text:
A recently disclosed patent request suggests Apple may be working on a mobile social networking application that would presumably let iPhone users form ad-hoc groups based on their locations.
Titled "Group Formation Using Anonymous Broadcast Information," Apple's request with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office describes a token-exchange system that would allow mobile devices in close proximity to discover each other and form a group, which the document states could be helpful at events like concerts, conferences, meetings, rallies and weddings.
"User interfaces, filters and search engines can be provided to the users to enable users to search and manage groups. The groups can be used with various applications—e.g., calendars, address books, e-mail, instant messaging — to provide additional content and services to the users. If the geographic location of the group at the contact time is known, then members of the group can be targeted to receive location-based services (LBS) and content," the patent request reads.
The patent request, first discovered and reported on by technology news site Patently Apple, is leading to speculation that Apple wants to jump into the hot area of location-aware mobile applications, which offer data and services based on where users are, like the increasingly popular Foursquare.
The social networking and microblogging service Twitter now allows its users to specify a geographic location for their "tweets," whether posted on the Twitter site or through a third-party application. Facebook is reportedly working on a location feature for its social networking site as well.


text:
Talk:1248: Sphere
More specifically,a geoid.--Guru-45 (talk) 08:51, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- Astronomers observe objects in the sky, not the Earth.--Dgbrt (talk) 11:19, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- Astronomers live on the surface of the Earth, not on the surface of the sky (celestial sphere). 18.104.22.168 13:25, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- Beret Guy might disagree... http://www.xkcd.com/1115/ Orazor (talk) 05:52, 30 September 2014 (UTC)
- Astronomers live on the surface of the Earth, not on the surface of the sky (celestial sphere). 18.104.22.168 13:25, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Are you sure "Sphere" refers to "hemisphere" and not simply to earth? After all, she's trapped on earth and not on the celestial sphere. Quoti (talk) 11:24, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- It's the hemisphere, see my comment above.--Dgbrt (talk) 11:46, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- I'm assuming you're referring to the "light-sphere" whose origin lies at the astronomer's location, and thus the universe always being bigger than the places he can physically visit. Still though, the statement "They can't travel to the places they observe" isn't accurate. We've been to the moon for instance. And then of course, there are always the unknown unknowns of the universe and interstellar travel. 220.127.116.11 12:19, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- I read it as earth. It's a sphere and we're all trapped on its surface and astronomy classes make you aware of this fact more than your everyday experiences. Also, doesn't "hemisphere" mean "half sphere"? like northern and southern hemisphere of the earth? Peter (talk) 12:48, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Do we maybe have a reference to 1246? 18.104.22.168 11:37, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- That comic belongs more to space science than to astronomers.--Dgbrt (talk) 11:46, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
I'm sure the sphere is Earth. We don't live on the surface of the universe. Everybody in http://forums.xkcd.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=104172 agrees. 126.96.36.199 13:12, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
"This totally occupies her mind, and she feels frustrated that she can only learn about those mind-boggling places, and not visit them herself." Wow. She must have been in a class? She's "totally" occupied? She's frustrated? (Not wistful, or resigned, or just aware of a fact mind you.) She isn't just thinking about the size of space, but apparently really, really wants to actually travel there. (To where, exactly? What "mind boggling" places? "Space"? Seems rather general.) You got all that deep and specific feeling from just her using the word "trapped"? Looks like reading a lot into things, to me. CFoxx (talk) 15:53, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- I try to not to make the explanations too dry; they are and should often be interpretations to some extent. On the other hand yeah, you are probably right that I read too much emotion into it. I changed the things you commented on. –St.nerol (talk) 18:29, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- @CFoxx - Absolutely. In XKCD, there are no shades of grey. (really, look for yourself) JamesCurran (talk) 19:43, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
Hey, what the hell are you doing? "The sphere she mentions..." is absolutely wrong, the word Sphere appears only at the title and the title text! Megan is just impressed by the vast size of the universe.--Dgbrt (talk) 16:21, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- And to all you Earth theorists, tell me why Randall mentions astronomers and NOT the entire mankind? And that, after Megan talks about a big universe. Astronomers do not observe the Earth but objects in that big universe, which is from a viewpoint on Earth just a sphere.--Dgbrt (talk) 16:21, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- One more: Astronomers are not trapped to the surface of the Earth because they use many space telescopes even beyond of earth's orbit. They are also using probes at many planets and more all over the solar system.--Dgbrt (talk) 17:02, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- Would you please look at the first panel … And just using space telescopes doesn't mean you're no longer trapped. Imagine yourself being trapped in a cage with a satellite dish to communicate with a space telescope (well … just imagine that). You're not going anywhere by using that telescope. I think you confuse "being trapped" with "being limited". Being trapped somewhere doesn't mean your observation is limited to that place too. Quoti (talk) 17:54, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- One more: Astronomers are not trapped to the surface of the Earth because they use many space telescopes even beyond of earth's orbit. They are also using probes at many planets and more all over the solar system.--Dgbrt (talk) 17:02, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- She does mention a sphere, so I changed it back. No hard feelings (I hope). –St.nerol (talk) 18:29, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
After some more thoughts on this, why nobody (even myself) did raise the idea that Randall talks about both interpretations? Nevertheless, if the sphere is interpreted as the surface of the Earth there is a need to explain the geoid discrepancy to an ideal sphere, as mentioned in the very first post here.--Dgbrt (talk) 19:51, 7 August 2013 (UTC)
- I fixed a sentence on the discrepancy (with some Wikipedia help). Interesting stuff! I think that Megan answers Cueballs question quite literary. How are you? Trapped on a 2-dimensional surface. The 'celestial sphere'-thing seems too far fetched... –St.nerol (talk) 10:54, 8 August 2013 (UTC)
This "a sphere is a surface and has no surface" is too much nitpicking. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphere) talks about calculating the surface area of a sphere. I think "surface of sth" is not very rigorously defined. Often two dimensional manifolds are called surfaces, and a sphere is one, and the surface (different meaning) of the earth is roughly a sphere. What a sphere doesn't have is a border. Peter (talk) 11:54, 8 August 2013 (UTC)
- You are right that the Wikipedia article is not consistent with its terminology. However, the Wp-article on 'ball' mentions that "in informal use, sphere sometimes means ball". Maybe thats where the source of the confusion lies? If she by 'a sphere' means 'the surface of the Earth', then she is saying that she is 'trapped on the surface of the surface of the earth', which seems strange. If she means the entire Earth, however correct, her sentence at least makes sense. –St.nerol (talk) 23:37, 8 August 2013 (UTC)
The is trapped on the surface of this sphere, since you can walk on it forever, without ever leaving itOscar (talk) 12:20, 8 August 2013 (UTC)
The sphere could be referring to a black hole. There is a theory out there that says information that falls into a black hole does not get lost as it is on the surface of the black hole. That's how I read it anyway. -(coconutty) -- Coconutty (talk) (please sign your comments with ~~~~)
For the Incomplete tag: I have explained the title text, but nowhere in the comic does the firmament come into play. All that is is a fictional sphere representing the sky the ancients and medievals used to make sense of their world. Anonymous 19:48, 9 January 2014 (UTC)
- I'm giving up, but THE SPHERE is still the firmament and NOT the Earth to astronomers! --Dgbrt (talk) 22:52, 9 January 2014 (UTC)
The sphere in the first panel is the Earth. Megan is probably not talking to an astronomer, so she won't stick to the most correct definition to avoid further complicating the dialog. She will choose what is most easily understandable by the masses. 220.127.116.11 04:45, 25 March 2014 (UTC)
In winter it's cold and I close all the doors and get tangerine juice all over my paws. I too am trapped on a very big sphere yet I find this thing happening every year. In summer it seems my life's longer each day and the tangerine problem has all gone away and yet there's no time then when I can pause to resolve the riddle of tangerine doors. I used Google News BEFORE it was clickbait (talk) 18:07, 10 January 2015 (UTC)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Op. No.: 89167
Volvo's lockable ski holder with good-looking design and smooth shapes makes the ski trip a comfortable pleasure. Thanks to the ski holder's practical push-button opening, loading and unloading is easy, even with thick ski gloves.
Lockable ski holder for mounting on a Volvo load carrier to transport skis or snowboards. A ski holder for up to four pairs of skis can also transport one pair of skis + one snowboard.
|Part. No.
|Up to four pairs of skis (400 mm (15.7 in) usable width)
|V70 R, Up to four pairs of skis (400 mm usable width)
|Part. No.
|For load carriers with T-track
|V70 R, For load carriers with T-track
Facts and advantages
Plastic covered metal profiles
Attractive and flowing design
Strong, soft rubber molding which protects the skis and holds them securely in position
Practical push-button opening
Supplied in pairs
"One Key System" can be installed if you want the same key for the load carrier and the ski carrier, see Lock kit
Technical data
Accessory weight:
Up to four pairs of skis (9204 956-8):
3.2 kg (7.1 lbs)
Max. speed limitation:
130 km/h (80 mph)


text:
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text:
Will Italy's sympathy for Berlusconi allow him to avoid corruption trials?
In Italy, sympathy for embattled Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi after a Dec. 13 attack could prove a useful means of dividing the opposition, rebuilding his popularity, and manipulating the judicial system.
| Rome
After being sued for divorce by his wife, accused of corruption in two long-standing trials, and alleged to have slept with a prostitute at his palazzo in Rome, it seemed as though 2009 couldn't get any worse for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
But just when things appeared to have reached a nadir for the charismatic, yet controversial leader, he was dealt another crushing blow – literally.
But far from being a setback, the attack he sustained last Sunday when a man with a history of mental illness smashed a cheap but hefty souvenir model of Milan's famous cathedral into his face, could turn out to be an early Christmas gift.
Sympathy for Berlusconi in the wake to the assault, which left him with a broken nose and two cracked teeth, is expected to prove a useful means of dividing the opposition, rebuilding his popularity, and manipulating the judicial system in such a way as to avoid two trials in which he is accused of corruption, false accounting, and other corporate abuses. Many political analysts also say that the attack could have a chilling effect on free speech, and trigger a return to hyper-bitter politics in a country still marked by a battle between the Left and Right that dates back to World War II.
"I think the effect will be as much psychological as practical," says Prof. Christopher Duggan, a Mussolini biographer and the head of modern Italian history at Britain's Reading University. "It is already very difficult for newspapers to be openly critical of the government because journalists fear for their careers, and sympathy for Berlusconi will make it even more difficult for his opponents to speak out."
A return to immunity for Berluconi?
Shortly after being re-elected prime minister last year, Mr Berlusconi's center-right party pushed a law through parliament, where they enjoy a majority in both chambers, which gave him immunity from prosecution in office.
But in a heavy blow, Italy's highest court slapped it down in October this year, ruling that it was unconstitutional and went against the principle that all citizens should be equal before the law.
Now Berlusconi's People of Freedom Party wants to introduce a revised law which would reinstate his immunity, with a bill expected to be presented to parliament this week.
The government also wants to introduce a new law which would limit the duration of trials to six years. According to Italy's magistrates' association, it could put an end to up to 100,000 trials which are slowly making their way through the country's ponderous judicial system.
Either of the measures would enable Berlusconi to wriggle out of two corruption trials which were reactivated after the immunity law was quashed.
Both laws now stand a better chance of success than before the attack because widespread sympathy for Berlusconi has put the opposition, center-left Democratic Party, and opponents of the law within his own bloc, in an extremely difficult position.
The sympathy factor
If the opposition chooses to attack Berlusconi over the new laws, they risk being out of step with the sympathy expressed by the Italian public. But if they capitulate, they will be accused of betraying their convictions.
"The Democratic Party have got to steer a very difficult course between respecting that sympathy, and maintaining strong opposition to the revised immunity law and the reduction of judicial powers," says James Walston, a political science professor at the American University of Rome. "While Berlusconi was being treated in hospital, his people were working feverishly on legislation to save him from those two trials."
The sympathy factor is also likely to quiet some of the more vociferous critics within his government, particularly faction leader and speaker of the lower house of parliament, Gianfranco Fini, who has clashed with Berlusconi on changes to the legal system, the rights of immigrants and other issues.
"This will make it harder for anyone in the centre-right to aspire to take his place anytime soon. The implication is that he is irreplaceable for the time being," says Massimo Franco, political commentator for Italy's largest daily newspaper, Corriere della Sera.
A parallel with attack on Mussolini?
The attack on Berlusconi also invoked startling parallels with an attack launched by a mentally unstable person on another Italian leader who gained worldwide fame: Benito Mussolini.
In 1926 a 50-year-old Irish aristocrat, Violet Gibson, shot at Il Duce while he was being driven in a car from a conference in Rome.
Gibson's aim was poor – the bullet from her revolver grazed Mussolini's nose, and she was almost lynched by an angry mob before being carted off by police for questioning.
The daughter of a baron, she was later deported to Britain and spent the rest of her life in a mental asylum in Northampton, in central England.
Photographs of Mussolini with his nose bandaged after the attack bear a strong resemblance to the pictures of Berlusconi leaving Milan's San Raffaele hospital this week with bandages covering half his face.
"When I saw Berlusconi with his face bandaged, I immediately thought of the photo of Mussolini, likewise with a plaster over his nose," says Prof. Duggan.
The Italian media compared Gibson to Berlusconi's attacker, Massimo Tartaglia, an inventor and electronics engineer who is being held in a Milan prison and faces up to five years behind bars if convicted of aggravated assault.
Mussolini was able to use the attempt on his life – which was one of four in the space of two years - to consolidate his personality cult and push Italy towards fascism and its disastrous alliance with Hitler's Germany.
"On the back of the assassination attempts, Mussolini banned the opposition, curbed the freedom of the press, and introduced tougher policing laws," says Prof. Duggan. "It was the trigger for a whole crackdown."


text:
Well, good. Postmasters' Magda Sawon announced over Twitter yesterday, that SEVEN will participate in New York's upcoming fairs. This means we'll have at least one event to attend that resembles an actual exhibition, in addition to Frieze and Pulse, which run May 4th through 7, and 3rd through 6th, respectively. SEVEN launches April 28th and runs through the middle of May.
Posts tagged as:


text:
Here's the last of this week's reviews from�Neil, my globe-trotting expat friend. ~Rosa
No joke about the title; that's what the first bit of the English translation of this bar says. SladCo, or Slad & Co., is the Russian brand�that produced this, I later learned. I would have gladly paid a few tetri more for this bar from the Tbilisi supermarket I found it in if the manufacturer would have put that money to buying more punctuation!
Once again, I was confused by the pictures on the label. Currants? Some kinds of berries? Oh, those are grapes? Thanks, English text sandwiched �in between seven other languages spoken around the Caucasus!
The bar was sectioned into 24 pieces, each imprinted with the Russian for "Slad & Co". Mostly, it looked to be uniform chocolate, but a half dozen black specks were on the surface, hinting at the fruit inside. Pieces broke reasonably well along the scoring, with minimal shattering.
The chocolate was mild but not quite milky, and the nut pieces were small but noticeable "inclusions". The raisins, on the other hand, were whole and therefore prominent and quite pleasing.
Every component of this candy worked well with every other component. There was a bit of a dry finish after multiple pieces, but that could just be my dehydration talking.
I wish I'd picked up a good bit more of this. I found it far too easy to munch through much of the bar on first tasting it, and I feel like it'd be a nice after-dinner treat, perhaps with some cheese or in the winter. �I'm happy to give this an OM.


text:
The term albedo (Latin for white) is commonly applied to the overall average reflection coefficient of an object. For example, the albedo of the Earth is 0.37 (de Pater and Lissauer) and this affects the equilibrium temperature of the Earth. The greenhouse effect, by trapping infrared radiation, can lower the albedo of the earth and contribute to global warming.
The albedo of an object will determine its visual brightness when viewed with reflected light. For example, the planets are viewed by reflected sunlight and their brightness depends upon the amount of light received from the sun and their albedo. Mercury receives the maximum amount of sunlight, but its albedo is only 0.1 so it is not as bright as it would be with a higher albedo.
In more technical treatments of albedo, such as that of de Pater and Lissauer, a distinction is made between "bond albedo" and "geometric albedo", the numbers quoted above being geometric albedos. The geometric albedo is defined as the amount of radiation relative to that from a flat Lambertian surface which is an ideal reflector at all wavelengths. The bond albedo is the total radiation reflected from an object compared to the total incident radiation from the Sun. The bond albedo for the Earth is given as 0.29 by de Pater and Lissauer, compared to their value of 0.37 for the geometrical albedo.
The planetary albedos given by de Pater and Lissauer are summarized in the following table:
Reflection concepts
Ch 8
de Pater and Lissauer
Ch 3
|Go Back


text: Hello! I'm a programmer who cracked your email account and device about half year ago. You entered a password on one of the insecure site you visited, and I catched it. Of course you can will change your password, or already made it. But it doesn't matter, my rat software update it every time. Please don't try to contact me or find me, it is impossible, since I sent you an email from your email account. Through your e-mail, I uploaded malicious code to your Operation System. I saved all of your contacts with friends, colleagues, relatives and a complete history of visits to the Internet resources. Also I installed a rat software on your device and long tome spying for you. You are not my only victim, I usually lock devices and ask for a ransom. But I was struck by the sites of intimate content that you very often visit. I am in shock of your reach fantasies! Wow! I've never seen anything like this! I did not even know that SUCH content could be so exciting! So, when you had fun on intime sites (you know what I mean!) I made screenshot with using my program from your camera of yours device. After that, I jointed them to the content of the currently viewed site. Will be funny when I send these photos to your contacts! And if your relatives see it? BUT I'm sure you don't want it. I definitely would not want to ... I will not do this if you pay me a little amount. I think $894 is a nice price for it! I accept only Bitcoins. My BTC wallet: 17XHRucfd4kx3W5ty7ySLGiKHqmPUUdpus If you have difficulty with this - Ask Google "how to make a payment on a bitcoin wallet". It's easy. After receiving the above amount, all your data will be immediately removed automatically. My virus will also will be destroy itself from your operating system. My Trojan have auto alert, after this email is looked, I will be know it! You have 2 days (48 hours) for make a payment. If this does not happen - all your contacts will get crazy shots with your dirty life! And so that you do not obstruct me, your device will be locked (also after 48 hours) Do not take this frivolously! This is the last warning! Various security services or antiviruses won't help you for sure (I have already collected all your data). Here are the recommendations of a professional: Antiviruses do not help against modern malicious code. Just do not enter your passwords on unsafe sites! I hope you will be prudent. Bye.


text:
CLOSED: February 2014 Love Month MAC Lipstick Giveaway ♥ [INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY] ♥
Yna Bronozo
Please email me your shipping address and choice of MAC Lipstick shade.
FOLLOW @rochellemiko on INSTAGRAM
131 comments
my fave post: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/06/staycation-hotel-sofitel-philippine.htmlReplyDelete
i love reading this kind of posts =) kasi i never had been in thi s kind of place talaga.. with this post feeling ko napuntahan ko rin yung lugar thank you for the tour ms chelle.. i do read your blog (nagback read pa nga po ako) i seldom leave comment =) pero i really enjoy reading your posts.. yung pagiging fanatic nyo kay HK reminds me of my youngest sibling and yung pagiging mahilig nyo din sa makeups =) yun.. thank you po ulit ms chelle
Whenever I see those pictures I really cant help but smile. It shows a great family bonding experience. You look so close together and the love and care you all have for each other is very obvious.
Thank you so much for this Ms. Rochelle. This will be my very first MAC lipstick if ever manalo ako. :)ReplyDelete
I love macaroni salad and Ms. Rochelle Rivera chosen a delicious Sweet Ham from King Sue Ham...I made this also last Christmas.
I love your Max's Christmas Party 2013 (here http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/maxs-christmas-party-2013.html) because holly molly, all of the food looked awesome and delicious.ReplyDelete
My favorite blog post of yours is on travel category like this oneReplyDelete
It's my dream to travel the world, reading your post about your travels abroad I feel like I already been there. I'm looking forward for your more travel post.
My favorite blog post of yours is this: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/best-buffets-in-manila-food-club-your.html because that blog post of yours led me to discovering your blog. I can't remember what I was searching for on Google for that to appear but whatever it was, I'm glad 'cos then I stumbled upon a blog that isn't just a beauty blog, but a lifestyle, and a personal blog as well. :DReplyDelete
My favorite post on your blog is the "My Manila Hotel Tour" because I've learned so much on that blog since I'm interested in Hotel Management :) Even I am not on that situation I felt like I've been there when I saw those pictures you've shared ^_^ReplyDelete
because im a Hello Kitty addict too,.
This one's my favorite as of now: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/february-2014-love-month-mac-lipstick.html. :) Though I love all your posts. Thank you for the giveaway!ReplyDelete
i really do love this post of yours because it gives an idea to lessen my stretchmark that been my problem since the birth of my baby..
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/sm-accessories-fashion-authority.html Because i loved accessories and SM accessories look so elegant in very affordable price!ReplyDelete
Done all steps. Really wish to win one of the Mac lipstick. Thanks.ReplyDelete
Because of this blog of yours I just answered some of my own questions about glyderm cream, I just wondered if this can really rid off such stretchmarks because I had alot of it and I want to get my beauty tummy back :) It's kinda expensive but I will try it.
Thanks for sharing.
I would love to have this MAC LIPSTICK! THanks to you MS. ROCHELLE more power and GOD BLESS! ;) ♡♥♡ReplyDelete
Favorite blogpost: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/10/yrielles-18th-vintage-glam-party.htmlReplyDelete
because it's about my 18th. ;) <3
I super LOVE MAC LIPSTICK! Hope I could get one. Thanks to yOu MS. ROCHELLE for the giveaways.. GodblessReplyDelete
done follow all steps. Wish to be lucky. Really wanna one of this. ThanksReplyDelete
My favorite post on your blog is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/ysabels-daughter-bath-and-body-opening.html because I'm a big fan Ysabel's Daughter products. I always use at night their Ysabel's Daughter Serum so that my skin will be moisturized while sleeping <3ReplyDelete
Jenny Esplana
I love surprises, it excites me especially opening gifts. The last part of your gift is so bongga talaga. I dream of having a car also..
I have TWO blog post of yours that I like the most.ReplyDelete
The one was entitled Best Buffets in Manila: THE FOOD club YOUR LIFESTYLE BUFFET - http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/best-buffets-in-manila-food-club-your.html
I really love this... Nice review very informative... You gave me an idea where Me and my partner would celebrate this coming Valentines. Upon looking the picture I really love the ambiance of the place. And I think the food that serves here is yummy and delicious.
The second was the MY MANILA HOTEL TOUR EXPERIENCE http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/my-manila-hotel-tour.html
Thanks for sharing with us this wonderful experience of yours. I've never been in Manila Hotel. By reading your blog post and seeing the pictures that you uploaded you gave me an idea what are those amenities that Manila Hotel has. I appreciate the historical feature of this hotel.. How I wish I would experience also to stay there even just for awhile. To experience the peaceful ambiance and romantic place.
I love this blog post coz it shows how bonded you really are as a familly. The color-coding was also part of our 2014 welcoming, too. ;)
This is my favorite post, because i love Hello Kitty!
Done! Thank you Rochelle!!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
i agree that technology now a days makes the family closer here you help your children do their homework it doesn't matter who is far because through net its like nobody is left, and week ends is the best time to watch together with your kids
Done! I prefer Naked Bud (or Morning rose), some Neutral Sheer Nude . ThanksReplyDelete
i just love those dresses!i wish i can wear those
Can I copy and paste ALL? :)ReplyDelete
But what I really love is your post about your family on what you did on new year's celebration.
because I am really happy and really inspired by you. every time you post about your family, it such a heart-whelming thing that wanna make us like your family. may god always bless you. stay happy and connected!
I love all your posts especially about local and affordable products.ReplyDelete
But what I think helped me the most for this year was your blog post about Starbucks Planner!
Yup! I just jot down my to do lists on my phone but when I saw your post about the planner and how I can use it for my everyday activities, I nagged my sister and her friends and forced them to give me their stickers hahahaha! Collecting the stickers was helluva fun!
Thanks for the very helpful post!
I love the Unboxing of January-February 2014 BDJ Box. Super nice. I love all the kikay stuff. I want to have one too tuloy :) I like it because I realize somehow, we girls need to pamper or treat ourselves once in a while.ReplyDelete
My favorite blog post is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/our-new-year-2014-celebration.html super cute nyo kasi terno terno kyo ng damit. and you celebrated new year with your fam. <3ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 4, 2014 at 11:34 PM
I want a MAC Lipstick! MuahhhhReplyDelete
Generous niyo naman po maam lagi may giveaway sa blog niyoReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/our-new-year-2014-celebration.html :)ReplyDelete
It showed the togetherness of your family. :) I love seeing happy families enjoying each others company. :) It reminds me of good old days. ;)
My favorite blog of yours Mam Rochelle Rivera is the mouth watering Filipino Dishes. We all know no one loves Filipino Foods, even thought foreigners love it. Those Elegance restaurants caters Filipino dishes are very overwhelming introducing lots of Filipino dishes. As I read it majority of us love the Fried Chicken. Even thought children s and adults love it.ReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/february-2014-love-month-mac-lipstick.html This is my Favorit post, because this Giveaway post will give me a chance to win my fav lipstick <3 Thank You Rochelle :*ReplyDelete
I really love a natural red lips. Simple but sexy lips.ReplyDelete
I love to try the red lipstick of Mac.
- AnonymousFebruary 5, 2014 at 4:04 AM
This one, because i found the product very interesting ! Never heard about the brand before!
My favorite one is this http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/makeup-of-day-max-factor-makeup-kit.html. I also have the bdjbox for Dec, and I love how you came up with a FOTD using all what's inside. :)ReplyDelete
I actually like all your posts, I have learned lots of things, and I also learned new things, like fashion & clothing, and I can see that you're different from other bloggers, you are one of a kind,sometimes I'd like to leave comments on your posts and reviews, but the truth is I do a million things in the computer at the same time aside from joining freebies and giveaways, but I make sure they always join your contests for giveaways, what I hear and read everything about you from others is right, you are different from other bloggers that I know, you're nice and sweet and give importance the family, so things to you that I discovered your blog,Ms. Rochelle...ReplyDelete
Here is my fave post on your blog!
it's all about kids..
I love reading about your beauty product reviews ❤ More powers to ur blog site! godbless! 😍😘💋ReplyDelete
i really your post about the sanrio hello kitty town! it's super cute and because of your post,i really want to visit there. and thanks for the tips! ;)ReplyDelete
I like this post, http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/february-2014-love-month-mac-lipstick.html because this is awesome giveaway.. I hope i win <3 <3 <3ReplyDelete
i love this post <3ReplyDelete
your giveaway & reviews i like on you blog <3
& i like you :D
What is your favorite post on my blog? http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/product-review-celeteque-dermoscience.htmlReplyDelete
I have a heavy stretchmarks on the sides of my tummy, when I give birth 4years ago. I've been trying to use everything! And this review, gave me hope. Thanks for your post!
Thanks for this huge Giveaway! I love to read haul post and this was mt favt post: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/november-2013-collective-haul.htmlReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 5, 2014 at 8:16 PM
Hi po I would like to ask lang, ang kinis po kasi ng face nyo hihi curious po ako kung ano po ung ginagamit to maintain to look younger? thanks po!! more powers to your blog! God blessReplyDelete
THANK YOU PO FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY! HOPE TO WIN!!ReplyDelete
My favorite post is this,http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/sanrio-hello-kitty-town-puteri-harbour.html simply because i love hello kitty and im dreaming to be there sometime. Thanks for sharing what's inside, im a bit more excited to see myself inside hello kitty town. :)ReplyDelete
Join ako dito sis later! Awww. I hope my second mac lipstick will be coming from you! *crossfingers*ReplyDelete
My fave post is your year end 2013 blog post because I love how thoughtful and happy you are in every blessings you received the entire year. Such a wonderful blogger and very kind. More powers.ReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013_11_01_archive.html This! as in Wow! i love the red apple Lipstick!! i want that! and what a nice face ^^ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 6, 2014 at 3:13 PM
I love your blog post of Johnsons Gawing Playtime ang Powder Time :)ReplyDelete
Actually, lahat ng post mo, maganda.. napaka informational, tsaka nakakakuha kami ng ideya sayo.
-Ricalyn Abrahan
Love the post about your New Year's celebration with your family. I feel the love. Your family is so lucky to have you and vice versa. I should know, it simply portrays your blog.
I admire you for being always at your best. You are a mom, and yet you look like you are still single. Reading about you and your family affirms that it's possible to take care of our family and still not forget to take care of ourselves. Peg kita!ReplyDelete
Hi Rochelle, I don't have instagram. . ThanksReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013_11_01_archive.html I tought it was awsome!ReplyDelete
rock the red lipstick
My favorite post was your Sample Room 12 Days of Christmas here http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/sample-room-12-days-of-christmas.htmlReplyDelete
Its really amazing how you managed to maximize your VIP points, eventhough I haven't tried Sample Room myself yet, I enjoyed singing the 12 days of Christmas with a bunch of beauty goodies! Love it! :)
Coz when I read this post it makes me feel that I already visit the place:)
Done all the steps. wish to have one of the Mac lipstick something pink in shade ^_^ReplyDelete
Done all the steps. wish to have one of the Mac lipstick something pink in shade ^_^ReplyDelete
done all the step hope to win mac lipstick ^_^ pink shadeReplyDelete
i love lipstick happy i win this,,ReplyDelete
Favorite post: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/pldt-home-bro-brunch-unli-bonding.htmlReplyDelete
I like all the photos in that post. I love the way you enjoyed with your kids.
my favorite post :http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/hello-kitty-first-week-haul.html#sthash.4K299KGN.dpufReplyDelete
because i love hello kitty
My fave blog post of yours is this one: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/bring-your-family-closer-together.html because it talks about how family are close to each other and I appreciate bloggers like you who knows how to value family because for me they are the most important treasure we have aside from the material things this world can offer. =)ReplyDelete
My fave blog post of yours is this one: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/bring-your-family-closer-together.html because it talks about how family are close to each other and I appreciate bloggers like you who knows how to value family because for me they are the most important treasure we have aside from the material things this world can offer. =)ReplyDelete
My favorite post is this one: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/bring-your-family-closer-together.html because it talks about how close your family is to one another and I appreciate bloggers like you who value family because for me they are the most important treasure we have on earth aside from the material things this world can offer. =)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 8, 2014 at 6:45 PM
My Favorite post is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/05/product-review-ponds-flawless-white-bb.html i love ponds its my favorite brand your review is simply awesomeee <3ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 8, 2014 at 10:22 PM
I love your post.. More post like this -Maria LozanoReplyDelete
I love your post about your tour at Manila Hotel. I haven't been there so seeing your post makes me feel that I have visited the place too.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 9, 2014 at 7:05 PM
I like this post
Hello Kity is indispensable for me
Done :-) email@example.com
- AnonymousFebruary 9, 2014 at 8:05 PM
I like this post http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/06/beauty-product-review-gluta-c-intensive.htmlReplyDelete
since I was looking into products about Gluta-C
I love that post because it really looks like nagenjoy lahat, I should have signed up and brought my nephew, sobrang mageenjoy siya malamang sa playtime with other kids!!!
i loved Johnsons Baby Play Factory Gawing playtime ang powder time! post very much :) http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/johnsons-baby-play-factory-gawing.html it showed me how u love spending time wid ur kids n how important u think is to take out some time for children's entertainment too :)ReplyDelete
Shilpa Bindlish
Im a chef wanna be & always love food so i will your post about best buffet in manila <3 http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/best-buffets-in-manila-food-club-your.htmlReplyDelete
Hai! I'm new followers.. I love your review here http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/06/beauty-product-review-gluta-c-intensive.htmlReplyDelete
I love your review about philipine skincare especially gluta c :D
I love this! I should totally get a box from BDJ! Thanks for sharing Ms. Rochelle! Stay pretty.
Hoping to win.. i Never win to any Giveaway hoping this is gonna be my MonthReplyDelete
SALİHA TEMİZReplyDelete
One of my favotie post from your blog is The Lucky colors of 2014. It is really inspiring to see your family very much color coded and all participated and agreed to wear the agreed color for the year! WE use to dress up like that but now we seldom see each other on holidays! Makes me feel sad, bu seeing the photo makes me wanna organize another family photo opt like that on our holiday! More power on your blog! :)ReplyDelete
I just looking at the watches.. So cute.. I want to have one soon but not this one coz i think its expensive heheReplyDelete
I love your 2013 Year End Post http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/2013-year-end-blog-post.htmlReplyDelete
It's nice to read what has happened during the year, the ups and downs and the experiences
One of my favorite post is STAYCATION: Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila ♥ (http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/06/staycation-hotel-sofitel-philippine.html).I love doing Staycation with my husband and after reading this post I'm so eager and excited to do our next staycation at Sofitel.ReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/05/graduation-hair-and-makeup-by-shella.html - I love this because I never knew about airbrushing. Do you know where you can find these? My daughter has a graduation next year. So exciting! She's finally movin' out!ReplyDelete
cross finger to win ur stuff @ rochelle rivera :) so excited..
Trip to Singapore blog is my favirite because it made me feel like i've been already there.
I always love to read reviews about kids activities, and your post about Johnsons Baby Play Factory Gawing playtime ang powder time! (http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/johnsons-baby-play-factory-gawing.html) get me excited. I want my kid having fun too like your kids! LOLReplyDelete
My favorite is your Singapore trip days 1-4, http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/trip-to-singapore-2013-day-1.html coz just seeing the pictures it makes me think that I've been there too and this is one place that i would ♥ to visit in the future.ReplyDelete
Itong blog ang pinakagusto ko http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/johnsons-baby-play-factory-gawing.html kasi halatang naenjoy nyo po ang pagpunta sa event. At talagang masaya priceless ang saya pagnakakasama mo at nakakakulitan mo ang mga kids mo.ReplyDelete
My favorite blog post is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/our-new-year-2014-celebration.html because this shows how a real family is supposed to bond , I always wanted to do something like this but never had the real time to every new year but it inspires me to try and do something like thatReplyDelete
My favorite blog is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/our-new-year-2014-celebration.html because this shows how a real , family is supposed to hang on any holiday - this inspires me to try and get my whole family together and do something like this . It looks like you guys had so much fun and I hate to be bored on any holiday including new years lolReplyDelete
My favorite post is about your family tradition. Thanks for sharing it. I enjoyed looking at your cool family photos. http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/12/lucky-colors-for-2014-and-family-color.htmlReplyDelete
My Fav. blog post is your Singapore Trip, Love it! thttp://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/trip-to-singapore-2013-day-1.html dream kong makapunta dyan matagal na. and sa mga pictures mo lalo akong namangha sa lugar na yan. and like you, balang araw i know, makakapunta rin ako sa isang place na kagaya nyan. Mami-meet ko rin si Merlion!!!ReplyDelete
My Fav. is your 2013 Singapore trip, Love it! dream ko talaga ang makapunta dyan at mameet si MERLION. lalo mo kong pinasabik makapunta dyan hehe... balang araw makakapunta rin ako dyan. more power sa blog mo.. :) http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/trip-to-singapore-2013-day-1.htmlReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/sanrio-hello-kitty-town-puteri-harbour.html coz like you, i'm a hello kitty addict!ReplyDelete
My favorite post: http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/pldt-home-bro-brunch-unli-bonding.htmlReplyDelete
my fav post is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/10/my-9th-samples-from-sample-room-try.html i found it very helpful and interesting.thnx for the giveawayReplyDelete
I'll try this, but definitely di kasing ganda ng presentation mo, hahaha. pero Im sure magkasingsarap... ubos eh.
This is my favorite so far. http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/14-ways-to-say-i-love-you-at-megaworld.html Will try them one by one! :)ReplyDelete
MAKE YOUR MOVE WITH YOUR PASSION FOR FASHIONReplyDelete
I love this post because pinatutunayan lang na hindi lahat ng kababaihan eh puro arte lang like Julia, Pinatunayan nya na kaya din nyang makipagsabayan at makipagtulungan. I'm Modess user also & i love thier new TVC! :)
MAKE YOUR MOVE WITH YOUR PASSION FOR FASHIONReplyDelete
I love this post because pinatutunayan lang na hindi lahat ng kababaihan eh puro arte lang like Julia, Pinatunayan nya na kaya din nyang makipagsabayan at makipagtulungan. I'm Modess user also & i love thier new TVC! :)
because i like lipsticks and avon products ..
Its very helpful since my family love macaroni. ^^
I chose that post because it showed how you are as a mother, daughter, grand daughter and a woman.
Despite the loss, you remained to be strong and was blessed with so many things. From a simple blogger to becoming one of the best blogs to read/follow. I admit that at first I ignored this blog because I find it too girly but when I bumped into your blog again.. There's no way I am not following this nor would I miss your updates.
Accessories is my favorite, Sm gives the b est for me. I'm glad that you blog about this., so i'm stay tuned about the other blog you could do. Stay positive always.
I love this blog post so much, I can't go out without wearing my lipstick. http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/february-2014-love-month-mac-lipstick.htmlReplyDelete
I love this blog post so much, I can't go out without wearing my lipstick. http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/february-2014-love-month-mac-lipstick.htmlReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/sanrio-hello-kitty-town-puteri-harbour.html hello Kitty is the best among of all stuff toys and like you i also like hello kitty fo my collection. thanks on this give away., Godbless.,ReplyDelete
Im a silent reader of your blog and do like all your blog post..One of my favorites:ReplyDelete
because I got thining hair and its dull and dry I already use many shampoo products and when I got to try Morocco Argan Oil and Pliancy Shampoo
I love Hello Kitty so much and this post of yours is Hello Kitty heaven!
I like your blog post about travel category like this oneReplyDelete
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/trip-to-singapore-2013-day-1.html I dream to visit singapore in the future.
Aside from the post that you're showing how you organized your things and collection. I think its really great to know about you. So My favorite post is http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/05/about-me-start-of-everyday.html , I think this post makes me feel that you're connected with us, your readers~ friends ~ followers. :) ♥ Its nice knowing you even just in the virtual world.ReplyDelete
- Anita KotakFebruary 23, 2014 at 5:49 PM
Love this one! great photos and looks like you had such a great time,
like this blog kasi honestly naiinggit ako makita ito kasi naman di ko kaya ang budget especially the ham and sausage lalo na ang bacon...hay sarap talaga...
hope to win :) very nice give away :) especially to mommies :)ReplyDelete
because my daughter loves Hello Kitty
astig ang shoes,.
My favorite post is "Best Buffets in Manila: THE FOOD club YOUR LIFESTYLE BUFFET ♥" (http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/01/best-buffets-in-manila-food-club-your.html)ReplyDelete
You literally took me to food heaven!! <3
- AnonymousFebruary 26, 2014 at 3:59 PM
my favorite blog is this http://www.rochellerivera.com/2014/02/february-2014-love-month-mac-lipstick.html because I've been using mac lipstick since i was in college. so hoping to win to have a new one MAC Lipstick. :)ReplyDelete
Name: Ma. Janet Roxas
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
I really love this blog! Hope to win this.. More Power and Godbless..More BLOG to come and I always support your blog anytime, anywhere! :-)
I really love this blog! Hope to win this.. More Power and Godbless..More BLOG to come and I always support your blog anytime, anywhere! :-)
http://www.rochellerivera.com/2013/11/trip-to-singapore-2013-day-1.html#sthash.YDgUP0RH.dpuf because i want to travel abroad,its my dream..ReplyDelete
I have 3 favorite blog posts. All blog posts about Hello Kitty:ReplyDelete
But mah most fave is your "Sanrio Hello Kitty Town- Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park Malaysia" because like you, I really love Hello Kitty since when I was a baby! I wish I can go there too.. heheh.. ^_^
I honestly have a lot of faves but yung recent, this:ReplyDelete
You surely know sis why, super sisters tayo by heart pagdating kay HK :D
Hi miss rochelle :) Sad to say i cant give any details on you because i just saw this site earlier in my FB posting your GIVEAWAY! :( im sorrrrryyy Btw, love ur MAC GIVEAWAY!!! :)ReplyDelete
This is my favorite post. When I read this post, I felt like I was there, too. And I really enjoyed reading this post. Minutes of reding, I felt like a kid again craving for anything hello kitty. :)
this <3ReplyDelete
I love this cos' it's me and my family's dream to travel to SG.
Best blogpost. I really enjoyed reading it!
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
Please I would love to read about it.
I will reply to you as soon as I can and visit your site too.
But please no spam comments. All comments are subject to review before approving.
Thank you very much! Maraming Salamat! Arigatou gozaimasu!


text:
(I am really excited to see these again!)
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Sunday Stash #189 - Potluck by American Jane
(I am really excited to see these again!)
12 comments:
Ooooohhhh, the daisies! Love! (Like the chicks a lot too!)ReplyDelete
These look nice and bright. Amazing you found some on etsy - well done!ReplyDelete
Now that looks great! Thanks for keeping us updated!ReplyDelete
What a cute collection! Love the color range. My favorites are the rulers!ReplyDelete
I love bright colours like this. Have to find something new this summer, as I've almost used up all my brightest fabrics the last month.ReplyDelete
Love these fabrics. Adding them to my wish list. Thanks Rita!!ReplyDelete
Thank you so so much for featuring this fabric! I have been so eager to see it--and it is just wonderful!ReplyDelete
Lovely!! Those chicks are too cute and I'm excited to see Multi Pez.ReplyDelete
The tape measures are fantastic.ReplyDelete
Oh my goodness! I'm going to have to get me some for my birthday (which is in October!)ReplyDelete
woo hoo - that multi pez looks like the fab original colours rather than the reprinted ones from last year (?) or was it the year before !ReplyDelete
Actually, I found these fabrics for sale at Fancy Tiger, a wonderful fabric and yarn shop in Denver, ColoradoReplyDelete
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I really appreciate it.
Comments are published after review.
Feel free to ask questions and I will answer either here or by email, as is appropriate.


text:
North Dakota
Delta 10 THC is federally legal in the United States and is likely legal in North Dakota! According to state law, which is conflicting, North Dakota has legalized all Hemp products which contain an acceptable level of Delta 9-THC. In many cases, these are the same laws which brought CBD to your state!
Check out TITLE 4.1 AGRICULTURE. CHAPTER 4.1-18.1 HEMP
We always encourage all of our customers to read into their state's laws surrounding Hemp and Delta 10 and stay up to date with what's happening regarding their state and Delta 10.
We are always striving to provide you with the most up to date and accurate information possible so that you can make an informed decision about Delta 10. We will always do our best to update this page with the most recent and relevant information.
View our legal disclaimer HERE


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basket for dog toys
COTTON pink
The COTTON pink dog toy basket will help you stay organized. When each of your pet's treasure has its own place in the house – you will never fall over his toys anymore. Each dog loves to collect toys – as we all know, they are all very important, because you never know which one he will be in a mood for at the moment!
Bring some joy to your pet's life and give him the unique COTTON pink dog toy basket by Bowl&Bone Republic.
Product In Stock
Keep all the treasures in one place
The COTTON pink basket for dog toys is perfect choice when your pooch loves each of his toys, without exception, and his collection is constantly growing. The product will help you to keep order in the house.
What is more, your dog will have constant and easy access to all his treasures. The COTTON pink basket for dog toys will become a magic place, where he will always be able to find one of his favorite fluffy ''friends''.
The highest quality of workmanship
Each COTTON pink basket for dog toys by Bowl&Bone Republic was hand made with a very thick, nice to the touch cotton string. It can be formed and folded, so it adapts to the amount of stored toys and does not take up much space.
It will help to keep the order, and at the same time it will always be available for your pet. Our basket for dog toys will let him play whenever he wants to. In addition, it will be a stylish complement to your house interior.
Bowl&Bone Republic is a European brand with a long tradition. Consequently we design and create our unique accessories exclusively on the old continent. Above all Bowl&Bone Republic products are a guarantee of comfort even for the most demanding pooch.
A basket for dog toys – keep the fun in one place!
Your dog will be able to keep all his favorite balls, teethers and plushies in one accessible place, without wasting time on checking every recess of the house. A spacious dog toy basket will be a flexible storage for all dog's accessories.
Therefore it will facilitate the functional arrangement of his place in the house. Storing all items of your dog will be nice and easy. What's more – your pet will be able to access them anytime.
Dimensions of basket for dog toys COTTON
29 cm (≈ 11,4″)
folder 23 cm (≈ 7,5″) / unfolded 26 cm (≈ 10,2″)
|*toys not included
Take care of your dog's toy basket
The COTTON pink basket for dog toys made of high quality materials is very easy to keep it clean. The precise finish of the product makes it very durable and uncommonly easy to clean.
Basket can be wash by hand or in a washing machine in a gentle cycle at a temperature of up to 30°C. After washing, remember to completely dry the basket, preferably in a flat condition. To maintain the highest quality please do not dry it in an automatic dryer, dry clean or use bleachers. If necessary iron on low.
In order to extend the use of our products, we kindly ask you to follow the detailed cleaning instructions provided on the product label.
COTTON dog toy basket is also available in grey and navy colour versions.
WARNING! The owner decides if the toys stored in COTTON pink dog toy basket are suitable for his pet and is responsible for its use. You should check regularly condition of each the dog toy, as damage may result in swallowing or choking. To keep your dog safe, do not leave him unattended during the play.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at email@example.com


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May 4, 2015
Two are Better than One
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up…A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Looking out my den window I noticed two of my neighbors puttering slowly down the street. Ernestine, with her bald head snuggled in a woolen cap, held tightly to Patti's supporting arm. Patti's chestnut hair, just two inches long, shone like a victor's crown—the crown of a cancer survivor.
In May, just one year prior, Patti felt a lump and feared the worst. A doctor's visit confirmed that she had cancer. For three months she endured chemotherapy followed by seven weeks of radiation, five days a week. As God would have it, her final treatment fell on Thanksgiving Day. Yes, she had much to be thankful for - a full life, a loving husband, and Ernestine Nevils, her new next door neighbor who had moved in two years before.
When Ernestine moved into the neighborhood, she and Patti connected as if they had known each other all their lives. Patti said, "Even though Ernestine is too young to be my mother, only fifteen years my senior, I feel as if God has given me just that, the gift of another mother."
During Patti's cancer treatment, Ernestine was right by her side, an extension of Jesus' hands and feet—providing love, encouragement, and support. By July of that year, Patti had lost all her hair, and Ernestine was the one person, besides Patti's husband, with whom she felt comfortable not wearing her wig.
One year after her final radiation treatment, Patti was given the opportunity to return the kindness to Ernestine. In November of the following year, a trip to the doctor revealed that Ernestine had lymphoma—cancer of the lymph nodes. Now Patti was the nurturer. She took Ernestine to her first chemotherapy appointment and explained what to expect. She told Ernestine what to eat, where to go to have a wig made, and how to deal with depression.
"I never had to tell Patti what I needed," Ernestine remembered, "because she already knew, sometimes when I didn't even know myself. She'd say, 'Ernestine, I think you need to take a little walk. It'll make you feel better.' Now, if someone else had told me that, I might nave said, 'Leave me alone. You don't know how I feel.' But Patti did know how I felt. She'd traveled the road just a few months before. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God moved me here, right next door to Patti. He is good."
As I watched the twosome make their way down the street that chilly November day, I whispered a prayer, thanking God for girlfriends in God…friends with whom we can be His hands and feet when one is too weak to walk unassisted, His strong arm when a burden is too heavy to bear alone, and His voice when a friend has forgotten the words to the song in her heart.
Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I thank You for designing women to live in relationship with each other. Thank You that just as you sent Ruth to Naomi and Elizabeth to Mary, You still send women to each other for mutual encouragement and support. Open my eyes to see someone who needs a dose Your love today, and give me the wisdom to know how to be an extension of Your grace.
In Jesus' Name,
Now It's Your Turn
When reading about Patti and Ernestine's friendship, did you feel a sense of warmth because you remembered a time when a friend stood alongside you during a difficult season, or did you feel a sense of emptiness because you lack similar relationships in your own life?
The best way to have a friend is to be a friend. Is there someone you know who is struggling with life that God is nudging you to help?
Think of two women who have walked along side you during a difficult time and write them a note telling them just how much their encouragement meant to you.
More from the Girlfriends
Today's devotion was adapted from my book co-authored with Lysa TerKeurst: A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life. Our lives are so busy, but when we have our priorities in proper perspective, it flows so much better! Learn how to get your priorities in order and sift your calendar through the Word of God.
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 1311
Huntersville, NC 28070
Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.
Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.
Originally published Monday, 04 May 2015.


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We 15 Individuals: File Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ. For automatic 6-month extension file Form 4868 and deposit estimated tax. Pay the first installment of 2015 estimated tax.
We 15 Partnerships: File Form 1065 and furnish a copy of Sch. K-1 to each partner.
We 15 Electing Large Partnerships: File Form 1065-B calendar year return.
We 15 Household Employers: File Sch. H with Form 1040 if you paid $1,900 or more to a household employee.
We 15 Corporations: Deposit the first installment of your 2015 estimated tax.
Th 30 Employers: File Form 941 for the first quarter.
Th 30 Deposit FUTA tax owed through Mar if more than $500.
Mo 11 File Form 941 for the first quarter if you timely deposited all required payments.
Mo 15 Individuals living outside the U.S.: File Form 1040.
Mo 15 Individuals: Pay the second installment of 2015 estimated tax.
Mo 15 Corporations: Deposit the second installment of your 2015 estimated tax


text:
i just love me a good bunting. don't you? if you don't, well, this isn't quite the tutorial for you. but if you do, stick around! i'm gonna show you how to make one!
i am making an autumn one. (can't you tell)
You'll need:
heat n bond, fabric, interfacing, bias tape, or quilt binding, pinking shears, and a rotary cutter sure is handy but not necessary.
first, make your triangle pattern, i cut mine out of cardstock. of course it can be as large or small as you like! my triangle was 6 inches across the top, and 6.5 inches down each side.
cut out your fabric and interfacing! cut out two pieces for each bunt (?), for this particular bunting there are 6 letters, so i cut out four per fabric since i had 3 fabrics picked out.
adhere interfacing according to the directions.
so this is what you should have! don't worry if the interfacing hangs off the side because you can't cut straight. it will all come off later!
now trace your letters on the heat n bond BACKWARDS please. i used some chipboard letters from my sadly neglected scrapbook stash. apply to your fabric. (back side if there is one)
PAINSTAKINGLY cut out your letters. just kidding. it doesn't take long, maybe 5 minutes. sharp little scissors are great for this!
adhere to your fabric triangles..
..then pin to the coordinating back. or mix it up! my slight ocd tendencies would not let me.
sew about 1/2 inch around the sides.
trim with the pinking shears..
then lay it out on your trim, folding it over and pinning it down where you like it.
sew. i fold over the trim edges and sew them down. easy peasy!
speaking of enjoying, how would you like to win this little bunting?
good, i'm glad you said yes, cause this is my september giveaway! yess.
to enter, leave a comment on this post and tell me your favorite thing about autumn!
mine is: my birthday is in autumn!
i will pick a winner on tuesday night (sept 22nd), so comments are open until that evening! sorry, only the continental US…for shipping reasons. 😀
happy fall!
check this tutorial out on craft gossip!
***If you have used any of my tutorials, I'd love if you'd add a quick pic to my flicker group! Thanks!***


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VSDX: the new Visio file format
Visio 2003, 2007 and 2010 all had the same primary Visio Drawing (VSD) file format. For most users, this was great: files could be shared easily between these three versions of Visio.
There were, however, some drawbacks. Most notably, the primary format was binary, which limited both the information stored in the file and how easily IT professionals and developers could work with it. For example, it was difficult for third parties to access and extract data from the binary format for use outside of Visio.
For the new Visio, we introduced an XML-based file format to provide new capabilities in Visio and improve interoperability with other applications.
File format overview
The new file format allows us to provide a number of new features, such as co-authoring and the ability to view your diagrams natively in the browser using Visio Services in the new Microsoft SharePoint and Microsoft SharePoint Online in Microsoft Office 365.
It also gives us a chance to create a single unified file format that replaces the secondary file formats that Visio has created over the years. In Visio 2010, we introduced two formats: the Visio Web Drawing (VDW) and Visio Workflow Interchange (VWI) formats. In addition, we also supported a Visio XML Drawing format (VDX) so developers could modify the contents of a file outside Visio. The new format encompasses the benefits and capabilities provided by all three of these formats.
In addition, the new format gives us the ability to address many of the requests being made by our IT professional and developer community.
- File size: The new format is compressed and can produce substantially smaller file sizes–up to 75 percent smaller than comparable binary documents. This reduces the disk space required to store files and the bandwidth required to transport files through e-mail, over networks, and across the Web.
- Security: XML-based formats are more secure and transparent, because they store data in a standard structure that makes it easier for applications to detect security issues. We also use a separate file extension for files with executable macro code, so you can be sure that macro-free files do not contain harmful code.
- Data recovery: The new format improves data recovery by segmenting and separately storing different components within the file. Although rare, network or storage failures can cause document corruption and the new file format makes it easier to recover your data in these cases.
- Interoperability: It is now much easier to work with the default file format outside of Visio: you can now enable any application that supports XML to access, extract, and repurpose the data using familiar development tools.
Drawings, templates and stencils
Visio has three principal types of files: drawings, templates, and stencils. These file types are still available in the new format, with one difference: like the other Office applications, we now offer macro-free and macro-enabled formats. The new extensions for each file type are listed in the table below.
Compatibility with previous Visio versions
For people who have used previous versions of Visio, we know that you have existing diagrams that you'll want to be able to use in the new Visio. You may also want to share your new Visio files with others who are still using previous versions of Visio. There are several options for ensuring file compatibility.
Compatibility mode
When you open one of your existing Visio 2003-2010 drawings in the new Visio, your file will be in Compatibility Mode (indicated by "[Compatibility Mode]" following the file name at the top of the application window). Compatibility Mode means that some new commands and capabilities, such as new themes, variants, and styles, as well as co-authoring, will be disabled.
When you are in Compatibility Mode, you can make changes to your VSD drawings freely without having to worry about adding features or functionality that will not be supported when the file is opened in a previous version of Visio. Features only supported in the new Visio are disabled until you convert to the new file format.
Converting to the new format
To convert your Visio 2003-2010 drawing to the new file format, simply go to the File menu and, on the Info tab, click the Convert button. Once your file is in the new format, you will be able to work with all the new Visio features, including new themes, variants, and styles and co-authoring.
Compatibility checker
You can also save new drawings back to the Visio 2003-2010 drawing format. When you save your file in the VSD file format, the new Visio presents a list of features that will be down-converted. This gives you the option to continue with the save or cancel (if you don't want to lose those features). Once your file is saved to the earlier format, your view of the file in the new Visio will be the same as what users will see in previous versions of Visio.
What is a VSDX file?
Office 2007 introduced new XML-based file formats for Microsoft Office Excel 2007, Office Word 2007, and Office PowerPoint 2007. Their file formats were the combination of a ZIP archive package and mainly XML content. Given the success of these formats, we decided to move in the same direction.
You can think of the new VSDX format as being composed of two concepts: a ZIP archive package and XML content. First, we used the same ZIP archive package as used in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Formally, this package is defined by the Open Packaging Conventions (ISO/IEC 29500-2:2008) standard. Second, we based the XML content on our existing Visio XML Drawing (VDX) format.
For those familiar with the VDX format, we did make some changes and these are explained here. Also, note that some components like images, macros, and specific embedded objects are still stored as binary.
Since the new file format package is a ZIP archive, you can change the file extension to ZIP and peek inside. You will find many smaller components, or parts, that define different pieces of the file. For example, each page has its own part, and each master shape has its own part. This makes it easier to modify separate components of the file outside of Visio and also reduces the risk that a corrupt component will corrupt the entire file.
The following diagram (built with the new Organization Chart shapes) shows how a very basic diagram with one page and one master is stored hierarchically in the ZIP archive.
More details about the file format structure can be found in our Introduction to the Visio 2013 file format (.vsdx) article for developers.
Our Visio MVPs on the file format
Visio has a number of MVPs who share their passion, technical expertise, and real-world knowledge of Visio with others. They are already talking and sharing their knowledge about the new file format:
- Visio 2013 File Formats by David Parker
- New File Formats for Visio 2013 by Chris Roth
Resources for developers
We're working hard to put together reference material for developers who want to work with the new Visio file format outside of Visio. Here are two references already posted:
- Introduction to the Visio 2013 file format (.vsdx)—developer introduction to the file format
- [MS-VSDX]: Visio Graphics Service VSDX File Format—specification of how the file format interacts with Visio Services on SharePoint
The new file format is beneficial to both everyday users and developers. Not only does it support a range of new Visio features, but it decreases file sizes, reduces security concerns, makes data recovery easier and provides great interoperability with other applications. We've already heard from developers that they are excited about the new file format, since it enables a wide range of new Visio integration scenarios.
Whether you are transitioning well to the new file format or running into issues, we would love to hear your stories. Feel free to leave comments, discuss the new Visio on our forums Visio Answers and Visio MSDN.
Thanks for reading!


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Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Seduced by Sunday by Catherine Bybee
41 comments:
Gotta love an island setting. Sounds fun.ReplyDelete
Oh, how beautiful! An island setting sounds so exotic and different :) And if characters have to hurdle obstacles, that much better! The strength of a story often lies there, in my opinion. Love your review <3ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 15, 2015 at 7:13 AM
I saw you were reading this on GR and totally just added the series to my TBR. I love that it's set on an island (island girl, here!) and the characters and romance all sound lovely.ReplyDelete
Great review, Ali!
I'm all for instant sparks Ali! Those I can totally get on board with, but instant love not so much. This is clearly a fun series, and I love when a couple has been on the periphery for several books and then finally gets their moment in the spotlight!ReplyDelete
Sounds like the perfect romantic Summer readReplyDelete
Thanks for the lovely review and kind words.ReplyDelete
I love a fun page-turner, I shall definitely have to add these to my reading pile ASAP! Thanks for the recommendation honey!ReplyDelete
Every time you review a book in this series, I think I need to try it. Glad this was another winner for you!ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
This one is totally new to me and It looks good. I love finding new series where I know they will be enjoyable. I love that this was that for you :)ReplyDelete
Great Review!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Love your review and love, love, love stories. Thanks for the great review and the giveaway Kindlemom!!ReplyDelete
I get her emails so I guess I subscribed to her at one point but I haven't felt a huge urge to read her. I suppose it's because of my TBR. It's just so huge. But I'm really glad you loved this!ReplyDelete
I love that she can still surprise you so late in the series. And it's kind of awesome that she changed the setting, that must have taken a lot of courage.ReplyDelete
Oh I need to give her a read. I've picked up a couple and man that sounds good!ReplyDelete
I'm going to have to give these a try! It's good to know though that I can be a stand alone! Great review Ai 😉ReplyDelete
I mean Ali! Typing on my phone is harder than it looks ;)ReplyDelete
Val and Meg sound great Ali, and unless I am mistaken I picked up the very first book in this series the other day.ReplyDelete
I love these type of romances! It's not just out and out HEA, but I love the hardship the couple must go through as well. I'm going to check out this series. I seem to have developed a taste for them so suddenly. :)ReplyDelete
I love the sound of the romance (sparks fly) and island (exotic) setting in this! I've not yet tried this author, but I think I need to with your review!ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing, Ali! :)
it's always nice to have a series where you have a sweet time with it. And yay for no insta-love, I'm so tired of that. great review!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 17, 2015 at 11:13 AM
I love when series books can be standalones. Glad to hear you enjoyed this so much, I really need to check this series out!ReplyDelete


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Love Nest
Designer Virginia Paresa's home decor
Finally, you've flown your old coop. (Honestly, you couldn't stand living with those chicks any longer.) A new perch—er—apartment all your own has been picked, and you're ready to do a little nesting. The only problem? In floor-to-ceiling eggshell, your new pad's ultra-bland color scheme is for the birds.
Make your home style fly high with a few fun prints and vibrant colors courtesy of local fashion designer Virginia Paresa's new homewares collection. Her foray into home decor came about when she inherited a few of her family's classic rattan chairs and set to sprucing them up with fresh fabric coverings to give them a more modern feel.
Chair cushion covers in eye-catching black-and-white damask, soft blue stripes and vibrant surfboard patterns with contrasting neon seams will make any old birdhouse feel fresh. The mix also includes equally festive throw pillows and blankets in Aztec and ikat prints with playful details, such as sweet pompom trims. Paresa mostly handpicks festive 100-percent cotton fabrics for the line, sometimes pulling from her cache of vintage materials for an upcycled retro-chic feel.
Migrating your space from faded to fun just became duck soup.
Pieces range from $45–$200. View the collection at virginiaparesa.com.


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Sitios Especializados en Ergonomía
The Ergonomics Society
An international organisation for professionals using knowledge of human abilities and limitations to design and build for comfort, efficiency, productivity and safety.
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
The Society's mission is to promote the discovery and exchange of knowledge concerning the characteristics of human beings that are applicable to the design of systems and devices of all kinds.
Es un sistema de ciencias y las tecnologías que buscan la adaptación entre el ser humano y su trabajo, buscando el ajuste entre la gente, las cosas que hacen, objetos que uso y su ambiente del trabajo.
Humanics Ergonomics
Ergonomics Resources.
International Society for Occupational Ergonomics & Safety
Is dedicated to the advancement of occupational ergonomics and safety. The society is the main sponsor of Annual International Occupational Ergonomics and Safety Conference (ISOES).
International Society for Environmental Ergonomics
Environmental Ergonomics concentrates on the interaction between the user and his or her physical environment.
Ergonomic Injury Prevention in Healthcare Services
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders including back injury and upper extremity disorders are the most prevalent, most expensive and most preventable workplace injuries.


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Our Mission:
My first husband, Capt. Jerry Zimmer, was an F4B Phantom jet pilot, whose aircraft was shot down on August 29, 1969, approximately 20 miles South of Da Nang, Vietnam, after six months in country. Neither Jerry nor his navigator, 1st Lt. Al Graf, was able to eject, before the aircraft crashed into the Que Son Mountains. Initially Jerry and Al were classified as Killed in Action/No Body Recovered (KIA/NBR). Years later, both Marines were listed as MIA, along with other service members whose bodies were never recovered.
Jerry has been gone nearly a half century, and hope for recovering his remains had run out a long time ago. However, in recent years our family became involved with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), now merged with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and learned that Jerry's and Al's remains might, in fact, be recoverable, so we are doing everything possible to support their efforts to make this happen and bring our guys home where they belong.
Posts Tagged 'Lt Col'
COMMITTED TO OUR VIETNAM WAR MIAs
Please join our family as we pledge to help make 2016 a year of consensus among those involved in the pursuit of accounting for our MIAs from the Vietnam War. We still have hope that Jerry's and Al's remains will be found one day soon. Like so many other families, we are grateful to have the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) and others involved in the mission during these very difficult times. We are honored by the many MIA supporters following our journey — knowing that our loved ones are not forgotten means a lot.
My New Year's Resolution is to post more stories in 2016! I have a good Vietnam-era war story planned for the near future, but as always, I am humbled by the task and hope I can do it justice.
DPAA is committed to continuing efforts on behalf of our Vietnam War MIAs with no reduction in field operations planned this year. A little more than six months since it went operational, the agency under DPAA Director Michael Linnington's leadership is full speed ahead. Maj Gen Kelly McKeague, who served as DPAA's Interim Deputy Director during the transition period, was succeeded on Sept. 22, 2015, by Brig Gen Mark Spindler, USA.
DPAA Deputy Director Mark Spindler, USA
Welcome Aboard
We welcome DPAA Deputy Director Spindler and look forward to supporting his efforts, of which include global analysis and investigations, search and recoveries and laboratory operations to identify unaccounted-for Americans from past conflicts. Prior to joining DPAAs leadership team, Spindler served as the 47th Commandant of the United States Army Military Police School and Chief of the Military Police Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. A "mo boy" who hails from St. Louis, MO, Splindler completed his undergraduate work at University of Missouri-Columbia and over time earned three advanced degrees elsewhere.
Spindler's career also includes four overseas tours in the European Area of Operation and multiple tours of duty in the Pentagon and Military District of Washington. His operational assignments include peace enforcement in Bosnia – Herzegovina; stability Ops in Kosovo and combat ops in Baghdad, Iraq. Spindler has received numerous awards and undoubtedly has the right stuff for the job. He is following in the footsteps of a man who weathered an MIA storm and never gave up on us. Many thanks, Maj Gen McKeague, for your dedication, respect and belief in the families and the mission.
Please remember that neither DPAA nor any other agency can fulfill the commitment of bringing home our loved ones without support from MIA families, veterans, military resources and humanitarian organizations — thank you. (I will be attending a regional family update later this month and will follow-up with a post.)


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Malaysia has some of the greatest brands and providers of digital marketing services. Most firms in Malaysia have their own sites and showcase their services and products on them. They also have sites, which can be visited by the general public. Each company has a unique sort of digital marketing strategy that is being used to advertise their products and brands. Here are a few of the most popular forms of digital marketing company in Malaysia.
Award winning: If you would like to set yourself apart from your competitors, then you must make certain your company has an award winning site. A winning campaign will grab attention, as well as increase traffic to your site. Award winning campaigns are effective because they grab the attention of your viewers. When people are searching for products and services, they usually visit sites with stunning content. These companies that have won awards are probably the ones that have spent time and money on their campaigns.
Successful: Successful marketing campaigns usually utilize creative content and innovative technologies. Content has to be appealing to both the human mind and search engine spiders. Search engines usually give more preference to sites with creative content. So as to create such content, award winning companies typically employ an outstanding group of experts who have a lot of experience in the field.
High-tech: Digital marketing in Malaysia is about using high-tech tools. You can get your company's website optimized with the best available software which will make certain that your site gets noticed by the major search engines like Google. When your website is optimised, it is going to become much easier for people to find your site. They will have more chances of getting your company's products and services. Successful digital marketing campaigns require expert knowledge and expertise.
Branding: It is not sufficient just to have a site or a blog. To be successful in Malaysia and Asia in general, you have to create a positive image of your company. You need to establish your brand name in the local market so that you can gain reputation and popularity. To do this, award winning professionals will normally employ social networking specialists to work for them on a regular basis. Their presence and their articles on social networking platforms will increase your profile and exposure.
Brand positioning: There are many types of digital marketing techniques available today. But in Malaysia and Asia in particular, it's still important to build brand positioning. This means that you have to ensure that what you are offering is unique to your industry and specifically tailored to the target market. This will make them believe that your company is among the best. You should also work on developing a consistent message that can reach the target market on a number of channels.
Search engine optimization (SEO): In Malaysia and in most parts of Asia for that matter, it's essential that you optimize your site, blog and other digital marketing platforms with appropriate keywords. These are the key to online marketing success. The higher the ranking of your website or blog, the more chances of people looking for answers to their problems will come your way. Search engines such as Google are constantly evolving and improving their algorithms, which makes it tougher to rank highly. However, having a high ranking in search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing will definitely improve your chances of getting more online traffic and more business.
Social media: It goes without saying that social media has an important role when it comes to digital marketing strategy. It is among the fastest growing marketing strategies worldwide. It is essentially a stage where you can interact with your customers, partners and prospects. It has helped many smaller businesses to achieve high levels of success and it is expected to keep on doing so in the years to come.


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We returned to Isla Mujeres for our 4th season of sailfish action aboard the Lilly M and Andrea M of Keen M International. Captains Anthony, Rogelio and David did an outstanding job as usual. Despite challenging weather conditions and fluctuations in the activity, each trip was huge success with epic sailfish baitball action. In addition, we encountered many other species of marine life, and scored some terrific interactions.
In our first trip, Richard Branson and his family joined us to give the sailfish a try. Having already experienced the whale shark aggregations in July, he was ready to turn up the heat several notches and experience one of the most exciting and intense marine spectacles found anywhere in the Ocean. Also with me was my good friend John Petry who was trying his hand at a "Shawn Epic" for the first time. Lawrence kindly invited us as guests to join him on the his vessel the Chachalaca for some incredible action!
Sailfish makes a very close pass by Richard!
Whale shark swoops through with ball of bait fish
Manta ray comes in close to investigate and turns right under Richard
The trip was a huge success with baitballs lasting for hours and sailfish ripping apart the sardines just inches from our masks. We also swam with groups of giant mantas, a whale shark. One curious manta decided to give Richard a closer look, coming nose to nose before ducking right under him. For Richard's son Sam, his interaction with a whale shark was a first in his lifetime. Everyone left with huge smiles, excited to return to Isla again from more marine mega-fauna activity.
I also had a second group with me during that first week. Sean Havas, Sterling Zumbunn (Backscatter) and my older brother Brett Heinrichs. The group was incredibly proficient in the water and I even struggled to keep up with the furious pace that we chased down baitball after bait ball. Day one we landed a 3 hour baitball and another 2 hour baitball. Day 2 was much the same. Day 3 and 4 I was off the boat and the success continued without me. Day 5 we regrouped and found sails again, but this time conditions had turned and we called it an early day. Overall the trip was a huge success and everyone came back with epic imagery.
On our second trip, David Vic and Debbie, Phil Sokol and Greg Redfern joined me. Except for Greg, the entire team were sailfish veterans so I knew we are going to get it done right. With several very slow days from the outset, I was beginning to get nervous. The team however remained upbeat and positive, and on day four we landed the mother load.
We spent 4 hours on a single baitball (5 hours is my record length baitball )with 75-100 sailfish tearing it apart. The action never let up and we documented the ball whittle down to the last few sardines. Two days later we scored another baitball that lasted another 2 hours, and with 6 hours or intense baitball action for the week, the group left with full CF cards and lifetime memories.
Our third and final trip faced just as challenging sea conditions, with persistent winds and upwellings creating green/turbid waters. I was joined by Lupo Dion, and Michael and Nadine Umbscheiden. Unfortunately, Mary O'Malley was booked to come but fell sick the day before the trip and had to cancel. We missed here dearly, but there is always next year!
Day one we chased down a baitball and spent 2 hours with it. Unfortunately the waters were green but we still managed some great shots. On day 3 we landed a 2 hour baitball of epic intensity. In four years interacting with the sailfish, I have never experienced such ferocious activity. The sailfish boxed in a very tired ball of sardines and set about tearing it apart. The passes were fast, furious and often terrifying. Though the entire group were no strangers to intense bill animal action, I have never seen so many defensive postures and dodges. The sailfish would slice off a few sardines from the ball, who would race toward us for cover. The entire swarm of sailfish would set upon them, charging by us at light-speed as we winced behind our cameras. Way to many close calls for my liking!
Day 4 turned out to be especially memorable. While motoring across blue waters in search of sailfish action, we came across 100-150 whale sharks feeding on the surface. This looked to be exactly the same scene as we witness in July/August during the annual whale shark aggregation here. At this time of year, satellite tagging data indicates that these whale sharks are meant to be at the furthest extent of their migrations from Isla. But here they were? We dove in and discovered the water was full of tiny clear eggs that looked very much like the eggs we see the whale sharks feeding on in July. It was a mystery why the whale sharks have arrived 3 months early, but one thing was clear; we were going to snorkel with them! We spent 5 hours with these majestic animals, filming as groups of whale sharks, swimming up to 5 abreast and 4 deep came cruising by. It was an incredible prelude to the summer whale shark trips that lay ahead for us.
Overall this year was a huge success and offered even more diversity of interactions than prior seasons. In addition to sailfish, we encountered:
– Whale Sharks
– Giant Mantas
– Caribbean Mantas
– Mobula Rays
– 4 species of dolphins
– Wahoo (hunting)
– Barracuda (hunting)
– Jacks (massive school)
– Bonito schools (hunting)
The diversity, quantity and quality of big animal interactions sets Isla Mujeres apart from other locations on the planet. Working in small groups, we achieve the best interactions possible. I can't wait for next year!


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New Territories
What you need to know before you go
The New Territories is one of the main regions of Hong Kong, along with Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It stretches from north of Kowloon to the Chinese border, covering the northern part of Kowloon and south of the Sham Chun River. New Kowloon has many modern apartments and condominiums, but is relatively quieter than downtown Hong Kong.
The New Territories has wetlands, parks, farmland, white-sand beaches, and quaint villages with interesting histories. The region is also made up of Hong Kong's outlying islands, such as car-free Lamma, and peaceful Sai Kung.


text: A study in which the participants are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments; neither the researchers nor the participants can choose which group. Using chance to assign people to groups means that the groups will be similar and that the treatments they receive can be compared objectively. At the time of the trial, it is not known which treatment is best. It is the patient's choice to be in a randomized trial.


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I've been receiving so many great engagement sessions lately, I thought I'd share two of them this afternoon. The first is by the super sweet husband + wife duo of This Modern Romance (formerly Stephanie Williams Photography – now it is both her and her hubby Isaac – congrats you guys!). They always create the most dreamy photos and these taken in a persimmon orchard + bamboo forest are so breathtaking.
The words "I'll see you at home" were very dear to their hearts, since most of their relationship they had to live far away from each other due to school + work. So, every night when they would say goodnight to each other from afar, they would say that to each other – how sweet!
So gorgeous right? Check out more of Stephanie + Isaac's work here on their brand new site!


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- Science
- Not Exactly Rocket Science
Termite queen avoids inbreeding by leaving a legacy of clones
Termite colonies are families – millions of individual workers all descended from one king and one queen. But the colony itself tends to outlast this initial royal couple. When they die, new kings and queens rise to take their place. These secondary royals are a common feature of some families of termites, and they will often mate with each other for many generations. But there is more to this system than meets the eye.
Kenji Matsuura from Okayama University has found that the secondary queens are all genetically identical clones of the original. There are many copies, and they have no father – they developed from unfertilised eggs laid by the first queen through a process called parthenogenesis. These clones then mate with the king to produce the rest of the colony through normal sexual means.
It's a fiendishly clever strategy. The original queen's legacy to the colony is… herself. She effectively splits herself into several different bodies and in doing so, greatly increases the number of offspring she has. And because each of these descendants mates with the king, who has no genes in common with them, the colony neatly skirts around the problems of inbreeding.
Matsuura collected 30 natural colonies of a Japanese termite Reticulitermes speratus and they found that in all but one of these, the original queen had been replaced with several secondary ones – a total of 1,660 between the various nests. However, the majority of the colonies were still home to the original king, and the remainder had a single secondary one. This suggests that the king always 'rules' alone, and does so for a longer period of time than his mate.
When Matsuura analysed the genes of 135 secondary queens from seven different colonies, he found a surprise. Virtually all of them from any given colony were genetically identical to each other, and in the one where the original queen was still alive, her successors' genes were perfect matches for her own. And none of these termites had any genetic variants in common with the kings from their respective colonies.
Clearly, the first queen had spawned her successors without any help from the king. The same thing didn't apply to other members of the colony. Matsuura tested 20 workers from each colony and found that every single one was the product of sex between a queen and a king.
To confirm this, Matsuura checked for signs of inbreeding among the workers. Because the father and mother of inbred individuals are related, they have a higher-than-average chance of carrying the same copies of any given gene, as opposed to two slightly different versions. This wasn't the case for the worker termites – they had high levels of "heterozygosity", meaning that they frequently carried two different versions of the same gene.
This obviously benefits the queen. Even after she dies, she had effectively started an entire dynasty of herself, each of whom will produce huge numbers of daughters. And because these daughters are produced by the usual sexual congress between king and secondary queen, the levels of genetic diversity within the colony remain high. The king benefits too – it's likely that the offspring he sires by mating with the various clones of his queen will be healthier and fitter than those he would produce if he had to mate with his own daughters
Reference: Science 10.1126/science.1169702
More on insect sex:
- Horrific beetle sex – why the most successful males have the spikiest penises
- Mosquitoes harmonise their buzzing in love duets
- Size matters for mosquitoes but medium-sized males do better