an ideal retreat for anyone looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - whether that respite is a quiet, nature-infused vacation or an action-driven one spiced with late-night partying. And if you are to choose a mountainous retreat, then the natural step is to enjoy it to the fullest by relaxing in a picturesque chalet set on top of the world. Whether you're a prospective client looking for a stunning chalet acquisition or whether you just want to enjoy browsing through beautiful homes, here are our top 14 most beautiful chalets in Switzerland.
When most of us think of owning alpine property we are imagining a lifestyle change involving refreshing holidays in the heart of the Alps, filled with mountain activities such as skiing and snowboarding or hiking and lake swimming in the summer. But some of us are also thinking of getting a nice return on our investment. After all, property investment is property investment even at 2000 meters altitude. And, for now, alpine property is still the most sought-for mountain retreat location, with Austria being the most popular country when it comes to buying. Switzerland is close behind as a top choice since both these countries have the highest participation rates when it comes to skiing activities - over 35% of their populations are active skiers. You can't get more authentic than a lovely Swiss atmosphere on the slope and within the resort.
Regardless of the alpine country one chooses, alpine property is an investor's dream. But why is that? Why do so many people invest in this type of property and how do they make the most out of it? If you're thinking of investing in alpine property, then this article will tell you why you should contact our alpine estate agents as soon as you can.
The simplest reason why you should look into alpine property investment is because other people are also looking for it. This means that 1) if you change your mind and want to resell it, you have a decent time window in which to do so, and 2) you can have a decent return on your investment from renting.
Let's see what the numbers are telling us. First, the Alps are the home of 44% of all global ski visitors and, as such, represent by far the world's most popular skiing and winter sports destination. If you are going to buy mountain property anywhere in the world, then this is the place.
In terms of winter sports infrastructure, the Alps could not do better in comparison to other locations - 10,000 lifts spanning the entire length of the Alps ensure easy access to ski slopes. While France isn't doing too bad when it comes to modern equipment, Austria has seen a recent revamp that makes its lift infrastructure the most modern in the industry (heated ski lifts, complete with WiFi). Bearing all this in mind, it's no wonder everyone wants to go to the Alps for their skiing holidays. Why would you settle for anything but the best?
2. Your own comfort
Renting aside, you might just want to invest in alpine property for your own comfort. After all, it is your property we're talking about here. If you are an avid skier or you are considering a lifestyle change that implies active holidays, then money spent on expensive hotels close to the slope might be quickly drilling a hole in your pocket.
In that case, the solution is not choosing mediocre ski slopes and mildly pleasant resorts, but investing in an alpine property that can host you and your family during your holidays, while also storing your ski gear. This way you don't have to rent skiing equipment and you can enjoy the comfort of having ski items that fit you to a tee and that are yours and only yours.
3. Renting
We've mentioned this before, but now it's time to tackle it in its entirety. When it comes to property, renting offers the biggest investment return and in an area that is as popular as the Alps, the renting revenue won't fail to disappoint. So, if you're worried about the rest of the year when you're not holidaying in the Alps, just remember that you can always rent your chalet. And, if you really want to make the most out of your property in terms of rent, you can travel yourself off-season and rent it during peak season.
When it comes to renting there are two possibilities:
Austrian resorts have recently capitalized on this growing market trend. Here's what a recent report from AlpineMarketing says: "The Summer market, which has always been strong in Austria due to its favourable altitude, has developed even more in recent years. Mid-altitude resorts are buzzing all year round. Ski lifts run all day, offering access to green pastures, hiking routes, and beautiful mountain huts. Tourists and homeowners are drawn by mountaineering, beautiful flower meadows, and stunning Alpine lakes." If you're thinking about Switzerland and biting from a savory chocolate bar while summer trekking in the mountains, then Villars is the right choice for you. This resort will offer stunning vineyard views and a refreshing vista over Lake Geneva.
4. A worry - Aging skiing population
A growing concern in the alpine property industry is the aging skiing population. Switzerland is already dealing with this issue and more and more people are starting to wonder whether or not the younger generations will be as thrilled as the past ones when it comes to spending their money in winter resorts. But as recent studies have found, while the skiing population might be declining, there are far more people interested in off-ski season alpine activities. This might mean, in the long run, a much better opportunity for investment, since longer periods of the year will be buzzing with tourists. No need to rely solely on the maximum four months of winter-related activities. So, take advantage of this and have a look at what the Swiss alpine property market has to offer.
Worries aside, alpine property represents a sound investment for the future, offering both comfort to you as the owner and great returns if you are considering renting. With summer activities also on the rise, you might see yourself making a nice sum of money all year round by contacting alpine estate agents and acquiring an alpine home, neatly hidden between mountains of snow.


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• WHO is best to lead people to a new vision? (likely not the person you think)
• WHO is best motivated by direct, straightforward communication?
• WHO appears to embrace change but silently resists, resulting in missed opportunities?
• WHOSE silence at the leadership table could help save you from a costly mistake?
Recently I assisted Surrey's Pregnancy Options Centre in their selection of key personnel. Utilizing the 'gold standard' Birkman assessment instrument and drawing on years of coaching, supervision, and leadership, I provide assistance for organizations to be the best they can be by identifying personnel strengths and motivational needs. See what the Executive Director had to say:
"I am still completely astounded by how valuable the Birkman has been for me! I would definitely recommend it! Highly!" Kathleen Moody, ED Surrey Pregnancy Options Centre
As Kathleen states, insights from the Birkman improved her effectiveness as a leader. It enabled her to see herself better and how to use that knowledge to full advantage. It also gave her increased clarity regarding staff selection, staff management, and staff assignment. This included a better understanding how people's strengths could be utilized as well as awareness how differences become liabilities when motivational needs go unrecognized hence unacknowledged and unmet. These are just a few invaluable contributions an effectively interpreted and debriefed Birkman assessment can provide.
The Mistake of Best Foot Forward – Seeing the 'Other' Foot
Leadership appointments and staff selection are often based on best foot forward interviews and candidate-selected references that leave organizations at the mercy of appearance and impression not knowledge. Interviews and observations can't provide the necessary context to determine how people will function when critical leadership is needed. Crisis hits and strategic decisions have to be made. Unfortunately, those delegated with leadership fail to lead. If only you had known – BUT YOU CAN! Your organization doesn't need to be staffed on incomplete or biased information.
Getting the Correct People in Place and having People in the Correct Place
The fiscal, emotional and organizational cost associated with 'wrong hires' or wrongly assigned personnel is experienced for years. When employees do need to be dismissed, few win. The truth is, much of this can be avoided. But avoiding damage and expense isn't the issue. Creating a great organization is. With appropriate information, teams can be built for success with staff positioned for maximum effectiveness. That requires the right people and the right knowledge.
If you want to increase organizational excellence and build leadership effectiveness, I can help.
Rob Inrig
email: firstname.lastname@example.com 604 355-4921 www.robinrig.com
Leading From Your Strengths – Taking Your Organization to the Next Level


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If you want to know how you can make your jazz bass lines sound more modern, keep watching.
This is my favorite way you can mix the Melodic Minor Scale into your jazz bass lines to get that modern sound.[Read more…] about How to quickly sound modern with the melodic minor scale


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Brent Cooper is an self-described idiot savant, martial artist, and abstractivist, while others have called him a 'garage Kubrick,' who masterminds projects from a makeshift workspace; a reference to a piece by William Gibson in Wired magazine. He holds symbolic pieces of paper for a B.A. in International Relations from UBC, and an MSc. in Political Sociology from the London School of Economics. Brent is chronic critical thinker, prefers the company of animals to humans, and is the man behind the curtain of The Abs•Tract: Core Philosophy, a sweeping allegory and social experiment about metaphysical fitness.
More Brent Cooper links:


text: Twin Pine Event Space Twin Pine Event Space is 1500 square feet of pure party area! Complete with a beautiful bar area, large meeting room, gorgeous outside deck with a band stand. You can have the beautiful golf course as your scene to say your wedding vows! Amazing space for Bridal/Baby Shower, Birthday/Anniversary Parties, Graduations, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Christmas Parties, Luncheons, Club/Organization meetings, Office Parties, Banquets, Rehearsal Dinners, Retirement Parties, or Reunions. If you want to celebrate it we can accommodate it! In house catering and bar service available.


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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.
12 DIY Body Scrubs for Gorgeous Skin
In this time of ever rising beauty standards, who doesn't want to have a clean, healthy looking skin? Daily skin care has become a part of our everyday routine. From cleansing first thing in the morning to massaging your skin at night, women do everything to make their skin worthy of turning heads. This is where body scrubs come into play.
One essential part of skincare routine is scrubbing. Exfoliating your skin, removing dead cells and bacteria, can help keep your skin healthy and beautiful. You might be getting worried that scrubbing your entire body would mean spending large amounts of money on expensive beauty products or spa treatments.
The good news is, there are also some cheap and more reliable ways to take care of your skin than investing on expensive products. You can make some great DIY natural scrubs at home which are inexpensive, always fresh, and chemical free and have no side effects! I'm listing a few DIY home made body scrubs that are easy to make and work wonders for every skin type.
The Coffee Scrub
Especially great for winters, this DIY scrub will remove dead cells, make your skin smooth and help it withstand the harsh weather.
1/4 cup coffee
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
Mix coffee, sugar and olive oil.
Slit the vitamin E capsules and add its oil to the above mixture
You may also add a tbsp each of sea salt and coconut oil.
Mix well. Your scrub is ready!
Scrub your whole body gently for 10 to 15 seconds with this mixture until your skin feels soft and smooth
Rinse it off with lukewarm water and apply your moisturizer to prevent dryness and retain the moisture.
Classic Sugar Scrub
Sugar is a perfect natural exfoliating agent and keeps the moisture in place. For this easy-to-make scrub you'll need:
Sugar (brown or white)
Vegetable oil of your choice (coconut oil, olive oil or any other vegetable oil you prefer for your skin)
Mix sugar and oil in 2:1 ratio. It means for every spoonful of oil, you add 2 spoons of sugar to it. Mix the ingredients, gently scrub your skin for 10 to 15 seconds and rinse it off with lukewarm water. Easy, wasn't it?
Lemon and sugar body scrub
Add some lemon to your sugar scrub to multiply its beneficial effects. Lemon juice is a natural antibacterial and skin brightening agent. It can help treat acne, along with adding a natural glow to your skin.
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp olive oil or almond oil
1 tsp of lemon juice
Mix the ingredients and your scrub is ready to use.
Raw Honey Scrub
Raw honey crystallizes quickly and the small crystals are perfect scrubbing agents. This scrub is mild and good for all skin types. Moreover, honey is a natural antibacterial agent, full of antioxidants and a complexion booster. After using this scrub you'll notice a visible glow to your skin along with a smooth and moisturized skin.
Simply apply the raw honey on your skin and gently scrub away the impurities once dried. Could it get any easier than that? You don't even have to prepare anything!
Peppermint scrub
In addition to its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, peppermint can also give your body scrub a cooling and refreshing effect; perfect for using in mornings.
½ cups softened coconut oil
1 and ½ cups of sugar
1 tbsp of peppermint extract
Microwave about half cup of coconut till it softens. Add sugar and the peppermint extract. Mix it well until thick. Apply it to your skin for a refreshing effect.
Lemon and honey scrub
Want a scrub with combined moisturizing and skin-brightening effects? Then the lemon and honey scrub is the perfect scrub for you.
3-4 tbsp honey
2-3 tbsp sugar
3-4 tbsp lemon juice
Mix honey and lemon juice. Sugar, however; is optional because honey and lemon themselves have exfoliating effects. Apply it to your skin and gently scrub for minute or so.
Nourishing scrub (for sensitive skin)
If you have a sensitive skin that is prone to allergic reactions, you might need something that you can use without any fear of consequences. This scrub uses all the natural ingredients perfect for sensitive skin:
2 tbspn brown sugar
1 tbspn Avocado Oil
Cucumber (small to medium)
Mix sugar and oil and 2:1 ratio. Blend a cucumber and add it to the mixture. Gently massage your skin for a few seconds and leave it on for a few minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water without any fear of rashes or allergies!
Lavender sea salt scrub
Lavender oil is an amazing essential oil known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties and is widely used to treat acne, wrinkles, eczema and other inflammatory conditions. Sea salt is a detoxifying agent and also cleans pores and balances oil production. To make this amazingly beneficial scrub (which also smells like heaven!), you'll need:
½ cup sea salt
2tbsp coarse Kosher salt
15 drops of lavender Oil
5 tbsp of sunflower oil
½ tsp dried lavender buds
Mix the ingredients until the mixture attains the consistency of a scrub. Gently scrub your skin for a healthy skin and lasting fragrance.
Green tea scrub
Green tea is nature's very own anti aging and detoxifying agent. Green tea has an invigorating effect, delays the signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles and prevents the build up of free radicals that damage the skin.
Green tea
Take a few tablespoons of above mentioned ingredients and mix them to make a thick paste. Gently rub it over your skin for a few seconds and wash it off. Longtime use, combined with your regular skin care routine can delay the signs of aging and give you a healthy and glowing skin.
Sea Salt and pineapple scrub
This scrub is a good option for oily skin which is prone to breakout. Sea salt detoxifies the skin and restores the oil balance and pH of skin. It exfoliates the impurities and oils clogging the pores that may lead to frequent breakouts. Pineapple is added as a toner and also for prevention of acne and for its anti aging effects.
2 tbsn black lava sea salt
Large slice of Pineapple
1 tbspn Olive oil
Add salt and olive oil in 2:1 ratio. Take a large slice of a ripe pineapple, mash it well and add it to the mixture. Apply the mixture for an oil free and healthy skin
Do not scrub the salt too hard or it will lead to skin damage. Also, leaving the salt mask on for too long can cause irritation and even exacerbate acne. Avoid using table salt because it actually worsens acne. So be a bit cautious while using this scrub!
Baking soda and coconut oil scrub
I think you all must have heard of the many beneficial properties of baking soda for skin. Baking soda is a good exfoliating agent that removes dead cells, balances the pH of skin and lightens the skin, giving it a natural glow.
Baking soda
Coconut oil
Mix baking soda and coconut oil to make a paste and gently massage your skin.
Avoid using water instead of coconut oil, particularly if you have a dry skin, because baking soda can dry your skin but adding coconut oil can counteract the drying effect and provide your skin with the moister it needs.
Brown sugar and vanilla scrub
Want a scrub that makes your skin smell great and also feel great? Just add some vanilla extract to it!
2 tbsp sunflower oil
¼ tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
Mix the ingredients and gently apply the scrub in circular motions.
All of these body scrubs can be made easily at home with the ingredients that are easily available in your local grocery stores. (Don't forget to use Walmart saving catcher to save money on these ingredients.) Also, these scrubs are extremely helpful in removing dead cells and rejuvenating the skin to make it smooth. So what are you waiting for? Try these amazing recipes and get healthy, beautiful skin naturally!
About Author
Amy blogs at www.guideforurls.com. She is an avid writer and loves spending time with her dogs.


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I admit I have a Hungarian temper. Why not? I am from Hungary. We are descendants of Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun.
-Zsa Zsa Gabor, actress and socialite known for her gold-digging ways
Budapest has always been high on my travel list, probably something to do with its swanky architecture, Habsburg opulence, and cozy ruin pubs doling out an endless supply of hearty goulash (gulyás). Paired with a history dating back to 1 AD and Celtic, Bulgarian, Ottoman, Austrian, and Soviet influences, there's little to not like about Hungary's densely sprawling* capital city. But don't take my word for it, as Budapest -- pronounced 'Boo-da-pesht' -- consistently ranks at the top of international lists for beautiful cities and high quality of life.
So why wasn't I feeling the Budapest love?
I could blame my lackluster visit on a number of things: my apartment that reeked of cabbage soup, dreary winter weather and even drearier Soviet buildings, the constant warnings about pickpockets. Maybe it was too many elegant old buildings to count sadly awaiting rehabilitation or gruff locals who only spoke Hungarian (outside of tourist spots, English is not widely spoken), I was just not smitten by Budapest. By the time Christmas rolled around, the entire city shut down for three days, leaving me with few things to do and nothing to eat but dry lentils and whatever chocolate ornaments I hadn't already plucked from my little Christmas tree. But the main reason I didn't enjoy Budapest was because I was worn out from eighteen months of pounding the pavement as a tourist, or at least that's what I told myself as I choked back a flavorless dog biscuit one particularly lonely, boring, hungry night.
Budapest reminded me a lot of Prague, but in a muted, less exciting way. While both cities are divided by a wide river, defined by Art Deco and hillside castles, and easy on the budget, I couldn't help but like Prague that much more once I had experienced Budapest. Maybe Budapest is completely different in the summer months...?
Regardless of how I interpreted Budapest, the city is teeming with history and creativity. I managed to visit some fascinating abandoned sites, although I was bummed to miss the wondrous Kelenföld Power Station. I left Budapest after Christmas satisfied with what I had seen and relieved to be going where I could talk to locals. Sure, it would have been nice to check out the few remaining paternoster lifts in the world, but that's a legit reason to return for a summer visit, right?
*The city became a powerful new metropolis in 1873 when the cities of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda (Old Buda) merged to create what we now know as Budapest.
Széchenyi thermal bath
Not being one to pass up a opportunity for a Turkish bath and massage, I did not miss a visit to Széchenyi spa. Ranked as the largest medicinal bath in Europe, Széchenyi was built in the early 1900s and is still a popular gathering spot. The Turkish rule of Buda ended by the 18th century but the bathing facilities they built remained an integral part of the city's culture, and visiting one today is a relaxing yet invigorating experience.
Budapest highlights
While in Budapest, I joined a free walking tour and saw the city's highlights, including the UNESCO-listed Banks of the Danube, Buda Castle Quarter, and Andrássy Avenue.
Getting around Budapest
Mango and I arrived in Budapest by train from Rijeka, and I quickly learned that the massive city has an abundance of affordable transit options for getting around. There is 'Europe's most scenic tram ride' along the Danube River for just a few dollars (be sure to purchase your tram number two ticket beforehand at a metro station, because ticket-checkers always catch tourists without tickets and I can attest that they aren't the nicest folks to deal with), and clean, modern street cars criss-cross the city. Buses come in every flavor, with bright red trolleybuses barreling down narrow streets being my favorite. Uber is no longer available in Budapest, so finding an honest taxi company takes a bit of investigation. Budapest also has an underground metro and a few large, gorgeous train stations worth visiting (Keleti, mmm). Tragically, I didn't find Budapest to be the friendliest for cyclists and pedestrians.
How dog-friendly is Budapest?
Mango fared okay in Budapest, arriving with no issue on the train and enjoying the occasional romp at our neighborhood dog park. Cafes, bars, transit, and shops were super dog-friendly, but many restaurants weren't. An interesting dog-centric thing I observed in Budapest was the double trash can, with a bin for regular waste and another bin for dog waste, something that didn't make sense to me until I read this article that dives into why dog poop should not go into landfills. So, kudos to Budapest for being so forward-thinking when it comes to, well, dog shit.


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"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train."
"My thoughts exactly, Mr. Wilde," I reply.
That was a moment when my muse bent a head over my shoulder and whispered, "Tell people how writing a diary can change their lives."
And I've grabbed my pencil…
Many associate diaries with high-school years of ahs and sighs. Or, with Bridget Jones shooting out a scream of womanish problems to paper. We don't think about practical benefits to get from journaling: clear minds, physical health, lower depression, and solved problems.
Writing a diary serves well for our personal growth, either.
What if I say you become smarter, creative, confident, self-disciplined, and emotionally intelligent if journaling? What if I say diaries evoke mindfulness and influence your happiness?
Keep on reading to check if it's true and find out all the benefits you miss when refuse to write a diary.
So, it helps to…
1. Become Smarter
Writing enhances vocabulary and, according to the University of Victoria report, "has a positive correlation with intelligence."
When telling stories to a diary, we have a natural urge to search different words for self-expression. We explore a language for synonyms, definitions, and concepts which make us learn their meanings, broaden the mind, and, as a consequence, become smarter.
It also explains the phenomenon of higher grades from students who keep diaries. "When writing about their thoughts, schoolers reflect on emotions and, thus, try to put them into shape," says writing expert Nancy Christinovich from PlagiarismCheck. "Therefore, students train to research, give reason for their arguments, and create rather than plagiarize academic works from others."
2. Stay Organized
Journaling keeps our thoughts comprehensible and organized. Writing practices such as mind mapping, to-do lists creation, or unsent letters can remind us of business we wanted to start, goals we planned to achieve, or places we dreamed to visit; they can motivate as well as guide us to a happier state of mind.
Going back to my annual to-do lists, I have a clear picture of where I failed and what I missed; so I can re-organize my attitude to what I do for more positive results.
3. Boost Memory
Thanks to a relationship between hands and brains, writing allows composing and re-composing ideas as well as strengthen our previously covered information to remember it.
But this trick works with handwriting only. So if you want to engage in a cognitive recall, write down your thoughts with pens and pencils, not keyboards.
4. Develop Emotional Intelligence
Some call it a theory of mind when we can "read" people's thoughts and emotions; others address to the definition of emotional intelligence aka the ability to perceive/manage our emotions as well as those of other people.
Whatever called, we can develop this skill by writing. Journaling processes emotions, increases self-awareness, and builds a bridge of empathy for better intuition and understanding.
5. Achieve Goals
When writing a diary, we often share dreams and ambitions on paper. We give promises to start a new life, quit smoking, read more books, find a job… You name it!
The trick is, goals notation sends a signal to our brain: "Dude, it's important!" A big fan of free writing, I use it to make to-do lists: when on paper, my plans have more chances to go live.
Sure thing, you won't quit smoking or find a dream job simply because you write about it in a diary. But it helps to subconsciously start flagging tools and opportunities to achieve those goals.
6. Heal Yourself
Professor James Pennebaker, from the University of Texas in Austin, revealed all health benefits of writing: strong immune system, recovery from traumas and stresses, and better mental health. Journaling assists in dealing with emotional events and can be used as a therapeutic tool in psychiatric settings.
7. Evoke Mindfulness
Writing is meditative. It reminds of mistakes, accomplishments, and moments we want to remember. It helps to face fears: when in doubts or feeling lost, we make a diary our harbor to refresh memories, boost self-esteem, and engage with thoughts.
A strong connection between journaling and mindfulness is here. When writing, you leave past frustrations behind and clear your mind so that future anxieties disappear in the present moment.
8. Improve Communication Skills
Writing a diary can benefit our speaking because of critical connections between these two forms of communication.
Journaling thoughts, we train to express our ideas with words and then translate them into actual vocalization.
9. Strengthen Self-discipline
Let's face it:
It's challenging to push yourself to write every morning or evening. Once started, your diary risks going to oblivion: today you forget to take notes, tomorrow you are not in a mood for writing – and the time comes when you decide to give it up.
Writing is a matter of discipline. Like a muscle, it requires regular training for positive results. So, set time aside for journaling, develop a habit of everyday writing, and soon you'll notice this discipline turns into other healthy habits of a happy person, read: you.
10. Become More Confident
When writing about positive experience, we allow the brain to relive it. And then, re-reading and reflecting on personal achievements or happy moments, we release endorphins and dopamine that boost self-esteem, confidence, and mood.
So next time when doubts appear, take your journal, look back over great moments you had, and reaffirm your abilities on a way to consciousness and wellness.
11. Spark Creativity
My favorite panacea for unlocking creativity and letting it flow is Julia Cameron's morning pages technique: just write without thinking – and you'll surprise how many thoughts and ideas live in your head! Even one page per day can take your creativity to a new level.
Regular writing helps us learn to brainstorm and communicate complex ideas, memorize information, and process it.
12. Stay Happy
Did you hear of the psychological effect named after aforementioned Bridget Jones?
It says that writing about feelings helps our brain regulate emotions, overcome upsets, and clear negative beliefs from life. It happens because a writing practice activates the brain part dampening down activity linked to strong emotional feelings.
In plain English, keeping a diary in abstract sense, writing down songs lyrics, or creating poems can help us deal with emotional distress and, therefore, become happier.
Do you have a diary? It's high time to try it.
Start writing down details that happen to you, happy moments you remember, or things that make you grateful. It will give a different perspective and chance to see that life is bright.
"With free writing and mind mapping under the belt, don't you think it's time to start a personal diary?" the muse whispers from behind my shoulder.
… And I make a long arm for my purple notebook. Its sheets smell like a newly-published yet blank book, the one I am ready to fill with my personal story and emotions for happier life and better self.
What about you?


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I rarely exhibit but when the Green Rooms Hotel invited me to design and create two new pieces for their wonderful establishment in Wood Green, London, I jumped at the chance.
I was asked to come up with something that could be put on display in the Bar on a wonderful cabinet they have there. Obviously the pieces had to sit comfortably within the surroundings and I'm happy to say that the two metal floral items I designed and made do just that.
The Exhibitions and Commissions page has more details about this lovely establishment and how to see these pieces.