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Picture it. You're having an elegant dinner party for your most important friends and colleagues. Candles flicker, filling the room with a warm light that bathes the happy faces of your guests. Laughter dances through the air as people gather around the evening's main course. It's Sole Almondine and the chef has outdone herself again. You take your fork and just as you are about to take your first bite, you feel someone lean in next to you and gruffly whisper....."That's an exquisite centerpiece.......are those autumn leaves?"
And you'll turn and say..."Why no George Clooney, those are coffee filters......if you can believe it."
So there are some things in life that just aren't going to happen. And extreme praise from this generation's Cary Grant on your trashy little centerpiece is one of them. It's okay. Just be glad you got him into the house before he woke up from the sedative and without any of the neighbors seeing. They'll be plenty of time for praise after he sees you dressed as Mr. Freeze.
- 3 dead branches- Make sure it has lots of good tree nubbins that we can glue our "leaves" to. We want it to look natural. So it's seemingly ridiculous that the next thing to get is.....
- watercolors- In school all of the good artists took this class. When you paint with watercolors you can't make mistakes because it dries too quickly, so you really have to be talented. Us? Oh no. We are going to disrespect water colors to no end. I took photography. We weren't even allowed in that room.
- water
- two paint brushes- One big and one little
- coffee filters
- an empty wine bottle- Bonus! One less in the recycling bin means a little less judgment from the recycling guys!
- glue- I used the kind that you used to be able to find right next to the safety scissors in the back of the class in 2nd grade. If 2nd degree burns are more your thing, by all means plug in that hot glue gun and get out the ointment!
- scissors- non safety, but used safely.
- low expectations
- Lay out some paper towels to protect your beautiful faux wood grain countertop from 1977. It'd be a tragedy to lose that baby.
- Spread out a single coffee filter and using your watercolors, paint the majesty that IS autumn. Using the bigger brush cover most of the coffee filter with the warm yellows and oranges. The more water you use the lighter the colors will be.
Using the smaller brush come back with touches of red and brown. Heck, I even used some green. Do this to 3-4 coffee filters.
Allow to dry completely.
- Cue up "Batman & Robin". Watching this often underrated piece of cinema gold will not only help you joyfully pass the time whilst doing the next tedious task, but it will bring you back to a time when Batman was way less...."I'm going to jam this pencil in someone's head!" and waaaaay more "NA NA NANANANA Batman". A simpler time. A happier time. A time with better costumes.
- While doing your best Poison Ivy impression, cut leaves out of your coffee filters. I went for basic almond shaped ones. The coffee filters have a natural tearing that happens while cutting that actually make them look more like natural. I also folded them lengthwise and "squinched" them up and reopened them to achieve a more leaf-like quality to it. "Squinching" is kind of an art form but after a few times I'll bet you'll be the "squinchiest".
- Arrange your branches in the wine bottle and lay the whole thing on its side. Gravity is not our friend during this step. Start gluing leaves onto branches mimicking nature. Stagger the leaves, making sure to keep their natural curl and shape as you glue them to the branches. If you pinch the base a bit during the gluing it helps.
While waiting to dry, finish watching the movie while patiently waiting to hear "The End Is The Beginning Is The End" play during the credits. Because if it's one thing that angers people more than your love of Clooney Batman, it's your love of The Smashing Pumpkins.
Your elegant centerpiece is now ready for display! I'm just kidding. It's still just sticks and garbage. But it's YOUR pile of sticks and garbage and you're allowed to be proud of it!
Which I'm sure is the way Joel Schumacher feels. Good for you, Buddy.
:) Brooke


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Rebel Angelsby Libba Bray
Book 2 of the Gemma Doyle trilogy
~ Goodreads ~
Rating: 3.0 Stars
*Side note on 4/3/2016: The following review has been slightly edited after a thorough reread by myself revealed some typos, grammar errors, and a very un-PC opinion that my current self is not comfortable seeing myself present.
For some more brief personal thoughts about this trilogy that I have at present, see the first Gemma Doyle review here.
For some more brief personal thoughts about this trilogy that I have at present, see the first Gemma Doyle review here.
My Review:
Not bad for book two of this trilogy where we get to start seeing a much darker side to the entire magical aspect of Gemma's adventure with her friends. I don't really have much to say about this particular book except that I really enjoyed how the story is progressing. Of course, there are a LOT of things that made me stop and wonder, such as the naivete of the girls for too easily trusting the wrong people, or so easily turning against one another in tantrums brought out by their own insecurities. There is still that annoying "every woman for herself" selfishness in each of our characters, and yet at the same time, they wish to have a deeper friendship filled with trust and love. It's hard for people to fully trust or receive trust if they can so readily arm themselves against an attack that hasn't happened yet.
But enough about that--as far as story goes, the progression and the "surprise" twists really weren't as surprising as some might have expected. It wasn't hard to figure out who the true enemy was by the time the first book ended and this is only coming from dozens and dozens of story line progression strategies that you become aware of after reading so many books. Ms. Libba Bray DOES paint very good images and has written the book rather well in terms of style; it's a lot better than a lot of other books I've read lately, so it's a pleasant reprieve from the many books I'm being told to pick up and read with the moniker "Best Book Ever" or "excellent writing style" tacked on by people who also add the all too overused "I don't really read much, but I absolutely loved this book!" disclaimer.
I have my own personal issues with those words, because it turns out that I have yet to love a book when it is recommended to me following that very sentence.
Anyway, back to this book.
While at first, in book one of this trilogy, I wasn't really enjoying it, I'm glad that things have picked up and I have hopes that the final book will prove that I didn't stick with the trilogy for nothing. For the most part, the good writing kept me going, the interesting descriptions and word usage had me hoping, and at present, Gemma's development is actually pretty nice to see. Moving onto the third book now and ready to finish up this adventure.
The Victorian era is a world that I understand little about, but if it's anything like it is spelled out in Gemma Doyle's world, then I hope I never have to endure something like that in my own life, like, ever--makes me glad my time is so much more free and NOT built so much on reputations and the like. It sounds exhausting, but it was kind of amusing to watch the character go through all of those traditional activities of the uppity-up high society wealth and their snobbery of lifestyles. Amusing, not that I liked it, but it was fun nonetheless.
This review was originally posted at Goodreads in March 2012.

subset: commoncrawl


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Some of the Absafe crew use these in the field and love them particularly in confined spaces.
Developed with firefighters from around the globe, the Gallet F1 XF sets the new standard for structural firefighting helmets. It enters a new dimension of protection, functionalities integration, comfort of use and modularity. The configurable design makes the Gallet F1 XF fire helmet the perfect fit for various interventions such as structural and outdoor fires, technical rescue operations and road traffic accidents.
It is essential for firefighters to protect themselves while performing their difficult and dangerous work. The universal, modular, high technology head protection system F1 has been designed in cooperation with fire brigades around the world. Its unique design protects the firefighter against penetration, fire electric shock and radiant heat. The helmet system offers a wide variety of options such as a comprehensive range of neck curtains and visors, as well as adaptable face masks, lamps and communication systems. The mask-helmet-combination offers even greater breathing protection. The special face mask can be attached directly without necessitating the removal of the helmet. The F1 E is a very high performance helmet for structural fire-fighting aimed for large head size firemen, for sizes from 58 to 64 cm. The comfortable headgear is provided with either standard adjustment or quick ratchet adjustment. The spherically shaped face shield protects against heat and glare, with 3 options: gold, transparent and semi-tinted. The F1E helmet features a KitFix system with 3-position adjustment to optimize SCBA mask tension and wearer comfort. Furthermore it is designed with a 3-point chinstrap with automatic buckle for optimum stability.
What's in the Box:
Colours: White, Yellow, Red (special order), Orange (special order)
Weight: 1600 grams (varies with visor/neck flap options)
Sizes: M: 52-62 cm / L: 58-65 cm
Part Number: 767958(M) / 767959(L)
Most* items are shipped using Australia Post; a flat shipping & handling fee of $9.95 is charged at checkout (*except bulky orders, see below). Please contact our Customer Service Team if you have any special shipping requests. Please note; any items that are contained in a commercial quotation by our Sales Team are not included in our $9.95 standard shipping rate offer.
Some items are not able to be shipped via Australia Post due to size and/or weight restrictions, but they can be collected from our Collingwood Store free of charge or the Bulky Freight charge will be shown below.
Most items are held in stock in Collingwood, occasionally we run out of stock of some items. We will notify you advising when your order will be available for collection.
External Territories:
The following External Territories may not be shippable, and must be quoted in advance. Please call or email instead of ordering online.


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Grange, who has worked in PR for Apple, Microsoft and JVC, was most recently head of technology at comms agency W. He left the agency 2013 to spend more time with his family but continued acting as a consultant for the firm.
In February 2014 Grange was hit by a car. After five months in a coma and nine months in hospital he has now been moved to a residential care home to continue his recovery. He has suffered life-changing injuries and is unable to sit up unaided, as well as a brain injury.
Yesterday his wife Rebecca Armstrong, a features editor on The Independent, set up a GoFundMe fundraising page to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle – which the page says the Department for Work and Pensions has said it cannot fund.
The story has been shared on Twitter, with many people in the PR industry who have worked with Grange tweeting messages of support:
Stoked to see games industry veteran Nick Grange is closer to his mobility goal, 200 people raised 7K in a day! https://t.co/X73DSSfsZs
— Aidan Minter (@Alliedagent) August 19, 2015
Nick Grange, one of the nicest PRs ever, needs donations for a mobility scooter. Please do what you can. http://t.co/iIxWWHzWZe
— Steve Merrett (@steve_merrett) August 19, 2015
Armstrong, who has been writing a column about her husband's recovery, said: "I have been utterly overwhelmed by the response from friends, former colleagues, contacts and clients (he obviously did something right in all of his years of PR). We are touched, and thrilled, and would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated so far, as well as to our friend Denise who is the one jumping out of the plane to raise money."
At the time of going to press the page had received nearly 250 donations, raising more than £8,200 of a £10,000 target.
Update: The initial £10,000 target was raised to £15,000 at the end of the day on 19 August. By 10.30am on 20 August the total given by 285 donors had reached £9,990.


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Afternoon Style Fiends. Hope all is well. One minute I'm fancying the new Gresca belt by The Tod's, the next realise WGSM scrawled into the diary isn't a mystic rune about genetically modified waistcoats I was tossing about, but was in fact their awards do tonight. A big old do at the Victoria&Albert and one's on the panel, having voted for people at some point, be nice to be reminded who. And why maybe? Mr.Luke Day is going, so shall make a proper effort. The he tells me its black tie though for pity's sake. I mean black. When is black Melange gonna happen properly, eh?
That was gonna be black Melange Sunspel sweats for the rest of the day for me. Now its not. Better bike in some pearls. The belt's dead nice though, no? Seen some great sports jackets too. No time to tell sadly.
Stubbs out in The Metropolis.


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Singapore firm in JV to build ships at Kakinada1 min read . Updated: 26 Nov 2009, 09:54 PM IST
Singapore firm in JV to build ships at Kakinada
Singapore firm in JV to build ships at Kakinada
Bangalore: Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard Pte Ltd will set up a $375 million (Rs1,750 crore) yard with a local partner in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Sembawang Shipyard has floated Sembmarine Kakinada Ltd, a joint venture with Kakinada Seaports Ltd, which operates the Kakinada port, to develop and operate the shipbuilding and repair facility. The joint venture agreement was signed in New Delhi on Thursday.
The yard will build and repair vessels and other equipment used for supporting offshore oil exploration and production.
Sembawang Shipyard is a subsidiary of Singapore-listed Sembcorp Marine Ltd, the world's second biggest oil rig builder. Sembcorp Marine through Sembawang Shipyard will hold a 19.9% share of the ventures's initial investment of $50 million, with an option to increase it to 40%, the company said in a statement.
Sembmarine Kakinada will be developed in three-phases over three-five years.


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Visiting address
Eilert Sundts hus
4th floor (map)
Moltke Moesvei 31
Main discipline: Sociology, Culture Studies
Lecturer: Professor Mich�le Lamont,
Princeton University, USA
Course description
This seminar will introduce students to the field of cultural sociology. We will focus on a few selected research areas that have seen important theoretical developments in recent years, including cultural structures and repertoires, symbolic boundaries, social and national identity, global cultures, class cultures, and taste cultures. Particular attention will be paid to comparative scholarship and comparative research strategies.
Basic Readings
The lecturer
Mich�le Lamont is Professor at Department of Sociology, Princeton University, USA. She received her doctorate from Universit� de Paris in 1983. Her main research interests are the sociology of culture and knowledge, inequality, race, immigration, comparative sociology, and sociological theory.
She has published Money, Morals and Manners: The Culture of the French and the American Upper-Middle Class, Chicago: University of Chicago Press (1992), and two recent edited volumes The Cultural Territories of Race: Black and White Boundaries, Chicago: University of Chicago Press and New York: Russell Sage Foundation (1999) and Polities and Repertoires of Evaluation in France and the United States (co-edited with Laurent Th�venot), London: Cambridge University Press and Paris: Presses de la Maison des sciences de l'homme (2000). The Dignity of Working Men: Morality and the Boundaries of Race, Class and Immigration will be published by Harvard University Press and the Russel Sage Foundation in fall 2000.


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emily l.
Emily and I were put in contact with each other through mutual friends, and holy moly am I glad they did, look at her! She was so sweet and cooperative while I was asking her to stand in mud and tall grass after all the rain we had a few weeks ago. Thank you Emily!


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The reason why companies ask their employees to sign non-compete agreements is obvious. They don't want to hire an executive who goes on to steal the contracts and start a company of his or her own. On many levels, it would be unethical for someone to do this, but that would not prevent an unscrupulous business person from taking advantage of the situation. Non-compete agreements are a way for corporations to protect themselves from situations like this.
Can I get out of my non-compete agreement?
Job termination is not the end of your employee rights
Most people equate the loss of a job with the end of their income, health insurance and other employee rights. Imagine losing your job after more than 10 years of loyal service. How are you going to pay your mortgage or make your car payments? What if it takes months to find another job that offers a comparable salary?
Pregnancy discrimination in the workplace
Texas mothers may have noticed a more open policy in society regarding pregnant women in the workplace. More employers are offering longer leaves related to pregnancy and childbirth. They are also offering lactation rooms for nursing mothers. However, pregnancy can still adversely affect some female workers.
Woman claims discrimination after taking family leave
Officials in Swisher County are embroiled in a lawsuit brought by a former employee who says she was fired in retaliation for a series of events that resulted in criminal charges against her employer. The woman claims she faced discrimination for taking family leave to cope with job-related stress and a child's illness.
Misclassification as contractors hurts government, employees
When is an employee not an employee? It depends on how a worker is classified by an employer. Full-time employees are eligible for benefits -- and are also required to be paid overtime, where applicable, and fair wages. Employers must also pay insurance and employment taxes for full-time employees, which can add up to significant expenses for businesses.
Did Texas company fire worker just because she was pregnant?
A Texas woman is suing her former employer for terminating her employment while on maternity leave. In addition to her wrongful termination claim, the woman states that, while still at work, she was treated differently from other employees for training and development opportunities because of her pregnancy.
Rally for higher wages takes place in downtown Houston
Earlier this week, people rallied in downtown Houston to encourage employers to pay workers more than minimum wage. The minimum wage here in Texas is tied to the federal minimum wage, which is currently set at $7.25 an hour. The federal minimum has not been increased for four years, but the Minimum Wage Act of 2013 is currently working its way through Congress, and if passed it would raise the federal minimum to $10.10 an hour.
For Texas women, fight to end discrimination continues
It was recently announced that Governor Rick Perry vetoed a new law that could have aided women in the fight to achieve equal pay within the workplace. The measure before him would have mirrored a federal law that gives women easier access to the legal system in the event that they are unfairly compensated within the workplace by acts of discrimination. In ending the bill, Perry made a statement that the decision could have the effect of resulting in more lawsuits and increased regulations.
Gulf Coast staffing company to pay $1.9M to settle wage and hour allegations
A staffing firm with a location in Texas recently agreed to pay just under $2 million to settle claims that it improperly withheld wages from more than 2,000 employees.
Texas court says no to right to representative for state workers
The Texas Supreme Court has said no to extending the right to a union representative for state workers in meetings with managers. Under current federal laws, employee's right to "concerted activities" under the National Labor Relations Act allows federal and private-sector workers to have a union representative accompany them to meeting with management that could result in disciplinary actions.


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Posted in: Clothing
Looking for new leggings? We have featured a collection of patterned leggings which are available in different sizes. We have included a range of patterned leggings which we think are great for adding to your wardrobe!
From colourful leggings to simple black and white striped leggings to use at the gym, Zazzle sells a growing collection of leggings for you to choose from. Visit their website for more leggings and other clothing gift ideas.
If you want to see more leggings, we have featured a collection of personalised leggings on Your Ideal Gifts too!Clicking on a product below will take you off Your Ideal Gifts where you can make your purchase.


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Archives post
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News that 44 people were slaughtered at a wedding in southeastern Turkey in May - an instructive if extreme case, said Reuters , "of the depth and bitterness of blood feuds, clan rivalries and vendettas" among Turkish Kurds - shocked the world.
The feud apparently involved a single extended family, and while triggered by a jilted groom had roots in a lengthy land dispute in the village of Bilge.
The article went on to say that southeastern Turkey, west of Iran and north of Iraq and Syria - where the Turkish army, backed by often unaccountable village guards, is trying to contain the separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) - is awash with guns and a tendency to solve differences "blood for blood."
Bilge sits just outside Mardin, a gorgeous city that climbs (or flows down) a funnel-like mountain topped with a citadel (occupied by the Turkish army) and overlooking the flat and seemingly endless Mesopotamian plain.
Almost all the buildings in this ancient crossroads, just north of Syria, are of a golden-hued stone, leading to a comparison with historic Jerusalem. In the last decade, Mardin has gained popularity with Turkish travellers and outsiders, inspiring Lonely Planet to write: "Get there before the crowds do."
Which all goes to show that you don't necessarily see behind the facades and the smiling faces. Such was the case with my recent trip through Eastern Turkey: I didn't see the Kurdish anger, yet there were signs.
In the north, our group of 16 in a van, organized by the company Explore, kept coming across massive patriotic signs embedded in the hillsides. They were pleas to the Kurdish population to behave themselves - and at least to try to be patriotic. They said things like (in Turkish, or perhaps Kurdish): "We do everything for our homeland."
All along the two-lane highways that cross from the Anatolian Plateau through the Kackar Mountains into eastern Turkey and then wend southward along the borders with Armenia and Iran, we were stopped at roadblocks manned by Turkish soldiers.
Also through this region, along the roads and hills, you see Kurdish shepherds - often a twenty-something male wearing a seemingly unsuitable suit jacket, with a flock of goats or sheep numbering no more than 400.
In summer, Kurdish families graze their livestock in the high pastures - carrying with them horsehair tents and portable kilims. In the autumn they return to the lower elevations to spend the winter in sprawling compounds of rough-looking stone huts.
Near Mount Ararat, close to the Iranian border, the town of Dogubayazit has a frontier ambiance. I was told the grocery store sells drivers' licenses. A restaurant we dined at had walls lined with half-timbers, like a log cabin in a Western movie, and served lentil soup, kebabs and salad (the usual in the region) costing two or three dollars.
August 19, 2019, 4:15 PM
LETTER: For the week of Aug. 15 More...
August 19, 2019, 11:17 AM
August 19, 2019, 7:00 AM
Franchisee was also fined $2,500 More...


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This post is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand and I have been compensated for my participation. All opinions are my own.
This mamma lives on coffee. I drink it at home. I drink it when I am with friends. I drink it when I am on the go. I don't know what I would do without my coffee. Actually no one else would want to see my without my coffee either. My favorite place to get coffee when I am on the go: Dunkin' Donuts!
I live on Dunkin' Donuts. It is my go to all of the time. Anyone who goes to Dunkin' Donuts needs to know about the DD Perks. If you haven't signed up, you are missing out. Starting April 14 through April 21, Dunkin' Donuts guests who join DD Perks and use the special code "STARS" can earn an automatic 125 points towards a free any-size beverage. Plus an additional 125 points with each of the next 2 purchases from Dunkin' Donuts.
Still not convinced you need to sign up for DD Perks? As a DD Perks member, you'll receive a free beverage when you enroll and then each time you earn 200 points. With the "STARS" special offer, new DD Perks members are on the way to three free Dunkin' drinks. For a coffee drinker that is heaven. 3 FREE cups of coffee.
You have to sign up in order to get these discounts and points. It's the only way to earn five points for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases at Dunkin' Donuts when you pay using an enrolled Dunkin' Donuts Card, either plastic or via the Dunkin' Mobile App. DD Perks members also receive a coupon for a free, any-size beverage upon enrollment and on their birthday. Who doesn't want a special birthday present like a free drink. As a member of the DD Perks, throughout the year, you will receive exclusive, personalized, special offers to earn bonus points for specific food and beverage purchases.


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If you make no other change in the year ahead, the one thing you must do is update your morning show.
Many companies know that they have a problem with changing audiences and their outdated morning shows that are essentially unchanged for years.
If you don't act, you can be sure they will.
Some 50% of a successful stations revenue is derived from AM drive so a lot is at stake.
Here's what you are going to have to deal with …
- Increasingly listeners want a lead female anchor and not just a woman sidekick. iHeart pulled Ellen K off its primary Ryan Seacrest KIIS morning show in LA for a young woman sidekick and sent Ellen to another one of their stations – KOST. Within months she was beating Seacrest and he and the KIIS show have steadily declined once a strong woman competitor hit the market. If it can happen to "Kiss" and to a name as big as Seacrest, it's time to look at your options for promoting women in the morning. It's complex, but we have solid input and useful suggestions.
- What if you have a solid male morning show personality? This can be delicate but your station has some options.
- Old features are irrelevant today even though stations need traffic and news for revenue purposes. How to strike a balance between the features radio needs to keep the billing up and new features to get the audience re-engaged.
- This is a generalization but worth noting – in markets where humor is the chief component of radio morning shows, we're seeing a slide.
- Morning show listeners want more authenticity and we're going to brainstorm some ways to make mornings more authentic before someone else in your market figures it out.
- Contests are not a big draw but dreams are – all of us are dreamers. But here is what young in-demo audience's think of as dreams.
Find a way to Philly next week – air, car, Amtrak (5 minutes from the station).
This kind of information is too precious to miss out on and only available in the company of other local operators who are definitely not sitting still.
Invest one day – Wednesday April 5 -- and you will come away with focused ideas and strategies on revenue building, updating your morning show and the following subjects:


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Treasury prices rose on Friday as lackluster corporate earnings and worries about Spain's surging borrowing costs led investors to seek the safety of U.S. government debt. Strong appetite for bonds pushed 5-year bond yields to a record low during the session.
Yields on 10-year notes TMUBMUSD10Y, +2.28%, which move inversely to prices, fell 5 basis points to 1.461%, extending its slide for a fourth week. A basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point.
Yields on 5-year debt TMUBMUSD05Y, +3.08% slid 4 basis points to 0.580%, coming back from a record low of 0.573% earlier. For the week, 5-year bond yields are roughly down 6 basis points.
"This time it is about Spain, and the details aren't as important as the fact that this is going to be with us for a while," said Kevin Giddis, head of fixed-income capital markets at Raymond James/Morgan Keegan, in a commentary.
Spain's 10-year-government- bond yields surged well above the critical 7% level to trade at 7.22% (10YR_ESP).
News that euro-zone finance ministers approved a financial-aid package for Spain's banking sector did nothing to relieve the pressure on the country's bonds.
"The fear trade in Spain is back on, with 10-year yields back comfortably over 7% and spreads to Germany at new highs, now approaching 600 basis points," wrote Richard Gilhooly, U.S. director of interest-rate strategy at TD Securities, in his daily report.
Germany's 10-year-government-bond yields (10YR_GER) slid 5 basis points to 1.165%.
Treasurys are generally seen as a safe-haven investment and investors tend to buy them at times of heightened economic concerns.
Yields on 30-year bonds TMUBMUSD30Y, +1.93% dropped 7 basis points to 2.551%, notching another weekly decline.
No major U.S. economic data were released on Friday.
U.S. stocks dropped after reports from General Electric Co. GE, -0.97% and others showed that companies are struggling to deliver robust revenue growth. The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, +1.07% tumbled about 120 points to 12,823. MarketWatch's stock market review


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Two parts roses to three parts kitsch. Photographer and art director Mirka Laura Severa shows us how to make an irresistible love cocktail
Love, in all its guises, and on any day of the year, entails a heady mix of emotions. Mirka Laura Severa agrees: "As sweet and nice as it is, love can also hurt," the photographer and art director says. Her new film Love Me Blender makes this point deftly: it depicts a woman blending a love cocktail – dusty pink, viscous, and thick with consumerist tradition.
"In a way love is a symbiosis of beauty and pain," Severa continues, "and the cocktail symbolises this. It has the perfect balance – not too sweet, not too sour." As Severa's heroine snips the heads off roses and gulps down sparkling wine in her candy red outfit of satin gloves and a belted dress, we know neither who this cocktail is being mixed (and, literally, misted with love) for, or whether it exists simply for her own enjoyment. Either way, Love Me Blender is a delectably kitsch and irreverent look at love. Should it inspire you to concoct a Valentine's drink in its honour, find the recipe below. (S.W.A.L.K.)
Five pink roses (plus one for garnish)
Good glug of champagne
One pink praline confection (preferably heart-shaped)
Using scissors, cut the heads off the roses, leaving around one centimetre of stalk, and put into blender
Add champagne to the blender, enough to cover the roses
Sip remaining champagne
Toss in the praline confection
Blend until paled in colour and semi-smooth
Pour into sundae glass
Garnish with one rose (trim stalk to fit)
Serve with straw (preferably pink)
Mist generously with Love
With thanks to Marcioz and Dinamo Typefaces.


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This is a list of confirmed shows and workshops, this list will change as more events get scheduled. If you are interested in updates on what is happening, you can sign up for my mailing list.
September 10th - December 14th 2018
Hand and Eye: Contemporary Reflections of East Asian Ceramic Traditions | Stanford East Asia Library
Reception October 10th at 4pm. at the East Asia Library, 2nd floor Gallery, Stanford University.
This curated exhibition commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Center for East Asian Studies at Stanford University.
November 2018
The Clay Studio of Philadelphia CERF + Awardee Exhibition
The Clay Studio of Philadelphia and CERF+ have partnered to give exhibition opportunities to ceramic artists who have received relief assistance. In April of 2017, I lost my studio in a building fire. CERF+ was there to help me with funds to relocate and set-up a new studio. I was given valuable advice on clean-up after the fire as well as information on studio and business practice.
New sculptural vessels will be on display at The Clay Studio of Philadelphia for the month of November 2018. Join us for the artist reception on Friday November 2nd from 5pm-8pm.
April 2019
Featured Show in Gallery 10 at Mendocino Art Center
Solo exhibition of mixed media drawings and small scale sculptural ceramics.


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Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Course in Singapore
About This Emotional Intelligence Training Course
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Course in Singapore
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is having the ability to efficiently perceive, manage, and compare emotions in yourself as well as in others.
To be emotionally sensible approach directing your feelings in top-rated ways to alleviate pressure and anxiety in diverse conditions. moreover, it's about the use of your feelings to overcome existence troubles in a peaceful and managed manner.
To be emotionally shrewd manner having the capacity to empathize with others, which in the end lets you higher recognize human beings deepest needs.
Emotional intelligence is a ready conversation and social interaction. particularly, it's approximately directing your feelings in most efficient ways that help you talk efficiently with others the use of verbal and nonverbal cues. The fee of having emotional intelligence extends past the "self" and undoubtedly influences the relationships we've with others. In truth, all people we interact with blessings. They benefit because of how we communicate with them.
An emotionally sensible person understands how to defuse struggle in rational approaches to fixing relationships, which ultimately enables construct deeper tiers of trust.
You display emotional intelligence whilst you become aware of the emotions you are experiencing. but, recognition is most effective a start. You must additionally display which you understand those feelings and the impact that they have got to your kingdom-of-thoughts. moreover, you need to understand how your emotions are affecting the human beings around you.
This emotional intelligence education route addresses our very own Emotional Intelligence (EI) and how we will better recognize ourselves and interpret others.it focuses on 4 key regions; self-awareness, self-control, social consciousness, social management and it's going to provide you with the capabilities to be more self-aware and select to control your reactions. It additionally gives you the competencies to assess other's emotions greater efficiently and deal with them correctly for superior performance.
Who Should Attend This Emotional Intelligence Workshop
This Emotional Intelligence workshop is ideal for anyone who would like to gain a strong grasp and improve their Emotional Intelligence.
All Staff Within An Organisation
Team Leaders
Group Size For This Emotional Intelligence Training Program
The ideal group size for this Emotional Intelligence course is:
Minimum: 5 Participants
Maximum: 15 Participants
Course Duration For This Emotional Intelligence Skills Course
The duration of this Emotional Intelligence workshop is 2 full days. Knowles Training Institute will also be able to contextualised this workshop according to different durations; 3 full days, 1 day, half day, 90 minutes and 60 minutes.
2 Full Days
9 a.m to 5 p.m
Emotional Intelligence Course Benefits
Below is the list of course benefits of our Emotional Intelligence course
- Develop rapport with individuals.
- Capable to understand the non-verbal expression more efficiently.
- Signify of motivations and behaviours and learn to acknowledge the difference.
- Able to achieve and manage with people more efficiently by perception and valuing their passions.
- Become more versatile to how others create and what unconventional views they have.
- Manage a communication pattern to develop more emotionally powerful discussions.
- Discovering basic coaching skills to competently understand people and their objects and needs.
Emotional Intelligence Course Objectives
Below is the list of course objectives of our Emotional Intelligence course
- Encourage you to be aware of, control and express your emotions.
- Enables you to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
- Increases leadership ability.
- Improves decision-making capability.
- Raise personal well-being and team performance.
- Prepare you to cheer up or calm down other people.
- Helps you identify and manage emotions at the moment.
- Motivate to have personal insight and difference between thoughts and feelings in order to
- make choices.
- Assist you inflexible responses to challenges, pressure, high demand and stress.
- Allow you to identify the four aspects that comprise emotional intelligence.
- Assist you to manage emotions to enhance relationships with some practical strategies.
- Benefit you to understand other personalities and increase the ability to empathize with those around them.
Course Content For This Emotional Intelligence Training Course
Below is the list of course content of our Emotional Intelligence training course
- Define "Emotional Intelligence"?
- How to accurately perceive emotional intelligence?
- What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent?
- What are the five components of emotional intelligence?
- What skills are required to be emotionally intelligent?
- Role of Emotional intelligent in different aspects of life?
- Explain how emotional intelligence allows you to communicate more effectively?
- What are the benefits of emotional intelligent?
- Explain the importance of improved emotional intelligence?
- What set of skills are required to be emotionally intelligent?
Emotional Intelligence Value Added Materials
Each participant will receive the following materials for the Emotional Intelligence course
Emotional Intelligence Learner's Guide
Emotional Intelligence Key Takeaways Notes
Emotional Intelligence Essentials Ebook
Emotional Intelligence Course Handouts
Emotional Intelligence 30-Day Action Plan
Emotional Intelligence MindMaps Pack
Emotional Intelligence PPT Slides Used During Course
Emotional Intelligence Long-Term Memory Flashcards Pack
Emotional Intelligence E-Learning Course
Emotional Intelligence Online Video Course
Emotional Intelligence Essentials Audiobook
Emotional Intelligence Infographics Pack
Emotional Intelligence Certification
Each course participant will receive a certification of training completion
Course Fees
There are 3 pricing options available for this Emotional Intelligence training course. Course participants not in Singapore may choose to sign up for our online Emotional Intelligence training course.
2-Full Day Course
- Learner's Guide
- Course Handouts
- —
- —
- —
- —
- —
- —
- —
- —
- —
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Premium 2-Full Day Course
- Learner's Guide
- Course Handouts
- PPT Slides Used During Training Course
- Long-Term Memory Flashcards Guide TM
- 1 Year Access to Online Training Video Course (*Worth S$589.97)
- Contact Your Trainer: 90-Day Post Course Help (*Worth S$89.97)
- Key Learning Takeaway Notes (*Worth S$18.97)
- Audio Book (*Worth S$18.97)
- eBook (*Worth S$14.97)
- Course Infographics Pack (*Worth S$11.97)
- Course Mind Maps (*Worth S$8.97)
- 30-Day Action Plan
Course Discounts, Fundings & Subsidies
We have the following discounts, fundings & subsidies for this Emotional Intelligence training course
Course Facilitator
Our Trainers are Subject Matter Experts.
Our subject matter experts stimulate discussions, generates ideas, foster curiosity and excitement among all of our training participants. All of our trainers have a minimum of 10-20 years in the training industry.
Upcoming Emotional Intelligence Training Course Schedule
Contact us for the latest Emotional Intelligence course schedules:
Phone: +65 6817 2530
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Download Emotional Intelligence Course Brochure
Request for this Emotional Intelligence course brochure. Fill up the short information below and we will send it to you right away!
Why Register For This Training Course?
Post Training Support: A vast majority of training does not have any effect beyond 120 days. To work, training has to have a strong pre- and post-training component. Post-training reinforcement helps individuals to recall the understanding and ask questions.
Blended Learning: Learning does not occur in the classroom. Virtually everybody prefers distinct ways of learning. Successful learning should have a multi-channel, multi-modal strategy.
We Understand The Industry: We've got a profound comprehension of the business, business design, challenges, strategy and the that our participants are in and have designed the courseware to cater to their professional needs.
Course Content: Knowles Training Institute's material is relevant, of high quality and provide specific learning results. Participants will leave the training course feeling as they have gained a strong understanding and will also be in a position to execute what they have learned sensibly.
Course Development — The workshop modules follow a systematic and logical arrangement. This structure helps to ensure that the course material allows the facilitators to deliver the course in a logical arrangement. Consider the subjects as building bricks into learning, our facilitators slowly build towards a comprehensive picture of this entire topic.
Course Enquiries
Fill up the form and we will get back to you in less than 1 working day.
Alternatively, give us a call to have one of our training consultants contact you. Our corporate training courses can be contextualised to meet your organisation's training needs. Leverage on our large pool of professional trainers and consultants for your organisation's training needs.
Office Address: Knowles Training Institute, 138 Robinson Road, #28-03, Oxley Tower, Singapore 068906
Office Phone: +65 6935 7406
Email: email@example.com
We Guarantee 100% Privacy. We Respect Your Privacy. Your Information Will Never Be Shared.


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Away from all the whizz-bang of Trump conflict, an excellent analysis in the Washington Post of why all the disruption in society and politics at the moment.
Loads of change in society. Working Americans feeling left behind. Without a rudder. Without support. Without guidance. A total loss of trust in politicians, and in the media.
And why Trump's enduring popularity among his core supporters? Well, in an age of disruption, he is the disrupter-in-chief …


text: "Grey Remedy is a handmade ceramics company. I chose the name Grey Remedy to reflect the idea that creating art (in my case, working with clay) can be a healing process that helps us to find balance in our everyday lives. My style is minimal, and I create simple but beautiful products that fit into a variety of decor styles. I love creating products that encourage us to rethink our daily rituals by bringing beauty to the moments of our day that keep us grounded."


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Article tags are commonly used by news outlets to target search keywords and identify topics within a story.
However, tagging has no impact on audience size and does not necessarily generate more page views, according to the latest Authority Report from analytics platform Parse.ly.
So how can publishers make tags work harder for them?
Some publishers are now going beyond "keyword tags," notes the report, and are instead using "knowledge tags" to classify stories by elements such as content type, paywall access or to flag up native advertising and sponsored content.
"There's so much content being produced on various topics that publishers are realising tags are a good way to analyse engagement levels with different kinds of content, and get some insights out of those analyses," explained Parse.ly's chief technical officer Andrew Montalenti, speaking to TheMediaBriefing.
A recent Nieman Lab article highlighted how The New York Times' R&D Lab is using article tags to "create new products and find inventive ways of collecting content".
In fact, the Times believes tags as so important it has developed a "robot" to automate the tagging process, analysing text as it's written and suggests tags along the way.
Tagging by type
At other outlets, publishers are using tags to identify different story formats such as video, longform and shortform.
Tagging articles in this way allows publishers can get better insights to see, for example, how attention time and social sharing differs between different content types.
Technology site Ars Technica uses tags in this way to identify its three main content types – briefs, reports and articles.
Briefs are – as the name suggests – shortform pieces, while reports are more in-depth, longform stories. Articles represent Ars Technica's standard style of publishing.
According to Montalenti, Ars Technica were surprised to find attention time did not mirror what they anticipated based on the level of difference between the three content types.
"They found the longform reports were only getting about twice as much time on site as the briefs, but in many cases these long form reports were 10,000 or 15,000 words – so there's no way people were completing the articles," he explained.
"It led them to realise maybe they should experiment in the space between these two content types to get better action."
Tagging for monetisation
Another popular use of tags is around the monetisation space, allowing publishers to better report back to advertisers on how sponsored content is performing – and also to justify their rate cards.
"By far one of our most popular use cases for tags is for tagging sponsored or native content," said Montalenti.
However, tags are also being used to denote paywall access, particularly as publishers continue to experiment in the space between free content and blanket subscription models.
Increasingly, said Montalenti, sites with metered or 'soft' paywalls are using tags to indicate whether a story is behind a subscription or not, and to identify whether a particular story is a critical driver of paywall subscriptions.
The Globe and Mail in Canada, for example, uses tags to identify paywall access using a colour coding scheme. Red is for stories behind the paywall, yellow is part-paywall, with only the first few paragraphs visible, and green stories are freely available.
While the colour-code system is only visible from the back-end of the site, the use of tags allows Globe journalists to look at what people are reading in a specific category, explained editorial head of digital Kevin Siu in an email to TheMediaBriefing.
"For example, we could look at the most popular red articles over a given period," he said.
"That would tell us whether our subscribers are reading the stories we're publishing exclusively for them."
Knowledge tags
Beyond topical tags, knowledge tags are often used to power product features such as content recommendations, as seen on the online current affairs magazine Slate.
For example, a sports news site could use knowledge tags to flag up stories around particular teams and players, while an entertainment site could tag all content around a certain celebrity.
When a reader clicks through to a story with one of these tags, it allows publishers to offer up other stories with common tags to provide more context and in-depth information.
In doing so, tags can also be used to surface stories from a publisher's archives.
Tagging for social
Of the almost 400 media organisations in Parse.ly's network, Facebook has now overtaken Google in terms of site referrals, according to the latest Authority Report.
Traffic from Facebook to the Parse.ly's network has consistently climbed to reach almost 40 per cent in July, up from just 10 per cent in March 2012.
Google, on the other hand, made up around 35 per cent of total traffic referrals, showing not much of a change over the last three years, which referrals falling consistently since December 2012.
Effective article tagging can be a way for publishers to better understand "detailed and sometimes capricious" nature of Facebook's algorithm, said Montalenti.
Tagging for content strategy
70 per cent of publishers in Parse.ly's network – which includes Condé Nast, Upworthy, Mashable and The Telegraph – use tags.
The average number of tags per post is 5.2, according to Parse.ly data compiled from May to July, with publishers using an average of 450 tags per month.
However, publishers who don't use article tags accumulate 1 million average daily page views – almost double that of publishers who are using tags (612,000 average daily page views).
Despite this, Montalenti believes article tagging offers big opportunities for publishers in terms of developing a content strategy, particularly to evaluate whether newsroom resources are being used efficiently.
"It would be interesting for publishers to look at pieces they invest a lot of effort in, like longform interactive pieces, video content… and to tag them appropriately with various kinds of effort levels and collaborative metrics, like how many authors went into the piece or how long it took to research," he explained.
By doing so, newsrooms can then refer to their site analytics to see whether the time invested in such stories is paying off in terms of engagement time and social sharing.
However, while tagging can play a key role in informing content strategy, it is important not to forget that clicks and shares are not always an indicator of high-quality, valuable journalism.


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The year is 1939. Raybould Marsh and other members of British Intelligence have gathered to watch a damaged reel of film in a darkened room. It appears to show German troops walking through walls, bursting into flames and hurling tanks into the air from afar.
If the British are to believe their eyes, a twisted Nazi scientist has been endowing German troops with unnatural, unstoppable powers. And Raybould will be forced to resort to dark methods to hold the impending invasion at bay.
But dealing with the occult exacts a price. And that price must be paid in blood.
Ian Tregillis' Bitter Seeds is a chilling masterpiece - a tale of a twentieth century like our own and also profoundly different.
Ian Tregillis is the son of a bearded mountebank and a discredited tarot card reader. He was born and raised in Minnesota, where his parents had landed after fleeing the wrath of a Flemish prince. (The full story, he's told, involves a Dutch tramp steamer and a stolen horse.) Nowadays he lives in New Mexico, where he consorts with writers, scientists and other unsavoury types.
Bitter Seeds
Hachette Australia
Author: Ian Tregillis
Price: $19.99


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'The Wardenclyffe' Sunglasses - Full Metal Frame
'The Wardenclyffe' Sunglasses - Full Metal Frame
Constructed with a full metal body with branded arms complete with marbled acetate ear piece. Designed with a Polarized Lens 100% UV400 protection.
Contact our Flagship store for more information regarding fit and availability
- All online products are available with worldwide shipping - If you experience any issues when placing your order or for further product information, please contact our customer service team on +44 (0)2038767747 or firstname.lastname@example.com, Whom will be happy to assist.
If you are not completely satisfied once you have received your shipment, you have the right to return the goods within 14 days of receipt.
Similar Products


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VCA A Breed Apart Animal Hospital
777 S. Arroyo Pky Suite 106 | Pasadena, CA 91105Call 626-219-0337
|7:00am - 7:00pm
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- Animal Boarding
- Animal Daycare
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- Animal Grooming
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- Bird Vet
- Exotic Animal Vet
- Reptile Vet
- Small Animal Vet
- Spaying/Neutering
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary Dentistry
- Veterinary Euthanasia
- Veterinary Medical Specialties
- Veterinary Surgery
- Veterinary Vaccinations
- New Pet Initial Visit
- Physical Exam
We're more than an animal hospital! We're the place where pet parents know they can bring their pets for superb veterinary care that sets new standards for quality and kindness. For pets and pet parents alike, a trip to our clinic is an opportunity to see how our neighborly, welcoming staff cares for your pet as if it were their own, and treats you with the friendliness and respect you'd expect from an industry leader.
Additional Services/Information:
Climate controlled boarding
Multiple pet discount
Separate dog/cat/exotics facilities
AAHA accredited
Animal shelter discount
Discount vaccine clinic
Prescription/premium diet pet foods
Early drop-offs at 7 a.m.
Associate Veterinarian
DVM, University of California, Davis
Andrea Allsup, DVM, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She worked in biomedical research for 4 years in Palo Alto, California before attending veterinary school at the University of California, Davis.
Her patients include dogs and cats, as well as pocket pets. Dr. Allsup has been part of the VCA family since 2005. Her own family enjoys the company of three beloved felines including the adorable but mischievous junior feline member, Harry.
Diana Kobashigawa, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
DVM, University of California, Davis
Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Kobashigawa received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in General Biology. After graduation she worked in human medical research at UC San Francisco Department of Medicine. Then she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis.
After graduation from UC Davis, Dr. Kobashigawa obtained additional training as an intern at the California Animal Hospital, in the Department of Surgery and Emergency. She worked in emergency medicine for several years before entering general practice. Dr. Kobashigawa has special interests in Internal Medicine, General and Emergency Surgery, Feline and Geriatric Medicine.
Dr. Kobashigawa lives in the San Gabriel Valley with her husband (an ER Veterinarian) and 3 young daughters. They share their home with their beloved "Mousie" - a 3 legged, 1 eared beautiful tortoise shell cat originally from a farm in Indiana, "Squirt" - an untouchable semi-feral garage cat, and "Daisy" - an adorable old terrier.


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Mesothelioma Asbestos have the very shut relationship because in somebody has the close activity with asbestos then he or she will likely be potentially infected by this type of mineral. He could possibly drop pounds and even keep a healthy weight like persevering with a walking routine. About 1 in 10 veterans will get assist from Medicaid; only about half of the 22 million veterans within the U.S. get care from the VA system. The Acid forming properties trigger your body to work extra exhausting with a view to balance pH. The human physique naturally exists at a pH of about 7.four. Many smooth drinks have a pH of lower than four!
Three individuals were dead by the point San Diego County public health officials organized street groups to supply vaccinations against hepatitis A. It was early May and eighty instances had been confirmed since November, with sixty six patients hospitalized.
Further, that more lawsuits and delays in newer applied sciences reaching sufferers would ultimately raise well being care prices. The study focused on a gaggle of 4,948 women and men aged over forty years who have been adopted for around 12 years. High threat groups embrace individuals over age sixty five, younger kids, and people with chronic or underlying diseases like heart illness.
The espresso cup was half empty when researchers published at article in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that spoke of the correlation between espresso and miscarriage risk. In line with researchers sleep deprivation may provide a new therapy for melancholy.
Folks searching for psychological well being remedy made up half of all deaths in 2011 and 2012, new figures present. It has been found out that taking small amounts of aspirin on a daily basis can curb risk of stroke and coronary heart illness. Viral hepatitis is inflammation of the liver brought on as a consequence of a virus, and it is likely one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 1.34 million deaths per 12 months.


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Happy Halloween! Blessed Samhain!6:52 AM
It has been a while since I have posted to the blog. The big news is that my Witches Tarot is now an app for your iPhone and iPad! This became available a few weeks ago by The Fool's Dog Company and they have informed me recently that they are very pleased with the sales so far. Here is a link so you can check it out! http://www.foolsdog.com/Witches/
Also the Witches Tarot in the works for an android version app to be available early next year! (We've had lots of requests for an android version- so sit tight! It's on the way!) THIS JUST IN! You asked for it you got it! The Witches Tarot is now ALSO available for Android users as well as iPhones
Here is the link in the Google store! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foolsdog.witches
Here at home we had 2 weddings to attend in October, I taught classes in St. Louis, and tour season has just come to a close. Lately it seems that every time I turn around someone wants an interview or for me to guest blog. Which is exciting but adds to my list of things to do. Between my own family's annual party, travel, and so forth things have been pleasantly though insanely busy.
We ended up holding our party a week earlier than usual to accommodate my daughter's fall break at grad school and my author event at Turn The Page Bookstore on the 26th of October.
At our 4th Annual Halloween bash this year a couple of my friends and I decided to come as The Three Witches of Oz. Evanora, Glinda and Theodora. Here we are on the right. That's me as Evanora, Ember Grant as Glinda and Heather as Theodora. We all had a great time!Also I flew in one of my best witch-friends from Connecticut to stay with us for the party weekend. It was so much fun with Jen being here!
The night of the party was very cold. Temperatures hovered in the low 40's, and everyone stayed around the fire pits to stay warm or squeezed inside the coffin in the garage for a photo shoot. (See bottom of the page) Here is a photo from the party of my husband dressed as a gravedigger, and he was taking his job pretty seriously! (LOL)
I have only been home from the Washington DC area and the event at Turn the Page Bookstore for a couple of day. As usual it was a fabulous time! I love doing events there and its great to see Nora Roberts again, and the staff at the store always does an incredible job. This year with Nora's new book "Dark Witch" and it being so close to Halloween all of the staff were dressed like Witches! It was so cute!
Here is a group photo of all of the authors from the event at Turn The Page
Finally the trees in the neighborhood have started to push out their fall colors. It's colder and rainy and now it feels like Samhain. As the temps have fallen well below freezing and all of the tender annuals in my garden took a major hit and have blackened from the frost..
That's okay I will leave them alone- It adds to the creepy effect when the Trick or Treaters come a calling.
Now I need to go set up all of the Jack o'lanterns and finish the food prep for my family as they always come over for supper and to hang out and visit on Halloween.Pumpkin pies to bake, table to set...
I wish you and yours a Happy Halloween and a Blessed Samhain! Happy Witches New Year!
Blessed be, Ellen
|Coffin Photo Shoot Halloween Party 2013 Heather, Ember, Ellen, Jen, Sarah and Ken


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Munich Security Conference 2019
Munich Security Conference 2019, 15 February 2019, 05:00 pm
Parallel Panel Discussion "Make Competitors Trade Again: From Confrontation to Cooperation?"
Olaf Scholz (Federal Minister of Finance, Federal Republic of Germany), Kristalina Georgieva (Interim President, World Bank Group; Chief Executive Officer, World Bank; former Vice President and Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources of the European Union), Christine Lagarde (Managing Director, International Monetary Fund), Ron Johnson (Senator, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States of America) Wang Huiyao (Founder and President, Center for China and Globalization, Counselor, State Council, People's Republic of China) Mohammed El-Erian (Chief Economic Advisor, Allianz SE), and Børge Brende (President, World Economic Forum; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway; moderator).
Video source: © Bayerischer Rundfunk 2019


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Finally Found Paradise
6 February 2016
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the real life view from Villa Oyster Pearl is worth a million! Our group of 6 adults booked the villa based on research and photos from the website (which thoroughly impressed us), but as David and Stacey gave us our initial tour I couldn't help but think "have we been unknowingly upgraded??". I have to give much credit to Stacey's warm welcome at Empress car rental, followed by her superior navigation across the island to our home for the week - as this really set the tone for the rest of our experience! As David guided us through the villa, explaining all we needed to know to make our stay carefree, he truly made us feel like guests rather than clients. Instantly, we acclimatized to our 'home away from home' for the week, on this upscale property with all the comforts of home...and more! Throughout the week we marveled at the view from every room in the villa and every point on the property, including the back patio which was surrounded by the most wonderful gardens. While the interior living space warrants a 5-star review on its own, we spent most of our time at the villa (when not at the beach or out and about on the island) on the veranda overlooking the sea. As for the view of the Weston, we noticed it for an initial split second, but once our eyes diverted to the rest of the breathtaking sites, we truly did not noticed again. After a leisurely morning coffee, most days began with a trip to the bakery for fresh croissants to accompany our mimosa's. We would then retreat to what felt like our private beach, which was always freshly raked with sun chairs ready and waiting thanks to Davis, the invisible property caretaker....who would magically appear for anything we needed but would otherwise remain unseen. We often wondered how he could possibly maintain such beautiful grounds in such an inconspicuous manner! We were glad to have rented a vehicle to explore the sites, which were all close enough to do in one day, yet still far enough away that our 'home' felt peaceful, secluded and blissfully remote while we were there. Two last things I must mention: The Moccamaster coffeemaker for the serious coffee drinkers in our group was an astonishingly pleasant surprise :) ....and 'our' dog Max! While he kept his distance at first (very polite puppy), once we invited him to greet us we became besties just like that! We miss Max just as much as we miss every morning's sunrise at Villa Oyster Pearl!


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Final reflection-Barbara
How did i fail?
This entire project was created for us to fail. It's been really challenging, many things went wrong in all of ideas we did not encounter one flaw we although we encountered about 20 flaws. But these failures were not completely failures more like road bumps that we went through. The one failure i would say would be that we didn't have time to finish and showcase our work. But our "road bumps" our flaws in our building were normal and expected because you can never get anything built or done spot on in one try, we were suppose to fail in order to succeed. Our flaws that we faced were not having the right materials because there was none left or we ran out like, spray painting was not done perfectly, our ideas that we were excited about and built but could not contribute because of not connecting it into the sequence. our vortex , things kept falling, the marble would get stuck in places that we never knew would get stuck on, just little flaws like that, that made it difficult to move pass but in the end things worked out and it was not a complete "failure", it was all a matter of time and that we did not have enough of.
How did we succeed?
Initially there was no "I" in this scenario because throughout this semester it has always been a group effort. How we succeeded together? Well I believe that team work is what we mastered because having 3 people in a group is hard to really get anything done as fast as we would of wanted it. With all of our corporation we managed to rebuild a a meter and a half slide vortex, and further add adjustments to make it 2 times as better. Another thing i would have to agree that we did we, was problem solving because there were many times where we initially thought of an idea and when it came to take the action, we discovered its flaws and that took problem solving. For me this is where the "i" aspect comes in because i figured myself being the one to reassure and fix things when they break or fall apart. I was the one who came up with other alternatives (building wise). I another thing i was great as was my dedication for my part, because towards the end we did split up and I felt as i was the one who would keep trying to rebuild and keep going until i was done. to be honest i never said i was patient or the most calm but i was mostly determined to keep going because i would not have been satisfied otherwise. A quick example of this that involved my determination and problem solving was when i was stacking dominoes, i had to figure out a way to save the dominions that i have already set up from not falling over so i didn't have to restart, eventually i found a way to solve that problem after it falling over multiple times i had the DETERMINATION to try again until it was complexly done…..we had to fail in order to succeed……
what we could have done things differently?
To be fair, there are so many other ways we could've approached our sequence. We would of been a lot more organised with our plan because at the end we were most improvising it wasn't easy and that resulted in us having to stay later in school because we were not, actually i wouldn't say we weren't organised, but we had encountered so many problems and encountered so many new things thats we had no other option but to improvise. I would change how we approached our sequence when we were setting and building for the production of our video.
Barbara- First STEAM Reflection
The process we went through to get to where we are, all started with just simply jotting down whatever ideas came to us. We decided that to create an entertaining, crazy but satisfying contraptions similar to the OKgo people work is by jotting down any ideas and any ideas, because all ideas were good ideas.
The actual work that we've done so far concludes of us selecting all of our ideas and choose the main ideas(the biggest and interesting reaction) and the sub ideas (smaller one) and combined them to a sequence. Till this very point, new ideas are always being added to our list.
For example, Our theme of our section was to contribute all of our abilities or talent and showcase and portal those into our contraptions. Such as brandon who is our arch expert we came up with an ideas where we could have a part of an arrow shooting through boards and knocking down boards wit lyrics of the sings written on them. As for Laura she likes to show her art skills why using visuals such as paint and colour for aesthetic.
As for me, my skill ability that i hope to incorporate is the idea making itself, Music related things and finally editing and filming.
As for things we've created has been this vortex, ball illusion where it does down the slides as the ball "increasingly" gets (looks) bigger and gets smaller.
We've got a few other extra things that are happening too so once the ideas starts to flow together so will everything else.
Originally we planned on using a lot more materials, that may not have been accessible in school because our creative ideas involve all sorts of weird things; Glitter, plastic tubes, umbrellas, archery board, balling pins, rubber bands….You name it, however we only ended up using a selected few. Materials that we did find really useful and most used from the start of project, has been cardboard, tin foil, glue gun and listing the obvious such as scissors and mini saws, tiny wooden sticks. Just anything that was available in the classrooms basically we used them .
All these materials just for the prototype although in the future I predict that those items will be used in our actual models, especially the glue gun. The glue gun is super useful because it's strong and its fast dry, when it comes to building multiple part you don't have time to wait.
Talking of resources, it's been convenient having a document like whole sheet of paper to write your ideas down especially for us, we as a group process better when we have things documented.
So far we've been working on the prototype, currently my feelings are concerned because we've really spent a long time brain storming ideas trying to form a sequence overall, we have all these ideas although its like were not sure if were capable of achieving them so we scratched those ideas and tried to replace it by forming others, that cycle kept us from actually doing the physical building and enough time, unlike the other group they sort of dove right in. Because of this we were having to last minute rush to get our prototype done. However I'm really proud how well we work under pressure, we are the type of people who are the perfectionist so our product of prototype is really cleaned and well put together unlike the others they didn't do details. I believe the reason we include so much detail in our prototype is that this will be like our blue print and the more detail we include (not only for extra credits) its just helpful for us. The parts i don't like might be the fact that were not done, but referring to the model itself nothing I'm really proud of the work we've done so far, especially how vortex prototype that happens to actually work, we are still debating whether we might include this as our actual sequence.
The most joyful part on creating a prototype is the actual idea making. Where your creative weird side of thinking can come to life and get to show your side of things. However, The most frustrating thing is acknowledging the other outcomes and the realistic problems we might occur but also the making sure that everything we plan seamlessly goes well together (especially with the music) but lastly, agreeing with your teammates.
That I'm very critical. I tend to really think about the outcomes and possibility, but negatively or positively critical not because I'm trying to be obnoxious but to somewhat guide them by giving critical feedback.
As a designer, Im very visual, i need to have things written down because the way i think flows in and so does the creatively and the ideas. Ive learned that the best way for me to understand is visually. Ive also noticed I'm good at laying out a plan to build although not so much the building, just more of the creating and fixing side of things.
That I highly relay on the visuals because i have a difficult way of perceiving information, and the best method i found is by using visuals. Same with most subjects in school i have a hard time getting things if there isn't a visually projected because i cannot picture things words. For example: Math, Social, English. I also as a learner realised i work better with people rather than individual.
One thing I've noticed is that we as a group work better when we collaborate together. Not only is it a lot faster but 3 minds and 3 different perspectives can really make a huge difference. In Other ways, it's a way for us to keep each other engaged and focused because even so having a long project, it's easily that you get distracted because with less people it hard to stay on task if there isn't someone in charge.
Compared to other groups since they have an advantage of one extra person differs from us but they do happen to do a lot more independent work. In my opinion if everyone was put together in a group, it makes sense to use each other and work together because its a group effort, however in ways that our group is similar to our other classmates is that, I'm guessing we all have different ideas and not everyone agree with them, because of this conflicts might happen.
One thing i'd might want to change this semester is my mindset and my patience because I'm that person who likes to get things done and gets things done fast when were only given a certain amount of time to do it i don't like to wait but the thing is whenever i rush to get things done its not in the best work. I just need to acknowledge that taking your time isn't that bad. I began to noticed towards the end when we were making our prototype, ours isincomplete, yes but compared to the other two groups our prototype is by far the most impressive or clean and thought out.
In order for me to achieve is to take time and sync with my teammates pace. Of course i don't have to be patient all the time sometimes it good o speed up the process but if there time i should be aware and make sense to use make good use of the time. The support ill be getting is from my teammates because already that have told me to settle down so i believe automatically they will call me out. THIS IS OURVORTEX


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It can be difficult to fit studying in around your hectic social life, with so much going on at uni it is no wonder that some students let their coursework fall by the wayside. Which is why we've come up with some tips on how to manage your time:
Get a wall planner
It sounds so simple, but it really is so effective! If your budget is tight, you can draw up one yourself or get a free downloadable one, or if you're feeling lazy you can order one online. Having your work, exams, deadlines, and social events mapped out will make preparations for them a lot easier.
Start a bullet journal
Bullet journals are a great, easily transportable way of keeping track of the millions of things you have to do. Check out Instagram for some great ideas on journaling entries and ways to decorate and key your diary.
Set priorities
Arrange your planner or journal so that you are quickly and easily able to identify the most important tasks, that way you will have no nasty surprises.
Stick to a schedule
Once you are in a regular weekly routine, you will find it much easier to create spare time for hobbies, projects or socialising.
Schedule time off
Making sure you have time off from studying and activities is so important, don't forget to make sure you have time off!
Use time management apps
Using apps like Evernote or Focus Booster in combination with time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, will help you get more done in less time.
To find out how else we can help to make your student years less stressful, give us a call on 023 8124 4161 or email us on email@example.com.


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In Maharashtra, the irrigation scam worth crores of rupees has become a matter of debate among common people and eminent personalities alike. They all have their own respective logic. The funny part is that the workers of the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have started bickering among themselves about the irrigation projects, but the leaders and Ministers of the party responsible for the scam are watching this 'pageant; in a relaxed manner. The altercation has occurred because of letters related to the release of funds for the irrigation projects in Vidarbha written by the President of the BJP, Nitin Gadkari and the State President of the Congress, Manikrao Thakre. The revelations in these letters caused the Congress and the BJP to come face to face, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is trying to take advantage of the fight between the Congress and the BJP. Ajit Pawar, who resigned recently from his post, is trying to tie his party in a single thread by touring the entire state for the coming Vidhan Sabha elections. On the other hand the Congress and the BJP are preoccupied by their disputes. The NCP is looking forward to taking full advantage of this situation and due to this the leaders of the NCP are at least talking openly about the irrigation projects. At his rallies, Ajit Pawar is saying what he wants to say regarding the irrigation projects.
It has become clear from the letters written to the Union Cabinet Minister of Water Resources, Pawan Kumar Bansal regarding the release of funds for the irrigation projects that the benefits of the contractors are more in focus than the interests of farmers – no matter whether it is the Opposition leaders or the ruling party leaders. All of them are equally responsible for this. The reason behind this is that the contractors to whom the contracts for the irrigation projects were given were considered to be very close to these leaders. A few of those contractors are also occupying seats in the 'Houses' of State and the Centre on the sufferance of these leaders. The 'war' between the Congress and the BJP started when news came that Nitin Gadkari has written a letter regarding release of funds for the ambitious 'Gosikhurd' irrigation project in Vidarbha to Pawan Kumar Bansal on 30 July 2012.
The members of the NCP are enjoying the battle between the BJP and the Congress. Sharad Pawar is saying that the White Paper on the irrigation projects should be issued at the earliest. But the only questions that stand before the farmers of Vidarbha are : when will the Gosikhurd Project be completed? When will their lands get adequate water for irrigation? When will happiness return to their homes and when will they be able to stop committing suicide as a last tragic resort?
In the letter, Gadkari has recommended issuing 400 crores of rupees to the contractors of the Gosikhurd Irrigation Project. Gadkari has written 2 to 3 such letters to Bansal. Bansal has confirmed this matter publicly. The main reason due to which this letter came into dispute is that prior to this, Anjali Damania, a social worker had accused Nitin Gadkari of 'covering up' the irrigation scam. Damania said that she has met Gadkari three times regarding the scam in the irrigation projects. During the meeting she asked Gadkari to help her to unveil this scam, but Gadkari refused by saying that he has personal relations with Sharad Pawar. Now when the letter of the Chief Engineer, Vjiay Pandhare has been unveiled publicly and Ajit Pawar, nephew of Sharad Pawar has resigned from the Deputy Chief Minister ship and the Financial Planning Minister's post, several new facts are coming out.
Nitin Gadkari has close links with Ajay Sancheti, Member of Parliament (MP). It is been said that Ajay Sancheti has got contracts for the Gosikhurd Irrigation Project. It is also been said that the letter written by Gadkari was for the benefit of Sancheti. After the revelation of this letter, the Congress has attacked the BJP and has also alleged that the BJP leaders had a role in the irrigation scam. The BJP became defensive at this. On this issue, Nitin Gadkari has admitted that he had written letters to the Water Resources Minister and if required he will write in the future. He also said that he had written this letter for the benefit of the farmers, not for the benefit of any contractor. But people didn't believe this statement made by Gadkari. This is because Ajay Sancheti became an MP with the help of Nitin Gadkari. Not only that, another
contractor of the Gosikhurd project, Mitesh Bhangdia also became a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council through the quota of the BJP.
If the Congress is attacking the President of the BJP, then how can the BJP leaders of the state remain silent? After all, it has been revealed that the State President of the Congress, Manikrao Thakre, has also written a letter to the Water Resources Minister regarding the Gosikhurd Irrigation Project. The BJP began alleging that the Congress has provided protection to corrupt contractors. The BJP said that the State President of the Congress has written a letter to the Union Minister for the release of funds for Gosikhurd, only in a view for the financial benefit of the contractors. BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Vinod Tawde while making the above charges has demanded an independent high level investigation of the irrigation scam. Several leaders also demanded an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Manikrao Thakre has also confirmed that he had a written letter to the Union Minister. He said that he had written the letter to the Water Resources Minister for compensating the losses of the migrants and the 'victims' of the Gosikhurd project and for their rehabilitation. He has not written anything for the benefit of contractors. Thakre has claimed in his statement that Gadkari has written the letter to the Union Minister for the benefit of the contractors, but he has written the letter for the benefit of farmers and the 'victims' of the project.
After the revelations in the letters of these two leaders, the BJP-Congress leaders have been fighting with each other. BJP Leader, Vinod Tawde, State President of the BJP, Sudhir Mungatiwar and all other leaders of the BJP have come in to the arena to defend their National President. The State President of the Congress, Manikrao Thakre is defending himself on his own. In the meantime, the NCP is enjoying the situation by becoming a spectator of the battle between the Congress and the BJP. The BJP is feeling the heat as the Congress has gone on the offensive. The reason behind this is the close relationship of Ajay Sancheti with the BJP and with Gadkari, and for nominating another contractor of the Gosikhurd Project as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. The people of the state have started believing that all the political parties in the state are blameworthy in this irrigation scam. The proverb that is applicable here is : 'Everyone is naked while bathing' ('Hamam mein sab nange'). First, a scam, and then, politics in the name of that scam – this is the policy which has been adopted by the political parties for their own benefit. On the other hand, till today the farmers of Vidarbha are committing suicide because of their inability to grow adequate crops and also due to the burden of debts. The leaders, contractors and officers are becoming richer, whereas there has been no improvement in the condition of farmers. Their condition is going from bad to worse. But it makes no difference to any politicians because all the things they themselves want are reaching them on time. The farmers have to depend on their farming : if crops grows then it is Diwali otherwise it is darkness.
Political analysts believe that because the name of Ajay Sancheti is cropping up repeatedly in the irrigation scam, the 'edges' of the State BJP are becoming blunt. It is noteworthy that ever since Ajay Sancheti has become an MP since, his name is continuously being mentioned in the irrigation scam. First, it was revealed that a driver working in his company and who gets a nominal salary has a flat in Adarsh Housing Society. Later on it was found that Adarsh Housing Society has received a loan worth crores of rupees from the company of Ajay Sancheti. His nephew also has a flat in Adarsh Housing Society. After that when the uproar over the Coal Scam took place, the name of Ajay Sancheti came forward again. Now when the name Ajay Sancheti has come up in the irrigation scam as well, the opposition power of the BJP was reduced and due to this the BJP and Gadkari are feeling embarrassed. It is a different matter that the leaders of the BJP are often accusing the leaders of the Congress and the NCP. Time and again they are demanding an unbiased high level investigation of the irrigation projects. But the repeated inclusion of the name of Gadkari's close friend in the scams is creating complications for him. The letter of Gadkari has come to haunt his party. Now to get out of this situation, all the leaders are having to expend a lot of energy. Therefore, the State Secretary and Legislator of the BJP, Devendra Fadnavis has made a statement that the BJP would issue a Black paper on parallel lines to the White Paper which would be issued by the Government on the irrigation projects. Fadnavis said that in the Black Paper, the working process of Ajit Pawar and the role of the State Government will be revealed. Efforts are being made to prove that the Opposition Party of the State is infirm. He also said that the resignation of Ajit Pawar is a part of the strategy of Sharad Pawar. Efforts are also being made to divert the attention of the media and the public from the allegations of Ajit Pawar. Thus the members of the NCP are enjoying the battle between the BJP and the Congress. Sharad Pawar is saying that the White Paper on the irrigation projects should be issued at the earliest. But the only questions that stand before the farmers of Vidarbha are : when will the Gosikhurd Project be completed? When will their lands get adequate water for irrigation? When will happiness return to their homes and when will they be able to stop committing suicide as a last tragic resort?


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A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about a price matching deal using TigerDirect price matching to Newegg. Reader Hua left the comment:
I like the price protection provided by Chase on the CSP and some of their other cards… They just send a check for the difference.
I actually wound up calling Bank of America and they don't have the price protection/match available. This got me thinking, this scenario that I wouldn't feel comfortable crossing.
Now The Ethical Question:
We'll continue using the same example with the Drobo 5d.
And the best price at $571.99
Say you used a credit card like Hua with a Chase card that provides purchase protection or a Discover card who also provides it and are now eligible and you know full well that there's a price match policy with TigerDirect.
You are now able to receive two price matches, one from your credit card company and one from the retailer. See, TigerDirect charges the higher price and the credit card will unequivocally match the price. Here's a snippet from Chase Freedom (benefits hosted on my Google Drive) and bolded emphasis is their's and italicized is mine:
Benefit Information
What is Price Protection?
- Price Protection provides reimbursement for the difference in price on products you buy with your Account or by using rewards points earned on that Account.
- If you purchase an eligible item with your Account in the United States and see a Printed Advertisement at any retail store or Non-auction Internet Advertisement for less within ninety (90) days of the original purchase date, simply file a valid claim and the Benefit Administrator will reimburse you the difference up to five hundred ($500.00) dollars for each item. Price Protection is limited to twenty-five hundred ($2,500.00) dollars a year for each Account.
- Price Protection is limited to fifty ($50.00) dollars for each item and one hundred and fifty ($150.00) dollars a year for each Account for advertisements of cash only, close-out, liquidation and going-out of-business sales.
- Price Protection is secondary to and in excess of store policies offering a lowest-price guarantee or any other form of refund for price differences, and any other valid and collectible avenue of recovery for which you are eligible.
- To be eligible for coverage, you must charge some portion of the item's purchase price to your Account or use rewards points earned on your Account toward the purchase. You will only be reimbursed up to the amount charged to your Account or the program limit.
For the ease of simple numbers from the pictures, say you were charged $699.99 from Tiger Direct. They say they will price match you to $625.67 and you also contact your credit card company. Because you were charged $699.99 and they price match it to $571.99, they will cut you a check for $128 and Tiger Direct just gave you a $74.32 gift card. Therefore, you will get back a total of $202.32.
This reads like my MBA class in management from my last semester – it's not against the law, but just because it's not against the law doesn't mean it's not ethical.
What do you think? Ethical? Is it maximizing your savings?
Or how about? It's totally unethical because it is abusing and taking advantage of the programs.
Wow, that person is super savvy, and is can find a great deal!
Wow, that person is so sleazy for pulling off a move like that!
Ethics are incredibly tricky, and it is up to the person to decide. For me, after putting additional thought into it, I wouldn't doing anything like this. I like the mental exercise because it's posts like these that get the brain going and you make a similar realization on a manufactured spending avenue.


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Raw Fig-Walnut Snack Squares {grain-free, sugar-free}
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the weekend already! So. Close.
To help get me (us) there, I have these fig-walnut squares. It's like a homemade snack bar or trail mix... without the added grains, oils, sugars and who-the-heck-knows what else.
As you can probably tell from my blog, I looove making homemade fruit & nuts bars. They are great to eat with an afternoon apple. Or sometimes I'll have one or two after post-work yoga to tide me over until dinner. Think raw nuts or trail mix... but in bar form. Naturally sugar-free while packing an energy punch.
Once you have the ingredients, you just blend it all in a food processor and press into a pan. Literally, it take minutes to make!
I like to switch up the nuts and dried fruits that I use. Here, I used walnuts and dried figs, which creates a nuttier, slightly savory flavor with a hint of spice that's perfect for fall. Just be sure to use raw nuts and unsweetened dried fruit!
Raw Fig-Walnut Snack Squares
1 1/4 cup raw walnuts
1 cup unsweetened dried figs (I use black mission figs)
4 large dates, pitted
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of fine sea salt
Topping: extra unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)
In a large food processor, process all of the ingredients (except the extra coconut for topping) until the mixture is beginning to stick together and small pieces remain.
Line a square 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture into the pan and smooth out the top. (If the mixture doesn't take up the whole pan, just press the mixture to one side, no worries!) Then, press the extra coconut onto the top of the bar mixture and press down so it sticks.
Freeze for about 30 minutes or until firm. Lift the parchment paper up out of the pan. Cut into squares.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week or so.
FIG BALLS: Instead of pressing into a pan, just roll the mixture into balls and roll in the excess coconut. You'll have the perfect energy bites!
Hope you all have a great rest of the week. And happy healthy snacking!