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Night Creature: Crescent Moon Chapter 37
Dizziness washed over me and I swayed. "What – ? Who – ? How – ?"
Adam rushed to the enclosure, saw the lock, and turned. "The key.
or any similar topic only for you
I was having trouble breathing, so I sat down and put my head between my legs. After a few minutes, the black dots receded.
When I glanced up, two men, so alike in appearance and yet so different, stared back. Now that they stood together, how could I have thought they were the same? One look into their eyes and I saw the difference. The Adam in the cage was evil; the one who'd brought me here was not.
"Twins?" I asked.
They shook their heads, and their hair swirled around their shoulders.
"My great-great… well, several-greats-grandfather." The Adam outside the cage jerked a thumb toward the one inside. "Henri Ruelle."
The naked man bowed.
"The picture," I murmured.
Henri smirked. I hated that smirk.
"Obviously taken before you became a loup-garou." Considering my trouble photographing them.
"Obviously," Henri returned.
"Why would you leave it on the wall where anyone could see?"
"I only wanted you to see."
"Grandpere likes to confuse people."
He'd confused me all right.
I returned my attention to Adam. "You said your family wasn't cursed."
"No. I said, 'Some say we are.'"
"I specifically asked if you'd been cursed to run as a wolf beneath the crescent moon."
"I'm not."
"You look so much alike." I stared at Adam. "Couldn't you at least cut your hair? Make some distinction?"
"The better to protect me, my dear," Henri said.
I glanced at him, then back at Adam. "You protect it?"
"Hey!" Henri protested.
"There will always be a loup-garou of Ruelle blood. If Grandpere dies, the next Ruelle male becomes the beast"
He nodded. "Then Luc."
So many things were starting to make sense.
"Your father and grandfather?"
"They couldn't bear knowing what they might become."
"Pussies," Henri spat.
"Who did you piss off?" I demanded.
"I didn't know she was a voodoo queen. She was – " Henri shrugged. "A slave. I wanted her; I took her."
"You raped her?"
"No." Confusion flickered over his face. "She was mine. I never understood what she was so angry about."
I rubbed between my eyes. "Why didn't she just turn him into a bug and squash him?"
"Too easy," Adam murmured.
"Dismemberment would have been too easy."
"She called on the moon goddess to make me a beast"
I lifted my head. "What?"
"Queen of heavens, mother of creatures, lady of de wild, patron goddess of de outlaw werewolf, the instant I heard your name, deesse de la lune, I knew you were here forme."
I glanced at Adam, who shrugged. "He's been obsessed with you from de beginning, but he couldn't figure out if you were here to help or hurt him."
"Diana is a huntress," Henri continued. "You rule all dark forests; you command de moon. Queen of witches, daughter of Satan."
"I think you've got the wrong Diana."
"I'm cursed by a woman who calls on a moon goddess, then you show up? How can that be a coincidence?"
"It's a hundred and fifty years later!" I shouted.
"Time means nothing to me."
I suppose after the first century, that's true.
"Listen," I said. "My name is just a name. It was my grandmother's, and you can bet your everlasting life she wasn't a moon goddess."
"Did you come here to make me stronger, to be at my side until we ruled the world?" Henri asked.
Did this guy listen! "I don't think so."
"Then you came to cure me, and you have to die."
"The one thing Grandpere fears is being cured. He likes what he is. He doesn't want to go back to the way he was."
"In life I was at de mercy of forces I could not change – weather, government, stock market, death. Now everyone is at de mercy of me. Like this, I'll never be hungry or poor again."
I looked at Adam. "I thought you were poor now."
"I want none of his money."
Couldn't say I blamed him.
"I can understand cursing Henri," I said, "but why the entire line?"
"Curses are funny that way," Adam said. "They tend to hang around for more than a generation."
"You're certain killing him will curse you?"
'I can't kill him and find out!" Adam shoved a hand through his hair. "I've spoken with voodoo experts; they all say de same thing. A curse like this is on every Ruelle born until de curse is lifted. And that I don't know how to do. No one does."
"So what, exactly, is the curse?"
"He is an evil, soulless thing. A selfish prick who cares only for himself."
"Wasn't he that already?"
'I didn't know him before," Adam shrugged, "but most likely."
"I'm right here," Henri muttered.
"Under de crescent moon he runs as a wolf," Adam continued as if Henri hadn't spoken. "He murders de innocent and creates more werewolves."
"Like Charlie."
"He told me he has to change under the crescent moon."
"He does. Many more nights of being a beast that way."
"A blessing, not a curse, if you ask me," Henri said. "I like to kill."
"We didn't ask you," I snapped. God, he was annoying.
Something occurred to me. "I saw Charlie under a half-moon."
"Charlie was a werewolf; Grandpere is a loup-garou."
"My head hurts."
Adam's mourn tightened. "Grandpere wasn't bitten; he was cursed. Those he bites rise and run as wolves within twenty-four hours – day, night, doesn't matter. After that, only de full moon compels them to shift. Under any other, it is their choice."
Which made as much sense as anything else around here.
"What about him?" I jerked my thumb toward the cage. "When the moon isn't a crescent?"
"He's a man – or as much of a man as he can claim to be."
"Sounds like less of a curse."
"The longer he's in human form, de more violent he becomes when de wolf is upon him."
I scowled at Henri, who shrugged and examined his fingernails. I considered all that I knew and all I did not
"When did you find out about the curse?' I asked.
"Luc's first birthday." His face softened. "Family tradition. By then you're in love with de boy. You'd do anything to protect him."
"I couldn't find a record of Luc's birth," I said.
Adam cast Henri a suspicious glance, and Henri shrugged. "Less people know of us, de better."
"Once your father told you the truth," I continued, "he killed himself?"
Sadness flickered over Adam's face as he nodded. "I was old enough to watch over Grandpere, and by then I'd had Special Forces training. Didn't know I'd need it for this."
"Your father left you alone to raise your son, protect that thing, and find a cure? He couldn't stick around to help?"
"Knowing what was to come preyed on his mind, drove him over de edge."
I got the feeling Adam was talking as much about himself as his dad.
"When I was a boy he would be gone certain nights and come home beat to hell. He was a gentle man, a scholar. He didn't know how to fight; he had no idea how to counteract evil and violence."
Henri snorted but refrained from comment for a change.
"Your mother?"
"She left the instant she knew the truth."
I tilted my head, and Adam looked away, refusing to meet my eyes. No wonder he'd been so worried I'd leave him and Luc behind. Every other woman in his life had.
"My father asked me to enlist," he continued. "I'd always been fascinated with weapons, interested in military history; I believed he wanted me to be happy. Later I understood he wanted me trained to do de family dirty work better than he had been."
"You plan on taking the easy way out when Luc's old enough to protect that monster?"
"I'd let de curse fall to me before I'd leave him to suffer."
"You'll like it," Henri whispered. "You'll see. The power is exhilarating. With one stroke you can kill or impart life everlasting."
'Unless someone has a silver bullet," Adam snapped.
"So few do."
"Wait a minute," I said. "Doesn't everyone he kills rise again?"
"No, thank God, or we'd be overrun. If he kills but doesn't drink their blood or eat their flesh, they become a werewolf. If he partakes of de kill, they're just dead."
"I do so love when they beg for their life," Henri murmured. "I usually give it to them."
"Shut up, old man," Adam said.
The incongruity of calling someone who didn't appear a day over thirty "old man" made me giggle. Hysteria was obviously not far behind.
I swallowed the inappropriate laughter and tried to focus. "Why are there no Ruelle girls?"
"What?" Adam blinked at the sudden change in subject.
"No girls born for over a century. I checked."
"De curse. Grandpere's voodoo queen wanted only men to suffer. I don't think she cared too much for them."
"I can't imagine why."
Henri grabbed the bars and rattled his cage. "Let me out!"
"Not so fast," Adam said. "You will leave her alone."
Henri's gaze flicked to me. "What if she tries to kill me? Will you protect me then, Petit-fils? Will you trust her with your soul? What about de boy's?"
'If she meant to kill you, Grandpere, I'd be dead. She thought I was you."
Henri frowned. I didn't think he was the brightest star in the sky. Or should I say the fullest moon on the calendar?
"True," he agreed. "She'd have slipped a silver knife between your ribs while you were doing her. That's always de best time."
"You two seem to have me confused with someone else," I murmured. "A psychopathic serial killer perhaps?"
"But if she doesn't want to kill me – "
"I didn't at first, but now that I've met you I've changed my mind."
"Diana – " Adam began, but Henri interrupted: "What do you want?"
"To prove a werewolf exists and show it to the world."
"That isn't going to happen." Henri glanced at Adam. "Right?"
Adam sighed. "Right" He let his head fall forward, and his hair sifted over his face.
I stood, resisting the urge to shove it back.
He lifted his gaze. "I need de key."
"He wants to kill me, or maybe screw me – "
"How about both?" Henri whispered.
"Why you think I said I'd be your guide?" Adam demanded. "I wasn't going to let him hurt you. I still won't"
Sadness filtered through me. Adam hadn't hung around because of my charms – no kidding – but because he'd wanted to make certain Henri didn't tear out my throat or worse. And what better way to get close than to pretend he wanted to sleep with me and then do so?
I'd been right: This wasn't love. It wasn't even lust, just duty.
Voices floated on the still morning air, startling us all.
"Frank," I muttered. How had he gotten here so fast?
"Hurry up," Henri snapped.
"I have to let him go, Diana." Adam's gaze captured mine. "If they don't kill him here, they'll dissect him somewhere else. If he dies and I'm possessed, there'll be no one to care for Luc."
"You think Henri should be free to kill people?"
"I do my best to contain him. And I spend de nights he can't shift eliminating those he's made."
My eyes widened. "You shot Charlie."
Adam nodded.
There was a shout, much closer, and Adam held out his hand. "Please."
I looked into his eyes, saw the shadows and the pain. I also saw his fear, his need, and his son.
I gave him the key.

subset: commoncrawl


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Meet the Trainees
Where better to find out about what it's like to train with the Astra SCITT than from people who've done it themselves. Read on to find out more about some of our 2016-17 cohort, and their invaluable advice for our current and future trainees......
Luke Gardiner (Secondary PE, QTS-only)
Why did you choose to train to teach, and why did you choose Astra?
I had spent a few years before and after university working in different schools and different PE departments gaining experience. This really cemented my interest in teaching PE, and so I looked for a training programme close to home in Buckinghamshire. I found ASTRA after contacting Aylesbury Grammar School and was really impressed with the holistic approach to teaching experience that they were offering, as well as the opportunity to work in some great schools in my local area.
Where were your placements schools? What were they like?
My main placement was at my alma mater, Aylesbury Grammar School (AGS). I loved my time working in the single sex grammar school environment. It was challenging due to the expectations placed upon the pupils and the teachers, but rewarding for the same reasons. My second placement was at Holmer Green Senior School - a very different experience. This shorter placement challenged different areas of my teaching understanding, and behaviour management and organisation became more of a focus. I learnt a great deal during that period, which I could then transfer back into my final time at AGS in the summer.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered during your training year?
The consistent need to stay on top of evidencing and recording positives and negatives - being reflective. I found that you needed to be switched on throughout to make the most of it. I had some time off due to an accident for the first few weeks of 2017, but ASTRA and my mentors were really supportive and I soon picked up where I left off.
What were your 'highlights' and major accomplishments during the training year?
Being involved with the extra curricular side of PE was a big highlight throughout, and I also really enjoyed being involved with a tutor group. Attempting a new style of teaching or method/task and watching it succeed and the pupils engaging will forever be the best thing about the experience.
What are you doing now, and what is your ultimate career ambition?
I was offered a job in February at AGS and accepted immediately. I am now preparing for my first full time teaching position and cannot wait to get started. I am very interested in the House system at AGS and other schools, so working up that pastoral ladder would be interesting, but my main goal would be to work towards being a departmental lead.
What advice do you have for the next Astra cohort of trainees?
Build friendships with course friends, particularly from the same subject. They are an immediate social group who are all experiencing the same things as you. Make the most of that support group. The amount of teaching ideas and thoughts that we shared in our group on a Wednesday or via a text was what contributed to all of us succeeding.
Arrive to school early - schools are usually a ghost town until 8am. I made the decision to arrive at school at 7:15-7:30am after spending time with two teachers at HGSS who followed this routine religiously. You can achieve an incredible amount in that hour before school starts and I felt way more prepared and confident on those days towards the end of my experience.
Build a relationship with your mentor and other teachers that allows you the opportunity to be creative and take a gamble - I had a wonderful relationship with my mentor and it allowed me to try out different teaching styles and methods and take a few risks. Lots worked, lots didn't - but I had a relationship that gave me the confidence to learn my lessons now while I can.
Nicki Bassett (Primary, QTS-only - Salaried route)
Why did you choose to train to teach, and why did you choose Astra?
I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a child. I wanted to make a difference to children's education and I found that my jobs in child care, before I became a teacher, had given me so much joy and sense of achievement that I knew there was no other career for me.I was already working at Butlers Court School, and they chose Astra as a provider they'd like to work with.
Where were your placements schools? What were they like?
Butlers Court School Beaconsfield - A two-form entry school from Reception to year 6. The site is set in beautiful grounds and the classrooms are quite separated. Lots of green space and a large playing field. The staff are very supportive and friendly. The head teacher is very open to teachers trying new things in the classroom and very much has an open door policy.
St Mary's School, Beaconsfield - another two-form entry school from Reception to year 6. The school is set in one continuous building with playing fields to the rear. The staff are very friendly and were kind to me in my short time here. This school is a C of E school, with religion being very important to the school.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered during your training year?
I think the main challenge was juggling the amount of school work versus Astra work. Because I was salaried, I had more school work than the un-salaried trainees. I found that the best way to deal with this was to prioritise. I knew that there was never going to be nothing to do, so I decided that I needed to make sure I was getting everything done at the time it was needed It's also good to make sure that you are realistic about the amount of work you can do. Don't take on things that you're not 100% sure you're going to achieve. Sometimes it's ok to say "I'm really sorry but I can't do that as I've got an assignment due in next week".
What were your 'highlights' and major accomplishments during the training year?
Finishing the course was a massive highlight and accomplishment. As I reached the end of every half term I knew that I was one step closer to making it to June. Through the course my confidence in my ability increased so much. I learnt not to be so hard on myself, and to listen to other people's advice and act on it.
What are you doing now, and what is your ultimate career ambition?
I am currently setting up my year 1 classroom ready for September. I'll be welcoming 30 children into my class, which is at my main placement school. My ultimate career ambition is to become a head of year group or maybe a deputy head. At the moment I think I'd like to be able to stay in the classroom, so headship is not for me yet, but who knows, maybe in a few years.
What are the three things you wish you had known during your training year that you know now?
It'll be the most challenging year of your life; it'll be the most rewarding year of your life; keep up to date with your weekly reflections.
What advice do you have for the next Astra cohort of trainees?
Collect evidence from the beginning. You may not use it for your final meeting where they grade you, as you'll probably look back on it and think it's not as good as the work you're doing by the end, but it shows how far you've come!
Keep on top of your paperwork.
Get to know the teaching standards. Keep a copy with you in the first few weeks while you're observing teachers and see if you can spot any of the standards against their practice.
Your Astra buddies are a great support network. Our Primary cohort have built up such a friendship, we still keep in contact now. We're sharing all the things we're putting into our new classrooms and our whatsapp group is a great place to get advice from fellow trainees.
Take some time for you! October half term is a good one.......it's pretty quiet in comparison to the rest! Make sure you have some time to look after yourself. Keep healthy in mind and body so that you don't drown in standards, paperwork and weekly reflections!
Good luck!
Simon Beedell (Geography, QTS-only)
Why did you choose to train to teach, and why did you choose Astra?
In my previous employment I felt that I was not being challenged on a day to day basis so I decided that I needed a change. After discussing the possibility of teaching with my wife who is also a teacher I explored the training options available. I attended an information afternoon at Reading University where they encouraged everyone to have at least a few days of school observations before submitting a UCAS application. As an ex-pupil of Dr Challoner's and also living locally I was aware of Astra so I got in touch to see if they could assist in lining up school visits. I was impressed with the professionalism of the scheme so I had no doubts that it was the training provider that was right for me.
Where were your placements schools? What were they like?
My main placement was at Chesham Grammar School. I had been there for a day of observation and I liked the school, so I made it my first choice when applying. The school has high expectations of everyone in everything that they do, which is a philosophy that I agree with, so it suited me well. My priority when I was planning lessons was to ensure that the content was engaging but it would always be challenging to everyone. I found the school to be forward-thinking in terms of removing some unnecessary administrative procedures that can burden teachers.
My second placement was at Holmer Green Senior School during a short half term that was just over five weeks. With such a short time there I needed to ensure I got as much as I could out of it. It was interesting to see the differences between the schools, not only with the teaching and learning aspect but how the school itself was run. Lunchtime was only 35 minutes long so the day felt more intense that what I was accustomed to, but it forced me to be organised.
While the schools had their differences, there were also a lot of similarities, as the students still lived in the leafy Chilterns less than ten miles apart.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered during your training year?
When my mentor was putting together my timetable I was asked if I had any preference on year groups so I asked for some additional 6th form lessons. A few weeks in, after observations of the Year 12 classes, I started to have doubts that I could teach a 6th form style lesson, which was a lot more independent than the GCSE groups. I felt a lot more confident after a few lessons, but it took a while to get comfortable with allowing the students get on with a task rather than intervening every few minutes.
I would also say that the interview processes for both Astra and my permanent employment were quite intense. Teaching a 30 minute lesson to A-Level students, with no prior experience, was a little intimidating! It's a good process though, and whenever I tell non-teachers about it they always think that something similar should be implemented outside the world of education.
What were your 'highlights' and major accomplishments during the training year?
I received some good second-hand feedback from some of the students via another teacher who had been speaking with them. I had also been told by another teacher that some Year 12 students wondered why their new Geography teacher was always being observed in his lessons. It turns out that they had not figured out that I was a trainee, so it was reassuring that even the older pupils had accepted me as a 'real' teacher.
What are you doing now, and what is your ultimate career ambition?
I am now teaching at Tring School. My aim is to have a leadership role at some point, as I feel that my previous management experience would be beneficial to schools.
What are the three things you wish you had known during your training year that you know now?
Any doubts you might be having about anything are probably not unique and there will be others in exactly the same position.
GCSE content is not linear. It took me a while to realise it, but there is a lot of overlap between the topics so it makes life a bit easier for everyone, and you can always reference back to what the pupils have learnt in a previous unit to keep the knowledge fresh.
There are some great Facebook groups that provide amazing inspiration with new ideas every day. Lots of people are willing to share their resources for free to help everyone out. I now have some great wall display ideas that I will be using.
What advice do you have for the next Astra cohort of trainees?
Make yourself part of the school as quickly as possible. Do not feel like you are a long-term visitor at the school and consider yourself a member of the teaching staff from day one. Speak to as many different teachers as possible as you will get some great advice and maybe even some amusing anecdotes! If you can cite any of the advice you have been given in your interview for employment it will impress the interviewers, as it shows that you have not been kept in a bubble during your training.
Lee Rowe-Elliott (Biology, QTS with PGCE)
Why did you choose to train to teach, and why did you choose Astra?
I felt that the best way for me to learn and progress as a teacher would be to dive straight in at the deep end. Training with a SCITT, you get the opportunity to make try out ideas, lessons and activities in a live classroom environment; if it goes well then great - f not, you have the support of the department, ASTRA and mentors to be a reflective practitioner and adjust your lessons to be the most effective you can be.
Where were your placements schools? What were they like?
My main placement school was The Misbourne School, with my second placement school being Dr Challoner's Grammar School. I found the contrasting environments (Grammar vs Secondary Modern) incredibly helpful as it allowed me to adjust my teaching to all teaching environments.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered during your training year?
The balance between PGCE, school commitments and home life. It is important to keep on top of your work, but even more so to relax effectively where possible.
What were your 'highlights' and major accomplishments during the training year?
A major highlight for me was working alongside all of the other incredible trainees. Being able to bounce ideas amongst others in the same boat as you definitely keeps you sane!
Would you recommend choosing to do the PGCE modules?
I would recommend the PGCE as it allows you to do further reading and apply it to your lessons and training year. However, your workload does increase and you need to keep on top of other commitments.
What advice do you have for the next Astra cohort of trainees?
Interact with as many trainees from as many different subject areas as you can, this will help you pick up a lot of skills. Everyone is in the same position as you, so don't feel like you are the 'only' one that is stressed, you may be for a bit, but it it is all worth it in the end.
Katrina Blunt (Mathematics, QTS with PGCE)
Why did you choose to train to teach, and why did you choose Astra?
My own education gave me a love of Maths and a flair for numbers. But everyday I see people who don't yet have this ability, having the mindset that Maths is too hard or they don't 'get it'. So I felt that helping young people to develop confidence and understanding of Maths, with an enjoyment of numbers, was the greatest gift I could give them.
I had been working with young people in various voluntary roles and I decided to look into teaching as a career option. I attended an Astra open afternoon where I met the team and a number of representatives from different partner schools. I was really impressed with what Astra were offering and their 'brand', and so I decided this was where I wanted to do my training.
Where were your placements schools? What were they like?
Aylesbury High School and The Grange School in Aylesbury. I thoroughly enjoyed my placements at these two schools and they were really contrasting placements. I was warmly welcomed at both schools and really felt part of the teams from the start. I was particularly sad to leave Aylesbury High School as I spent the majority of my training year there and the team, staff and students really made it a life-changing experience for me.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered during your training year?
Getting everything done! The hardest part was when I had a PGCE assignment due and had a busy teaching timetable. The priority, as I worked late into each evening, had to be planning for the lessons I had the next day (last minute, I know) but when I just needed to get my assignment written, I had three or four lessons to finalise for the next day so the assignment had to wait for another day.
What were your 'highlights' and major accomplishments during the training year?
As I was approaching the end of my placement year and I told my classes I was leaving, some of my students told me they wished I would be teaching them next year and were sorry I wouldn't be staying at the school. It made me proud that they wanted me to teach them again.
I was also really excited and proud to present a research project I completed during my enrichment weeks to the Senior Leadership Team at Challoner's.
Would you recommend choosing to do the PGCE modules?
I would definitely recommend the PGCE as it underpins so much of the teacher training in school. If you like research and reading, and getting really immersed in a topic, then you will really enjoy it. I just wish there had been more time to devote to the PGCE during the training year, as there are so many interesting books and papers to read. It was great, however, to do the PGCE at the same time as teacher training, as you really got to put what you were reading into practice in school and to enhance your observations of others.
What are you doing now, and what is your ultimate career ambition?
I am working as a Maths teacher at Aylesbury Grammar School. It's difficult to see beyond the NQT year at the moment but I do have ambitions to work my way up into senior management, building on my skills and experience from my previous career.
What are the three things you wish you had known during your training year that you know now?
The importance of keeping every resource you use when teaching or get given during the year - you are building your own bank of resources for the future and when you come to look for things as an NQT you'll wish you kept better organised files.
Most of your best evidence for the teaching standards will come towards the end of your training year. Collect evidence during the early months of all the things you need to develop and then once you've improved, collect evidence to show you've made progress (which you will).
It's really ok not to know what you're doing. Whether that's part of a topic you're teaching that you need a refresher on or have never done before, or you're struggling with behaviour management - you're expected not to know everything.
What advice do you have for the next Astra cohort of trainees?
Enjoy every minute of your training. They say school days are the best days of your life - well going back to school as a teacher trainee has been the best year of my working life so far.
Find a positive in each lesson you teach even if things go horribly wrong - it's too easy to focus on the negatives.
Get started on your PGCE assignments early!


text:
Key Takeaways
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Make sure you're informed.
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I travel to Asia , Australia and Europe frequently. I have found possible forwarding T-Mobile number to Google Voice number (both California numbers) and I can receive forwarded calls at Hangouts app using Wi-Fi or LTE/4G. Will I incur any T-Mobile charge if I use Hangouts to pick up forwarded calls in Asia, Australia and Europe? Thanks for your answers.
What you've described, I don't think there would be any charge. You need to make sure that the forward is unconditional.
Retrieving data ...
Manage your T-Mobile account
Use the T-Mobile App or your My T-Mobile account
Contact us
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Personalized Finance – Three Speedy & Simple Methods To Boost Your Personal Finances
Many Americans and people in countries in which ready credit is accessible find themselves in higher debt then ever prior to and this tends to make you wonder whether or not you are functioning for oneself or for your creditors. This ends up being a issue of financial spending & handle and if you consider a short moment to reconsider your personal financial wellness, you may well be ready to proper your economic situation right now.
You will discover that many individuals right now are residing from paycheck to paycheck and operating from payday loan provider to another. This report suggests three easy & speedy ways to increase your personalized finances.
First of all, you may want to draw up a Cash flow statement for yourself. This is rather simple to do really. Just take a blank sheet of paper and draw a line in the middle and think about how much money you are earning each month and listing all the sources on the left and total it up at the bottom. Following on the correct column figure out how much money you are spending every single month, such as how significantly interest and financial debt you need to have to repay. Take your credit card statements out and use it to operate by way of this section. As soon as you figure this out, then you will be much better ready to manage your personal finances or at least have a better notion about your spending routines.
Secondly, spending budget to save just before you invest. This idea is taken from many millionaires who advise that you use auto-transfer every month a sum of your cash and both save it or invest it into some issue like true estate. My personal favourite notion is to take a sum of income every single month and use it to purchase my favourite Exchange Traded Fund which operates like a mutual fund only that it just buys up the entire index of stocks. This way you do not need to function about above doing or underperforming the market and the management costs for these funds are actually reduced.
Lastly, now that you know how much money you have left to commit each month, budget how a lot you want to devote each and every month. As horrible as it might appear, consider to pay out for items with income and with a debt card so that you are kept in touch with how much you are in fact spending. Its so simple to flash a credit card and then shed sense of actuality and you only get hit with it at the finish of the month when the bill arrives. So attempt to remind your self continuously about the need to have to steer clear of spending exuberance.
In conclusion, carrying out a basic cash flow statement ever so usually assists to hold oneself reminded of how your spending and investing patterns are each month. Budgeting to save ahead of you commit will make certain that you will retire rather effectively off and budgeting prior to you devote will support you figure out how you want to use your offered funds each month. Bear in mind that the more credit you use on buyer items which drop in value actually quickly, the most the credit card organizations are going to make from you and the less you will have to invest in the extended expression. Take control of your finances these days and you will find your lifestyle starting to seem brighter and happier.
Copyright 2006 Joel Teo. All rights reserved. (You may possibly publish this write-up in its entirety with the following author's details with live back links only.)


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So this neat kid below is my Friend, a Top australian model, is in love with her Roller skates, and once featured in a rather risqué photo shoot for Photographer Darren McDonald via Skype that became an international phenomenon. Who am I talking about ? Caitlin Lomax. After months of debating and arguing she final got her self a blog. The lowdown with Lomax will feature daily Videos updates and photos that Caitlin has taken, giving the reader a day by day insight into a top models hectic life. From shooting with magazines, to just hanging out with friends, It'll all be up there. It's definitely one to keep on the favorites tab.
The Lowdown With Lomax (http://thelowdownwithlomax.tumblr.com/)


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Distance from Uehling, NE to Hallam, NE
Driving distance between Uehling, NE and Hallam, NE is 105.84 miles (or 170.34 kilometers). If you drove an average car (using about 3.6 gallons of gas per mile), the gas would cost you around $, since you would need about gallons of fuel.
Leaving from Uehling, NE you would reach Hallam, NE in about 1 hour 52 mins if you keep an average speed of miles per hour, assuming you don't make any breaks or get stuck in traffic.


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Ideal Spas & Massages Offers In Delhi Ncr
To offer you with the greatest encounter on this web site, cookies are utilised. Though there are different varieties of spa and massages available in the marketplace, Abhyangam massage spa has an edge more than them all. The very good news is that hot stone massage spa is receiving truly well-known in India. You will find a lot of low-cost hotels in Las Vegas but if you happen to be hunting to spending a day by the pool, or catching a show or relaxing in a spa, it makes sense to devote a tiny bit more and book a good hotel. Balance Spa is pleased to supply Spa Enhancements for groups visiting Loews New Orleans Hotel. Most Korean spas in Los Angeles even have sleeping rooms (you can nap on soft mattresses on the floor and you have to be totally clothed if the rooms are co-ed) and they supply superb Korean-style restaurants inside the spa.
Las Vegas is residence to some of the greatest, award-winning spas in the globe like the Spa at Encore exactly where your group will be treated like queens in the Asian-inspired luxury abode. You can sign up for it without having any credit card info, so if your curious, I think it is worth a try just to see what sort of offers they have. DealChicken also characteristics lots of travel associated bargains producing it great for the seasoned traveller.
If you choose to get your deals from coupons that you can use on things you would purchase anyway Coupon Surfer is easily one of the leaders in the field and can give you all the discounts you want straight to your inbox. Essentially the marchant decided not to honour the bargains (vehicle valet, i'd purchased two at £15-50 every single) and simply mentioned ask groupon for a refund. Soak in the hot springs pools , step into Healing Springs Spa for a soothing spa remedy or go for a refreshing stroll along the lakeshore. Of course, the corner stone of the quintessential Vegas experience – hitting the nightclubs for a last evening of unplugged partying. Get a massive discount by getting spa services in packages, either a one-day package which includes a assortment of diverse therapies, or a series of massages from the exact same masseuse or aesthetician. All you want to do to avail these deals is to receive their vouchers and pay a visit to the parlours to redeem them.
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The Spa at The Carlton Club is a excellent haven for private pampering and well-being. Alter into a plush spa robe, recline on a full massage table, and drift away as we take care of every little thing. Buy on-line today for these great deals and if you want a little specialist help and impartial advice, call our friendly booking team on 024 76 71 6192. From last minute spa days and afternoon packages to longer spa breaks for couples and groups, there is so a lot to choose from. The spa menu offers a range of therapies such as Hydrotherapy and Vichy Shower.…


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Monday, 8 March 2010
Icon Home Entertainment
Available now on DVD and Blu-ray
The mother-child bond – sometimes loving, sometimes fractious – is the central theme of this turgid Australian drama from director Ana Kokkinos, structured in the multi-narrative, inter-locking style that has become popular this past decade, most notably in films such as 21 Grams, Crash and Babel.
Blessed is not as good as any of those films though it gives them a good run for their money in the emotional anguish stakes, or at least it attempts to. I was unmoved by Kokkinos's depiction of lost, abandoned and neglected children and their lost, preoccupied or neglectful mothers whose storylines are played out over a single day in Melbourne.
This is a feel bad movie with the only ray of hope coming with the realisation that you're not these people. Viewers certainly aren't expected to identify with the characters and why would they? Lower working class at best, these people are on the fringes of society and I for one couldn't help but be riled by the implied 'look how the other half live' approach.
But then again, most Australian critics loved it and with a cast that includes Debra-Lee Furness, Frances O'Connor and Miranda Otto, I'm sure there will be much appeal for those who didn't catch it at the cinema. As a film, I was unimpressed with Blessed but with its depressing view of parenthood, it should work wonders as a contraceptive.
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Overview of Processing Digital Maps
(book chp 7.2)
This Tutorial Trail can be seen as an excursion from the ROAF into digital maps and navigable networks, which are needed to explore any area on the globe with a real object. The Trail will guide the reader to process OSM deliveries to significantly reduce map data and how to process this data into a cartographic part, a network part, and an administrative part from one map source.
The Life Cycle of a Digital Map
A complete life cycle of a digital map from collecting map data to forming a dedicated product can be outlined in five steps:
1. Collecting map details
The first step to create a digital map is the collection of geometry data in the field, as demonstrated with the recorded traces in the small application MovingObjects. The second major building block is the administration, which describes the political structure of a country and can hardly be determined in the field.
2. Creating maps
After collecting individual traces, field workers can make use of graphical front ends for analysis and modification. The traces are simplified and validated against other sources, like satellite pictures, elevation contours, and existing map data. The geometry is then verified and the points are drastically reduced and labeled with features and attributes describing the real world.
Making digital maps is a never-ending process as the world changes constantly. Accordingly, each digital mapping organization has one main server to hold the map. Field workers "check out" the area of their responsibility, add new content, remove old content, or modify the data, before transferring data back into the live map.
3. Delivering maps
The main map server (or mainframe) runs around the clock to validate the incoming data and to enforce the (company's) map specifications. In given intervals, different parts of the map are extracted from the live map into predefined map coverage and formats. Afterward maps can be enriched with additional (third party) data.
4. Processing maps
Digital maps are gigantic chunks of geocoded data and the mapping company's live maps are designed to hold almost any data collected by field teams. It is important to understand that digital map deliveries are not customized for applications like navigation systems or online maps. It is necessary to process the map deliveries to fit various applications.
This process from map deliveries to a physical storage format (PSF) is usually referred to as map compilation. Map compilers clip data, reorganize data for fast access with low memory consumption, and separate data for rendering, navigation, etc. Each map compiler is build to fit the requirements of the mapping application. While creating maps is a manual effort of many people, processing maps is automated.
5. Using maps
After the vendor of a navigation system, for example, has created a PSF for his system, the system can "read" the map on a physical storage for navigation. A navigation system is completely useless without a digital map and the system can only work with details (features, attributes) available on the map.
|« introduction
|OSM compiler »


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Despite being Australia's seat of government and a hub for diplomatic dealings, Canberra often cops a bit of flack from other large metropolitan Australian cities. While it may not be able to compete with the effortless cool and faster pace of its trendier neighbours, Sydney and Melbourne, a weekend in Canberra is a thoroughly relaxed and refreshing affair.
It's hard not to gush about Canberra's beautiful airport. Exceeding first impressions, the airport's design is rather magnificent. With a sense of grandeur befitting a capital city, it still retains a sense of order and calm. When going through security there are ample bench spaces so weary travellers don't have to try and unpack their laptop on a moving conveyor belt, reducing some of the usual air travel chaos. With free Wi-Fi and a reliable connection you can easily double-check your accommodation bookings as soon as you arrive. There's also an Uber waiting area, and a taxi stand to help you get to your destination.
Because Canberra is simple to navigate and has wide streets and ample cycle paths, cycling is a popular pastime here. With a paper map or Google Maps at your side, you can track your course easily. Aim to plot a course via the beautiful river. With shady trees and ample picnic spots and tourist attractions along the way, cycling is a great way to take in the beauty of this quirky capital. Buses are an option for when the weather turns unsavoury. For this, you can either pay cash or you can pick up a MyWay smartcard. MyWay cards can be purchased from a number of different outlets. Hop on to the Transport Canberra website for more information.
Depending on what time of year you holiday, you may find the weather the most challenging part of working out; 40+ degree heat in summer will turn your workout into a sauna. Sunstroke warnings aside, Canberra has many wonderful tracks for jogging and cycling, or cool down with a swim at Cotter Bend or Pine Island.
Hotel Hotel
Visually inspired by the Australian native landscape, Hotel Hotel is Canberra's most celebrated boutique hotel. Offering complimentary bikes to borrow, the perfect location (within walking or cycling distance of most of many of the major sights) and a taste of Australian design, expect to feel at home here.
25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Originally built to house politician when the Australian Federal Parliament moved to Canberra, the Hyatt is grandness personified. Offering fine service polished off with pristinely-clad staff, service here is polished and personalised. Fun fact: Obama stayed here while in Canberra.
120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla
Little National Hotel
Located close to Parliament House, the Little National Hotel offers cosy spaces with timber-floors and charming rooms with minimal decor. With luxuriously soft linen, reputable service and perks such as free in-house movies, the hotel, which prides itself on offering "affordable luxury", delivers.
21 National Circuit, Barton
Offering a serene, fashionable setting with a touch of nostalgia, XO offers a luxurious dining experience in the capital. With intimate lighting and innovative South East Asian cuisine on offer, XO is approachable and warm, while also able to surprise.
16 Iluka Street, Narrabundah
Offering fresh, seasonal dining in a relaxed setting, Monster's head chef, Sean McConnell, also happens to be the brother of the celebrated Melbourne chef Andrew McConnell. The menu is excellent, introducing diners to uniquely local ingredients (such as yabbies), and delicate, well-rounded mains. Tied to the lobby of Hotel Hotel, Monster's interior is, naturally, also a delight.
25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra
Vegetarian-friendly and bursting with flavor, Parlour is home to a solid, sociable menu. A lively modern wine bar with cosy furnishings and Spanish cuisine, Parlour offer Instagram-worthy serves on artful dinnerware.
16 Kendall Lane, Acton
The Cupping Room
The Cupping Room are very serious about the business of making good coffee. Staff are full of knowledge about the coffee origins and processes and is owned by World Barista Champion 2015, Sasa Sestic. Photo by Seed Press Books.
1/1-13 University Avenue, Canberra
Mocan and Green Grout
Helping to define hospitality in the city, Mocan and Green Grout take pride in bringing Canberran talent to the fore. Delivering fair trade coffee and many delicious dining options, Mocan and Green Grout are on to something good.
1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra
Lonsdale Street Roasters
Driven by the desire to bring good coffee to the capital, Lonsdale Street Roasters offer coffee in many wonderful forms. Scoring a mention in Fairfax Media's Good Food Guide for their food options, this small cafe packs a well-caffeinated punch.
23 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
A. Baker
A. Baker is a restaurant and bakery, proudly sourcing wine and other ingredients from local growers and producers. With a polished, industrial aesthetic and well-balanced offerings, A. Baker is the perfect little haunt. Wine connoisseurs who have their heart set on sampling more of Canberra's unique offerings should head downstairs to explore the speakeasy bar — an intimate, quiet space with exquisite old marine lighting fixtures.
15 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra
Hippo Co
Hippo Bar is a snug little spot with American Midwest-inspired interiors (think cabin in the woods), and a strong selection of whiskeys and spirits on hand. Offering unique cocktail concoctions and a solid range of gins, Hippo is easy to enjoy.
1/17 Garema Place, Canberra
Serving roasted chestnuts and heated cognac in winter, and boasting an impressive selection of spirits, Molly is a local institution and worthy mention. With a speakeasy theme, Molly plays with the notion of being a prohibition-era bar. Their website offers coordinates which lead you to an unmarked door. A heavy wooden door then conceals the inner cosiness of the bar inside. With knowledgeable staff and a relaxed atmosphere, Molly is one of Canberra's finest hidden assets.
35-37 London Circuit, Canberra
Offering simple, beautiful ceramics and a mixture of rugged and elegant textiles, Bisonhome is a homewares and design store with tasteful offerings for space. Adored by Canberrans, Bisonhome will see your luggage expand. They also recently celebrated their 20th birthday, proving the brand's longevity.
6/8 Beltana Rd Pialligo, Canberra
Craft ACT
A not-for-profit design store and gallery, Craft ACT highlight the talents of local Canberra artists and designers. With jewelry, ceramics, glassware and stunning homewares on display, the space's slogan: 'Shop local. Buy unique.' is well and truly fulfilled and offers shoppers a snapshot of local design.
Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit, Canberra
Old Bus Depot Markets
Boasting an eclectic mixture of artisan goods, local produce and art, visiting the Old Bus Depot Markets are an important ritual for many locals. Open every Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00, the markets take place in an industrial old bus depot which has been transformed to welcome local crowds and new visitors.
21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
National Gallery of Australia
Canberra's flagship art gallery, housed in a handsome Colin Madigan-designed bunker, offers a well-curated permanent collection alongside blockbuster exhibitions. The gallery's store offers a snapshot of the contemporary Canberra art scene, and the neighbouring Portrait Gallery acts as the perfect partner.
Parkes Place, Parkes
Canberra's architecture
Between the sun-baked raw beauty that is Canberra's natural landscape, and its plentiful concrete brutalist architecture, the city's unique aesthetic is worth spending time appreciating. Hiring a bike and cycling to the city's galleries and cultural institutions is the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone and enjoy the best of the city's sights along with Canberra's great outdoors. The Australian Academy of Science's Shine Dome and the National Gallery (above) are among our favourites.
Wine country
While we already have dedicated three recommendations to 'drink', for those who haven't quite got enough of a local taste for wine, we recommend you go straight to the source. Hire a car and venture out of the city for a chance to explore some of the area's plentiful wineries. Helm Wines, Lerida Estate and Lark Hill Winery are just a couple of the local favourites.
Stromlo Forest Park
A free space where you can hire out mountain bikes and BMXs, Stromlo Forest Park is close to the city while also being beautifully scenic. With myriad pathways, tracks and jumps to try out, the park is also close to Lake Burley Griffin. Breathe in the fresh air and burn some energy at the same time.
While the name might sound like a medieval fairytale, Questacon is a uniquely Canberra science and technology museum. With interactive exhibitions, displays and programs about the world around us, Questacon is educational, hands-on and memorable. For kids who are curious about the world, prepare to spend a decent amount of time here.
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra Glassworks
The Glassworks offer wonderful items to marvel at and even purchase, but did you know they also host classes? Held on the first weekend of every month and designed for kids over 14 (and adults) to learn how to glass blow, make glass beads and try their hand at glass engraving, each class offers something a little bit different. Photo by Wendy Dawes.
11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
The ActewAGL Canberra Show
The National Multicultural Festival
Enlighten Festival
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Canberra Comedy Festival
National Folk Festival
Groovin the Moo
Canberra Truffle Festival
World Curry Festival in the City
Design Canberra


text: Walmart U.S. to hire more temporary holiday workersAlso moving 35,000 workers from temporary to part-time statusBy Jessica Wohl09/23/2013|hrreporter.com|Last Updated: 09/23/2013 (Reuters) — Wal-Mart Stores said on Monday it plans to hire 55,000 temporary staff to work at its Walmart U.S. stores during the holiday season, up roughly 10 per cent from 2012, as it gears up for a competitive winter. Consumers remained cautious amid a slow economic recovery. Also, more shopping online has been drawing sales from traditional stores. On Monday, consulting firm Deloitte said it expected sales to rise four per cent to 4.5 per cent for the November-to-January period, versus 4.5 per cent growth a year earlier. It expects a 12.5 per cent to 13 per cent increase in non-store sales, the bulk of which are done online. Last week, research firm ShopperTrak said it saw U.S. holiday sales growing at a slower pace than in recent years and that shoppers would likely go to stores less often.RELATED ARTICLESNAIT squad wins HRC West competitionFinding talent, engagement top HR trends for 2019CPHR Canada, SHRM sign MRA In addition to the 55,000 seasonal workers, Walmart U.S. also said it would move more than 35,000 employees from temporary to part-time status, and another 35,000 from part-time to full-time. This year, the retailer has been pushing to give part-time staff the chance to sign up for extra shifts and hiring temporary workers to fill the shifts that part-time and full-time workers do not take. In September 2012, Walmart U.S. announced plans to hire more than 50,000 temporary workers for that holiday season. It did not disclose how many it ultimately ended up hiring. Last week, Target said it planned to hire about 70,000 seasonal workers, down from the year before, while offering its year-round staff the chance to work more hours. Kohl's Corp said it planned to hire more than 50,000 workers, up slightly from a year earlier.© Copyright Canadian HR Reporter, HAB Press. All rights reserved. Add Comment * Title * Name * Email Anonymous * Comment


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My gift to you
Free desktop wallpaper to pretty up your computer
Find one that tickles your fancy and follow the instructions to make it your own :)
If you have a PC:
Right click the image and save it to your computer.
2. The image should download. Find it on your computer, right click and select "set as desktop background."
You're all done! The new wallpaper is now on your desktop screen - enjoy!
If you have a Mac:
Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
Click Desktop & Screen Saver.
From the Desktop pane, select a folder of images on the left, then click an image on the right to change your desktop picture.


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01384 398 870 Make an enquiry
We're excited to announce that the Brecon Beacons, home to our flagship Adventure Centre, has been named one of the best National Parks in Europe.Covering 519 square miles and featuring stunning mountain ranges, reservoirs, caves, water falls and one of the largest lakes in Wales, it's easy to see why. The Lonely Planet Guide has name-checked this Welsh destination alongside 7 other National Parks in Iceland, Norway and Greece.
Our popular Adventure centre is set in this picturesque destination, in the pretty village of Llangorse, renowned for its large lake and mountain scenery. Families travel from all across the UK to visit this leading location and enjoy an exciting family adventure holiday in the beautiful Brecon Beacons. Activities include a whole host of water sports from kayaking to paddle boarding and a huge array of land-based activities from high ropes to climbing.
Accommodation is in either camping pods, set on the shores of Llangorse Lake, or pre-erected tents (with proper beds) at our 17-acre campsite up the road from the lake.
Activities, meals and accommodation are all included and our family holidays are incredible value for money, costing as little as £119 per person.
Find out more here.


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The The review, Royal Albert Hall: part comeback, part requiem, all extraordinary
When The The announced their first concerts for 16 years last September, the shows sold out in minutes. However, a shadow was cast over the comeback when singer Matt Johnson announced on Saturday that his beloved father, Eddie, had died unexpectedly.
Johnson's grief was palpable. His family is famously close, and he's already had to deal with the death of two brothers. He said in a statement at the weekend that he was unable to cancel this week's concerts due to the "massive financial implications". But he added that recently his father made "my brother Gerald and I promise that if anything were to happen to him we would both carry on… and make him proud."
All of which made the first London...


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This post may contain affiliate links.
Jesus is the Anchor for My Soul
The Stress of the Storm
"In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm." -Corrie ten Boom
Last week I faced a few storms of my own. The first storm was that all three of my kids got sick last week with (I'm assuming) the flu. They were out of school for 7 days. It was the worst round of flu my kids have ever faced. The second storm was problems on and off with the blog and things relating to it. The third storm was my kids acting up way more than they usually do. It was to the point where I almost grounded my son for two months. I wanted to pull my hair out. I joked with my friend about getting gray hairs from that stressful week and wouldn't you know... my husband found a gray hair last night. **Covers eyes in shame** I keep trying to convince myself that it was just a platinum blonde hair.
These trials in this one week seem really small but when you are facing the storm it feels much bigger than it is. Everyone experiences tests and trials. Some trials are worse than others.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Hebrews 6:19. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." God keeps us anchored. We are firm and secure in him. Though we go through tests and trials, we can trust that we are firm and secure. We can trust that God will bring us through and we will be much stronger on the other side. God didn't promise an easy life, he promised to help us through it. He is my anchor in the waves, when the waves come crashing down, and in the wind.
"Life has a way of testing our anchors and tempting us to drift. Nevertheless, if our anchors are correctly placed in the rock of our Redeemer, they will hold no matter the force of the wind, the strength of the tide, or the height of the waves." -Dieter F Uchtdorf
The Anchor Holds
Even though my kids were sick, my blog faced problems, and the kids were acting up God helped me through that trying week.
I could have lost my cool or I could have given up. But, instead, I prayed for forgiveness for feeling like I couldn't make it another day with the kids sick, I read my Bible every day for strength and gave it all to God to help me make it through.
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast. (Hebrews 6:19)
In every storm, we need to remember that we can lean on God. We may feel alone and like we are carrying burdens by ourselves but he loves us and will be there for us through every test and trial.
The anchor holds in spite of the storm. When you feel like you're drowning in life always remember that your lifeguard walked on water. Jesus' love has always been my anchor. Without Jesus as my anchor, I'll go adrift. Jesus is the one who guides me and he never holds me down. I know that I will always have Jesus there with me no matter what.
In Closing
Mightier than the waves of the sea is his love for you. -Psalm 93:4
He will never let you drown, he will never let you down. He loves his children with a steadfast, unconditional love.
When you go through trials and tests, turn to God and give it to him. Lay it at his feet and he will take the burden and guide you through the storm.
When we go through storms in life we need to remember that "It is well with my soul".
Do you feel that Jesus is your anchor?
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Schleich Horse Club Review New Horses & Riders
Summer has an array of Schleich toys, but these are her first from the new horses and riders range - she has fallen in love with them. She can't stop playing with them, and takes her horses with her everywhere.
All the horses each come with a rider, a rubber saddle, bridle and reins, all of which are fitted to the horse - the saddles are colour co-ordinated with their rider.
The horses and the riders are life like (as you find with all Schleich figures), they are sturdy and really easy to play with. The detail and painting enhance the play experience; Schleich figures offer an educational play value, and they are lovely to collect too - they will last a lifetime.
The riders arms and legs bend and adjust, so you can stand them, or position them to sit on their horses perfectly.
We were sent 4 horses and riders to review:
Sofia and Blossom - Sofia didn't choose the andalusian mare Blossom.
Hannah and Cayenne - Hannah is a passionate Western rider.
Lisa and Storm Figure - Lisa is a talented showjumper and has won more medals than anyone else in Lakeside.
Sarah and Mystery - There's nothing Sarah likes better than riding over open fields, wading through streams and galloping through the forest with mystery.
Schleich Horse Club Horses and Riders are the perfect addition to our ever growing Schleich collection - We've already had a look on the Schleich website to see what other figures, accessories and playsets from the New Horses and Riders ranger Summer would love on her Christmas gift list.
You can buy these from most toy shops or online, including at Amazon.


text: Maybe it has something to do with sensory development or something, but seriously what is it about finger foods and kids? I'm not complaining, I'm just wondering why my children opt to use their hands to eat instead of their forks (and I'm not just talking about my 1 year old). Most of the time I demand table manners and the use of modern eating utensils, but to curb whatever primal need they have to use their hands to eat, I make finger food. Over the last several years we've come a long way in teaching our children how to make good, healthy food choices. (Here is our family's 5 Philosophies for Raising Healthy Eaters). No more mystery meat chicken nuggets or bleached wheat flour pizza dripping with cheese. Now-a-days I make made-from-scratch, gluten free finger food that tastes good and is good for you too! Having fun eating it is a bonus ;)


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Automotive/Vehicle Beacon – Xenon (4 Colors)
Available in a single, double and triple flash version. The Xenon Beacon comes standard with a twirly cord that fits in the lighter socket of the vehicle and a magnetic base.
Voltage: 12 – 18 Vdc
Colour: Red, Amber, Green and Blue
Light Source: Xenon tube – 1.5 Joules
Flash Rate: Xenon – 45 to 80 flashes p/min (Depending on setting)
Weight: 850g
Packing Dimensions: 130x130x130mm


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Bridging the gap between FM & HR/
Ian heads over to Copenhagen on 21-22 February to record a Danish mini-series of Workplace Matters podcast episodes (check the January newsletter for more about this) and to speak at the quarterly ISS Business Forum, hosted from their global HQ.
The event topic is "what does it take to make FM and HR collaborate?" and 3edges will present alongside Gallup, EY, Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies and hosts ISS. It should be a fascinating and provocative event, including the concluding panel debate.
You don't have to attend the event in person. It's streaming live on Thursday 22 February from 3-5pm CET - please sign up for the global stream here to be part of the event.
If you would like Ian to speak at your corporate event or conference, please get in touch.


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|Meryl Davis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy dance the Argentine tango. Courtesy of ABC/Adam Taylor.
When I first heard (during the Good Morning America segment in which the new cast was announced) about this "switch" concept, I was enthused. I envisioned a path in which favorite dancers who had been voted off could reappear with new partners. Well, that's not at all how this happened. (Sorry, Karina! *pouts*)
I also pictured partners being switched mid-season, stuck with other partners for the rest of the season (which would've been interesting). That is also not what happened.
No, in the final analysis, this Switch thing will go down (like the Glitter Pit before it) as a grand failure. What is very interesting about this week, though, is why.
I knew, on some level, that the "stars" would be more comfortable with partners with whom they'd already built up a rapport. What I really had no idea about was how much like a fish out of water they really were, in the arms of other partners. No one (except Val and Meryl, above) really seemed comfortable with other partners.
Consequently, and sadly for us viewers, where we had been having really dynamic amazing dances the past few weeks, almost without exception, they were less than they could've been. It was, pretty much, like Week 1 all over again, except with their real partners, they also have a few weeks' of prep time. So more like Week Minus 1 or something. Blech. Please don't do this again, ABC. It so didn't work.
Now, that said, we did have some interesting things happening.
For example, I was wondering who would be paired up with NeNe. (I was hoping for Maks.) It ended up being Derek. Derek, who, with his regular partner Amy Purdy, holds her tightly and close, almost didn't touch NeNe at all. It was very interesting. Not sure I really dug it. (Although it looked FANTASTIC!).
OTOH, the pairing I was most hoping for/waiting for was to see Mark Ballas (whom I just love) with Amy Purdy. It is not easy dancing with a dancer with disabilities. It requires someone with sensitivity and kindness and a different way of looking at things. In short, if it couldn't be Derek, it had to be Mark Ballas.
And their pairing did not disappoint. It certainly seemed to both stretch and enliven Mark and Amy. It was a wonderful salsa.
Those three were my main favorites from this night. Other things of note: Drew Carey had a gold suit (and shoes!). Sharna and Cody were revelling in their Aussie-ness. Maks and Danica did a fun jive. And Charlie should never ever ever wear his hair like that again. Whew!
Also of note, Derek Hough, DWTS resident dance genius, seems to have taken on more of a creative role with the show this season. That played out most effectively when Macy's Stars of Dance returned.
Very glad Derek is in this role, too. His vision about dance is just breathtaking. They did some cool things with slo-mo in camera that were visually just amazing to watch, and about as state-of-the-art as you can get.
Derek's sister, Julianne, was guest judge on this evening (not quite as nasty as she was last time). She mentioned that she and Derek are going to be touring with a dance show later this year. Mark your calendars for that.
Erin Andrews' outfits (black and white each week, with maybe a pop of color) are really starting to annoy. After being spoiled every week with Brooke Burke, who always had fantastic clothes, Ms. Andrews' wardrobe does leave quite a bit to be desired. Still really glad she's there, though.
Worth mentioning is that one of the casualties of letting go of the entire orchestra is that this week's music (which seemed to rely more on tapes than people playing and/or singing) was consistently off, though the dancers seemed to dance through it. It's pretty important that the music play when it's supposed to. Here's hoping they can work all that out sometime soon.
Meanwhile, back to the normally scheduled Dancing with the Stars next week, with regular partners in tow. And someone again eliminated (thankfully).


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Jess made this two-minute video for today, the 11th day of the 11th month.
Remembrance Day
2 comments to "Remembrance Day"
jez said, at 9:14 pm on November 17th, 2009 :
I can't raise this…is it my machine ?
Spiderman said, at 4:22 pm on November 18th, 2009 :
yes quite possibly, I had the same problem but it was IE wanting permission to play it, do you have a similar blocking mechanism


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Can't Shut Me Up!/
Have you ever been driving down the road just minding your own business and suddenly thoughts start bombarding your mind…
"You're a failure."
"You'll never have enough money."
"You'll never make it."
"No one cares about you."
If you're not careful you can begin to accept those thoughts and your mood, mindset, and actions will go in that direction. You and ONLY YOU have the power to choose what you will think on.
What I've learned to do, after years of mental anguish, is when the enemy tries to plant those negative thoughts in my head…IMMEDIATELY I start saying the exact opposite of whatever is trying to get me discouraged and down. And If I'm alone in my car or my house, I say it out loud and VERY LOUDLY, so the thoughts in my mind have to shut up!
I used to meditate on those thoughts and whatever popped in my head, I accepted as truth. BUT NO MORE! I start letting the devil know right away…
He's a liar!
He's defeated!
I'm a child of God!
I'm a success!
God supplies all my needs!
and on and on…it shuts those thoughts up right away!
The louder the thoughts get, the LOUDER I'm going to speak the Word!
You must SAY what the Word says…
Mark 11:23 says, ""Truly I tell you, if anyone SAYS to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." (NIV)
It's time for you to start talking to your mountains. Whatever it is that tries to get you overwhelmed, depressed, stressed out over…you start talking to it!
"Nope, you're not going to stress me out bills, because my God shall supply all my needs!"
"Not going there stress, because the peace of God rules and reigns in my heart and mind."
"Sickness you don't win, because by the stripes of Jesus I am already healed!"
The devil will do anything he can to shut you up, he doesn't want to hear you quoting the Word in times of crisis…but that's when you need to shout it the loudest! Let him know right now, "You can't shut me up!"
Quote those scriptures!
Turn that praise music up!
Play that faith building message!
It reminds me of the story of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10. He was sitting by the roadside begging, but he heard that Jesus was nearby. He began to shout for him, but many rebuked him and told him to be quiet. But I love what verse 48 says, "but he shouted all the more…" He wouldn't be quiet, they couldn't shut him up because he knew the Deliverer had come to town! His freedom had come. His relief had come.
So, I'm telling you today…the second those negative thoughts try to creep in and take over…you begin to say the opposite! When you begin to do that, you will show the devil who's boss. He has no power over you and can't control your thought life…speak the word ONLY!
You can do ALL things through Christ which strengthens you! (Phil 4:13)
Love, Jerriann
P.S. Please click the heart below, so I know that you are reading…thanks!


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Truth: We can exist in our own power while others exist in theirs
Good People, how many of us are humble to a fault? Don't get me wrong, humility is among my favorite qualities in a person and a space that I strive to exist within; however, some of the literal definitions of humility are not exactly something that I feel we should fully ascribe to.
Google's Dictionary defined humility as " a modest or low view of one's own importance." Merriam-Webster's Dictionary's definition states, among other things, "freedom from pride or arrogance."
It's interesting how a characteristic that many of us value so much, one that often results with deep reflection and audit of our actions and words, has phaseology included in its definition that can be interpreted as encouraging us to limit life potential.
How many of us have made a statement about work, future plans or our dreams and then quickly said something to downplay, out of fear of seeming too arrogant or not wanting to appear boastful?
The definition that I align most with is "freedom from arrogance." I don't think it serves us or anyone else to have a lowly view of ourselves and what we bring to this world; I also don't think a lack of pride does any good.
In order to go about that work that we are doing or the work that we dream of doing, we must exist in a space rooted in the notion that there isn't anyone else out there that can do these things in the manner that we can. I believe humility is about embracing our uniqueness so strongly that we can, without pause, create space to celebrate and embrace that of others.
My guest Marc Clarke, in Season 1, spoke to this. "A lot of people are afraid to say 'I want to be a superstar — I want to be the man, I want to the woman." As long as we are not putting down or infringing upon someone else's claim to super stardom in their own right, what is wrong with embracing that notion? There's plenty of room for us to exist in our power and everyone else to fully exist in theirs. There is an abundance of wealth, health, happiness and dream fulfillment "out there" to be had, if we set our mind, intention and focus toward it. Get out your own way and be truthful about who you are. If you are a Boss — claim that S%@t!
What is more powerful than the truth? The truth of who YOU are. Remember, Good People, the truth will set you free, if you let it….


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Today's Protest at David L. Moss Correction Center
Our protest this afternoon was a warm-up for things to come. We asked that Rapid Response Teams 1 and 2 lead the way, and twenty protesters joined the action. The turnout was sufficiently robust to suggest future success. Rev. Prose led off with a call to action and we proclaimed the names of all who have been detained under ICE auspices in the last several days. We are asking Rapid Response Teams 3 and 4 to take the lead next Friday, May 2 at noon so that we continue to build out our efforts and gain strength and experience.
All are invited to attend, including those who came this afternoon, along with Rapid Response Teams 5 and 6 (who have not yet been officially called). If you plan to join us, please convene at the front entrance of the Brady Theater at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday. We'll distribute T-shirts and bull horns, and take the short walk to the front of the jail. Please help us grow our protests.


text: Carri Twigg represents so much of what is GOOD and GREAT in this world. She was at the top of my dream list when I started the series a couple months ago and today I get to share the 10th installment with you all. At a young age Carri worked her way up at the White House under President Obama and Vice President Biden, today she continues that work in her own way. Having courage is more important than ever, she embodies this trait to a perfection and I'm inspired by her every day.


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Wood floor cleaning can be easily accomplished, but it's important to keep a few things in mind. It's certainly not difficult to care for your wood flooring, and it's a good idea to do so to keep the wear and tear down to a minimum. Wood floor cleaning will reward the worker handsomely – with a beautifully kept floor.
Of course, if you think this task is not for you, you can always find a good cleaner in your area. Wood floor cleaners may be harder to find that the usual tile or carpet cleaners but if you are living in an area like Charlotte, North Carolina or Los Angeles, California, the task of searching would be easier as there would be more options in bigger cities.
It's a good idea to get to know your hardwood floor. Find out what kind of wood it is made from, and check to make sure that the underlying layer and topcoat finish are in good order. If you detect a few signs of disregard, never fear – for these are easily fixed. Soon your hardwood floors will be shining and gorgeous.
For wood floor cleaning, cleaning solid hardwood floors is among the easiest of tasks and you can protect the integrity and beauty of your flooring with a few different methods. When it comes to your hardwood floor, damage prevention is the key. Dirt, sand, and other grimy substances are a wood floor's least favorite companions. Such filth works to scratch and wear away the surface of your flooring, and if this happens to a fault, all the wood floor cleaning won't help you.
Dents and dulling are not easily fixed, so simply keep as much dirt and sand out of your house as is possible. Keep a pair of house shoes by your front door, so that when you enter you can switch shoes. Or, simply take your shoes off at the door and wear only your socks inside.
Water and other liquids can hinder your wood floor cleaning ritual as well – standing water can warp a wood floor, especially if that floor is not finished very well. It's important to clean up all liquid spills as soon as they are noticed, in order to avoid unnecessary damage to the wood. Another way to prevent damage is to not use soaps made with oil. A residue left behind by the soap can build up and block a maintenance coat – use a pH cleaner designed especially for wood floors.
Moving furniture across a wood floor is not a good idea – this could potentially cause scratching on the floor. Vacuums with beater bars can cause dents, so if you're going to vacuum you should only use a vacuum that has a brush attachment. The sun can actually hinder your wood floor cleaning in as well. The sun can cause discoloration – so keep curtains or blinds closed as much as possible.
To actually partake in wood floor cleaning, sweep the floor with a finely bristled broom – one with exploded ends in order to trap as much dust and dirt as possible. For vacuuming, there are also canister vacuums that come with bare floor attachments. Dust mops are all the rage these days, and one with a larger cotton head (about eighteen inches) is a good bet for your wood floor cleaning.


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She wrote this song with Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol. It is a duet, he starts off by telling his side of the story and Taylor then tells hers.
Who is it about?
|courtesy of taylorswift.com
It is interesting she uses the word "swear" here too, a word she used in "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" to describe "Then you come around again and say 'baby, i miss you and i swear i'm gonna change'". The two are connected.
And we have already established, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is about Jake Gyllenhaal! Further hints come in the music video.
This is a screen shot from "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together". The guy appears twice in the video at her door, one time he is leaving and looking confused at the door, the next he is knocking at the door wanting to come back. In this song the guy "find[s] myself at your door/Just like all those times before." He then implies he wants to get back together by saying, "This is the last time i'm asking you this/Put my name at the top of your list." But it is very hard for Taylor, "You find yourself at my door/Just like all those times before/You wear your best apology/But I was there to watch you leave/And all the times I let you in/Just for you to go again." He comes to the door, apologizes, but then leaves, breaks up with her, and then asks to come back again. The use of the word again means he has done this before and what word is in WANEGBT? The word again, "Then you come around again and say 'baby, i miss you and i swear i'm gonna change'".
Click here for lyrics to the song, "The Last Time."
The last hint may be one specifically for Jake to let him know what caused her so much pain, LA ON YOUR BREAK. In between promoting his film "Love and Other Drugs" he went to his house in LA in December 2010. Taylor joined him for a while and then went back to New York. She had a party for her birthday, but he stayed in LA. From the song The Moment I Knew Taylor says, "You said you'd be here, you said you'd be here". But her never came for her and she was crushed. This was the last straw, "the moment I knew". It was her 21st birthday, a big deal birthday and he wasn't there.
(This is probably my least favorite song on the album. I like it, but I do not love it like I love the other songs. I think it is Gary Lightbody's influence. She wrote it with him and to me it sounds like a Snow Patrol song, not a Taylor Swift song. I like some Snow Patrol songs, just not their slow songs.)


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1From George Washington to Abraham Bosomworth, 8 December 1756 (Washington Papers)
I am informed you have enlisted one Patrick Murphy a Deserter from my Regiment who was confined in the Goal at York, tho' you had previous knowledge of his being so. You must be sensible such proceedings are repugnant to the public interest, and contrary to established articles of war; to say nothing of the ill effects that follow precedents of this nature. The suspicion of a Soldiers...
2From George Washington to Abraham Bosomworth, 6 July 1758 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Abraham Bosomworth, 6 July 1758. On 11 July Bosomworth wrote to GW : "I recd your favor of the 6th."


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Business Led Secure DC Training for Account Managers (BLSDC)
Detailed Course Outline
PART ONE - Creating and Detecting the Opportunity
- Positioning Security as a Business Enabler
- Market and Business Drivers
- Secure DC Case Studies
- Identifying Business Challenges and Business Impact
- Identifying Business and Security Initiatives
- Researching for Initiatives
- Group Exercise
- Each group is given a different case study and asked to identify what challenges exist within the business and what is the impact of having those challenges and what initiatives (DC, security or business) the customer is planning and the potential data center threats to those initiatives
- Positioning our Solutions
- Secure DC Use Cases
- Solutions for a Basic DC
- Solutions for a Remote Access DC
- Solutions for a Virtualised DC
- Solutions for a Multi-Tenant DC
- Positioning Cisco DC and DC Security solutions
- Group Exercise
Each group will now work on their case study to what type of DC they have, which solutions (DC or security) may be relevant to their customers and complete a template that shows their customer's business challenges, impacts, initiatives and goals, the potential threats to those and the possible Cisco solutions.
PART TWO – Customer Engagement
- Linking Initiatives and Stakeholders
- Identifying Stakeholders
- Approaching Key Stakeholders
- Key Stakeholders and Buyers
- DC Security Care-abouts and Needs
- Engaging & approaching the DC Manager, CSO, CFO and CIO
- Sample Questions
- Group Exercise
Each group will now work on their case study to identify one key strategic initiative, three key stakeholders and agree three key questions to ask
PART THREE – Setting the Criteria to Win
- Losing the Data Center
- The Attach Chain
- An Integrated Approach - The Attack Continuum
- The Architectural Differentiator
- The Cisco Architectural Differentiator
- Driving the Architectural Sale
- Success Story
- Group Exercise
Each group will now work on their case study to identify a positioning statement on why Cisco's DC and Security solutions and approach is unique and its value to their customer
PART FOUR – Differentiation and Objection Handling
- Dispelling DC Myths
- Cisco the Market Leader
- Our Competitors
- Key Differentiation
- Resistance to Change Exercise
- Why Cisco for DC Security
- DC and Security Advanced Services
- Additional Resources and Promotions
- Group Exercise
Each group will now work on their case study to agree the top objections that may be raised and how to handle those from a business and technical perspective.
PART FIVE – Final Presentation
- Group Exercise
- Each team will now create a CxO pitch on how Cisco DC solutions and DC Security will enable the business to implement its Business Initiatives and meet its strategic objectives
- Debrief
- Summary
- Summary
- Wrap


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Eberlestock MultiPack Pouch
Product Description
The A2MP MultiPack is an ideal tool for carrying your binoculars, calls, flashlights, batteries, and any other small items that you'll want ready and easy access to. It can be suspended from your pack's harness (with optional harness straps) and worn as a chest pack, or mounted to any of the Padlock matrixes on our backpacks. It can even be worn on your pants belt, making this about the simplest and most convenient fanny pack that you could ever ask for. We think you'll enjoy the quality and versatility of this pouch.
Add the chest harness suspender kit for only $7.00.
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Product Reviews
Very useful front pouch
Posted by Alan D French on 14th Jun 2017
For years I've tried to find a functional front pouch for items not worth stopping to retrieve from the main pack (binos, bug spray, water bottle, etc.). This pouch is not perfect due to the somewhat smallish side pockets, the pocket closure design, and the less than easy access to the main compartment. But it is better than any others I've found, and the suspension system is quite good. Material quality is excellent, as is manufacture. Overall, it seems acceptable.


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Hi Everyone, Please see the details from our latest release below:
Emails - Out of office: Just in time for the holiday season, you will now be able to set up an out of office. For more details on how this works and how to set it up, click HERE
Document Workflow - Keep Backs: If you're using the strict audit settings and a property has insufficient funds when processing invoices via the document workflow, Palace will now automatically add a keep back for this pending invoice.
Mail Merge Field - New: We have added 'Owner Mail Merge Inclusion' to our list of available merge fields. This can be used in custom views as well as Owner type document templates. This merge field allows you to apply rules to include/exclude owners from your custom views depending on the below setting.
Invoice Supplier - Duplications: Entering multiple invoices at once, or maybe using our handy rapid entry feature for invoices? If so, you will now receive a pop-up warning if the system picks up on any potential duplicate invoices. If Palace picks up that you have already entered an invoice for the same property, supplier or amount into the 'unprocessed' area of your transaction screen, you will receive the below warning to confirm upon clicking on process: Please note: this is simply a warning so you can choose to proceed or choose to cancel.
Online Files - Format: We found some clients of Macquarie bank were having issues with their online file not being accepted when uploaded via Palace. This applied to clients 'not' using the general Macquarie bank ABA format but instead required an ANSI type format. We have updated the format of these files once generated, meaning that you will no longer experience any further issues with your online file uploads.
Transactions - Invoice Tenancy: This area will now pick up the agent as the 'primary agent' as set up in the property screen. Previously, this would default to the agent that was at the top of the list in alphabetical order.
Transactions - Bank Import: During the importing of your bank statement, you have the option to update the tenant's match code & AP record. Now when this updates, if there are any changes made to the amount/expected date & Receipt Period these areas will also update and save in the tenant's payment details area.
Transactions - Apply-to Drop Down: Applicable to our MAC users only! When entering an invoice tenancy, Receipt Tenancy Invoice or Refund Tenancy Invoice you would have a bit of a delay when adjusting the apply-to drop down with the ledger names showing up eg. Changing it from applying to the owner, to be applied to a ledger, the ledger names would not show as a drop-down option immediately. This has been fixed and will not update instantaneously as expected.


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A resource for informing patients and caregivers about Multiple Sclerosis, its possible causes, effects, and treatments. Get the most current information on new developments, clinical trials and other important matters for anyone dealing with MS.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
MS society suspends NI council
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Britain and Northern Ireland today suspended the entire council of the charity in Northern Ireland.
It made the move at a board meeting after deciding a breakdown in communication between the local council and the governing body was preventing provision of the best service possible to MS sufferers in Northern Ireland.
A total of 38 people were suspended — the chairmen and secretaries of each of the 19 branches across Northern Ireland.
MS Society chief executive Simon Gillespie said: "We have taken these steps with great reluctance as a result of a lack of co-operation from officers and senior staff at the MS Society of Northern Ireland, which we believe is not in the interests of people with MS.
"The priority of the trustees is to make sure that the best possible support is available to everyone living with MS." He said their short-term goal was to ensure service provided to people with MS in Northern Ireland, particularly at their Resource Centre in Belfast, would continue.
"In the longer term, we are putting in interim arrangements to make sure our members and branches in Northern Ireland are fully consulted over how the MS Society is run in the future," said Mr Gillespie.
He said he wanted personally to appeal to staff and volunteers to work alongside the society board to ensure people with MS were not affected by the suspensions.
Chairman Tony Kennan said the MS Society UK-wide provided a lot of support to the MS community in Northern Ireland and wanted to strengthen their presence in the province.
He said: "We want the MS Society in Northern Ireland to return as soon as possible to being an organisation run by local people, providing the best possible services to people with MS, as part of a UK-wide MS Society with all the benefits that brings."
© 2007 ireland.com


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"When it comes to designing events, experience is worth it's weight in gold."
Your executive team comes to you…"Let's hold a conference." You handle a lot of projects for your firm but wouldn't exactly call yourself an event planner. How hard could this be though? Figure out the who, what, when and wheres. Management can keep the why.
Seriously, before you make a call to an event production company to "put on a show," be absolutely sure you're NOT making these common mistakes. Really. Don't do it!
Mistake Number One: Lack of purpose.
Don't be the company that says they want to hold an event, and yet doesn't really know what they want to achieve.
For example, do you want to achieve company wide uniformity, employee engagement, introduce a product or service, reward employees, show your growth, or a combination of these goals? Many customers already know the answer to these questions, but some still need to reflect on their objectives. Figure these things out before you make the call. Start with the end in mind.
Think about what the firm would consider a successful event, and what you want the executive team to say when it's all wrapped up. We all have someone to answer to and we all know which way things roll.
Mistake Number Two: Relying on in-house resources.
If your firm wants an external event, then don't just bring the office to them. They want more than your two-person web meeting.
Similarly, don't believe that you get what you pay for when it comes to in-house AV at the venue. Those costs aren't promising you a team of technicians that can provide secure speaker content management, flawless audio and video recordings, audience polling, webcasting, photography, program registration, and on-site staffing for hundreds or even thousands of event participants. They just guarantee that someone will be there. And when it doesn't work, well, ask someone in charge.
Mistake Number Three: Ignoring event follow up.
Okay, so you had a great event. Now comes the follow up. Your boss is about the bottom line, so collection and summary of event data, like post-show surveys and polling, is important. Marketing needs someone to edit live recordings for website placement and social media content, and distribute of all of the above to attendees. Accounting wants someone to reconcile the event's actual expenses to the budget. Who will handle the myriad details afterwards? Have you done it before, on top of your regular, day-to-day responsibilities?
An event without follow up is like a super fun first date without hope of a second one - because you forgot to exchange contact info. It was wonderful in the moment, and everyone is basking in the afterglow. But then you (and they) never call. What happens now?
Mistake Number Four: Literally everything else.
Call it Murphy's Law, or just poor planning. Smart companies know that if anything can go wrong, it probably will. For example - your next presenter wants to use some equipment that wasn't previously ordered, a piece of equipment fails mid-show, or maybe the event nextdoor is using a lot of equipment that causes a power outage. Pop-up requests and mishaps are surprising to everyone (including you). And who will get blamed?
The Solution
Take a deep breath, be smart, and understand that experience is worth its weight in gold. Part of the benefit of working with specialists like Enliven Production Group is that we safeguard your event as much as possible before it starts.
The next time you're thinking about "putting on a show," call us. Before we begin planning any event with a client, we help them articulate their vision for it (mistake #1). We call this discovery process our Success Alignment Study, or SAS. It may seem simple, but we ask our customers a series of key questions to determine the purpose of the event. Then, we work together to establish goals and objectives. This helps us guide our clients to the services they need for success.
Those services include graphic content development for slides, printed banners, digital signage, branded charging stations, and more, as well as site logistics, custom scenic design, audio and video module production, app development, script writing, and whatever else you can dream up. All our production services (mistakes #2 and #3) are designed and developed by experts to reach your target audience. Odds are we've seen it before, and know what to watch out for (mistake #4).
So whether you're embarking on your first event or your 99th, don't make these big mistakes that will hamstring your event before it even launches. That's why we offer complete design and development of services for your event – no matter the size, location or duration. Because after 15 years of producing upscale conferences, corporate meetings and special events, Enliven Production Group has it down.


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Automn Leafs Fallen Of Trees
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Description: Automn leafs fallen of trees
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