text:
I hope you find something special at "Online Silly Shopper" for you, your friends and family! Should you have any questions that aren't answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Online Silly Shopper accepts payments through PayPal. You do not need a PayPal Account to pay for your items through PayPal:
You can choose the PayPal Option during checkout. After you submit your order click the "Pay Now" button. Scroll Down and you will see the option to pay with a Credit or Debit Card WITHOUT having to sign up for a PayPal account.
Packages will NOT be sent until the payment has been received. Customers are obliged to pay within three days of placing the order. Online Silly Shopper will provide you with one additional day (that's four days total). If payment has not been received on the fourth day, the transaction will be cancelled.
If you are having issues with PayPal or any other aspect of the transaction, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to accommodate your needs.
All orders will ship within 1-2 business days from the date of payment. All packages will be sent via USPS or UPS. As soon as the Item is shipped we will upload the tracking number into your order on Ebay and it will be automatically sent to you for notification. We try to get our orders out within 24 hours as we pride ourselves on expediting all orders so they get to our customers quickly!
SENDING A GIFT - Shipping to different address with Gift Wrap & Gift Note:
If you're purchasing an Online Silly Shopper item as a gift and would like to ship to another address or would like special packaging and a hand written note included-this can be included at no extra cost. Please use the "contact the seller" link or the Contact link on the page to inform us of the occasion, shipping address, and personal message to be included in the package.
Return Policy:
Online Silly Shopper Items sold on the eBay Marketplace are returnable within 5 days of delivery for a refund of the full price of the item minus the return shipping costs. If the purchase was sent with "free shipping" the original shipping costs will also be deducted from the refund. Returned items must be in new condition and in the original packaging.
There are a few exceptions to this policy:
Items are returnable within 5 days of delivery for a full refund with the following exceptions:
What If My Order Arrives Damaged?First of all, we're sorry that happened. Let us help you in every way we can. Please send me an email and we will work it out together to get you a replacement ASAP!
For any product deemed defective or if you received a product that is different from that advertised, please contact us. You can either send it back for a full refund + return postage or we can send you a replacement.
In any event if you are not happy for any reason with the product you have purchased through us please contact us before leaving feedback so we can resolve it together.
Can I Cancel or Change My Order?If you need to cancel an order or make any changes to it, please contact us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We can't cancel an order once it has shipped, so the sooner you contact us the better our chance of catching the order in time. If we can't make the change or cancellation before the order ships, you may need to return the item, which would fall under our standard return policy.
Order Acceptance:Online Silly Shopper reserves the right, without prior notification, to limit the order quantity on any item and/or to refuse service to any customer. Verification of information may be required prior to the acceptance of any order. Prices and availability of products on the Site are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected when discovered, and Online Silly Shopper reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions (including after an order has been submitted). In the event of an erroneous listing we will refund your money as soon as possible.


text:
Haider Ackermann
Haider Ackermann is a Colombian ready-to-wear fashion designer who first created his own label in 2001. Influenced by cultural differences, Ackermann's fashion contrasts and blends dress codes. The simple cuts of his creations are often asymmetric and sewn of different materials, resolutely modern, dynamic and urban areas, using the resources of high and low culture, developing type clothing streetwear featuring feminine silhouettes sophisticated and refined.
In 2005, after he signs up with the belgian company 32, he moves to Paris and opens his atelier.
Haider Ackermann's work is about contrast. The mix between high and low culture, elegance and street life. He is intrigued by cultural differences and cultural force. The purity and simple aesthetic of forms mixed with the activity and vitality of life itself.
Sorry, there are no products in this collection

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wow – What a day this was and you are now able to view the whole gallery…..! Simple click the link below and get the password from Hayley or Ed and you can download or buy prints.
For being awesome guests, we have created a special discount code of 50% off on all prints and downloads. Use the discount code THANKYOU at checkout.


text:
Qty : 1
Searching for a quality pro training equipment for your Rottweiler? Build confidence in your trained Rottweiler with these natural wooden dumbbells! Ever wondered how professionals create drive in exercise for beginner dogs? Get the most appropriate dumbbell and you'll learn the secret. These dumbbells are used by trainers worldwide.
Click on the pictures to see bigger image
Key features of this dumbbell:
Intended use:
The design of the dumbbell is simple but well thought-out. Your canine will be able to hold the dumbbell firmly. The dumbbell is made of natural hardwood, it contains no toxic substances. So, it is absolutely safe for your dog's teeth. This Training Dumbbell has proper weight for training your Rottweiler - 1000g. The item is available in few sizes, so, you can choose the most appropriate option for your Rottweiler current preparation level. The links to the offered produducts you can find in the table below! Get this supply in all sizes and make your dog's transition to pro Schutzhund training smooth and friendly! Better grip, easier to grab – prepare your Rottweiler for real actions.
* 1-5 business days on average once the order is shipped (not including holidays and weekends)** 3-5 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
* 9-20 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)** 3-7 business days on average (not including holidays and weekends)
You can return all items (except close-outs and custom made products) within 21 days after delivery. Please, contact us before you send item/items back to receive a return/exchange authorization number.


text:
Set up the Alexa integration for Digital Assistant
You can use Digital Assistant from your Amazon Alexa devices. All that is needed is a one-time set up between your custom Alexa skill and Digital Assistant. Follow the steps below to get started:
1. Create the Alexa skill
Go to https://developer.amazon.com/alexa/console/ask and click on Create Skill.
Then follow the below steps:
Enter a name for your skill, for example "My Company's Assistant"
Click Next
Select the Custom model
Click Create Skill
You should now see the Skill's build overview page.
2. Setup the Alexa skill
From the Build screen we now want to configure the Model of our new skill.
Click on JSON Editor in the bottom left-hand corner
Download our JSON definition file and upload it here
In line number 4 you may optionally update the invocation name of your skill, i.e. if you leave it as
digital assistantusers would say "Alexa, ask Digital Assistant to..."
Invocation names must be all lowercase
Click on Save Model
Next up we have to configure Interfaces.
- Click on Interfaces
- Enable the toggle for Display Interface
- Click on Save Interfaces
Now we want to set up the endpoint with Digital Assistant.
- Click on Endpoint
- Select HTTPS
- Under Default Region enter
- Select the type of your HTTPS certificate, in most cases it would be My development endpoint is a sub-domain of a domain that has a wildcard certificate from a certificate authority
- Click Save Endpoints
3. Start Account linking
Now we need to link the Alexa skill's account to an account in Digital Assistant. Follow the below setup.
- Click Account Linking
- Enable the toggle
- Set Authorization Type to Auth Code Grant
- In a new browser window we need to create a new API Client in Digital Assistant. Go to
- Enter a technical Name
- Enter a long-tail Title
- Copy the Client Id from Digital Assistant (red) to Alexa (green)
- Copy the Client Secret from Digital Assistant (red) to Alexa (green)
- Copy Authorization endpoint from Digital Assistant (red) to Alexa (green)
- Copy Token endpoint from Digital Assistant (red) to Alexa (green)
- Copy Redirect URLs from Alexa (red) to Digital Assistant under Return URLs (green)
- Save in Digital Assistant
- Save in Alexa
4. Build Model
Back on the Skill's build overview page, click on Build Model in the Skill builder checklist.
5. Test Skill
Alexa Skills can be tested from the Test tab in the Skills Builder, but before the Simulator works we need to configure one more setting in Digital Assistant.
- Go to
- Enable Admin Simulator mode
- Click the checkmark to save
Now you can test your Skill in the Amazon Alexa Skill console.
- Click on Test
- Enable the toggle
- Enter a test utterance
You can find information on how to lanch your skill from the Amazon website.


text:
This recipe is a spin on the Sweet and Salty version which is Homemade Toffee Candy AKA Crack Candy, Christmas Crack, I am sure you have seen/heard it all. The original recipe calls for Saltine Crackers but I change it up in this version.
I wanted to make this version a "fallish" flavor so I used Graham Crackers instead of Saltines to give it that fallish taste. I have another idea I am going to try next and I think that might be the winner with a true "fall" taste.
Not even sure what I will call this one if that recipe turns out. Any-who it is still a delicious recipe and definitely worth a try to make for your next Holiday Party or Thanksgiving dinner.
I think I might make a batch on the first day of fall coming up here in a few weeks and send it to school with Harper for the teachers. I remember working at the High School and getting yummy treats brought in by the parents.
This homemade toffee candy, just like it's salty version, is super easy to make and can be created to fit any holiday, just add different seasonal sprinkles like I did here for fall or here for Halloween.
Be careful when you make it, as it is ADDICTING to eat!
Let bubble up while still stirring constantly for 3 minutes and turns to a candy like consistency. Be sure to scrape the bottoms when stirring so it does not burn.
Pour toffee mixture all over graham crackers and spread out evenly with a spatula. Bake at 400 degrees for 5-6 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Once cooled pour chocolate chips all over toffee and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with sprinkles and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Remove from fridge and break into pieces. Some of them turn out really good and look like actual graham cracker pieces if you break it in just the right spots.
Homemade Fall Toffee Candy
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks of REAL butter not oil based butter)
- 2 sleeves Graham Crackers
- Fall Colored Sprinkles
- 1 bag Chocolate chips (your choice in these pictures I used semisweet)
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil and spray with non stick cooking spray. Line Graham Crackers all along cookie sheet, I even broke them apart to make sure all edges were covered in grahams.
In a medium size saucepan melt butter and brown sugar over high heat. Stirring constantly bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Pour mixture over Graham Crackers. Use a spatula to smooth out toffee mixture until all over graham craackers. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Pour chocolate chips all over toffee and spread out with a spatula until smooth. Then top with sprinkles. Tip: After sprinkling chocolate chips over toffee you can pop back in hot oven for a few seconds to help melt the chocolate chips for easier spreading – but no too long or the toffee will heat up again and start mixing with the chocolate. Cool for 2 hours.
Remove from fridge and snap into pieces of all sizes. Store candy pieces in fridge.


text:
Jun 23, 2018 - Sea Cloud
Today, we boarded a tender just after 8 a.m, to the port of Athinios, then enjoyed a short ride through the caldera of Santorini. As Santorini suffered multiple eruptions of its volcano millions of years ago, we had to drive up a breathtaking winding street, to an elevation of 300 meters above sea level.
Lava and volcanic ashes once covered the island. Almost 3,700 years ago, this was the site of Akrotiri, one of the most important civilizations, which was eventually destroyed. Today, it is an amazing archaeological site.
As it was early in the morning and we wanted to avoid crowds of tourists at the archaeological sites, we decided to make our way to famous village of Oia. On our way, Sofia and Angelos, our cultural specialists, talked about the history of this unique island of the Aegean Sea. In this beautiful village, we practiced our photography skills and relaxed.
After Oia, we enjoyed a traditional lunch of mezedes in the scenic village of Pyrgos. Mezedes are appetizers, small starters that Greeks enjoy together as a meal, in place of main courses. They are always served family-style and shared with loved ones―in this case, our Sea Cloud family. Nektarios, the cook and the owner of the restaurant, offered us lot of local specialities, like the well-known Santorini favas and white eggplants.
Our cultural orientation continued with a visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera. The glamour of Santorini (or Thera, another name for the island) revealed itself in these unique collections. Some members decided to stay and relax at beautiful Fira, but almost everybody visited Akrotiri, the excavation site dug from the ash layers. Ancient settlers had plenty of time to evacuate this place before the volcanic eruption of 1628 B.C.E. They left also some valuables behind, thinking that they would return one day!
Around half past 6 p.m., we were back at Sea Cloud. After some coffee, we sailed out from the caldera, enjoying unique views of Oia and the spectacular volcanic cliffs around the volcanic islands. Later in the evening, we enjoyed a special Greek buffet dinner on the Lido Deck. Finally, our day was crowned with a viewing of the classic square rig sailing film "Around Cape Horn," filmed in 1929 and narrated 50 years later by Captain Irving Johnson.
Join us for updates, insider reports & special offers.


text:
Workers clean the debris from the Immaculate Conception Church after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit Guayanilla, Puerto Rico on Jan. 11. Photo: Pedro Alejandro Granadillo Hernanadez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake struck the southern coast of Puerto Rico Saturday, per the U.S. Geological Survey.
The big picture: Gov. Wanda Vázquez declared a state of emergency on Jan. 7 after two earthquakes measuring magnitudes of 6.4 and 5.8 hit the U.S. territory. The island has been rocked by a series of tremors since.
What's new: The latest quake hit at a depth of eight miles "around the southern coastal town of Guayanilla, located close to the epicenters of most of the recent earthquakes," AP reports. "At least one small landslide was reported."
- On Friday, hundreds of people were forced to evacuate earthquake shelters after heavy rains caused flooding in the south, per AP.
Go deeper: In photos: Puerto Rico in state of emergency after back-to-back quakes
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.


text:
Why Let Go?
Category: Awakening Written by Matt Kahn Views: 946
In order to know the benefits of letting go, it is essential to first identify what you might be holding on to.
Perhaps you are holding onto a dream of how you want your life to be? And, of course, the purpose of life is to grow, so it is natural and important to always strive toward greater horizons of experience. But when any degree of striving for change overlooks the equally important facet of appreciating all that you have — an imbalance occurs. In this space of imbalance, where more time is spent striving towards something different than appreciating exactly the way life happens to be, you experience a degree of shutting down, known commonly as sadness.
When you are shut down in sadness it is nearly instinctive to believe that you can only feel differently once your life circumstances become different.
In sadness, it is common to believe, "if I am unable to snap my fingers and make external circumstances better, there goes any chance of feeling better." Such a belief only amplifies the self-defeat, misery, and agony shutting down conveys. It is partially true-- something in your life does need to change in order to inspire transformation in your emotional experiences, but it only needs to be the changing of your perspective.
In order for such incredible shifts to occur, let's explore the fundamental rhythm of reality that when overlooked, facilitates the shutting down you are eager to dissolve and unravel. No matter how many years you've been on this planet, how few or how many mystical experiences you've had, or even the amount of grief, neglect or abuse you've endured, all human beings experience a rhythm of perpetual change. During reoccurring periods of inevitable change, there are two cycles at play...cycles of renewal and erosion.
In renewal, old things become new. In erosion new things become old.
Throughout the human condition, it is normal to be positively elated by the birth of new creations that renewal so often provides. Equally so, it is also normal for the elation experienced in renewal to flatten or seem empty as new things become old. It is lovely to receive a bouquet of flowers, which isn't the same experience when all the petals fall off with stems steeped in murky water. It's glorious to manifest exciting new opportunities, which inevitably become less exciting once something new becomes that 'same old thing'. This also happens in relationships, where the passion of a brand-new love affair fades into the boredom of everyday life. Again, this is a normal way of functioning within the human condition. This means it is normal for how ego perceives, but not nearly as incredibly as your soul sees your life.
When you view from your soul's perspective, you are inherently emotionally free. You are able to strive towards goals, while always making time to appreciate all that's been given by honoring all the experiences that have come to be. You are able to cherish the fact that new things are only set to become old things, while the space created from this process only gives rise to the creation of newer things to be. From this space of emotional freedom, you are able to equally embrace renewal and erosion for their transformative benefits, no matter how much pleasure or pain will be felt.
In ego, you are conditioned to seek pleasure primarily to avoid the anticipation of pain. Since the ego's perception of joy, elation, and arousal could only be noticed in the absence of pain, it is your primary way of functioning in the human condition to be your most open, positive and loving self during cycles of renewal, only to shut down, lash out, and turn away the moment erosion dawns.
Since renewal naturally leads to erosion and erosion only clears space for greater renewal, the art of letting go is relinquishing a need to control it.
This is the cornerstone of emotional freedom. It is the central theme of the new heart-centered spiritual paradigm-- to be able to gain joyfully and lose with the utmost nobility. It is your soul's ability to embody the resilience of transformation that comes about as a result of old things becoming new and new things becoming old throughout a rhythm of endless change. This is precisely what the Universe urges you to learn and embody at this time: to temper your deepest desire for change with an equal amount of time appreciating all that you have and its purpose of helping you reach your absolute potential. And it's urging you to be excited for all the new horizons of experience always coming your way, while being equally respectful of the limited time you have with certain people, places, and things — only existing exactly as they are for the personal growth and spiritual expansion this period of time is meant to provide you. Best of all, you are able to flow through life with renewed courage, enthusiasm, passion and joy, knowing your happiness and fulfillment are not based on the circumstances you control, but how deeply aligned you are with your soul's clearest view.
Throughout each passing breath, may you make peace with renewal and erosion, not afraid to receive the things that will one day be lost, nor adrift in endless seeking as a way of trying to outrun the winds of fate. May you honor the equal gifts that both pleasure and pain inspire, not needing to always be in pain in order to grow, or always needing constant pleasure to confirm your worth and value. May you let go of viewing life from the ego's belief in punishment, so you may enter your soul's domain of endless rewards. From this space, everything that comes and goes will always leave you more evolved than before you gained it.
As you let go, may you absolve the tendency of criticizing yourself whenever renewal begins to erode. May you wake up from the ego's quest for never-ending perfection, only imagining a need to improve as a way to inspire a life of endless gain that cannot exist without the inevitability of loss.
With the Universe guiding your every step, may you honor the 'nothing' you've ever done wrong that was always right for the outcome each moment was meant to create.
May you let go so profoundly that the pleasure of gain can be recognized throughout each moment, even when it is the gaining of maturity or the expansion of perspective — no matter what must be lost, in order for such gains to occur. May you come into a harmonious relationship with reality, seeing how natural it is to gain until you lose, and then lose until you gain-- utilizing the friction created through contrast to melt the edges of your limitations.
This is the plan the Universe always has for you: to become your most magnificent expression of Source energy — no matter the ups and downs that orbit each outcome. Despite the pain of your past or the uncertainty of your current circumstances, the art of letting go is here to show you the way into a more miraculous way of being.
© Copyright 2019 True Divine Nature, LLC Source
Thank you!
ॐ Namasté - Blessings!
© 2008-2020 crystalwind.ca. All rights reserved.
Crystal Of The Day!
Latest Articles
The Crystal Wind Oracle
Myth & Magic Card Deck!
Details Here!
NEW Expanded
Printed & Boxed!
Now with 58 cards!
Featured Articles: Awakening
Do you see 11:11? Open or Close
11:11 Do you see it?
For many years the numbers 11:11 have been mysteriously appearing to millions of people all over the world. Often appearing on digital clocks, the sightings of 11:11 tend to occur during time of heightened awareness, having a most powerful effect on those seeing them.Read More
- The Four Agreements Open or Close
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.
Impeccable means "without sin" and a sin is something you do or believe that goes against yourself. It means not speaking against yourself, to yourself or to others. It means not rejecting yourself. To be impeccable means to take responsibility for yourself, to not participate in "the blame game."Read More
- The Four Agreements Open or Close
Who is Online Now
We have 988 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
Mabon Modern Style
The Mabon season begins somewhere around the 21st-22nd of September and cont... Read more
Ducks Fly Moon
Raven - Bloodstone Jasper - Mullein - Brown September 23 to October 23 The D... Read more
The Mental Balancer Stone Lepidolite contains lithium and is helpful for st... Read more
Birth Totem - Raven or Crow
Birth dates: September 22 - October 22 Birth Totem is: Raven/Crow Clan ... Read more
Sun in Libra
An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Libra The ruler of Libra is Ven... Read more
Autumn Equinox Meditation
Please join us in celebrating the Autumn Equinox! This is an ideal time to co... Read more
12 White Witch Spells For Autumn
Add these 12 essential spells to your arsenal of magic, thanks to Tu... Read more
Mabon Magic: Ideas For Fall Decoration And R…
Welcome (almost!) to Fall! We're turning the Great Wheel once again, toward ... Read more
Libra Mythology
It's truly impossible to talk about Libra mythology without also referencing... Read more
Libra's Featured Stone - Kyanite
Kyanite Birthstone: Libra Planet: Venus Element: Air Chakra: Throat Read more
Autumn Equinox
The Autumn Equinox is a time of harvesting and preparation. It is a time to ... Read more
Right Click
No right click


text: scott001 3 Report post Posted October 12, 2018 My site is a secure https site, and when I run tests on it the cookies that Revive Ad Server sets are non-https, insecure cookies. Is there a way that I can force the cookies to be https? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


text:
Modern and simple vertical design with plants shows the vitality.
A white and simple vertical design with a dark brown facade highlights the modern architectural style. Plants bring nature into the spaces protecting from dust and strong sunlight.
Two families share one floor, which promises the residents privacy and comfort.
The building is vertically divided into two parts by the communal area, promising the residents privacy and peace.
Large veranda.
You may relax here and enjoy all the seasons have to offer you in beautiful Cyprus.
Open kitchen and international famous cabinets show your high-quality life.
The open design keeps away from cooking oil and smog. The kitchen joint with living room is more convenient.
Parking and Storage available.
Every house has a parking space and storage place for free at the first floor.
Updated info: Building is finished and rented, with an Energy Certificate of class B+


text:
On February 6, 2019, Ruby Drive Elementary School in Placentia hosted educational leaders from throughout California for an AVID Showcase on campus. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a nationwide non-profit organization devoted to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. The organization also trains 70,000 educators annually to help schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach.
After being named an AVID Showcase School in June 2018, Ruby Drive assumed the important responsibility of providing opportunities for educators to witness their program implementation, learn about their best practices, and study their strategies hands-on. Only six schools in southern California represent this identical level of achievement within the AVID organization.
That day, Ruby Drive's Showcase experience allowed attendees to observe AVID classrooms and teachers in action across all grade levels – Preppy K through sixth grade. Visiting superintendents, district leadership teams, school board members, and teachers witnessed Ruby Drive's vertical and horizontal articulation of AVID strategies to support student success. The program's proven learning support structure, WICOR – which stands for Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading – was also on display throughout classroom instruction and practices.
The event culminated with a panel discussion featuring students, teachers, and parents. AVID Elementary Program Manager, Traci Grove, engaged the panelists with thoughtful questions about the program's approach, student support structures, communication, teacher development, and student success to end the day.
The Showcase could not have been made possible without the support of Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) leaders including Director of English Language Development/AVID, Minerva Gandara, Ruby Drive Principal, Diana McKibben, AVID Program Specialist, Paul La Porte, and Title I Teacher on Special Assignment, Sophia Vanderkooy. In addition, all of Ruby Drive's faculty and staff members contributed largely to the success of the visit including AVID Lead Teacher, Amanda Cerda.
Since 2015, Ruby Drive has dedicated its efforts towards the application of AVID campus-wide. The Cougars are one of 18 schools in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, nine elementary sites and nine secondary sites, to implement AVID.


text:
SuperPowers of the Soul
The show features individuals using their Soul's super powers to create a life full of Divinity, grace, freedom and success.
Jennifer Urezzio is a master intuitive, author, teacher and speaker. She founded her own business, Blooming Grove, Soul Language's parent company, in 2004 in response to her intuitive senses and ability to help others feel better about themselves both holistically and naturally, working closely with them to generate a feeling of strength and well-being.
She specializes in helping people connect – to themselves, to each other, and to the Divine. She founded a new paradigm, Soul Language, which provides guidance for understanding our true nature and tools for accessing deeper levels of awareness. This new insight into how the Soul expresses itself is being embraced by top healers, lifestyle coaches, and CEOs all over the world as a method for helping people recognize their purpose and live from a place of power and truth. Her modalities of strength include Soul Language™, essential oils, therapeutic kinesiology and pranic healing, among others.
Through her programs, such as the Soul Language Identification and the Spiritual Renegade Platform ™, she gives individuals tangible tools they can use in their lives every day to help live with integrity, authenticity and prosperity.
Jennifer has published an affirmation card deck with Caren Frost Olmsted called Keys of Grace. She also been a guest or a speaker in over 100 interviews within the spiritual healing arena and is the author of two books: Soul Language – Consciously Connecting with Your Soul for Success and A Little Book of Prayers.


text:
Vacation … ahhhhh!
A long-awaited break … ahhhhhhh!! It is so important to take some vacation and as a friend recently reminded me, "A long weekend is not a vacation!!" So, vacation time is here … my plan is to return refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated. A nice way to begin the springtime in Minnesota…
Comments off


text:
A shocking portrait of one of the most notorious rock groups of all time. A compelling and insightful look into the world of The Sex Pistols, this film charts their rise from the back streets of '70s London and ultimate implosion while on tour in America.
2000 | Winner: Best Foreign Documentary (Audience Award)


text:
COLOMBO – Global child rights and humanitarian organisation Plan International has begun the urgent distribution of sanitation and hygiene supplies for thousands of children affected by the severe flooding and landslides that hit Sri Lanka this week.
Days of monsoon rains impacted the west coast of the country, claiming the lives of over 200 people, including 44 children, and affecting more than 630,000 people.
Impact on children
"More than 189,000 children have been affected by the floods, many of whom lost their homes and are trying to emotionally process the events that have taken place this week.
We know from experience that children suffer the most in a disaster
"We know from experience that children suffer the most in a disaster, so as we continue to support communities impacted by the floods, it is absolutely critical that we address and prioritise the needs of children, particularly girls," says Siân Platt, Acting Country Director for Plan International in Sri Lanka.
Plan International is working with local partners to distribute humanitarian services and support to families, including hygiene kits, baby clothes, sanitary kits, first aid materials and cleaning supplies. Plan International is also educating communities about personal hygiene and adequate waste removal in order to prevent the spread of disease and water-borne illnesses.
Plan International's initial response will reach nearly 4,000 people in the most-affected district of Rathnapura.
Plans are in place to scale-up the organisation's humanitarian assistance by appealing for more funds and providing longer-term support.
Back-to-school campaigns
With a portion of schools set to re-open on June 5, Plan International is scaling up back-to-school efforts for 2,000 children in 72 schools through the distribution of school kits (including backpacks and learning materials) and counselling support for affected children.
"We are glad that so many schools are able to open their doors so quickly, but are mindful that many more remain damaged and closed. A major priority will be to ensure that all children are able to resume their education as soon as it is safe to do so.
A major priority will be to ensure that all children are able to resume their education
"Education plays a critical role in helping children – particularly those who were displaced and experienced trauma and loss – regain a sense of normality in their lives, in a safe and secure environment.
"Flood waters are starting to recede, and we want to help children and families get back on track as quickly as possible. We know that the monsoon season has just begun and more rainfall is imminent, which is why we must work swiftly and effectively to ensure communities are prepared, alert and able to minimise their personal risk as much as possible," said Platt.


text:
Losing 100kg is my main goal, the main driving force behind this change. It's not the only goal I have. I have put in place lots of mini-goals along the way. Why? Let's think about a very long journey by foot, say you want to walk 300kms. That journey seems extremely long to do it one hit, you probably wouldn't make it, you'd either burn out or die. You'd more than likely break that walk up into little sections, making it more manageable.
Losing 100kgs is the same for me. If I just had that one goal, and nothing else, I probably wouldn't make it. The finish line is very far away. So I've set myself a goal tree, at the highest point of the tree I have the 100kgs, the absolute peak. Under that I have other goals in 4 main branches or sections. The first is fitness, I have set numerous goals related to what I will be able to do physically. For instance lifting weights, or cardio goals etc. Secondly, health goals, healthy hormone levels, blood pressure, sugar / glucose levels etc. Thirdly, size goals, what clothes I want to be able to fit into etc. Finally, small weight goals, losing 10kg, 20, 30, 40, losing my wife's weight etc.
By doing this I can always see progress, I always have victories which boosts my motivation. Last night I accomplished a fitness goal. 2 months ago I started on the stair machine at the gym. My first attempt I could only do 90secs. I felt like I was going to die. I told my wife that I want to be able to 30mins on that machine one day. Week by week I got back on that machine and increased my time each session. Every time, I pushed closer to that 30min target. Last night, I felt like I could do it, a few days before I managed 21mins. I pushed it and pushed it. I hit the 30mins and I felt I could keep going. I pushed it out further to 40mins. Why? The next branch on that goal tree, hitting 60mins.


text:
I understand concerns regarding standards in future trade agreements, the scrutiny of such agreements, and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms. Given that ISDS mechanisms are a complicated subject, I can understand why there is some confusion surrounding them. I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the inclusion of such provisions in trade agreements is routine and has no impact on UK sovereignty.
The Government is committed to transparency and parliamentary scrutiny of its trade agreements. Parliament will be able to inform negotiations, be regularly updated, and will ultimately play its role in the ratification of any new Free Trade Agreement through the process set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010. I am confident these measures will ensure that both the public and parliamentarians get the chance to have their say on future trade agreements.
The UK has more than 90 bilateral investment treaties in place with other countries and there has never been a successful ISDS claim brought against the UK, nor has the threat of potential claims affected the Government's legislative programme.
I would like to reassure you that ISDS does not, and cannot, force the privatisation of public services such as the NHS. In addition, the UK supports transparency in ISDS. The new United Nations Rules on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration, to which the UK is a signatory, are specifically designed to address such concerns.
The Government is committed to protecting the NHS. Indeed, the NHS is safeguarded by specific exemptions in all EU trade agreements and, as our country leaves the EU, the UK will continue to ensure that rigorous protections for the NHS are included in all trade agreements it is party to.


text:
100% Cotton Dyed canvas with Chakara Embroidery.Imported from India.Suitable for all standard yoga mats including the Manduka Pro mat range.
Size : 75 x 19 cm
Visit Us :We are an online store but you can visit our offices.Please call / email us before arriving so that we can make sure someone is at the office to assist you.
Contact Us:phone : +27 83 890 4438email : firstname.lastname@example.com also do Whatsapp!


text:
Cape Town – Helen Zille started trending on Twitter on Women's Day, for her remarks on a thread which seemed to shed light on some of the challenges women face, and why people often say that "Men Are Trash".
Zille did not appreciate the thread's take and retorted by saying that the remarks were not fair as it puts an unfair label on men as a whole.
Her remarks did not go over well given that it comes on Women's Day, which is meant to commemorate the day where over 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956 to end to pass laws which sought to control the movement of black women around the country.
They day is also meant as celebration of women and their contributions to our society.
Many felt that Zille's remarks were deaf to the legitimate struggles and tribulations women experience in the country, as it doesn't help move the conversation forwards and appears reactive.
Here is the the full conversation:
Previously, IOL shared an opinion piece by Rebecca Helman and Kopano Ratele, which shed light on the #MenAreTrash subject. Helman is a researcher at Unisa's Institute for Social and Health Sciences, and Kopano Ratele, is professor in the Institute of Social and Health Sciences at Unisa.
What they explained in their "#DontLookAway: What men can learn from campaigns like #MeToo and #MenAreTrash" piece was:
A lot of people who have been sexually violated struggle with speaking out or even disclosing to those close to them because of feelings of shame.
We see campaigns such as #MeToo and #MenAreTrash as attempts to disrupt and redirect the shame of sexual violence.
Similarly #MenAreTrash, which called out problematic masculinity, gained increasing online popularity in South Africa in 2016 and 2017.
While these campaigns are ostensibly about encouraging the voicing of sexual trauma and challenging the acceptability of men's violence, they are also about shifting the shame from the survivors to the perpetrators.
Many men have responded to these campaigns with anger and denial.
They claim that they are not trash and that they have never sexually violated anybody.
What anger, denial and other negative responses inhibit is an empathetic engagement with the shame-inducing and humiliation that men's violence, abuse and sexual harassment are intended to produce.
There are at least two consequences of this refusal to engage.
Firstly, by refusing to engage with the experiences being presented by campaigns against sexual violence, men deny survivors the ability to transfer their shame to where it properly belongs: to the violators.
Secondly, men's refusal to empathise with survivors prevents them, as men, from expressing their own traumas.
Twitter weighed in on the matter, and shared some of their comments:
You really just went not all men. Like, we haven't explained the concept of men are trash 5 million times. https://t.co/jkdIKdyxTk pic.twitter.com/5APRbMDwuY
— Simply Jamal 🏳🌈 (@JamalDeanG) August 9, 2019
I woke up on #womensday to find @helenzille calling another woman pathetic for speaking up about rampant misogyny, femicide and the rape crisis in our country (highest in the world icydk). This can't be real. I'm going back to sleep.
— Post Malume (@damnleahjazz) August 9, 2019
Identity politics is not this reductionist biased interpretation that you give it. The politics of identity recognizes how identity informs character & how social structures affirm/sanction identity & character (which are neither solely determined nor independent of each other). https://t.co/UfzxHIyLCm
— Decolonially Queer (@decolonialqueer) August 9, 2019
Is it really necessary to make your point so crudely, Helen? Don't know this woman, but from what I can tell she is sincerely addressing a deeply embedded problem in South Africa. This week an innocent woman died for no reason at all, and it wasn't an anomaly.
— Martin Laubscher (@TopsideMartin) August 8, 2019
Helen your response is unwarranted. There is absolutely no generalization in these series of tweets. It is the reality that women go through in this country and it is a sad thing that a woman can have such a response.
— Lesala Kolobe (@lkzip13) August 9, 2019
Cape Argus


text:
How to get rid of programs on the bottom right of Windows
Question: I would be so grateful if you tell me how to remove icons from the Windows bar at the bottom. I have two which appear uninvited (Photo Impact, Real Player) and one (volume control) which disappears even though I like it there.
Answer: You're talking about your system tray. That's the little sunken box on the right side of your Windows taskbar in XP (and not sunken in Vista). The taskbar is the bar that runs across the bottom of the Windows screen and includes the Start button on the left (In Vista it is called the Windows button).
The System Tray is full of icons that represent programs that can either be started quickly or are running in the background.
Often, programs will put applets into the System Tray during installation. RealPlayer is particularly guilty of this. The idea is that when you encounter RealAudio content on the Internet, the player is not far away and will start when you click on a reference to a Real Audio file on a Web page.
The Photo Impact program you mention has also put an icon in the System Tray during installation.
The problem with these little taskbar-polluting software gizmos is that they can be difficult to get rid of.
In the case of the RealPlayer, right click on the System Tray RealPlayer icon with your mouse and choose "Disable SmartStart". This will make it go away next time you boot your system.
Most System tray icons have that kind of switch. Right click and search for something that means "go away".
The other place to check is your StartUp menu. This is a folder that contains applets that start when you boot Windows.
The folder in Windows 98 or XP can be found in C:\WINDOWS\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp or C:\WINDOWS\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp. In Vista it can be found in C:\Users\[user name]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
To stop these programs from launching and appearing in your System Tray on Windows start up simply delete the icons in this folder. Conversely, drag an icon or put a shortcut to a program into this folder if you want something to start each time you boot up Windows.
Another place to look for applets that pop into the System tray uninvited is the Control Panel, which can be found by going to your Start button, then to Settings, then Control Panel. Under the Multimedia icon, click on the Audio tab and click on the "Show volume control on taskbar" option.
You can also disable programs from starting on Windows boot up is to use the System configuration applet, which is hiding in the C:Windowssystem folder.
It's known as "msconfig" and can be accessed by typing "msconfig" in the "open" box, when you go to the Start menu and select "Run". In Vista simply type "msconfig" in the search box on the Start menu and hit enter
When msconfig opens, click on the Startup tab to see all the programs that Windows opens when it boots. Uncheck the ones that you don't want to start, but be careful which ones you choose to disable as there are some key programs that need to start. For example, you'll see one called SysTray. This is the program the runs the System Tray. Uncheck it and nothing in that area on the taskbar will run.
Check it out here
Buy it
Or download its free 10-day trial. It works with Vista too.


text:
Lenovo today launched HX06 Active Smartband, couple of months after launching the HX03 Cardio and HX03F Spectra bands. It is water-resistant and comes with OLED Monochrome display that shows activity, time, date and more. It doesn't have a heart rate sensor.
It has a 60mAh battery that promises up to 8 days of battery life and the built-in standard USB port lets you directly connect the band to a computer or USB charger for charging easily without any external cables.
Lenovo HX06 Active Smartband specifications
- 0.87 inch (128 x 32 Pixels) OLED display
- Tracks Steps, Distance, Calories Burned, Sleep
- Call Reminders and Notifications, Information Reminder, Silent Alarm
- Gyro Sensor, Vibration Motor
- Water resistant (IP67)
- Weight: 20g
- Bluetooth 4.2 LE, compatible with Android 4.4 (or later) and (iOS 8.0 or later) devices
- 60mAh battery with up to 8 days
The Lenovo HX06 comes in Black color with interchangeable wrist straps, is priced at Rs. 1,299 and is available exclusively from Flipkart.


text:
Regina (right) pictured with Stan Lee and Mistress of the Dark, Elvira (Cassandra Peterson)
Last year TeenNick finally heard the pleas, cries and whines of people who grew up with 90's Nickelodeon. Their block "90's Are All That" brought back favorite shows like Clarissa Explains it All, Doug, Rugrats and of course All That. Around that time rumors were going that there was going to be an All That reunion. I flipped my shit and when I saw it was going to be a reality.
With that being said, Comikaze entered my vocabulary forever. It was an affordable convention that centered on fandom of the comic book, horror, sci-fi and pop culture side of life. In just its first year, the expectations were exceeded by 30k attendees, and in its second year, they've only gotten stronger. They've partnered with the Stan Lee and are ready to do it all again September 15-16, 2012.
To go along with our geek series throughout the month of July, we caught up with co-founder Regina Carpinelli to find out more about Comikaze, geek girls sibling love and more!
Kendra Beltran: When did you and your siblings start thinking the whole Comikaze idea up?
Regina Carpinelli: My siblings and I are very close. It's been our family tradition for the last (close to) 20 years. I'm the only girl, and it has always seemed like the one thing we ALL agree on-we all love San Diego Comic Con.
A couple years ago, we couldn't get tickets. We were bummed. Then, we went to some other show claiming to be a "Comic Con" and it was way overpriced, and totally underwhelming. We thought, "There needs to be a show that everyone can get into, that everyone can afford, that totally kicks ass." We put our heart and soul into creating this geek smorgasbord. With the economy the way it is, consumers can actually consume, and see some awesome stuff! We wanted to do make a difference and shake things up and get the formula just right.
We'd like to think of ourselves as the Rebel Alliance of Conventions. It's a very tall order-but we TRY.
Kendra: Were your parents the ones who first got you into the "geekdom?"
Regina: In a way, yeah… Our parents always encouraged us to let our imagination run wild. Growing up on a ranch in a little town called Temecula, we had no neighbors, tons of open space, and a dad who thought his kiddos should have fun-"fun" being motorcycles, swords (Dad is a war reenactment buff), you name it. As kids, we spent our nights watching movies like Total Recall and Night of the Living Dead. Our afternoons were spent turning our backyard into Mars, Gotham City, the Zombie Apocalypse…then shooting each other with paintball guns. We may or may not have stolen horses from a neighbor to joust. Jumping off our roof into the pool to be Spiderman. Actually, the more I remember, the crazier we sound! Anything we watched, we mimicked. Our parents helped us build awesome forts, make costumes. I am the only girl of 5 brothers. Barbie never had a chance. It was X-Men and Terminator! Our parents always made us read, and we always had the latest video games. Even as teenagers we all went through a Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball phase. Mom and Dad helped us find the Japanese editions; they've just always been supportive of our hobbies and encouraging us to be creative, while at the same time making us work in the family business. Mom is a big Star Trek fan but funnily enough, we never really got hooked.
Kendra: What were three major things you learned after the first Comikaze?
Regina: So much. We expected 5k attendees-we ended up with 35k. I think the main thing, is that with hard work and faith you can do the impossible. Family and friends are so important, without them we would have been WAY more understaffed. We were understaffed as it was…our mom, dad, brothers, cousins and close friends all stepped up to the plate.
I've also learned that Elvira doesn't age.
Kendra: Did those tidbits of knowledge garner any major changes for the 2nd one coming up?
Regina: Of course. There were plenty of things that went wrong last year. But keep in mind it was our first year. Shows cost a lot of money to put on. While the huge turnout was surreal and awesome for us, so now we know that we have to be absolutely prepared. We've got a great hall this year (LACC starts you small if you're new), and we've got a bit more money to print maps and programs. We now also have a larger staff. There were some growing pains, but we want everything tight for our 2012 show.
We want the fans happy. You're on your feet all weekend-at the end of the day, it had better be worth it.
Kendra: I was onboard with last years the second I heard about the All That reunion. Was that the first show that came to mind for the event?
Regina: Nope. It all happened accidentally. Lisa Foiles called me to do some video game stuff. She told me she was on All That and I said, "LET'S DO A REUNION!" It ended up becoming one of the biggest parts of our event it was amazing. The All That reunion is to be blamed on Lisa Foiles, 100%. I just enabled it. I am a big All That Fan, though. The best part about it is that I met two of my best friends from it, Lisa Foiles and Katrina Johnson.
Kendra: Are you seeing the same excitement for the Salute Your Shorts reunion you have planned for this year?
Regina: Seems like it! People are stoked about it! Salute Your Shorts is amazing! Where have all these reunions been?! I may or may not have another Nickelodeon reunion up my sleeve!
Kendra: Is there any talk around the office about possibly trying to get one of the 90's kids sports movie casts together again? Like Mighty Ducks or Little Giants?
Regina: There will always be talk of making dreams come true. Always.
Kendra: You talk about incorporating LA into the event, how is that…other than showcasing it in LA of course?
Regina: We're not a circus that rolls into town. We're all from LA and live in LA. I love LA. This is the entertainment capital of the WORLD (big secret-most big shows are not even local-they build their shows up with out of state money). This is our city, we want it to be for our citizens, we want it to boost the economy. Comikaze tries to only use stuff to build it from local LA companies. All our posters, fliers, chairs tables all come from companies in LA. We love to support local business and youth organizations. We want Comikaze to be a big part of the community. Comikaze isn't about making money, it's about making some wonderful and positive for everyone to enjoy.
Kendra: What was your initial reaction to Stan Lee wanting to be involved with Comikaze?
Regina: Mild heart attack. I took an aspirin, never felt better in my life!
Kendra: Was there any hesitance to let him in on the action?
Regina: I may, or may not have finished his sentence for him. Just so humbled that he chose US. Childhood fantasy turned reality.
Kendra: Are you seeing any jealousy from the people over at Comic-Con?
Regina: The people of SDCC are our friends. Comic-Con is its own animal. They like us and support us, it's mutual. They've worked hard for years and years to get where they are today.
We don't see anyone as competition, especially when they're in San Diego and we're in Downtown LA. They've got their own brand of SDCC personality, and we've got ours. I love that different conventions have different "feels" to them. Plus, I'll always love SDCC-it's an institution. They're a big part of Geek Life.
You hear stuff through the grapevine, and all I can really say is that, we're providing for a need in LA-we're all about the fans, and we put on an amazing affordable show for the fans.
We're very supportive of other events. We don't waste time getting caught up in that whole thing-we honestly wouldn't even have the time to be negative. Our focus is the show.
Nerd in-fighting sounds really boring. It would make a boring comic book, and an even worse video game.
Kendra; On a broader note about this subculture…I wanted to get your opinion on this whole idea of the pretty girls throwing on an Avengers tee and fake glasses and calling themselves a geek and the idea of "adorkable." Do you think it's a big offensive at times to make something you love into a fashion trend?
Regina: I think nerd culture is for everyone! Geeks aren't Hipsters, so they should stop acting like them. I do not care who you are, everyone likes a video game, pop culture, superhero, or horror movie. Geek culture is an inclusive environment, and blind to color/race/sexual orientation/economic status/physical ability.
If you're under the age of 35, you grew up with some great cartoons that are a big part of pop culture history. We're now in an era where every major film is based off a Comic or a Sci-Fi property. Every household owns a gaming console, and 95% of the world plays Angry Birds. There will always gonna be posers in every subculture, who cares? I think that soaking up geek culture is kind of a liberating experience. Is there an age limit for when you can start liking things?
My mother didn't pick up Scuba Diving till she was 50 years old, and she's a huge Scuba freak. Is she not "legit" because she got in to it at an older age? No! Not the best analogy, but I think you get the picture. People like what they like, who are we to judge? I wasn't born Jean Grey, and neither were most people, so we can't read minds.
Not to mention, the whole "hot chicks can't be nerds" thing is sexist and stupid. RH Stavis, Adrianne Curry, Lisa Foiles, Team Unicorn, Jenna Busch are all super foxes and all super nerds. They create content for the rest of the Nerd World to enjoy, SO THERE.
Kendra: Now to get a bit personal, what is the one thing that tops your list of fandom? Be it a specific TV show, character, comic…
Regina: I love a lot of things. I spend around $1000 a month on comics and Magic the Gathering. They're my addictions. I compete at Magic, it's my most favorite thing in the world.
If I was not doing Stan Lee's Comikaze I would be throwing down at tournaments. I love comics. I love the classics; really enjoying Avengers Vs X-Men, been a Spawn fans since the 90s, and I really love indie books. Preacher is my all-time favorite comic. I'm a total sucker for GOON and Lobster Johnson. I also play video games. Tony Hawk and Mario Kart for LIFE!
Kendra: It's time for you to make us a mixtape! Give me your top 5 songs that you think represent Comikaze as a whole, go!
Queen "We Will Rock You"
Debbie Deb "Look Out Weekend"
Iggy Pop "Search and Destroy"
The Sweet "Ballroom Blitz"
Devo "Uncontrollable Urge"
…and, to take it down a notch…
Spandau Ballet "True"


text:
|Please Read This Important Information
Paul's Halls Party and Tent Rental Directory - Southern Ontario
is a helpful contact info source for Party and Tent Rentals.
We are committed to provide a directory that is accurate, up-to-date,
and comprehensive. However, we are unable to assume any liability
resulting from errors or omissions. Inclusion or omission of a
Party or Tent Rental Service in our directory is not a comment on its quality.
Please contact us to report concerns or to make suggestions.
Sitemap | Copyright Statement | Privacy Policy
|Paul's Halls Directory
Southern Ontario Wedding and Party Rental Companies - Tent Rentals - Event Tents for Rent
Paul's Halls is a free directory of contact information for:
Party Rentals - Tent Rentals - Wedding & Event Rentals - Tent Services - Wedding Decor Rentals - Inflatable Rentals -
Inflatables - Tents For Rent - Decor Rental - Game Rentals - Linen and Chair Cover Rentals - Tables and Chairs for Rent
|Select County or Region or Click here to search by City
|Directory of S. Ontario Wedding and Party Rentals
|Paul's Halls
Wedding - Bridal Directory
|Search Cities, Towns, Villages Alphabetically
( Venue Directory )


text:
Read this about EPA's track records
NSW-based company Innova Soil Technology first announced in July 2009, its plans to build a treatment plant at the Dow Chemical site in Kororoit Creek Rd for recycling contaminated soil from old industrial and building sites, gas works and petrol stations across Victoria. Trucks would bring the harmful soil to an enclosed facility, where it would be heated and cleaned indoors (Ref 1, 2, 3, 4). This $50 million facility is named the "Centre for Soil Remediation" but is better known as the "Toxic Soil Facility" by local communities and newspapers.
To support its business case, Innova made a number of claims highlighting its credentials and advantage. First, its technology known as Direct-heated Fast-quenched Thermal Desorption (DFTD), is the only one of its kind in Australia and is patented in several countries. However, being the first does not necessarily mean it is the best. A competitor Renex has laid claim to a more superior technology (Ref 5).
Secondly, its operations are completely safe with no harmful emissions. Its operations manager Dr Nick Ebrill said the polluted soil would be transported to the site in EPA-registered covered trucks, designed not to leak and unloaded in an air-locked building with dust and odour filters. The trucks will only travel 1.2 km from the Princes Highway along Grieve Pde and Kororoit Creek Rd to the site and would not pass through residential areas. The plant would have no impact on surrounding properties (Ref 3, 2). I am sure the BP offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, the Chernoby nuclear plant in Ukraine and the Union Carbide plant in India were all designed against accidents. Closer at home, spills occurred at the Altona Mobil Refinery from time to time, with a major explosion in 1991 (Ref 6). I had mentioned in an earlier post that both the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Casey Council had to pay a collective $13.5 million compensation to residents of Brookland Greens estate due to methane leaks from a nearby landfill. I am now reiterating points from that post because this has direct bearing to the Innova's venture.
In 2010, a Victorian Auditor-General report found that EPA inadequately regulated management of hazardous waste – including potentially explosive, toxic, radioactive and infectious material – at about 10,000 sites across the state (Ref 7). In 2008-09, the EPA made 46% fewer inspections of sites licensed to deal with hazardous waste than 4 years earlier, in part because it had adopted a policy of "greater self-regulation" by business. The EPA said this was part of a decision to "redirect effort to focus on other priorities". But the Auditor-General's Office found that EPA could not name the new priorities, nor explain why they were more important than monitoring compliance with the law.
Acting Auditor-General Peter Frost said the EPA's monitoring and inspection lacked coherence, purpose and co-ordination. He found its records were unreliable, with information on hazardous waste spread across 9 databases, some of them incomplete. As a consequence, there is little assurance that hazardous waste is stored and disposed of appropriately.
Other findings included:
- While the EPA once inspected all vehicles carrying hazardous waste, it now approved 95% of permit applications based on basic paperwork.
- Recycled waste was not monitored, prompting fears it may be stockpiled or dumped.
- Hazardous waste licence holders were not required to guarantee they could pay to clean up potential breaches, exposing the state to significant financial risk.
When I read all these, my heart sank. Does having an EPA stamp on trucks matter if EPA does not conduct regular checks? Do we feel adequately protected under the auspices of EPA's approval? I had called EPA a few times regarding plastics-burning odours emanating from the Qenos plant. I always get the standard response that somebody will return me a call to answer my concerns but I never receive a followup call. So in the end I gave up trying. EPA held an open house on 20 Oct 2010 at the Finnish Hall in Pier Street. I specifically went there to seek the answer and I was told to contact either Qenos or the Altona Complex Neighborhood Consultative Group (ACNCCG). I cannot help but feel that EPA is just passing the buck around.
Of personal concern to me is the truck route along Grieve Parade which will pass by a childcare centre at the Westgate Sports & Leisure Centre, where I send my two kids to.
The safety assurances were weakened through several separate incidences. The submissions to EPA contain many highly technical questions that require a fair bit of knowledge regarding Innova's technology, operations and history, which I myself being outside of this field will not be able to raise. This leads me to think there are considerable concerns from the "experts". Innova had answered all the questions as required but we do not know whether the persons who raised these questions are satisfied with the response. The report does not have provisions for individuals to seek further clarifications on the replies given. Neither do we know if EPA follows up on the responses (e.g. validating them) or if this submission process is merely an administrative procedure for compliance with legislation and has no real significant controls and checks. For example, one person was concerned about the financial state of Innova. I doubt if EPA checks the balance sheet or cashflow of Innova. If it really has an estimated annual sales of $183,653 according to online data, then this is not much. Once a major hazard facility is being established, it will be very expensive to remove. Hence, this concern is of high relevance and importance in ensuring that we are not saddled with an unsustainable legacy in the future.
There are at least two publicly-known independent sources of "expert" opinions that question the safety standards. Geoff Mitchelmore, a former chief chemist with Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria and the current president of the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek, has investigated soil remediation sites overseas. He was concerned about the potential for the soil to include toxic chemicals and consequent exposure to dust containing heavy metals. He said:
"I disagree with putting a dusty environment anywhere near the residential areas in Hobsons Bay. It's the beginning of the end. They'll bring in everything they can. Long term, we are going to be recipients of all these unwanted soils and what's in them. It's totally wrong to have all of Victoria's waste dumped here." (Ref 2, 5, 8)
A Dandenong-based soil treatment company Renex is appealing to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to overturn the approval EPA gave Innova in May 2011 for the Altona plant. It questions whether Innova's proposal constitutes best practice and states that, unlike Innova's planned operations, the Renex plant would be in a fully enclosed building, is better equipped to manage emissions and will like to treat all Victoria's toxic soil at its Dandenong South site. Renex faces similar strong objections from local communities including the environmental group RATWISE (Residents Against Toxic Waste in the South East). Renex turned to VCAT after Dandenong Council refused to grant a permit because of the risk of untreated emissions and other concerns. After gaining approvals from both EPA and VCAT, Renex is able to establish its plant at Dandenong South (Ref 5, 9 , 10, 11).
There appears to be much money to be made from soil remediation for Renex had just received a $20 million investment from Cleantech Ventures and an institutional investor (Ref 12), and another waste company SITA Environmental Solutions had also made an application (Ref 10). It is no wonder that Renex wants the cake all to itself. Likewise, it is not unreasonable to speculate that Innova will aim to expand beyond servicing the west to all parts of Victoria in the future although Innova spokesman Ken Davis had said he suspected Innova might be servicing only the west (Ref 5).
Innova itself has refrained from making promises. At a public meeting hosted by EPA, a resident asked Innova CEO Associate Professor John Lucas if he could guarantee the soil contaminants being processed would not be responsible for cancers in the future. "We once thought asbestos was safe," she said. He replied that the utmost care would be employed when transporting and processing the soil. I think the reason why he did not make a guarantee is that he simply does not have the answer (Ref 18). This slip, which would unlikely to have occurred in a written response, probably reflects Innova's reservations about its own confidence to foresee and prevent any incidence, accident or adverse effects.
Community Consultations
Innova has made repeated public claims that it has widespread support for the facility. On 21 Aug 2009, it claimed the following on its now defunct "Bang the Table" website (a snapshot is available here):
Innova Soil Technology has been delighted and encouraged by the community response to our proposal to clean contaminated soil within the City of Hobsons Bay. The opportunity to cleanse soil from local polluted sites in the area – returning them to light industrial, commercial or housing development, even parklands, recreation reserves or sporting facilities in some instances – has met with strong support. The legacy of previous generations needs to be addressed now and not left to future generations. (Ref 14).
In a letter to the City Council, Innova stated:
"… community, environmental groups and local business have generally responded very positively to the proposal. Indeed environmental groups are enthusiastic about the possibility of cleaning up … sites in the West." (Ref 17)
A letter from the Hobsons Bay Residents' Association to the City Council reveals that Innova had hired a consultant, disguised as a resident member of the Altona Complex Neighbourhood Consultative Group (ACNCG), to approach residents to sign a petition in support of the proposal. These residents were told that the application was merely to clean up local contaminated sites and were not told that this is a permanent facility to serve the whole of Victoria. They were also unaware that the petition was commissioned by the developer. The petition is more a refiection of Innova's resolve to gain the appearance of community support rather than actual community support.
Local newspapers had reported about ACNCG setting up a stall in Pier Street on 1 Dec 2009 during the Beach Market to garner support for Innova's proposal (Ref 1, 8). The OAM Deputy Chair of ACNCG Judy Hindle said the group spoke to about 100 residents and 99% of them endorsed the proposal.
"We've got really big issues, especially in Hobsons Bay with contaminated sites and I think we need to move forward to protect our kids and grandkids…. People were so inspired a company had the initiative to come into Hobsons Bay and do something."
She said Innova would be answerable to residents if they didn't adhere to strict guidelines.
"People are going to watch this company very closely and they would need to have their act together."
To boost her credibility as an independent voice, she said she had fought against similar proposals in the past.
"I was first to lobby against a project that was to be done at the BP site in Altona from years ago. That's because I didn't believe it was an appropriate process. This one I just really believe that it's all inside a building, the trucks are securely covered."
Another ACCG member Maureen Short said she was excited at the prospect of the contaminated sites in Hobsons Bay being cleaned.
"(Innova) are very transparent, and I think we can all feel self-assured they can do a great job."
The latest ACCG newsletter (last published in June 2011) or previous issues did not list Maureen Short as an ACCG member. She is possibly the paid consultant referred to by the Hobsons Bay Residents' Association, as mentioned by the current Mayor Tony Briffa in this article:
"Ms Short shamefully failed to mention that she was a paid consultant to the developer [Innova] behind the application for the facility in Altona and had worked for the petrochemical industry for decades."
Maureen Short who previously worked for Mobil and Qenos, had made the local newspapers' headlines last year when she was embroiled in heated exchanges with Tony Briffa.
Innova held an open day at the Dow complex on 5 Dec 2009 after the community called for it (Ref 16, 17, 18). The Hobsons Bay Residents' Association noted that the open day was carefully orchestrated and was only advertised a week earlier. The day consisted of carefully-scripted powerpoint presentation for groups of 15-20 residents punctuated by comments from Innova's public relations consultants. Innova had failed to provide answers to many questions (Ref 19).
Annoyed at accusations that it is a spin doctor, Innova said it had the support of 3 groups (Ref 20):
- ACNCG – hardly a neutral party.
- EnviroWest – an anti-landfill group based in Werribee.
- Habitat Trust – which was created with the aim of bringing together a network of highly qualified specialists with proven track record in the construction industry to deliver high quality and cost effective services/projects.
Community Voices
Resident groups across the west and 3500 residents who signed a petition, have condemned the proposal and EPA for granting Innova approval to proceed. Residents say it will make Hobsons Bay the "toxic dump capital of Victoria", in addition to being the state's "asthma capital" (Ref 5, 21).
Colin Palmer, head of the Hobsons Bay Residents Association, said he was disgusted.
"The community was very opposed to the application, as seen by our petition of 3500 residents, and they [the EPA] haven't even responded to a lot of the community's concerns. Why should we have a permanent facility in Altona to clean up the state's toxic soil? It seems like the west is always treated like the state's dumping ground." (Ref 22)
Current Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa was scathing in his criticism.
"The EPA is supposed to be the defender of our environment. Today they've shown they're the defenders of industry over the environment and the wishes of the community." (Ref 22) "Innova's repeated claims the community are largely in support of their proposed contaminated soil facility in Altona are misleading at best." (Ref 17)
Geoff Mitchelmore, President of the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek group said the proposal was alarming.
"The site where they are suggesting to put this in is bounded by residential areas on all sides. This is going to have a major impact on the residents of Hobsons Bay. We don't want a toxic waste dump in our municipality and we're going to fight this to the bitter end" (Ref 3) "How can they make such a claim when there has not been public consultation to date and their briefings so far have been to a very limited audience?" (Ref 14)
Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association President Darlene Reilly said the government and EPA were already grappling with environmental pollution on the troubled Brooklyn estate, which adjoins residential areas of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank. She said it didn't make sense to bring toxic soil to be treated in the middle of Australia's biggest growth corridor.
"They're playing with people's lives, their health. It shouldn't be anywhere near houses and homes. The west is the fastest-growing area – whatever population you have, double it. And you're going to have a toxic dump next to it? Those sort of industries should be totally on the outer where no one is ever going to build." (Ref 5)
Les Twentyman, a prominent youth outreach worker and one of Victoria's best known social campaigners, said it was another example of contempt for the west.
"Again it shows how disenfranchised the western suburbs residents are, even though the most powerful person in the land lives there." (Ref 5)
Sophia Szostakowski, who lives about a kilometre from the proposed site, has collected 400 objections from residents.
We are concerned the plant is going to be 24-hours and noisy and will create odours. We are concerned about dust emissions, about bringing the soil through streets to Altona. If a truck breaks down, how do they move the soil from one truck to another? There are environmental issues to resolve, too, and health issues." (Ref 1)
VCAT Ruling on Planning Permit
Hobsons Bay City Council has claimed Innova was trying to sidestep planning procedures. Innova contends that it does not need to apply for a planning permit from the Council as its operation is located at the Dow site which is in a Special Use 3 Zone (SU3Z) and thus would qualify as a form of petrochemical industry. So it just requires an EPA works approval to start operations. But the Council said a planning permit is required as the operation is best defined as industrial and does not fit into the SU3Z, designed for the operation and expansion of the state's petrochemical industries. (Ref 17, 21)
With the Council and Innova locked in a dispute whether a planning permit is required or not, a proceeding was lodged with VCAT to decide on the land usage (Ref 4, 16). In October 2010, the VCAT tribunal found in the council's favour and ruled that the facility requires a town planning permit because it is not a petrochemical industry (Ref 1, 7).
Tony Briffa was pleased with VCAT's decision but was unhappy with how Innova dealt with the situation.
"Innova has avoided going through the council's planning processes and refused to allow the community to have a say about whether they want a soil decontamination facility in Altona. Innova's gamble of going to VCAT to defend their claim that their soil remediation proposal was a petrochemical use was ill-advised. This decision means Innova will have to apply to the council for a planning permit if they still want to go ahead with a soil decontamination facility in Altona. This will include the community consultation they have so strenuously sought to avoid." (Ref 7)
Innova lodged a formal application with the Council for a planning permit in October 2011 (Ref 1).
Statewide Review of Toxic Soil Treatment
There is currently an apparent lack of state policies governing the management of soil treatment facilities. At the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) state conference on 28 Oct 2011, Hobsons Bay Council won support from other Victorian councils for a statewide review into the siting and operation of soil treatment facilities. MAV will urge the state government to establish a policy that identifies sites for treating contaminated soil and to set environmental performance targets for operators (Ref 5, 21).
Hobsons Bay's organization development director Chris Eddy wrote a letter dated 4 May 2011 to Environment Minister Ryan Smith and Planning Minister Matthew Guy, requesting a meeting to discuss plans to treat toxic soil at Altona. Mr. Smith replied that he had not thought such a meeting "necessary at this time". The MAV resolved at the Dec 2011 board meeting to write to Mr Guy requesting the consideration of current and future siting and provision of soil treatment sites. Mr Guy said he was not aware of any letters from the council or MAV.
"If they've written to me, I haven't seen the letter. They haven't come to me on that and I gotta be honest, that's the first time anyone's actually raised that with me."
Asked how he would feel about toxic soil being treated near his Preston home, Mr Guy replied:
"Obviously, it's preferably not near people's homes, but it's something that if the council and the MAV are keen to have a chat on I'd be very, very keen to sit down with them to have that conversation and ascertain their points of view on it." (Ref 21)
Onsite Soil Remediation
It sounds as if Innova has no alternative but to site the soil treatment plant in Altona, which is within 1 km of people's homes (Ref 23). However, it does have an option. It has been doing mostly onsite soil remediations except for two projects in which soil was transported from the contaminated site to a treatment facility at another location. This includes trucking the soil at AGL's former Clyde St Gasworks site in Hamilton North, Newcastle on a 2.9 km or 5 minutes journey to its treatment facility at the former BHP Steelworks site in Mayfield.
In fact, Innova has regarded the ability of its technology to carry out onsite remediation as a key strength as this is repetitively emphasized on its website:
Innova Soil Technology Ltd, has developed an innovative Thermal Desorption Process to allow safe, reliable and efficient on-site treatment of all hydrocarbon contaminated soils….The thermal desorption process is fully relocatable to allow onsite treatment of contaminants at the source….The treatment facility is fully mobile allowing on-site treatment of contaminated soil with subsequent beneficial reuse of treated soil on-site…. (Ref 24, 24a)
A significant advantage of the Innova solution is that it is fully mobile, being transported on five or six semi-trailers from site to site. The plant, some 12 x 30 metres, is set up on-site, treats the problem and then moves on. There is no need for off-site transportation of hazardous wastes on public roads or establishing a management facility in a particular community (Ref 24b). It may still be possible to obtain a transcript of Dr. John Lucas' past statement/speech in November 2002. But this is 10 years back so he may have changed his thinking.
Tony Briffa was spot on when he highlighted this particular core capability of Innova:
"A facility like this should be built further away from the metropolitan area. Innova has shown it is possible to decontaminate soil in situ via a temporary, mobile facility. That being the case, there is no need to establish a permanent facility to process the state's contaminated soil here in Altona." (Ref 1)
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States had advocated the use of in-situ or onsite treatment over ex-situ treatment:
"Compared to excavation and ex situ treatment, the use of these technologies offers several benefits, such as addressing deep contamination and generally costing less." (Ref 25)
Innova had explained that the treatment equipment is large, will not fit on small sites and is unable to use the regular domestic gas supply. I presume the gas supply problem had been overcome in its previous onsite remediation projects. The Aero petrol station in Pier St North, Altona is one of the smaller petrol stations and measures roughly 45 x 46 m. Innova's plant, which is 12 x 30 m, should be able to fit into most petrol stations.
The requirement for a permanent off-site facility indicates that there are still limitations with its technology. If Innova is serious in aiming to export its technology overseas, it should do more work in its R & D so that space will not become a constraining and limiting factor. For example, it should work on how to make its equipment smaller or to break down a single equipment/process into several modules. I believe that Innova will encounter community resistance to a permanent treatment facility anywhere it goes. Hence, in-situ remediation should be the way forward. It may not be forced to strive for improvements in the absence of pressure to do so.
I think the real motive in Innova's push for a permanent treatment facility is to cut down costs and increase its profits. If the Altona plant goes ahead, it will no longer carry out any onsite soil remediation in Victoria. Instead, it will depend solely on transporting contaminated soils to the Altona plant for treatment as this will translate to massive cost savings. Doing away with onsite remediation and consolidating operations at one site means:
- soils from different sites can be combined and stockpiled to a sufficiently large quantity before treatment to achieve economy of scale.
- it is not necessary to build and dismantle infrastructure at each temporary site.
- probably there are less administrative work, application procedures and bureaucratic approvals involved if you are simply trucking soils away from a contaminated site rather than installing heavy machinery on the site.
Current Status
Before it can operate, Innova needs both a town planning permit (under the Planning and Environment Act) and a Works Approval which was approved by EPA.
Hobsons Bay Council will be considering the town planning permit application at a Special Planning Committee Meeting to be held at the Council Chambers at 115 Civic Pde, Altona on 22 March 2012, 6 p.m. The public can attend this meeting and have a 5 minutes opportunity to address the Committe prior to a decision being made. Once the Council has determined its position, it will advise VCAT. The matter will then be decided at a 10-day hearing that VCAT has set on 12 November 2012.
VCAT will also determine the appeal by Renex regarding the Work Approval that was issued by the EPA. That hearing has been listed for a 5-day hearing from 30 April to 4 May 2012.
Hence, it is VCAT that holds the final decision whether Innova can operate or not. This will also depend on whether Renex is successful in appealing to VCAT to overturn EPA's approval for Innova's facility. The case is not optimistic for Hobsons Bay residents as VCAT had overturned Dandenong Council's decision not to grant approval to Renex's facility.
Innova's assurances on safety standards may not be so convincing and reassuring after all based on the conduct of its proposal:
- It has shown dishonesty and lack of integrity repetitively in claiming widespread community support, particularly with the use of some ACNCG members to mislead the residents into signing a petition to support its facility.
- It is of great concern that Innova has strenuously sought to avoid applying for a planning permit from the Council, thinking that it can get away with it under the SU3Z protected status of the Dow Chemical site (Ref 16). This contempt for proper planning process makes us suspect whether it will adhere to strict safety standards in the absence of adequate monitoring under EPA's policy of greater self-regulation by industries.
- It has not shown sincerity in wanting genuine consultations with local communities, as seen from the holding of a carefully orchestrated open day only after pressure from the community. On 20 Aug 2009, Innova hosted a so-called independent consultation forum (innovacleansoilproposal.com.au) on "Bang the Table" site for residents to voice their concerns. This site is either shelved or has gone into hibernation (Ref 26).
There is an element of how much truth should we believe in what Innova has told us. I hope that VCAT will take into account the above factors when arriving at a decision and not merely rely on technical criteria. Some residents are banking on interference by the Planning Minister Matthew Guy (Ref 27). But let us not pin too much hope on this as we still do not know when the meeting that Mr. Guy has agreed to would take place. Innova has employed the services of professional lobbyists such as Clifton Consulting and FordComm Consulting (Ref 27, 28, 29, 30). This may be one option for Hobsons Bay residents but they probably do not have the deep pockets to do likewise.


text:
late night.¶ by Rob Friesel
Winding down here. Week was a series of implode/explode moments. Ended on a good note that allowed me to transition into the weekend heaving a big sigh.
In to the final chapter of the bathroom renovation project. Cut the check today after the contractor dropped by to go through the leak with me. A few adjustments later and we seem to be OK. Holding back a percentage for 30 days until we can say with confidence that it is what it needs to be. That being said, there's painting to be done and then the epilogue and/or sequel of doing the light fixture and medicine cabinet. (Does it ever end?)
Had a go today at making one of those iLife posters but the results have been less than stellar. Getting up to step 4 and it squeezes the "contact sheet" into an 8×10 area despite giving it plenty of room to spread out in the 30×20 area. /ugh My guess is that some of the lower res shots are dragging the whole thing down. What a pain in the ass… Theory #2 is that iPhoto 2 just doesn't play nice with Matas' method.
In other news: Coffee and Cigarettes was just. plain. weird.


text:
Beetroot is a very powerful product, and the fact that it has heating properties seems ideal for the winter months. Only due to the high content of anticancer compounds and carotenoids is an excellent source of folic acid. Beets are rich in antioxidants that protect the organism from premature aging and helps combat many diseases, and in combination with carrot and apple can do a lot for your health. Namely, the recipe of …Read More »
7 Colors Of The Urine That Can Bring Up Important Health Issues
Healthy people have usually yellow urine. But this expelled liquid can tell you many important questions when it comes to your personal health. Even at the thought of having blood in your urine, its discoloration and murkiness can cause tremendous panic concerning your health condition. So it's important to know that many things can be learned just by looking at your urine. If you are interested, we invite you to finish this text. …Read More »
10 Symptoms That Might Indicate That You Have Cancer!
There are several signs that may indicate that you have cancer. Of course, this does not mean that you have, but the symptoms should not be ignored and it would be good to consult a doctor. British researchers who studied the health of the British people through questionnaires and follow-up medical results revealed the connection between the 10 symptoms of cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean …Read More »
Scientists Find That Ripe Banana (with dark patches) Fights Cancer Cells
It seems that there is an internet "rumor" that cancer can be fought successfully with ripe bananas… Hmm well: some things are not just a simple "rumor" perhaps, if we consider the fact that some scientists from Japan did find out that ripe bananas actually contain substance named TNF alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha). This substance not only increases our system immunity but also helps to prevent carcinogenic diseases. So to put it …Read More »
Are You Pooping All Wrong?
I bet something you never thought about. Yes, it's about pooping, and something tells us that we are doing it wrong. And this is not according to me but to scientists at the Stanford University Pelvic Floor Clinic. Yes, that is the whole name and they are taking some serious claims about this. We all do it from the position of sitting but these scientists explain us that our bodies are designed for …Read More »


text:
Make your own marketing ploy this Valentine's Day3 min read
When the day comes, I will want flowers just like everyone else. But isn't it funny that couples make such a big deal out of Valentine's Day even though it's not even a real holiday?
Plus, shouldn't you celebrate your love for someone every day? We all want that relationship where the words "I love you" are spoken every morning and every night, so why on one imagined day of the year do we all drop everything in a big materialistic showing of affection, which has just gotten more sickening with the addition of social media?
If you do not know what I mean by '"imagined" day of the year, I am referring to the fact that Valentine's Day is not actually a historical holiday.
"Each year on February 14, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special 'valentine.' The day of romance we call Valentine's Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the fifth century, but has origins in the Roman holiday "Lupercalia," which is actually on Feb.13, and about purifying the city." That is the definition of Valentine's Day, according to the Webster Dictionary.
Therefore, you can attribute the nonsense of having to please your boyfriend or girlfriend on this specific day to the hands of marketing. The world has played on our incessant need to prove ourselves to one another with money and shiny new things.
Cardboard hearts and chocolates line the grocery and convenience stores, and ads guilt you into thinking you are the worst person alive if you do not attest your love to someone on Feb. 14, which if you have not already noticed, is ridiculous.
Every kiss does not begin with "Kay," and you do not have to put your heart on display for everyone to see on Valentine's Day.
But go ahead, if it makes your significant other that happy, buy into the ploy that is Valentine's Day. Rather, do not buy, but write a letter or make a sweater; just do something out of the box this year, and put some effort into it.
Sure, every other person may want something new and expensive, but I would think something meaningful is more desirable. Since the holiday is made up anyway, why don't we all embrace it and get a little creative, just like the marketers and advertising companies did.
In all honesty, I am just like any other hopeless romantic. I want someone to stand in the rain and plead for my attention; I want my name in the sky. One may think that meaningful displays of love are purely unrealistic, but do they have to be?
Point blank: do not just fill a bag with candy and a stuffed animal. If you are one to make a big deal out of Valentine's Day, then be unique and give it a little more thought this time. If your Valentine is truly worth it all, show them.


text:
FOREX: Pros and Cons of Mini Trading Accounts
There are several different types of Forex accounts that you could potentially open with a broker. One type of account that you can open is the mini trading account. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with mini Forex accounts.
One of the big advantages of opening a mini trading account is that you will be able to start out with a small amount of money. In most cases, you are only going to have to invest a few hundred dollars to get started. When compared to other trading accounts such as a standard account, you would have to come up with approximately $2000 to get started. Some brokers even require you to start your account with $10,000. The mini account allows you to get started with a minimum investment and start trying out your trading strategies immediately.
If you are still trying to learn how to trade Forex, this type of account can be beneficial. Since you are only risking a few hundred dollars, there is not as much chance of you losing substantial amounts of money. Therefore, if you are unsure of your ability to trade the market, you can use this type of account to see what Forex trading is really like. While you can test the market with a demo account, trading with a live account is different. People trade differently with real money and a mini account will allow you to trade like you are going to when you invest larger amounts of money.
With this type of account, you are getting the benefit of having lower risk. At the same time, you are also going to bring in lower amounts of profit. Since you are only risking small amount of money, your expectations of returns should be tempered. This type of account is mainly for people that are just getting started or do not want to risk a large amount of money. If you are planning on becoming a professional Forex trader or making a significant amount of money, you will want to make sure that you eventually open a standard trading account.
Another potential disadvantage of this type of account is that you are not going to be sufficiently funded. In the Forex market, many experts recommend that you should not ever start an account with only a few hundred dollars. The market can move very quickly and you need to be able to have a large enough account that you can withstand some of this movement. If your account is too small, you will not be able to only risk between 1 and 3% of your account on each trade.
With mini Forex accounts, you are also not going to get the best spreads that your broker has to offer in most cases. Most of the time, the brokers will give their best spreads to standard accounts or institutional accounts. This makes it more difficult for you to earn profit in the long run.


text:
Maari 2
Directed by : Balaji Mohan
Casting : Dhanush, Krishna, Tovino Thomas, Sai Pallavi, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Vidya Pradeep , Robo Shankar, Kalloori Vinoth, Kaali Venkat
Music :Yuvan Shankar Raja
Produced by : Dhanush
PRO : Riaz K Ahmed
Review :
Tovino Thomas, who calls himself as the god of death, wants to take revenge on Maari and the reason for this is later revealed in the movie. Maari is friend with Krishna, son of gangster Vel. Maari just like the first part is fun loving and lives life on his own terms.
The only difference from the first part is that he has an emotional connect this time around. Dhanush as usual steals the show and makes his presence felt in every frame and scene adding to the mass elements the movie tries to convey. Matching him in every frame is Sai Pallavi as Arathu Anandhi. She fits the role of a naughty girl who is in die hard love with Maari and expresses it explicitly.
Maari's sidekicks Sanikizhamai and Adithaangi compliment the humour quotient in the movie. Tovino Thomas has got a good debut in Tamil as the dangerous villain and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar as the IAS official has done a decent job. Balaji Mohan has tried to weave a story once again around the naughtiest don. Music by Yuvan Shankar Raja is good. Maari 2 is a mass entertainer.
Verdict : Mass Entertainer
Latest Reviews
- |