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The Caribbean is one of the most popular places around the world to vacation. In fact, there are many eco retreats in the Caribbean that you can enjoy. Whether you want to enjoy your vacation at a fancy resort or a comfortable lodge, you can do so in the Caribbean. If you would like to travel to this fantastic place then learn more about the top 4 eco-retreats in the Caribbean.
#1: Trinidad Asa Wright Nature Center and Lodge
The Asa Wright Nature Center and Lodge is the best destination and eco-retreat in the Caribbean. It was created during 1967 by many people who loved nature and they really wanted to protect the wildlife too. This Center and Lodge has many interesting birds that you can view on your vacation. You can even volunteer to help the wildlife there for between 2 weeks and 12 weeks. This place is full of beauty.
#2: St. John Concordia Eco-Tents
Another great eco-retreat in the Caribbean is the St. John Concordia Eco-Tents. The Concordia Eco-Tents are in the Virgin Islands and there you will see many pieces of fine art that are made from all recycled materials. You can go to clay studios and many beautiful galleries too. The tents there look like spectacular villas and the view is amazing too. You will be able to go on hikes and go snorkeling as well. There are many things to do in the National Park there including diving, yoga, volunteering and snorkeling.
#3: Anguilla CuisinArt Resort and Spa
In Anguilla, the CuisinArt Resort and Spa is very high luxury and they grow their food from a hydroponic farm. During 1999, their resort was made from a greenhouse and they farm many tasty foods. The majority of the food in this resort and spa is all-natural and organic too. The vacationers can visit the garden where they farm their foods and they can even assist in the harvesting process with cooking lessons as well. This place just may be one of the most fantastic eco-resorts in the Caribbean.
#4: Dominican Republic Natura Cabanas and the Attabeyra Spa
Another great eco-resort in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic Natura Cabanas and the Attabeyra Spa. If you want a place where you can truly relax then this is the place for you. The nature in this area is the most intriguing you will ever see. The cabanas were created with Feng Shui in mind and they are made from great materials such as bamboo and mahogany. The walls are screened so you can feel the Caribbean natural air. There is also a temple where you can do yoga and a spa that offers all of the services you can dream of too. Other things that you can do at the Dominican Republic Natura Cabanas and the Attabeyra Spa are mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, jeep tours and much more.
When you head to the Caribbean for a vacation and you are looking for the best eco-resorts around then the ones mentioned above are the right places for you. They are all so beautiful, they have the most amazing natural surroundings and they are places where you can relax as well. If you want to vacation in peace and without stress then the Caribbean is where you will want to go. You can pick from any one of these four high quality, stress relieving resorts to vacation at. Get the vacation of your dream soon and the greatest thing about it is that you can book these eco-resorts right from the comfort of your own home.


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Date: 20 June 2014
Location: Centara Grand at Central World
Marketing tools and strategy are visibly considered to play an important role of media in the world of marketing communication. To reach the achievement we therefore, deliberate on selection of the most creative one for its effectiveness. More than 18 years of professional experiences, our team will bring about the most imaginative marketing activity to your business.
Target Trap Co., Ltd. is a service provider who leads to "Below the line marketing strategy" of…

subset: commoncrawl


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Hip Hop Coloring Book
Hip Hop Coloring Book
The Hip-Hop Coloring Book is an original coloring book for all ages. The book features a selection of Mark 563's own illustrative takes on some of hip-hop's most important figures, ready to be coloured in. The 64 pages are packed with legendary rappers from the East to the West coast, spanning the Golden Era through to today's rap superstars. A perfect gift for anyone interested in hip-hop and popular culture.
By Mark 563
Published by Dokument Forlag


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Web Clips for December 2006
Looking for web clips from a different issue of Electronic Musician magazine? You can find an archive of web clips from previous issues of EM magazine here.
Ugo Audio Metallurgy 1.0 (Win) p20
Web Clip 1:
This clip uses Metallurgy to process drum, bass, lead, and synth-pad loops. Each loop is first heard unprocessed, then Metallurgized.
Direct Results p31
All three of these Web Clips were recorded direct using an ESP 400 series Strat with Fender Gold Lace Sensor pickups.
Web Clip 1:
This example was recorded in Pro Tools LE 7.1 through the instrument input of an FMR Audio Really Nice Preamp. It was reamped with IK Multimedia''s Amplitube 2, using a variation on the Crunchy Lead patch.
Web Clip 2:
This 8 measure example of a clean rhythm part was recorded in Pro Tools LE 7.1 through the instrument input of an FMR Audio Really Nice Preamp. The first four measures are dry, and on the second four, a short room reverb and some compression are added to give it more of an amped sound. No modeling was used in this example.
Web Clip 3:
For this example, the guitar was plugged into an A.R.T. Tube MP. One of the Tube MP''s outputs was connected a Line 6 Pod XT, and recorded processed to disk. The other fed the line in of the audio interface and was recorded to disk in MOTU Digital Performer 5.1. That track was then reamped with IK Multimedia Amplitube 2, using the Crunch 800 patch. When panned to opposite sides, the differences in tone and attack between the POD XT and Amplitube 2 patches give it the sound of a doubled part.
The Low Road p66
Web Clip 1:
A Minimoog bass line in a basic track without EQ and compression on the bass.
Web Clip 2:
A Minimoog bass line in a basic track with EQ and 2 different compressors on the bass.
Synth Bass-ics (Mac/Win) p70
Web Clip 1:
A bass line played on the Minimoog.
Web Clip 2:
The same bass line as in Web clip 1 played with similar sound settings on the ImpOSCar.
Web Clip 3:
The same bass line as in Web clip 1 played with similar sound settings on the Virus Indigo.
Get Real p72
Web Clip 1:
A single electric guitar note (borrowed from Sony''s Steve Tibbetts Friendly Fire Loops for ACID CD library) is looped five different ways using Native Instruments Battery 2 VST. The loops are successively shorter and smoother; the last contains only a single cycle of the waveform. None of them sounds very realistic, however. This illustrates how difficult it can be to loop single-note samples effectively.
Web Clip 2:
This sampled trumpet note is heard first three times at its original pitch, then transposed down two octaves, then transposed up two octaves. The downward transposition sounds a bit like a trombone, though with an exaggerated pitch contour. The upward transposition sounds like a mosquito fart. This illustrates the limitations of pitch transposition when applied to acoustic instrument samples.
Waves GTR 2.0
Web Clip 1:
This example showcases the Edgy amp, played through my custom Koll Tornado.
Web Clip 2:
The first half of this clip is my THD Electronics Flexi-50 amplifier into my custom 2x12 closed back cabinet, miked by a Royer R-121 ribbon mic. The second half is the direct out from the Flexi-50 into the Waves GTR Guitar Amp plug-in with the 2x12 closed-back cabinet and R84 on-axis mic simulations selected.
Graph Tech
Ghost Modular Pickup System p110
Web Clip 1:
I played this short clip in one take using my Koll Guitars Tornado with a Graph Tech Ghost Hexpander installed. The 13-pin output from the Hexpander was routed to a Roland GI-20 MIDI converter, and the GI-20 transmitted MIDI data to Apple Logic Pro 7.2.1''s ES2 soft-synth plug-in.


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Building a Deployment Pipeline with MSDeploy: Part 1 - Introduction
In this series of posts, I'll be walking through how to create a deployment pipeline using MSDeploy and the Web Publishing Pipeline.
What is a Deployment Pipeline?
A Deployment Pipeline is one of the tenants of Continuous Delivery, the practice of always being able to release new software (but not necessarily actually doing it). In a Deployment Pipeline, a single package is created at the end of the build/test job and deployed to each environment, (possibly) all the way up into production. And then we start again for the next release.
It's important that the package be the same so that the "thing you deploy is the thing you tested".
If you'd like you learn more, Jez Humble and David Farley quite literally wrote the book on Continuous Delivery, which I cannot recommend enough.
Series Goals
This series aims for a deployment pipeline the following attributes:
- Code is only retrieved from source control once
- Code is only compiled once
- Deployment operations are performed by non-administrator users
- Deployment user credentials are not stored in source control or CI configuration
- Per-environment configuration can be stored in the solution or supplied at runtime
Due to the complexity of deploying database, I've decided to leave them out of this series. However, since it's an important topic you can be sure it will be brought up in a future article.


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Bush Cooking
Bush Cooking
- Camp Ovens
- Preparing Your Camp Oven
- Camp Fire
- Tools Required
- Recipes
- Temperature Control & Test
- Grill Plates & Cook Stands
under construction
Camp Ovens
Camp oven cooking is part of Australian out back history. Over the ages the Camp Oven has been used by drovers, shearers, and bushmen on the move and by miners during the days of the gold rush. This type of cooking has definite advantages.
With the advent of the four wheel drive vehicle becoming so popular, more and more people are becoming aware that their vehicle is able to travel on more than a sealed road, and are taking advantage of this.
With this, a new adventure comes, the getting to places that up until a few years back, few people were seen in some of these areas of the Australian out back. The desert areas are now a destination that is not impossible to traverse for these new explorers.
All people have to eat, and part of the enjoyment of these trips, is to sit around a campfire at night, and cook up a nourishing meal, and what is better than to do it in a camp oven.
There are a number of different designs in camp ovens. There are the convensional style of oven which is made of cast iron and these are available in a number of sizes. These have been around for ever and used by the early settlers and on the gold fields.
"Furphy" was one of the well known brands and were manufactured in Shepparton Victoria. These are now valued by collector's. This is the company that made the famous water cart used in the World War 1 and where the saying originated "Oh its a Furphy" with the meaning listed as 'A piece of gossip, a rumour,a false report, or an erroneous or improbable story.
Droving camps in a bygone era came up with the idea of making a spun metal camp oven. This became the famous Bedourie camp oven named after the town Bedourie out in the Diamantina area in out back of Queensland. The town started in the 1880′s as a major watering hole and rest stop for drovers and cattle because of the arteasian bore.
This type of oven has gained in popularity and now there is a number of spun metal camp ovens on the market. The big advantage of this type is that they will not break if dropped, as could a cast iron oven. The disadvantage is the spun metal oven is that it does not distribute the heat like cast iron one and if not looked after and kept oiled will rust. I have included a video from Derrick to go through the different camp oven and cooking equipment so that you can see the difference and gain some knowledge for camp cooking.
Preparing your new Camp Oven
Print version of instructions to season your Camp Oven
A camp oven must be seasoned before it is used. Being of cast iron or of spun metal this material is porous to an extent, and the inside of the oven has to be treated so as to seal the surface especially the cast iron ones.
We will deal with the cast iron camp oven first.
Before you first cook in the cast iron camp oven it will need to be seasoned. There has been much written on this subject. Some of the camp ovens that are sold today are pre-seasoned and do not need this treatment unless you destroy the coating.
I have found from experience,to prepare the oven, give the oven a good wash to remove any coating that has been applied in the manufacturing process to stop it from rusting and dry thoroughly. If you warm the oven after washing, this will assist to dry the oven before the oil is applied. This is going to be the last time you should have to use detergent on the oven, as it will become non-stick if done properly. The oiling process may have to be repeated a number of times, this is to build up the coating on the oven to get the desired uniform black patina that provides the no-stick properties that the cast iron can obtain. This process will protect the oven from rusting.
This process will create quite a lot of white smoke so be aware of any smoke detectors you may have in the immediate area.
It is best to avoid acidic ingredients for the first couple of uses of your Dutch oven. Instead select ingredients high in fat such as sausage, bacon or chicken.
Rub cooking oil (olive oil is the best) inside and out with a cloth or paper towel. Repeat this 3 or 4 times over the next 2 days. Do not use spray-on oil, lard or other animal products as they don't do the job. If lard is used this can go rancid and spoil the oven. This process is to get the oil to penetrate into the metal, as cast iron is very porous. After the above process has been carried out, place in a hot oven and bake at 300-350C. It can be done on a fire but even heat is best and time is not wasted when camping. Bake it for at least an hour applying more oil to the inside of the camp oven and don't forget the lid. The oil will glaze on the surface and give it a protective surface.
Care of oven
Removing food residue
Using a plastic utensil or coarse sponge scrap off any remaining food residue and heat the oven with an inch or two of warm water in the oven. One thing you should NEVER do is to pour cold water into a hot cast iron oven as this could cause the oven to crack. Let the oven sit near (not on) the cooling coals or briquettes (Heat Beads)to allow the food to break away from the bottom and sides.
After the oven has simmered for a while, use a soft fibre brush or similar to scrub it clean as you don't want to remove your coating. The food should come away easily. I have found that if the oven is rinsed immeditaly after serving, the food has not crusted onto the oven and is a lot easier to clean.
Allow the oven to dry completely. You may like to return it to near the warmth of the fire to assist this, but do not place it directly on the heat.
Before storing after use always give the camp oven a wash with just hot water but don't use a scourer on it otherwise you will have to re-seal it. A soft fibre brush is best for the cleaning of you camp oven. Before storing give the oven a good oiling as this will stop rust forming.
Spun Metal Camp Ovens
The spun metal type camp oven is a lot easer to season. It is a case of washing the preservitive coating off it and oiling the unit
I have included a video on how it is done below .
The Camp Fire
When using a camp oven there are a number of ways of using it depending what you are cooking. To be able to get the best results there are some guide lines to follow. There is nothing that will beat experience of having done it, and been successful as this is something that can't be replaced.
One of the big mistakes made is too much heat especially if it is put over a flame, as this will cause overheating of the camp oven and will usually cause the contents to be burnt. When cooking damper, scones, cakes or a roast etc, the cooking should be done not by heat from the bottom but from the top. By putting a bed of coals just to heat the bottom of the oven – Not too many as you only want to heat the oven bottom not burn the contents.
Place coals on the lid of the oven so that the heating of the oven is being done from the top. These coals will have to be topped up from time to time depending how long the cooking process will take.
What you are trying to achieve is the same as if you were using the oven in your kitchen at home. Too much heat could cause evaporation of liquids inside the camp oven and cause the food to burn. When using the camp oven to do a roast or cakes, it is advisable to use a cake rack in the bottom. This will assist in the cooking by having the food being heated without direct contact with the bottom. Hence it will assist in stopping the food being burnt.
Another method to use the camp oven is to dig a hole deep enough to put the camp oven in it, with enough room around it to place coals. Locate the hole for the camp oven near the fire as in the course of the cooking extra coals will have to be added. Place some coals in the bottom of the hole but not to many, you only want to warm the bottom of the oven. Once this is done place more coals around the sides and on the lid. This method gives a very constant heat and the bottom does not get burnt.
If you are using the camp oven to do a casserole or stew then the above method can be used or by placing the oven on coals. Just remember too much heat and you will burn the food. A bad experience will be a lesson and realise that time is the essence with this type of cooking
There has been a growing popularity in using heat beads for cooking with camp ovens. By using these one can control the amount of heat required by adding or subtracting beads. The heat beads take some time to get going to the stage where you can use them give them time to get going. Here is a tip, Once the packet of heat beads is opened they will age and not work as well. The way to keep them fresh is to store the unused ones in an airtight container otherwise they absorb moisture.
I have included information on the testing of the heat in your camp oven under the recipes and also a guide to using heat beads I hope these hints will assist you to having more enjoyable times.
Tools Required
When using camp ovens there are a number of tools that are useful to carry out the cooking To be able to check the oven a camp oven lifter will be required. Some use the good old multigrips or a pair of pliers or more use a multi tool commonly known as a peg lifter. This is a long strong hook with a handle. The more innovative make their own using 6mm steel rod or heavy fencing wire but they are available from camping stores like ours. This tool is useful for lifting the camp oven from the coals and also for lifting the lid from the camp oven.
If you are using a Bedourie Camp oven then you will need a Camp Oven Chucker. This is a pair of hooks with a piece of light chain between the top of the hooks. The rods are about 600mm long. This is because the Bedourie Camp oven does not have a handle in the middle of the lid but a ring on either side of the lid. If you look at the video that Derek Bullock has done he explains and shows a lot of the equipment required.
Here is a list of items that I feel is required to make your cooking experience successful:
- A trivet for the bottom of the oven
- Long Handle tongs
- Camp oven lifter -depending on camp oven used
- A pair of multigrips
- Gloves or mitts- to handle hot items
- Pie tray ( Alfoil pie trays are great for damper)
- A pot scraper (Pot Spatula, paint scraper)
- Roll of Paper Towels
- Small brush to brush off the lid- not nylon
- Olive Oil
- Heat Beads
- Matches
Testing camp oven heats by paper test
I came across these tables on the Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Qld and have included it for information for those wanting to know how to test the oven for temperature and also how to use heat beads instead of coals
Below are charts to give you a way of regulating the heat of camp ovens when using heat beads,and also to determine the heat of an oven when using coals from a fire.
Pre-heat the oven on a bed of coals. Place a piece of paper inside the oven to find out what heat the oven is at. The paper will change colour according to the heat of the oven within a few moments.
|Paper Heat Test Chart
|Very hot oven
|Dark Brown
|Hot oven
|Light Brown
|Moderate oven
|Slow oven
|Black & on fire!
Heat Control in the Camp Oven
Heat control is the hardest thing to master when learning to cook with a cast iron camp oven. Here are a few tips to help you on your way!
Good quality heat beads rather than camp fire coals are recommended because they provide a long lasting, even heat source and are easier to use.
It is important to remember that these tips are a guide to help you get started. You will need to adjust the heat beads according to your recipe and keep in mind that the weather, temperature and soft ground can affect cooking temperature and times.
- A strong wind or breeze will raise the temperature.
- High humidity will lower the temperature.
- Direct sunlight will increase the temperature.
- Shade will lower the temperature.
- Higher air temperature will increase the temperature.
- High altitude will lower the temperature.
Various recipes and dishes require that you have the correct placement:
- Stews, soups, chilli and other liquid dishes require more heat on the bottom than the top.
- Meat, poultry, potatoes, vegetables, require even distribution of heat on top and bottom.
- bread, damper, cakes etc. require most of the heat on the top and little heat on the bottom.
CONTROL USING HEAT BEADS (these numbers are approximate)
|10 inch
|12 inch
Each heat bead adds about 20 degrees.
Place the required number of heat beads under the oven bottom in a circular pattern so they are at least 1/2″ inside the oven's edge. Arrange heatbeads on top in a checkerboard pattern. Do not bunch heat beads as they can cause hot spots.
To prevent hot spots during cooking, lift and rotate the oven a 1/4 turn every 10-15 minutes and then rotate the lid a 1/4 turn in the opposite direction.
©Harry Cramer 2011


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Enjoy the three following Reiki healing/energy medicine offerings:
Reiki Chakra Balancing with Colours and Crystals (1 session: $80 / 4 sessions: $70)
Reiki Chakra Balancing with Tuning Forks (1 session: $80 / 4 sessions: $70)
Reiki Guided Meditation with Crystals (1 session: $80 / 4 sessions: $70)
What is Reiki Healing/Energy Medicine
Energy medicine is a general term for all modalities that are centred around healing energetic therapies, and can include Reiki, guided meditation, chakra balancing, sound vibration therapy, healing crystals and stones and others. In the holistic therapy sense, Energy Medicine is any healing process using energy fields, which cannot be measured with our current technology, but which when focused and properly utilized can lead to subtle or even dramatic healing and balancing experiences. Basically it is purifying and opening up the body's energy systems in order to allow the body to go back to a restorative state, enabling it to use it's own innate healing abilities to heal itself. Energy Medicine itself is based on the fundamental premise that all physical objects (bodies) and psychological processes (thoughts, emotions, beliefs and attitudes) are expressions of energy. Therefore, all bodies are believed to be infused with a "subtle" energy or life force. This life force is known by a variety of terms corresponding to different traditions. In traditional Chinese medicine it is called Qi (pronounced CHEE), in the Judeo-Christian tradition it is called Spirit, and in Ayurvedic medicine it is represented in the Doshas.
Chakras are the energy centres along your body that suck in all energy, positive and negative, from the environment around you and can also hold in genetic or past trauma energy. They collect energy and each one is connected to a major organ or gland system that governs that part of the body. Chakras are similar to but different from Meridians, which transport vital energy through pathways along the body to their related organs. The seven main chakras are located from the base of your spine (the Root chakra) to the top of your head (the Crown Chakra). The seven chakras are represented by seven different colours and are linked to various emotional and behavioural patterns. Balancing the chakras can strengthen the body as well as the body-mind connection and help with many situations including having better awareness of the way our body and emotions react and the connection we have with others.
Chakras are the energy centres along our body that bring in both positive and negative energy from the environment and people around us. Specific crystals, colours and sound vibrations can be used to harmonize each of these areas.
Enjoy any of these offerings or get the TOTAL WELLNESS PACKAGE for a more thorough healing and re-integration of body, mind and spirit:
Reiki Chakra Balancing with Colours and Crystals
(1 session: $80 / 4 sessions: $70)
Chakra balancing is a therapy used to open up and rebalance the energy centres of your body. Each person has 7 main chakras, each related to physical, emotion and spiritual bodies of that person. I use a technique which includes testing and rebalancing using a pendulum, colour placement and crystals. Tuning forks can also be used with this treatment to enhance resonance of the chakras. Indulge with this deeply relaxing oil massage with essential oil aromatherapy. This is an all over body massage that melts away stress, tension and fatigue and leaves you with a soothing sense of total peace and tranquility. Unwind and enjoy this full body massage to balance the body, mind and spirit.
Reiki Chakra Balancing with Tuning Forks
(1 session: $80 / 4 sessions: $70)
Vibrational or Sound energy therapy uses tuning forks to create specific healing sound frequencies that resonate with the body to promote healing. Music therapy is another type of sound energy therapy: listening to music has been shown to lower blood pressure and to reduce pain and anxiety.
At Inner Energy Health and Wellness I practice Energy work using colour and sound therapy to rebalance the body and help restore emotional and physical harmony. Tuning Forks custom designed in Germany are used to resonate on a vibrational level with each of our cells, tissues and organ systems. Techniques are used to cleanse the Aura, balance the Chakras and help with physical ailments. People with Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis have sometimes found tuning fork vibrational therapy to be beneficial in relieving pain in their joints.
Reiki guided meditation with crystals
(1 session: $80 / 4 sessions: $70)
This unique guided vision meditation with colour placements, pendulum, crystal layouts and singing bowls is key in balancing your chakras and re-aligning your energy centers. Making sure your chakras are spinning properly and not holding on to any negative energy from sources around you including people or the environment you're in, should be an essential part of everyone's weekly regime. There are several guided meditations available to help you resonate at a higher vibrational level including: a relaxing journey to help meet your spirit guides, activate your chakra centers, dissolve negative belief patterns and trigger positive changes. Active meditation helps to stir up cellular memory, invigorating body, mind and spirit.
What does it cost?
Any Reiki Energy Healing – Energy Medicine session is $80 for one hour, or $105 for one and a half hours. (4 x $70 hour sessions = $280).* Contact me!
*All gift cards and packages are valid for one year from date of purchase.
To order or for more information, click on the blue contact button on the left, or call or text Sara at 250-203-1669 or email at email@example.com ! You can also use the online booking calendar to set your appointments.


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We Lion Kinged It
Thanks to the generosity of the parents, Lynnette and I took in the Lion King last night at TPAC. I'm not really a musical-play-Broadway kind of guy, so I was expecting the movie just to be played out on stage. I had heard rave reviews, but I was really just hoping I wouldn't be bored.
The first number – no, the first note (sung by Rafiki) – had me captivated. The entrance sequence, when the animals parade down the aisles and assemble en masse on stage is worth the price of admission. I could have watched the first 10 minutes for hours on end.
The color of the costumes, the talent of the actors and the visual appeal of the set made me more that simply 'not bored.' I was impressed, and even remarked to Lynnette this morning that we should go see it again tonight.
There are a LOT of songs, however. Yes, I know it's a musical and that's what they do in musicals, but most of the new tunes aren't of the same caliber as the cartoon soundtrack. As such, the only part that really drags is the beginning of the second act (which is true of the other musicals I''ve seen – both of them). But soon enough, things pick up and we all know how the story ends.
I'm not necessarily won over by the simple novelty that is the musical, but I'm a bit more willing to catch a show when we head to NYC for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Take your friends and family to this one.


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Researcher Lauds Dell Service in Q1 Customer Satisfaction Study
Technology Business Research, a Hampton, NH-based researcher, has given top marks to Dell Computer Corp.'s services performance, ranking it first in a Q1 assessment of customer satisfaction among corporate IT users.
Based on data compiled in its recent Q1 study, "Corporate IT Service & Support Customers Satisfaction Study," TBR said that "Dell Services establishes industry standards for on-site expertise, on-site response time and phone support."
The survey, conducted among corporate IT departments with an array of computer equipment, including servers, desktops and laptops, revealed that customer satisfaction with Dell's repair services, phone support and remotely managed support increased from prior studies.
"Dell customers in the 1Q10 study continued to cite Dell Services as differentiated in its flexibility of service options more so than competitors' customers, this being an essential ingredient of the Dell value proposition," said Julie Perron, TBR manager, primary research.
"This trend is particularly noteworthy with respect to the categories of ease of doing business, parts availability, and phone support, suggesting Dell is making headway with respect to customer response to its service offerings," Perron said.
Dell said that the researcher has named it a top service provider 31 times in the past 39 quarters the study has been conducted.
"We are very pleased with this ranking because it is based on third-party customer surveys, and it demonstrates the consistency of our commitment to customer service and satisfaction," said Peter Altabef, president, Dell Services.
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Spring Boot & Docker with debug and Spring profiles
Spring Boot and Docker are extremely popular. The Spring Boot adoption now hits 34% according to this survey: http://www.baeldung.com/java-8-spring-4-and-spring-boot-adoption. Docker adoption has more than doubled from 13% to 27% in 2016 according to a RightScale survey.
Spring Boot helps application development process while Docker contributes to streamline deployment.
The spring-boot-docker image will help you run your Spring Boot applications with Docker, either in development or production stage.
Features of spring-boot-docker image
Although there are many images for this purpose, this one provides two useful features:
Easily debug your application
Simply set the variable
DEBUG to true in
docker-compose.yml file and the application will start in debug mode:
- "DEBUG=true"
Run your application with desired Spring profile
Spring profiles are a useful way to separate applications resources between different stages. To specify a Spring profile your application should run with, simply set the
SPRING_PROFILES_ACTIVE variable in
- "SPRING_PROFILES_ACTIVE=dev"
To run the application within the Docker container, simply place your executable jar into the
assets directory, renamed as follows:
Then launch the container:
docker-compose up -d
More instructions are available here: https://github.com/f-lopes/spring-boot-docker


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Our Services
Why Choose Us?
- Quick Response
- Wide Range of Services Offered
- 40+ Years OF Experience
- Insured, Licensed
- Evening Hours Available
- Fast and Reliable Service
- 24 Hour Emergency Service
Water Heater and Hot Water Tanks in Chicago, IL
If you're like most home or business owners in Chicago, IL , you rely on your water heater on a regular basis. So if your water heater starts to break down or stops working efficiently, it's time to call in the professionals to get it fixed in a hurry. And that's precisely where we come in. We offer timely, accurate water heater repair services designed to take a load off your mind.
Protect Your Investment
When your water heater needs repairs, choosing the right plumbing contractor can make all the difference. At Mike's Repair & Installation Service, we're well-versed in water heater repairs. When you call on us, we'll take the time to diagnose the problem with your heater and implement a reliable fix. And if we determine that your water heater is beyond repair or that it simply doesn't pay to fix it, we'll walk you through your options for finding a replacement.
Remember, water heaters don't come cheap, so when yours needs to be serviced, it's best to call in a seasoned professional. To schedule an estimate or appointment for dependable water heater repair work, call Mike's Repair & Installation Service today.


text: Based on learning as taken for granted in health care quality improvement, the aim was to identify discursive patterns in practice, and to discuss how these patterns create conditions for learning. Observations of quality improvement conversations were made at a clinic and analyzed through critical discourse analysis. Four different discursive patterns were found; a market pattern, a care-for-all pattern, a medical pattern and a value pattern. The order of discourse shows that the market pattern dominates the others while money is linked to quality control. The findings also showed a balance between discourse patterns when economical incentives were absent. In other words, the professionals can handle all complex, and sometimes contradicting, quality aspects when they don't compete about money. We discuss that market principles impact on learning in terms of displacement effects which discourages long-term sustainable improvements.


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Really good reasons to eat more Olive Oil:
It can help you lose weight.
It appears that monounsaturated fats, the kind found in olive oil, when replacing saturated fats, may encourage weight loss. Olive oil consumption has been shown to breakdown fats inside fat cells, get rid of belly fat and reduce insulin insensitivity.
You may live longer.
Because it is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil has been shown to help prevent or lessen the effects of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer as well as a host of other illnesses and conditions.
You might get smarter.
Studies have shown that diets rich in monounsaturated fat (the sort of fat in olive oil) can prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging and in diseases like Alzheimer's.
You will glow from inside out.
Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, K and E, which help protect against free radicals and cell oxidation which can lead to premature aging. Some of the best beauty benefits of olive oil come from the inside out.
Your children may be born healthier.
Studies have shown that the consumption of olive oil during pregnancy can improve a child's psychomotor reflexes and give them other developmental advantages.
You will have more energy.
Your circulation will improve and you'll be able to breath easier. Olive Oil can increase blood flow and help lessen the effects of illnesses such as asthma through its anti-inflammatory properties.
You may be more resistant to infection.
Olive oil contains high levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols, vitamins E, chlorophyll and carotenoids. Antioxidants are key to strengthening the immune system and protecting the body.
You could be having better sex.
Almost as important as the fact that it tastes good, olive oil may improve your sex life. Olive oil, in conjunction with Omega 3s have been shown to improve circulation, a key factor in achieving erections and reaching orgasm for both women and men.


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I found this video on how to make buttercream flowers on your cupcakes. It's super easy!!!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Buttercream Flowers
I found this video on how to make buttercream flowers on your cupcakes. It's super easy!!!
Posted by Betsy Eves @JavaCupcake at 10:47 AM
Labels: buttercream, flowers, how to frost
7 comments. Add yours here!:
- Sassypants Wifey said...
Very cool tutorial! I will have to try that technique for sure. (I do however need a new pastry bag, i have broken 2 of the cheapie ones in the last 2 weeks) Thanks for the link!
- March 8, 2009 at 4:07 PM
- Alexis AKA MOM said...
I love has she makes it looks so easy. I'm sure I'll be able to bust that out just as quick and easy. Yup and then everyone will want me to make their cupcakes. What dreaming? Yup I thought so too. LOL
- March 8, 2009 at 4:31 PM
- Tricia said...
That is a great video! Makes me want to make cupcakes.
- March 9, 2009 at 8:30 AM
- Anonymous said...
I'm having trouble commenting - I'm thinking it's on my end - this is a test
- March 9, 2009 at 1:50 PM
- I am Harriet said...
I'm just passing by via SITS.
Have a great day!
- March 12, 2009 at 10:55 AM
- Robin said...
She makes it look so easy.....wavy wavy wavy....squiggle squiggle squiggle
Yeah right.... :-)
So fun....thanks for sharing
- August 17, 2009 at 2:45 AM
- The Mom @ Babes in Hairland said...
What a great video. Love the descriptions she uses to decorate - wavy wavy, squiggly squiggly - isn't something you expect to come out of a professional chef's vocabulary when it comes to things like that! Too funny - but totally great idea. Enjoy your day in the SITS spotlight today.
- August 17, 2009 at 11:34 AM


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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — Charles Schwab is preparing to move thousands of jobs out of the Bay Area, blaming the high cost of doing business.
Representatives for the company say San Francisco will remain its corporate headquarters, but it will be moving about half of its Bay Area workforce, likely out of state, affecting thousands of workers.
Over a thousand jobs will be cut from the San Francisco office over the next three to five years, according to the company.
Texas and Colorado are among the possible destinations, prompting Texas Governor Rick Perry to gloat via Twitter:
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Mindful Echo will happily dig through your trash pile in search of treasure.
Since living in Halifax I've experienced an interesting phenomenon: the curbside giveaway.
In addition to two annually-scheduled region-wide events, the citizens of Halifax proper - and to a lesser extent, the municipality at large - love to give things away. I'm not sure if it's because Halifax is a student-filled town, home to three universities and a college, or maybe it's just that Atlantic Canada is typically low to middle income families who appreciate the value of a dollar.
Sure, I had seen the occasional piece of furniture on someone's lawn with a "free" sign in the other cities in which I've lived, but never to this extent. Without exaggeration I can say that a sunny day in Halifax will guarantee a handful of curbside "free stuff" piles.
Don't get me wrong; sometimes it's total crap. But every now and then, there's a gem to be found. It's these gems that make the treasure hunting worthwhile.
|This antique desk chair was a curbside find a few weeks ago. It's solid wood and in perfect condition. As you can see, it was claimed almost immediately by Leroy, who appreciates recycling as much as I do.
|A friend who is moving out of town hooked me up with these goodies. I wouldn't recommend taking opened food from someone you don't know and trust though.
In our current culture of convenience, it makes sense that we're content with regularly replacing crappy furniture and other items with new versions of the same. Since so few things are built to last, we've come to expect a short lifespan on most of our home investments.
What's so wrong about just tossing your old crap? Actually, a lot. The more municipal waste we create, the more environmental issues arise, including the destruction of animal habitats, groundwater pollution, and a number of other forms of air, soil, and water contamination.
|I found this free chest last weekend. I took it home, removed the lid, and now it's a planter-in-progress.
|Planter-in-progress. Soil needed. :)
Second is to be conscientious of your purchases. Does it have to be something bought new or could you make-do with second-hand? For me the incentive of vintage quality is my motivation, and finding items cheap or free just seals the deal.
Either way, think about how long that item will be of use to you before it just becomes another lump in a landfill.


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The Nautica Men's NAD14518G NCC 01 Beige Chronograph is a round, 45mm watch with a polished stainless steel case and stainless-steel crown and pushers. The watch is covered by a scratch resistant mineral crystal window and features a textured brown calf skin leather band with white detailed stitching, that is secured by a buckle closure.
The stationary bezel of the Nautica Men's NAD14518G Beige Chronograph is made from polished stainless steel while the inner bezel is beige and marked with a diver's scale in black Arabic numerals.
The dial on the Nautica Men's NAD14518G Chronograph is beige and features 3 sub dials and a tiny rectangular date window. There is a 24h sub dial at the 3 o'clock position, a 60-min sub dial at the 6 o'clock position and a 60-second sub dial at the 9 o'clock position. The date window is found between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions. The watch features semi skeletonized arrow hands and the hours are marked with bold, Arabic numerals in black print, all except the 6 o'clock position which is marked with two dots. Each sub dial features tiny white hands. Both the hands and hour markers are luminous so that the watch can be used in the dark. The Nautica name and the watch's water resistant depth is prominently displayed below the 12 o'clock position.
The Nautica Men's NAD14518G NCC 01 Beige Chronograph has a water-resistant depth of up to 100m or 330ft which means that the watch can be worn while swimming and snorkeling but not scuba diving. The watch utilizes a quartz movement.
The Nautica Men's NAD14518G Beige Chronograph is a very versatile timepiece. The combination of polished stainless steel and durable calfskin leather gives the watch a timeless beauty that speaks of class and quality craftsmanship. This is a great every day watch which will compliment any form of attire. The beige dial with its black detailing, is crisp and easy to read and is beautifully complimented by the brown leather band. Perfect for the workplace, casual occasions, special occasions and even the great outdoors, the Nautica Men's NAD14518G NCC 01 Beige Chronograph will quickly become an essential part of your wardrobe.
The Nautica Men's NAD14518G NCC 01 Beige Chronograph is a great gift for that special man in your life who appreciates the combination of durability, functionality and classic style.Buy Now on Amazon


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Leading suppliers see a significant rise in inquiries for ESLs from regional retailers
08 January 2017
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) are entering the region with a big promise of saving on both operations and energy costs in the retail sector. A global forecast report by market research firm Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence, revealed that global market for Electronic Shelf Label Market will grow from US$211.134 million in 2015 to US$441.440 million by 2021, at a CAGR of 13.08% over the forecast period.
According to experts in the retail sector, ESLs will be a key link in the retail technology chain. These labels use e-paper as its display component; it is an advanced version of segmented e-paper displays. The ESL links the product price to the centralised store server and enables retailers to remotely change the price of the products, allowing real-time product positioning and an interactive in-store environment. The major benefit of these labels is energy efficiency and its ability to project graphical objects such as logos and callouts that help in real-time product positioning. Changing all the prices in a normal sized hypermarket takes 5 to 10 days, but with ESL it can be done within minutes and without any errors.
"ESLs are the perfect starting point for regional retailers, looking into providing smarter store environment. It also opens the opportunity to provide additional information such as place of origin and discounts. Though ESLs are a relatively new concept in the region, we have seen a significant growth in inquiries from retailers, since we launched the solution in the region," says Monesh Rughwani, Managing Director, Nirsun Technology.
He added, "In addition to ESL, we have something new called ISL (Interactive Shelf Labels) that facilitates interaction between the label, employees and the customers. Traditional ESL systems are designed to push information to a screen describing the product and the price dynamically. The interactive labels are the next step, enabling not only a dynamic display for information to the customer and employees but it also allows interaction between the label, employees and customers. We believe, this level of interaction will open up a whole new range of possibilities to retailers around the world."
However, the ideal scenario for a future brick and mortar store is a tightly integrated system that consists of ESL, smartphone applications, beacons, indoor location, mobile payments, digital loyalty coupons, customer analytics, and omnichannel marketing and pricing.
"Shoppers in the region are increasingly demanding interactive and real-time information, hence, technologies like ESL are gaining popularity. With more number of retailers using technology to improve customer experience, drive revenue, and streamline the entire shopping experience, physical shopping experience is expected to evolve further," said Jayaraman Nair, Chairman, VIS Exhibitions and Conferences, which is organising Smart Stores Expo 2017 in January.
The event will provide the exhibitors with an ideal platform to launch, showcase, and present their latest innovations, services and products; along with meeting industry peers, building brand awareness and meeting prospective clients. The exhibitors and visitors will be sharing latest trends in the retail industry, both regionally and global.
The event will be held from 23-25th January 2017, at ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company).
© Press Release 2017
© Copyright Zawya. All Rights Reserved.


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Parent Educator urges MIECHV renewal in wyomingnews.com
Honoring Wyoming Families
By Josie Brittain
Here in Wyoming, we pride ourselves on honoring and empowering families. Parents are after all our children's first and most influential teachers.
However, according to the annual KIDS Count Data Book, one in four Wyoming children experience trauma, neglect, abuse, violence or distressed family environments and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that put them at risk for poor health outcomes and poor academic achievement.
And as our state legislators scramble to find the money to close the large K-12 budget shortfall and best support Wyoming children and families, there is something that our federal legislators – especially Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso – can do now to make sure our families are healthy and strong: support home visiting.
ACEs can be prevented or mitigated by the promotion of safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments through home visiting.
Home visiting, an entirely voluntary program, helps parents in an environment they're comfortable with and helps families at a time when they might need a little extra support to face the challenges in their home and with their child. It's also evidence-based, undergoing scientific studies demonstrating that home visiting, among other things, improves prenatal care, early childhood health and development; increases school readiness and reduces child abuse, neglect and injuries.
In my role as a parent-educator through the Parents as Teachershome visiting program at Wyoming Citizens Review Panel, I focus on the parents, helping them engage with their child and empower them to set and reach family goals that set their child up for a healthier future and put their family on the path of economic self-sufficiency. I invite our senators to join me to witness first-hand the benefits of home visiting, and accompany me on a site visit.
If Senators Enzi and Barrasso experience a visit with me, I thinkthey will understand the urgency to take action now to reauthorize and expand the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) before it expires. MIECHV, a program with strong bipartisan support, along with states and private foundations, funds voluntary, evidence-based home visiting in Wyoming and across the country. They will get to meet the families I have – families who've developed a new real connection after periods of neglect, parents who have gone back to school or found new paths of economic opportunity, and military families stationed at Warren Air Force Base overcoming the isolation that comes when you live far from your support network or when your spouse is deployed.
For a state like Wyoming where we're struggling to balance our state budget, investing in home visiting is crucial. For every tax dollar spent nationally on home visits, as much as $5.70 is returned to the community. Preventing and mitigating ACEs in the early years can help Wyoming reduce costs over the long term.
Our senators, especially Senator Enzi who serves on the Senate Committee on Finance, can lead the charge to renew and expand MIECHV in a way that provides stability for families and flexibility to states, and so that many more families with young children could benefit from this evidence-based intervention. The best path forward for families in Wyoming is for MIECHV to be renewed for five years, incrementally increasing its funding to $800 million.
Doing so is a smart investment in Wyoming's families and empowers parents to make the best decisions for their own families. I hope Senators Enzi and Barrasso will take me up on my invitation and come see first-hand why home visiting is so important and why MIECHV needs their support.
Josie Brittain is a parent-educator at Parents as Teachers program operated by the Wyoming Citizens Review Panel, helping families in the Cheyenne area.


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Smart Totes provided us with a cool zebra patterned reusable bag. Produce by Earthchic are based in Mobile, Alabama,and run by Sallye Irvine and Claire Leaman. Their bags are made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.
A good size at 18″x15″x7″ and with 21″ handles the bag is useful not only for groceries but for carrying school books of folders around, up to 50lbs worth. It has an interior pocket and is also machine washable (on cold) and you can just hang it outside to dry.
Earthchic also provide these tips for when you're at the grocery store:
- Use a reusable bag (buy more if you are a big shopper) instead of plastic or paper – much more fashionable and easier to carry as well! Those plastic bags will never end up in a landfill if you don't take them in the first place.
- Don't take those little plastic produce bags unless absolutely necessary. If you are buying small, numerous items like cherries or beans you probably need one; if you are buying anything else that has its own peel or will be washed, you don't.
- Select products in readily recyclable materials such as cardboard, aluminum and #1 and #2 plastics.
- Try to cut down on single-use, individually-wrapped or disposable products such as juice boxes, cups, plates, razors etc. Buy the permanent versions instead they are usually much nicer and last much, much longer.
- Purchase eggs in cardboard containers not styrofoam. Styrofoam doesn't biodegrade- it lasts forever.
Available for only $29 from Smart Totes, with different versions available.


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On Thursday March 16th, the Odette MBA cohort was fortunate to have the opportunity to listen and learn from guest speaker, John Laschinger. An experienced and well respected figure in Canadian political strategy and author of the book, Campaign Confessions.
Throughout the session, Mr. Laschinger imparted his wisdom to the students, who learned important lessons that translate to business from the world of politics. The importance of managing expectations, being open minded to change, continuous listening, and communication within an organization were all important messages brought forward by John. The most significant lesson that was left with the cohort was to take the time to do research before committing to a strategy. As John said, "it is difficult to start a journey without a map, and in life your map is research."
To conclude his session, Mr. Laschinger provided a very detailed and robust question and answer period, answering many questions from the students, ranging from how he creates strategies for political candidates with diverse ideologies, to questions about the current political environment in Canada.
Ian Wood
Candidate, MBA
Odette School of Business


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Club Prices, an enticing offer! Your IGA dealers are offering bulk products at reduced prices!
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pomelo is less juicy than grapefruit or oranges. The first bite can be surprising, but you'll quickly be won over by its crisp texture and mild flavour. An interesting fruit to discover!
To cut citrus segments (without the membrane) cut the two ends so the flesh is visible. Stand fruit on one end and, using a knife, slice off peel down to the flesh. Remove all the white pith. Slide the knife blade between the orange flesh and membrane to detach each segment.
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To Start Again
A collaboration with Lo-fi wunderkind Laptop Funeral issued on his album Pretty Punk. I'm still amazed that it took him 3 hours to turn my 4 second casio loop into a fully arranged and produced song not too far off from the final version that made the album. Lo-fi sadness galore!


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2-Month Check-up & Shots (yuck!!)
We went Friday for the boys' 2-month check-up and shots. Needless to say, they did not like the shots (and neither did I!). I was SO glad Phillip was there to hold their little legs down while they were getting the shots because it was all I could do not to cry along with them (or at least not too much :)). About the only part of that I could handle was holdiing them afterwards. Maybe it will get easier.
Other than the shots, everything was good. The doctor said that they were both healthy little boys. Carson now weighs a whopping 10 pounds and 1 ounce, and is 21 3/4 inches long. Hayden is now up to 11 pounds and 14 ounces, and is 24 inches long. I know I can't create a post now without at least a picture, so here is one we took a week or so ago of me and the boys. I'll work on getting more pictures to show :).


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Merry Christmas/Happy New Year!
As usual I have written another weird post and not posted it, but then I thought sod it I'm just going to post it. It's about Christmas trees...got home last night and ours has gone already! (what about tradition and the 12th night! oh well).
Well I've been in bed with Flu the last few days! but it has been good to rest and gather some strength for the coming new year. In case you didn't notice it's Christmas!! I have always been a big fan of Christmas, I think it's a lovely thing. How cool is it that we all bring trees into our houses!?
I am not a Neo Paganist...
But I do think it's natural in the depths of winter that people use evergreen trees, mistletoe and wreaths as symbols of eternal life. Or perhaps more simply life enduring and the hope of new growth in Spring. For obvious reasons Tree worship used to be common and as you can see by the image above it has definitely survived our conversion to Christianity!
For many the word worship is aligned with the Abrahamic gods, but for me practicing worship of a patriarchal figure just felt like practicing doing as I'm told. Tree Worship is not difficult as they mean so much to me, the word worship has been etymologised as "worthiness or worth-ship" so it means: to give worth to something, what do you worship? It doesn't need to be other worldly, and of course this world is much more wondrous than those written down. I definitely see the spoons I carve as a form of Tree worship.
It is very difficult for a child growing up in central London to gain a wider perspective of their place in the natural world, you cannot even see stars in the sky, let alone have an understanding of how an individual can exist outside the grand institutions that consume our land, our efforts, and our minds. That is not to say I do not value the diverse cultural endeavours we all work on. I put much value on them, but not many people value the Wood Cultures that to me are our species most beautiful interaction with the planet.
Instead of swinging a real Axe in the intended way we teach our children about them on machines. These machines mean that in London every 14 yr old has had the opportunity to experience hacking people to death with a hatchet, if you think this is ok or that it isn't your child you are very much mistaken. Maybe the powers that be think this is the best way to train drone pilots, and of course it is all just a game. Anyway conspiracy theories are a waste of my energy.
That said I do believe the powers that be have a vested interest in our fear of individuals and maintaining that the only narrative of progress is through increased complexity and passing our power upwards.
One of the beautiful things about an ancient Oak tree is the biodiversity that it supports, as such perhaps London could be seen as one of the greatest and diverse institutions on the planet. But what concerns me is that as individuals we have given up the ability to control them. Or perhaps we have forgotten or been persuaded that we can't. Sometimes a tree needs to come down when it has outgrown it's use, that it may give others the chance to thrive that will benefit all of us.
Anyway we all have stories to tell, why should mine be any more useful than those told to you by the Church or Tescos. How can I sit here and ask you to love yourselves more than a corporation that promises eternal life or an organisation that provided your Christmas feast.
I've lived in london for a while now, admittedly I often think about running away. The streets of London are paved with golden fried chicken shops, coffee shops, bet shops and Tesco. There is a constant barrage of corporations trying to implant ideas in your head. It's easy to feel clostrophobic, like in a dense forest there is that desire to let light in through the canopy, there are giant structures I wish I could drag down.
If you feel like me then maybe it's time to sharpen your Axe, don't worry that your neighbour will chop off your head like in the video games you play. You need to stop believing their lies, it's time to let some light through the canopy...chop chop chop.


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An Honest Confession
Today I was supposed to write a post about freelance writing. The plan was to share with you why I want to add freelance writing to my personal brand, along with an action plan so you can help to hold me accountable.
But when it came to writing the post, I didn't feel like it. It wasn't what I wanted to write about. I actually felt called to write something else, so here we are.
On Sunday morning I was very emotional. I let out what I'd been keeping inside me for a good few weeks. It was about a mixture of things. But the basis of it was that I just felt completely overwhelmed.
I get so many comments and questions from you on here and on social media and you wonder how I do it all. You say how good I'm doing, how well I mange my time and that you just can't believe that I do everything I do. I even write about managing your time and what to do when things get too much.
Well I'm breaking through that outlook today, and I really hope I don't disappoint you. Because the truth is, even though I try my absolute hardest, I can't do it all. I can't. I had such a huge to-do list this past weekend and there was no way on this planet that I was going to get it all done. I got done as much as I could. But doing it all would've meant missing out on rest and time with my family.
Now, some people out there might say, well if you want to work for yourself you've got to be prepared to give up your weekends and sacrifice time with your loved ones. But I don't want to do that. It got to the point where on Sunday morning, Tom wanted to take a trip to the coast because it was such a beautiful day. And I was under the impression that I'd feel guilty if I went. I'd feel guilty if I went and enjoyed myself.
So I lost it. Because I honestly didn't know what else to do. I'd been trying so hard to hold it together for so long, refusing to accept the fact that I'd have to let something go. But it got to the point when I just got so emotional about everything and that's made me realise that I can't go on like this.
I had a long chat with my mum and dad, and Tom as well. And even though they know how much I love running my blog, doing my freelance work, and that I never want to pass up an opportunity, they all said that something needed to give and I couldn't go on this way.
And that's where I'm at.
Where do I go from here? I'm not sure. I'm still feeling quite emotional and I haven't really figured things out yet. But if you've ever felt like this at any point in your life, I want you to know that you're not alone.
You're not alone in feeling like you're doing all this for nothing. You're not alone in feeling like you'll never reach your goals. You're not alone in feeling like your ideas aren't worth sharing. You're not alone. You're not alone.
Right now, I'm sat outside in the blazing hot sunshine. I'm writing this on Monday at half five. And after that, I'm not going to do anything. I'm going to enjoy the sunshine. I'm not going to let myself feel guilty or pressurised in having to do certain things. I'm just going to let myself be.
Some people might see this confession as weakness. They might read my words and think "she'll never make it."
But you know what? The people who don't share their struggles are the weak ones. We're not invincible. We're human.
So I need to adjust a few things over the next few weeks and try to find my feet again. And I really hope you'll stick with me, like you always do.
But in spite of all this, I've also been feeling more positive about my blog and personal brand than ever before. In the midst of all the stress, sweat and tears it can take to do everything that you want to do, sometimes it's also good to take a minute, pause and embrace all the good things that this journey brings with it.
My blog is rooted within me and it's been like that since day one. I feel like having this online space helps me live the life I want to live and I need to start realising that more, and be more grateful for it too.
I've got some great content coming up that I'm really excited about and we had a special launch for the Blogging Breakthrough community this week that I'm really excited about. So there's lots to look forward to.
It's just about making sure you're not just doing everything - but that you're doing the right things for you.
Thanks for sticking with me,


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Proposed Trump budget cuts could pose security danger for Caribbean, United States
Caribbean leaders say proposed cuts to the U.S. State Department's foreign aid budget could have serious implications for the region and the United States at a time when there is increasing concern about terrorism.
Hosted by Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-New York, and members of the Caribbean Congressional Caucus, a Wednesday briefing on Caribbean policy during the Trump era featured speakers Oscar Spencer, vice president of the Institute for Caribbean Studies, and Sally Yearwood, executive director of Caribbean-Central American Action, which promotes economic development.
Their talks focused on security, a bill proposing to tax remittances and the Trump administration's recent decision to give Haitians a limited, six-month extension in the Temporary Protected Status program, potentially sending as many as 60,000 Haitians back to their country in January.
"The economy cannot absorb 60,000 people in 60 months. It is unrealistic, it is inhumane and it should not happen," said Curtis Ward, a former Jamaican ambassador to the United States.
Most of Ward's remarks, however, were focused on proposed U.S. aid cuts and possible implications for the United States' third border, as the Caribbean Basin is sometimes known. He said he fears that a proposed 28 percent reduction in the State Department's budget would force it to slash programs like the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), introduced by President Barack Obama in 2009 to improve citizen safety throughout the Caribbean with U.S. assistance.
"Despite being under-resourced ... CBSI is fulfilling some of its original gains to assist countries in the region to build security and law enforcement capacities to deal with drug trafficking and related criminal activities," Ward said. "Any cuts, any reduction of current funding levels for the CBSI, would adversely affect the security capacity in the region and the threats to U.S. national security emanating from or transiting the region will increase exponentially."
"In more recent years there have been increasing concerns about radicalization and recruitment to terrorism, in particular the recruitment of foreign fighters from the region joining ISIS in Syria and Iraq," he added. "A more serious problem will be faced by the region and the hemisphere when these foreign terrorist fighters return to the Caribbean. They can be expected to pose future significant risks to their countries of origin and to the United States."
In additional, a proposed $800 million cut in the U.S. Treasury's budget, he said, would "severely impact U.S. anti-money laundering" and efforts to halt terrorism financing in the Caribbean.
Spencer said the cuts would further exacerbate the pullout by U.S. banks from the Caribbean. Known as "de-risking," the withdrawal of the banks "has the potential to destabilize our economies" and increase poverty, he said. "There is a clear and present need for strong and friendly U.S.-Caribbean relations."
In the shadow of the proposed budget cuts, the withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, and ongoing rifts over the financial services industry, Yearwood said, it might seem that the Caribbean would be inconsequential to the Trump administration, but it's not.
"In 2016 the Caribbean imported $21.6 billion of U.S. products and services," she said. "Simply put, the Caribbean is one of the United States' most important trading partners."


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RE: High School
I was recently the AR1 during a high school game, in which I had stepped on the field twice. The first time was to set the ball for a foul right in front of me, as I was taught by several senior referees and assessors, because the CR and AR are not the most effective when they are standing right next to each other. I only stepped in about two yards. The second time was, after noticing a player on the field was improperly equipped, I raised my flag during a substitution so I can talk to the CR, as was discussed during the pregame. I didn't wait for play to come closer because it has been stuck in the AR 2 quadrant for the past five minutes, and the CR has to run from the far end of the field. I step ten yards in so the (volatile) coaches can't hear me and explain that a player's socks didn't conpletely cover the shin guards (they were covered partially by crew socks and the rest by white slips, and the shin guards were showing through the gaps between the two layers). He says he'll look for it, and play continues for another eight minutes until the end of the game. (Play never came near me again.) After the game, I apologized for having to call him over from so far away. He responds by snapping at me that he never heard what I said about the equipment and 'You need to stop coming on to the field. You did that to me twice!' So, a few questions. First, is it wrong for an AR to step onto the field? Should I have raised the flag at a different time, if at all? Should I have just told the player or the coach? What else could have been changed to make the situation better? I realise that the player shouldn't have been allowed to come on the field in the first place, but the CR oversaw that substution (I didn't even signal for a substitution) as I was at the corner flag for a throw in and the improper equipment looked fine at first glance. Should I sprint to the half to monitor substitutions? Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hi Kristen First of all there was no need for the centre referee to *snap* at you. Your approach was to offer a well meaning explanation for what you perceived to be a helpful intervention. The referee crew is a team and all members need to be respected and appreciated equally. This should have been a learning exercise. Now assistant referees are normally not expected to enter the field of play yet it is not cast in stone. I read nothing wrong with your interventions as you describe and your reasoning. I suspect that the CR may have been more miffed that you had questioned his equipment check and his approval of a substitute when the player was plainly incorrectly attired.Now the key to this is the pre match conference. What instructions was given by the referee. For me if the referee is looking after a substitution with the required checks then there is no need for an assistant to be present as well. Most referees though would delegate this to the assistant which would be advised pre match. Could the attire been picked up in the pre match inspection? In respect of getting involved on the field my advice would be to not get involved in matters that the referee has dealt with or is likely to deal with or that he has clearly seen. If he was happy with attire then so be it. Same would go for the placement of the ball at a free kick. I might manage that from off the field of play if required / advised with a verbal instruction (if I was close enough) otherwise I would more concern myself with subsequent play after the restart such as positioning for offside etc.One of the complaints that some officials make to me is that assistants try to referee the game. It is the referees game to officiate and ARs should undertake the role as outlined by the CR. I will get involved if there are unseen matters such as violent conduct behind the CRs back or there is going to be an error in Law on a restart. Otherwise in the two examples you cite I would not get involved. If an observer / assessor asked I would simply say that the CR did the equipment inspection and on free kicks the CR should be managing that. As a final point, I like many official build up an understanding of what certain CRs require. Some do not like interventions and for those referees I just stick to the instructions, the main focus being offside and ball in and out of play. I recall flagging a foul in a game that IMO was a certain foul to which the referee waved the flag down. I was not too happy and from that time on I did not flag for fouls. In one game after that I witnessed another stonewall foul which was not called by the same referee and I saw the CR looking directly at it. I kept the flag down. The foul happened near the end of the game close to me and the player complained to me after the game and I told him that the referee made the non call.
Kristen, I'm sorry you had to deal with what sounds like a very combative referee. It happens from time to time and all you can do is keep your head up. From what I read above, it seems like there were some holes in the pre-game given by the center referee and he was frustrated because he thought you over-stepped your bounds without even knowing that you were over-stepping them. Let's start from the beginning. Prior to the game, the referee team is supposed to a quick check of the field. This is also a good time to do a quick walkthrough of the teams and ensure that they are properly equipped. It doesn't need to be overt but just take a quick glance. If the team sees issues, the time to correct them is before the game. Ideally, that eliminates the incorrectly equipped player. The referee should also have a pre-game dialogue with the team. Notice I say dialogue; this is because it should be a three way conversation and not just the referee dictating to the ARs. The referee should cover every possible topic such as substitutions, illegal equipment, restarts and how the referee team will handle them. If you have any questions or suggestions, they should be raised at this time. Take for example the questions you asked us: - [When] step onto the field? - Should I have raised the flag at a different time, if at all? - Should I sprint to the half to monitor substitutions? All of these should be covered in the pre-game. As the referee is discussing restarts, ask if there is any point where the referee would like your assistance, say on free kicks in front of you. If the referee says no, then don't worry about it. If the referee says I will signal for you to help, then wait for the referee's signal. However, if it is not discussed in the pre-game, I always default to what looks best. In the case of the free kick, people associate the AR with the sideline and offside; I would remain in place until instructed by the referee. For equipment, we discussed above the pre-game 'check'. We also ask the coaches if their teams are properly equipped. Depending if there is a walk-out, I instruct my ARs to also do a quick check of the players before walking out. Once the game starts, it gets more difficult. This is why we must ask about it in the pre-game. Ask the question: 'What do you want from us (the ARs) if we see illegal equipment?' Depending on the referee's answer, follow up for clarification. I tell my ARs to use common sense. If the equipment could cause injury to the player or an opponent (ie earrings, necklace, blood, etc...) get my attention at the next stoppage and we will deal with it immediately. If it is something a little more obscure (tape on the socks, shin guards not fully covered, etc..) but does not have an effect on player safety, get my attention the next time I am near you and we will deal with it accordingly. Let me give a practical example of this. Last night, I was working a game and a player got a cut while sliding on the turf. His shirt got a little bloody and he had to swap out. My AR immediately noticed the blood, got my attention and we resolved it without issue. At half time, my other AR remarked that I now had two number 14's on the field because of the shirt change. It was simple enough to ask the coach to remedy it and there were no stoppages, delays, or complaints from anyone involved. Finally, as to the referee complaining about you stepping on the field to give information. In general, it looks bad when this happens but there is nothing particularly wrong with it. Just file it away and if you ever work with this referee again, remember to not even put a toe on the line. Hopefully that helps answer your questions somewhat. Remember, it all starts with a good thorough pre-game.
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How To Find Us
The picturesque and historic town of Knysna is situated in the heart of the Garden Route along the Western Cape coast. A 5-hour drive or a 1-hour flight from Cape Town will bring you to this unique destination. From Johannesburg you will need to fly into George whose airport is merely 70 kilometres from Knysna by car. Most car rental companies are represented at George Airport. Once you reach Knysna on the N2 from the direction of George, drive through Knysna's town centre. Turn right into George Rex Drive just past the traffic light to the Quick Spar/Caltex garage on the right.
Stay on George Rex Drive for approximately 5 kilometres until you reach the traffic circle. Go ¾ way around the circle and exit just before "Under Milkwood" holiday resort. Follow the road to Hope Villa which you will find about 150 metres down the road, on the left hand side.
GPS Coordinates: S 34º 04.547 min, E 23 º 03.694 min
Contact us on 044-384 2140 or 071 267 2565 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Visit our Facebook page: Hope Villa Bed & Breakfast


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Stephen Lendman
On May 9, Amsterdam News (AN) headlined "Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X, killed."
by Stephen Lendman
AN said he was killed in Tijuana, Mexico. Unconfirmed reports said "he died early Thursday morning, May 9, 2013, from injuries sustained after he was thrown off a building or shot as he was being robbed."
Family members acknowledged his death. They haven't confirmed where or how.
Talking Points Memo (TPM) said it "independently confirmed his death through a (non-family) source with close knowledge of the situation." It said he "was beaten during a robbery Wednesday night in Mexico City."
A State Department source said:
"We are aware of the death of a US citizen in Mexico City. We have been in contact with family members, and at their request we have no further comment at this time."
Shabazz was Malcolm X's grandson. On February 21, 1965, Malcolm was killed as he was about to speak in Manhattan. In his autobiography, he commented on his possible death, saying:
"Every morning when I wake now, I regard it as a having another borrowed day."
"In any city, wherever I go, making speeches, holding meetings of my organisation, or attending to other business, black men are watching every move I make, awaiting their chance to kill me, I have said publicly many times that I know that they have their orders."
"Anyone who chooses not to believe what I am saying doesn't know the Muslims in the Nation of Islam."
"I know, too, that I could suddenly die at the hands of some white racists. Or I could die at the hands of some Negro hired by the white man."
"Or it could be some brainwashed Negro acting on his own idea that by eliminating me, he would be helping out the white man because I talk about the white man the way I do."
Who killed Malcolm matters less than who wanted him dead and ordered it. Others will have to decide. Perhaps history will have final say.
The same holds for Shabazz. It's unclear who killed………..
via Malcolm Shabazz's Suspicious Death | Veterans Today.
Related articles


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Every day, Thiagi tweets ready-to-use pieces of practical advice on different topics such as facilitation, listening skills, communication, leadership, feedback, training, and management.
Here are some recent pieces of advice about facilitation techniques that were re-tweeted frequently:
- To most people, a facilitated session is a strange new experience. Use suitable activities to prevent them from passively listening.
- Rewarding supportive behaviors from your participants works more effectively than punishing disruptive behaviors.
- Anything you do—goal setting, planning, decision making, problem solving—can be done in a group through a facilitated activity.
- Be a flexible facilitator. Shift between predetermined activities and improvised activities as needed.
- Make all your participants feel welcome, heard, comfortable, important, and respected at all times.
- Treat disruptive behaviors as valuable feedback. Accept them as gifts.
- Encourage the participants to stand up, stretch, walk around, and take breaks any time they want to.


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How Xybion supported a leading Telecom with a self-service migration solution for moving enterprise data into SharePoint®
A self-service migration solution to create a collaborative environment
A self-service migration solution to create a collaborative environment
One of the largest Telecommunications companies had been using a primary content repository across its enterprise for the last 9 years. In the wake of deploying SharePoint®, the company decided to move all enterprise content with associated metadata and access rights. For this, they chose to break the project down into manageable amounts of data moves headed by designated user groups.
However, the designated end users were responsible for 15 terabytes of data in 4800 workspaces. Each would need access to the old and new systems besides a tool that could accomplish the migration.
Xybion extended its support with a solution that was easy enough for end-users to manage, yet powerful enough to accomplish the complexities of data mapping.
Please fill the form to Download the case study.
About Xybion
Xybion is the leading provider of software, services and consulting for global corporations operating in highly regulated industries. Our unique solutions focus on regulatory compliance, GRC, quality management, GLP, integrated preclinical lab management, early-stage drug discovery, content migration and systems validation. Xybion specializes in helping companies improve their overall compliance processes and provides a complete view into organizational risk across global organizational models.
Xybion's combination of software, business process management, services, validation enables us to cover a broad spectrum of critical business needs for companies and we deliver our solutions on a global scale. For over 40 years, Xybion has been supporting global clientele, including top 20 big pharma through its agile, cloud-based software solutions. Our leadership in this dynamic and ever-changing industry has been a cornerstone of our high-value reputation.


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Missing Uganda aid to be repaid soon
Suspension of Irish development aid to the Government of Uganda, amounting to €16 million this year, will remain in place until €4 million in missing funds is restored, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore has said.
Speaking after the release of an Irish Government report on the scandal, he said the missing €4 million in Irish Aid funds to Uganda is expected to be paid back within weeks or months.
He told reporters that the Government had a "written undertaking" from Uganda's minister for finance that the money would be repaid.
Speaking in Dublin Castle prior to an address on Ireland's EU presidency to a conference held by the Institute of International and European Affairs, he said he had ordered a "full review" of his own department's risk assessment procedures.
"It was a very well-organised, very sophisticated fraud that took place in the prime minister's office in Uganda. It involved the defrauding of about €12 million; €4 million of which was Irish Aid money.
"The important thing here is that it was detected quickly. We acted quickly: we suspended all Irish aid to the Ugandan government. The money is now to be paid back and the people responsible have either been arrested, suspended, or action is being taken against them.
"Clearly there are lessons that have to be learned from this, obviously for the Ugandan government and, from our own point of view as well, in relation to our own risk assessment procedures. The systems control [in the department] could have been stronger.
"I have instructed my officials to carry out a full review of our risk assessment, to make sure we are less vulnerable to this type of fraud."
Asked about repayment of the stolen funds, he said: "We have got a written undertaking from the minister for finance in Uganda that the money is being paid back."
The funds were intended for the Peace, Recovery and Development Programme to assist the war-torn northern part of the country, and the fraud was discovered by the auditor-general of Uganda. A team from the evaluation and audit unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs went to Kampala to examine how the funds were diverted without authorisation by officials in the office of prime minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi.
Their report states: "This was a very sophisticated, well-thought-out fraud involving a high level of collusion at a senior level. The fraud was conceived and carried out by personnel in collusion who had an intimate knowledge of systems within ministry of finance, planning and economic development, [the] office of the prime minister and Bank of Uganda."
The funds "were fraudulently transferred from the legitimate bank accounts into which the donors had properly deposited the money to fraudulent dormant accounts outside of the government system".
The report adds: "It is impossible to know who the ultimate beneficiaries of the funds were."
The full report is available online at iti.ms/UPfXmA


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Whistler may have "broken the back" of its housing problem this year but it remains to be seen how 400 new resident-restricted units in Whistler will affect its notorious rental market.
When the new homeowners move into Cheakamus Crossing throughout next fall there will be a great "sucking sound" on the resident employee waitlist, according to one councillor.
And the clear majority of those new homeowners will be moving from rental units into their first homes.
It's the ramifications of that seismic shift, when more than 200 households move within months of each other, that has Councillor Eckhard Zeidler asking questions of the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA).
"The supply and demand equation for rental housing is changing and we need to pay attention to it," said Zeidler after a recent WHA public workshop with council.
"I expect it will make the rental market more attractive for renters than it has been in a very long time."
The WHA is aware of it and is hoping to see an ease on the high-pressure rental market that has seen rents rise year over year.
The WHA tracks average rental rates in the resort from the back pages of both Pique Newsmagazine and the Question. This year the average listed studio was $1,414, up more than $300 over last year. A one-bedroom jumped from $1,275 last year to $1,500 on average this year. The trend continues in all sectors of the market.
What that means is renters are forced to share rooms and even beds in an attempt to make ends meet, creating shabby living conditions that often make national headlines.
"We should definitely see an ease on the rental market next summer, or once the Cheakamus Crossing units become available for possession," said WHA general manager Marla Zucht.
"We're hoping that the additional rental availability in the market will help ease some of the pressure for affordability."
And while it will likely mostly affect the landlords who try to gouge renters as demand ramps up prior to the winter season, there is the potential that a softer rental market could affect other, more reasonable landlords who use suites, or parts of their homes, as mortgage helpers. That could lead to other affordability challenges for Whistlerites.
Zeidler is optimistic that the changing rental market will impact those opportunistic landlords more than the reasonable ones, but he is keen to keep track of the impacts.
"I think it's something that we need to keep an eye on because that also speaks to affordability," he said.
This year 400 new units were added to the inventory. The WHA is including Cheakamus Crossing in that new inventory, though the owners will not move in until fall 2010, after the development is used as the athletes' village for both the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The stars didn't just align for resident restricted housing in 2009, Zucht told council, they crashed together, bringing the entire inventory on at once.
In addition to Cheakamus Crossing, new resident-restricted units were built at Fitzsimmons Walk, which quickly sold out, and at Rainbow, which still has more than 60 units up for sale.
The addition of 400 new units has had a dramatic impact on the WHA waitlist, which at last year's count was 800 strong. That has been reduced to slightly less than 500 at this year's count.
More importantly, almost half of the people on that waitlist already own a WHA property and are on the list in an attempt to move into a different home.
That leaves 272 households who are on the list and looking to buy for the first time.
The biggest demand is for two-bedroom units and the majority of household waitlisters are pre-approved for $200,000 to $400,000 mortgages.
In response to Councillor's Zeidler's comments about the shifting nature of the waitlist and the social impacts it could have in the valley, WHA board member Brian Good said he believes there will still be enough people to fill beds.
"I think we're a long ways off still to getting to that point where there's more beds than people," Good told council at the workshop.
The numbers mean that Whistler is housing 77 per cent of its workforce, which is above the 75 per cent goal it set for itself.
"We've fixed the biggest hole in the boat," said WHA chair Michael Hutchison to council.
"There are perhaps some other holes."
The focus in the coming years will be less on building new inventory and more on seniors housing, potentially housing the lowest income members of the community and seasonal workers.


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...We're all gonna die when the building blows ((My favorite song at the moment))
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Cross Your Fingers, Hold Your Toes...
Posted by Lenore at 8:48 PM 5 comments
Right now...I'm doing nothing. Nothing at all...
Posted by Lenore at 12:12 PM 3 comments
Friday, February 27, 2009
My Huckleberry Friend
Posted by Lenore at 8:14 PM 5 comments
Monday, February 23, 2009
Oscars, Blog Awards, Music and Movies!!
well, i haven't posted in a while...
Alot has been happening. I got back from boston last week. As soon as I upload the photos, i will start a series on this blog and call it "Boston" ((yes, very simple)). I cannot wait!!
Did you see the Oscars??? Oh, it was soooo amazing!! I was soooo happy to see Heath Ledger get best supporting roll...If only he was with us now...so sad!
Someday, I'll be there. I'll get in the department of best supporting Actress, Lead actress, or Director. I will...I will.
Seeing all those people get soooo emptional while accepting there Oscar, inspired me. I can do anything.
Also...Jemima has given me a LOVELY award!! Thank You darling...
The rules are...1. Link the blog who gave you this award. 2. Give the award to seven other bloggers and link them. 3. Tell them that you have given them an award.
1. Sprinkle (A lovely girl who has giant city dreams just like me! Also, a super blog! It makes me warm inside)
2. Lonely Heart ( Very deep thought that gets us all thinking. I'm always excited for a new post)
3. sammi-lise (Her blog truly is a fairy tale unlike any other. simply amazing. i also adore the music!!!)
4. ChipotleChick (Very, Very entertaining. I always enjoy reading her blog. You know...She reminds me of this friend i have...but thats another story. Anyway, great blog)
5. Peachy-Pinklove (Yes, I know she's not on blogspot, but she still has a great blog. She calls her thoughts tiny, But they're big. The beautiful thoughts of a true dreamer)
6. DeeLoli (quite the Lolita!!! a very pretty blog with great music!! All my faves- Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy X...Please, please post more!!)
7.Chromaphilick (A very interesting blog...BEAUTIFUL pictures. awesome.)
There you go! You all desrve it darlings!!!!!
now...just a few random things I feel like stating.
Music lately: Moon River (I cannot stop playing it on my keyboard and singing it!)
Clothes lately: My Abby Dawn rock and roll jeans (LUV EM!)
Schoolwork lately: well, projects about Ancient Egypt, and i need to start a biography on Edgar Allen Poe.
My Movies lately: Well, i'm going to try to make my first animation!! *happy music plays* but, I just finished this cool mucic video using clips from my favorite Video Game (Kingdom Hearts) and this cool song by my favorite japanese singer, Utada Hikaru! ((Random Dierector moment))
well, thats all for now.
Never forget- Live, Laugh, Love ((The Three Ls)) hehe
Posted by Lenore at 6:01 PM 11 comments
Saturday, February 14, 2009
oh, how I love you Boston!
A picture from outside my window!!, not the best though...
I'll take more, and maybe post a video!
Posted by Lenore at 10:40 AM 10 comments
Friday, February 13, 2009
I've made it. Finally...
Here I am, sitting in a bulding, like a princess in a tower, city lights all around me, buildings, cars, people, magic...
I cannot believe it.
Posted by Lenore at 7:23 PM 1 comments
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Thank You Sprinkle!!
Posted by Lenore at 7:26 PM 4 comments
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Best Birthday Ever
Well, first, yesterday, i managed to find one of my gifts, a "Kiki's Delivery Service" DVD. It was one of my most favorite movies as a 6 yr. old ((or was it 5?)) So it was rather nice and nostalgic. I can really understand it now, because its all about the things we go through in life, and its also a very cute, and beautifully animated movie.
Posted by Lenore at 4:56 PM 9 comments
Friday, February 6, 2009
the post without a name...
Posted by Lenore at 7:43 PM 1 comments
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Please, Let it snow harder.
Turn my town into a snowglobe. Please...
Posted by Lenore at 8:16 PM 3 comments


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Are Netbooks Green? 6 Pros and Cons
Photo via iJammin via Flickr CC
Netbooks are those wonderfully tiny, ultra-portable computers that are all the rage right now, beating out notebook sales in 2008 and beating their own sales in the first quarter of 2009. They're stripped down versions of notebooks, giving users just what they need to surf the web and email, run a few programs like photo editing and word processing, upload images and watch videos online - you know, the basic things the majority of us use our computers for. The ability to do essentially everything we do on larger computers all on this shrunken down device sounds wonderful, but begs the question - are netbooks greener than notebooks? Yes! And no.
3 Reasons Netbooks are Greener Than Notebooks
Photo of via Roland via Flickr CC
1. Netbooks are smaller and use fewer materials than notebooks
Netbooks are tiny versions of notebooks, weighing usually from 2 to 4 pounds, with smaller batteries, screens ranging from 8.9 to 10.1 inches and keyboards shrunk down to 89-93% of standard notebook keyboards. They're still highly usable once the owner gets used to to the smaller screens and slightly scrunched typing surface.
The smaller size means fewer materials go into not only the making of the computer itself, but also the packaging. The lighter weight makes for a smaller carbon footprint when it comes to shipping as well.
Photo via elefevre7 via Flickr CC
2. Netbooks use less energy than notebooks
Netbooks typically come with 3-cell or 6-cell batteries. They require power supplies of just 30 Watts, versus the 65 Watts of notebooks. The batteries are also long lasting, considering the netbooks are made to be stripped down and ultra-efficient, often lasting 2-3 hours on a charge for 3-cell batteries and 6-7 hours on a charge for the 6-cell batteries.
Factoring in even more variables like getting a solid state drive for higher efficiency (which is a trade off since it has slower read/write speeds), netbooks blow right past notebooks when it comes to power consumption. And the efficiency is only getting better as netbooks become more popular among manufacturers and consumers.
Photo via Jaymi Heimbuch
3. Netbooks get us back to Less Is More thinking
Most people have notebooks that are far more powerful than really necessary. The majority of us use laptops for basics - surfing the web, watching videos, email, word processing, photo editing, listening to music, and other basics. Yet the notebooks we buy are capable of far more than we require them to do.
Returning to devices that are simplified yet can accomplish the things we need them to without additional bells and whistles - and the associated energy consumption and carbon footprint - reminds us that, really, less is more; less bulky devices, less money spent, less consumption of materials, and thus achieve more overall satisfaction.
It all sounds pretty great, right? Well there are a few cons, too. Check them out on the next page.