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There's rich, and there's Dubai rich. What's the difference? Pink palm fronds. Or maybe that just means it's time to get your glam fix. The Dude will be treating you to a cumshot special this Saturday and here's a little taste of what's to come. (To Cum? To Cum.)
Blonde hair, hard cock, and plenty of pink, all under the open sky. The three-color palette keeps your focus on the girls, and everything catches the eye pleasantly. And with a title like Cumshot Special, this is all about a big finish. Expect a futa fountain to be the centerpiece of this sweeping palatial courtyard.
Lust Unleashed: The Story Thus Far
After The Dude gave a synopsis of his upcoming release, we talked a bit more about the actual story and what his plans are for it.
Alexa: Can you give more insight on the story without spoiling too much?
The Dude: So, the story in this release is going to tie into some of the background info I've released on my Patreon in the format of interviews with the girls. They're not necessary to enjoy this story, but they give some more of an in depth look at the Lust Unleashed universe.
In this release, the story starts with Yelena entering the throne room for the first time since she's been told that she's the new Tsarina. She's the pioneer of a brand-new culture and a brand-new way of life, because Yelena intends to make female beauty the dominant force in society. So her entire reign is going to be characterized by nudity, jewelry, lingerie, and all other things sensual and sultry. But of course, the new throne room doesn't really have that vibe yet.
So Yelena's going to be taking stock of what needs to change, and she's going to do that together with her consort Tatiana, who is known to the public as the beauty at Yelena's side, but behind the scenes might have more to say than people think.
Alexa: Is there a specific reason for wanting to bring forth this new culture? I know you said she wants to make female beauty the dominant force, but did something happen for her to want this?
The Dude: Yelena believes that lust is the driving force behind human ambition. All the great things achieved through history, whether good or bad, have happened because someone wanted to impress someone else, or because they believed that there was a life of sexual indulgence at the end of the road they were on. It's a very sex-based worldview, so to her the best thing to do for humanity is embrace sexuality and go all-in on the power of good looks and seduction.
Alexa: Ohhhhh so how did she come to believe this?
The Dude: That's something you'll discover in the added comic in this set. 😉
Alexa: I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled to find out! It seems like Yelena will have quite the journey ahead of her. Does she have people who oppose what she wants to do? Or is that a secret as well?
The Dude: Yelena's enemies will reveal themselves in time. Keep in mind that there's a difference between what she says she wants to achieve, ie what's palatable to the public, and what her real and actual ambitions are. Her opposition will come from those who believe that her idea of sexual culture goes too far, and who suspect that she might have more influence internationally than she claims to have. But it's a story to be told in steps, so in this set I'm going to let people get acquainted with Yelena and Tatiana's relationship, and then build on that to reveal more characters in the future.
Alexa: There's so much to look forward to. I can only imagine how excited everyone else must be.
The Dude: I hope so! The aim is a large story of political intrigue and glamourous sex, so we're really only just getting started haha.
Alexa: Hmmm a large story…will it break off into side stories and eventually come full circle? Or did you have anything in particular in mind for how you want the story to be told?
The Dude: Oh that's hard to say. For now, the story is a vehicle for a simple idea I want to explore: if it's possible to tell a pornographic story without sacrificing quality. I have a good baseline for what this story is, and I have a few scenes in mind that serve as climax points where really big epic sex scenes take place. But I also want it all to be interesting. I want people to get invested in the characters of these girls.
Alexa: I don't think you'll have a hard time doing that honestly haha.
The Dude: Well I'm glad you have confidence.
Alexa: I feel what you bring to the table is interesting. Sure a lot of people can create 3DX and have beautiful renders but I also feel that there are people who want stories behind someone's work or the characters that are created. I feel people are more inclined to come back if there is a reason for it.
The Dude: Yeah I think if you're excited about what happens next, you're more likely to tune in. Now the Lust Unleashed story is still brand new so all those moments and opportunities still have to be created. So we'll have to see. But at the very least I'm giving it my best!
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as The Dude and I delve into anatomy/aesthetics of his girls!
Catching up with The Dude
It's been roughly two months since we've heard anything from The Dude so I reached out to see what he's been up to and what projects he's currently working on. Below is an excerpt from our chat.
Alexa: It's been awhile since we've last talked. What all have you been up to?
The Dude: Mostly a lot of technical stuff, haha. The transition to animation isn't easy but just yesterday we crossed a big hurdle — beyond that, a lot of Patreon content.
Alexa: What's been the hardest in terms of animation?
The Dude: Well, how familiar are you with the technical specifics of animation? If not very I can keep it short.
Alexa: I'm not well versed with it haha.
The Dude: Alright 😃 Well, basically the issue lies in the genre; because it's about animating girls with dicks, the challenge is in getting a dickgirl body to work properly. The question is constantly how to add a dick in the easiest possible way, while also making sure it looks as good as it possibly can. Those two things don't usually gel together very well so easy ways go out the window, and they become months of inventing the wheel instead; but we're really close now.
Alexa: I know when we had touched on animation briefly during our previous chat, and how your fanbase has been actively requesting animation from you. How do you feel about it finally coming into fruition?
The Dude: Well it's not exactly around the corner just yet, so there's a few hurdles left to clear. I haven't gotten hair figured out yet, for example, though that's not a huge challenge. Mostly people have been very patient though. For example last week it looked like the only way to get a dickgirl body to work in the short term was to go no-balls, but since opinion was a little bit split on whether that was worth it, I decided to give it one last go, and that proved to be worth it, so I'm sure people will be happy to hear that. Though if I had gone no-balls just for the time being, they'd have been ok with it too. It's just that I like to not make concessions if I don't have to.
Alexa: Well it's nice to know that people have been patient and that things are coming along for the most part good. I for one am excited to see the final result of everything. Is there anything you can share about what the animation is going to be about?
The Dude: Oh wow, let's see. At the very least it's going to feature Mari, and more than likely it'll be dickgirl x dickgirl so that means she's going to get paired with either Tatiana, Kayla, or Marcella. We'll have to see who it ends up being. I think the first animation is mostly going to be an exploration of Mari as a character, a bit like how G4E is the first time meeting Tara and Sayako. It'll be very Mari focused, with the viewer exploring Mari's body at the same time she is.
Alexa: I really like that!
The Dude: Thanks!
Alexa: Haha but of course! So with this featuring Mari, I'm wondering, are you going to use this as an "introduction" of sorts? I'm trying to figure out the best way to ask this…I know you've developed a story with your girls but are you going to use these animations (assuming there will be more than one) to further delve into said story? Or will it be the beginning to having the audience get to know the girls on a different level as opposed to what you've been doing previously?
The Dude: So yeah it will be part of the story. I don't wanna reveal too much but Mari doesn't have the same origins as the other dickgirls and girls, so for her there's a lot of self-exploration to do. So that kinda serves three purposes at once; it allows the audience to get acquainted with Lust Unleashed, it'll serve to introduce Mari as a character, and it's good porn 😀
Alexa: Oh man, there's a lot to look forward to then!
The Dude: I hope so 😀 But yeah for now it's just doing what I'm known for, an animation isn't something I'll have rendered out next month. So more sets, the comics I'm doing on Patreon, the fetish sets I'm also doing there, and whatever freebies I can render out for social media 🙂
Alexa: You're quite the busy individual. You said you've been working on a lot of Patreon content, how has that been coming along?
The Dude: Pretty well! I've got biographies and interviews out for almost all the girls now, with some updates also in the planning and the Kayla Meets Marcella comic is now in its final stretch so I'll be starting with a new one soon – patrons will get to vote on that 🙂 Honestly it's just full steam ahead, every month.
Alexa: Do you include your patrons regularly? And it looks like you have things mapped out extensively with everything you have planned, what's going to be released soon and in the future.
The Dude: Well I ask them for a lot of feedback, and I think I do a fair amount of polls. I haven't received any complaints yet haha. And as for planning, yeah, I have a lot more to think about now that long-term projects are getting more relevant and the story needs some degree of mapping out as well.
Alexa: I like how you interact with your audience on these things. Aside from what we just discussed was there anything you would like to add?
The Dude: Actually, yeah, there is a new release coming soon – Yelena x Tatianna: The Royal Palace. It will be a full look into Yelena's daily life as a Tsarina.
Alexa: Ohhh sounds interesting, tell me more about it!
The Dude: Alright so, the story for my upcoming release is about Yelena first ascending to the throne in her role as Tsarina. The set basically starts where what could've been her prologue story ends, so that may be interesting to tell in the future. In this set, we discover how Yelena regards her new position of power and what she has in mind for the world. After a short intro sequence where she's alone, Tatiana joins her. That's the other part of the story of this set, because we learn a lot about how Tatiana relates to Yelena, both privately as well as in Yelena's role as empress. Of course to celebrate Yelena's upcoming official inauguration, the girls decide to fuck each other's brains out first, ha ha.
And there you have it! I know you guys have been anxiously waiting for a new release from The Dude and now we know what's coming. To hold you guys over we have some biography renders of Yelena and Tatiana. These are available through The Dude's Patreon so if you haven't already be sure to support him on there. There are a few teasers as well and more will be coming this weekend into next week.
Leave a Comment
Please tell us when you are going to animate your work.
So glad we're getting more updates from TheDude as I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of his latest work!!
Your work is fantastic, I've seen your work for a long time, but there are a handful of thing I want to comment on.
1 – Its been mentioned many times, but it cant be stressed enough…. animations animations animations. Even if you dont want to release low quality longer animations, you can still probably do a decent job with short loops. Animations are where its at now, so its no better time to start trying them then yesterday. You are probably one of the most liked 3DX creators so you would have no shortage of people lining up to buy your animated work.
1 – Dont be afraid to do unique poses. The cock fucking you did recently was fantastic, it was super hot and nobody else has done that. Towards the end of "A Girl Can Dream" you had the 3 girls in a sandwich pose where each girls was sticking their cock into the girls vagina above them, again super hot and body else has done that. In one of the sets you had the 2 girls with their cocks in the same vibrator, which nobody else has done and again thats very hot. You do a really good job with self sucking stuff, and even though there is a fair amount of this out there I don't think its been overdone yet, and again its super hot. Dont get lulled into doing generic poses in your sets, keep being creative with the poses like the above if you really want your work to stand out.
2 – Somebody else mentioned no liking those puffy inflated nipples that some of your girls have had recently, and I would agree. I'm not a fan of those "puffy" or "inflated" and rough looking nipples, but I do prefer larger nipples as long as they are smooth and round. With the huge tits that your girls have it would be a shame to give them small or average size nipples, just keep the nipples round and smooth and dont make the areolas too big.
3 – How come so little focus is on the breasts, especially the glorious tits that your girls have? Obviously in Futa the main focus is on the cock, but it seems like no matter what the style of 3DX the authors put very little if any attention on the breasts. Give those puppies some love, groping, licking, sucking, 2 girls rubbing their boobs together, playing with both nipples at the same time, sliding one girls nipples down the other girls cock. Breast and nipple play is so hot especially in the early foreplay part of sex, but the boobs should never be ignored no matter what part of the session the girls are at.
4 – Why not try a shorter hairstyle on the girls? You always do long and mostly straight hair. A medium length hairstyle that falls to about the shoulders or slightly below would look "cuter" rather then the current "bimboish" look they have, and maybe a change to a more cuter look would look good. A shorter hairstyle would also never block the viewers view, and would also never be a problem of clipping into their bodies.
5 – How about try clothing other then stockings and high heels? Personally I wouldnt mind if they were completely nude from start to finish, but theres other clothing you could try. Like crop tops that stay above the boobs, daisy dukes, tank tops, jeans jackets that stay unbuttoned etc.
6 – Finally I think your work could benefit from better lighting. In nearly all of your image sets the lighting is so bright and it looks like its coming from every angle. The result is that everything in the scene can be easily seen, but it means there is little if any shadows. Shadows are important to create depth and depth is something that would really accentuate the killer curves of your girls. The shadows would make all of their curves really pop and look just that much more delicious. Shadows would make the girls bodies look more 3D and make their features look like they are jumping out of the image. Try starting with soft ambient lighting, kinda like being outside at sunset, then add directional lighting at the their bodies from things like ceiling lights or weak spotlights nearby. The end result should be their whole bodies are still visible from the soft ambient lighting, but there is moderately strong shadows which are created by the directional lighting, which are accentuating their curves. Obviously you want to be able to see their whole bodies, which is why there should be atleast some ambient lighting, but keep that ambient lighting somewhat low so that it doesnt overpower the shadows created by the directional lights.
You've got me intrigued! I wonder about the story you will go for though.
All I can say is good luck. G4E/BL was a ball ache of a wait but very much worth the attention to detail in animation, and i am glad more animation is finally coming as now more than ever is the time, we still have too few futa animation content that is a) high quality b) features beautiful women (and not fucking animals) and c) is actually sensual, erotic sex (and not fucking ugly monster rape shit!)
Nothing grinds my gears more than non human stuff, so i'm very much looking forward to this. How you decide to handle cumshot animation i suspect is going to be tough. Miro, Puppetmaster, Smerinka have all done fantastic jobs of simulation, for me, it's kind of the biggest part and focus for improvement (especially stickyness/non fading cum between scenes) so yeah, good luck with that too!
In future there will be animation or not ?
Yep, The Dude is working on animations now. No upcoming animated releases, but you may see some previews of stuff later this year.
Looks hot!
is lust unleashed just pictures, or is it an actual ann video animasjon?
For now just pictures. The choice was between doing animation poorly or doing pictures well, and I chose to do pictures well 🙂
bruh stop messing up the nipples they don't have to be 10 different type and sizes. keep it simple and nice like they were before and what on earth did u do to the face/tits and body of Marcella? she was perfect in every way when u first introduced her and in that pool set but u kept tweaking too much with her like u did with breanna until she didn't look like anything like she did originally. i have followed your work for a long time but plz stop tempering with stuff that dont need to be tempered with in the first place coz they were perfect before. once again plz fix this huge nipple stuff u started to do in recent sets coz its ruining otherwise perfect characters completely coz 99% of ppl i know that follows your work hates it.
Hey, so as for the nipples that message has been received loud and clear haha. As you might've noticed, none of the girls on the LU page have inflated nipples. That said, it's also not completely out, but it's reserved for a select few characters. Honestly it was a bit of experimentation on my part and I've gotten a better feel now for which girls I want those nipples for, and when I want them. I definitely don't plan to make them mainstream because while 99% is a bit much, there's definitely a lot of folks who didn't like it.
Marcella actually didn't change that much at all. Her tits are the same size, her face is the same shape, her makeup is the same. All that I'm changing with Marcella is her hairstyle, which is what I've started to do with all the girls since I don't want them to always look the exact same. That's just how I see that, so while I heard you on the nipples loud and clear, alterations in hairstyle are going to remain.
I hope that answers some of your questions and reassures you a little bit. Again on the Marcella point, I think that just demonstrates the strength of a hairstyle! Same with Breanna, characters evolve and change. I wanted to get all of this out of the way before I started really expanding their characters. Don't expect too much change from here on out, haha.
thats good to hear. now the negative parts are out i wanna point out all the stuff that have got better. Tatiana is hands down the best model u have now 10/10(provided this is not one of the models marked for nipple changes xd), yelena wasn't a fav of mine(probably because not a fan of short hair) but she is almost perfect now, Kayla always remained constant so props for that, i know Mari is the prime candidate for new nipple stuff xd but without that she looks great. Brianna (the oldest version)was my favorite till u changed the style so its taking some time getting around to liking new look and lastly marcella, she looked too much like a actual barbie doll in recent sets and here tits shape is much different too so hoping for something different with her(more like the old one). overall as u can see u have a great roster of girls so u are definitely on the right track and lets not forget one of if not the best part of your work, the clothes/lingerie specially the lace ones are best in business. looking forward to seeing the projects u make in future
Animation has to be the primary goal IMO. The image sets are incredible, the characters look amazing and the lighting is perfect. Plus, it would be nice to have more choice other than vampire fantasies and ex-lovers (both of which are also excellent mind)
Still dreaming of all of the Dude's stuff being animated.
So am I!
somewhat quicker new series
I really like what your doing , nice job !!
Can never have too much futanari in my life
I may be male, but i would totally swap places with Brenna on that pic and suck on Kayla's balls and watch the cum explode
Hopefully will be selected
I really live your Art i think Spur one of tue best 3dx artists ive ever Seen i Love Spur Charakter Design and would Love to add a New Set as a Christmas Gift to my collection of already 11 Sets
All your sets are worth the money, you obviously care a great deal about the quality of your content. Looking forward to this and all your future releases. 🙂
Thanks man! I very much appreciate that 😀 And indeed, stay tuned!
hope i get a free copy,looks really good,this saturday the 22nd?
Renders and sets are fine, but what is the spacial thing with the new page all about? A game?
Renders and sets are fine, but what is the spacial thing with the new page all about? A game? A video? A comic?
So LU releases are A3D exclusive, hence the new page. It's a way to feature artists dedicated to A3D. I'm very happy that Miro thought I deserved this spot to be honest 🙂 But to your specifics, yes. Comics for now, an expansion of the storyline, and animation later. This is where we're setting it all up!
So you have text bubbles in the next set then?
Somehow I missed this. Yeah I've been working with text in some of my patreon exclusives already, expect that to expand to A3D releases.
Character models are perfectly flawless and absolutely gorgeous.
Any chance for that major step forward means animation for you?
I believe over the years your devoted followers have waited to see your sexy girls to finally take motion… sexy motions 😛
Yes! So, animation for me has always been simple: I'll only do it if I can make it look as good as my still shots. I'm not interested in downgrading visuals just to see motion, though I realise I have many fans who'd gladly see me make that compromise. I just won't. So on that front there's been a big development because I have a new dedicated rendering rig as well as access to a few other nifty tools that will really cut into my rendering time. We're getting to that place where I can get animation off the ground. I'm just wrapping up 2018 conventionally, but overall? Sooner rather than later.
Really? To me the trailer was pretty much nonsense, a lot of distracting numbers and effects without actual content
After that trailer, I'm expecting Lust Unleashed to have the plot of Bladerunner 2049.


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Tony award-winning actor Jim Dale will bring his one-man show Just Jim Dale to the West End in May.
The show will run at the Vaudeville Theatre from May 28 to June 20, previewing from May 26.
Dale made his West End debut at the theatre in 1965 in The Wayward Way and his return to the venue marks the 50th anniversary of his first performance there.
In the show, Dale leads the audience through his career, from appearing at the National Theatre to working on 11 Carry On films and appearing on Broadway in Me and My Girl and Barnum. Dale won a Tony for his performance in Barnum.
The one-man show will feature songs from productions he has appeared in, including The Colours of My Life and The Lambeth Walk.
Just Jim Dale is directed by Richard Maltby Jr and the London run will be preceded by two shows at the Corby Cube in Northampton, which is 10 miles from where he was born.
It is produced by Nica Burns, who said she had seen the show in the US and had "begged" Dale to bring it to London.

subset: commoncrawl


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It hasn't been simple. We're working with federal grants with very particular requirements. But the challenge caters to my make-the-world-a-better-place sensibilities.
And we've got a lot of company. Energy efficiency has caught fire in the past couple years. In the corporate world, companies are installing lighting and other electrical retrofits and establishing sustainability policies that revamp manufacturing and distribution practices. Their directive is to cut waste and promote savings of not only but energy but water and other materials.
Building information modeling, which enables designers to drop energy use like a rock, is sweeping the urban construction industry and is threatening to encompass more. Managers have learned to shave significant energy costs by monitoring and adjusting power consumption before construction and during occupancy. New products are coming on light rapidly that allow greater central control and monitoring.
And utilities are reworking their distribution networks by incorporating smart grid technology that offers game-changing savings through broad energy management protocols.
Into the light
Lighting retrofits are possibly the most cost-effective of these measures. And they're much of what I'm in charge of at the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization. We've also got air conditioning, pumps and other retrofits.
Yet getting our projects installed has not been simple. From my Formica-covered table top in Fresno, I have been working to funnel federal stimulus money into the Valley economy via Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants. It's been a long road. We're finally getting the projects bid, materials purchased and at least some problems resolved.
Some issues still pose difficulties. Because of the relatively low rate of reimbursement offered by the California Energy Commission for the energy efficiency retrofit measures, some of my cities and counties have struggled to find contractors. The small size of some projects haven't helped.
Get 'er done
The state has been working frantically to get jurisdictions finish their projects by the March 14, 2012 deadline. But California Energy Commission project officers can only offer advice and direction -- no extra funds.
I heard one county was able to figure out how to pay for the replacement of air conditioning units on the maximum reimbursement of $1,000 per ton. That's a pretty big deal, by the way. So I gave the woman in charge of the program a call.
She said her county had no magic bullet, just an employee who had spent years in the HVAC trade. The county purchased units from a manufacturer that certified its products as Buy American-ready and installed them itself rather than going to an outside contractor.
Energy savings American style
The SJVCEO wants to maximize the value of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants my team is administering. When complete, the retrofits would save 5.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity. We want to save all that energy.
However, about four months remain before our deadline to complete the work, and a number of our jurisdictions still need contractors. Many of our cities don't have the staff to do their own retrofits. All have had to make drastic budget cuts because of the economic slide of the past few years.
We discovered almost immediately that because of the reimbursement rates our jurisdictions were having trouble attracting interest even in this down economy. Requests for proposal issued by several cities turned up no interested bidders, while others came in with bids that far exceeded reimbursement costs.
Finding solutions
My boss charged my co-worker Sandy Nax and I to come up with a solution. We followed the formula of using a sole proprietor who has no employees and does all the work himself, thus avoiding Davis Bacon wage rates. But this work is difficult for one person.
Sandy tracked down names using an online contractor search engine and California's Contractors State License Board listings, and I started cold calling.
I eventually called 83 contractors all over the San Joaquin Valley. Three contractors expressed interest in air conditioning retrofits.
I'm hopeful we'll find lighting contractors interested as well. I'm not so sure about pump retrofits, but we all have our fingers crossed.
Nothing's simple with grants
I've been on the phone a lot explaining how the process works. Reimbursement is likely going to be slow, making it tough for contractors already strapped by an unforgiving economy.
I did reach a friendly contractor in Kingsburg who said, "I'm not interested in anything to do with the government." I get that. Seriously, I do. Working within the strict confines of federal grant requirements is enough to make anybody relate to rocker George Thorogood's request for "one bourbon, one scotch and one beer."
Maybe when the job's done. We're determined to make this work.
Photo: Corcoran pump 9A where we have retrofits planned.


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Sold for $1,580,000
on Apr 18, 2018
Exceptional Executive Estate in upscale gated community. Quality building & upgraded features w/value over 2.3 million. Two exquisite homes w/total sq.ft of 5629. Grand entry w/travertine flooring, 3 Xtrordinaire fireplaces, formal dining & living. Chef's dream kitchen w/Viking appliances, built-in fridg., butler's pantry, granite, wine fridg, huge pantry. Backyard oasis w/built-in pool/spa, swim up bar, fountains, below ground vault pool equip. Five garages w/storage & shop area. Solar owned!!
Laurie Ellis
Klemm Real Estate
672 W. 11th Street
Tracy, CA 95376
Email Laurie
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Aug. 22, 2017
2017-18 Schedule
Follow the Buckeyes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Rifle Team has released its 2017-18 schedule on Tuesday. The Buckeyes are coming off a second-straight NCAA Championship appearance and return all five shooters that competed at the championships.
The upcoming season is highlighted by matches against the defending National Champion West Virginia, defending PRC Conference Champion TCU, and the 2018 PRC Championships hosted by the US Air Force Academy. Ohio State will also host the 5th annual Dr. John C. Fellingham Buckeye Open and a 2018 NCAA Qualifier.
"We are extremely excited about getting our season underway," said head coach Ryan Tanoue. "Our schedule is very challenging and throughout the year we will compete against all of the other teams that competed at the 2017 NCAA Championships. That said our team is prepared to start our journey toward the 2018 NCAA Championships hosted by the Citadel."
Click the link above for the complete schedule.


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I am a sneakerhead episode 69 - @Air_Ronnie
My name is @Air_Ronnie, I grew up in a small, isolated part of Australia.
My family was heavily involved in sports and as a result I was introduced to sneakers early in life. Basketball was my main influencer. Everyone has their own opinion but for me 90's nike basketball was the golden era for sneakers. I was in the 6th grade and was turning up to play basketball where kids were wearing Pippen 1s, Pennys and Jordan 12s. Those sneakers had me in awe and I was hooked from that moment.
In the early 2000s I had my own income so I was able to start buying the pairs I had always dreamt about owning. The Air Jordan 3 in the White/Cement colour-way had been the pinnacle of shoes since first seeing them years before, so they were the first pair I looked for and eventually bought. It was a steep learning curve from that moment, finding out that sneakers get 'retroed' are often very limited, people line up for hours or even days and sold out within minutes was all incredible to me at the time. From those naive beginnings sneakers have been a big part of my life, bigger than I ever expected.
There's a lot of things I love about sneakers. The take off in social media use is largely responsible. Of course it's brought with it some negatives. However the excitement for an upcoming release and talking about it online for months before hand, or finally finding a pair I've long been looking for, is hard to beat. Most of all I love how they can bring like minded people together. I've been lucky enough to become part of some really great social media sneaker communities that span the globe, most notably BFA 12+ (Big Foot Australia 12+) on Facebook and a sneaker group on Instagram called @Solelicious. I've been able to meet a lot of cool people who I regularly travel to catch up with and can talk all things sneakers.
The variety in sneakers has me knowing I will always be hooked, generally as we age our taste changes. Even so, there will always be a pair that catches my eye. For the longest time I collected mainly Jordans. In the last 12 months I've gone back to having a wide variety and enjoying it more than ever. I have always looked at what someone is wearing on their feet before all else. When I see someone wearing a clean pair of Jordan's or a gel lyte III collab or a worn-in pair of yeezy 1s. I feel I almost know that person with out having ever met them.
Unfortunately most pairs never or rarely make it out of the box. My rotation consists of a fairly constant list of 10 to 15 pairs. Some come in and out but the top 5 nearly always stays the same.
1. Nike Air Yeezy 2 'Solar Red'
2. 2001 Air Jordan 1 Black/Varsity Red
3. Air Jordan 3 Black/Cement Grey
4. Afew x Asics Gel Lyte III 'Koi'
5. Y-3 Pure Boost - ZG Knit - White/Black
Thank you for reading. Much respect to @epsilonmagazine for allowing me to share my story. Bless.


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Guffaw, guffaw
Just get a load of Quasi, Anita, and vRollo, and don't forget to check your weird meters. 😨
Guffaw, guffaw
Just get a load of Quasi, Anita, and vRollo, and don't forget to check your weird meters. 😨
Posted by Laura P. Schulman, MD, MA on September 26, 2015
Errr, you've been watching some strange TV lately, girly!
How are you? How is Atina?
Heh heh, I believe it's Ms. Cruikshank who's been watching strange TV…there's a great documentary on her and her work somewhere on YouTube. She has always been kinda one of my artist heroes. Atina is postop day 3 and just starting to figure out that something happened. Yesterday all she wanted to do was play with other dogs and chase the local wildlife. Of course I wouldn't let her, but she got herself all sore trying. I believe we will have a nice quiet day at home today! I'm good, anxious to get the hell out of this crowded campground. Headed for one of the only state parks that isn't likely to get snowed in, in a couple of days. Sheesh, this state is all high altitude, at least the interesting parts. I love it! How are you doing, yourself? What do you do after all the plants go to sleep?
I'm glad to hear Atina is doing ok! I'll be in Denver in 4 days.. so much anxiety. Sad our bodies can't tell the difference of good and bad anxiety. My belly hurts. 😯 Otherwise, I'm in great spirits! I'm always ahead of schedule, so far so good. Buddy gets married next Sunday. I'm officiating!
Oh wow!!!! That's so exciting! I didn't know you're a wedding officiant. Any chance of crossing paths while you're on the Front Range? I think I might be on my way to Trinidad by that time, but thankfully I'm highly mobile.
Meanwhile, my personal remedy for nervous stomach is a tisane of fennel seed, peppermint, and chamomile. My Ayurvedic doctor says Do Not Heat Honey (because there are proteins in honey that get denatured when heated and become carcinogenic,), so I use a couple drops of stevia if sweetening is desired. This works most of the time…I have a tincture of cannabis and fennel that I made for the purpose, and it works the rest of the time. Does not "get you high" because it is mostly CBD. I LOVE kitchen chemistry!
Umm…Yellow Submarine on Acid?
I love the National Vegetable Convention
Oh yeah…this is where art was, during the time when doing your own vision was the thing. Are you hip to Red Grooms?


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A trio of 3-D flowers has been creatively applied to the faux leather upper on the striking Lotus Saphira open toe sandal. This women's, white, sling-back sandal also encompasses a discreet elasticated strap at the ankle to aid getting them on/off with ease, a leather in-sock for enhanced comfort and a wearable 5.5cm wooden stack effect wedge heel.
Fits true to size
UK Orders
UK Standard delivery is charged at £2.95 and UK next day delivery is charged at £3.95. Order before 5pm to receive your delivery the following day. Orders made after 5pm on Friday will be dispatched on the following Monday. Orders are delivered Monday - Friday with the exception on bank holidays.
UK Returns Procedure
We now offer free UK returns via Collect+.
International Orders
Details for orders shipped outside the UK can be found on the 'Delivery & Returns' page.
Payment can be made using the following major credit and debit cards: Visa, Visa Debit, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro. We also accept payment through PayPal.


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Full Basic Bed - Low
Live Chat with Us
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Our full Basic Bed with low bed ends is the foundation to the Maxtrix system! Turn this bed into any full size configuration – add leg extensions to make it a loft, stack another bed to create a bunk, or simply add guardrails for the daybed look. Use as is for a perfectly functional twin bed.
- Quality: Solid, knot-free premium hardwood construction (Maple, Birch, Aspen). Non-toxic, low VOC finish.
- Strong: Tested to hold 800 lbs (that's double the U.S. safety standard!)
- Modular: Easily converts to a loft, bunk bed, or to a daybed
- Choices: Available in natural, white or chestnut finish; and with slat, panel or curve bed end style. Also available as a twin size bed.
The ultimate performer – our '2000' Full Basic Bed is the core of the Maxtrix system. Use as is today, knowing you can easily convert tomorrow.
Simply add leg extensions to raise into a loft. Stack on top of another full bed to create a bunk.
You can even leave on the floor and just add guardrails to make the perfect toddler bed or daybed.
Full size = extra room for growing children, sleepovers or snuggling with parents.
Customize for fun or function. Pair with underbed storage drawers to help keep rooms tidy, or trundle bed, perfect for hosting accommodating overnight guests.
L: 80" x D: 57.5" x H: 30.75"
Mattress support slats are spaced 2.75" apart.
Not sure how to measure your space? Check out our Fit & Measurement Guide.
Delivery & Assembly
Maxtrix delivers anywhere within the continental U.S.!FLAT RATE DELIVERY
With unlimited flat rate delivery, any number of eligible furniture items within a single order are delivered for a flat rate fee. Transit time typically takes 5-10 business days once the order leaves our warehouse. Expedited delivery is available for an additional charge. Once your shipment arrives in your local area; the freight carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment. Delivery times are generally Monday through Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM.
- Curb-side Delivery - $75
Delivery outside the main entrance of your home.*
- Threshold Delivery - $99
Delivery inside the main entrance of your home.*
- Room of Choice Delivery - $149
Delivery to your room of choice, unpacking & debris removal. This does not include assembly.
*Maxtrix furniture components are made from solid hardwoods and can be heavy, therefore we recommend having 2 adults present to carry items into your home. Depending upon the size of your order, shipments may come on a pallet.
See details about what to expect once you place an order.
Maxtrix furniture requires assembly. Two adults are recommended for self-assembly. Time and effort for assembly varies depending upon which bed model you order (i.e. a simple day bed is quick & easy, while a quadruple bunk with staircase may take a while longer). Maxtrix furniture ships with detailed assembly instructions and all of the hardware needed.
Assembly Services are available at preferred rates for Maxtrix customers through partners in many areas of the country. Please chat, call or email our customer service team to confirm availability in your area.


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Mosaic Butterflies By Scarlet Mars
These beautiful butterfly leggings are so rich and colorful, adding a burst of personality to your baby's wardrobe. Can be paired with matching headband.
Black/Fuchsia/Blue/Orange/Multicolor abstract butterfly wings print on Nylon spandex.
Hand wash in cold water, mild detergent and line dry. No bleach, iron or dry clean.
80% Nylon, 20% Spandex
Additional information
12 Mth (9-12 mths), 18 Mth (12-18 mths), 24 Mth (18-24 mths), 3 Mth (0-3 mths), 6 Mth (0-6 mths), 9 Mth (6-9 mths), Newborn


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Back to Basics: Confession
One sure way to grow in our spiritual life is to receive God's mercy more often. God's mercy and forgiveness are offered to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation or as we commonly call it "Confession." Many people will say that they can go straight to God with their sins and that is enough. We can ask "why do I have to go to a priest?" Perhaps this will help. The Sacrament not only is a place where we experience God's forgiveness through grace, but it's also a place where we experience strengthening and healing in areas of weakness. Now, I would argue that we can all use this. God's grace is medicine for our soul. When we name and expose these areas of weakness and fault in the Sacrament, we allow God's grace to enter in and heal/strengthen these areas.
Despite the incredible gift of this Sacrament, we are often not intentional on celebrating this Sacrament. Whether it's a lack of availability or lack of priority, we often go months and perhaps years without this gift from Jesus to help us grow and strengthen our resolve against evil. My encouragement would be to celebrate the Sacrament once a month. Please see the attached handout accessible at shbroussard.org/homily that will help you identify areas that need healing and strengthening. An examination of conscience will help us prepare ourselves to receive Jesus' healing and strength in areas where we are weak.


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What Great Brands Do That Good Brands Don't in Content Marketing
Okay content is easy. Killer content is hard. This nifty eBook shows you the difference, based on our real-world work with dozens of brands. A must-read!
Soon, you'll be seeing an all-new version of Convince & Convert.
It's undergoing a full makeover, led by the amazing Rafal Tomal from Copyblogger Media. We're of course staying with the Genesis Framework that provides enormous customization capabilities with unmatched ease-of-use. Here's an almost-ready preview:
The design is based on the new Streamline child theme that is successfully being used by Danny Brown of Jugnoo – who has forgotten more about blog optimization than I'll ever know.
Even though WordPress (especially with Genesis) is exceptionally easy to work with compared to old skool Web design days, it's still a major undertaking. Lots of blogs out there rarely if ever change their look and layout. Why bother?
In addition to the power of self-expression and the organization of your thinking it mandates, blogging for business has one primary outcome: it triggers desirable behaviors among readers. Identifying, measuring, and optimizing those behavior patterns are key elements of your blog strategy.
Very few bloggers (especially in the business category) are blogging strictly for eyeballs, as advertising revenue is typically a minor benefit, at best. Instead, the blog is an emcee, not just a vessel for your musings. It's a public manifestation of your knowledge, and encourages readers to act in ways that help build your business over the long haul. It's symbiosis. You trade what you know in exchange for readers' time, attention, and advocacy.
Convince & Convert is growing and changing constantly, and the current design isn't set up to emphasize the behaviors we are focused upon in 2012. The redesign is intended to address these informational and behavioral objectives:
Emphasize that Convince & Convert is a company, not a guy. There are 5 of us on the team, with a half dozen other collaborators.
Desired Behavior: Increase ratio of visitors viewing About Us.
Better explain our social media and content marketing services.
Desired Behavior: Increase ratio of visitors viewing services pages.
Showcase our new Social Pros Podcast.
Desired Behavior: Increase ratio of visitors viewing Podcast page and conversion rate for Podcast subscriptions via RSS and/or iTunes.
Increase Email Sign-ups. Considering many of us at C&C have a background in email marketing, our subscription rate is embarrassing. Time to fix.
Desired Behavior: Conversion rate for email subscriptions.
Spotlight speaking capabilities. My jaybaer.com site is dedicated to social media speaking, and was also built by Rafal Tomal. It's terrific, but we need to drive more referrals from C&C over there.
Desired Behavior: Increase referred traffic to jaybaer.com
Increase depth of visits. High bounce rates are common on blogs, especially those that have a high ratio of new visits and visits from search. However, I want to see our bounce rate drop by making it easier to browse and by implementing a more compelling related posts feature. For the record, our bounce rate is 69%, our new visitors ratio is 70%, and our traffic from search is 29%.
Desired Behavior: Reduce bounce rate among new visitors (71% currently)
Once the new site rolls out and we have some data, I'll write another post with some before and after statistics.
The presumed audience for this blog since its founding in June, 2008 was corporate and agency marketing professionals, with a side order of small business owners – especially on tactical posts. This year, however, we have tweaked the audience focus for Convince & Convert, and our objective is to write for social media and content marketing professionals. We don't want to be Social Media Examiner, Social Fresh, or Content Marketing Institute and try to answer every conceivable question. Nor do we want to be a blog like TwistImage, BrianSolis.com, or SideraWorks that's anchored in thought leadership and what comes next. There is a content chasm between those two types of blogs, and we want to fill it (along with Social Media Explorer, {Grow} and SpinSucks).
With the blog and podcast, we talk about what all of this means in practice, and how you can leverage the constant upheaval in social media and content marketing to the advantage of your organization. We're innovative, interesting, hype-free, and approachable. Our objective is to give you advice and opinion you can't get elsewhere.
Last week, Mitch Joel wrote a fascinating post about his blogging process (read it) that stemmed from an equally interesting post from Chris Brogan (read that one, too). I discovered that I write almost precisely the opposite of Mitch. He writes every day, and publishes whatever and whenever the mood strikes him – which is pretty much always! I am far more structured. For years, I have written three posts per week here, and typically have topics (or at least ideas for topics, which I keep on the notes section of my iphone) set up weeks in advance.
I write on a schedule, not when I feel the need to write. I have come to the conclusion that this is somewhat unusual for bloggers. For at least two years, every post I've written has been done on a weekend or on a plane. When I have the luxury of not being interrupted by phone or email or DMs or SMS, I write. Sometimes, I'll write five posts in a row. Other times, just one. Incidentally, I did The NOW Revolution the same way. I wrote 1,500 words per day for 21 straight days. Amber Naslund is more like Mitch, and is a "flow" writer. During the book process, she'd have nothing, nothing, nothing then bust out 8,000 brilliant words. Interesting (at least to me) how different these processes can be.
I mostly write in WordPress, unless I'm on a plane with no Wi-Fi, in which case I write in TextEdit and then move to the blog. I always write on my MacBook Pro. I once tried to write a post on my iPad, but it felt too foreign. A post usually takes me an hour or so.
I wish I could write every day like Mitch and Chris, but I can't. Scott Stratten consistently pays me a very nice compliment in his speeches, saying that he stops what he's doing whenever I publish something new, because every post is rock solid. He's a liar. I came to the conclusion late last year that I was worrying too much about quantity, and quality was starting to suffer. The growth of the consulting side of the business was impinging on my ability to create truly first-rate content. So with encouragement from Ann Handley I made some changes and we have implemented a new editorial calendar over the past 60 days, which has the dual benefit of freeing up some of my time, and providing more and better content to our shifted target audience.
Here's how it works now:
Sunday/Monday – Long post from me where I can dig deep and hopefully make you laugh, cry, think. It's like Cats.: you'll read it again and again.
Tuesday – Guest post from someone awesome. This piece from Anthony Juliano last week on 5 Reasons Linkedin is Boring – in a Good Way was delicious. Sometimes I write a second post (like this one) instead of a guest post.
Wednesday – Innovative post on tools and tactics from one of the members of the C&C team. Chris Sietsema's post on content marketing Bricks vs. Feathers was rock solid, and clients are already starting to use the "bricks" and "feathers" descriptors.
So there you have it. That's where we're headed with Convince & Convert. In the immortal words of Spinal Tap, "We hope you enjoy our new direction."
Okay content is easy. Killer content is hard. This nifty eBook shows you the difference, based on our real-world work with dozens of brands. A must-read!


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Semi Custom Wedding Invitations
We do all the work for you! Simply choose the invitation you want, include the details in your order, and we'll get straight to work on creating a digital sample for you. No need to stay up all night trying to format everything in an awkward online design program! You'll get to work one on one with our talented designers in perfecting your invitation.
Turnaround time: 2-3 weeks (rush orders typically welcome)
Looking for something more custom? Click Here


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Telephone Calls
If you suddenly receive a phone call from someone you really need support from at the exact moment you most need them, you can be sure an angel's intervened somewhere along the way, either making them think of you just at the right time or giving them the clarity and wisdom to offer you the advice you need. An increased number of synchronicities are a big sign of angelic interception. Even your loved ones in heaven can assist you in aligning with chance meetings, new opportunities, and with attracting new friends, teachers and life partners.


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April 27, 2006
4 Comments:
- Adam Lee Dalziel said...
wow they are really red - what they taste like - or are they inedible - the most beutiful fruits/berrys are usually inedible - think someones trying to tell us something - like - leave beauty alone - dont eat it?
- Nicola said...
Cool! Thanks for posting that as well! Can you eat them as well?
- Edwin Sumun said...
well, adam got it right - lay off the berries. not edible I'm afraid.
- Nicola said...
Oh well, still nice to look at then :)


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Pop Culture & Other Geekery
Sort by
Buy Nerdy Baby Clothes in Australia & Other Geekery!
Raise a future time lord, nurture a superhero in the making and prepare your little one before you send them off to wizarding school!
At Bump & Bunny we have all the nerdy baby clothes you could possibly want to instil a sense of adventure and stimulate their imaginations.
With a closet full of geek styles, your children will grow up thinking that anything and everything is possible. Browse our collection and find everything from your favourite movie, TV show, book, game & more!
With Bump & Bunny, there's so much fun and laughter to be had!
Discover the fun only a closet of geek baby clothes can offer
We source every item and brand in our store, scouring the world for the most unique, quirky and nerdy styles. Your children will love the colourful characters, the bright backpacks and funny graphic tees – and they're sure to be the standout in any crowd.
As well as offering one of the most amazing collections of nerdy baby clothes in Australia, we also specialise in sourcing other unique styles. For the family who doesn't want a wardrobe full of your typical blues and pinks we have our cute gothic collection, or for those with a love for retro styles why not check out our rockabilly styles? We also have a range of gift sets that are perfect to welcome a newborn into the world.
Plus, we don't just carry clothes. In our night light collection, you'll find many friends to choose from to help your little one feel safer once the lights go out.
Making it easier to buy geek baby clothes
At Bump & Bunny, as parents ourselves, we understand how overwhelming shopping for kid's clothing can be. That's why we aim to make the process as hassle-free as possible, ensuring that every one of our customers experience 100% satisfaction.
Based in Queensland, all orders are shipped the following day after purchase and your nerdy baby clothes will be delivered to your door wherever you are in Australia.
Got your eye on a few things? We also now offer AfterPay!
If you have any questions about any of our brands or products, then please get in touch! We're only an email away.


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I will be speaking at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco (Nov 5-7). Here is the full speaker list.
Speaking at Web 2.0 Summit
August 23rd, 2008 · 1 Comment
Tags: Uncategorized
1 response so far ↓
That's the most impressive speakers list I have ever seen. Congrats ! for being a part of it.


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Genre: Comedy
Pieter Severijn, a wealthy businessman, invites his children to his grand estate for the weekend. None of them is looking forward to this event: Roderick is too busy saving his company from bankruptcy, Fleur has just started a silence-retreat on her ashram, and Benjamin is too much involved in his artistic career. However, when Pieter informs them that he has an important announcement to make, the interest of the children is immediately raised. All three children arrive at the estate, but what awaits them there, is the last thing they expect.
Jelka van Houten (Mannenharten 2, Jackie)
Derek de Lint (Gooische vrouwenII, Bloedverwanten)
Jennifer Hoffman (dokter Tinus)
Tim Haars (New kids)
Sanne Langelaar (Michiel de Ruyter)
Dirk Zeelenberg (Divorce, Toscaanse Bruiloft)
Cynthia Abma (GTST, Bon Bini Holland)
Tibor Lukács (Flikken Maastricht)
Director Biography:
PIETER VAN RIJN started out as an assistant director at Dutch broadcaster IDTV and went on to direct several highly successful TV shows and films. His directing credits include the Dutch classic Pluk van de Petteflet (2004) and The Renegade (2011), which attracted over 2.5 million viewers and was awarded Best Seen Telefilm.
Director: Pieter van Rijn
Screenwriters: Luuk van Bemmelen, Melle Runderkamp
Producer: Maarten Swart
Music: Joris Oonk, Chrisnanne Wiegel
Cinematographer: Piotr Kukla
Production Company: Kaap Holland Film
Technical Information:
Original Title: Familieweekend / Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 / Colour / 84 min / Audio 5.1 & Stereo / Dutch / Comedy / Netherlands 2016
© Copyright 2019 Media Luna. All rights reserved.


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Church on the Rock YOUTH Summer 2016
*Food & drink provided at all events
July 20: Swimming and Bonfire at the Seastrums @ 7:00pm
July 22-24 Alive Music Festival in Mineral City, Ohio. Contact Leigh-Anne Hendrick at firstname.lastname@example.com for details.
Aug 4: Human Hungry Hippo at Kibbes @ 7:00pm.
Aug 10*: Rock Girls Night with Alli @ 7:00pm (talk with girls about peer pressure, stress of school, making good choices, and thinking about life after high school)
*Boys will go to Findley Lake for some fun on the water w/ Greg Rater @ 7:00pm.
Aug 17: Parents v Kids Kickball @ Ellery Town Park @ 7:00pm


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Editor's Note: Every mom understands the magic that happens when you slide on a pair of leggings. Maybe it's the first thing you do after a long day at work, wearing tortuous heels, a pencil skirt, or some other vestige of the patriarchy. Or maybe it's those high-waisted jeans that make you feel like you're still kinda cool but still kind of suffocating. Maybe leggings or yoga pants are your daily jam, your self-imposed uniform for life as a stay-at-home mom (Gotta have full range of motion, my friends.)
So shed your suppressive skins and enjoy the 92% cotton, 8% spandex.
Whatever it is that makes you simply adore leggings, rise up in your passion. Stand with us! Let us write it immortal, upon the strand etc., etc… What I'm trying to say is we effing love leggings.
Almost as much as we love our badass mom bods.
O Leggings! My Leggings!
by Emily Taylor
O Leggings! My Leggings!
Sitting there, draped across my baby's play gym
Staring me down
Beckoning me to come over
A familiar "hey, girl" whispers in my ear from afar
O Leggings! My Leggings!
I overdose on emotions looking at you
Bitter at the young pre-pregnancy twenty-somethings
Who wear you with oversized tees in a flawless manner
While I look like a sack of potatoes tossed to the ground
O Leggings! My Leggings!
Bitterness subsides; elation begins to form
You are the chosen ones for whom my body adores
You do not forsake me with a zipper or a button
That penetrates deeply into my belly fat
O Leggings! My Leggings!
With your buttery soft touch
Your gentleness with which you caress my lumps
You remind me to love my body
Which has held a soul, a heartbeat
For it produced life
It held life
It is life


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30 Days of Gratitude Starts Today!/
I'm so excited for this month for two reasons!
Number 1; Countdown to Turkey Day!! I can smell the sweet goodness of candied yams and egg nog already! >>insert Homer Simpson drool<<
And Number 2; we're celebrating 30 days of Gratitude starting today, November 1st!! Join us by taking one picture a day of something you are grateful for!
- While you're sitting in a cafe, take quick shot of that pumpkin spice latte you're sipping.
- Or you could snap a photo the beautiful Fall leaves on your way to work.
- And one of my favorite's, take a self-portrait; a beautiful way to express love and gratitude towards yourself.
You don't need a fancy camera to do this! The camera on your phone, film, or small point-and-shoot camera will do just fine.
Come on over to share a few of your gratitude photos this month on my fanpage! Just post and tag the image with your name and myself: "Ariane Hunter Photography" so we can see your beautiful photos! I just may feature your photo on the blog next month to inspire others to start their own gratitude practice!
So…what are you grateful for?!!
See Beauty…
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my blog or leave a comment below :)!


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How to Create Your Own Phone Skin
Press release • May 02, 2014 08:16 EDT
Individualism is the key to your personality. If you were to look, dress and appear like everyone else who would notice you? Individualism is the sum total of your attire, your laptop, your iPad, your Tab, Smart Phone, Backpack, your hairdo, your bike and anything else that you carry and is visible to your friends or people around you.
You can increase your individualism quotient by paying attention to everything you have on you and around you. Is your watch unique? Does it draw attention? What about your sneakers? What about your shades and so on.
Your electronic buddy, be it your iPad, Tab, Laptop, Smart Phone or anything else can be dressed up too and made to look as individualistic as yourself.
A phone skin for example, is more than just a fancy wrap; it is essentially a protection against dust, moisture, water and even helps absorb some of the energy if the phone is accidentally dropped. Just as there are colourful umbrellas and raincoats (all about individualism), so too there is now available fancy phone skins, fancy and very individualistic ear phones and so on.
A fancy cell phone skins is a uniquely designed, coloured, textured phone skin that helps attract attention. After all that is what individualism is all about – attention!
At slickwraps.com you can create your own individual phone skin by:
1. Selecting the model of phone, tab or laptop you have
2. Selecting the type of skin you want
3. Selecting the colour of the skin you want
4. Selecting the texture of the skin
5. Make the payment and skin is dispatched to your address.
When the phone skin arrives:
1. Remove and discard the existing phone skin if any
2. Wipe your phone clean using a clean, dry, soft cloth.
3. Mount the new phone / tab or laptop skin you've received from slickwraps.com
The fun begins!
Watch the eyes of your friends or even total strangers as you begin using your iPad, iPhone, Tab, Smart phone or Xbox skin. See how their eyes notice the new skin and widen with wonder and appreciation. This is your individualism and it has just climbed up a few notches! So go, grab, create your own phone skin and be as unique as you like.
Slickwraps is the premier source for quality consumer electronics protection and accessories. Its products have been featured in many of the top online electronics magazines and techno blogs. Specializing in smart phones and other small electronics, Slickwraps strive to sell the highest quality materials at the lowest prices possible. The accessories company is constantly looking to reach consumers worldwide with new, one-of-a-kind products.


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A new compilation series by Cold Busted, with the second volume coming out earlier last week. As you can guess from the title these instrumentals have a lo-fi old-school feel to them and they are very relaxing. Check them out
Cold Busted - Only On Vinyl 1 & 2
in Compilations


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Leaders become more real to us when we get to know them. Two women (Lisa Watts Baskin and Sheryl Allen) who knew and worked with Deedee Corradini share their perspectives and what they learned from her.
From Lisa Watts Baskin
When I first heard of Deedee Corradini, circa 1988, Zions Bank President Ron Hanson had taken me to the Alta Club for lunch. His eyes lit up as he whispered to me, "Well, Deedee Corradini just walked in." An impressive first introduction. The furniture backed up against the wall and all the men's heads turned her way. Impressive. Very impressive. I expected her to be this blond bombshell but instead, she was this compact athletic dynamo. Our paths crossed although we never really knew one another. In those in-betweens, I watched her loom large at Bonneville, occupy the mayor's seat in Utah's largest city, wave—ok brandish–the Olympics flag, and wear her signature red. When I finally met her, I felt like I knew her already. But I didn't.
It was confusing in a way because the Deedee I was getting to know was very different than the Deedee I had seen in the press and on television. She was warm–even sentimental–as she reflected on the sad destruction of Homs in Syria, commenting on how beautiful it all once was, having lived there as a child. She was pragmatic. She meted out occasional bits of personal insight about politics and its fatal truths. When I asked how she dealt with the press coverage, she chuckled a bit and responded that she couldn't wear red without making headlines. She said, "I just knew who I was" and had to move forward. She was strategic. She went right to the top if she wanted to talk to somebody. That included the LDS Church and James Sorenson, Sr. She was steadfast, until her small, trim frame could no longer possess her large spirit. In the end, I think she was rightly proud of her hard work. She was thrilled to see women ski-jumping in the Olympics. She was proud to watch her daughter's success at Nike. She was delighted to enjoy the cityscape she helped envision. And if she had had more time, perhaps she could have helped even more women find their way to elected offices and chairs on boards. Warm. Pragmatic. Strategic. Steadfast.
The Deedee I know was very cool, genuinely fun, and immediately likeable. She had weathered her storms well and retained that youthful vigor and healthy jaunt to her step. Deedee often reminded me of an indefatigable schoolgirl, excitedly raising her hand and jumping up and down, waiting to be called on for her turn to share her great idea. She would offer that big beautiful smile and then shake her head to the side as if to say, "Ok then. Let's get to it." Impressive.
From Sheryl Allen
If you lived in Utah in the 1990's, it was pretty obvious that Salt Lake City had a dynamic mayor, Mayor Deedee Corradini. If you live in Utah in 2015, it's pretty obvious that Deedee Corradini was a gifted visionary. She left a legacy on Salt Lake City and Utah that is monumental. They include light rail, the Gateway Mall and a beautiful west side gateway, a baseball park, the LDS Plaza that is considered as a tranquil, beautiful park but not a place for demonstrations.
Of course, there was the 2002 Winter Olympics, one of the magical, unforgettable memories in Utah history.
That is the Deedee I admired until I had a chance to work with her in Real Women Run, a statewide, nonpartisan group that is encouraging, recruiting, and training more women to run for office. It was then that I met and worked with a gifted visionary who was a warm, enthusiastic, committed individual who still wanted to make a significant difference and improve policy-making by bringing more gender diversity to public office holders.
Deedee Corradini was a founding member of Real Women Run. She helped procure funding to conduct training, She recruited not only candidates but skilled trainers to assist those candidates. She recruited talented women to serve on the Real Women Run board.
When I received her phone invitation, I was thrilled to be invited to participate in a cause to which I was already committed. I was also pleased to talk at some length with Deedee Corradini. I had admired her for decades.
My expectations of working with Deedee were high, and those expectations were met. She was decisive, determined, assured, and, yes, visionary. Real Women Run was initiated in 2011. I hope that in twenty years when we look back on the work of Real Women Run we see the same progress in women holding political office and serving on boards in Utah as we have seen in downtown Salt Lake City in the last twenty years.
Thanks, Deedee. You've set a high mark, but we can do it – just like you did it.


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R/C Quadcopter Drone With HD Camera
Guaranteed Safe Transactions
Frequency: 2.4G
Channel: 4ch
Gyro: 6 axis
Quadcopter Drone Battery: 3.7V 500mAh Lipo (Included)
Transmitter Battery:3 x 1.5 AA battery (NOT Included)
Charging time: 60-70mins
R/C distance: 80-100m
Color: Black
Camera: 2MP (720P), and 0.3MP.
Quad's size: 27 x 19.5 x 5 cm (the arms not folded)
12.5 x 7.5x 5 cm (the arms folded)
Package Size: 17.5 x 16 x 7cm
Package weight: 360g
- With foldable arms, small size, easy to carry.
- With altitude hold mode function provides stable flight.
- With wifi function can be connected to APP, APK system to take pictures, video, real-time transmission through the phone camera image.
- There's two cameras to choose from. 2.0MP(720P) and the 3.0MP. The 2.0MP camera gives a wide range high definition picture and video.
- With Headless Mode,no need to adjust the position of aircraft before flying .
- With One key to return function makes it easily to find the way home.
- 2.4GHz Technology Adopted for Anti-Interference.
- 4 Channel which can do ascend, descend, forward, backward, left sideward fly, right sideward fly and rolling 360°.
- 6-axis gyro which can have more stable flying and be easy to control.
- It have 3-level flight speed to switch that can make more fun with the flying.
- The quadcopter drone's fuselage is made of high strength and resistant engineering plastics,lightweight and durable resistance.
Function: Up/down, Forward/backward, Turn left/right, Sideward flight, 3-level flight speed, LED Light, Headless Mode, One Key Automatic Return, Altitude Hold Mode, WiFi FPV
Package Included:
1 x R/C Quadcopter Drone
1 x Transmitter
1 x 3.7V 500mAh Lipo Battery (Can be choose the battery quantity when order)
1 x USB Charging Cable
4 x Protection Cover
4 x Spare Blades
1 x screwdriver
1 x User Manual
Type: R/C Quadcopter Drone
Aerial Photography: Yes
Age Range: 8 years and up
Remote Distance: 80-100m
State of Assembly: Ready-to-Go
Warranty: 30 Days (If not damaged)
Package Includes: USB Cable, Original Box, Camera,Operating Instructions, Batteries, Remote Controller
Motor: Brush Motor
Material: Plastic,Carbon Fiber,Metal
Plugs Type: as description show
Charging Time: 60-70 mins
Dimensions: as description show
Control Channels: 4 Channels
Controller Battery: 3 x 1.5 AA battery (NOT Included)
Controller Mode: MODE 2
Charging Voltage: as description show
Power Source: Electric
Remote Control: Yes


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Get tickets now — Seating is limited
Alexander Valley Hall
August 25th, 2018
Dinner in the Vineyard is the largest Reach for Home annual fundraiser. Held at the Alexander Valley Hall in Geyserville, this event consists of dinner, live music, silent and live auctions, and Fund-a-Need paddle raise.
All proceeds will benefit chronically homeless individuals and provide housing services to low income and homeless families through Reach for Home.


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Girl Scout Troop 3769 would like to thank the South Shore Press for donating old issues of their newspaper. By making these mats (situpons) the girls were able to work towards earning another Girl Scout Badge. Much gratitude shows in their smiles upon completing their project.
Girl Scout Troop 3769 Thanks the South Shore Press
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text: Located on the South slope of Andesite, this incredible home is a combination of Montana rustic & Montana contemporary with walnut floors, tongue-and-groove fir ceilings, floor to ceiling windows & a very cool floating staircase. The great room has a 20' dry-stack rock fireplace. The home sleeps up to 18 people with two master suites, bunk room, guest rooms & a recreation room with additional built in bunks. The lower level family room offers walkout access to a flagstone terrace where you will find a swim spa that has two levels of speed and it has exercise attachments to work out. This home's infrastructure is cutting-edge with Cat 5 technology, a Lutron lighting system, in-floor radiant heat, & audio throughout the home & outdoor spaces. All just a few minutes drive to the heart of the Club amenities. Enjoy views to Cedar and Pioneer Mountains, the Gallatin Range and Sphinx Mountain. This property is a wonderful place to spend quality time with family and friends while visiting and taking in all that the Big Sky area has to offer.


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Dr. Harris presents Add Health Research at Genetics and Social Science Conference
Dr. Kathleen Mullan Harris, Director and Principal Investigator of the Add Health study, presented novel findings based on Add Health genetics data at the "Integrating Genetics and the Social Sciences" conference in Boulder, Colorado on June 2-3, 2010.
Dr. Harris' paper titled "The Dopamine Transporter Gene, a Spectrum of Most Common Risky Behaviors, and the Legal Status of the Behaviors" was featured in the opening session of the meeting. The paper examines the protective effect of the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) across a spectrum of common risky behaviors including delinquency, sexual activity, smoking, and substance use.
To view Dr. Harris' PowerPoint presentation, please click here.
To view the scholarly paper on which the presentation was based, please click here.
For more information about the meeting, please visit the Integrating Genetics and the Social Sciences conference website.


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I recently joined Paul Maps on the Joyzine Radio show to talk about my recent single with Mark Fernyhough, the forthcoming album from The 18 Carat Love Affair and the next issue of Lizard Men. It was
All of which are quite exciting. I also got to pick my favourite Art Brut song and Paul played some rather awesome new music. Listen here.


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Jacksonville - Applegate Wine Tour
PCA - High Desert
Registration closed May 18, 2018 11:59 PM on May 18, 2018 11:59 PM PDT Registration ends May 18, 2018 11:59 PM on May 18, 2018 11:59 PM PDT Registration opens March 26, 2018 12:00 AM on March 26, 2018 12:00 AM PDT Registration runs from March 26, 2018 12:00 AM to May 18, 2018 11:59 PM
Jacksonville – Applegate Valley Wine Tour, May 18th – 20th 2018 Jacksonville Trip.pdf
Friday May 18th
This weekend adventure provides the opportunity to explore historic Jacksonville & enjoy the scenic spring beauty of the Applegate Valley. Head out of Bend on Friday morning for a relaxing & scenic drive to Jacksonville, with a snack break along the way. Once in Jacksonville, and checked in to the Country House Inn, you will have some free time to explore the historic downtown.
Then, 5:30 dinner at the Historic Jacksonville Inn (private room).
Saturday May 19th
"The Spring Uncorked Barrel Tour"
There are 19 wineries in the Applegate valley which participate in this fun, self-guided tour. Our starting location will be the Red Lily Vineyards, then you are free to visit any of the 19 wineries on the trail. Cost for this full day adventure is $49.00 per person. Each winery will offer an appetizer and a wine pairing for tasting, plus an educational opportunity to learn more about the wine making craft.
Sunday May 20th
After a relaxing breakfast at the Country House/Wine Country Inn, you are free to roam about the area as you make your way back home.


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Happy Holidays from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
As we prepare to put a bow on 2017 and unwrap a fresh new year, the team at the Murdock Trust will be celebrating the greatest gift of all – our grantees. From the northern reaches of Alaska to the desert of eastern Oregon, from the great plains of Montana to the lush forests of […]Read More »
Setting Up Camp on Lake Coeur D'Alene
After months of social studies, chemistry and algebra, children and teenagers from around the country go on summer break and have an opportunity to pursue adventure and lifelong friendships at Camp Lutherhaven. Nestled on the banks of the pristine Lake Coeur D'Alene, Lutherhaven has provided outdoor education, leadership training and development for young adults for […]Read More »
A Fresh Start
To passersby, it may look like an ordinary brick office building. But when you step inside the Union Gospel Mission Center for Women and Children in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, you enter a self-contained community dedicated to recovery, healing and helping those in need get a new lease on life. While the Mission does offer emergency […]Read More »
Establishing a Foundation for Success at the Murdock Trust Essentials of Development Workshop
At one table sit a group of women who work with survivors of human trafficking. They build partnerships, create resources and execute programs to help bring an end to the practice. Across the room are a collection of educators who provide after-school programming to help get young women from poor neighborhoods excited about STEM subjects. […]Read More »
Raising the Rink Roof in Idaho
While Jack Murdock's passion for flying and technology are well known, not many people know he was also a whiz on the ice. Throughout his life, Jack was a passionate skater and considered time on the ice his favorite way to stay in shape. While the Murdock Trust regularly funds a wide variety of projects […]Read More »
Telling YOUR Story: Lessons for Nonprofits from the Leadership Advance Conference
Inside a ballroom along the Columbia River, more than 250 professionals from across the northwest spend the better part of a morning analyzing the Disney/Pixar classic film Ratatouille. The session, led by Andy Crouch of the Templeton Foundation, served as the kickoff to the 2017 Leadership Advance Conference, hosted by the Murdock Trust. For several […]Read More »


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CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-Scholar Team GPA Award winners were recognized on Wednesday. The award recognizes the women's collegiate golf program with the highest collective average team GPA which includes all a team's student-athletes for the 2017-18 season. Full Release
Ithaca College led Division III with a 3.801 GPA but the WGCA also announced the top 25 teams with the highest GPA for each division and the SCAC was represented by Texas Lutheran earning the 23rd position with a 3.442 GPA.
The Bulldogs finished fourth at the 2018 SCAC Women's Golf Championship, led by sophomore Summer Swift, who became the first Texas Lutheran women's golfer to collect medalist honors after firing a two-day total of 156.


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The Lego Movie
Last week, my friends and I went to see The Lego Movie. When I first heard about it, I thought the idea was stupid. But as soon as I saw the first trailer, I knew this movie was going to be something great. The Lego Movie has so many good things going for it. If you're wondering whether or not you should see it, the answer is definitely yes. Here's why.
The Lego Movie tells the story of Emmett, a construction worker living in a Lego utopia, who accidentally gets involved with a rebel group trying to bring down President Business, the leader of the seemingly perfect society Emmett lives in. For the most part, the plot is straightforward and easy to follow, but that doesn't mean it's dumb. It will suck you in and keep you interested for the full 100 minutes the film lasts.
I think the best thing about The Lego Movie is that it's truly a film for all ages. Because it is based on a children's toy, it only makes sense that the movie would appeal to kids. And it does that really well. It's totally clean and something kids will enjoy seeing. But it's not just a kids movie. Unlike most kids movies that try to throw a few "higher-level" jokes in to appeal to adults, this film is just as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids. The humor is deep at points, and I spent the entire time laughing along with the kids in the theatre. I think people of all ages will find this movie enjoyable.
It's also got a really great cast of characters. I'm guessing that Lego slipped in a clause about movie rights in the small print of all of their deals with the various brands they work with, because the Lego movie has a vast array of characters. All kinds of DC comic books characters are in it, including Batman as a main character. There's a great scene between Dumbledore and Gandalf, something only Lego could make happen. And they even threw in a surprise cameo that I won't spoil. I'll just say that it will make most adult viewers very happy. Lego used all of their available resources to make this movie, and it turned out to be really cool.
But the animated characters wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable if it hadn't been for the amazing voice cast. I really don't know how Lego managed to get as many famous people into their movie as they did. Chris Pratt voices Emmett, and his performance was simply perfect. Will Ferrell voices the villain, and again, it was spectacular. Other big names include Elizabeth Banks as the female lead Lucy, Will Arnett as Batman (whoever came up with this idea was a genius), Liam Neeson as a cop with a personality disorder, and Morgan Freeman as an old wizard. It was so cool to hear all these people's voices in one film, and all of the casting fit perfectly. I was very impressed.
But as funny and star-studded as The Lego Movie is, it also has a lot of heart. I won't give any major plot points away, but as you watch the film, you slowly learn that there's more to it than just a bunch of Lego people fighting the bad guy. The Lego Movie actually brings up some deep issues and offers some answers that are universal and very satisfying for a viewer of any age. Ultimately, it gives a really positive message that adults and children alike will benefit from hearing, and it presents that message in a compelling, entertaining way.
The Lego Movie is in theaters now, and I can say with 100% certainty that if you go see this movie, you will enjoy it. Take your kids if you have them. Take your significant other if you have one. Take one of your grandparents if you want. I really do think this movie has a universal appeal that most movies cannot achieve. The Lego Movie is going to be on the list of best movies of 2014, so do yourself a favor and go see it. I promise you won't regret it.


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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Big Boi, 'Follow Us' Feat. Vonnegutt
"Follow us" is a new song by Big Boi of OutKast, which this year is to venture on their own for the first time with his debut 'Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty' in stores July 6 .
funky song, jumping Backbeat - led by the heavyweight player producer Salaam Remi and keyboard - provides the basis for the flow of Big Boi and catchy chorus sung by the pop rock group Vonnegutt (led by MC Kyle Lucas .)
'Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico characteristics, Dusty "a multitude of guest artists, especially TI, Jamie Foxx, Janelle Monae, George Clinton, Gucci Mane, Bob and Yelawolf, among others.
"Follow us" does Shutterbugg singles', 'I For Dolores Patton' and 'General'. To hear the new song by Big Boi, connect with the New AOL Radio Hip-Hop's first season.
Posted by Sofia at 7:54 AM


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Dahlia bralette is made from sheer stretch lace with scalloped edges, elastic lace under bust band and adjustable straps for better support.
Carefully patterned to fit and flatter all sizes. We are offering this bralette with two styles- one with straps across the front and the other without.
Made from dead-stock fabric. Handmade in Barcelona.
88% polyamide 12% elastane.
Model is wearing size small (2-4).


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Fast And Furious by Kilted Wookie With the front door barely closed behind her, Steve's lips were on Sarah's. Her suit jacket fell to the floor, her blouse undone, her bra pushed down and his thumbs were playing roughly with her nipples. As Sarah hurriedly attempted to unbuckle Steve's belt and unbutton and unzip his... Continue Reading →
Signs by Kilted Wookie Mascara streaked tears ran down her face, across cheeks flushed red with pain and arousal. The imprint of the rope, with its coils and knots crossed her skin; a pink swelling, evidence of how she'd struggled against it, pulling it tighter, digging into her flesh. Angry crimson welts, such a sharp... Continue Reading →
Continue by Kilted Wookie The pressure mounts. As it always does, her mouth works its magic. Her tongue coats my shaft with a warm film of saliva, her lips glide along my length. "Ahhh! Good girl!" I sigh as she takes me deep; the head of my cock lodging in the back of her throat.... Continue Reading →
Date Night
Date Night by Kilted Wookie We make our separate ways to the hotel and meet in the bar. Light-hearted chat over drinks as we wait for our table. Maybe it's the alcohol, maybe it's the ambiance of the surroundings, maybe it's the result of the prolonged exchange of increasingly explicit messages that have been sent... Continue Reading →
Unintended by Kilted Wookie Just friends. That's what they'd agreed. That what they had always said. Just friends. Nothing more. And yet here she was, curled up naked beside him, her body still aching pleasantly from the intense orgasms he had driven her to, the essence of his maleness still warm in her cunt. It... Continue Reading →
The Aftermath
The Aftermath by Kilted Wookie The crumpled sheets she lay on still smelled of him. Though no longer there physically, his presence lingered on. Her clit still throbbed from the attentions of his tongue. Her nipples still ached; a reminder of his teeth and fingers. Her cunt: oh how empty it now felt, having been... Continue Reading →


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Mahindra SA used cars have raised the bar for pre-owned vehicle sales in eThekwini. When you browse our second-hand cars, bakkies and SUVs, you will quickly notice that the collection offers something for every budget in every conceivable motoring segment. In fact, we pride ourselves offering one of the the most comprehensive collections of cost-effective vehicles on the pre-loved KwaZulu-Natal market today.
Find a full range of used cars for sale. At Mahindra Durban we have a wide range of quality used carsfor sale If you are looking for a good second hand car,then come to us , we can arrange everything from finance to maintenance plans and additional accessories.
Want to see what we have on offer at the moment? Browse our range of pre-owned vehicles online, using our easy-to-use search function. Compare the specs of the vehicles available, and get in touch with one of our knowledgeable brand specialists if you want more information on a given model. We are happy to provide any additional information you might need and to arrange a convenient time for you to come in and enjoy a test drive of the Mahindra SA used car, bakkie or SUV you would like to consider for purchase.


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NCA 2014 Trip Video
What do you get when you put together 20 beautiful cheerleaders, a trip to America, theme parks, shopping, plane trips and so much more? ... the experience of the lifetime! Our NCA 2014 trip was captured by one of our very talented students Kate - we hope you enjoy her video as much as we did!
We have tryouts coming up shortly for our next trip to the USA, this time it will include New York City, LA and NCA Nationals 2015. We will be sending an Open (17+ year) Level 4 All Girl team. If you are interested in attending, check out our event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/615455305215470/


text: Miscellaneous Transformers A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. A varying current in one coil of the transformer produces a varying magnetic field, which in turn induces a voltage in a second coil. Power can be transferred between the two coils through the magnetic field, without a metallic connection between the two circuits. Faraday"s law of induction discovered in 1831 described this effect. Transformers are used to increase or decrease the alternating voltages in electric power applications.Miscellaneous Transformers are in stock at Kynix Electronics. Kynix offers inventory, pricing, & datasheets for Miscellaneous Transformers. To know more, please view our large section of Miscellaneous Transformers below.


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Yes, the garlic is up - even the ones I planted waaaay too deep! If all produce and produce well, I should have garlic to sell this fall! Woo-hoo!
We had another lovely day yesterday. I put the little tomato plants outside to get a little sun, and I'm afraid I overdid it a bit. Their little leaves were looking rather pale when I brought them in: sun scald. :( Hopefully they will recover soon. [I also got a little sun scald - my arms are pink above the glove line!]
Spent the whole day outside: hanging laundry, making trellises for the hops from old sunflower stalks, making trellises for the grapes from bamboo poles, making mulch for the new trees and shrubs (by chopping up the dead ornamental grasses and other gleanings from the flower gardens), turning the compost pile (and combining two bins...I may actually have enough for each garden bed to get at least a small dressing this spring), rolling up dripper hose lines and starting The Weeding in the veg beds before planting.
It was a full day. I even heard a bluebird - the first since that poor blighter was around last month.


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Hello My Name Is...
Ms. Lynch
Hi my name is Ms. Lynch and I will be your child's teacher. This will be my fourteenth-year in education. I am knowledgeable in many different grade levels being that I have taught in grades ranging from third to eighth grade. I have a Master's degree in Education from NAU in curriculum and instruction. I also have a reading endorsement. I will instruct your children according to the AZ State Standards, and my hope is that they are performing above grade level in Social Studies by the end of the year.
Personally, I am an Arizona native. I have two boys, and two very active little dogs. My oldest son is in the 6th grade this year, and my youngest son is in 4tg grade. In my spare time, I love to spend time with my family, go to the movies, or just enjoy having a nice cup of coffee with my friends.
I look forward to the success of your child, and will do everything in my power to help them achieve in their individual goals, as every child is capable of success, no exceptions. I have an open door policy, and believe communication between the parent, the teacher, and the student, is essential for student success. Please feel free to call me at 623- 772-4161 or email me at email@example.com, anytime if questions arise.
Thank you,
Ms. Lynch


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Having the same routine every single day for months to years can make you feel like you are stuck in a rut. Do you ever feel like you have no excitement or pleasure in your life? Are you overwhelmed with the amount of work that you have? Do you come home from a long work day only to sit in front of your TV or your laptop until bedtime? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to spice up your life with some new and exciting activities. You have probably heard about the importance of maintaining "work-life balance" mentioned in our other blog posts and in the media. How do you achieve a work-life balance if you do not have many activities to do outside of work?
It is easy to forget to incorporate some excitement into your daily or weekly routine. This holds especially true for the winter months after the holidays wind down. With spring now just around the corner and the days getting longer, it is the perfect time to step into a new and exciting hobby and achieve a greater work-life balance.
Need a little motivation?
There are many benefits of trying new things, being social and active. Research shows that life satisfaction is related to engaging in meaningful activities rather than a specific activity (Menec, 2003). Thus it is important to find what is meaningful and engaging for you. Scientific literature also shows that engaging in various social and productive activities is related to reductions in functional and cognitive decline in older age (Glass et al., 1999; Lennartson & Silverstein, 2001; Menec, 2003). Participation in solitary activities, such as art, music and theatre, was shown to be related to psychological well-being benefits including happiness and interest in life. While participation in more social activities has a wider range of benefits including greater overall well-being, reduced functional decline and reduced mortality (Menec, 2003). Also, it is worthwhile to note that different activities have been found to have different benefits. Find something that works for you and experience benefits in your work and home lives.
Here are some activities you can try:
- Dance classes – Have you ever had an interest in learning salsa? How about ballroom dancing? Dance classes are a great way to increase your physical activity all the while participating in a new and exciting activity. At the same time, it could help you meet new people or if you are going with a partner or a friend, it can be a great experience to share with them.
- Poetry or Art classes – Let your creativity flourish with some relaxing art therapy.
- Yoga classes – In a previous post, a wide range of physical and mental health benefits of yoga are discussed. Yoga is a great activity that can help you relax and get your mind off your daily stressors and get your body moving.
- Volunteer – Perhaps an animal shelter? With kids with disabilities? At a retirement home? Volunteering is a great way to feel a sense of usefulness and competence (Herzog & House, 1991). Volunteering can also help instill a sense of control and mastery which is positively associated with life satisfaction (Glass et al., 1995).
- Cooking classes – Cooking classes are also another exciting way to spend your free time. You can apply what you learn in classes to meals shared with friends or family.
- Take a class at your local college or university – Want to learn about about a new subject or upgrade your skills?
- Reading club – Reading clubs are a great way to socialize and meet new people that share similar interests.
- Learn a new language – Why not learn a new language? There are many cognitive benefits to learning a new language and this new skill may motivate you to go on a holiday somewhere new to practice you skills.
- Meet groups – Meet new people and try new activities. Socialization and stepping out of your comfort zone could be a great way to put a smile on your face. Meet groups allow you to meet individuals near you that share common interests.
- Hold weekly or biweekly social events with your family or friends. Activities such as movie nights, weekly dinners (taking turns cooking of course) are great ways to stay active with your current social circle.
- Plan a trip somewhere. Trips do not have to involve travelling to another country, you can plan mini-getaways to areas near you. You can also try having a "stay-cation" in your own city.
- Take a challenge with your friends - Fitness challenges (such as the sit-ups challenge) or diet challenges (healthy eating) can be great ways to engage you in a social and active lifestyle.
How will you spice up your life this spring? Write down your goal! Need help sticking to your goal? Check out our previous posts on SMART Goal setting for some goal setting tips.
Glass, T. A., De Leon, C. M., Marottoli, R. A., Berkman, L. F. (1999). Population based study of social and productive activities as predictors of survival among elderly Americans. British Medical Association Journal, 319,478-482.
Glass, T. A., Seeman, T. E., Herzog, A. R., Kahn, R., Berkman, L. F. (1995). Change in productive activity in late adulthood: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 50B,S65-S76.
Herzog, A. R., Franks, M. M., Markus, H. R., Holmberg, D. (1998). Activities and well-being in older age: Effects of self-concept and educational attainment. Psychology and Aging, 13,179-185.
Lennartsson, C., Silverstein, J. (2001). Does engagement with life enhance survival of elderly people in Sweden? The role of social and leisure activities. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 56B,S335-S342.
Menec, V. H. (2003). The Relation Between Everyday Activities and Successful Aging: A 6-Year Longitudinal Study. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 58(2), S74–S82.