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Galápagos Islands
Birding Galapagos
he Galapagos archipelago is a group of raw volcanic islands straddling the equator in the Pacific Ocean, some 1,000 kilometres off the coast of South America. The islands were formed along the fault line on the western edge of the archipelago, and then, over the millennia, drifted eastwards. The combination of this east-to-west age progression and the relative newness of the islands have created the best-known example of the progression of evolution. This natural laboratory is now carefully preserved and regulated. This protection and the paucity of natural predators are responsible for the world famous spectacle of a fauna that is completely unfazed by human presence. It is mainly this approachability that draws up to 100,000 visitors a year to the islands.
Although a haven for animal life, the number of species on the island is limited. The Galapagos bird list includes a scattering of migrant species including Whimbrel, Tattler, and Franklin's Gull and 57 resident species of which 25 are endemic to the islands. It is feasible to have close views of most of the endemic species during a standard one-week cruise of the islands. The list includes thirteen species of Darwin's finches, the Lava Gull, Galapagos Penguin, Dark-rumped Petrel, Galapagos Flightless Cormorant, Lava Heron, Galapagos Martin, Vermillion Flycatcher, Short-eared Owl, Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Dove and Galapagos Mockingbird. Add to this, spectacular sea birds, such as Boobies, Frigate Birds, Tropicbirds and Albatross, all of which are unusually approachable. Even the most dedicated bird watchers will be distracted, however, by close encounters with sea-lions, fur seals, tortoises, land and marine iguanas and a particularly rich marine life.The plant life, although more abundant than the animal life in terms of variety, is restricted to about 560 species. Of these, almost 230 are endemic. Three endemic species are thought to have become extinct, and many others have experienced dramatic declines in recent years. It is thought that between 20 to 30 plant species and subspecies on the islands are currently facing extinction.
The Galapagos National ParkThe fragility and importance of the island ecosystems has resulted in the Ecuadorian government declaring the islands a National Park. To protect the archipelago the National Park Service has developed rules which all visitors must adhere to. In summary these are:* Visitors are restricted to officially approved areas, and must be accompanied by a recognised naturalist guide * Nothing must be removed from the island and material must not be transported from island to island* Food should not be taken onto most of the islands* Visitors should leave the protected areas by sunset * Visitors should not touch, feed or startle the animals. Although these rules are undeniably necessary, visitors used to and expecting a more relaxed regime, including being able to explore areas independently, may find them restricting.
The Charles Darwin centre at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island is the centre of conservation and ecological research for the archipelago, and is open to visitors. Terrestrial conservation focuses on management of invasive species and how to restore the native biodiversity and ecosystems. The principal marine concern is the effects of overexploitation. The effects of human extraction upon the resources are being studied to develop sustainable management of the Marine Reserve.
Visiting the GalapagosThe usual way to explore is to use one of the several dedicated boats as a base. Cruise lengths vary from day trips to a week or more and the schedule of most boats accommodates visitors arriving by plane at Baltra airstrip. A Galapagos Park Naturalist Guide accompanies each boat. The boats range from the basic to the luxurious, from small charters to cruise ships capable of sleeping 100 guests. There is no best time of year to visit, the equatorial climate is sub-tropical, allowing cruises to operate on a year round basis. Temperatures are determined mainly by the ocean currents and prevailing winds. Generally, December to May is warm and sunny; June to November is cool and breezy. Most species of bird nest year-round, so travellers can see courtship, mating, eggs incubating and hatching and chick rearing at almost any time of the year.
Number of bird species: 178As at May 2018
Number of endemics: 32Galápagos (Lava) Heron Butorides sundevalli, Galápagos (Flightless) Cormorant Phalacrocorax harrisi, Galápagos Hawk Buteo galapagoensis, Galapagos (Crake) Rail Laterallus spilonota, Galápagos Dove Zenaida galapagoensis, Lava Gull Leucophaeus fuliginosus, Galápagos Penguin Spheniscus mendiculus, Galápagos Shearwater Puffinus subalaris, Galápagos Flycatcher Myiarchus magnirostris, Galápagos Martin Progne modesta, Galápagos Mockingbird Mimus parvulus, Floreana Mockingbird Mimus trifasciatus, Española Mockingbird Mimus macdonaldi, San Cristóbal Mockingbird Mimus melanotis, Large Ground-finch Geospiza magnirostris, Medium Ground-finch Geospiza fortis, Small Ground-finch Geospiza fuliginosa, Sharp-beaked Ground-finch Geospiza difficilis, Vampire Ground-finch Geospiza septentrionalis, Genovesa Ground-finch Geospiza acutirostris, Española Ground-finch Geospiza conirostris, Common Cactus-finch Geospiza scandens, Española Cactus-finch Geospiza conirostris, Genovesa Cactus-finch Geospiza propinqua, Vegetarian Finch Platyspiza crassirostris, Large Tree Finch Camarhynchus psittacula, Medium Tree Finch Camarhynchus pauper, Small Tree Finch Camarhynchus parvulus, Woodpecker Finch Camarhynchus pallidus, Mangrove Finch Camarhynchus heliobates, Green Warbler-finch Certhidea olivacea, Grey Warbler-finch erthidea fusca
iGoTerra ChecklistiGoTerra ChecklistFatbirder Associate iGoTerra offers the most comprehensive and up to date birds lists on the web
A Guide to the Birds of the GalapagosBy Isabel Castro & Antonia Phillips | Christopher Helm | 1996 | Paperback | 144 pages, 32 col plates, line illus, 1 map | ISBN: 0713639164 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birds, Mammals & Reptiles of the Galapagos Islandsby Andy Swash & Rob Still | Christopher Helm | 2005 | Paperback | 168 pages, 53 colour plates (photos and illustrations) | ISBN: 0713675519 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Galapagos Islands Bird Guide (Multilingual)By Robert Dean | Rainforest Publications | 2017 | Unbound | 14 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9780997901825 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Pocket Photo Guide to the Birds of Ecuador and GalapagosBy Clive Byers | Bloomsbury Publishing | 2017 | Paperback | 144 pages, colour photos | ISBN: 9781472937902 Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Galapagos Hawk / El Gavilán de GalápagosBy Tjitte de Vries | Tundra Ediciones | 2015 | Paperback | 209 pages, colour & b/w photos, colour & b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9788494404894 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Wildlife of the GalápagosBy Julian Fitter, Daniel Fitter, David Hosking & Martin B Withers | William Collins (Harper Collins imprint) | 2016 | Paperback | 288 pages, 650+ colour photos, colour illustrations and colour maps | ISBN: 9780008156732 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Click on WAND for tours, guides, lodges and more…
Andean BirdingTour OperatorJoin Andean Birding on an unforgettable bird cruise of a lifetime to the Galápagos Islands. On an eight-day cruise we will visit nine islands enjoying easy birding of the 58 resident species and 29 migrants. Birding on the Galápagos affords leisurely views of the birds due to their extraordinary island tameness and much of the time you don`t even have to use your binoculars!
Galasam Galapagos ToursTour OperatorWe are a largest tour operator company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador. We invite you to discover the GALAPAGOS ISLANDS on board one of the six yachts that we operate in the archipelago. The GALAPAGOS are just an incredible place. They are located 1000 Km far away from the coastline of Ecuador. There are 48 islands and rocks, and thirteen of them have over 14 Km square. Its tropical climate permits to grow to the most amazing fauna and flora species. Giant tortoises in the Charles Darwin Research Station -Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz island- marine and land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, colourful fishes and incredible views are waiting for you in there! Close your eyes for a sec. and think in the rugged landscape resembling the surface of the moon - Isabela island-, or in the beautiful red, white or black sand beaches…. And there is much more!
Neblina ForestTour OperatorEach year, during Thanksgiving, Neblina Forest organizes the Galapagos Thanksgiving Birding Trip. Come and join our program, we want to share with you the opportunity to see most of the 28 endemic species of the Islands including Charles Mockingbird, Galápagos Martin, all the Darwin finches -including the super rare Mangrove Finch- along with the chance of snorkeling and discover -first hand- the Natural History of these unique ecosystems…
Quasar ExpeditionsTour OperatorWe offer travel to the Galapagos Islands in small and mid-sized boats with family and friends: in company…
Tropic Ecological AdventuresTour OperatorTropic is a unique travel company offering superb nature-based trips with a genuine environmental and social commitment in Ecuador, one of the world's richest natural destinations. We run programmes to all regions of Ecuador, but specialise in the Amazon and the Galapagos.
Click on WAND for tours, guides, lodges and more…
2008 [08 August] - Scott OlmsteadPDF ReportLanding on Baltra and seeing for the first time the arid, scrubby landscape is always a surprise no matter how much you have read about the Galapagos. It just looks primitive. As we climbed out of the plane and into the welcoming heat, the birding got underway from the runway: we had already seen Galapagos Dove and a pair of Medium Ground-Finches before we even reached the tiny airport terminal…
2008 [11 November] - Nick AthanasReportYou've probably already heard people people sing the praises of the Galapagos, but there's a good reason for that. It truly is a magical place. The first time you land on one of those uninhabited islands covered with breeding seabirds, fearless sea lions, friendly finches, and curious mockingbirds, you feel a sense of awe that is just impossible to explain…
2009 [11 November] - Nick AthanasReportEven though a cruise through the Ecuadorian Enchanted Islands is normally a relaxing birding tour, this year's trip faced from the very start a big challenge after having had in 2008 the great luck of getting the first photographic record in 30 years of a bird that seemed to be a Mangrove Finch on Fernandina Island (read the November 2008 TB trip report)…
2010 [11 November] - Andrés VásquezPDF ReportAfter a direct flight from Quito to Baltra we arrived to the Enchanted Islands and moved immediately to the Fragata Yacht which was to be our comfortable home for the next seven nights. Even though the first finches were seen flying away from us at the airport, the first one we saw well was a male Medium Ground-Finch at the pier while we were waiting to board our yacht. There we also got the first of several Lava Gulls, several sunbathing Land Iguanas, and our first Galapagos Doves…
2012 [11 November] - Andrés VásquezPDF Report…We found all of Darwin ́s famous Finches except for the critically- endangered Mangrove Finch, (which most tours are not granted permission to visit due to strict protection measures in place for this bird the numbers under 100 individuals), and all the rest of endemics except for the cormorant as we, sadly, were not permitted to visit Isabela/Fernandina as originally planned….
2013 [06 June] - Andy SwashPDF Report…But it was the amazing creatures of Galápagos and their total lack of fear of humans that made the tour such a magical experience, allowing us intimate encounters with some of the most fascinating birds, mammals, reptiles and, for those who wished to snorkel, fish on our beautiful planet. And the photographic opportunities were endless…
2013 [06 June] - Willy PerezReport…The sea also provides a great assortment, of wildlife and we were lucky to see some of these animals even from the boat, such as Hammerhead Sharks, Bottlenose Dolphins, Pacific Green Turtle and many colorful fish…
2013 [07 July] - Eric Hynes & Peter FreireReport…We eventually tallied all of the endemic birds except Mangrove Finch, a species so endangered that access to the only remaining site has been closed. Teasing out the various Darwin's finches became a little clearer by the end of the week thanks to repetition. The seabird show, from storm-petrels to albatross, was simply spectacular. Marine mammals and reptiles rounded out our unforgettable adventure…
2013 [07 July] - Michael O'BrienPDF Report…Little dramas were constantly playing out before our eyes: frigatebirds chasing distressed Red-footed Boobies to steal their fish; a Short-eared Owl snatching a Wedge-rumped Storm-Petrel as it emerged from its crevice in the lava field; courting groups of Red-billed Tropicbirds screaming overhead, vying for superior nest sites; or a nestling Great Frigatebird desperately defending itself from an intruding adult Red-footed Booby…
2013 [08 August] - Megan Crewe with Peter FreireReport…Among the chief highlights of a visit to the Galapagos are "Darwin's Finches," the unassuming little brown birds whose subtle differences helped Charles Darwin to crystallize his revolutionary theory of evolution. Now known to be drab members of the tanager family, these birds radiated out across the islands, changing subtly over the eons as they encountered new habitats and competitors…
2013 [10 October] - Paul GreenfieldPDF Report…How does one put into words the sensation of swimming with playful Galapagos Penguins, or sharing an underwater feeding frenzy with Flightless Cormorants and diving Blue-footed Boobies?…
2013 [11 November] - Jose IllanesPDF Report…n this part of the archipelago, which at that time included Red-billed Tropicbird, Nazca, Blue-footed and Red- footed Boobies. The largest colony of Red-footed Boobies occurs in this area…
2014 [11 November] - Pablo CervantesPDF Report... The following day we docked on yet another island, this time one of the oldest in the group, San Cristobal, where a mockingbird bearing the island's name was our successful target for the day. Next up was a trip to two different areas ofEspanola in the far south of the islands, where a visit to the principal nesting colony of the Waved Albatross was a serious highlight too...
2015 [05 May] - Willy Perez & Peter FreireReport...Colorful birds were also a big attraction: male Magnificent and Great frigatebirds puffed out their pouches in full show, Red-billed Tropicbirds flew and called at eye level, and of course the dance of the Blue-footed Boobies was as always amazing. Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins dotted the dark rocky lava, storm-petrels followed our boat, and sometimes a loud splash from a ray kept us awake during our nighttime crossings.
2015 [07 July] - Michael O'BrienReport PDF... From the first moments of this cruise, we saw firsthand one of the most unique aspects of Galápagos Wildlife: having evolved with no major land predators, the birds and other animals were utterly unafraid of humans. At every outing, sea lions, iguanas, doves, hawks, boobies, and mockingbirds were literally at arm's-length. This behavioral trait was emphasized whenever we came across a migrant from the north, such as a Whimbrel or Wandering Tattler, which invariably flew off as we approached.
2015 [11 November] - Charles Harper - North-east Ecuador and the Galapagos IslandsReportThe Galapagos Islands were on my bucket list, and I asked by old college roomie to join me. We hadn't seen each other for more than thirty years. We had been biology students together, and I really wanted at least one more grand field trip together. Since Bob is a professional entomologist, I spent some time looking at other than avian species for a change.
2016 [05 May] - Andy SwashPDF ReportThere were very many highlights during the tour, but special mention should be made of the wonderful morning spent admiring Waved Albatrosses on Española, where we even had to step carefully to avoid birds nesting on the paths; excellent views of Floreana (Charles) Mockingbirds during a panga (dinghy) ride along the coast of the tiny island of Champion (landing is not permitted on this island, which is one of only two remaining strongholds for this Critically Endangered species); Medium Tree-fnches (also categorized as Critically Endangered) at point-blank range in the highlands of Floreana; close views of Flightless Cormorants and Galápagos Penguins on Isabela; the evening gathering of Galápagos Petrels off Santiago (another of the Critically Endangered breeding endemics); walking amongst breeding colonies of Blue-footed, Nazca and Red-footed Boobies and displaying Great and Magnifcent Frigatebirds at point-blank range. We also had unprecedented views of Paint-billed Crakes in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal. But perhaps the most signifcant bird sighting of the tour was the very close and prolonged views of Galápagos Martins at a breeding site on Isabela, allowing some excellent images to be taken of this Endangered and very rarely photographed species.
2016 [07 July] - David E WolfPDF Report...As we watched them, a Red-billed Tropicbird flew directly to the island from the sea, only to be knocked to the ground by a vicious trio of frigatebirds....
2016 [07 July] - Willy PerezReport...Our group's list of favorites included Paint-billed Crake, Yellow Warbler, Nazca and Blue-footed boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, even a Brown Pelican. Finches were popular, with the Mangrove Finch providing a nice surprise. Swallow-tailed Gulls showed what they are capable of; the ones feeding their chicks with squid on Genovesa were admired by many of us. Inquisitive mockingbirds were incredible, especially the Espanola Mockingbirds that came to catch flies and check our group for water sources (with no luck). Many of you decided that the Waved Albatrosses were most impressive...
2016 [08 August] - Oscar CampbellPDF Report...The other really outstanding place to visit is (apparently) Fernandina and the adjacent shoreline of Isabela (mostspectacular volcanology on the archipelago; this is the only place you will see Flightless Cormorant and there is, maybe, anextremely outside chance of the critically endangered Mangrove Finch) plus the biggest concentrations of Marine Iguanas and Galápagos Penguins...
2017 [06 June] - Jesse FaganReport...Several really stand out for me: watching clacking, clucking, waddling, and dancing Waved Albatrosses strengthen their pair ponds, and there was the very friendly Galapagos Penguin on Black Beach...
2017 [07 July] - Michael O'BrienPDF ReportUpon arrival in Baltra, we were met by our first taste of Galápagos abundance: both Land and Marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Small Ground-Finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Noddies, Elliott's Storm-Petrels—all while we were standing at the dock waiting for our first panga ride to the ship!
2017 [07 July] - Willy PerezReportEvery visit to the "Enchanted Islands" is different, but the special thing about Galapagos is that you will see unique wildlife up close to you, (sometimes too close!) ... or in the most unexpected places! The sites that we visited were superb for the birds that we needed, and the Nemo III was a great moving home from which to see the islands, and have a great adventure. The Nemo always got us where we wanted to be. The crew was great, and the food was tasty and delicious. And, I almost forgot — what about the decorations for each meal?
2017 [11 November] - Bob MeinkePDF Report...Our first Galápagos Flycatchers were spotted on this walk, as well. We finally reached a small bay that was wells tocked with some very relaxed California Sea Lions (actually a subspecies that often goes by Galápagos Sea Lion), where we also found the endemic Lava Gull, the rarest species of gull in the world...
2018 [02 February] - Susan & Burt MittelstadtPDF ReportSpecies list - The week began with a fish dinner on Saturday night, followed by Amy's birthday cake at Puembo Birding Gardens.
2018 [03 March] - Dodie LoguePDF ReportSpecies list
Birds of the GalapagosWebsiteAll photographs were taken in the Galapagos from December 19-26, 1998.
Galapagos Sea BirdsWebsiteThe cool, oxygen-rich waters surrounding the Galapagos support an abundant marine flora and fauna which, in turns, support a variety of sea birds. The most obvious and frequently seen sea birds are members of the order Pelecaniformes. In the Galapagos, these include two species of frigate bird, three species of booby, the brown pelican, the red-billed tropicbird and the flightless cormorant
Gallery - Galapagos Photo AlbumGalleryA useful source of information about some of its endemics


text: Somerset Carers Service - Community Council for Somerset (CCS) CCS delivers the contract for Somerset Carers Service alongside their complimentary support services - the Somerset Village & Community Agents. CCS is the Community Council for Somerset, a Somerset-wide charity, established in 1926, delivering a range of personalised support & infrastructure services for communities across the county, often in isolated rural areas. For more info: Visit their website Visit their Facebook page

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The Team
Dr. Christopher Meyer MD, FACS, RVT
Dr. Christopher Meyer is a graduate (Summa Cum Laude) of the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Meyer completed his surgical residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, and moved to Central Florida in 2004, where he has been dedicated to providing state-of-the-art care in General and Vascular Surgery.
During his training in Vascular Surgery, Dr. Meyer realized that patients with venous disease were being ignored by the medical community. Although patients suffered from pain related to varicose veins and venous disease, they were told that its treatment was merely cosmetic, and not a medical issue. As a result, Dr. Meyer started Florida Vein Care Specialists in order to service the vascular health needs of patients in Florida. Dr. Meyer is dedicated to the care and cure of venous disease ranging from varicose veins, chronic swelling, venous ulcers, and spider veins. To cure these conditions, he uses cutting edge, minimally invasive medical procedures. These include Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT), Phlebectomies (vein removal), Sclerotherapy, and the VeinGogh Ohmic Thermolysis System.
Dr. Meyer is also the founder of the Vein Academy that trains physicians from all over the world on both the EVLT and Radio Frequency procedures for varicose veins. The Vein Academy is located in Winter Park, Florida. See www.Vein-Academy.com. At South Jacksonville Vein Care Specialists, we are prepared to go the distance to help you feel and look your best!
Mark Matey, DPM
Dr Mark A Matey is a graduate of Youngstown State University and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr Matey left Northeast Ohio for good and spent the next three years in a well respected surgical residency in Miami, FL.
The residency program served those who served us best in South Florida. During his time at the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center Dr Matey recognized that his calling was to be in wound care. Shortly after Dr Matey settled in Jacksonville he was approached by Baptist Medical Center to help open its new Wound Institute, the first to offer hyperbaric in Northeast Florida. Dr Matey was fortunate to have a chance to utilize a vast array of biologic and technical advancements during this time.
However, there was one that stood alone in its profound and lasting effects, Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation changed lives. Dr Matey has been changing lives for the better for the last ten years with his treatment of venous disease. This is why Dr Matey entered the medical field and why he has been a pioneer of sorts within his specialty. He has a wealth of experience treating venous disease with effective surgical and non surgical treatments.
"Changed my life! I went in with a leg that looked like two purple wobbly watermelons stuck on top of the blue water balloon that was my ankle, all balanced on the slab of liver my foot resembled. My foot was so bad my toenails had stopped growing and it ballooned over the top of shoes, when I could fit it in one at all. Ten years of trekking around other doctors who shook their heads and said nothing could be done. My pain was so bad I could barely haul around the grocery store or limp into his office.
Dr Meyer doesn't spend his time glued to his computer screen. He LISTENED. He poked, prodded, had his wonderful staff spend ages on my leg with the ultrasound. Got on the machine himself. Then he began, one vein at a time. Patiently. Explaining everything as he went and what he needed me to do to help it heal. The kind of partnership you wish you got from every doctor and office staff. It took him several years, because damage like mine is no quick fix and my veins looked like tangled and knotted spaghetti.
Today I have matching legs. My "bad" foot fits easily in shoes (no wobbles flowing over the tops and sides). I can WALK, not drag the bad leg behind me or have to prop it up on something every time I sit down. My legs match! I call him Dr. Miracle because he handed me one. There aren't enough stars for this doctor and his office."
- Beth Irwin 2/12/18
At South Jacksonville Vein Care Specialists, we are prepared to go the distance
to help you look and feel your best!
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Jacksonville, FL 32258
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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - 19 Action News reporter, Harry Boomer shines a light on an important organization helping small business owners. The Hispanic Business Association provides mentoring programs for Hispanic businesses in Greater Cleveland.
It also provides business owners with micro loans and advocacy for their businesses.
©2009 WOIO. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


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The following guidelines are typical of those followed at hundreds of conscious dances around the world, having been developed through community discussions and agreement over decades. Please let us know If you have questions about any of them.
Before You Arrive
- Be clean. Please arrive fresh with a clean body and clothes, as some of us are sensitive to any scented products (including essential oils) or strong body odors.
- Be clear-minded. We dance free of alcohol and illegal substances.
- Leave your shoes and smartphones off the dance floor. And please leave any valuables at home or safely hidden in your car. (Note: If you need shoes for foot health, we welcome soft-soled shoes that have not been worn outside.)
Holding a Safe and Sacred Space
- Dance and move however you feel it. There's no right or wrong way to be ecstatic!
- Be curious, open, and accepting. Please suspend judgements of self or other.
- Refrain from talking on the dance floor. Take all conversations out to the lobby
- Move with care and awareness through the space. Help us avoid collisions on the dance floor.
- Be mindful of others' personal boundaries. Ecstatic Dance is very contact-friendly, but we all have different levels of comfort when it comes to being approached and touched.
- We are a consent-based community. Only give attention or touch to whom welcomes it.
- No taking pictures or video. Photography tends to take people out of their deep experience and is a breach of privacy.
Being with Our Music
Our particular approach to Ecstatic Dance opens with flowing music to warm-up the body, builds steadily in tempo & intensity to reach peaks of ecstasy, and eventually glides into meditative, heart-chakra stillness. During the journey we play a very wide variety of music across different genres. If there's a song you don't prefer or that doesn't seem danceable at first, we invite you to be curious and try to discover it in your body. Or use it as an opportunity to work with the judgements that arise. Or hold witness for how others are feeling the music. Or take a break to visit our altar or get some water. Just know that the music keeps changing, so something different is coming soon.


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Fresno crown molding
flexible rope lighting
Hartford cornice molding
decorative mirrors
Neoclassic wall sconces
fireplace tools
The right lighting often makes al the difference. The living room on the picture uses a variety of lighting sources for maximum flexibility and
impact. All lighting fixtures in this room have dimmers to set any desired mood. Serene in its commitment to the
color and wide open space, this living area owes much of its presence to the
molding for indirect lighting.
Large windows welcomes the light that pours in during the day, and the color of the walls and furnishings maximize is effect. But when daylight fades, crown molding lighting bounces of the ceiling and bathes it with in a gentle glow. Strategically placed recessed lights provide genuine overall illumination. Just because a room boasts a lot of natural light doesn't mean it needs minimal lighting. Plan to include general, task, and accent lighting in any room, so each area will be as livable after dark as it in the daytime.
The dimmers allow you to create mood with lighting fixtures by adjusting light levels to create a mood. If you will read, watch TV, do paperwork, or perform some other activity, you'll have to provide specific task lighting. In general floor lamps that are 40 to 49 inches from the floor to the bottom of the shade provide generous light spread. Adjustable lamps provide wonderful tusk lighting.
Table lamps with shades are ideal because they direct light upward and downward with little glare. For reading the bottom of the shade should be just below eye level.


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Philippians 1:12-18
As I read through our Philippians passages this last week, I am intrigued by Paul writing to and praying for the Philippians; never letting the fact that his situation is less than stellar close him off from everyone. He continues with his mission and in fact, praises his own situation for good reason (vs 1:12). Because Christ is preached. Not because he's learning some valuable lesson by being in prison, but because God is using His situation for good. It is not wasted.
What kind of example is he showing us here? How can we learn from him?
There is nothing we can do to change our situation.
I've learned that sitting around constantly thinking of my own circumstances and how unfair it is is not productive in the least. Thinking positive thoughts doesn't get me what I want either. That's not faith. That's not to say we shouldn't think well when we are in tough situations. But to believe that thinking positively is in any way faith is a misrepresentation of faith.
I would encourage thinking truthfully, instead. Setting our minds on God's promises and on what is true according to His word helps take every thought captive. Having faith isn't about calling our good thoughts "faith" and believing they can change a situation. Faith is believing God is who He says He is and that He's going to do what He said He is going to do. Keeping that in mind, this releases us from being trapped by our circumstances so we can focus on others.
The world doesn't stop when we face trials.
Sometimes it can feel like the world has stopped when we are going through a difficult time. We can get tunnel vision and unknowingly remain focused on our own hardships. I think this can put a strain on our relationship with others. Sometimes people will understand your position and sometimes they won't and feel slighted.
However, regardless of how others feel, we can't ignore the fact that helping others through their tough times by prayer and by being available will deeper our relationship with them, mature us in the faith, and allow us to take our eyes off our own problems. Especially if we are facing circumstances that are out of our control; which lets face it, when are we really in control of how life hits us?
It's a tangible way to be selfless and love others.
Going back to taking the focus off our own situation, we are moving to a new level of selflessness when we choose to love others through prayer. When people tell me they've been praying for me, I feel SO special. Because who am I that they would take time out of their life to think of me and pray for me? It is one of the best gifts anyone can ever give.
They approached The Father on my behalf, presenting my broken heart and needs to Him. And when I felt like I was all prayed out, they carried me with their prayers. God's strength has been evident in me because of the prayers of others. And these people are also going through trials of their own.
The Bible encourages us to pray for one another, (James 5:16) for the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.


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Intelligent Transport Systems for Smarter Cities
Getting caught in a traffic jam often brings out the worst in most of us. We blame bad drivers, poor roads, burgeoning traffic, absence of a mass rapid transport system and unbridled urbanization for the troubles we face while navigating a city road. While all these may have contributed to the urban road chaos, seldom do we stop to consider why things aren't changing despite the vast amounts of money being invested in transport infrastructure.
For example, take the large Indian metros like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata that have made huge investments in developing metro rail networks. Initiatives have been taken to modernise road infrastructure, improve the quality of public transport and introduce a variety of innovative features such as e-toll, emergency response system, bus rapid transport (BRT) corridors and metro networks.
According to a World Bank report, the density of India's highway network (0.66) is similar to that of the United States (0.65) and much greater than that of China (0.16) or Brazil (0.20). Therefore, it seems that building new roads and adding infrastructure has not helped significantly.
Besides increasing traffic congestion, the urban areas are also faced with several other transport-related problems such as increasing emission of pollutants and depleting fuel resources that adversely impact the overall wellbeing of any major city. Studies have shown that an effective transport system is important for a city's economic competitiveness and severe congestion is known to have a negative impact on GDP.
To make transport management more effective, several cities across the world are trying to build intelligence into existing systems. Transport management systems and software tools have been effective to curtail traffic woes around some mega cities of the world. A smart traffic system helped Stockholm cut gridlock by 20 per cent, reduce emissions by 12 per cent and increase public transportation use dramatically. In London, a congestion management system lowered traffic volume to the mid-1980s levels. The system in Singapore can predict traffic speeds with nearly 90 per cent accuracy. With future enhancements, the system will help predict—rather than merely monitor—other traffic conditions as well.
Although Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been around for a long time, the new generation of solutions offer features like traffic prediction, analytics and decision support, traveller information, advisory services, ticketing and fare collection. Innovative tools such as roadside sensors, radio frequency tags and global positioning systems also help monitor and manage transport more effectively.
For example, traffic prediction helps multi-modal planning whereby transport services can be integrated to provide seamless and efficient movement of people. Analytics and decision support helps in continuous, system-wide performance measurement that helps provide optimal solutions to a city's dynamic transport needs. Providing integrated ticketing and fare collection enhances commuter comfort by integrating rail, bus and parking fares.
Sustained research across cities has revealed that an intelligent transport system is much more than just discrete software solutions. It is about adopting customer-centric approaches that create a shift in their attitudes to cost, value and use of transport systems. That is why leading cities worldwide are using these technologies to implement transport strategies and create holistic transport solutions that address three key strategies: governance, transport network optimization and integrated transport services.
This is where transport maturity models come in handy as they can assess a city's programs. Each city has a different implementation path based on its unique starting position and the priorities it sets out thereafter. Cities can benchmark their ITS strategies to the transport maturity model adopted by IBM to ascertain current progress and compare it with global leading practices. It can also be used to validate their strategies and develop an ITS implementation roadmap.
As technologies mature and local administrations become more experienced in optimizing their value, one can expect more and more cities to adopt these global practices. Of course, cities can learn from others' experiences and accelerate their own programs for smart transportation.
Traffic management has been a challenge in India and continues to become more difficult with every passing day. It cannot be addressed only by constructing new roads, bridges and underpasses. The solution lies in taking an integrated approach to traffic management and leveraging advanced technologies and intelligent solutions.
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PELI 1600 test to destruction - Test 4
This time we open the BroadcastShow firearms cupboard and shoot the Peli 1600 case.
Is is bullet proof? Will it survive?
Take a look at the full LIVE show introducing this challenge and looking at the state of the case afterwards http://youtu.be/_T_im4pYwvI
Tags: peli 1600 | bullet proof | PELI 1600 test to destruction - Test 4 | PELI


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It turns out that I still read the WOZ. On the web, most of my news arrives via @boingboing and @xeni – Twitter! There are a few other accounts I follow: @cshirky, @evgenymorozov, @privacylaw, @eff.
The WOZ #43, Oct. 27, 2011 listed some American alternative media beyond SMS and YouTube and talked about the need to finance them as a form of intellectual self-defense as well as some comments regarding their history or direction)
Here is where I got my information from in the years up to 2005 (before I turned to playing games as a HomoLudens):
Stuff I no longer read: Bytes4All [1], Slashdot, Kuro5in, Newsforge, ViridianDesign... I just don't like news online, who knows why – the monitor? the quality? I dunno. Perhaps I read the newspaper on the train, and when I am at the monitor, I have other things to do. Or perhaps the text quality is lower, so it bores me easily, who knows.
Google News would be great, but it is just too much (InformationOverload). I'm trying to use NewsMap instead.
Tech stuff
Legal stuff:


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Dell has come out with another family member of the Alienware Series. This is Alienware M14x. After reading the specification sheet of the laptop I found that this one is better than M15x and slight ahead of M11x also. I was really excited to spend some time with this one and finally my wait was over. I was allowed to spend some time with the M14x and that was enough for me to test this one. Well we tested the M14x from all aspects and here's the detailed review of it for you guys.
The Dell Alienware M14x has got a sporty look which was noticed in the previous Alienware laptops also. This has been Trademark of Alienware laptops which is pretty stylish. The quality of the product used in the shell of M14x is very impressive. It isn't going to lose its glossy effect anytime soon. M14x is tough and weighs about 3 kg's which is heavier than most of the 14 inch laptops.
The Alienware M14x has got a 14 inch WLED screen which is nice and glossy. In the line of 14 inch laptops most of them are having screen resolution of 1366×768. But M14x is a step ahead and is having a screen resolution of 1600×900 – a perfect aspect ratio 16:9. There's a small webcam located on top of the screen which will help you out while you are on Video chat via Skype, Facebook or Google+.
The Alien Command Center software which comes pre-loaded with the laptop allows you to play with the lights of keyboard. This was also available in the previous models of Alienware laptops but this time you can also have different kinds of colors in four different sections. The M14x keyboard is divided in four sections.
Alienware M14x is powered by an Intel Core i7-2720QM processor of 2.2 GHz, 6 GB DDR3 RAM and a 1.5GB Nvidia GeForce GT555M Graphics. It has got 320GB of Hard Drive. Hardware combination is quite good but we expected some more amount of Hard Drive space and a few GB's of RAM considering its price.
It has three USB ports (all USB 3.0, backward compatible), a VGA and HDMI port, 9-in-1 card reader, gigabit ethernet and headphone & mic for connectivity. In terms of Wireless connectivity it has got Wi-Fi (802.11 n) and Bluetooth.
Windows 7 Home Premium Operating comes pre-loaded with Alienware M14x.
When it came to performance Alienware M14x was doing what it was expected to do. With a powerful i7 processor, loads of memory and the fast spinning Hard Drive the M14x scored 9189 on PC Mark Vantage. We can ensure you that, till date all the apps will work on M14x without any hesitation. Multitasking won't slow down this rig. Most of the Video Editing applications worked without any sort of problems.
We played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 at 1600×900 and turn all the video options to Maximum at it averaged at 37 fps. While in the similar conditions Crysis 2 averaged at 22 fps. When it came to multimedia we didn't expect Alienware to do something new. But we were too early to predict on this one. The Display is nice and bright for watching Full HD Videos. The On-board speakers were pumping out sounds at acceptable levels.
The laptop has got backlit keyboard and touchpad. With the flat-top keys the keyboard looks good. The feedback of the Keyboard is very good. Even at complete dark conditions the keyboard and the touchpad of the laptop will stay visible under a variety of backlighting options.
The Battery life of Alienware M14x isn't that great when compared to other 14 inch laptops. While watching a HD Movie the battery lasted for around 90 minutes. Well this can go much further when you are using office or light applications.
Priced at Rs. 94,500 the Dell Alienware M14x will attract a lot of users. Though we think, it's priced little bit on the higher side. On Amazon you will get this for around $1300. Buy it from Amazon
The Alienware M14x fits nicely between M11x and M17x. Portability with Performance. This will let you to game anywhere you want. This is a perfect rig for the LAN Gaming Parties. Check out the review of the older model


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Acne TreatmentMonday, September 22, 2008 Labels: Beauty, Beauty Products, Health, Medical, Skin Care 0 Comments
I talked to my cousin the other day and she asked me if I'm familiar with pro active acne treatment. She's been having a hard time getting rid of her acne. She tried almost any acne treatment products in the market today but to no avail. Anyway, I'm thinking of sending her some pro active acne products which help clear and prevent acne with Proactiv® Solution acne treatment.


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Small-Scale Solar PV Systems Regulations
- 27 Sep
Small-Scale Solar PV Systems Regulations
The Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) in Saudi Arabia has issued a regulatory framework regarding self-consumption of electricity consumers and export of surplus energy to the national grid using small-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
These regulations aim to promote the connection of small-scale solar PV systems to the distribution system, establish a net metering scheme, as well as ensure efficient and safe construction, installation, maintenance and operation of these PV systems within Saudi Arabia.
Application and Conditions
The Small Solar PV Systems
The consumer may install small-scale solar PV systems under net metering arrangement that has the following conditions:
-It should be within the permissible rated capacity as defined under these regulations.
-It shall be located in the premises of the consumer.
-The systems shall not exceed a capacity of 2 MW in one premise.
-It shall not exceed an aggregate capacity of 5 MW in the area of supply at any electricity department.
-It shall not be less than 1 kW.
-It shall connect and operate safely with the distribution system.
-Its connection complies with the Distribution Code requirements, as amended from time to time.
The Net Metering Arrangement
This scheme allows you to receive credit for excess renewable electricity delivered to the grid. Generated surplus electricity shall be exported to the distribution system, recorded in the billing system, and carried forward on one consumption account only. Surplus units will be rolled over for a period of three years. At the end of the period, the distribution service provider (DSP) shall pay the consumer a Tariff prepared by the DSP and submitted to the ECRA for approval.
The Consumers
These regulations apply to all categories of consumers; however, the DSP, which was licensed by ECRA to own and maintain a network on the distribution system, should prioritize the availability of the net metering arrangements of residential, commercial, government, and agriculture consumers.
To qualify as a consumer of small-scale solar PV systems with the net metering scheme, you shall meet the following requirements:
-Be a consumer of the DSP
-Have the necessary municipal permit(s) and agreements relating to the small-scale solar PV systems
-Must be in legal possession of the premises on which the small-scale solar PV system is supposed to be installed
-Connect the proposed small-scale solar PV system to the distribution system
The Metering System
The DSP will supply two meters that need to be installed to measure the electricity consumed. The first meter, which the DSP will bear the cost, should be bidirectional – compared to traditional, this meter can provide three readings: delivery, receiving, and the net. It will measure the energy injected and consumed into the distribution system.
The second meter, which the consumer must pay, will measure the electricity generated by the small-scale solar PV. This is also used for small-scale solar PV systems which already reached the capacity, exceeding 100kW. The DSP and the certified contractor or consultant responsible for carrying out the electrical installations work on the systems shall inspect the meter before taking action.
General Connection
The consumer should be able to comply with the following requirements and processes:
-Submit a complete application for the connection of the small-scale solar PV system.
-Pay the relevant fees and charges for connection and inspection which are set by the DSP and approved by ECRA.
-Submit to the DSP an evidence of material compliance with the Saudi or equivalent International standards (PV modules, inverters, etc.)
-Only a certified Solar PV contractor or consultant shall carry out the design and specification of the small-scale solar PV system.
-A certified contractor or consultant may also be appointed to carry out any electrical installations works and liaise with the DSP on the submittals, drawing approvals, and inspection processes.
-The consumer shall obtain the necessary municipal permits prior to connection and energization of the small-scale solar PV installation in accordance with any applicable legislation.
Installation Process
Step 1: Selection of Solar PV Contractor or Consultant
The consumer wishing to install a small-scale solar PV system shall pick a DSP-approved solar PV contractor or consultant who shall be responsible for carrying out electrical installations work. So make sure you choose an authorized person.
Step 2: Solar PV Initial Enquiry
The consumer is required to submit an application form for a small-scale solar PV system connection, including all necessary information and documents regarding the proposed geographical location for the system, and also an application fee.
After the application, the DSP shall carry out an impact study – an assessment of the proposed location from the consumer. They may request the consumer to provide a detailed planning data that is listed from the planning code of the distribution code. This is to govern the relationship between a distribution licensee and its system's users, ensuring the technical aspects are operated well.
The DSP shall inform the consumer within 20 working days from the submission of the application whether it is approved or not. The approval will be accompanied by a municipality permit which will be valid for 180 days since it was issued.
Step 3: Municipal Permits Application
The consumer shall obtain the following municipal permits of the small-scale solar PV system installation which the certified consultant or contractor can also get:
-People safety
-Building safety
-Small-scale solar PV installation aesthetics to the surrounding area
Step 4: Design Approval
As required by the DSP, a design approval application form shall be submitted by the consumer, including some comprehensive documents and information to be validated. This is to carry out the electrical installation work and to comply with the standards and regulations of electrical installations.
For the approval, the design should maintain the standards of the distribution network which shall notify the consumer and will calculate the connection fees to be charged. Within 10 business days from the payment, two copies of a connection agreement containing the terms and conditions shall be signed by both parties – one copy id for the DSP and the other is for the consumer.
Step 5: Inspection and Energization
Following the construction of the small-scale solar PV system, the consumer then submits an inspection application to the DSP, together with some comprehensive documents. Installation of meters and commissioning tests will follow before the system can be fully energized. The DSP will then issue a final inspection report certifying the successful installation.
DSP Billing and Reporting
Through the use of the metering infrastructure, the DSP shall develop and submit an appropriate consumption bill to ensure efficient communication between the net metering scheme and the customer. The bill shall contain the following information:
-The number of energy units exported
-The number of energy units imported
-Accumulated credit energy units due to surplus energy generated and exported to the distribution system
-Net energy units due to credit energy units within the current billing cycle
-Carried forward credit energy units for future billing cycles
The DSP will also report to the ECRA on January 31st of each calendar year. The report will include the uptake, total energy units, aggregated peak capacity, the approved and connected installations, as well as the approved small-scale solar PV systems which have not been connected.
As these new regulations are essential towards Saudi Arabia's deployment of alternative energy sources, our services in EGPHIL Solar Solutions will give you an excellent experience by providing a turn-key solution to an efficient PV system in Saudi Arabia. For more details, give us a call on +966 12 668 1177.


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Don't knock it until you try it! Most people don't invest in gold because they feel that it's not as easy as it is to invest in paper. It's unfortunate because that's simply not true.
Investing in gold is just as easy to acquire if you know how to do it.
Why Invest In Gold Now?
Let's talk about why people are investing in gold before understanding how possible it is to invest in it. You've most likely noticed that interest rates have plummeted and they aren't rising anytime soon. The value of the dollar and euro has sunk and they don't seem to be getting any lifesavers.
What this means is that many people are turning to gold because that's what investors historically have done. As soon as the economy takes a downturn they run to the gold market. So what happens when everyone starts buying? There's less available and whenever there's a high demand for something, prices soar.
Now, with the economy stuck in the gutter, gold continues to be bought up before it's even found. Experts are saying that the prices for it will rise in 2012 and continues all the way up to into 2014.
If you've heard the saying, "Buy low, sell high" then you know that right now is the time to buy. Of course, you could have bought years ago and gained much more from your investment but hey, you can't go back in time. All you can do is look forward and control your destiny.
Gold is lower now than it will be in another year, so take advantage of it. Don't look back in two years and think, "I really should have bought then."
Okay, so now that you know why you should invest in gold, let's start talking about how you can invest in it.
How to Invest in Gold Online
Online investment in gold is easy! All you need to do is find a reputable company, which is easy to find because some of the most prominent ones are backed by the Better Business Bureau and the most reputable precious metal associations. Just make sure you do your research so you aren't buying fake gold or sending your money into a scammer's wallet with nothing in return.
One you find a website you trust you can decide whether you want to buy gold coins or bullion. Usually, people who want to invest a few thousands of dollars will go with bullion while modest investors stick with the coins.
When you decide what you want to buy, you can start to stalk the prices of them. Do it for about a week or so until you get comfortable with the highs and lows of the market. When you see a price that makes you want to jump on it because it's lower than what you've been seeing, all you have to do is lock in the price with your credit card online or by calling the company.
After you've locked in the price, you'll have to make arrangements to prove your identity to the company and send them the money. This can usually be done with wire transfer or personal check. Each company has different requirements for how long you have to send your payment, but it's usually 48 hours.
Once you have made your payment and proved your identity, you are a proud gold investor! You can then have it sent to you for storage or if you are using a company that also has storage capabilities, you can purchase that option. It all depends on what you want to do with your gold.
Gold IRA
A gold IRA will protect your investment and can be bought as an ETF or in its physical form – coins, bars, jewelry. Your Gold IRA can also help you avoid:
- Rising inflation
- Rising interest rates
- A volatile stock market
- Weakening dollar
Planning for inflation is a smart move and Lear Capital is a great place to get started!
So now that you know how simple it is to invest in the gold market, it probably doesn't seem so intimidating, does it? Go ahead and check into it. You'll be amazed at how lucrative this market can be and you'll get excited when you finally make that decision to plunge into it.


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A collection of poems bridging the cultures of Britain and the Indian sub-continent.
"From a ghazal about a firefly to a bizarre ode to Sigmund Freud via a poem connecting the Pennines and the Himalayas, this book travels far and wide and deep into places and people."
Chris Meade, Director of the Poetry Society
Buy this book
A Little Bridge jointly with Debjani Chatterjee & Basir Sultan Kazmi (Pennine Pens, 1997) Poetry Anthology in English.
£5.95, copies available from penninepens.co.uk
or via Simon at cover price + £1.50 P&P


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College and Career Advisory
The DCIS College and Career Advisory Office offers students a variety of resources designed to help them find a "good match" between themselves and colleges. The College and Career Advisory Program has a student-centered approach which sets both the student's and school's responsibilities throughout the application process, empowering them to develop skills that will later help them succeed in their young adult lives. Students are responsible for registering for standardized testing, preparing and submitting applications, and meeting deadlines. The counselor guides each student in choosing the best college for him or her based on the students' complete profile (test scores, strength of curriculum, letters of recommendation, essays, and extra-curricular activities).
The purpose of College and Career Advisory Office at DCIS is to assist throughout, the sometimes stressful, college application process by:
- Informing
- Helping Reduce Anxiety
- Dispelling Myths
- Showing Students What to Work on Today
The College Application Process at DCIS
The college application process at DelCampo International School begins early in the student's ninth grade year.
Participation in clubs, sports, the arts, and social service organizations is encouraged as students begin to develop personal profiles. Standardized test preparation begins in the tenth and eleventh grade years with the College Prep course and PSAT (Preparation for Standardized Assessment Test). This test and preparation course gives students a realistic view of what they will experience when taking the actual SAT. Students are advised to take the first SAT test in May of their junior year.
Workshops on the "Admission Essay" are also given during junior and senior year. Students follow an established timeline that serves as an organizational tool throughout the process.
As students progress into their senior year they begin to accumulate all the documentation required for application.
What´s Needed to Apply
- Completed Application
- Official Transcript
- Essay
- Standardized Test Scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Student Profile
Letters Of Recommendation
A completed Student Profile Format Sheet is given to each teacher that agrees to write a letter of recommendation.
Upon completion teachers return all written recommendation letters directly to the College Counseling Office. Teacher guidelines for writing recommendation letters are available in the office.
Student Profile
Standardized Test Scores for College Application
Standarized testing is usually required for college application and may include one or more of the following assessments:
It is the student's responsibility to research, which Standardized Tests, including SAT II subject tests are, needed to submit in order to meet the requirements of each of his or her college applications.
College & Career Advisory Office
Name: Mr. Rommel Rubio
Title: College & Career Advisor
E-mail: email@example.com
Phone: 504-2268-1820 ext. 8039
Fax: 504-2234-0796
College Visits
College representatives visits are one of the most important and useful parts of a student's college search. The primary purpose of college visits is to give prospective applicants a personalized, first-hand look at the campus.
During a meet and greet meetings with college representatives on our campus, students observe and experience many aspects of the college culture that they would not be able to experience from a distance or by reading admissions literature: the atmosphere of each campus, the aesthetic style of the grounds, the condition and quality of buildings and facilities, the surrounding areas, the people (students, faculty, and local folks), and even the climate.
Matriculation List
Recent DelCampo International School graduates have been accepted at the following universities:
- Adelphi University
- Alma College
- Bates College
- Bishop University
- Brigham Young University
- Bryant University
- Brock University
- Bucknell College
- Calvin College
- Canadian University
- Chapman University
- Christian Brothers University
- Colgate University
- College of the Ozarks
- College of William and Mary
- College of Wooster
- Colorado State University
- Columbia University
- Dean College
- Drexel University
- Duquesne University
- Florida International University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Gannon University
- George Mason University
- Georgia Southern University
- George Washington University
- Hamilton College
- Harding University
- Hartwick College
- Hillsborough College
- Indian River State College
- John Carson University
- Johnson & Wales University
- Manhattanville College
- Michigan State University
- Minnesota State University
- Lafayette College
- Lindenwood University
- London School of Business
- Louisiana State University
- Loyola University
- Lynn University
- Mercyhurst College
- Merrimack College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- National Taiwan University of Technology
- Newbury College
- Northern Virginia College
- Norwich University
- Oglethorpe University
- Richmond University (London)
- Rollins College
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- Saint Leo University
- Springhill College
- St. Cloud University
- St. Edward's University
- St. Lawrence University
- Stanford University
- State University of New YorkGeneseo
- Suffolk University
- Trinity College
- Universidad de Navarra
- Universidad de Palermo
- Universidade Federal do Paraná
- University of Central Arkansas
- University of New Brunswick
- University of New Orleans
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Tampa
- Vassar College
- Vanderbilt University
- Warren Wilson College
- Wheaton University
- Whitsworth University


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Browse our toolkit for materials to help you get the word out to students and families.
Recent surveys show that 50% of students with access to a home computer and Internet saw improved grades and a renewed interest in their education. For educators, this collection of resources offers easy access to helping your students get the access they need at an affordable price for their parents. Help us spread the word and let's work towards closing the digital divide.
Take advantage of these tools and tips to support effective and productive digital classrooms.
For students, being able to effectively use the Internet is essential. Help your students succeed in school with these educational games and tools from the Cox® Digital Academy.
Get Connected to a World of New Opportunities
Internet Tools and Resources for the Whole Family
Take Action, and Help Get Families Connected


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I don't want Halloween to be over :( Tyler woke up the morning after Halloween and said sadly 'I wish Halloween would never end. I'm sad it's over.' I told him I was too. But assured him that there are so many fun holiday's coming up and next Halloween will be here before we know it. He wasn't very convinced. Tyler had a Halloween Birthday party even though his Birthday is November 8th. He loved the celebration with 18 kids (nutty - but fun). And we had a 'grown-up Halloween party' of our own last weekend. Yes, we're just big kids :) Jeff went as 'Where's Waldo' and I was a ladybug. My peacock costume didn't turn out so a last minute change to a ladybug was in order :) And on Halloween, we went trick-or-treating with neighbors and then hung out by the fire in our driveway recapping the evenings fun events. Such a wonderful time of year. Here's little snippet of our Halloween celebrations.
Party Kids! Tyler's 9th Birthday celebration!
Test: Can you find Waldo in the pictures below. He blends in well so don't feel bad if you can't spot him.


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For decades evolutionists have been trying to tell us the human genome was mostly filled with so-called "junk DNA". There were two reasons for this. First, it appeared the number of proteins generated by our DNA was far less than the number that should be generated based on the amount of DNA and the average size of a protein. Second, their explanation was the junk DNA was left over from the trial and error and dead-ends of our supposed evolution. When I first heard of "junk DNA" in the early 1990's I thought it was a bit odd.
As a creation scientist, by the mid-1990's I was making public statements that there was no such thing as junk DNA, based on my model of human origins; humans DO NOT evolve from primordial soup, but were created by God. The logical extension of that model is that most, if not all, DNA was created with a purpose. What evolutionists were calling "junk DNA" was because of ignorance, not evolution. A few years later I modified my hypothesis and stated most of the unknown DNA was the instruction set for what the body should do with the proteins after they have been made. The ENCODE project just released its results a few weeks ago and basically said the predictions of creation scientists were correct. See the USA Today article.
Here's a quote from the end of the article.
"Although the ENCODE results suggest that at least 80% of "junk" DNA actually plays a role in controlling other genes, Birney believes that more likely nearly 100% of it will prove to have a purpose, and many more regulatory genes await discovery."
Written by Dr. Al Gotch


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About to shower, then get started on work for the night. Still haven't kicked the sore throat, although it's really just more of an extraordinarily annoying cough than anything else at this point. Oh, and I've got a sniffle added on to it. Phooey!
Turned my paper in today. Got my first final over with, which also marks the end of the last of my official Medill classes. Craaaaziness. I'm happy though, I think. Some part of me wants to turn around and run back and take magazine editing and print media and design all over again, but the sane part of me is just going to put it all behind me. I can't believe I actually have to learn everything I want to know about journalism from a REAL JOB now. Scary.
I also had my last day of Milton. It was sad. I love the class so much. I love Professor Sucich. If I had to write a thesis, I would do it on Milton just so I could spend more time with him. It's not that I'm in love with him persay, I just love the way his enthusiasm infects the entire class and the way he 's so clearly moved by Milton's work and poetry.. it's inspiring. *big sigh*
Lisa's has become my local hang-out. I like it. I socialize there. I drink coffee and schmooze. Mostly I just like to be somewhere other than my room doing work, and it's hard to screw around when everyone else can see whether or not you're screwing around. hehe.
So I guess today's lesson with Kris was the last one of the quarter. The last one with me as competition team captain, actually. Next quarter Xixi and Michael will be taking over Diana and my positions. Very exciting! Alright, I really have nothing else good to say, nor can I b.s. anything because I'm completely out of juice here. And yet I need to make up a thesis for my 20th century lit class. This should be.. interesting.


text: My father once passed on to me the coolest little Walkman when I was a child. Before the years of the iPod, it was taken everywhere, countless tapes recorded and loaded for perpetuated feel good music. On my desk, as I walked, on the road, it was blasting good tunes until my ears were to explode. For you old friend. You are treasured.


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Website launchedWritten by the developer
It was a bad year in 2008 for the building industry throughout UK and Squirrel Construction recognised that drastic action was needed in order to continue to provide consistent high quality building services throughout Sheffield and beyond.
Phase 1
I was approached by Squirrel Construction Ltd having come highly recommended and within a couple of weeks the first draft of the website and new company logo was launched.
Phase 2
The second phase contained more accessibility features to ensure access to Squirrel Construction building services is open to everyone regardless of their disabilities. This version also incorporates more cross references to related web pages in order to present further information to visitors viewing Squirrel Construction's website.
Featured news
Two storey side extension including garage, combined with single storey rear extension
This property was purchased recently but in need of quite a lot of refurbishment. The owners made the decision to move into rented accommodation and undertake massive alterations to the property. Due to its position ...
Latest news
Rebuilding a decayed chimney stack in Sheffield
This customer's chimney stack was leaning over and was becoming precariously close to falling down. Further investigation showed that the mitt-feather (the wall in the middle of the stack that separates two chimneys) had fallen ...
Porch extension in Sheffield
Porch extension constructed in English bricks to match the existing house. The porch is built off the existing kitchen for the sole purpose of a cloakroom as the kitchen had been used as a dumping ...


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In the American financial system, the economy is governed by two separate but equally important groups: The Federal Reserve, which controls monetary policy, and Congress, which controls fiscal policy. These are their stories.
For the past seven years, the Fed has done nearly all the work of trying to raise the economy out of the worst recession since the Great Depression. The Fed has not only cut rates, but launched three massive bond-buying programs to keep long-term interest rates low. By keeping rates low, the Fed has allowed millions of homeowners to refinance their mortgages at lower rates, and allowed businesses to refinance their debt at lower rates as well.
In both cases,the Fed's actions have put money back into the pockets of consumers and businesses. Reducing your debt payments is essentially the same as increasing your revenue, all other things being equal.
At this point, the Fed has pretty much used up all its ammunition. Short-term rates are at zero, and the Fed would love to nudge rates higher, if only to give it some room to cut rates during the next recession. Higher mortgage rates would probably spur some brief buying as purchasers scramble to get into the market before rates get too high. And it wouldn't hurt that long-suffering savers got some return on their investments.
While the Fed has been working hard, the fiscal side of the ledger has been hardly working. During a recession, business spending dries up entirely, as companies focus on survival, rather than expansion. Unfortunately, the net effect of cutting business spending in a contraction is further contraction. When you lay off workers — or even when other companies lay off workers — they cut back spending sharply.
State and local governments, which were in reasonably good shape before the recession, also cut spending. While many states had rainy-day funds, no one expected a downturn of the severity of the 2007-2009 recession. As a result, teachers, construction workers, police, fire and medical personnel also joined the ranks of the unemployed at an unusually harsh rate. No matter what you feel about government spending, an unemployed teacher is just as unemployed as an unemployed plumber. And, if you're traveling across country, check out the state of the highways you drive on. If you need a new front-end alignment after your trip to Lake Wippitysnappity, it's probably because of big cutbacks on basic structures.
Federal spending, too, has been remarkably restrained for a recessionary period. The $152 billion Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, was primarily tax rebates and tax incentives for business. The $831 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Barack Obama, had $288 billion in tax cuts and $105.3 billion in infrastructure spending.
As the economy has recovered, however, state and local spending has started to pick up — as have tax revenues. According to the Brookings Institution, government spending has gone from a net negative for the economy to a net neutral the past 12 months. (For those who argue that government doesn't create jobs: Please say that to a policeman or fireman and report his response to me. I'll wait.)
Should the Federal government actually create a long-term fix for the federal highway fund and should state and local governments resume maintaining infrastructure at previous levels, you might start looking at domestic infrastructure companies.
A few suggestions:
* A.O. Smith (ticker: AOS) is in the prosaic business of boilers and heaters, which sounds uninteresting until you remember that every building in the country — including public ones usually needs one.
* Chicago Bridge and Iron (CBI), provides conceptual design, technology, engineering, procurement, fabrication, modularization, construction, commissioning, maintenance, program management, and environmental services worldwide.
* Cummins (CMI), ubiquitous maker of engines, especially those found in heavy equipment.
None of these are guaranteed, of course. But if you think U.S. infrastructure is going to start rising again — and for the sake of my poor car's front end, I hope so — these might be a good place to start.


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I am delighted to share a meditation from one of my friends and mentors Carolyn Shilt. She has much experience and so much to share in Spiritual and Psychic development that I believe will help many people on their spiritual or psychic journey:
Meditation to Develop Psychic Abilities – Meet Your Guide/Angel
I have been asked many questions about how to develop ur psychic abilities and how to control them. Meditation is the key to developing control over ur psychic abilities and growing spiritually and psychically.
Passive – no action – Sit quietly relaxing.
Active – action. Guided imagery.
1. Choose a specific time to meditate everyday where u will not be disturbed. This helps set a time for u and ur guides to know exactly when u will be available. That way, they designate that time to u and u build a stronger vibrational connection.
2. Eat lightly before meditating.
3. NO DRINKING OR NO DRUGS should be taken before meditating or doing any psychic work. U can pull in negativity and demonic energy.
4. Do NOT meditate if u r distraught or ill.
5. Meditate in the same place daily as it builds ur vibration.
6. Always open ur meditation in a prayerful, serene state of being.
7. Ask for divine protection.
All nature meditates. The trees and the flowers go into some silence during some portion of the their yearly cycle. Usually, winter. This helps maintain balance in the world. This is called the Law of Cyclicity. So, it is natural for us to meditate.
1. Self growth
2. Health
3. Intuitive and spiritual development
Now for a short guided imagery meditation
Close ur eyes and begin relaxing. Taking some deep breaths in, know u r taking in positive energy. Exhale and release any and all negativity. Do this several times as u calm yourself and relax more and more. Now, ask for the pure, holy golden-white light of our Creator to be with u enclosing u in positive energy.
In ur mind, go to a place that u find peaceful and relaxing. Feel how good u feel and how the temperature is just perfect for u. Everything around u is good and u feel so safe and loved here.
Now as u look to the right of u, see someone walking towards u. This person is so kind u can feel the energy before they even get to u. Wave to them and invite them to come closer. As they do, u begin to see them clearer or feel them. Ask their name and now they r right in front of u. Ask what they r here for. Ask them to help u. Stay here and ask whatever u want and know u will hear their answers in ur mind. When u feel like u have what u need for today, simply thank them for coming and taking a couple deep breaths…open ur eyes and be back in the now. YOU have just met one of ur angel/guides. BLESSINGS
Carolyn Shilt – Psychic Medium and Teacher of Psychic Development


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A principal source of advice, support and information on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
A registered charity no: 1118192
A registered charity no: 1118192
– a simple aid to a complex problem
Skin camouflage is designed to mask discoloration, including erythema (redness) to non-infectious skin conditions. It works better when the lesion is flat to the surrounding, unaffected, skin ... but can be used successfully over psoriasis. Topical medication can be applied prior to skin camouflage; allow ten minutes, or so, for the ointment/gel/lotion to be absorbed. The British Association of Skin Camouflage has not received any confirmed report or evidence that camouflage encourages or is detrimental over psoriasis. Camouflage cannot alter the structure of the skin but it can make the psoriasis less noticeable.
Photo 1: Back of hand before skin camouflage application
The trick is to find the product best suited to your lifestyle – for example some brands last longer in humidity and some will give denser coverage than others – and then to achieve an acceptable skin colour match. This "trial and error" must be undertaken adjacent to the psoriasis, otherwise unacceptable colours will embed between the plaques and interfere with colour selection.
Photo 2: You cannot achieve an acceptable match by placing the colour on a palette held close to the lesion.
We would not recommend mixing more than two colours together to achieve an acceptable match, but you may require a different coloured product over skin that is usually concealed by clothing and a variation from summer to winter skin colour.
Photo 3: Mix colours together on your palm.
Once the brand and colour have been agreed, the skin camouflage consultant will then advise you on application – for psoriasis this would usually be rubbing the crème into the lesion with your finger tips.
Photo 4: Application is easier over flexed joints
The camouflage crème then needs setting with loose powder; using a powder puff press the powder on and brush off any excess.
The use of a fixing spray will further stabilise the camouflaged area and help prevent any natural desquamation (flaking off). This will also give the skin a slight sheen – this might be a desirable outcome, if not, a light dusting of powder will return the camouflage to matte.
Photo 5: Back of hand after skin camouflage application.
Five brands of skin camouflage are currently available, at Doctor's discretion, on NHS Prescription. These can also be ordered as retail at any chemist (pharmacy counter), from the internet and directly from the UK distributor.
Camouflage Consultants
You normally require your dermatologist, GP or healthcare advisor to refer you to a NHS clinic. Private practice requires no medical referral for psoriasis, but a fee might apply.
For your nearest consultant, contact:
We are grateful to Elizabeth Allen from The British Association of Skin Camouflage for supplying this article and images.


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Casio will celebrate the 35th anniversary of its G-SHOCK brand in April 2018. The Neo Matte Black collection, the first set of 35th anniversary models, employs a new kind of black, the symbolic color of the brand. The matte finish of the new base color was achieved using technology that incorporates particles into the paint, creating a flat black finish that seems to absorb all light. To mark the 35th anniversary of G-SHOCK, Casio is looking back to the origin of the brand, and has produced the Neo Matte Black collection to declare its commitment to continuing to create new value with G-SHOCK for years and years to come. The case backs of these models are engraved with the G-SHOCK 35th anniversary logo designed by Eric Haze, a world famous graphic artist, while the metal band loops are emblazoned with a star emblem that represents 35 years. The phrase, "SINCE 1983�is featured on the dials, and special packaging has also been created to further enhance this very exceptional collection.
200M Water Resistant
Tough Solar Power
Tough Solar ensures stable operation while using power-hungry functions
Shock Resistant
- Shock Resistant
- 200M Water Resistant
- Tough Solar Power
- Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping (US, UK, Germany, Japan, China)
- Receives time calibration radio signals which keep the displayed time accurate
- Auto receive function (up to 6 times per day/up to 5 times per day for China)


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Message from the Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian
We are pleased to have you visit our website, a portal not only to electronic information but to a whole new kind of learning environment. Here you will find connections to a vast array of resources: electronic journals, subject resource guides, online course reserve materials, and library staff.
We invite you to explore this site and discover for yourself why we think of the Libraries as the heart of the University. From the main collections of Ellis Library to our several branch locations, the MU Libraries lie at the very core of teaching and research excellence here at Mizzou. We believe you will agree with us when we say that the MU Libraries are where ideas of the ages are uncovered, and where dreams for the future are forged.
Vice Provost for University Libraries and University Librarian
Ann Campion Riley is a nationally-recognized leader with nearly 30 years of professional service in academic and research libraries. She served as president of the Association of College and Research Libraries in 2015, representing more than 11,500 academic and research librarians, and was honored as a research library leadership fellow by the Association of Research Libraries. She is a writer and speaker on assessment and organizational culture in higher education.
Riley was formerly director for technical and access services at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. She was library director at Saint Louis Community College, Meramec, where she twice served as an acting dean and one year as chief campus academic officer. Other academic libraries where Riley has served in a professional capacity include Maryville University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis and New Mexico State University. She earned her B.A. in English and her M.S. in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois. She has an M.A. in English from the University of Missouri and pursued a Ph.D. in English at Saint Louis University.


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Each month, fellow demonstrators and I gather for a team business and stamp meeting. We each make one card design and make enough for all attendees. On occasion we will be given a theme or a color challenge.
This month was a color challenge. We could choose any theme, any shade of Stampin' Up! Red, White and Blue colors.
Trying to come up with something other than a patriotic theme, I chose to go with a great summer pastime. Wouldn't this be cute for a baseball or softball theme birthday invitation or a birthday card for the die hard baseball fan?


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Well, not quite yet. The plumbers are installing it now. I actually had no idea this was coming. You see, earlier in the week, the toilet kept running on and the stopper wouldn't seal in the reservoir. I contacted, for lack of a better term, our property manager, and someone was sent the following day. TheWife™ was out and about when he arrived, and I thought we communicated okay. The problem appeared to be solved, except for a small, but constant flow of water into the bowl. This has always been the case and thought it was intentional, as it was happening from the moment I moved in. There were also a couple cracks in the ceramic, but I thought nothing of it. This morning, the plumbing people show up with a new toilet. Surprise! The porcelain God decided that a new altar was be bestowed onto us, for delivery if its sacrificial sacrament. There's a downside to our shiny turd collector; it can't collect golden showers or chocolate hostages for a couple of days. If I need to go, I now have to run to the public toilet in my building– which is down a flight of stairs, and a half-way across the building. I'd call this a first world problem, but for some reason, I don't feel as though I can classify this as one of those.
Oh yeah, I also started teaching this week after a 12-year hiatus.
And yes, it went well. I commented earlier this week that it was like riding a bike, and I still stand by that. I fell back into the process with relative ease. The only issues I'm having is timing vs content. Each class is two periods of 45-minutes each. Under and overfilling that time slot is a bit of challenge. Class sizes vary from 12 to 22, which means that the length it takes to finish an activity can drastically change from one class to another. I'll get it figured out, I'm sure.
Something else I kind of forgot about was the charge to the ego that teaching can bring–which I think I'm far more aware of this time around. I think I can thank time and experience, and over a decade of self-reflection for this. I've noted before that there's a fairly strong reverence towards teachers here, and it really demonstrated itself on Friday.
Before my classes started, a couple of classes got moved, with on being changed to 4:30 on Friday. Fine. Come Friday, I show up for my class thirty minutes early. I was surprised to find one of my student's waiting for me outside of the classroom. We chit-chatted a little, and she told me that a lot of students might not show because of the change. Not everyone got the message. Apparently, they did get the message, but the messages were different by two hours. The coordinator gave me the wrong schedule. The interesting part about this is that not a single one of the students who eventually showed up (only eight of what should have been close to twenty), every said anything about. Just assumed my time was right, and their time was wrong, or just didn't want to speak up about it. If this had been a class back in Canada, there'd at the very least be questions of what happened. Not here.
Oh, and one last thing. The new Foo Fighters dropped this week, and it is awesome.


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Sports games are a tricky beast that often take numerous hours of practice refining those expertise. It accompanies Google Play Games advantages, an environmental soundtrack, primary controls, and speed controls so you might all the extra exactly plan your strikes. Whereas not much is known concerning the sequel to the massively well-liked Terra Battle, what we do know is that it will be available for iOS, Android and even PC. As you'll be able to download these video games in every nation, you possibly can both play with native or worldwide players and have a fun of a lifetime. And sure, despite of the one player Sim Metropolis is nice alternative for a multiplayer match with your pals or online players.
What is sweet with this game is that it is free to obtain as a cell application in your android cellular phone. Pocket Legends is among the largest cellular MMO video games and it is a fantasy primarily based recreation. Additionally a game that's on the checklist of one of the best multiplayer video games is Pool Break Professional. It's mentioned to be launched following the mobile variant of Animal Crossing, which is anticipated later in 2017. They're brief, but may be performed with household, associates even along with your Fb pals, which makes multiplayer choice of the perfect opportunity to have fun with anyone.
While not a lot is known concerning the game at the moment, there are hurdles that the developers should face like simplifying the comparatively complex controls of Zelda video games to work nicely on contact-primarily based units. This recreation has lots of substance, it is a diversion you can play for quite a while and you should have the chance to problem other on-line players on android or iOS platforms. Numerous loopy stunts, funny crashes, distinctive physics, and significantly difficult rounds make Granny Smith the most effective games for Android. Practically everybody likes to play this recreation and what's better, you possibly can all the time invite some mates to accompany you on this sport.
No doubt, the most effective online multiplayer video games is Modern Fight 5. It highlights a ton of content material, incorporating six playable and adjustable characters, a crusade mode, enormous quantities of stuff to open, and as you could have speculated, it additionally has on-line multiplayer.
Whether or not you resolve to play the original Angry Birds, or its subsequent successors, namely: Indignant Birds Rio, Indignant Birds Seasons, Indignant Birds Space, or Indignant Birds: Star Wars, you owe it to yourself to play no less than certainly one of them.


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Returns will ONLY be accepted within 14 days of UNOPENED NEW CONDITION, and will be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Returns MUST be authorized before being sent. Contact us to process a return. There are NO returns on products that have been opened and/or used.
What is the return policy?Follow
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The history, architectural traditions, and the religious and social life of the island are inextricably connected to the numerous churches and monasteries. Historically, the Sifnians benefited from the privileges granted to them by the Turkish sultans in relation to the free expression of their Christian faith. Thus the Archdiocese of Sifnos was established in 1646, […]Read more
Ancient mines The subsoil of the island consists mainly of schist, gneiss and marble, but also is also mineral-bearing, containing argentiferous lead, copper, iron and zinc deposits, a fact that has played a catalytic role in the development of the island from prehistoric times, when exploitation of metalliferous deposits served to promote overall cultural development, […]Read more
Agios Andreas Archaeological site & museum exhibit This is the newest and most modern museum of the island (open to the public since 2010). On display are a variety of selected findings from excavations in the region, and a wealth of print and visual material pertaining to both the Acropolis of Agios Andreas and the […]Read more


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Post by Hayley Wolfcale, Copy Director
All components of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are important for a brand's website ranking in the search engine results page (SERP), but one of the most important factors is the content implemented on each Web page. When searchers type in a query, they're directed to the most accurate page based on their intent. By optimizing body copy to provide consumers with relevant information, brands can rank higher in the SERP.
So, how can brands optimize their body copy to be relevant and informative to rank on the first page?
- Keyword Research
Each page of content that brands either create or optimize should include their own set of keywords. By conducting appropriate keyword research, brands can understand what types of search queries are most common within their region and language. Brands should choose a primary keyword and a secondary keyword (when appropriate), with the primary keyword being used most often, and early on in the copy. These keywords should reflect the topic of the page, and they should be thoroughly researched for relevance, search volume and competition prior to usage.
Tools such as Google AdWords Keyword Planner can provide brands with knowledge surrounding keyword spikes in certain times of the year; this is specifically helpful for seasonal and/or holiday content.
- Brevity of Content
When brands implement copy on their page, they should be careful about including too much copy. Brands should intend to reach their audience without the over usage of keywords. While informational pages should be as long as necessary to convey the message, product pages and other types of content don't necessarily have to have paragraph after paragraph of description and superlatives.
The copy should reflect the page's product, service or informational purpose without adding additional "fluff." The cleaner the page, the better. Why? If the page is too long, and filled with too much unnecessary information, it's likely that consumers will leave the page and look for a simpler, to-the-point version elsewhere.
- Avoid Over-Optimizing
Brands should beware of over-optimizing a page's body copy. Google takes notice to this type of action, especially if brands are placing too many of the same keyword, or versions of that keyword, in the copy. Doing this indicates that the copy is filled with a bunch of similar keywords so that it can rank, not so that it can provide consumers with relevant information. The ultimate end-goal of optimizing site copy is to have visitors come to that page, and hopefully continue along the purchasing path. If the content is stuffed with keywords and doesn't make sense, consumers aren't likely to purchase. What matters more are the conversion rates, not just the page views.
Recently, we were tasked with optimizing the body copy for one of our clients who was only interested in one conversion metric: getting visitors to sign up for a package of deals and samples. The sign-up page had very little copy and didn't rank on the first page for any non-brand keywords, unlike competitors, which were holding court in the first and second positions.
We identified the most valuable non-brand keywords these competitors were using. Our client ranked in position 11, on the second page, for the primary keyword, "free [redacted] samples," and didn't rank at all on the first 100 pages of results for the secondary keyword, "free [redacted #2] samples."
We provided META tags and body copy optimized for these keywords. The brief body copy edits were enough to rocket the client's page to the top of the first page in a matter of weeks (the META tags were not implemented due to an oversight). The client now ranks #1 for the primary keyword and #2 for the secondary keyword. A month after the body copy optimizations went live, their conversion rate was up 36%.
In this instance, our body copy implementations alone were able to increase the client's ranking. Of course, body copy isn't the only factor that helps rankings for SEO, as leveraging META data, ALT image tags and links are also crucial to SEO value. It's comforting to know, however, that in some cases even minimal changes can have an impact.


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A couple of weeks ago at the public reading "Thesen-Lesen" with Udo Erdmann:
Pleasant atmosphere in a warm ambience, easy chatting with the neighbors, friendly greeting of the acquantainces and mutual presentation of the yet unknown. I'm sitting there in a row curiously waiting, looking forward to the reading, and taking in everything around me.
Suddenly, I hear this one sentence. It came from the lady in front of me. She is talking to a young man next to her. I have no idea what it is about. Admittedly, I'm now starting to eavesdrop, but I can't really understand what they're saying. Just this one sentence. Distinctly it keeps resonating in my ear:
"I'm not using the word work-life-balance anymore, I'm talking about work-life-romance now".
Ha. Brilliant. For a dreamer and romanticist like myself, these words fall on fertile soil. I find it hard to separate between work and life anyway (because of all the black and white, good-bad, fulfilling-exhausting, inner-outer associations). And that's why the conscious (and loving) connection of work and life is all the more encouraging to me.
No, I don't separate. My work is part of my life and I love it. Sure, we are not always in agreement, and sometimes I find it exhausting. But love affairs don't mean there is always sunshine and rainbows, right?!
And a romance in general is not a lifetime bondage. It is regarded as something that is exciting for a shorter period of time.
In other words, we are talking about specific periods in which work plays a particularly important role in our lives. And then it changes with other "activities" which also have a special significance for us.
Hearing this sentence made me think again more intensely about my relationship of work (I translate with: "all activities for earning my living") and non-work (eg. cooking, doing homework with my daughter, family meetings, watching television, listening to music ...).
Today, in the midst of my professional life, when I measure my investment in my work and non-work purely from a time perspective, than there is definitely no balance in it at all.
And if you ask my daughter, she would tell you, that I'm working ALL the time...
Is she right?
Even if I am not designing, creating, writing, teaching, or consulting, my synapses tango and dazzling idea-butterflies swirl around my head pollinizing all the different projects.
Then, "I just have to note this idea down," "just need to finish this thought" ...
And, you might find this true for yourself too, I always get the best ideas when I'm not dealing with work or a specific project on the consious level. When I concsiously refrain from work. So, while reading the newspapers, taking a walk etc ...
Isn't this working too?
I bet it is! After all, these new ideas are always evolving into the best solutions for my clients.
Does my life consist only of work then?
For the opposite of a romance is forced marriage.
So what do I need to keep the love young and alive?
Distance. And focus on the other end of the life's scale.
That means balance, right?!
Well...., a clear Yes! And No.
Balance in myself, yes. Balance in what is important to me. What is important for my life.
However, if I'd put all that really counts onto the scale, I would tilt and fall. There is no real balance. How can one ever measure the nagging worries about your family well-being, the warm feeling of coming home, the annoying window cleaning, the relaxing chillouts with your friends, the tingling anticipation before handing over a surprise present and the long-term non-importance of a single school score?
But if this is so much more important, can't I go to every family party, attend every event? Even though it is closer to my heart at the moment than the jewelry I am working on?
If you ask me if I want to, I'd say, "Immediately!"
But then the work is more important in specific periods of time. For I have committed myself. I'm committed to another person. And this responsibility is important. (Apart from the fact that I enjoy making something special for someone else!)
I have to weigh. Maintain what is important in balance. Short term and long term. Remorse and feelings of guilt are waiting on both ends anyway.
I believe that it's actually not about work-life balance or work-life romance. But more about the balance of freedom and constraint in all areas of life. It is about the "how" we experience something that is an inevitable part of life anyway.
Being able to do what you want and to want what you have to do, is a blessing!
What are your thoughts on this matter? What ideas, comments and suggestions to you have?
I would love to hear your opinion.
August 2017
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