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Liquid soap dispenser and adhesive wall mounting assembly
A liquid soap dispenser whose container is formed of flexible plastic material and is provided with a flat rear wall and an externally-threaded nipple projecting from the front wall adjacent the base. The nipple has a cap screwed thereon which incorporates a pivoted spigot that when folded in seals the nipple and when folded out creates an outlet from which liquid soap is discharged when the front wall is pressed. Secured to the rear wall is a pad whose outer surface has a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon. Also provided is a base sheet whose area is greater than that of the pad, the sheet having a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on its underface, making it possible to adhere and conform the sheet to a selected wall site, after which the container pad is pressed against the central zone of the sheet to securely anchor the dispenser on the wall.
This invention relates generally to adhesive wall mountings, and more particularly to a liquid soap dispenser adhesively mountable on a wall.
In recent years, liquid soaps have become increasingly popular, soaps in this flowable form replacing conventional solid bar soaps. The practical drawback of soap bars is that they must be stored in a tray or an appropriate kitchen or bathroom soap holder; and to be put to use, the bar must first be massaged with water to produce a lather. After use the soap bar must be returned in the wet state to its holder. This procedure is not only bothersome, but the wet and softened soap bar tends to create a mess in the holder.
The advantage of liquid soap is that it is ready for immediate use; and since it is usually stored in a pump-type dispenser, when one wishes to obtain a charge of liquid soap, it is then only necessary to depress the pump actuator. With a soap bar, as the size of the bar diminishes, the bar becomes more difficult to handle. Hence bars are often discarded in a partly consumed state; whereas there is little waste with a liquid soap dispenser.
The problem with a pump-type liquid soap dispenser is that of placement. The typical kitchen sink includes a ledge depression to receive a soap bar. But if use is made of a liquid soap dispenser, it must be placed on an already crowded counter adjacent to the sink. In the case of a bath tub, the typical bathroom includes a small alcove just above the tub to accommodate a soap bar, and this is not suitable for a liquid soap dispenser. A similar alcove is found in most shower stalls, and here again there is no place for a liquid soap dispenser except on the floor of the stall.
In my above-identified copending patent application, there is disclosed a wall fixture assembly for adhesively mounting an object onto a wall. The assembly, though capable of supporting a relatively heavy load, is readily removable from the wall. The assembly is constituted by a base sheet and a fixture having a flat foot, the base sheet having an undersurface coated with a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive whereby the sheet may be pressed against the wall to conform thereto. The flat foot of the fixture, whose area is smaller than that of the sheet, is covered with a layer of high strength adhesive.
In installing this assembly on a wall, first the sheet is adhered to a selected site on the wall, after which the foot of the fixture is pressed against the sheet at the central zone thereof and firmly adhered thereto. A heavy load thereafter imposed on the fixture will not dislodge it from the wall, for the base sheet interposed between the fixture and the wall acts as a load distributor therefor. This adhesive mounting assembly obviates the need to bore holes in the wall, for it requires no anchoring screws or similar expedients, and it can easily be removed without marring the wall surface by peeling off the base sheet.SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, the main object of this invention is to provide a liquid soap dispenser which is integrated with a wall mounting assembly, making it possible to securely anchor the dispenser on any convenient wall surface.
More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a dispenser and wall mounting assembly of the above type which is operable to supply a charge of liquid soap simply by pressing the flexible container.
A significant feature of the invention resides in the use of a liquid soap container having a pivoted spigot which, when the container is stored, is folded in to seal the contents; and which, when a container is wall mounted, is folded out to permit the immediate discharge of liquid soap when the container is pressed, there being no need to thereafter fold in the spigot.
Also an object of the invention is to provide a lowcost disposable liquid soap dispenser and wall mounting assembly which operates efficiently to supply liquid soap on demand, the assembly being readily removable from the wall when the supply is exhausted.
An important aspect of the invention resides in the fact that the base sheet of the assembly, which makes intimate contact with the wall at a site adjacent to a sink, bath tub, shower or other water outlet such as in a utility room, is readily peeled therefrom without in any way impairing the wall surface, so that while the adhesive bond between the liquid soap dispenser and the base sheet is extremely difficult to rupture, this difficulty does not apply to the bond between the base sheet and the wall.
Briefly stated, these objects are attained in a liquid soap dispenser having a container formed of flexible plastic material provided with a flat rear wall and an externally-threaded nipple projecting forwardly from the front wall adjacent the base, the nipple having a cap screwed thereon which incorporates a pivoted spigot that when folded in seals the nipple and when folded out creates an outlet from which liquid soap is discharged when the front wall is pressed.
Secured to the rear wall is a pad whose outer face has a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon. Also provided is a base sheet whose area is greater than that of the pad, the base sheet having an undersurface coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive, making it possible to adhere the sheet to a selected side on a wall, after which the pad is pressed against the sheet to firmly anchor the dispenser on the wall.OUTLINE OF DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid soap dispenser in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the dispenser when mounted by a mounting assembly on the tiled wall of a shower stall;
FIG. 3 shows the wall-mounted dispenser in its operative condition; and
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the dispenser and its mounting.DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Referring now to the figures, there is shown a liquid soap dispenser in accordance with the invention, the dispenser including a container 10 having a generally rectangular cross section. The container has a sloped top wall 11 to permit water run-off when the dispenser is installed in a shower stall, a flat front wall 12, a parallel flat rear wall 13 and a base 14 at right angles to the front and rear walls so that the container stands in an upright position on a horizontal surface or in a shipping box.
Projecting forwardly from the center of the front wall at its junction with the base is an externally threaded nipple 15 which is integral with the container. The container and nipple are molded of a suitable flexible plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
Screwed onto nipple 15 is a knurled cap 16 provided with a pivoted spigot 17, the spigot arrangement being such that when it is folded into the cap, it seals the liquid soap 18 which fills the container, as shown in FIG. 1. When, however, the spigot is folded out to create an outlet, as shown in FIG. 3, the nipple is unsealed and when a pressure is then exerted on front wall 12 by the user, this will cause the discharge of liquid soap from the outlet.
Containers having a threaded nipple and a similar screw-on cap are in common commercial use and may be found, for example, on the top of flexible shampoo bottles. But in the conventional bottle arrangement, in order to discharge the shampoo or whatever other liquid is being contained, one must tilt the bottle to cause the liquid to enter the nipple. One cannot eject the liquid in an upward path, for the liquid in the container, if vertically held, will be below the level of the nipple.
In the present arrangement, when the container is mounted on a wall W, as is shown in FIG. 2 where the wall is in a shower stall provided with a shower head 19, there is no need to tilt the container, for the nipple is at right angles to the front wall of the container at the bottom thereof and the discharge of liquid is in a horizontal path, the nipple always being supplied with liquid soap until such time as the container is exhausted.
Pressure applied by the user to the front wall reduces the internal volume of the container and applies a pressure to the liquid soap therein causing its discharge. But when the pressure is released, the front wall reverts to its normal position thereby creating a negative pressure in the container causing it to suck in the liquid soap from the spigot. Even though the spigot remains open, once the dispenser is installed, the soap has sufficient viscosity to prevent gravity flow through the duct of the open spigot.
In order to mount the dispenser on wall W, attached to the rear wall 13 of the container is a pad 20, preferably in the form of a double-faced, pressure-sensitive adhesive pad of the type marketed commercially by 3M Company. This pad is formed of flexible foam plastic material having an adhesive inner face which is adhered to the rear wall of the container and an adhesive outer face protected by a peel-off liner. The pressure-sensitive adhesive used in this pad is of high strength.
Also provided is a rectangular base sheet 21 of flexible plastic film material such as polyvinyl chloride whose undersurface is coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive. The outer face of sheet 21 is smooth, and in practice may be printed with a decorative pattern. Suitable for this purpose is so-called "Contact-Paper" which is commercially available, the adhesive surface of the sheet being protected by a removable liner which is peeled off before the base sheet is applied to a wall surface. While a rectangular base sheet is shown, in practice it may be in other geometric forms, as long as its area relative to that of the pad is large.
Base sheet 21 is pressed against wall W at the selected installation site. When the dispenser is to be used near a kitchen sink, the sheet is applied on the wall next to the sink; whereas in a bathroom, it may be applied to the wall just above the faucets. Where the placement is made is determined by the site the user regards as most convenient for this purpose. After the base sheet is put on the wall, manual pressure is applied throughout its entire surface to ensure that this sheet adheres to and intimately conforms to the wall surface without any air bubbles therebetween.
After base sheet 21 is in place, the liner is peeled off pad 20, and the outer face of the pad is firmly pressed against the wall-applied base sheet at the central zone thereof, as best seen in FIG. 3. While the strength of the adhesive bond between the pad and the base sheet per unit area is greater than that between the base sheet and the wall surface because of the nature of the adhesives employed, inasmuch as base sheet 21 acts as a load distributor for the dispenser, the combination of a dispener adhered to a base sheet and a base sheet adhered to a wall is highly resistant to the load imposed on the mounting by the liquid soap dispenser. And though the adhesive contact between the base sheet and the wall surface is relatively weak per unit area, because this adhesive contact is spread over a large surface area in intimate conformity to the sheet, the base sheet is highly resistant to any applied shearing force.
When the supply of liquid soap has been exhausted, one simply peels off the base sheet in order to remove the dispenser from the wall, after which a fresh dispenser may be mounted on the same site.
While there has been shown and described a preferred embodiment of a Liquid Soap Dispenser and Adhesive Wall Mounting Assembly in accordance with the invention, it will be appreciated that many changes and modifications may be made therein without, however, departing from the essential spirit thereof. Thus instead of a dispenser which required pressure on the container to effect a discharge, a rigid container may be used in conjunction with a pump-type outlet on the front wall.
1. A liquid soap dispenser and wall mounting assembly adapted to mount the dispenser on a wall in a manner whereby the dispenser is securely anchored thereon comprising:
- A. a wall container filled with liquid soap and having a flat rear wall to which is attached a pad having a high-strength per unit area pressure-sensitive adhesive on its outer face;
- B. an outlet projecting from the front face of the container adjacent the base thereof to discharge the liquid soap; and
- C. a flexible base sheet formed of plastic film material normally separated from said pad and having a larger area than that of the pad, said sheet having an undersurface coated with a relatively low-strength per unit area pressure-sensitive adhesive, making it possible to press the base sheet onto a selected site on a wall to adhere and conform thereto, after which the pad may be pressed against the outer face thereof to support the container from the wall, said base sheet acting as a load distributor for the container and being highly resistant to shearing forces, the dispenser upon exhaustion of the soap being removable from the wall simply by peeling the base sheet from the wall, said pad being a double-faced pad of pressure-sensitive material whose inner face adheres to said rear wall and whose outer face to said base sheet.
2. A liquid soap dispenser and assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container has a sloped top wall to permit water run off.
3. A liquid soap dispenser and assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said outlet is constituted by an externally threaded nipple and a cap screwed thereon, said cap having a pivoted spigot which, when folded in, seals the container, and when folded out, provides a liquid soap outlet.
4. A dispenser and assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said pad is a double-faced pad of pressure-sensitive material whose inner face adheres to said rear wall and whose outer face to said base sheet.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein said outer face of the pad is protected by a removable liner.
Type: Grant
Filed: Aug 12, 1981
Date of Patent: Sep 11, 1984
Inventor: Donald Spector (Union City, NJ)
Primary Examiner: Joseph J. Rolla
Attorney: Michael Ebert
Application Number: 6/292,146
International Classification: B67D 506;


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Corporations are tempted to take over journalism with increasingly better content. For the profession, this carries both dangers and hopes for new revenue streams.
Those who fear native advertising or branded content will dread the unavoidable rise of corporate journalism. At first glance, associating the two words sounds like of an oxymoron of the worst possible taste, an offense punishable by tarring and feathering. But, as I will now explain, the idea deserves a careful look.
First, consider the chart below, lifted from an Economist article titled "Slime-slinging; Flacks vastly outnumber hacks these days. Caveat lector," published in 2011. The numbers are a bit old (I tried to update them without success), but the trend was obvious and is likely to have continued:
Update: As several readers pointed out, I failed to mention a Pew Research story by Alex T. Williams that contains recent data that further confirm the trend: (emphasis mine)
There were 4.6 public relations specialists for every reporter in 2013, according to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics] data. That is down slightly from the 5.3 to 1 ratio in 2009 but is considerably higher than the 3.2 to 1 margin that existed a decade ago, in 2004.
[Over the last 10 years], the number of reporters decreased from 52,550 to 43,630, a 17% loss according to the BLS data. In contrast, the number of public relations specialists during this timeframe grew by 22%, from 166,210 to 202,530.
Williams also exposes the salary gap between PR people and news reporters:
In 2013, according to BLS data, public relations specialists earned a median annual income of $54,940 compared with $35,600 for reporters.
And I should also mention this excellent piece in the Financial Times on The invasion of Corporate News.
In short, while the journalistic staffing is shrinking dramatically in every mature market (US, Europe), the public relation crowd is rising in a spectacular fashion. It grows in two dimensions: the spinning aspect, with more highly capable people, most often former seasoned writers willing to become spin-surgeons. These people are both disappointed by the evolution of their noble trade and attracted by higher compensation. The second dimension is the growing inclination for PR firms, communication agencies and corporations themselves to build fully-staffed newsrooms with editor-in-chiefs, writers, and photo and video editors.
That's the first issue.
The second trend is the evolution of corporate communication. Slowly but steadily, it departs from the traditional advertising codes that ruled the profession for decades. It shifts toward a more subtle and mature approach based on storytelling. Like it or not, that's exactly what branded content is about: telling great stories about a company in a more intelligent way instead of simply extolling a product's merits.
I'm not saying that one will disappear at the other's expense. Communication agencies will continue to plan, conceive and produce scores of plain, product-oriented campaigns. This is first because brands need it, but also because there are often no other ways to promote a product than showing it in the most effective (and sometimes aesthetic) fashion. But fact is, whether it is to stage the manufacturing process of a luxury watch, or the engineering behind a new medical imagery device, more and more companies are getting into full-blown storytelling. To do so, they (or their surrogates) are hiring talent—which happens to be in rather large supply these days.
The rise of digital media is no stranger to this trend. In the print era, for practical reasons, it would have been inconceivable to intertwine classic journalism with editorial treatments. In the digital world things are completely different. Endless space, and the ability to link and insert expandable formats open new possibilities when it comes to accommodating large, rich, multimedia contents.
This evolution carries both serious hazards for traditional journalism as well as tangible economic opportunities. Let's start with the business side.
Branded content (or native advertising) has achieved significant traction in the modern media business—even if the quality of its implementation varies widely. Some companies (that I will refrain from naming) screwed up big time by failing to properly identify what was paid-content as opposed to genuine journalistic production. And a misled reader is a lost reader (especially if there is a pattern). But for those who pull out good execution, both in terms of ethics and products, native ads carry a much better value than banners, billboards, pushdowns, interstitials, or other pathetic "creations" massively rejected by readers. I know of several media selling dumb IAB formats that find out they can achieve rates 5x to 8x higher by relying on high quality, bespoke branded contents. These more parsimonious and non-invasive products achieve a much better audience acceptance than traditional formats.
For media companies, going decisively for branded content is also a way to regain control on their own business. Instead of getting avalanches of ready-to-eat campaigns from media buying agencies, they retain more control on the creation of advertising elements by dealing with the creative agencies or even with the brand themselves. Such a move goes with some constraints, though. Entering branded content at a credible scale requires investments. To serve its advertising clients, BuzzFeed maintains 50 people in its own design studio. Relative to the size of their entire staff, many other new media companies decided from the outset to build fairly large creative teams (including Quartz). That's precisely why I believe most legacy media will miss this train (again). Focused on short-term cost control, also under pressure from conservative newsrooms who see branded content as the Antichrist, they will delay the move. In the meantime, pure players will jump on the opportunity.
Newsrooms have reasons to fear corporate journalism—the ultimate form of branded content entirely packaged by the advertiser—but not for the reasons editors usually put forward. Dealing with the visual segregation of native ads vs. editorial is not utterly complicated; it depends mostly on the mutual understanding between the head of sales (or the publisher) and the editor; the latter needs to be credible enough among his peers to impose his/her choices without yielding to corporatism-induced demagoguery.
But the juxtaposition of articles (or multimedia contents) produced on one side by the newsroom and on another hand by a sponsor willing to build its storytelling at any cost might trigger another kind of conflict, around means and sources.
In the end, journalism is all about access. Beat reporters from a news media will do their best to circumvent the PR fence to get access to sources, while at the same time the PR team will order a bespoke story from its own staff writers. Both teams might actually find themselves in competition. Let's say a media outlet wants to write a piece on the strategy shift of major energy conglomerate with respect to global warming; the news team will talk to scores of specialists outside the company, financial analysts who challenge management's choices, shareholders who object to expensive diversification, advocacy groups who monitor operations in sensitive areas, unions, etc. They will also try to gain access to those who decide the fate of the company, i.e. top management, strategic committees, etc. Needless to say, such access will be tightly controlled.
On the corporate journalism side, the story will be told differently: strategists and managers will talk openly and in a very interesting way (remember, they are interviewed by pros). At the same time, a well-crafted on-site video shot in an oil-field in Borneo, or on a solar farm in Africa will reinforce the message, in a 60 Minutes way. The whole package won't carry silly corporate messages, it will be rich, carefully balanced for credibility and well-staged. Click-wise, it is also likely to be quite attractive with its glowing, sleek videos and great text that will have the breadth (but not the substance) of professional reporting.
I'm painting this in broad strokes. But you get my point: Authentic news reporting and corporate journalism are bound to compete as audiences increasingly enjoy informative, well-designed corporate production over drier journalistic work—even though it is labelled as a corporate production. Of course, corporate journalism will remain small compared to the editorial content produced by a newsroom, but it could be quite effective in the long run.
You can read more of Monday Note's coverage of technology and media here.

subset: commoncrawl


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Monday, October 25, 2010
Hungry Birds
16 comments:
Birds are the best evidence of God's divine providence for His entire creation. You were touched by God to feed the birds in your neighborhood. God bless you more for that. Thanks for the post. God bless you all always.ReplyDelete
oh my...ang dami....na entertain ako sa video sis...ehehehe...parang sign na nang tag ulan...:)ReplyDelete
san kau this weekend badingding?!
we just got home..we went swimming to our community pool...init kasi eh!
That was so cute...she said enough of this and just grabbed it a flew away. Ha!ReplyDelete
I feed the birds out front and the squirrels eat what they can. I put a clay pot dish on the ground for them. If it's empty they let me know. One will follow me to the mailbox when I get the mail.
Perhaps you will just have to invest in another bag of feed! You've treated the birds so well, they may be staying.ReplyDelete
Yes, those birds probably think you adopted them. They are very cute.ReplyDelete
It might be cheaper to invest in more bread rather than more birdseed, and thy do seem to enjoy that one piece in the video. LOL
Kay, Alberta
daming ibon niyan! :)ReplyDelete
So many hungry birds, cute video!ReplyDelete
They are always hungry those guys.ReplyDelete
that's a lot of birds!!ReplyDelete
dami din ganyan sa backyard namin bading baka kamag anak nila yun mga gutom rin heheheheReplyDelete
Oh, I forgot to join a meme. Nabusy sa ops. hehehe Glad to stop by here Rose. They're Barn swallow birds, I think.ReplyDelete
Ang daming birds. We feed the birds here too with bread crusts. Nice video too. I enjoyed watching it.ReplyDelete
sobrang kakatuwa sila ha, d2 mga maya, balak ko din maglagay ng hanging bird feeder, sana wag lang habulin ng pusa. lol..ReplyDelete
ay ang cute...para ka rin nagpapatuka ng manok nyahahahaha...ang saya tingnana. heheReplyDelete
Ang daming birds!!Enjoyed the video^_^ReplyDelete
Sugarcreek Roadtrips
It's been a while since we last visited Sugarcreek. We used to go there almost every weekend just so we can drive around and see other ...


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Buy this book from
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com /
IndieBound / The Book Depository
Recommended and Related Reading
I didn't know if I should get it, but now you convinced me :) I'll add it on my must-read list!
Thanks for this awesome review!!!
Wow. A very hyping review. :) This has been, for me, the hype week: Inception + The passagem.
But I've yet to watch and read any of those. But I certainly will.
Thanks for that review Niall. I recently stood in the store with The Passage in my hands and read through the first 20 - 30 pages and though...."No, I'll wait and see what early reviews say."
I'm sold. I'll be picking it up this weekend. Thanks, again.
Well, see this is why I wanted you to read it :D Now you gone and done it and the Passage has been added to my wishlist. Funnily enough, the book is already out in translation here in the Netherlands, which is rare, because we even had to wait for the Harry Potter books for a few months to be translated.Not that it mattered to me, since I prefer reading in in English anyway, but I thought that was noteworthy in light of your mention of hype.ReplyDelete
I initially looked at it in the bookstore and said nah. Then downloaded the sample on my nook. Read the first three chapters and was hooked. Went out and bought the book.ReplyDelete
And...my book budget just cracked. Yet one more purchase, slotted in...somewhere. Well, I don't know where, but I guess I've got no choice, at this point, do I?ReplyDelete


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The Education Council of the Nebraska Information Technology Commission is a 16-member advisory committee of the NITC composed of representatives from K-12 and Postsecondary education. The Council was originally formed by Executive Order 97-7 in November 1997 to identify, prioritize, and coordinate user needs with respect to educational information technology. The Education Council first met on March 12, 1998 and has conducted monthly or bimonthly meetings since.
The mission of the Council is to advise the Commission concerning education information technology needs, goals, and policy. The Council will identify, coordinate, and prioritize matters pertaining to information technology for a more strategic and cost-effective approach to developing the State's education information technology infrastructure.
K-12 Representation [8]
• Teachers (2 public, 1 nonpublic)
• Administrators (2)
• Educational Service Units (2)
• Boards of Education (1)
Postsecondary Representation [8]
• State Colleges (2)
• Independent Colleges and Universities (2)
• Community Colleges (2)
• University of Nebraska System (2)
Non-voting Ex Officio Representation [4]
• Dept. of Education (1)
• Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (1)
• Dept. of Administrative Services (1)
• Nebraska Educational Telecommunications Commission (1)
• Provides a public forum for the exchange of education technology issues and ideas among 250+ K-12 and higher education entities, both public and nonpublic.
• Provides to the NITC unbiased content reviews of I.T. project proposals originating from education-related state agencies.
&bull ;Develops and monitors action items related to the NITC strategic initiatives that benefit the State of Nebraska and its citizens.
• Encourages the sharing of resources, aggregation of demand, and competitive bidding of services among education entities in order to increase the quality and decrease the cost.
• Identify and prioritize education needs that could be met in a more cost-effective manner through the use of information technology;
• Report needs, priorities, and recommended projects to the Commission in the manner determined by the Commission;
• Assist the Commission in developing, reviewing and updating the statewide technology plan;
• Recommend policies and guidelines for acceptable and cost-effective use of information technology in education;
• Establish such subcommittees, task forces, or working groups as necessary and appropriate to advise the council on matters including coordination of technology initiatives, information technology operations, information management, data administration, and technology planning and training;
• Encourage research on the effects of technology on learning and learner cognition;
• Promote equitable use and access to technology throughout the education community;
• Communicate information about Council responsibilities to education constituents through methods such as the information technology clearinghouse; and
• Such other responsibilities as directed by the Commission.
For further information about the council, contact
Becca Kingery
To learn more about the Education Council and our responsibilities, please review the Charter (PDF).
Join our mailing list!


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This is probably one of the last Gunslugs 2 posts, so enjoy it. Most of my time is now put into marketing and readying "store materials" like screenshots, icons, descriptions, and all that crap that comes with releasing your own game. So a few weeks of reaching out to journalists, and game sites, but also trying to see if I can score some featuring on the various app-stores.
All leading up to a January 15th release on iOS, Android, Ouya, Amazon/FireTV, ChromeOS and PC/Mac.. did I mention I'm a one man company?
It's said many times, by many different people, but this marketing shit is important yo!
So I've been generating a bunch of great screenshots, and cropping or resizing them where needed to fit all the various requirements of all the various app-stores. This is a huge task I can tell you. For iOS every "resolution" has it's own set of screenshots AND trailer video's. So the app store alone has like 5 different sets of screenshots, then there are all the other stores like Google Play, Chrome Web-store, Amazon app store, Ouya market place, and I still have to get stuff ready for the Humble Store for the PC/Mac versions.
Also various stores require various different banner sizes, icon sizes, video formats, etc.. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it to really take time out and do it right on the first go.
This week I've ported the game over to HTML5 and made it ready for the Chrome web-store. This version comes with a free trial that allows you to play the first world of the game including the train-crash. Most of that code could be copied from the PC demo version I did, which saved some time, and my framework was all setup to add all Google's Chrome specific code to handle the rest.
I also wrapped up the Ouya version, this version also comes with a free trial and requires in-app payment to unlock the full game (as with most Ouya games). Since it's also the most important build for the 2-player coop mode, I also had to put time into crushing the final bugs that appeared when running around with 2 players shooting at stuff.
Finally I created the Amazon build, which required Gamecircle integration for achievements and leaderboards.
The Ouya and Amazon versions are basically the Android build so it sounds like more work than it actually is.
Luckily yesterday I also received message that the iOS version of Gunslugs 2 was approved and is ready for sale. Which was important because Apple will close the developer backend from December 22nd up to December 29th.. meaning this was my last chance of getting some promocodes early and get journalists and gamesites some extra game time before they review the game.
So the rest of the coming weeks I'll be promoting the game every way I can (and you can help by reading this page ), and try to contact the big PC game sites alongside the equally big mobile game sites, so that they will hopefully write about my game.
This is of course normally done with a huge $$$ budget and a bunch of marketing people.. so I might be exhausted and stay in bed when release day comes!


text:
The Cane Creek Hellbender 70 Bottom Bracket utilizes a bearing made of 440C stainless steel, providing exceptional ride quality and reliability. The stainless steel bearing in the Hellbender 70 strikes a perfect balance between value and lasting performance. Providing excellent durability and corrosion resistance, the Hellbender 70 Bottom Bracket will be an impactful and lasting upgrade to any bike.
Model: PF30 (BAI0145)
Spindle Diameter 30mm
Width: 68/73mm
Shell I.D.: 46
Cup Material: 6061 T6 Machined Aluminum
Bearings: 440C Stainless Steel
Color: Anodized Black
Weight: 123g
This product was added to our catalog on September 15, 2020


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Protecting Your Vehicle in Bankruptcy
Outside of a big city like Philadelphia, most people need a car. Most areas in Chester, Montgomery, and Berks County have subpar public transportation and no one wants to become a burden on family and friends. Losing your means of transportation affects your ability to maintain employment and complete basic everyday activities like grocery shopping, going to doctor's appointments, and transporting your children.
While areas like Pottstown, Reading, Phoenixville, West Chester, and Norristown have basic public transportation, your life is still seriously impacted by losing your own automobile. In rural areas like Douglassville, Boyertown, Birdsboro, and Kennett Square public transportation does not exist, and a car is even more important. You may be scared to file bankruptcy because you are worried that you will lose your car, which could seriously complicate your life. However, in most cases your car or truck can be protected in a bankruptcy filing.
How Can My Car Be Protected When Filing For Bankruptcy In Montgomery, Berks, and Chester County, Pa?
In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, as long as you are current on your car payments, your car should be completely protected in a bankruptcy filing. Even if you are behind on your car an experienced attorney should be able to help you get caught up and keep your means of transportation.
Even if you are too far behind on your car payments, filing a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you get caught up. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy will allow you to keep your car while getting caught up making a reasonable payment through the Trustee's office. There may even be times when an attorney can help you "cram down" the value of your car so that your monthly payment is much lower. A "cram down" is when your attorney and your auto lender work together to figure out a price that reasonably represents the value of the car you own.
We Can Help You With Filing For Bankruptcy In Pa.
The Law Office of Stephen Ross offers no-cost consultations to those in Berks, Montgomery, and Chester County who are worried about losing their automobile. Our attorneys can help you decide which type of plan will best suit your needs. Schedule a consultation!


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Fox 4: Disaster drill gives first responders chance to self-evaluate
Kansas City`s medical emergency community met the would-be challenge at the Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport.
In this made-up scenario, metro first responders greeted a military C-130 aircraft, which according to the script, flew in 35 patients who`d been involved in an earthquake in Tennessee, and many of these injured people were said to be experiencing symptoms of radiation sickness.
That big military medical flight actually flew in from a military base in Wisconsin, and the doctors and nurses from the metro examined the patients -- both volunteers, who served as the walking wounded, as well as plastic medical dummies -- and then, routed them to local hospitals for treatment.
Emergency medical techs from the Kansas City Fire Department carried patients from the airplane into one of the airport's garages, which was transformed into a temporary triage center, filled with the noise of a busy hospital emergency room.
Zack Bradley, emergency manager for the Veteran Health Administration, served as coordinator for the drill that involved more than 200 people. Bradley said the likelihood of such a scenario happening is unlikely, but the same plans of attack are used by medical response professionals during tornado and hurricane recovery efforts.
"One of the things we've done here is to establish a joint information system where the public affairs and public information officers from the various participating facilities have come together," Bradley said.
Radiation sickness experts were strong pieces of Wednesday's puzzle. Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed, a bone marrow specialist with Children's Mercy Hospital, explained that patients undergoing bone marrow procedures often display the same symptoms as radiation illness patients would.
"The risk of infection is up top on everything. Anyone who is needing urgent or emergent care for fluids or antibiotics, it's really important to manage it at the right time," Ahmed told FOX 4.
See the full story via Fox 4.
Learn more about the Children's Mercy Cancer Center.


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Open Barn Day
Come learn about the benefits of equine-assisted activities, volunteer opportunities, tour our facility and meet a therapy horse! The community is welcome to attend free of charge, donations are welcome.
LocationManes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center
Daniel's Farm
874 Millbrook Road
Middletown, CT 06457
Date & TimeSat, Apr 20th, 2019
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Contact InfoJeanna Pellino, Program Coordinator


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Ok, I wasn't there. Tickets were scarce and I don't do well in heat and humidity. Still, as spectacles go, in the full Pink Floyd, Superbowl Half-time wardrobe malfunction sense of the term, this was over the top and impressive from a couple points of view.
I wonder if anyone watched it live in the States given its a work day and this all went down from 8 to noon. Beijing pretty much shut down for the event and I watched it on CCTV in Chinese. Which was a hoot, especially given the loving closeups of the Chinese officials sweating it out in their dark suits. Lots of paper fans were fluttering and there was one shot of Nidal looking like he had just stepped out of the Sweat Hut. At least George W. put his jacket back on when he stood to hail the American athletes. Looking good Mr. President and I heard his speech and his father's speech at the dedication of the new US Embassy this morning was very good and heartfelt.
I'll boil down the ceremony to the fireworks. The Chinese invented fireworks. They are the Picassos of pyrotechnics. right now the streets to and from the Olympic Green are exploding in chrysthanemums of color. As fireworks displays goes — this is the mother of them all.
The entertainment was good. Some great freakiness in the Bird Nest, with a condensed cultural history of China emphasizing the point that they;ve been inventing stuff like paper and calligraphy and fireworks while my Celtic/Teutonic ancestors were picking headlice off each other. Obligatory cute little kids in knapsacks getting smart. I'm not a big fan of children's choral music — and the divas that were belting out the anthems were unrecognizable to my pop culture retardation.
Step-sister Dede went, so she will give me the full report tomorrow. But from the vantage of my bed, watching the #080808 tweets and our Lenovo2008 twittering delivering the blow by blow, I had a dang good time and about to hit the rack rather than sweat it out looking for a bus somewhere out there to get me back to be before 2 am.
Tomorrow. I move into the city with my sis. Deal with some athlete blogger issues, help plan a big blogger meetup in Sanlitun, and then go to a big party out at the wal with my sis and brother in law. Too hectic to think, so I try to keep my mouth shut.
And hey, WW team that made this all happen. Couple pieces of news
1. When CCTV films athletes in the iLounges the athletes are invarialbly looking at the Voices of the Summere Games page.
2. The USA Today article nails it — this blogger program was exactly the play we needed to support. And it's only going to get better. Now to start meeting these fine people and helping them really kick it. 30 new posts today alone. People are talkiing. Be proud. This is working better than expected.


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The club's chief executive has declared that the only English team bigger than his side is Manchester United, and also believes Barcelona and Madrid would want them in La Liga.
Hahaha hes joking right? His team wasn't good enough for the premier league before it went t*ts up and now its full of Sunday league quality players he thinks its good enough? Hes deluded of the highest order. Talking in terms of power in world football too hes completely wrong too UEFA rankings is one thing to go off as is things like CL titles and finals. Rangers are no way near the PL top 6.
He's only saying these things to pull the wool over the Rangers fans' eyes and to distract them from, well, everything to do with their sorry club. He's embarrassing himself more and more every day.
Both Rangers and Celtic need to join. But how would it happen? Would they start at the bottom in League 2, or just throw them in and have 22 teams in the prem for one season with 5 relegation spots? Then only one team could be promoted from league one and two.


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Remember that once you've downloaded the browser, you must install it on your computer. Follow the browser manufacturer's instructions that appear on your screen.
Secure browsers employ Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to communicate with servers. This technology encrypts-or scrambles-the communication (i.e., your account information) so it's virtually impossible for anyone other than North Dakota Housing Finance Agency to read it.
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SSL is a protocol to provide secure communications on the Internet. SSL does three things:
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For the past few decades, content service providers (CSPs) have played a pivotal role in bringing entertainment content to IFE systems on board aircraft. Working directly with Hollywood and other content providers, CSPs curate engaging movies and TV programs for their airline clients, and ensure content works across a variety of IFE platforms.
Global Eagle and Spafax might be the most visibly dominant CSPs in the sector, but a scrappy, independent Irish CSP called Inflight Dublin has put itself on the map, and is growing market share by offering a highly flexible and customized experience to carriers.
"We are open to working with everybody but a lot of the airlines we work with would be Tier 2, Tier 3 who need a bespoke, tailored service. They need kind of a responsive, quick 'click-on-the-button-if-any-changes-are-required' service. They need that flexibility, which I am not saying the other guys don't offer, but it's certainly something we pride ourselves on, 24/7 support," Inflight Dublin chief commercial officer Barry Flynn tells Runway Girl Network.
Second and third tier airlines in growth mode can find themselves a bit stretched when it comes to resources. "They require a lot of last-minute changes. We're there, we are very flexible to cater for those changes and needs. And that is something that we have always been doing," says Flynn. "We work very hard with Hollywood, and have a long-standing relationship with them … and that helps us as well. So we can push hard, and try to get some good deals done, and try and get the content across at a good price. So, [competitive pricing] is important as well."
Though Inflight Dublin has traditionally served as a CSP, in recent years it has branched out further into software and design. For instance, its portfolio includes an 'Everhub'-branded streaming entertainment software solution that is compatible with all wireless IFE hardware configurations available on the market today, and allows for the transfer of content and data both manually as well as wirelessly.
These types of solutions "give the airlines a lot more flexibility" than the more traditional, embedded IFE, suggests Flynn. "Every airline we talk to, they want more control. More control of their content. More control of their services, and sadly the more traditional systems don't allow that."
Flynn notes that there is "an eight-week window from when you select content to when it gets on board" and in front of passengers' eyeballs over in-seat or portable IFE. "That's a large window; that's too long." And that's among the reasons why new wireless systems are getting the attention of airlines "because they feel they can update content and update services a lot quicker and also do it themselves".
Hollywood continues to disallow the streaming of early window movie content for passengers' own devices. But early run movies aren't "the major play for wireless" anyways, as the systems in their essence are generally being targeted at "shorter routes", says Flynn, noting that the focus instead is largely on "bespoke TV shows or documentaries or even YouTube channels, educational channels. Stuff like that. Something a little bit more nuanced. A little bit more bespoke."
"I think movies obviously have a role to play but wireless systems that we're seeing, the take-up is for shorter routes. Maybe 5-hours max, and in that time period, you might get one movie watched. Predominately, it's a lot about the services that come with it as well, a lot of destination services and revenue generation for airlines. The passenger experience is an important factor but most airlines that we deal with, with wireless, a lot of them are looking at more of the revenue generation." And these services can be customized for different routes. "So we can bring in different partners like Groupon, Ticketmaster, stuff like that."
Inflight Dublin remains totally hardware agnostic. "We are not into building boxes, we not going into building hardware. That's not our space. We are a service provider who literally will offer bespoke software and content solutions. That's the game we are in," explains Flynn.
So for instance, Inflight Dublin works with Telefonix PDT and Kontron, whereby "we would be the software and content provider. But again, that's up to the airlines. The airlines might have a preferred supplier but in most cases, we've tested across the majority of [wireless] systems out there."
He continues: "I think we originally tested on the Flight Focus system before it was taken over by Rockwell [Collins]. And then we went onto Kontron and did some good testing on that. And then we went into Telefonix. And Telefonix had their portable unit as well, which was an interesting solution we felt; very powerful. So we tested on that as well. It worked very well. And then a lot of airlines started looking at kind of the Kontron, Telefonix portable and fixed [wireless IFE units] and that's where we have been over the last kind of two years. Testing and developing, and we've launched on a few airlines now [including PrivatAir] and the feedback we are getting on the portable unit that's live at the moment is very good. It was a very bespoke build we did for PrivatAir. The [Everhub] software base was there."
Explaining the PrivatAir rollout, Flynn says the operator's main challenge was around crew and logistics. "They had 50 iPads on board and they were preloading these iPads every night and to preload them was taking 6-7 hours a night… So we put our portable Telefonix unit and our software on it but then we developed a bespoke crew app as well to allow them to push publications directly to the server every morning. So they download the publications and then they push directly to the server rather than bring all the iPads off and synchronize each one."
"So Everhub, as a base offer, is there and it can be modular – [offering] streaming, retail, destination services but we're very flexible and we can be literally anything they need. Each airline needs something different.
"There are solutions out there that are very much off-the-shelf – here you go, take it or leave it; you are getting what it is. We don't really operate that way. It's back to the flexibility point I was making. The base offer is there; you can pick and choose which model [hardware] is going with it … So it's really flexible and that takes a lot of work on our side but that's our game. We are all about flexibility about delivering the service that meets the client's needs not just that suits are needs and that's worked well for us in the IFE space so I think in the wireless space that's same attitude we take."
Related Articles:
- Irish IFE player jumps into wireless space with new retail portal
- From caterer to cabin: AirFi discusses logistics of portable wifi
- Press Release: PrivatAir chooses Everhub wireless IFE from Inflight Dublin
- Spafax goes Hollywood to be on the forefront of content on-the-go
- Global Eagle focuses on content over connectivity in maritime
- Press Release: Inflight Dublin launches Everhub wireless IFE solution


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As a Rebel, you can be counted on to make your voice heard, and your presence felt, whatever the situation (see more about this in part 1). While making meetings memorable can be a welcome change for others, keeping the following in mind ensures that you make them memorable for the right reasons.
Managing Your Boss and Creating a Positive Relationship
While expressing yourself is a priority for you, unless that's your job, it shouldn't be done via your body. Don't detract from your professionalism by flaunting your newly healing tattoo, going barefoot in the office, or finding blissful oblivion with your noise-canceling headphones on.
While being vigilant about maintaining boundaries is important, you can achieve a great deal with strategic acquiescence. Better yet, try alacrity in the form of a well-timed "Yes." If staying late this week ensures a seat at the table at the next client meeting, wiggle room should a future project turn sticky, or extra vacation time, it's well worth tamping down that opposition you feel rising in you.
We all screw up from time to time, and when we do there are consequences. While the idea of walking away from it all can be seductive, it's not a long-term solution as it's unlikely you'll move through the remainder of your life fault-free. With this in mind, quell the impetuous urge and take your hard knocks gracefully. Ultimately, it's cooler — not to mention, easier.


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We love beavers. We like the way they adapt to their environment. Forever extending their homes but never really bothering anyone else. In fact, they provide positive benefits for their immediate ecosystem. But that's for another blog. Oh, and they're such good swimmers!
Basement Boom
There is a basement boom in London at the moment. Of the dig-down variety. Householders seek more space without the nightmare of selling up and moving out. Unhappy with the status quo, down, down, deeper and down they go.
This sort of basement conversion is not an option for many. Such vast projects can be cost and labour intensive. Besides, digging three new storeys amid your foundations may not be seen as a conversion at all. Unless you are more mole than beaver.
So why do we not admire the blind, burrowing cousin as much? It's his distinct lack of neighbourliness. Like the blinkered dig-down project managers taking over so many suburban streets like invading generals, the mole is just less considerate than our friend the beaver. Just look at the damage he does to local lawns.
Keeping Down with the Joneses
At My London Extensions we care about the bigger picture. Not just extending your home but micro-managing the whole process of how to get there. And this includes keeping you on the neighbours' Christmas list come project's end. So while we know there is a middle way, extending a basement without calling in the Time Team, we also know how to keep those next door and beyond onside.
Like a kitchen extension or a side extension, if planned, designed and managed efficiently, the basement conversion need not turn your life upside down. An excavation visible from orbit is not the only option. Whether it's extra space for the new arrival or just increased elbow room for the more animated console captains in the family, we can help you find the answers. Baby room or games room, you can build it.
Don't be put off by the underground swimming pool boom or the subterranean gym craze. Do as the beaver does, extend the home for your own needs. As for neighbourly concerns: forget raising stakes to avoid heartaches.
Take a look at one of our recent basement conversions or, if you'd like to discuss your own, please get in touch.


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Induro CX213 Stealth Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod, 3 Sections. Includes tripod bag, metal foot stakes and Allen keys.
Induro CX213 Carbonflex 8X CX-Series Tripod Legs. Is a professional-level carbon fiber tripod that features an innovative center column design. In a rapid and easy motion, the center column can be converted from a standard vertical column to a horizontal cross bar.In the horizontal position, a mounted camera can have a clear view without the tripod legs getting in the way. This makes it especially ideal for nature, flat art, close-up micro photography. The column can also be used upside down and reversed. CX-series tripods uses 8-layer, 2nd generation carbon fiber technology for its leg construction. This 8x tubing is 60% stronger overall than conventional carbon fiber tripods. This is achieved by using more fibers and less epoxy in the manufacturing blend. Induro CX-series tripods also feature individual leg angle adjustments, a reversible center column with spring loaded weight hook, foam leg grip, anti dust and moisture rubber leg lock grips, reversible 1/4-20 to 3/8 mounting threads, a bubble level, removable rubber tips and stainless steel spikes, and mounting set screws. They also come supplied with a padded carrying bag. Center column converts into a lateral arm, which is especially advantageous for nature and on-location industrial shooters. Improved dust- and rubber-resistant leg lock design prevents dust or moisture from entering the interior of the leg twist-locks. Three leg-angle settings (24, 55 & 80°), to accommodate uneven terrain or awkward shooting situations. The three set screws in the camera platform can be used to permanently secure the head to the tripod, providing additional security. Removable rubber and stainless steel spike feet provide a secure grip, both indoors and outdoors. The retractable spring-loaded hook can be used to add stability with a sand bag or equipment bag. 17.6 lbs (8 kg). 63.6 (161.4 cm). Maximum Height w/o Column Extended. 56.5 (143.5 cm). 16.6 (42.2 cm). 25.8 (65.4 cm). The item "Induro CX213 Stealth Carbon Fiber Series 2 Tripod, 3 Sections Horizontal Bar" is in sale since Monday, October 26, 2020. This item is in the category "Cameras & Photo\Tripods & Supports\Tripods & Monopods".
The seller is "linc-grif" and is located in High Point, North Carolina. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Czech republic, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Estonia, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Slovenia, Japan, China, Sweden, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, South africa, Thailand, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Bahamas, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Saudi arabia, Ukraine, United arab emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Croatia, Malaysia, Chile, Colombia, Costa rica, Panama, Trinidad and tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Antigua and barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Saint kitts and nevis, Saint lucia, Montserrat, Turks and caicos islands, Barbados, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Brunei darussalam, Bolivia, Egypt, French guiana, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Guadeloupe, Iceland, Jersey, Jordan, Cambodia, Cayman islands, Liechtenstein, Sri lanka, Luxembourg, Monaco, Macao, Martinique, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Reunion, Uruguay, Russian federation.


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Patios, Decorative Projects and Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is a great way to make a unique impression on your patio, Decorative Projects. The combinations of colors and patterns are seemingly endless, allowing you to achieve a truly custom look.
Or call 719-299-0550
Contact Us For A Referral: 719-299-0550
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Saturday 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Our Service Areas:
Puebloconcretecontractors.com is a referral service to pair you with the top concrete contractors in Pueblo, CO.


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Description: Saprophytic terrestrial herb.
Leaves absent.
Inflorescences erect 15–45 cm long, 5–10-flowered. Sepals linear 18–22 mm long, green. Labellum narrow-spathulate, 22–33 mm long, 6–7 mm wide, erect, margins recurved, upper surface conspicuously hairy, lower surface glabrous, maroon at the tip and along the margins, with a wide central longitudinal black band becoming 4 black lines towards the base, green basally. Column wings almost connected behind the anther, with glandular fringed margins.
Flowering: December–February
Distribution and occurrence: Grows in swamp-heath on sandy soils, chiefly in coastal districts, south from the Gibraltar Ra.
NSW subdivisions: NC, CC, SC, NT
Other Australian states: Vic.
Threatened species: NSW BCA: Vulnerable; Commonwealth EPBC: Vulnerable


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CAS daisy notecards.
Using my set Picking Daisies and Sam E. Snowman Shaker Die.
I used the stitched circle die from Sam E. Snowman Shaker Die Set to emboss it in the center of the front of the card.
Picking Daisies. I stamped on a foam mat to help stamp over the copy paper mask for even coverage.
So I made a liner using copy paper that gave me a 1/8" border for the inside of the card.
|Sam E. Smowman Shaker Die
|Picking Daisies
See you next week!
Follow A Jillian Vance Design here:


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More Devotions for Busy Moms
Because Every Mom Needs a Quiet Time with Jesus
In the 21st Century, it's become even more difficult for mothers to find time to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to know Him more, but with 40 hours of work each week, helping with homework, transporting children to lessons and sporting events, making sure everyone has clean underwear and attempting to get a bit of sleep, it's very difficult. I pray that these short readings will help you as you go through your busy week.
How to Raise A King
2 Kings 22:1-2
2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother's name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. [2] He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.
Perhaps you're wondering how these couple of verses can help you in your walk with Christ and as a Christian mother attempting to raise Godly children. On their own, they may have very little value, but when you realize that very few of the kings of Judah and not one of the kings of Israel were ever described this way, it may cause you to try to discover the inspiration behind King Josiah's righteous life.
Every time I read through the Old Testament and see again how men of God managed to bring children into this world who seem to have no knowledge of our heavenly Father, I am amazed. How can a person of extreme faith raise children who are so evil? Adam had Cain and then only 2 generations after Adam died the entire world had to be destroyed to rid it of evil. Eli, the priest in Samuel's time, had two sons who died because of their evil ways and Samuel himself caused the nation of Israel to cry for a king because his sons were so bad.
There were no "righteous" kings in Israel after Solomon and it would appear as though Solomon was David's only Godly son. The rulers of Judah who were followers of God were few, but as I read I began to notice most had one thing in common. Much like Josiah, the kings of Judah who were good, righteous and worthy kings had mothers with Hebrew names.
The godly fathers either didn't take time for their children or left the religious instruction up to the mothers. We don't really know for sure what happened. But we can assume that the Hebrew women who loved God made an historical difference in the lives of their royal children.
There are no guarantees in this life with regard to the outcome of our children's faith. However, these kings as well as countless other Christian families I've watched throughout the years have shown me one thing. Families who live out the Christian faith, mothers who teach their children by their actions how to love Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul and mind, seem to produce offspring who grow up to be men and women of God.
I've watched church families, including clergy, teach their children the "rules" of the faith and I've witnessed those who lived and breathed life in Jesus. Nearly 100% of children raised in the latter of these two family types find Christ and live in the light of God's grace. They do "what is right in the eyes of the Lord and walk in his ways." And I believe that much like Josiah, these children were influenced by their mothers (and probably their fathers too), mothers who know and love Jesus Christ and teach their children what is most important, mothers who understand they are raising royalty, kings and queens in the Kingdom of God.
Mark the Day
Exodus 12:14-48
As you read these verses, you might wonder what they have to do with your Christian walk today and how you can learn anything about raising children from them. But these few verses are just a taste of a theme that recurs throughout scripture. From rainbows, tassels, stones, bread and wine, to the Passover, Feast of Weeks, Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost and even the Sabbath, these are just the beginning of the ways God told His people to remember.
God knew that the days would get tough, the world would forget He saved them from a flood, so He sent a rainbow to be a reminder of His love and his promise to never destroy the earth by water again. He realized that in our humanness, living the drudgery of the day to day, it would be easy to forget to celebrate His goodness, so He gave His people Feasts and Festivals.
The Jewish people have added Purim, Rosh Hashana and Hanukkah to remind them of the times God has blessed them. Christians have set aside Christmas, Easter, Lent and Advent as places on the calendar to stop and celebrate the awesome works of our Father in Heaven.
What about your life? What days do you have to help you remember the good times? When life becomes overwhelming, what symbol do you cherish that gives you hope and takes your thoughts to a happier more blessed day?
On those days when your children are driving you nuts, how might your outlook change if on the date of their birth each month you set aside time to remember what it was like to hold that baby for the very first time? Would your relationship with your spouse change if on the monthly recurrence of your husband's birthdate you chose to spend the day thanking God for him?
What about the symbols that are a part of your daily routine? When you look at your wedding ring, are you reminded of the devotion you felt on that day you received this token of a promise of forever? Do the pictures on your refrigerator remind you that the one who just spilled grape juice on the white carpet loves you more than you can imagine? Every moment of your day can include these symbols and signs to help you put life in perspective and help you remember there's much that is good even when life is rocky.
God set in motion many days for remembrance. He set the standard for symbols to remind us of His goodness. Each piece of jewelry, every day that passes by can be an opportunity to remember the goodness of God, the beauty of His creation and the gift that He's given you in your children and spouse. So, go ahead, mark the day. When today can't be a "day to remember," make today the day you remember!
More Pages with Devotions
- Quiet Times For Busy Moms
Devotion readings for moms. Moms need a break, and a Quiet Time with Jesus is one of the best ways to get that rest!
- Even More Devotions for Busy Moms
Moms need a quiet time. Here you'll find devotion readings to inspire your time with Jesus.
Matthew 6:28-34
Perhaps you've heard the story of Paul, the first time grandfather. His son, John, gave him the gift of his first grandson when he was in his late 40's. Everyone was so proud and excited. The poor baby, however, had a bit of trouble in his first few months. Nothing serious, but he was up every night with colic and somehow managed to get his days and nights mixed up for a while.
After several months, John was at his wits end. For an entire week, John and his wife had been taking turns getting up with this screaming baby. And not just once a night, it seemed as though he never slept. One night, or early morning, depending on how you look at it, out of desperation, John called his father. It was about 2 a.m. when Paul heard the phone ring. Of course his first thought was it must be an emergency. He leaped for the phone, and there on the other end was his son.
"Hi, Dad," John began. "It's been three months, how long before he doesn't wake us up in the middle of the night anymore?"
Paul's immediate reply, "I don't know. I'll let you know when I find out."
This morning, my day got a late start. Why is that? Because one of my girls called. We hung up and in a few minutes she called back. One more phone call and 45 minutes later I was finally one my way to get started with my day. It's OK because today is my "day off," and no one cares how quickly I get started.
I smiled and thought back to the days when I naively believed that eventually my schedule would be my own. It caused me to wish I'd paid more attention to these few verses in Matthew when my children were little.
Back then I used to think, "One day I'll have some time for myself." I kept looking for "someday" instead of enjoying the day that was there in front of me.
I think when Jesus says, "don't worry about tomorrow," He also means don't wish away today.
It seems rough. Keeping up with the schedules, enduring the interruptions, planning and then changing plans, all of it can be quite tiring.
But there is a bigger picture. "Seek first the Kingdom of God . . ." We look for peace and sanity in the future, "someday." However, the scheduling, the interruptions, the plans that change will never cease as long as there are other people in our lives that we love. Peace and sanity come from focusing on the "Kingdom." They are found when we learn the 1 Thessalonians 5:17 lesson, "pray continually."
After 29 years of being a mother, I've finally learned to enjoy the "interruptions." Because I endured them when I felt I didn't have time, I now get phone calls in wonderful, but sometimes inconvenient times of the day. I'm delighted that they call me first and want their dad and I to know what's going on in their life. I feel privileged that they think my advice is generally worth their time to hear and sometimes wise enough to follow.
I know it's difficult when you can't sleep a full night and you never get to cook a meal without stopping to see, hear or clean something. It's frustrating to make a phone call only have to rescue the dog from the doll's dress. Sometimes we want to scream when we sit down just to have a few moments of silence, to read a book or watch a bit of television and our lap is immediately bombarded with books, toys or a small child.
But as Paul can attest (and me too), the interruptions will never stop. It will go from screams to injuries, the need for quality time to the phone ringing off the hook. And if they've learned that you care, when they finally leave, there will still be interruptions, welcome, beautiful, wonderful interruptions.
Until the interruptions reach the "enjoyable" stage, try not to worry if everything doesn't get done quite right. Let your only concern be spending time with God and "Seeking first HIS kingdom." Go ahead, spend all day "interrupting" your heavenly Father. He enjoys the distraction.
Another Lesson I Learned from my Dog
True Freedom ~ John 8:36
I learn so many lessons about my relationship with God and life from my kids and my dog. Yesterday I let my dog out the back door and went in the kitchen to clean for a moment. About hour later I remembered I let her out. At first I couldn't find her. Then I looked out front and there she was, lying in the front yard just waiting for me to let her in. Almost the moment I opened the door she ran up the steps. I realize all dogs aren't like her. Many will run off at the first opportunity, but our little dog learned very young what the boundaries are.
Paul shared an awesome truth in 1 Corinthians. There are two separate places (6:12 & 10:23) where Paul acknowledged that "Everything is permissible." Because of the freedom he had in Christ, there were no limits to what he could do. However, in both verses, he completed the quote by saying, "Not everything is beneficial" and "No everything is constructive." Paul learned early that just because Christ set him free didn't mean that he could do anything he pleased. He understood that life has boundaries, not because God is mean or doesn't want us to have fun, but because limits are good for us, they are beneficial and constructive.
Holly could have left the yard because I forgot she was out there, but she has learned to trust the boundaries we set for her. For years we instructed her to stay in her yard, and now she does so without being told. This little dog is wiser than we humans sometimes. She understands that our rules are only there to protect her, to give her the safest and best life possible. On the other hand, we often think we know better than God and try to operate outside the boundaries our loving Father has set for us.
As we begin to grasp Paul's lesson of the difference between permissible and beneficial, one of the greatest things we can do is pass this lesson on to our children. It's exceedingly important that we always discipline our children the same way that our Father disciplines us, out of love. When our discipline is motivated out of love rather than anger or the need to be "in charge," our children will begin to understand, much like my puppy, that we only want what's best for them. They will learn to trust our "rules" and want to follow them. They will come to know they have the freedom to break them, but they will have the wisdom to want to do what's "constructive" and "beneficial."
And finally, we must remember that our children learn more from our actions than our words. If we begrudgingly live like the rules bind us and keep us from being free, if we feel like we can't have fun living within the guidelines of our Christian faith, our children may decide the faith is too hard or not worth it, and become rebellious as they grow.
On the other hand, as they see us trusting God and living within His boundaries without complaining, as we live out the attitude that Christ's limits are good for us, "beneficial," and keep us safe and happy, there's a good chance our kids will believe these verses, they'll be anxious to follow them. They'll very likely grow to be like my puppy, quite content to stay within the boundaries, ready to enjoy living in the love and freedom of Jesus Christ!
How Many Days Each Week . . .
How Many Days a Week do You Get to Have a Quiet Time with Jesus?
Helping Your Children Find their Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gifts of the Spirit . . . for some strange reason, this is a topic a lot of people are hesitant to talk about. Everyone WANTS gifts of the Spirit, but when confronted with what we think our gift might be, we often get very quiet.
One question almost everyone has is this, "What is the difference between talents and gifts?" As you study and grow, you'll find a lot of answers to this dilemma, but here, for what it's worth, is my opinion. Gifts are listed in scripture and are pretty specific. You'll find them in these verses as well as chapter 14 and Romans 12. Depending on one's interpretation of scripture, there are 21-28 gifts mentioned that one might develop. They include: Pastor, Prophet, Teacher, Encourager, Exhorter, Discernment, Evangelism, Service, Giving, Leadership, Helps, Wisdom, Faith, Mercy, Intercession, Tongues, Healing and Miracles.
Talents are abilities that fall outside the "gifts" list. Talents can generally be developed by practice and repetition, for instance, musical abilities, crafting, carpentry, any of the arts, mechanical abilities and more. While a few of the gifts can be better developed through practice, like teaching, leadership and knowledge, most seem to be enhanced more through prayer and growing closer to Christ than through any human means.
But what does this have to do with us as mothers? First of all, to be the very best we can be in Christ, including the best mother we can be, it's vital to figure out our Spiritual gifts. If we don't know what our Spiritual Gifts are, we can't use them to build God's Kingdom. And if we're working outside our gifts, we're liable to get frustrated and feel like we don't have any special abilities or gifts from God.
Second, if we aren't confident we have supernatural gifts from our Creator, why would our children believe they do? We want our children to grow up being the very best they can be in Christ. The earlier they discover some of their Spiritual Gifts, the better they'll be able to serve and the more direction they'll have in their lives.
Summer is a great time to help your kids explore their gifts as well as their talents. Looking back, I think I tended to encourage my girls to try things that I was most comfortable with; however, I think if I'd given them more opportunities to try new things, they may have truly discovered where they can best serve Christ.
Encourage your children to read the Bible and pray, the best way to do this is to read and pray with them. Get books out of the library that cover all sorts of interests (non-fiction or fiction) and have them share with you the most interesting things they read. Allow the kids to interact with other children as well as adults so they can learn how to develop relationships and help one another. Instigate a Saturday night sleep over so they can bring friends to church and practice their evangelism skills. Do something with them outside your comfort zone. Be creative. Remember that every experience is a time of learning.
Finally, but most important, use this Summer to identify YOUR spiritual gifts. Take a couple of inventories if you like (they are all over the internet). Volunteer to do something inside the church you've never done before. Tell the ministry leader it's just for a week or two, but just do it! The more your practice the different gifts, the easier it is to determine if the gift really is your special gift or you're just caught up in the moment and the gift you thought you had wasn't yours at all. By teaching for just one Sunday or doing mid-week acts of service, you'll gradually be able to determine which gifts you have.
Come on! You can do it!!! I encourage you to take a weekend soon and work on finding your Spiritual Gifts. If you're honest with yourself and Christ, you'll be glad you did it!
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know!
Psalm 139
This week as I was considering which scripture to share with you this week, I prayed and thought and decided that this would be a good week to remind you how much God cares for you. Often as parents get caught up in helping with homework, running to practice, lessons and games and often work at least 40 hours a week, it's easy to feel unloved and forget just how precious we are to God. So take a moment and read this poem that King David wrote thousands of years ago and remember that it is still very true today. (because of copyright I am only including a portion of this Psalm here. I encourage you to get a Bible or go to BibleGateway.com and read the entire Psalm.)
Psalm 139
1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
7Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (NIV)
Sometimes we forget that God is with us every moment of the day. The Almighty knows every move we make and knows our thoughts and hearts. There are days when God seems very far away; however, David knew that even if we tried to get away from our Creator, it would be impossible. On those days when you feel insignificant and it seems you can't do anything right, let these verses remind you that you have been created, especially knit together and wonderfully made by a loving Father.
You are important to the King of the Universe, special to the Prince of peace. You are more valuable than the birds of the air and more beautiful than the flowers in the field. The Bible tells us that God made us "just a little lower than the angels." It reminds us over and over again that our loving Lord is always watching us, waiting patiently for us to turn to Him in every instance so He can take control.
You deserve to know that God loves you! You are never alone! You are a precious daughter of the King of Kings . . . so go out today and live like a Princess!
It's Your Time to Shine
This section is just for you. I get to write on the rest of the entire page, so here's your chance. Add an idea for another devotion, your questions or comments (if you leave comments, check the box to receive responses and leave your e-mail address), or just leave some words of encouragement. Can't wait to hear from you!
© 2010 Lynne Modranski


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FBI deputy Director Andrew McCabe Fired Two Days Before Retirement
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has fired former deputy director of the FBI Andrew McCabe, two days before McCabe was set to retire
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has been fired, effective immediately the Department of Justice said late Friday night. The decision comes as FBI officials recommended his firing, as they wait for a Department of Justice Inspector General report critical of him to be released.
In a statement, the Department of Justice said "the OIG and FBI OPR reports concluded that Mr. McCabe had made an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and lacked candor − including under oath − on multiple occasions."
The decision, not unexpected, came two days before McCabe was set to retire Sunday. The 49-year-old is likely to keep at least some of his pension.
In a phone interview with CBS News, McCabe said he "rejects the findings in the [Inspector General] report," calling it "misleading and unfair."
"I strongly believe this is the latest chapter in a yearlong attack on my credibility and service to the country," McCabe said.
In a statement, McCabe said "to have my career end in this way, and to be accused of lacking candor when at worst I was distracted in the midst of chaotic events, is incredibly disappointing and unfair. But it will not erase the important work I was privileged to be a part of, the results of which will in the end be revealed for the country to see."
McCabe said he was notified of his firing by a press release.
Former Depury Director Andrew McCabe has been terminated per DOJ
— Sara A. Carter (@SaraCarterDC) March 17, 2018
One leaker down. More to go. https://t.co/opNwRelx1T
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) March 17, 2018
Andrew McCabe should be able to find money through Terry McAuliffe who subsidize his wife with DNC funds to run for a Virginia Senate seat.
I don't want this House of Cards to crumble, I want it burnt down to the ground! #RealTalk #StraightTalk #Dupree
— Wayne Dupree 🎙🎥 (@WayneDupreeShow) March 17, 2018