text:
I see Angels all around me
I'm so glad that they found me
Don't be leavin'
I see Angels up above me
I'm praying that they love me
Please believe in me
A lovely piece of art, good one:)
thanks Michellerena ! x
– dovey1968
Congratz you are our featured Angel of the week ;} happy hippy hugglez
wow how exciting, thanks very very much, bit thanks to Neil Waters for letting me use his lovely verse which totally inspired me to make it….ty ty ty :)
– dovey1968
Lovely work K x
heya Mye, thanks big much x
– dovey1968
This is FILLED with magic!!!!!!!
thank you Andy :)
– dovey1968
Lovely work! :)
thanks Linda, happy you like it :)
– dovey1968
wonderful work
thank you Justart :)
– dovey1968
5 July 2010
Affirmations/Uplifting Quotes Illustrated ~ with text on image
thanks Susan :)
– dovey1968
Beautiful artwork and great colours. Love the wings. :-)
ty for stopping by and leaving a comment :)
– dovey1968
perfect again!!!!:)
thank you Jim :)
– dovey1968


text:
Falmouth Appeals Board Hears Challenge to Town Turbine
By: Brent Runyon
Published: 12/03/10
More than 70 people filled every available seat-- and then some-- in the meeting room at Falmouth Town Hall last night to witness a debate over how the local zoning bylaw should be applied to the municipally-owned wind turbine off Blacksmith Shop Road.
The more than three-hour hearing veered into complex and technical territory, and in the end, the Falmouth Zoning Board of Appeals continued the proceedings until January 20.
The hearing was an appeal of Falmouth Building and Zoning Commissioner Eladio R. Gore's determination that the turbine is a municipal use and therefore did not require a special permit from the board of appeals.
At stake was whether the town-owned turbine should be shut down with a cease and desist order from the board of appeals. The appellant argued the town did not follow its own zoning bylaws, which require wind turbines to receive special permits, and the turbine should be shut down.
The town representatives, Acting Town Manager Heather B. Harper, Mr. Gore, Town Counsel Frank K. Duffy Jr. and Town Planner Brian A. Currie, argued that the turbine is a municipal use and therefore permitted by right, and did not require a special permit.
- Residents Seek Cease & Desist Order (Nov. 23, 2010)
- Turbine Noise Within Acceptable Range (Sept. 28, 2010)
- Bylaw in the Works to Regulate Turbine Noise (July 27, 2010)
- Turbine Shut Down in High Winds (June 15, 2010)
The hearing got off to a contentious start as board of appeals Chairman Matthew J. McNamara disclosed that he had made comments at two joint meetings with the planning board that the town should not be exempt from its own zoning bylaws, and a new more restrictive wind turbine zoning bylaw for the town is under way.
Mr. McNamara said he felt he could be impartial, but would step down from the hearing if anyone in attendance thought he should.
Mr. Duffy said he did.
"Do you think that I cannot be objective?" Mr. McNamara asked.
"I'm requesting you step down," Mr. Duffy said. With that, Mr. McNamara folded up his briefcase and vacated the chair, leaving Vice Chairman Dennis Murphy in charge of the hearing, which became rowdy at times, but remained under control.
Appellants: special permit needed
The appellants, Neil P. and Elizabeth L. Andersen of Blacksmith Shop Road, represented by Barnstable attorney J. Alexander Watt, argued that the board should issue a cease and desist order for the wind turbine, because the town never received the special permit required by the town bylaw.
Last week, Mr. McNamara said the board of appeals could not issue a cease and desist order for the wind turbine, but Mr. Watt argued that it could.
"The board shall have all powers from which the appeal is taken," Mr. Watt said, explaining that if the building commissioner has the power to issue a cease and desist order, then so does the board of appeals.
That turned out not to be in question, as Mr. Duffy confirmed later in the hearing that the board could issue a cease and desist order, if it chose to.
"Wind I is a windmill. Windmills require a special permit. The town did not receive a special permit," Mr. Watt said.
During the town's presentation, Mr. Gore countered that statement and explained his reasoning for issuing a building permit to the project without requiring a special permit as well.
The wind turbine is located at the town's wastewater treatment plant, and is used to power that facility.
"A wastewater treatment facility is a municipal purpose and all that is part of the treatment facility is a municipal purpose and, in my opinion, it is allowed and does not require a special permit," said Mr. Gore.
Town: municipal uses exempt
He argued that if the town were required to follow the letter of its own zoning bylaw, it would have to receive a special permit for TV and radio towers, fire stations, Department of Public Works garages, and even school buses parked at the high school for football games.
The turbine is a municipal use, Mr. Gore said, because it is used to power the wastewater treatment plant. If it were used to sell power for profit back to the grid, then the turbine would have required a special permit.
"If the wind turbine is not for a municipal purpose, then the town does not enjoy the municipal exemption," Mr. Gore said.
Mr. Watt pointed out that the town zoning bylaw does not include any special sections about fire stations, garages, or buses, but does include a special section about wind turbines.
Board member Kenneth H. Foreman asked why the municipal exemption trumps the wind turbine section of the zoning bylaw.
Mr. Gore said the municipal purpose section of the bylaw states that all municipal purposes are allowed by right, and therefore the later section of the bylaw regarding wind turbines does not apply.
Ample notice to abutters
Mr. Duffy took a different tack. He claimed that the Andersens had 30 days to appeal the issuance of the building permit, and only filed a request for zoning enforcement 14 months after the building permit was issued.
"This appeal is late," he said. "There are valid reasons for this short statute of limitations, all clearly evident in the facts of this case. Permits must have finality and certainty. Parties who obtain permits act upon them. They build structures, borrow money, enter into binding legal obligations, and otherwise make plans to move forward."
Mr. Duffy argued that the Andersens had plenty of notice of the project since its inception in 2002. He said public forums, discussions at public meetings of the Falmouth Energy Committee and Board of Selectmen's meetings, Town Meeting articles, letters to abutters, and frequent media coverage all gave the Andersens opportunity to appeal the building permit within the 30-day period.
Mr. Duffy also said the residents should have been aware of the activity of the turbine construction.
At one point Ms. Harper said that notice was sent to abutters 900 feet from the property line of the wastewater treatment plant through general mail.
But the Andersens and 10 other residents told the board they never received notice of the project, or the issuance of the building permit.
Hearing continued
Westborough attorney Christopher G. Senie, also representing the Andersens and 16 other Falmouth residents, said that there is no reason that the town should not go through the special permit process.
"What is the harm if you issue a cease and desist order?" Mr. Senie said. "There's no reason that Wind I and Wind II should not go through the special permit process."
Mr. Senie said that the board of appeals had already issued a special permit for the Notus Clean Energy wind turbine in Falmouth Technology Park, which is the same size as the town turbine.
Among the abutters who spoke out against the project was Barry A. Funfar of Ridgeview Avenue, who said his house is 1,662 feet from the town turbine. He said he did receive a survey and an impact study and was one of only seven people to fill it out.
"We want our lives back," Mr. Funfar said, imploring the board to issue a cease and desist order.
The most emotional appeal to the board came from Mr. Andersen who described headaches and poor sleeping conditions, and said, "We're hoping that someone will just turn it off."
After three hours of testimony, the board decided to continue the hearing until January 20.
Mr. Andersen, still standing at the lectern, asked, "What are we supposed to do until then?" to the emptying room.
2 Responses to "Falmouth Appeals Board Hears Challenge to Town Turbine"
Are these the two wind turbines purchased by the Massachusetts Technology Colaborative,MTC in 2004 for the installation in Orleans,Masachusetts ? The two wind turbines purchased in 2004 by the MTC were held in a warehouse in Texas at $3000.00 a month in storage fees for almost five years. In addition the monoploles that hold up the wind turbines were stored somewhere in Canada. The big question is how much more noise do these older turbines make if they are the same old turbine proposed for Orleans in 2004 ? Why was the MTC stuck with these two turbines for five years? What was the deal the MTC and the Town of Falmouth made for these two turbines if indeed they are the two antiquated out of warranty turbines from 2004 ? Did the wind sound study include the date and year of manufacture of the turbines? We need to find the actual date and time these turbines were built and go forward from there! We also need to see how federal stimulus funds were used to purchase the two old out of warranty turbines . If stimulus funds were used did the money go back to a semi-quasi state agency for profit ? Here is the website for the two turbines : http://www.masshightech.com/stories/2008/08/04/weekly7-MTC-puts-mothballed-wind-turbines-on-auction-block.html
Does anyone in Falmouth know at what wind speed these wind turbines fail ? The wind speeds at 400 feet are always higher than the ground speed . It appears that these turbines fail at around 92 mph . Will the Falmouth wind turbine stand the test ? Wind 1 Vestas V 82 1.65 Wind Turbines Specs http://www.energymaine.com/brwind/brdocs/Appendix2_V82%20-%20General%20Specification.pdf Please see section 31 Climate and Site Specifications you will see Extreme wind speed 42.5 m/s for 10 minutes . 42.5 m/s equals 95 miles per hour . 1 m/s equals about 2.2 miles per hour. http://www.gordonengland.co.uk/conversion/velocity.htm This Vestas V 82 wind turbine is the one proposed for Orleans, Marion,Mattapoisett and Fairhaven it ended up in Falmouth.

subset: commoncrawl


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Let us stop this bleeding
Rated 0 / 5 stars October 14, 2012
Nothing I could possibly say about this... At all... The animation has already said it all.
Rated 0 / 5 stars October 8, 2012
Uhhh.... I can't say anything about this that's positive. I'm trying, but I really, really can't.
I guess put some effort into something... legible, next time?
Rated 1 / 5 stars October 7, 2012
I don't get it...
Rated 0 / 5 stars October 6, 2012
Not comical, not interesting, not even a disappointment. Doesn't belong on Newgrounds, or in existence. Not much else to say about this poorly drawn animation repeating and doing... Nothing.
DragonBallDavid responds:
go troll somewhere else


text: bonkalore: cranky-crustaceans: pupukachoo: froggy-horntail: pantheonbooks: duamuteffe: illesigns: Pixars 22 Rules of Story Telling 9 is worth the price of admission, holy crap. This is genius. So many great writing tips! And this is why Pixar is a master in their field. Why do I feel so weird reblogging this… this is the weekend dammit! Anyway, great advice. Pixar you have no idea how much this actually helps me. mother of god I needed this in my life. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! Reblogged from sunbeams-after-a-rain Source: illesigns Pixar Wall-E Finding Nemo


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ReCraft Your Bike Stand"s": Michelangelo Two Bike Gravity Stand
If you need someplace to keep two bikes in your home, or simply don't want to put holes in your wall, this ingenious wall rack offers a fast, sleek-looking solution. It has the easiest installation process we've ever come across. Just lean it against the wall and presto. Gravity does the rest. Seriously, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see just how well it works. Great for all shapes and sizes of bikes.
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Showing posts tagged design


text:
Global growth likely to drift
Minister of Energy Mohammad Bin Dha'en Al Hameli said yesterday that world economic growth might taper off a bit next year, but didn't say if he saw that impacting global oil production or crude prices. "Next year, the economic growth may be the same [as this year] more or less, or a little less," Al Hameli told reporters when asked about his outlook on the global oil market next year.
Al Hameli was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council oil ministers in the capital. He also said that the UAE, on average, was producing about 2.6 million barrels of oil per day in December. Separately, Mohammad Al Busairi, Kuwait's oil minister, said his country had on average produced more then 3 million barrels of oil per day during December and would keep output at that rate if the demand persisted.
Al Busairi also told Gulf News that current production of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) of 30.4 million barrels per day is sufficient to balance the oil market. "The market is now balanced. The prices are fair as they rely on supply and demand, which set the price," said Al Busairi. GCC member countries hold 60 percent of the world's oil reserves, he said. "For this reason, the GCC states have to hold regular meetings to coordinate stances and unify their strategic vision in light of the international developments," he added.
OPEC ceiling
Earlier this month, OPEC members agreed to keep the group's oil output at 30 million barrels per day, their first new production limit in three years. The implementation of the OPEC production ceiling would create "strong upside risks" to oil prices next year, analysts at Goldman Sachs Group said in a note to clients. "We continue to expect that oil demand will grow well in excess of production capacity growth," said Goldman Sachs at the time.
Oil prices rose for a fifth straight day on Friday, on concerns about potential supply disruptions in Iran and Iraq and recent signs of a strengthening US economy. US February crude rose 15 cents to settle at $99.68 a barrel, reaching $100.23 intra-day. Front-month US crude rose 6.57 percent for the week, the biggest weekly gain since the week to October 28. Crude trading volumes were very thin ahead of the Christmas holiday and the approaching new year. US dealings were 76 percent below the 30-day average and Brent 69 percent under its 30-day average.
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Last September, I wrote a post about how scammers had been using my photos to lure women into online, romantic relationships for the purpose of 'borrowing' or extorting money. Since that time, the scams have continued. I get, on average, one new report a day from women (and occasionally men) who have been tricked, or nearly tricked, into sending money.…
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6 Months
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Identity, Love, and Catfishing
I recently received the following message via email. I've omitted a small portion of the text to protect the privacy of the sender and have only corrected a few spelling errors to improve the overall readability of the passage.
I know you do not know me, but I had to share something with you.
Podcast on Connected Learning
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Interviews in South Australia
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Obviously, there are better apps than the ones I listed. But, I wanted to give viewers a good range of what kinds of tools are available.…
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The Carter County Commission voted today to overturn Mayor Leon Humphrey's budget veto, which means a property tax increase will go into effect.
A county official says the 18-cent property tax increase is now final along with the new county budget.
Mayor Humphrey vetoed the property tax increase and the budget on July 18. At the time, Humphrey said more cuts needed to be made within the general fund.
200 South Parker Street, Tampa, FL 33606
Telephone: 813.228.8888
Fax: 813.225.2770
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
I know you lot are working in some form of education, and all the jobs that i have applied for and been to have just been asking of a C.V nothing else, and I just came across my old progress file which i had back in comp , 24 atm only found it by chance since i been thinking of scanning all my old school / college books into the computer and make a flipbook with them then taking up physcal space, probably never use them or refer back them o well.
back to main question are schools still giving these to pupils or not ? since not sure if i can chuck it out or i need it.
here a pic i found on the net of what one looks like. - i had to edit it to hide the person behind it
Please note i hope i dont start it off agian by making this post if they have been discontinued lol
Attachment 16592


text:
Watch: "Don't Leave This Voicemail" from the man who brought you Fab Jesus
Watch: "Don't Leave This Voicemail" from the man who brought you Fab Jesus
Black Simon and Garfunkel Sing 'Diamonds'
The Roots bring their folk music skills to Rihanna's latest hit.
Why Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Are Hosting the Golden Globes
The 2013 hosts talk about their hopes and dreams for the Golden Globes.
Brick Moranis. Here's to 2013 being the year Rick comes back. Chicago, IL.
One can only dream.
'Community' Holiday Sneak Peek
Have some Community and kittens for Christmas.
Billy On The Street: Dead or Boring?
Billy On The Street premieres tonight at 10/9c on Fuse!
Jimmy Fallon and Tracy Morgan Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'
'Girls' Season One Deleted Scene
In this deleted scene from season one, Hannah fails to get a job at a cupcake shop.
Paul F. Tompkins and Aziz Ansari Play Drinking Games
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Aziz Ansari joins David Chang in Montreal to eat pastrami for an episode of PBS' Mind of a Chef.
Chris Hardwick on Hipster Nerds
The Nerdist himself ridicules hipster nerds in his new Comedy Central special Mandroid.
Airing Nov. 10th. (I was in the audience for the taping. It's great.)
Conan Rocks Cornrows and a Spray Tan
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Critics of the iPhone 5 come face to face with Foxconn factory workers on SNL.
I normally don't get political on here, but this was too good to pass up.
Posting this again because you really should watch it. It's hilarious.


text:
Karwa Chauth 2012 in Hindi / Urdu
Smsbunch Providing the Best Collection of Karwa Chauth 2012 text sms/messages, you can share the best Karwa Chauth 2012 feelings to your friends/relatives/girlfriend/boyfriend. Daily update the Karwa Chauth 2012 on daily basis in Hindi/Urdu/English.
Happy Karva Chauth 2012
Posted by admin 1 November, 2012 (1) Comment
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Prove The Depth Of Your Love.Happy Karwa Chauth..!!
- Happy Karva Chauth 2012 in Hindi
karwa chauth parv jivan me prem sukh shanti evm samrdhdi bhar de.
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Karva Chauth Sms Messages
Posted by admin 1 November, 2012 (0) Comment
Karva Chauth Sms Messages
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text:
Narrow your search
Most laptop stands either are too big to carry, or only support smaller notebooks. The Targus Space Saving Lap Chill Mat packs down nearly flat, and can also support 17-inch desktop-replacement laptops.
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The Zoku Slush and Shake Maker makes no-fuss chilled drinks in as little as 7 minutes. With no moving parts to deal with, the chilled beverage maker is perfect for warm, lazy days.


text:
'); } -->
Aimee Hasson, founder of the startup The Gift of Education, works at the Davis Roots headquarters in the Hunt-Boyer Mansion in Davis. Davis Roots is a nonprofit startup business accelerator that aims to foster formation and early development of new high-growth ventures. The organization encourages enterprising individuals to locate their new businesses in the city of Davis, with an emphasis on taking advantage UC Davis connections related and support networks.


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Thread: Gary Gygax Q&A: Part XIII
Thursday, 21st February, 2008, 08:35 PM #1591
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
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- Lake Geneva, WI
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ø Ignore Col_PladohOriginally Posted by SuStel
A half-halfling should be a quartling as surely as all female dwarves have luxuriant beards!
- EN World
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- on advertisings
- that are displayed by
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Thursday, 21st February, 2008, 09:20 PM #1592
Then it's settled! Because, as we all know, female dwarves ha ...Originally Posted by Col_Pladoh
Wait. What?
Gray Mouser
"Still, it appears that someone doesn't like us," Fafhrd opined.
"Was that ever news?" the Gray Mouser retorted.
Thursday, 21st February, 2008, 09:24 PM #1593
Seriously though, doesn't everyone know females dwarves are bearded? Come on people!
Gray Mouser
"Still, it appears that someone doesn't like us," Fafhrd opined.
"Was that ever news?" the Gray Mouser retorted.
Thursday, 21st February, 2008, 10:51 PM #1594
A 1e title so awesome it's not in the book (Lvl 21)
- Join Date
- Jan 2002
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- Lake Geneva, WI
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ø Ignore Col_Pladoh
As I have pointed out often in the past, has anyone ever seen a mythological or folklore depiction of a female dwarf that lacked chin whiskers?
Yours for factual dwarven Physiognomy,
Thursday, 21st February, 2008, 10:58 PM #1595
Gallant (Lvl 3)
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- Feb 2005
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- Greenlawn, NY
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ø Ignore SuStel
My communities:
Then do four quartlings make a gallonling? Are quartling children pint-sized?Originally Posted by Col_Pladoh
Friday, 22nd February, 2008, 09:25 PM #1596
Cutpurse (Lvl 5)
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- Jan 2002
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ø Ignore Geoffrey
My communities:
Gary, I recently read this article about you:
I particularly liked this part:
'He [Ernst Gygax] was, Gygax says, an attentive father, and he must have been a permissive father also, because Gygaxs childhood was marked by a disregard for rules and obligations. He went to school half a block from his childhood house in Lake Geneva, but he was rarely to be found there. It was just dull and stupid, he says, and you know, I had so many other things I wanted to do. I had a day full of active going out with my friends, playing chess, hanging around, trying to pick up girls, usually without any success whatsoever. What? Sit home? Do school work? Unthinkable.'
Saturday, 23rd February, 2008, 04:22 PM #1597
Acolyte (Lvl 2)
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- Oct 2007
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- 10
ø Ignore areola
Hi Gary,
I am currently playing C&C, due to burnt out from the other "D&D". What do you think of C&C's game system?
Saturday, 23rd February, 2008, 04:40 PM #1598
Minor Trickster (Lvl 4)
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- Sep 2002
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- 9600 chesapeake blvd, norfolk, va 23503
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ø Ignore Joseph Elric Smith
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With it being written with his approval, and all the work he is doing for it I certainly think he likes it
Gygax is to Gaming what Kirby was to comics
Alas poor Elric I was a thousand times more evil than you
Sunday, 24th February, 2008, 06:44 PM #1599
Acolyte (Lvl 2)
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- Dec 2005
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- Lisbon, Portugal
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ø Ignore JoseFreitas
My communities:
Hi Gary,
Well, you don't know me and I feel fairly certain you don't remember being introduced to me by Dave Arneson and Mike Stackpole at GenCon (either 99 or 2000). We have a common friend, Andre Moullin. I translated and published D&D basic set into portuguese in the 80's, which is when I met him. I was also a partner and manager in Devir the brasilian gaming company (running the portuguese and spanish offices) until last year.
In any case, I am a huge fan of Greyhawk and sometimes have little questions that bug me for awhile. Maybe you'll want to answer the following two queries.
On the Rain of Colorless Fire
In the Gord novel City of Hawks we see Gord traveling to the Plane of Shadows to recover the nine mystical sapphires. He travels through the wilderness of Shadowland to find Imprimus, and is attacked by a duskdrake (a shadow dragon), Vishwhoolsh, a "hyperdragon". He is attacked by its breath weapon which fires gray fire, and barely survives the first onslaught. And then, "at last Gord knew how terrible was the stuff of shadow-fire, understanding the refinement that resulted in the fabulous fire ruin that had been used by human mages to devastate an empire".
I read this to mean that the Rain was some sort of mega spell of shadowfire. My questions are:
Is it correct to assume that the Baklunish have a preference for illusions, shadow and mind magic (this is hinted at in a number of sources)?
What kind of spell can we imagine? A gate opening into the Plane of Shadows, or some sort of coming together of numerous mages to cast some shade spell? Or an artifact?
How would you describe a "hyperdragon" (and you're not allowed to answer "briefly, if at all" like the gloam who played at questions with Gord! )? Just a bigger dragon or something more?
On Olidammara and his clerics.
In the description of Olidammara (83 WoG boxed set), we are told that there are two rustic hostels, one in the Kron Hills and one in the Wild Coast, where clerics of his are found. In Night Arrant, we are introduced to Hop the Savant, certainly the archetypical, almost perfect image of the follower of Olidammara! Seeing that many sources give the Gnarley as being part of the Wild Coast:
Would it be correct to assume that his inn, the Inn of the Brothers of One and Score, is one of the hostels mentioned?
Does the number have mystical significance for Olidammara? (three times seven)
Were you referring to that place, or is it just a happy coincidence?
Well, this is all, I hope you had a great week end and see you soon!
José de Freitas
Monday, 25th February, 2008, 06:43 PM #1600
Gary, I have a quesiton about how you envisioned some humanoid societies in 1eAD&D. In the original MM you give listings for (in)famous tribes of orcs and hobgoblins. Mty question is this: were the figures for the "Number Appearing" entry for these races supposed to be indicative of the size of the tribe in toto? Or were the tribes you envisioned more "clannish" in the sense that there could be several related bands all belonging to the (for example) Marrow Suckers tribe of hobgoblins?
While hobgoblins have a maximum range of 200 and orcs 300 for encounters it seems to me that 20 or 30 would be a pretty small number, especially for an entire tribe.
Gray Mouser
"Still, it appears that someone doesn't like us," Fafhrd opined.
"Was that ever news?" the Gray Mouser retorted.


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Jan. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Cameroon's average cocoa-export price at the main port of Douala decreased by 2.3 percent to 1,097 CFA francs ($2.17) a kilogram (2.2 pounds) during the week to Jan. 23, according to data from the Cocoa and Coffee Board sent in a mobile-phone text message today.
The following is a table of the free-on-board export rates at the port in CFA francs per kilogram. Cameroon is Africa's fourth-biggest cocoa producer.
--Editor: Emily Bowers
To contact the reporter on this story: Pius Lukong in Yaounde via Accra at firstname.lastname@example.com
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Antony Sguazzin at email@example.com


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Sampling the Myth, a programme of mixed works to be staged at Deloitte Ignite 2014, will be live-streamed via the Royal Opera House website and YouTube Channel at 6.50pm BST on Saturday 6 September 2014. The event will be available to watch online anywhere in the world (with a small number of exceptions).
The programme combines dance and visual art in a modern exploration of ancient myths through performance and film. It will feature a special commission from Turner Prize-winning artist Chris Ofili and choreographer Aakash Odedra based on the myth of Prometheus. Extracts will also be performed from Mikhail Fokine's The Firebird and The Dying Swan; Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake; George Balanchine's Apollo; and Wayne McGregor's Raven Girl. Viewers will also be treated to the world premiere of a new piece by Rambert's Miguel Altunaga. Also being screened as part of the event are three short dance films created by the National Ballet of Canada's Robert Binet, rising choreographic talent Charlotte Edmonds, and internationally renowned choreographer Kim Brandstrup.
Watch Aakash Odedra rehearsing his new piece with Royal Ballet dancers:
Deloitte Ignite, curated by The Royal Ballet with the National Gallery's Minna Moore Ede, runs 5–28 September 2014 and includes a wide range of free and paying events. Tickets are still available.]]>
Plácido Domingo's upcoming In Conversation event will be live-streamed on YouTube and here on the ROH website at 6pm BST on 12 October. The event will be available to watch online anywhere in the world (with a small number of exceptions).
Music Director of The Royal Opera, Antonio Pappano, will host the event, which will take place in the ROH's Paul Hamlyn Hall in front of a live studio audience of Friends of Covent Garden and students. Tickets are very limited and will be available to our Friends and Patrons via a postal ballot. Members of our ROH Student scheme will be able to purchase standing places online from 10am on 2 September.
Tenor-turned-baritone Domingo is performing in two productions at Covent Garden during the 2014/15 Season; singing the roles of Francesco Foscari in I due Foscari and Giorgio Germont in La traviata.
The Spanish singer and conductor is one of the world's greatest opera stars and made his Royal Opera debut as Cavaradossi in Tosca in 1971. Since then he has sung 27 roles for the Company, and conducted Pagliacci, Die Fledermaus and Tosca at Covent Garden. Away from the Royal Opera House, his performances with José Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti as the Three Tenors won him worldwide renown and he continues to give many successful gala concerts, appearing at events including the 2006 World Cup, the 1992 and 2008 Olympics and the 2012 La Liga title celebrations for Real Madrid. He is currently General Manager of Los Angeles Opera and is deeply involved with humanitarian works and initiatives.
The live-stream of Plácido Domingo's In Conversation event is one of a number of streaming events in the pipeline. To ensure you don't miss out, subscribe to the Royal Opera House's YouTube channel.]]>
Six Royal Opera House productions are now available via Digital Theatre, the on-demand platform which already offers performances from the RSC and Royal Court among others.
Four Royal Opera productions (Le nozze di Figaro, La bohème, Eugene Onegin and La traviata) and two Royal Ballet productions (Swan Lake and Sylvia) will be available through Digital Theatre's expanding range of platforms including iPhone, iPad, desktop player, Samsung Smart TV and the on-demand Digital Theatre channel on the YouView Talk Talk Player.
Alastair Roberts, Managing Director of ROH Enterprises, said: 'This is an exciting new partnership for us, making our productions available across the widest possible variety of digital platforms. It adds to the variety of ways in which people can see our work outside of the auditorium itself - such as our BP Big Screens and ROH Live Cinema Season, and our work on TV and DVD - enabling audiences to access our performances wherever they are in the world and whenever they want.'
The Royal Opera House Collection on the platform will continue to grow, creating an online catalogue of opera and ballet productions.
Also announced is a Digital Theatre partnership with Shakespeare's Globe. Four plays will be made available from the Bankside-based theatre.]]>
I thought that I knew a bit about opera, and coming from politics I flattered myself I had little to learn about the pressures of live performance; but the Royal Opera House's film of a behind-the-scenes view of the third act of Wagner's Die Walküre opened my eyes to what nail-biting drama occurs just out of sight of the audience.
Keith Warner's productions usually demand something close to the impossible. When his team was told that its ideas for a Lohengrin at Bayreuth (involving a lake on stage) were impossible, because it would require the foundations of Wagner's opera house to be excavated, the response was 'Get digging'.
For Die Walküre he needed a wall - two tons of it. While the Walküre were fleeing Wotan, it was to move upstage; when the god caught up with them, it was to spin; and when he and Brünnhilde were left alone, it was to fly away.
The webcast revealed how, while the orchestra and war maidens belted it out, a truck dragged the wall upstage, positioning it with millimetric precision over a sturdy spindle that penetrated it from beneath the stage. A hydraulics operator in an eyrie high above the stage then made it rotate, precisely as Wotan, demonstrating godly will and might, appeared to push it. Thereafter, black curtains dropped behind the wall to hide a team of stagehands toiling to attach the steel cables that would whisk its 2000 kilograms up into the fly tower. But whenever the music and singing grew soft (yes, it does happen in Wagner!) they had to down tools, on instructions transmitted to their earpieces by deputy stage manager, Sarah Woodward.
She was the pivotal figure of the evening, an oasis of calm seated between warring gods in front of the wall, and deadline-stressed stage operatives behind it. Following the music score she would prepare each department for its upcoming cue: 'Standby lights, smoke, wardrobe, props', and then with quaver-perfect precision, call 'Go!'. All evening I was wondering, how did such a young person learn so much about music and stagecraft, and develop such fathomless composure? Might she fancy a stint controlling Britain's nuclear deterrent?
The greatest challenge of the evening fell to her boss, stage manager Adam Lawley, an Eric Cantona lookalike, but without any football field histrionics. Warner had set another challenge: in the brief moments that Bryn Terfel, playing Wotan, was offstage, a gas canister was to be fitted to his belt, and a hose fed down his sleeve, so that fire could appear in his hand: scooped, as it would appear, from a flame that like a child on a helter-skelter slid down a spiral trough (with the added difficulty, as Warner chirped in his live commentary, that the speed of the descent might extinguish it).
As Wotan approached his exit the canister/hose device would not function, and Adam set off to break it to Bryn that he would have to wing it. At that moment the crew managed to light the contraption, and Wotan was hurriedly equipped. The final adjustments were being completed as his cue arrived but the audience would know nothing of the crisis. Viewed from the auditorium, Wotan re-entered, as unflappable as a deity.
Watching in the quiet of my home, the tension was unbearable. I longed for the relative tranquillity of a full-blown political crisis.
Watch Act III of Die Walküre on The Space with highlights from Royal Opera LIVE on our YouTube channel.]]>


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text:
Posts tagged girl
Posts tagged girl
Hey guys! I actually curled my hair!
I guess I look all right without makeup.
I got bored so I curled my hair.
Its going to be a great summer.
I'm feeling cute and ready for summer.
My afternoon off with my Mum has been great.
Embracing my body for the summer.
I want to be in some secret relationship. I want to have a girl who I can sneak around with and fall madly in love with. I don't want anyone to know about us, but us. Because no one needs to know, but us. I want to sneak kisses when no one is looking, and run off in the middle of the night to lay in the park together. I want true romance.
I'm feeling cute today.
Bandeau, crop top, and granny sweater. I'm so comfy.
Do I look like every girl at school now?
Excuse my face from interrupting your dash.
Come at me ladies and gentlemen.
Wuddup bitches.
Fat girls aren't supposed to wear short shorts and horizontal stripes?


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Aliph™ Introduces Jawbone ICON™, The World's First Truly Intelligent Bluetooth® Headset
"New Icon for Personal Expression" Is Now Accessible to Everyone
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — January 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Aliph -- maker of the market-leading Jawbone® Bluetooth headset and inventor of NoiseAssassin®, the world's first and only military-grade noise-eliminating technology -- today unveiled its most sophisticated product yet, Jawbone ICON. Jawbone ICON offers unprecedented ease of use and audio quality as well as an industry-first software platform called MyTALK™ that lets users personalize and update their Jawbones via the web. Jawbone ICON will be available for $99.99 beginning January 18 in six unique design personas.
"In building the next generation of wearable computing, we focused maniacally on creating the world's best customer experience. We incorporated significant intelligence into the headset and as a result this is the simplest-to-operate Jawbone ever created, with a rich array of design choices to suit any preference or lifestyle. We like to call it a new icon for personal expression," said Hosain Rahman, Aliph's CEO.
Industry-first intelligence makes Jawbone ICON easy, convenient and personal
Jawbone ICON offers built-in intelligence and the ability to personalize with the click of a mouse using the all-new MyTALK platform, currently in private beta at mytalk.jawbone.com.
"Each customer is an individual, with unique tastes and preferences. With this in mind, we invented MyTALK as a place where people could go to get a richer in-ear experience. MyTALK is just a hint of the exciting ways people will be able to breathe life into their Jawbones over time," said Rahman.
"Customers also tell us they don't want to reach for their phone when their hands and eyes need to be elsewhere, like on the steering wheel and on the road. So Jawbone ICON uses its brains to now whisper important information like caller ID and remaining battery life into the user's ear," he added.
New personalization and convenience features include:
- MyTALK AudioApps. Lets users personalize the voice that conveys information into their ear. French, German and Spanish languages are also available.
- MyTALK DialApps. Lets users customize an easy access button linking directly to services of their choice such as free directory assistance, voice-to-SMS and voice dial.
- Simultaneous Multipoint. Lets users switch seamlessly between two calls on different cell phones.
- On/Off slide switch and one-button control. Delivers radical simplicity.
- Visual battery meter. Displays remaining battery life at top of iPhone screen.
Six stunning designs and personas deliver rich set of consumer choices
Jawbone ICON is smaller and lighter than its predecessors, and comes in six designs with lush textures and finishes rarely seen in consumer electronics.
"Design and self-expression have been at the core of every generation Jawbone to date, and now we launch an unprecedented suite of choices to match that personal style that makes you who you are," said Yves Behar, Chief Creative Officer of Aliph.
"Each Jawbone ICON is infused with a unique and exciting look. Like characters in a film, each captures a different fun-to-wear persona," he added.
New leaps in sound technology sustain Jawbone's lead in audio quality
Continuing Jawbone's leadership in sound technology, Jawbone ICON provides improved inbound audio quality as well as upgrades to its battlefield-tested NoiseAssassin technology. Audio advancements include:
- NoiseAssassin 2.5 with wind reduction continues to provide the best noise elimination available.
- Innovative speaker design and signal processing improves inbound audio clarity and volume.
- Set-it-and-forget-it audio eliminates the need to adjust volume from one caller to the next.
Jawbone ICON Specifications
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours (varies by phone)
Standby Time: More than 10 days
Range: At least 33 feet (10 meters)
Charge: 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in less than 1 hour
Weight: 8 grams
Fit: 7 earbud sizes + 1 premium adjustable earloop
Accessories: AC power adaptor, micro-USB flex cable
Supports Multipoint: Pairs with up to 8 devices, 2 simultaneous connections
Supports Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), 2.0, 1.2, 1.1
Packaging: 100% recyclable
The MSRP for Jawbone ICON is $99.99. There is no charge for MyTALK.
Jawbone ICON is available starting January 18 at Verizon ® stores and on Aliph's website at www.jawbone.com. Distribution of Jawbone ICON will soon thereafter expand to Apple®, AT&T®, Best Buy Mobile® and other cellular carrier and retail stores nationwide. Jawbone ICON will be available internationally beginning in March.
Jawbone MyTALK is currently available at mytalk.jawbone.com as an invitation-only private beta. Jawbone MyTALK is expected to go into public beta soon.
About Aliph
Aliph is committed to creating personal technology products that deliver an unsurpassed user experience. The company's flagship product, the award-winning Jawbone Bluetooth headset, first disrupted the industry in 2006 with its military-grade NoiseAssassin technology and instantly became recognized as the best Bluetooth headset available. In 2010, Jawbone ICON becomes the company's most innovative Jawbone yet; introducing unmatched ease of use, personalization, sound quality and design into the consumer marketplace.
Co-founded by Alexander Asseily and Hosain Rahman, Aliph is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco.
For more information, images and product demo, please visit www.jawbone.com or press.jawbone.com.
Disclaimer: product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective trademark owners.


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Coast to Coast AM 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Email: email@example.com
The Sheboygan Bridal Showcase 2014 will be held at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on Thursday, January 16th. Doors will open at 5:00 pm. This year there will be two fashion shows to choose from; the first at 5:45 pm and the second at 7:45 pm. For more information about the showcase, please explore the links below.
More about the venue and ticket information.
Tips and guides to help you through the showcase.
Stay in the know on event details.
From cakes, to dresses, to venues & beyond!
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My job fucking rules! Just spent the morning chatting with Toronto-based artist Trevor Henderson, fellow youngster and complete horror movie buff-just take a look at his high quality art work that pays homage to all the greats, both well known and underground films we can all grow to know and love. When Trevor's not busting out amazing art, he's participating in Laser Blast Film Society, a pretty bad ass looking podcast hosted by true horror fans giving movie reviews to a pretty well rounded list of films.
I'll be showing some of his works at The Alternative Cafe during our eight-week long group exhibit Socio Network that airs Dec. 9 and runs until the second week of Feb. 2012. We're still taking submissions, so don't be shy! Email me at email@example.com
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There's being lucky and then there's being Lucky.
One little abandoned dog is both, today and forever, according to Linda and Keith Pratt of Milton-Freewater.
"He's lucky we found him and we're lucky to have him," Linda said with a laugh. "So we named him Lucky."
The Pratts have lived at the upper end of Walla Walla River Road longer than either can recall. Linda's parents first resided here in the boxy cabin that is now expanded into a generous custom home. The property sits just below Harris Park, where the earth is nearly touching on either side as if to heal the slit in it's skin created by the turbulent river's ancestral flows.
The land looks primeval — gloriously wild, contained only by the harsh outcroppings of rock, softened by natural flora. On this day, fresh snow coats everything.
It's no environment for those not created to live here or that are without man-made protection, the couple said.
But that doesn't stop people from dumping unwanted pets at the end of the road, where the Umatilla National Forest begins its enormous geographical reach.
"About 40 to 50 a year," Linda said. "They're just giving those animals a death sentence."
Cats, dogs, horses — taken to the wilderness and left by people, for reasons the Pratts can only guess at.
"Maybe it's the economy," Keith offered. "People can't afford to feed them anymore."
Linda is less optimistic about human nature.
"It's just terrible. We never see them do it, but we see what they've done," she said, citing one example of finding a large garbage bag in the park, containing dead black labs.
Officials are aware. Angie McColley, who served as an animal control officer for several years in the Valley, is well versed — remote dumping of man's best friend is everywhere, she said.
It's illegal in Oregon to intentionally abandon an animal, but it's hard to prove, requiring an eyewitness, she said.
Sgt. Tawin Compton with the Umatilla County Sheriff's Office agreed. It's a problem all over the 3,200 square-mile county, he said.
"Most of the time we don't get called on it," he said. "Ranchers that have livestock, they usually take care of the (stray dog) themselves. Cats, though, get to be a real issue. They turn feral."
The horses that survive often join up with tribal wild herds, he added.
The deputies do what they can, Compton said.
"If we can find the owner, we make the owner responsible. If we can identify them, we will prosecute ... it's kind of a personal issue with several of our deputies."
Linda and Keith want to believe it's mostly a case of ignorance, that people think their abandoned animals will somehow revert to the wild and know how to live off the land.
Instead the land becomes a grave, said Linda, her eyes going to the steep terrain at the side of the road.
The killers are numerous. The animals often freeze to death in the winter, a season with a longer life cycle in this spot. Vehicles hit them. Herds of deer that calmly patrol the area will stomp to the death a cat or smaller dog. Cougars, bears and coyotes don't distinguish between domestic or wild meat.
Even raccoons will kill cats that get in their way, Keith said.
"And there's no source of food for them at all," Linda said. This, coming from a woman who makes her own special food for her dogs, is strong condemnation. "They are going to die up here."
But not Lucky.
It was about a month ago that the white poodle mix was left close to the Pratt homestead, along with two others of his breed. Petrified, none of the three animals would approach humans. When Keith put out a live trap, only Lucky took the bait.
If only the little guy, skin and bones by then, knew heaven on Earth was just waiting for him on the other side of the patio doors. Instead Lucky bit Keith, then proceeded to cry inside the house for days. Not even the welcoming tongues of the Pratt dogs soothed the little guy.
After visiting the family, however, I would be surprised if Lucky ever cries again.
There is nothing in the house lovingly crafted by Keith that doesn't express admiration for God's creatures, and dogs get top billing.
"Keith loves dogs and so do I. We both had dogs all our lives," Linda said, after reading two canine-related poems she wrote for publication.
There are the dog pillows, framed needlepoint sayings about dogs, the warning signs painted low on screen doors so Lucky and his two new siblings, Gizmo and Buddy, won't bonk their snouts. And that's not talking about the toys.
A vet visit determined Lucky to be about 2 years old, with enough good health to recover from his trauma. He'll join his new brothers for monthly trips to the groomer.
"Isn't he adorable," Linda cooed. "Who could have ever dumped him?"
But they want people to know the Pratt house is at its three-dog limit, and most of the neighbors can say the same, Keith and Linda told me.
That means the next dumping victim is unlikely to be so lucky.
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Previous Day's Reflection Next Day's Reflection Go to Today's Reflection
"Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you." (John 16:5-7)
This reading from John is often the Gospel reading for Pentecost or the days near it, in the church year. It is termed Christ's farewell discourse. When I read this passage I'm always drawn to the emotions that the disciples must have felt after hearing these unexpected words when Jesus talked about His soon departure, a parting that was necessary for the Advocate (or in some translations, the Comforter or the Helper) to come to help the disciples (and us) wade through life and our futures.
Many questions meander through my thoughts. Were the disciples sad? Did they even begin to understand the meaning of the words Christ was sharing? Did they feel betrayed? Were they afraid? Were they at all tempted to turn and run, feeling like they had experienced and endured enough for this man who now was going to leave them? We really aren't told what went through the disciple's minds and hearts, but I wonder if there wasn't a certain frenetic sense in the room.
The only life experience I've had that might begin to parallel this experience of the disciples was when my husband died. Even though it was almost 19 years ago, there remains a certain unprocessed sensitivity of the experience, when I recall it. My husband and I, too had talked about the fact that at some point in life, one of us would be called home to God and would leave the other. But when it happened countless questions raced through my mind. How will I ever move forward alone? What decisions do I need to make to face my future? Admittedly, there were many moments and hours of fear. Had I learned enough to make good choices and decisions for my future? Why? hy now? … and more.
I don't know when in your life you have been challenged to forge forward, outside of your comfort zone, perhaps feeling quite alone. Eventually, I believe, we all have that experience. In this reading from John we are again reminded that we don't face those times alone. God has provided by sending His Spirit, the Comforter, to see us through those days of fear and anxiety. How profoundly blessed we are to know and love a God who provides for us every day, enfolding us with compassion as we pick ourselves up and journey on. I pray that today you know the presence and grace of that Holy Comforter in your life.
Carol DeSchepperDirector, Parish Nurse Center, Avera
A collection of prayers appropriate for times of illness.
For the full text of today's readings visit http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/
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Setting up Windows 8 Consumer Preview with VirtualBox (Gallery)
Summary: The best way to try out the Windows 8 Consumer Preview beta is with Oracle's VirtualBox virtualization program. Here's how to do it step-by-step.
9 of 17Image
Once you're done with your RAM and disk settings, VirtualBox gives you a chance to go over your final settings before committing to them.
Now, once the base Windows 8 VM is ready to go, it's time to start tuning it for its best performance.
On the System/Motherboard tab you want to make sure you have enough RAM—2GBs for 32-bit at least 3GBs for 64-bits and that Enable IO APIC is on.
Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.


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By DSKY
Q picked a winning design in their logo design contest
For just $375, they received 69 designs from 18 designers.
From logos and business cards to websites and stationery, you can get anything designed by running your own design contest on 99designs.
New logo wanted for Q
- Qualifying
- The contest was open to all designers
- Selected finalists
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Fun/young/hip/urban take on a smokehouse located in Texas. Mix of modern and vintage design, but not shack-like in any way. Each item on the menu is smoked over post-oak wood.
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Reader Stories: Why, at 25, I made retirement my first priority
Published on - July 28th, 2013 (by Ellen Cannon)
This reader story is from Adam M. Shearer, whose story was prompted by comments from another post.
Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks with all levels of financial maturity and income. Want to submit your own reader story? Here's how.
After I was challenged in the comments on a recent article, I was drawn into reassessing my personal theories on retirement savings, debt payoff and fun. And I'd like to tell you why I think I have struck the right balance for me.
Currently, I list my priorities as follows:
1. Retirement
2. Debt
3. Savings
4. Fun
In pursuit of these priorities, I have made the decision to max out my Roth IRA ($5,500 annually) and my HSA, which I use mostly as a retirement vehicle ($3,250 annually). To that end, I have more than $20,500 in the Roth, which is invested in index funds. I also have $812.50 in the HSA — it's a new account. I don't presently have the option of a 401(k), but when it does become available, I will put in enough to meet my employer's match. I also have more than $3,500 in a brokerage account my grandmother set up when I was young. All the stocks held in it are large, stable companies that pay good dividends. I'm content with not touching that, and, in the future, may decide to start adding to it.
All of my debt is from student loans, totaling about $26,500 as of this writing, approximately $8,800 of which is federally subsidized. My minimum monthly payment is right at $220, and the average interest rate of the unsubsidized loans is 5.45 percent, with the highest being 6.55 percent.
As for savings, I am close to finishing a $3,000 emergency fund, and will move on to a rainy-day fund with a goal of three months' income; I'd eventually like for that to be 12 months.
Sharing opinions
I thought I was being quite responsible; I feel years ahead of many of my peers, and I'm setting myself up for a life (mostly) free of financial stress. After watching my parents struggle for years, I knew I had to educate myself early and often in order to avoid a similar fate. But those challenging comments I mentioned earlier led me to reconsider if what I am doing is the right choice.
First, commenter Ross Williams contested that, at my age, retirement planning should be far from my first priority. Mr. Williams is of the opinion that I should use the money I earn to enjoy life while I'm young, to travel to new places, experience new things and invest in myself. He added that I may not even make it to retirement or may be too feeble in retirement, so I could be saving all that money for no reason other than to pass it on to my beneficiary.
Then, commenter Mom of Five brought up the question of why I was prioritizing retirement over debt when it seems conventional wisdom is to get out of debt as soon as possible — even if it means sometimes taking extreme measures to do so. She brought up the uncertainty of retirement investments, including the possibilities of stock market fluctuations and rule changes made by the government. She also pointed out that I already live frugally, so a huge retirement fund is probably not a necessity.
Both of these challenges were thought-provoking, and, despite my quick responses to them in the comments, I took a few days to really think about them and reassess my goals and the assumptions I had made in defining them. After that session of introspection, I've come away feeling that the goals I have set are the right goals for me, and I will be changing little.
Why it works for me
Despite putting so much into my retirement planning, I am blessed to earn enough that I can still have fun. I live with two friends, which is fun in and of itself, while also having the added benefit of lowering my cost of living. I go out with my friends often, I buy treats for myself here and there, and I save for bigger things. For example, I recently saved for and went on a volunteer trip to Cape Town, South Africa, working with dirt-poor children both during and after school. I loved it so much that I've already started saving to do it again. I've also learned to appreciate the small things in life. A bat, baseball and glove don't cost much in the grand scheme of things, but I spend many evenings tossing or hitting fly balls with my housemates or playing tennis at a local park.
For me, it's about quality over quantity. And finally, if I do make it to retirement, I don't want to be forced into living on very little or being a leech on society that lives off of the government and/or my children. I'd rather be the early retiree who gave his children a leg up, spoils his grandchildren and travels the world with his wife. If I'm unable to do the latter, I'll be more than content with the first two.
As for debt, the reason it is second on my list of priorities is simply mathematics. At my age, the value of compounding in a retirement fund is much greater than any extra interest I will pay on my loans.
Focusing on the $5,500 I put into my Roth per year, if I retire at 65, that $5,500 will turn into $119,000, at the historical return of 8 percent. Even if I retire at 55, as I plan to do, the balance would be around $55,000. This growth trumps the paltry amount (by comparison) of interest I will pay on my loans. And since I've gotten myself into the habit of maxing out the account, that should lead to a retirement balance of well more than $1 million if I can do it year after year. I should also add that I do pay more than the minimum on my student loans, currently about $600 per month — nearly three times what is required.
I also want to add that Mr. Williams's advice about investing in myself is spot-on, and I will be doing that soon when I go back to school to get my MBA, which should substantially increase my earning ability, and allow me to pay off my debt that much quicker while keeping the same level of retirement funding.
This article is about Planning, Reader Stories, Retirement
Remember you are putting your life out there and you are going to get a lot of different opinions about what you should and shouldn't do. You have to choose your on path and figure out what is going to make you happy. Paying off student loans is something that might be considered top priority for some and not for others. The only thing I would suggest is finding the right balance between living for today and planning for tomorrow. If you have that nothing else matters really because its your choice.
It sounds as though he has found balance. Not only preparing for the future, he has found time to travel and volunteer and at the same time he is enjoying simple pleasures in his daily life. Not so bad.
So does that mean your debt is only low- interest? Like student loans or mortgage?
If that's the case, then yeah, the conventional wisdom is to save for retirement while paying down your loans. That's also mathematically the thing to do. Even Dave Ramsey says to save for retirement before you finish paying off your mortgage.
Perhaps folks thought you had higher interest rate debt. It would be mathematically foolish to keep 20%+ credit card debt while saving for retirement, unless one's employer provides a generous match.
Yes, all student loan debt.
How will you pay for the MBA that will, as you state, "allow me to pay off my debt that much quicker while keeping the same level of retirement funding."
Will the MBA be free or covered from some other account?
Good luck!
I've got some savings for it, my employer will cover part of it, and the rest will have to be covered by scholarships and loans. But, statistically, it should pay for itself in <5 years.
Right on man! You're strategy reminds me of my own. I'm currently doing 5500 into a Roth and 9% to my 401K. My employer match ends at 6 but it has good choices and I like the tax benefits. Every time I get a raise I increase my contribution. I'm looking forward to when I hit the 401K max and then all the raises will be mine lol. I have a taxable acct too but I didn't start that until after the student loans were done.
The reasons I want to contribute so much to my 401K are 2. One so my employer doesn't own me. I'd like to have the freedom to walk away (though I like my job so I won't be doing that). If a life event happens like getting married or having a child I can give myself a raise if I need by lowering my contribution.
This is _exactly_ what I did over the years. Used my raises early in my career to get myself up to fully maxed tax-advantaged retirement savings as quickly as possible. I don't regret it at all.
Consequently, last year I was able to drop my contributions in order to help save for my maternity leave.
I have a very healthy retirement account and have flexibility now for alternate uses (college accounts, travel, house upgrades, etc) that I wouldn't have if I hadn't made retirement savings such a strong priority right off the bat.
Good for you! I'm about the same age as you with the same philosophy. Paying off debt is great, but time is our biggest asset right now. The more we save now, the less we need to save later, and that makes all the difference. Especially for those of us who are not in survival mode because of our good fortune and choices.
I've been struggling with the concept of going back and forth between saving for retirement or paying off student loans. I like what you're doing and you bring up a good point of the effect compounded interest will have. I'm going to start making out my Roth each year and put student loans as a lower priority.
As for your debts, time and compounding will work against you. Your retirement savings will hopefully compound at around 8% annually. But your student debts will also and for surely compound at 5.5% annually. Don't just dismiss that, because it will happen.
Not if he's paying three times the minimum, it won't. He's net paying down his loans every month
I wouldn't consider student loans at 6.5% low interest. I'd still try to get rid of them ASAP. 8% returns on investments may be the historical return, but you are not guaranteed that. Paying your loans does guarantee you a 5-6.5% return.
I have loans at 6-7.9% and I've been throwing $2500/month at them, as well as putting $1000/month in my 401k. It was a hard decision for me to even put anything in my 401k instead of just paying the loans, but my taxes are pretty high so I went with some pre-tax investing.
Good post Adam. You are lucky you have the income at your age to fund your retirement accounts like you do. Boy do I envy you! I think you are on the right track, but I would tweak your percentages a little. I understand the magic of compounding interest and it will work for you at your young age, that being said I would put a little more in a emergency fund and get that built up. Then take that percentage of income and put it toward paying off the Student loans. I know on paper it will look like your dream of early retirement is flying out the window when you do that, but having a emergency buffer WILL come in handy. Anyhow, you are awesome in your attitudes on money and frugality. Good for you. P.S. I'm 43 and still trying to make up my 401k because I didn't have a decent income until I was almost 28 and now its kids, house, etc. that take up a lot of income.
First, let me say humbly, I salute you.
Second, I embarked with a similar mindset at 25, but used income producing real estate as my vehicle of choice. Now at 55, I am enjoying my fifth year of 'sabbatical' having become a caregiver and eventually an estate manager for a very special family member. I look forward to re-entering the workforce on my own timeline and making a career shift simultaneously. Life doesn't end at 50, it only has begun for me, and I never listen to the naysayers (unless they are tenants )
It's a Great Time IF you are properly prepared.
As for your statement: "Focusing on the $5,500 I put into my Roth per year, if I retire at 65, that $5,500 will turn into $119,000, at the historical return of 8 percent. "
There are very few 8% returns that are not insane risky, so be careful counting or planning an historical 8% return on anything. This IS a different economy and its not an 8% environment. Think Detroit when you think 8%. Those bondholders and retirees are going to get peeled like ripe bannanas eventually and be standing in the snow freezinf their a*s off looking for handouts from those of us that comprise the 'productive class'.
As for those throwing stones at your plans, you have to ask yourself what kind of glass their houses (renters = their landlords') are made of. To Each their own. . .
Keep up the good work !
Perhaps the historical rate of 8% should be looked at carefully-it sounds good now, but would have quite poor in the late 70s, when inflation was close to 20% per year. A better gauge might be rate of return compared to inflation rate,
I would guess that an 8% return in real terms is unobtainable over time.
An annual 8% real return is pretty much the historical average in the United States over all the data we have. Your experience may vary, but instead of being "unobtainable over time," it's actually been the average.
Great post – and EXACTLY what I am doing.
I'm 23, salary of 65K, majored in Economics and absolutely recommend paying off the 6.5% loan. I had 4 loans after I graduate worth about ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 with interest rates at 6.5%, 5.5%, 4.5% and 4%. I just recently paid the 6.5% interest rate off as that is a GUARANTEED return of 6.5%. As for the lower loans I will plan to pay off the 5.5% too this, but will pay the absolute minimum for the other two loans at 4.5 and 4% as I may as well re-invest that into a risker, high-return stock (considering my young age and related ability to adapt future budgets to achieve current / future consumption goals).
In fact, given that ability – my advice to the author would be to consider selling your grandfathers low-mid risk dividend stocks and pick something with a higher-risk, high yield. I understand that the blog is about getting rich slowly, however, given our very young age and significant savings I think higher risk investments are a perfect fit for our circumstance.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Adam I think you're doing the right thing in saving your money in a Roth IRA. I'm 32 years old and am way behind in my retirement savings. I wish I had the insight at 25 that you do now. I believe people who are telling you that you won't live beyond 72 or that you don't need to save so much are unrealistic. I work in healthcare, and I must say healthcare costs eat up a lot of your income. This is especially true if you are older. You would need at least $250,000 in retirement income to pay for the costs of healthcare when you are past 65. Since working in healthcare, I have seen the devastating effects of illness and accidents that people in America are just not prepared for. It's quite sad, actually.
Right now, I am saddled in school loan debt. Because I worry so much about it, I put paying off school loans over maxing out my retirement. I put 10% of my income towards a 401K (my work matches 4%). Right now I am making less yearly than my total loans amount but I am leaving this job for one that pays Six figures and will allow me to pay off all of my loans except the Perkins (which are deferred interest free and would be forgiven anyways if I work 5 years fulltime) by January 2015. Of course, I would have to live very simply while doing this, but I think about my student loans so much that it has caused a lot of anxiety (or maybe my anxiety causes me to think about it so much) that getting rid of it sooner than later would be a great thing for my mental and physical well being. I'm excited to be student debt free!
Again, thanks for sharing your story.
You should be commended. One of the most important keys to a financial game plan is DISCIPLINE. It isn't about the math, or the proper order of the steps you are taking. It is about having a plan that works for you and for your unique situation. Once you have a plan, creating the discipline to stick to it is the tough part. However, you sound like you are doing a terrific job with the discipline.
You should also be commended for the thoughtful approach you have taken. Not only for your original plan but also when people questioned your plan. You thought it over and came back with the correct plan that is right for you. Bravo!
Absolutely right! I often say "Having a plan is better than having no plan." Meaning any plan is better than clueless bumbling about.
Personally, speaking as someone within 6 years of retirement, I wish I had concentrated more in my 20′s and 30′s on my retirement savings. I really didn't save anything at all until my company offered a 401k plan 20 years ago, when I was in my mid-30′s. I concentrated on paying my mortgage early and saving for college expenses for my children. I don't regret that my children graduated with no student loan debt, but I do regret that I paid the mortgage early at the expense of saving more for retirement. I'm still going to be ok, but I'd rather not be saving 30% of income now in order to get where I need to be.
I don't think an MBA is worth a 6 figure debt, not even high 5 figure. Plus consider the opportunity cost…
With Roth IRA you may able to built a retirement and emergency fund at the same time since you can withdraw the principal tax and penalty free. Just make sure to invest some into CDs so you don't withdraw at the bottom of the market.
Regarding saving for retirement, I fear more that too much money will outlive me than I will outlive the money. I just don't think those used to a Spartan lifestyle will crave a lavish retirement.
My only thought for you to consider would be to put your money where it will be most beneficial to you from a risk aversion standpoint. From this perspective, I choose to focus on paying down debt first. If you can't pay, it keeps growing and that makes me nervous.
I think you are doing great and it sounds very well thought out. Plus, has it changed or isn't student loan interest still deductible? If so, that's another reason to focus on retirement saving over debt. Plus you mentioned you are paying more than the minimum anyway. Keep at it!
I think what you are doing is awesome! The main regret retired people have is not starting to save for retirement early according to Edward jones …
Lots of different opinions out there, but you'd do well to put some serious consideration into whether that MBA is worth the cost.
The cost of the schools I am considering would be about $55K for the entire degree (two years). The average starting salary of graduates from those schools is in the low 80′s. That's significantly more than I earn now, and, at that level, the degree would pay for itself in less than three years. Also, two of the schools allow me to continue working while taking classes.
And I have always been an above-average student, so I don't think it's foolish to think I'll get at least an average salary after graduation.
Keep it up Adam. Anyone who says you need to spend money to "live life" doesn't realize how much "free stuff" that is more fulfilling than the latest iCrap.
One thing you might want to look at in order prioritize your retirement is your expenses. The article that started this was how to increase retirement savings. But the key point it missed is that the less amount of money you need to live on, the less you actually need saved before you can retire.
If you have not started reading Mr Money Mustache (www.Mrmoneymustache.com) I highly recommend you check him out.
given the questions you restle with, this may be an interesting source for food-for-thought as well:
it has been part of a GRS collection of other (personal) finance blogs a little while bag and I loved it…
There will always be naysayers by people who don't either have the discipline you do or who simply need to spend large amounts of money to make themselves happy. I agree with Peter above, I started thinking about the things I look forward to the most during the day-to-day and they are mostly free (going running with my husband and dog, going to the beach, sitting watching the sunset, cooking meals with fresh ingredients from the farmers market). Do I like expensive shoes and electronics? I guess, but not as much as I like the idea of retiring at 50 and setting off to travel the world and spend time volunteering. All while still with even more time to do those above mentioned activities.
You and I are pretty similar in our thoughts, I make enough money to do what I like and invest in retirement. Plus investing is something I like to do and doing so brings fufillment and happiness
Nicely done! You have obviously thought out your plan and your responses. I would say you are way ahead of the game. I am 25 as well and I love reading stories of others our age that are forward thinking. You are an inspiration. Personally, I am paying off my debt first due to my preferences on debt (and my wife's security gland), but I see your point about the potential value of your investment at this age verses the interest on your loans. It sounds like you have found your balance for frugality and fun. It also sounds like you appreciate serving others which is an under appreciated gift.
I'm guessing that you have also realized that by investing early, paying off debt, and living within your means, the possibilities for your life are nearly endless. You will be debt free (or near it) with a head start on investing and the potential to increase your income. As an additional bonus, should you decide to retire early, you will be heavily invested in your ROTH so you are only limited by age on your earnings, not your contributions. Soon you will be maxing out your tax favored accounts and have to start seriously considering your asset allocation for tax purposes. I am sure you will get there before me and I will cheer you on all the way. Of course life may not go as planned and investment earnings may or may not meet averages but I have a feeling you will continue to consider the consequences of your decisions and will be well equipped to ride out the storms of life. Good luck and keep writing.
Just wondering if maybe you have your student loan payback amount lowered if you agree to pay in full? Or another idea i had was student loan forgiveness for those who take certain degree courses. It may be something to look into since you didnt start your Master's program and since you volunteer already you may be able to combine the 2.
I think that aged 25 you show incredible foresight and self-determination. Quite honestly, when I was 25 I wasn't even thinking about saving. A really inspiring post – thank you.
Hi Adam,
Thank you for your post. It seems like you've managed to hit the jackpot and find a life for yourself that you love while thoughtfully managing your money. My one quibble, and I'm kind of surprised that no one else brought it up, is that off-handedly labeling the elderly who depend on social security and government services "leeches on society" is startlingly rude…and pretty unfair. Most elderly contributed to society all their lives and ended up with the short end of the stick for various reasons that you are lucky enough not to have experienced yourself. I hope that you continue to enjoy good health, good fortune, and the blessings of a decent education.
Sounds like you've got it under control my friend. Personal finance…it's PERSONAL. You're not a hermit, or scrooge McDuck. You're loving life and you want to spoil your grandkids…(what!?) Crazy! Keep at it, you've made your decisions. It's all good. Maybe because I'm also 25 and I save a lot. I certainly can't max out my Roth IRA each year but I'm getting there.
Adam, for what it's worth, I think you are spot on with your list of priorities. I too focused on the same four items. I started contributing 15% to a 401(k)when I was eligible at age 20, my husband and I paid off all of our debts during our first year of marriage, and now all of our focus is on saving and having fun. Can we prepare for every possible outcome in the future? No, that's impossible. But we have set ourselves up the best we know and now we are feeling blessed that compound interest will work in our favor for the next thirty years. Keep doing what you are doing! I seriously doubt that when you retire at 55 you will regret the choices you made today.
I think you're doing great and everyone has an opinion of what you should do with your money, how to save it, how to spend it, etc.
I wish I had started saving for retirement in my twenties, I started at age 30, not horrid but I have to save more each month.
Anyway good for you, keep up the great work and don't let people discourage you from your vaules.
Well done. I too, like a lot of folks wish I had followed the route you had. Unfortunately, I started my route with a 401K at the ripe old age of 36. Now after 5-6 jobs later(and interruptions in between to the 401K's)I have started the 401K mill again (fortunately for the last 4y's and 5m's). I too look to build up my retirement, pay off my debt and simultaniously increase my savings/have fun.
Anyone who tells you different is either off their rocker or just plain jealous. With that being said, I have three last bits of wisdom (although they are not mine but I strive to live by them (thank you GOD!!!)to me they are also common sense) to wit:
1) Neither a lender or a borrower be.
2) A borrower is a slave to the lender
3) Steady plodding makes a man rich
Carry on Dude, I salute you


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My kid's been ill the past few weeks with a cough/cold/ear infection which means no sleep for me, and I'm an eight hours a night kind of girl, otherwise I not only feel shitty, I look shitty too.
Sometimes, the kid summons me with a spine chilling 'MUMMMMMYYYYY' up to eight times a night with a variety of requests. Including needing a wee/finding Tigger/covering her up/wiping her nose/taking away her pillow/tying her hair up/giving her some water/cuddles, she needs cuddles/find purple, where's purple (he's a monster toy).
I'll give the kid credit, her demands are original. But by god child, for fuck's sake go to sleep. Don't you understand you're ruining my face?
I'm also not much of a drinker. I'll have a tipple every once in a while, and when I do, I tend to go all out. But then it only takes me three drinks and I'm hammered.
For instance, a few months ago, I shamefully told my kid 'Mummy's just spitting something out in the sink, look away!' while I vommed into it. I looked like Morticia Addams' uglier, fatter, younger sister. But I still had to go to work, and look presentable.
Short of going out with a paper bag on my head, I at least have these products, which bring me back from the brink of ugliness and in some miracle cases, make me look fabulous, no matter how little sleep I've had, or how much I've chundered into the sink.
I should add, don't try using all these products at once: pick and choose your problems and fight the battles you can win. Same applies to kids.
Origins VitaZing £27, John Lewis
If there's one thing you invest in, let it be this. This soothing moisturiser, which has that typical comforting Origins scent, sinks in and hydrates beautifully. I don't know what wizardry is in this tube, but you know when you see pictures of Madonna pre and post Photoshop (Google it)? Well this is Photoshop in a tube. It just makes skin look warm, radiant, like it's buzzing and luminous. It's like a BB crème, but not a BB crème. Go test it out now. LOVE.
Smashbox Photo Finish Dark Spot Corrector Primer £28, Boots
Nothing, and I mean nothing can top the regular Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I've previously professed my love for it, the sheer silkiness it imparts on your face is truly something to behold. But sometimes, I'll change it up and use this one.
Now, as far as I know, I don't have dark spots, so that's not why I'm using it. I use it, particularly when I'm looking grey or super dull-skinned as it has a certain glimmer about it. It just puts a little sheen on my face and allows anything I place on top to set nicely.
Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer £21.50, Boots
I'm a sucker for packaging. Shallow, shallow, shallow, and that's what initially drew me to this dinky twisty primer.
I'll get the negative out of the way first: the applicator of this product is rubbish. You twist it up like a Pritt Stick, and at the end the goo emerges through lots of little holes. I have absolutely no idea why it's made this way, cause it really is like smearing glue on your face when applied directly to skin from the stick.
However, what's great abotu this primer is that if you just want to roll out of bed and run, smear this all over your face, and it most definitely imparts a glow. I tend not to layer on top of this, just smooth it on, add a touch of concealer and you're away.
Clinique Even Better Makeup Foundation £22, Boots
If you're hanging and you can still taste last night's red wine but you've got a face to put out there and fast, you really can't go wrong with this easy peasy foundation. You don't need a fancy brush to apply it and it blends seamlessly even if booze starts seeping out of your pores. Plus it makes skin look radiant. This is a no brainer, must have foundation.
Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Face Primer £24.50, Boots
Ooooh pretty, pretty packaging. But why this highlighter calls itself a primer is a mystery. I don't use this as a primer and again it's got that weird twisty clicky-up tube which is just plain annoying.
But the goo is like applying liquid mother of pearl. Fantastic to smooth over your cheekbones, highlight under your brows, and touch up places you want the light to catch while removing any semblance of zombie from your face. Or twist and click out a load of it and mix it with your favourite moisturiser.
Nars Multiple Stick Orgasm £29, SpaceNK
Sometimes I don't want to look matt and pressed, I want to glow and look dewy and have a sheen. Not an 'I've just thrown up in the loo' sheen, but one that looks like the blood is pumping around my skin, and not just constricting around my heart, cause I'm so hungover I've just eaten two McDonalds Bacon and Egg McMuffins.
I hate flat blusher that looks cakey. This is where this multiple stick comes in - I use it as a blusher, and it warms my cheeks with a hint of shimmer and doesn't make them look like I've stepped out of a sepia coloured photo. Own this.
Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush in Coral £7.99, Boots
Like I said, I hate cakey, dry looking blush. This is a fantastic stain-effect alternative. Go easy though, you don't want to end up all Aunt Sally. But a little rubbed on the apples of my cheeks makes me look like I've been for a brisk morning run. I wish it could impart some kind of running effect on my derrière too, but alas, it's just a blusher. A lovely one though.
Clinique Even Better Eyes £28, Boots
It may seem steep for this little tube, but when you smear this under your eyes, the cooling tip will make you groan with joy. That soothing tip, and the velvety lotion are like pouring sleep into those dark and moody eye bags. Plus it leaves your bags brightened, luminous and almost sparkling.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener £16, Boots
There's a perfect little brush applicator in the tube which can be used to paint over the night before that's sitting under your eyes. It offers a very similar glow as the CliniqueEven Better Eyes, but with a wee bit more coverage and at a purse-friendly price.
Nars Shadow Liner in Goddess £17, Space NK
I'm not teaching you anything new with this old trick, but take my word, this pencil is worth its weight in gold. Although this is strictly a liner, a little sweep of this smooth velvet gold on the inner corners of your eye will make your face pop. And this pencil may well last until death.
Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in pink Blossom £5.99, Feelunique.com
I love lipstick but sometimes I simply can't hack it. I just need to smear some lotion on my face, a slick of mascara, a wash of blush and this lovely soft and shiny tinted lip balm, and that ping on the oven is my face saying it's done. Perfecto.
Philosophy Eternal Grace EDT £32, Debenhams.com
I'm a huge fan of Philosophy scents and this is my go-to, wake me up before you go, go one. If you're really hungover, there is nothing worse than that woman sat next to you on the tube reeking of Chloé Narcisse. Which is why I like to spritz on something clean, citrusy, fresh and white. This is it. Elegance in a bottle.
Now tell me, these are my facial remedies for the morning after the night before. What have I forgotten? Please do share. @danigraph