text:
srImathE satakOpAya nama:
srImathE rAmAnujAya nama:
srImadh varavaramunayE nama:
hanumAn, also known as thiruvadi is a very important character in srI rAmAyaNam. hanumAn is called thiruvadi because of his service to srI rAmA and sItA pirAtti. hanumAn was born to the demi-god vAyu and anjanA dEvi. Make the puzzle below to know anjanA dEvi and hanumAn:
anjanA dEvi and hanumAn (thiruvadi)
hanumAn was a very powerful, gifted and mischievous child. hanumAn was known to tease the rishIs while they were in meditation and once hanumAn flew to the sun, thinking it was a fruit. After this incident, the rishIs cursed hanumAn slightly, such that hanumAN would forget how powerful he was. Make the puzzle below that captures hanumAn reaching out to the sun.
thiruvadi (hanumAn) reaching the sun


text:
HSD premium partner Fortress is going to open an office at the HSD campus on September 15th. Fortress, also located in Naarden-Vesting, specialises in recruitment, consultation and education in the field of Security Risk Management. Within HSD Fortress will focus on knowledge areas of IT Security, Fraud & Investigations. Director Rob Otjens: "Fortress chose for HSD because HSD offers a network of Cyber Security and Fraud related organisations and the international character of HSD and the city The Hague. Besides this the campus also offers opportunities for collaboration between businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions. It is also the right environment for access to talent and future talent. Using shared knowledge will increase our powers to innovate."
About Fortress
Fortress was established in 2005 and was founded with the goal to further professionalise and develop Security and Fraud Risk. Fortress recruits professionals (HBO+) in the private and public sector within Security & Risk Management, from starter level to board level. Besides this Fortress also develops educational courses for organisations about:
For more info browse here.
Security Talent is required by law to ask permission for using cookies. We use functional cookies, and cookies for managing website statistics.
The cookies are processed anonimously. By continuing on our website, you accept the use of cookies.
Read our privacy and cookie policy for more information.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It's not every day that you build a website. But when that day comes, you need to hire the best experts who offer the most creative custom website packages. Whether they use custom Web development services and/or responsive web design services, the right developer will deliver an amazing website that's built specifically for you. Let's look at the benefits of custom website packages.
1. A unique look for your brand
There's a lot more to building your business online than just putting your logo on the top of your web pages. The best custom website packages will deliver websites that really look and feel part of your amazing brand. This is crucial as it will create a lasting impression with people who visit your website.
2. SEO friendly
Whether you're using custom website packages or other custom PHP development services, superior customization will also result in better search engine friendliness. This means more people will be able to find your website.
3. Focused on your customers
The best custom website packages, especially those that include responsive web design services are focused on the needs of the customers. This is one of the most important qualities of a successful website. You'll need a creative website developer to pull it off though.
4. Stand a class apart
If you want your website and business to succeed, you need to stand out from your competitors. This can be done with the help of the best custom website packages offered by creative website developers. With the right combination of custom website packages and perhaps custom Web development Company you can get a website that really stands out from the crowd and becomes a sales generating machine!
Remember, the even the best responsive Web design Company don't have to cost a fortune. You just need the right web developer to make the most of the above benefits.


text:
Whether it's a high energy DJ or a 10-piece live band, highly sought after wedding entertainers get booked far in advance. In searching for the best option, it's important to have open dialogues with potential entertainment vendors before signing a contract! Downbeat LA has created a list of 15 important questions you should ask any entertainment prospects before you book:
1. What do you include in your package?
2. What sets you apart from other bands?
3. Can you fulfill the role of an MC?
4. What genres of music can you cover? (Ask to see a song list!)
5. Do you take "must-play" and "do-not-play" song requests?
6. Do you perform ceremonies and cocktail hours as well as receptions?
7. Can you assist in choosing music for processional, recessional, parent dances, etc.?
8. Can you provide an example of number of sets/set lengths you can perform, including breaks?
9. How much space do you need?
10. How much time do you allocate for setup, soundcheck and breakdown?
11. If overtime is requested the day-of, what do you typically charge?
12. In addition to your sound equipment, can you provide other elements such as lighting? If so, what is the cost?
13. What electrical supply will you need the day of?
14. Do you have any former clients I can contact for references?
15. Will you be expecting meals and/or drinks the day of? If so, for how many people?
For more tips, visit our Wedding Tips blog series here.


text:
|Sorted by
|Prev Babe
|Next Babe
|Porsche Lynn
|Porsha Sins
|Dolly Spice
|Monique Carvalho
|All Hits
|Kitty Wildwood
|Liliana Moreno
|Leilani Leeanne
|Delilah Black
BiographyAKA:Porscha Carrera, Porshe Carrera, Porsha Carrera XXX, Porche Carrera, Porcha Carrera, Porsha Karrera
Hair Color: Black
Tattoos: Large design running up right arm; Large design and four paw prints running down left arm
|Pay Sites where you can find
Porsha Carrera
Porsha Carrera
My Best Friends
Free Porn Videos Free XXX Blog
Google Shemale DB Big Boobs Private
Best Pornstar DB - Home Page
All images on this website are licensed and comply with 18 USC 2257. All links
on this site lead to pages provided by 3rd parties. We have no control
over the content of these pages, but all models are believed to be at
least 18 years of age. Bestpornstardb.com is not responsible in any
way for the content of the urls, sites and pages that can be accessed
by following the provided links.
© 2006-2012 BestPornStarDB.com.
Post here your suggestion to our site.


text:
Thinking of installing hardwood in your home? Don't just limit yourself to only imagining them on your floor. Even though hardwood flooring is a timeless staple for any room, here are some ways for you to think out of the box and envision your space in a new way.
Hardwood Ceiling
Hardwood on the ceiling can give any room a more rustic edge. You can also get the best of both worlds with light hardwood and dark hardwood in nuetral spaces.
Hardwood Headboard
Having a hardwood headboard can double up and act as a form of storage as well as a piece that ties together wood accents around your room. This unique design will definitely lead to double takes and audible "wows" when people enter your bedroom.
Hardwood Countertop Cutting Board
Cook a lot? Then you need a cutting board handy at all times. Get one installed in your counter top and never have to worry about shuffling around your cupboards to find one. Take a look at the recent hardwood countertop cutting board Plus Hardwood Flooring just installed, it'll leave you breathless!
Know of any other space in your home you'd love of incorporate hardwood? Leave your suggestion in the comments below. And as always, if you'd like to schedule a hardwood flooring project with us, feel free to contact us via our contact page. We look forward to working with you!
And don't forget to follow and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plushardwoodflooring to make sure to always get the latest updates!


text:
- News
- Programmes
- One Million Mentors
- About
- Support
- Visit our campaigns site
- Donate
Geoffrey Piper
Geoffrey Piper
Geoffrey Piper DL is Chief Executive of the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT), an independent group of senior executives from the North West's major corporates. NWBLT's members work together to provide a powerful collective voice for the North West's private sector, helping to promote the long-term interests of England's North West.
Prior to his appointment to NWBLT in the 1990s, Geoffrey enjoyed a successful career as a Chartered Accountant in London, the Channel Islands and Liverpool, becoming President of the Chartered Accountants in both Jersey and Liverpool. He founded Business Opportunities on Merseyside, one of the UK's first business-led urban regeneration initiatives, in 1988 and has since been actively involved in numerous economic and urban regeneration initiatives. He has been a board member of the European Institute of Urban Affairs since 1995, chaired the North West Review and Scrutiny Committee from 2003-08, was Deputy Chair of the Greater Merseyside Learning and Skills Council and, from 2006, chaired the North West's 2012 Olympics Business Forum.


text:
Preparing for a presentation on negotiation and gender for 250 tax attorneys and their clients later this week, I've been thinking a lot about the ways in which men's stereotypic gender roles make them worse negotiators than women.
This question comes late to me because I've been following the negotiation/gender studies, most of which focus on women's supposed deficits. And that's distracted me from wondering aloud whether men's gender roles keep them from making better deals than women do.
Oh, The Humanity of Gender Blow Back
I'll come back to the question whether men's gender roles make them worse negotiators than women after describing the most recent "gender blow back" research.
In Speaking Out About Women And Power, U.C. Berkeley Psychology Professor Tania Lombrozo describes a study in which women experienced gender blow back when they voiced their opinions "too ardently."
The social scientists conducting that study asked a group of men and women to evaluate a hypothetical CEO who was described as offering opinions as much as possible or as withholding opinions.
Unsurprisingly, female CEOs who offered opinions frequently were judged less competent and less suited to leadership than their sister CEOs who withheld their opinions. Equally unsurprising was the way in which the study judged the men – as more competent and better suited to leadership if they spoke up often and less so if they didn't.
Too many people have concluded from studies like these that women are stuck between a gender rock and leadership hard place but men are not.
As Lombrozo is quick to note, however,
men faced a complementary danger: of being perceived as poor leaders if they didn't voice their opinions. Members of both sexes were penalized for failing to conform to traditional gender stereotypes.
Members of Both Sexes Are Limited By Their Gender Roles
Listen. We are all judged according to the culture's expectation for our behavior. Women are expected to be kind, patient, tolerant, loving, giving and self-effacing. Men are expected to be judgmental, tough, self-seeking and self-promoting.
We all suffer social sanctions – from harsh judgments to electoral defeats – when we step outside of society's expectations.
Those who would caution us to "act our role" or suffer the consequences, however, are missing the bigger picture, as are those who urge us to ape the style of the opposite gender.
Let's take negotiation as our example.
Should Women Negotiate or Give Up and Ask for Help?
Continue Reading:
by Victoria Pynchon


text:
Earlier this week, Sophia turned one month old. Looking back over the past four weeks, I can hardly believe how quickly the time has gone, and how rapidly Mr Sunshine and I have transitioned from a couple into a family of three. It's safe to say that it is now incredibly difficult to remember what life was like before our little squeaky bundle of joy joined us in the world!
Because she is already growing up so fast, in order to capture all of the little moments and memories that I might otherwise forget, I am going to be writing a short update once a month from now on until she is a year old. There is already so much she has taught us!
20 things I've Learnt About Sophia: Month 1
1. She's a real daddy's girl
2. And she's pretty taken with her grannies too
3. Her favourite thing to do is feed…and she'll sometimes do it all day long!
4. In fact, even when she's not breast feeding, she's often looking for ways that she can!
5. She likes to sleep in her Moses Basket
6. And if she's unsettled, a walk in her Bugaboo over cobbled paths usually does the trick
7. But her favourite place to sleep is on me
8. Which is why the Rockin' Baby Tough Girl Pouch is my new best friend so that I can still get things done during the day
9. She doesn't like being cold, and hates getting her nappy changed
10. She's pretty good at meeting new people and doesn't mind being passed around
11. She's just started to focus on objects
12. And loves looking at bold pictures
13. But her favourite thing to look at is faces and she loves interacting with people on FaceTime!
13. She enjoys splashing around in a deep, warm bath before bed
14. Sometimes she gives us a little smile…but most of the time it's just wind
15. She doesn't seem to mind too much when we dress her up in the outfits that people have bought for her and take endless photos
16. But she does get a bit irritable at night time when she's over-tired
17. She's a big fan of Ewan the Dream Sheep
18. And loves music…especially power ballads (Il Divo, Michael Bublé and Adele are particular faves)
19. She likes her car seat and already loves to travel
20. And we have a small inkling that she's going to be super clever (which is apt as her name in Arabic means wise!)
Proud mummy moment last night 💛 #proudmummy #candidchildhood #childrenofig #babiesofig #letthembelittle #baby #newbaby #mum #mummy #newmummy #mumlife #mummylife #mumblog #mummyblogger #pbloggers #thatsdarling #flashesofdelight #instababy #babygram #babyvideo #followyoursunshine
A video posted by Follow Your Sunshine | Blogger (@polbag) on
She's grown up so much already in such a short space of time. I can't wait to see what next month brings!


text:
Rupert (24), graduated from Bond University in 2013 with a double Bachelor's degree in Law and Commerce (majoring in Finance) and he now works as a financial analyst in Sydney. We interrupted 'Rupes' whilst recharging at a BBQ in Rushcutter's Bay so that he could share his story with us.
Listen to Rupert's story below.
Rupert donates a large proportion of his earnings to our charity partner AIME, which he said played a large part in deciding to upload his notes to Nexus. You can view one of Rupert's beautiful outlines here.
"I think it's a great idea. I'm making money from stuff that was just sitting on my hard drive and I just wish I had some more notes that I could upload."
The method Rupert used to author his notes was to work on his notes each week and then create a template as it got closer to exams. Whilst he wouldn't give us the exact amount of time he spent painstakingly putting them together, he did admit that it was "a fair few hours". One of the upsides of all of his hard work was that it allowed him to upload with confidence as he was certain that the notes were a great representation of the course.
Rupert has a laugh whilst modelling his freshly purchase eyewear,
courtesy of his monthly Nexus Notes commissions
"It's a great site and it's really easy to use. I'd say to people thinking about using Nexus, just jump on the site and give it a crack".
If you've authored great notes and like Rupert, want to create a nice passive income stream or donate some money to a great cause, why not create an account and contribute your notes today. As always, if you have any further queries for the Nexus team or for Rupert, don't hesitate to contact us.


text:
Holidazzle is dog-friendly everywhere! Bring your pup and visit us in the Holidazzle Shops Tent (we'll be there 12/15 too)! This indoor heated tent will be packed full of local artists, so come say hi and shop our collection of human and dog apparel (printed and designed in Minnesota). There will also be local beer and coffee vendors in the tent, so it's the perfect place to warm up with a drink while you do some holiday shopping.
Holidazzle is a festive outdoor celebration taking place annually in Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis. The family-friendly and dog-friendly event features an ice-skating rink, visits from Santa, outdoor movies, fireworks, food and drink vendors, artists, and more.
Here's where you can find us!


text: Do you believe? Most people believe in something, like life after love or that children are our future. However, it takes a special person to believe in things that don't have much more than a few blurry photos and a lot of tall tales to back them up. These men's socks with aliens, Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster are for those true believers out there who never stop searching for the truth, no matter where it leads them. Fits men's shoe sizes 8 to 13. 70% cotton, 27% nylon, 3% spandex. Made in Korea.


text:
This evening I had the chance to taste wines from Chile. MISIONES DE RENGO is imported in Romania by Vino Vero and I had the chance to meet some of the stakeholders. Of course, his Excellency, Carlos Guillermo Parker Almonacid (the Ambassador in Romania) had an interesting speech as Sergiu Nedelea (the local Sommelier) presented the premium wines. My favorite was a Sauvignon Blanc with floral and fruit flavor (quite special for a Sauvignon) – the smell turned my evening into a genuine celebration of good taste.
I enjoyed the event together with Vlad Tocae as I discovered that he is also a wine lover and we had a very interesting conversation about the online. The results you'll see in a few years 🙂
As usual, the last to leave were me and Cezar (as the event was under Vinul.ro umbrella).


text:
Lady Antebellum and songwriter Chris Stapleton perched on four simple stools to perform in the superstar's honor.
Shortly after a segment showing Bryan's remarkable achievements in 2014, ranging from massive ticket sales to multiple awards, Lady A's Charles Kelley remarked, "As you just saw, our good buddy Luke Bryan had another amazing year professionally and was looking so forward to being here with all of you to accept this honor. But family comes first and sadly Luke's family faced a tragic loss this weekend with the death of his brother-in-law, Lee."
The performance proved to be one of the most emotional moments of the night. Fellow honorees Miranda Lambert and Keith Urban were shown quietly singing along in the audience. Lady A's Hillary Scott provided a lovely counterpoint to Stapleton's sandpaper vocal, giving the song the bittersweet feeling it deserved.
As the final notes rang out, the band and Stapleton sent out love to Bryan as the audience offered a sincere standing ovation.
A few minutes after the performance concluded, Bryan tweeted, "That was amazing. Truly. Thank you Charles, Dave, Hillary and Chris! Beautiful!!! Thank you fans for your love."
That was amazing. Truly. Thank you Charles, Dave, Hillary and Chris! Beautiful!!! Thank you fans for your love.
— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) December 3, 2014


text:
We are looking for an:
ABN AMRO is a full-service bank with a transparent and client-driven business model, a moderate risk profile, a clean and strong balance sheet with predominantly traditional banking products, and a solid capital position and strong funding profile. We serve retail, private and corporate banking clients, with a primary focus on the Netherlands and with selective operations internationally. ABN AMRO's Group Strategy Office is our bank's strategy consulting department. The Group Strategy Office is the strategic accelerator of our bank. The financial industry is undergoing major and fundamental changes, driven by developments in different domains. Evolving customer needs and expectations require a proactive response and the team is instrumental in positioning ABN AMRO for the future. The Group Strategy Office conducts strategic projects with high relevance for the business lines and subsidiaries within the group. Projects are conducted in multidisciplinary project teams that work closely together with business lines and in close cooperation with top management of the bank. The team resides within the Strategy & Sustainability department of ABN AMRO and reports directly to the CEO Kees van Dijkhuizen.
Your job
As an advisor you will work on specific modules of a project conducted within ABN AMRO, on corporate level or for a specific business line. You will work as part of a team on a wide variety of topics and closely together with specialists and senior management of the business lines; from supporting the definition of the strategic vision of the bank or a business line, to conducting analyses and supporting implementation of strategic projects. Typical projects conducted by the team are for example:
The Group Strategy Office will be established in close cooperation with The Boston Consulting Group. At our Group Strategy Office you will be able to develop your analytical, conceptual and consultancy skills. All team members will be offered an extensive training curriculum and receive all the support to ensure fast-track career development. As you grow and gain more expertise, you may - after two years - move into the role of leader. You will gain a 360 degree understanding of ABN AMRO group, which makes this position an ideal one should you aspire to move from a strategic consulting position into a line management function within our bank over time.
Your profile
As a Group Strategy Office Advisor you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of ABN AMRO. The advisor role is a challenging and demanding role. Therefore we are looking for highly talented and enthusiastic colleagues matching the following description: Characteristics
Knowledge and experience
What we offer
At ABN AMRO, we use our knowledge, expertise and network to help our clients within and outside the Netherlands achieve their goals based on responsible decisions. Our clients' interests always come first. The main focus of our team is to create value for our stakeholders and be relevant for the business. We do everything to get the best out of our people and believe and invest in their success. We are focused on your personal development and will offer you an extensive training curriculum to facilitate personal and professional growth. You will be empowered to perform qualitative and quantitative analyses and develop a thorough understanding of complex problems. Furthermore, you will work on your skills in a dynamic team that challenges and helps you to make progress.
For further information please contact Jolanda van Houwelingen, Talent Acquisition Specialist, firstname.lastname@example.com or Eva Knippen, Business Manager Strategy & Sustainability, firstname.lastname@example.com. We look forward to hear from you.The application process will consist of two formal rounds and contain assessment of your problem solving skills, personality & fit and presence.Please submit your application and resume via the link on our website to ensure an orderly process. Acquisition following this vacancy is not appreciated.
Graag ontvangen wij je sollicitatie voor de vacature van Advisor ABN AMRO Group Strategy Office bij ABN AMRO Bank in Amsterdam inclusief CV via deze directe sollicitatielink.
Transistorstraat 7
1322 CJ Almere
Postbus 60184
1320 AE Almere
Tel: 036 - 7440 136
KvK 32090652
ING Bank NL91INGB065.42.67.456
Careerguide heeft 25 vacaturebanken voor specialisten!
Onze vacaturebanken (geen bemiddeling) bieden professionals relevante vacatures binnen hun expertise
Ook een vacature plaatsen? Neem contact met ons op:


text:
Construction Management Services
The Sollitt/Safeway Joint Venture joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the new Apostolic Faith Church Worship Center and Ministry Complex.
Featuring a new 3,000 seat worship space, state of the art media and technology capabilities and educational community rooms. Pastor/Physician Horace E. Smith hopes the new mega church will serve as an anchor for Bronzeville.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place Sunday, November 26, 2017 and the congregation was honored by the attendance of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Congressman Danny Davis, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Alderman Pat Dowell who all contributed to the success of the project.
The George Sollitt Construction Company > 790 N. Central Avenue, Wood Dale, IL 60191-1266 > Phone (630) 860-7333
© The George Sollitt Construction Company. All Rights Reserved


text: The legend lives on with The Nike Air Force 1 High LV8 Sport Big Kids' Shoe. Incorporating the same hoops-inspired performance features as the '82 original, with crisp new details for an elevated look. A premium leather upper has a soft, yet durable feel while the encapsulated Air-Sole unit provides plush cushioning. A rubber outsole delivers spot-on traction. Grade school size range: 3.5y-7y. Shown in Black/Blue.


text:
Ed Czerwien, USDA Market News reporter in Amarillo, TX, provides us with the latest outlook on boxed beef prices and the weekly cattle trade.
Sales volume this week was really outstanding when it's adjusted for the previous out-front sales which could have easily added roughly 500-800 loads of product that were being shipped each week lately.
Those out-front sales that occurred about a month ago were the largest that we saw in a long time and between 1600-1700 loads per week for three weeks in a row which should be being delivered now.
Find more cattle price news or bookmark our commodity price page for the minute-by-minute updates.
Other stories you may enjoy:
BEEF Exclusive: Herd Expansion? BEEF Readers Say Its Go Time
15 ATVs and UTVs That Are New For 2014
10 Ways To Have A Stress-Free Weaning Day
Effective Heifer Development Means Thinking Early & Long Term


text:
Dear Sen. Harris:
I write to ask that the you take immediate action to help secure Hamid's release from the Mesa Verde Detention Center. Hamid, a 17-year old fleeing persecution in Afghanistan, has been detained for 5 months now in an adult detention center. Hamid's request for release has been pending with ICE since May 8th.
ICE has already told your office that they are doing a background check on Hamid's sponsor. This is only happening because ICE is either admitting Hamid is actually a minor, or because the Trump Administration's extreme vetting has made its way to California detention centers. In either case I hope you will hold ICE publicly accountable and demand justice for Hamid.
It is now Ramadan and despite multiple request Hamid has yet to be provided with adequate meals. This situation is more urgent than ever, I ask that you publicly advocate for Hamid's immediate release from the Mesa Verde Detention Center.
Thank you.


text:
In the last month, I have seen two extremely different types of algae, which has had a profound impact on me. This triangle of algae formed in front of a small foot bridge in Landmannalaugar, Iceland. Iceland is a country of much geothermal activity and the purest water I have ever encountered. I am not a scientist, but after this trip I am going to learn all I can about algae, since viewing this conglomerate blew my mind. There were so many colors and such diversity and it provided structure for other living creatures.
The image above shows many snails making the algae home. In fact, according to NASA, "Single-celled algae called phytoplankton are a main source of food for fish and other aquatic life and account for half of he photosynthetic activity on Earth–that's good."( http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2015/26jun_algae/) However, the NASA article goes on to say that certain varieties such as cyanobacteria produce toxins that can harm humans and other creatures. It should also be noted that cyanobacteria is a bacteria that results from the decomposition of the original algae bloom.
The cyanobacteria and other proteins entering the Indian River Lagoon Watershed are not promoting life, and are very different than the algae clusters in Iceland. Right in front of a Big Ag outflow, we saw this dead apple snail on top of the algae.
When I encountered the algae in the C-44 canal, it felt much more sinister than the algae in Iceland. The weird swirls of cyanobacteria looked more like phantoms of destruction infiltrating our water, which we cannot live without. I felt instantly afraid. The single reed on the surface seemed so fragile, a sign of life ebbing away instead of being supported.
The algae in Iceland was so vibrant and looking at it made me think of a healthy planet. We have already caused so much destruction to our waterways that what we think of as healthy is likely some sort of new normal that we have gotten used to in comparison to images of highly polluted toxic waterways. I realized when seeing this algae that I have never seen water so full of life. In Iceland, especially among the old timers, it is very popular to take algae baths for your health.
On the other hand, signs are now posted wherever cyanobacteria outbreaks occur advising people to avoid contact with the water. It is not even safe to breathe near it. Water lettuce is an invasive species frequently managed by water management districts to ensure that it doesn't take over waterways. Yet, manatees and other creatures do eat water lettuce and it is safe for them to do so, unless the water lettuce is laced with cyanobacteria, as in the image above. We arrived at this sight right after a local news station filmed a manatee eating nearby. We did not see the manatee but from seeing the lettuce in the water, we could tell the manatee was also ingesting harmful bacteria and inhaling airborne toxins.
When I looked closely at sections of the pyramid of algae by the Landmannalaugar footbridge, it made me think of sweaters, or the ropey artworks of Polish fiber sculptress Magdalena Abakanowicz. Every inch was colorful and rich with textures, seemingly oozing with life.
Having been in direct contact with beneficial algae in Iceland and a huge harmful algae bloom creating cyanobacteria on the verge of infiltrating the Indian River Lagoon for the second time this summer, I want to learn everything I can about algae. These macro images revealed the workings of algae and proteins in ways I can't pretend to understand, although I do know there is an interaction between algae and proteins. At UC San Diego, there is a center for algae biotechnology. Their research aims include "developing genetic tools and investigating algae as a platform for biofuel and therapeutic protein production." Here's a link to their website: http://algae.ucsd.edu/mayfield/research/index.html. Blue green algae is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet and used in many healing centers. Yet, cyanobacteria is harmful and decomposing proteins from animal waste can take over ecosystems. When I looked through my macro lens at the section of pollution near the agricultural outflow, it reminded me of a fetus being surrounded by attacking substances instead of being supported by healthy amniotic fluid. It seemed like a strange metaphor for what is happening to our water.
The image above reminded me of a face of a creature, perhaps an owl. The rich ocher, gold, blue-green, and turquoise called to mind the geothermal activity I saw at Woman's Mountain in Iceland and in higher elevations at this site. These colors belonged to the earth in its gurgling, seething, transforming state. I was drawn to this algae instead of being afraid and visited the strange pyramid multiple times during our visit, attracted by different sections of the mat each time.
I was also strangely drawn to the algae and invasive proteins in the C-44 canal. Yet as I looked I knew it was also dangerous and that I would never study another bloom without adequate protective gear. I actually had not known we would be on the water for so long. We were following the bloom and it didn't end until the Port Mayaca lock at Lake Okeechobee. The water quality of the entire 23-mile canal was seriously compromised.
This image made me think of breathing, with all the bubbles. Algae is a major contributor of oxygen on this planet. Without it there would be no life. Yet this image is from the canal and the life being created by the algae is robbing the life of what lived here before and what it will touch when it enters the Indian River Lagoon, what was once one of the most biodiverse regions in all of North America.
I am not really sure what is happening in the image above. I felt like I was witnessing something on a cellular level. Though I was viewing the threads and bubbles through a macro lens, I knew it was much larger than the building blocks of life or cancer cells viewed through a microscope.
Everywhere I looked, the cyanobacteria was infiltrating the riparian landscape. When this section of water with reflected grasses caught my eye, I thought it was beautiful–as if a giant brushstroke had been painted on the water–even though my mind categorized it as awful. The swath of algae created another level of intricacy in the composition, yet this simple addition was sinister despite its transparent appearance. Under the right, or actually wrong conditions for the planet and estuary, this bacteria can quickly multiply out of control. It becomes as thick as styrofoam and creates a horrible stench that makes being near it virtually impossible. The algae I encountered in Iceland did not smell bad and people actually apply it to their skin for beauty treatments.
If someone told me to dip a sponge in the algae above and apply it to my face, I would not be nearly as afraid as I was riding on a boat above the toxic cyanobacteria. And if I could make paints from this algae I surely would. The intense yellows, blues, and greens reminded me of a Renaissance palette.
The algae in the C-44 canal reminded me of the colors I saw in toxic waste dumps in New Jersey before the cleaned up the Meadowlands. This link provides information on blue-green algae outbreaks on public health and the health of pets: http://projects.sgvtribune.com/blue-green-algae/. The article focuses on lakes in California, but it is applicable everywhere. Drought, climate change, and agricultural runoff are exacerbating the problem and creating explosive blooms that are becoming health hazards.
The image was taken at the St. Lucie locks. When I looked through my view finder at the invasive vegetation and the cyanobacteria, I saw the reflection of the locks above. The impairment of the Indian River Lagoon and the Caloosahatchee and their estuaries are directly linked to discharges from Lake Okeechobee with its excessively high nitrogen levels, heavy metals, and other toxins. We traced the cyanobacteria on the canal back to its source, and it extended the entire way, lock to lock.
By not enforcing water standards, and in fact consistently lowering them over the past almost six years, since Governor Scott took office and I coincidentally began my water project, the face of water in some areas in Florida has been altered as to become unrecognizable. This has consistently been done without taking into account the impact this will have on the health of the citizens of ecosystems. NASA, the EPA, NOAA and the US Geological Survey are working to track cyanobacteria outbreaks throughout the country via satellite data. They are able to detect the cyanobacteria when it is still lingering below the surface of the water. I suspect that what they are seeing in Florida these days is comparable to the markers in Third World Countries with very compromised waterways. My hope is that more and more people will take these algae outbreaks seriously and learn the differences between good and bad bacteria, so that they won't be duped into believing something is safe and naturally occurring when it is a by-product of large scale farming and the sugar industry that could and should be cleaned up. Toxic cyanobacteria is very different than the thermophilic algae I encountered in Iceland.


text:
- Your shopping cart is empty!
AHAVA Dead Sea Water Mineral Body Lotion FMTVFSLHX
AHAVA Dead Sea Water Mineral Body Lotion FMTVFSLHX
Product Code: FMTVFSLHX
Availability: In Stock
Availability: In Stock
$49.14 $90.60
This daily gentle body lotion is powered by our exclusive Osmoter and nourishing, healthy extracts that increase skin's moisture levels. It absorbs quickly into skin for long-lasting, all day comfort and hydration. Aloe vera extract soothes and provide natural moisture. Witch hazel extracts smoothes skin, providing refreshing, revitalizing effect.
- Paraben Free
- PETA certified – cruelty free & vegan
- SLS/SLES Free
- GMO Free
- Petroleum Free
- Allergy tested
- Approved for sensitive skin
AHAVA is the definitive Dead Sea Minerals beauty expert. All AHAVA products contain Osmoter - an exclusive, perfectly-balanced blend of Dead Sea Minerals that recharge, rehydrate and illuminate skin.
AHAVA Dead Sea Water Mineral Body Lotion FMTVFSLHX


text:
Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel photo gallery
The photographs in the varied and descriptive selection of images and photos of the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel have something in common: they all show the visual charm of this 5-star hotel in detail.
There's also a lot to show, because this complete photo gallery of the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel shows an establishment that stands out for many reasons. Among them, the undeniable beauty of its architecture, the exquisite interior design and the fascinating landscapes of its surroundings.
What do the images and photos of the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel show?
Everything you need to know. From the pools and rooms, to the pictures of the hotel gardens, its restaurants and the more general aspects. The photos of the pools at the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel, for example, show the appealing outdoor recreation area, which includes both the swimming area and the bars that surround it. On the other hand, the photos of the gardens at the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel show you the natural beauty of the hotel's surroundings, especially the palm trees. Although you may be more interested to know how they look from the charming balcony of a beautiful room. That's why we've also got photos of the rooms at the Faro Lopesan Collection.
But the images and photos of the Faro Lopesan Collection cover much more. Do you want to know what delicacies await you if you have breakfast, lunch or dinner at the hotel? Well that is also possible with the pictures of the buffet, the restaurants, or the refreshing cocktails you can order at the appealing bars and our exclusive rooftop chill out.
Having seen all of this, there is no doubt that it will be very easy for you to imagine yourself enjoying each and every one of the areas at the Faro Lopesan Collection Hotel.


text:
Many of you may have already seen this little video. I'm not a big fan of "American Idol" so I had never heard of Paul Potts. Boy, was everyone blown away when this was shown at my church last Sunday. It was in support of a series of talks entitled "Who Am I". Turn your sound way up. This is absolutely wonderful.
Vodpod videos no longer available. from www.youtube.com posted with vodpod


text:
- Telephone: 1-888-233-3288
- Website: centralcoastlavender.com
- About: "All items are hand crafted using the artisan tradition of the finest apothecary masters. Organically grown, distilled and blended here at the farm. Local fairly traded ingredients packaged in sustainable aluminum and glass. No fragrances, dyes, sulfates or parabens are used in our manufacture."
- What is grown: Lavender
- Where to buy: Click here to buy online today!


text:
Why I'm Terrified of Retiring — Even Though I CanWhy retire when you love what you do?
My retirement story starts long ago, when I was a child. At least, that's when my habits were formed. I was raised by parents who came into their own after the Great Depression, and they were cost-conscious. Some might even call them cheap. Phone messages were written on neatly cut-up scraps of paper. Although now quite financially secure, my dad recently ate wilted, leftover salad instead of throwing it out. At our home, thriftiness has always been second nature.
Saving and investing was what you did with a portion of your earnings. Borrowing and excessive spending weren't even considered. No one in my immediate or extended family had debt other than a home mortgage or possibly a small, temporary business loan.
Read More: Survey Finds 42% of Americans Will Retire Broke — Here's Why
I was trained, by example, to shop for bargains and live well below my means. So, when I graduated college and began working, saving was automatic. As soon as I had a paycheck, I opened a brokerage account and invested in an IRA. I funded it with the maximum annual contribution every year. I ended up paying for both of my master's degrees with work earnings and some help from my husband. No debt.
I Wasn't Normal — and That Helped My Retirement Nest Egg
Another way I was unusual was that I was intrigued by investing and wanted to learn all I could. I read, studied and even attended a retirement workshop while in my mid-20s. Unlike many 20-somethings, despite craving luxury goods, I was programmed to save and live modestly. In fact, one of my first big fights with my then-fiancé (who is now my husband of 30+ years) was when he wanted to shop at a department store instead of the outlet mall. I won that one.
All in all, my upbringing was a good thing. I am a savvy shopper, saver and investor. My husband and I always lived below our means, and continue to save and invest. We were part of the FI (not FIRE, which stands for Financial Independence Retire Early) movement before it was a thing.
More on FI: Why Financial Independence Is the Key to Retiring Early
Flash-forward several decades.
Compound Returns: The Magic Retirement Sauce
If you know anything about compound returns, you realize that maxing out retirement accounts for years with stock and bond investments leads to six- to seven-figure account values. Of course, it doesn't hurt to cut investing fees to the bone. I only wish low-fee robo-advisors like Betterment and M1 Finance were available when I started investing.
For a conservative estimate of how much wealth you can amass with regular saving and investing, check out this example. (Although, we saved and invested much more than this.) By maximizing your 401k investing, you can become a millionaire in one step.
Invest just $500 per month for 30 years in the financial markets, earn a reasonable annualized 6.5 percent return and you'll end up with $553,000. Now imagine doubling that amount and enjoying an employer contribution to your retirement account, as well. You can see how the magic of compounding can add up to a tidy sum.
Related: Can I Add More Money to My 401k Account Whenever I Want?
Yet, now that I am financially able to retire, I won't even consider it. Here's why.
Why I'm Not Retiring Now — or Possibly Ever — Even Though I Can
I'll admit, I'm one of the lucky ones that has work that is fulfilling and helps others. I understand that many people aren't as fortunate as I am. So, I appreciate my situation. But, I also have a belief system that governs my thinking and behavior. Some might even say that this belief system is irrational. And, because of my "irrational" thinking, I don't know when or if I'll retire. The thought of retirement terrifies me.
The Fears
Here are a few of the reasons that I'm terrified of retiring. (And if you think some of these thoughts are illogical, you're probably right.)
- I'll feel worthless if I retire.
- I might contract a horrific health issue that devours my entire savings.
- I will hate retirement, and be miserable and depressed.
- I will feel like I'm not contributing to the greater good of society if I retire.
- Even if I volunteer, it won't give my life the same importance as work. (Just for the record, I currently volunteer by reading to children at the local elementary school.)
- People will look at me with disdain because I don't have a job.
- My mind and health will deteriorate because I will become less disciplined.
- I will become too self-involved and less concerned with giving back to society if I retire.
In my defense, my fears aren't completely absurd. Research supports the fact that many people lose their sense of purpose upon retirement and miss the collegiality of their co-workers. But, it's not like I've got a room full of colleagues that I see every day at the office. I'm an entrepreneur, consultant and writer. All my colleagues are remote. And, being an introvert, I enjoy working alone.
Some people fear retirement because they lack other interests. That's not me. I have a wealth of hobbies and interests and could easily fill my day. If I weren't working, I'd be active with home improvement and design projects, pickleball, working out, hiking, movies and theater.
What I'll Do Instead
In summary, I'm in good health, I'm financially OK, and I'm terrified of retiring. I guess that's not terrible, right? There are worse things than not retiring.
Ultimately, I'd like to emulate Dr. Aaron Beck, John Bogle, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Warren Buffett. These people have achieved great prominence in their fields, with age 80 in the rearview mirror, and are still working.
For now, I'll just have to keep working and wrestling with my foolish thoughts.
Read More: This Is What a Comfortable Retirement Will Cost You in Every State
More From Our Smart Money Squad
- What I'm Doing Now to Ensure a Cushy Retirement
- What Living in a Pseudo-Retirement Community Taught Us About Money
- Trying to Retire: My Really Bad Case of 'One More Year' Syndrome
- Watch: How One Couple Retired in Their 30s to Travel in an Airstream RV
We make money easy. Get weekly email updates, including expert advice to help you Live Richer™.


text:
OpRisk Europe and North America wrap: cyber, 3LOD and the SMA
Future of op risk modelling a hot topic at conference, along with evolving three lines of defence framework
Whatever the topic under discussion at the OpRisk Europe and North America conferences this month, the conversation inevitably turned to cyber risk. That's hardly surprising: cyber risk, in its many guises, is an ever-present, ever-mutating danger for banks, consistently ranked the top threat in an institution's operational risk framework. It also has an increasingly strong bearing on all the other risks in Risk.net's annual industry poll, from fraud to outsourcing.
Regulators and practitioners alike at both conferences highlighted the business continuity risks posed by a major cyber attack, emphasised the need for rapid recovery from an outage, and called on businesses to improve their planning and modelling.
Banks are still adapting to the threat of attacks, evolving their own three lines of defence (3LOD) frameworks to better incorporate cyber risk, and channelling expertise from other functions across the bank such as IT and information security – and, increasingly, from other industries.
Many practitioners spoke openly about the need for constant fine-tuning of the 3LOD framework if it is to work successfully for larger banks, including the need for a clearer delineation of responsibility between risk managers and front-office staff when it comes to 'owning the risk'.
Another much-discussed topic was the Basel Committee's off-again, on-again standardised measurement approach (SMA) to operational risk capital calculation. Banks lamented the lost investment in bespoke models should the framework enter force, while others expounded the benefits of modelling smaller op risk events to help prevent losses in future.
To read more, please click on the articles below.
Fed official: banks must recover from cyber attack in two hours
"If you're waiting for us to give you regulation, you're behind the curve," says Fed's Ferlazzo
CCAR aids in op risk identification, banking experts say
Banks forced to consider link between risks and macroeconomic factors
Fed examiner calls on banks to rethink KRIs
Most banks fail to establish explicit link between KRIs and identified risk exposures
Banks move to model smaller op risk losses
Credit Suisse is using scenario analysis to model the risks associated with internal fraud losses
Better data key to cyber risk underwriting, say practitioners
Lack of loss data means predictions are a problem
OCC warns on cyber risks from subpar patches at US banks
Regulator says banks have good track record overall, but exams reveal weaknesses
Cyber insurance not a risk management tool, say banks
Lengthy payout mechanism of cyber policies makes it ineffectual against large losses, dealers argue
Three lines of defence model still evolving, say practitioners
Clearer split in responsibilities between first and second lines needed, say op risk chiefs


text:
Parable of the Unwise Steward
Carol Key
The parable of the unwise steward is found in Matthew 25: 14-30. To one servant the wealthy person gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one talent. Then the wealthy person went away. You may know the outcome, or you can read it for yourself, but the servant with the one talent buried his in the ground for fear of losing it. The other two servants invested and made an increase in their trusted gifts.
This parable teaches us that we are not to bury our giftedness in the ground awaiting heaven. We are to work to glorify God with our talents, to reach out to others who have no talents, and to grow in faith in this life. We are not to bury our talents in the ground and do nothing. We also learn that God gives us everything we need to do what we are called to do. A talent in ancient times was worth a lot, even as much as a million dollars today. Each servant was entrusted with a worthy amount with the ability to produce more. Even thought the servants were not given equally, all were given what they needed to grow the Kingdom. The expectation was to grow the Kingdom of God now!
We also learn that we work for the Master and not only for our selfish purposes. What we are given is not our own and what we earn is not ours to keep. We are only stewards of the Master's investment, and the Lord expects a return on the investment in our life. To believe that the Lord exists to support and care for us is a false belief denying the truth that we are held accountable. We never own a free ticket, are never offered forgiveness without repentance, and are never justified in living only for our self.
The unjust steward was left out because fear was his god, selfish desires were his purpose, and an opportunity to glorify God was missed.


text:
Back in March, in a blaze of publicity, 300 people witnessed the biggest cutting-tool launch in ISCAR Tools history at the ICC in Birmingham. Since this time, as the comprehensive new ISCAR LOGIQ range offers highly efficient solutions to the vast majority of machining operations and materials, many end-users have switched to LOGIQ cutting tools. Here, ISCAR UK Sales Manager, David Jones explains the success of ISCAR's all-embracing new range.
Charles Eames the famous US designer once said "Recognising the need is the primary condition for design". Observing this wise maxim, ISCAR employ a team of industry specific machining experts who are able to act as a bridge between companies involved in all aspects of metal cutting and ISCAR's Research and Development team. The invaluable, continuous feedback delivered by ISCAR's industry specific experts to our prolific R&D team, enables global industries' diverse and ever evolving needs to be recognised and to be acted on.
In addition to the invaluable intelligence received from global industry, ISCAR's staff work closely with the world's leading machine tool manufacturers to ensure that the company is kept aware of all new technical developments. Last but not least, ISCAR's metallurgical experts constantly monitor advances across all classes of materials.
This unceasing flow of high-grade information ensures that, rather than launch a cutting tool solution then look for a machining problem to solve, each of ISCAR's products are painstakingly researched and when launched constitute highly-efficient, cost-effective solutions to real-world machining problems.
As many of ISCAR's recent R&D programs were nearing completion at approximately the same time, and as each new product series represented a major advance in a particular aspect of machining, rather than launch every cutting tool range separately, the obvious synergy between each new ISCAR product suggested that a major, mass launch was the way forward.
The application of LOGIQ
Why LOGIQ? ISCAR has taken the company's very successful IQ concept of machining intelligently even further by applying a wide range of logical developments to cutting tools. The application of LOGIQ has allowed the creation of advanced new ISCAR ranges, it has enabled existing product lines to be further upgraded and has also inspired many innovative new product series that assist users in maximizing equipment utilization and optimizing performance.
LOGIQ – Perfect Timing!
When the LOGIQ range was launched in the UK earlier this year, the subject of productivity was near the top of the political agenda. ISCAR LOGIQ's focus on boosting users' output, increasing efficiencies and improving machine tool yields, chimed perfectly with the Government's push for increased productivity. Also, immediately after its launch, the advanced new ISCAR LOGIQ range made its MACH 2018 debut. As the high-profile LOGIQ launch had prompted many potential users to visit the ISCAR stand, our staff was kept busy throughout the exhibition explaining the multiple benefits of the new range and making appointments to visit potential users.
The LOGIQ of Industry 4.0
In an age when sophisticated process monitoring and instantaneous acquisition of machining data is becoming increasingly important, the instant availability of state-of-the-art manufacturing consumables, such as advanced cutting-tools is equally vital.
To ensure the most appropriate cutting tool is always available when needed, tools can be stored in our range of 'smart' Matrix vending machines that can be integrated into customers' advanced management systems.
The installation of a vending system is motivated by users need to guarantee the instant availability of tools that will ensure that production does not stop. In addition, businesses see the implementation of a vending machine system as a way to minimise the cost and risk of stock ownership by optimising stock levels
The proof of the Tool is in the Cutting!
Since the end of the MACH exhibition, to help prove the spectacular machining efficiencies that can be achieved by the use of LOGIQ cutting tools, ISCAR sales engineers have performed multiple machining trials in existing and potential customers' premises in all parts of the UK. This has resulted in many users of other cutting tool brands converting to ISCAR LOGIQ products. As further cutting trials are due to be made in the near future, it is anticipated that many other users will soon switch to the use of LOGIQ cutting tools.
The extremely positive feed-back we have received from ISCAR LOGIQ users indicates that in all cases, the promised machining performance improvements have been realised, and in many cases exceeded. Impressed by their early experience, numerous customers are now investigating other company machining processes that could benefit from the impressive efficiencies already delivered by the use of ISCAR LOGIQ cutting tools.
The multiple advantages provided by the use of ISCAR LOGIQ cutting tools can be illustrated by the recent turning trial conducted within the UK on an application related to the machining of Stainless Steel. The customer was using a premium grade carbide tool provided by a major global cutting tool manufacturer. With the use of the recommended LOGIQ 4 TURN cutting tool, cutting speeds were able to be raised from 114 m/min to 134 m/min and feeds boosted from 0.2 mm/rev to 0.22 mm/rev. In addition, the depth of cut was increased from 0.75mm to 2.15mm and the number of passes needed dropped from 3 to just a single pass. As the hard wearing LOGIQ product resulted in the production of 9,000 parts per cutting-edge, compared to a previous 3,000, not only were far fewer cutting tools needed for production runs, much less time was lost in stopping to change cutting tools. As well as producing comma/helical chips, rather than the previous tangled chips and also enhancing the part's surface finish, the advanced LOGIQ 4 TURN tool improved many other machining parameters, such as raising metal removal rates from16.04 cm3/min to 53.69 cm3/mm. The impressive trial data, verified by the staff of the company concerned, proved that a remarkable saving of 72.3% would be achieved by the use of the advanced ISCAR product. This new ISCAR customer is now reaping the benefits of the use of innovative LOGIQ 4 TURN tooling.
Greater demand means more staff – its LOGIQ
The success of the LOGIQ product range and the subsequent boost in sales means that ISCAR UK are currently looking to employ several additional sales engineers, to help us cope with our considerable increase in business. The great success of the LOGIQ range and the continuing rise in demand means that there has never been a better time to join the ISCAR UK sales team.
Visit: www.iscar.co.uk


text:
Good Night Kiss
I was always moved by a long lasting love of elderly people. The scene, be it in a movie, T.V series or just from my imagination, of elderly people well groomed, looking with respect and love at each other, was always a role-model for me. I say to myself: "I would like to grow old without the typical estrangement, distance and grumbling of old people". In people who grow old with love I can see the innocence, the completeness and a kind of statement – "yes, it is possible!" No wonder that the following story touched me:
Every afternoon when I came on duty as the evening nurse, I would walk the halls of the nursing home, pausing at each door to chat and observe. Often, Kate and Chris would be sitting with their big scrapbooks in their laps reminiscing over the photographs. How lovely they looked, sitting together, the light from the window shining on their white heads and their time-wrinkled faces smiling at the memory of the years. How little the young know of loving, I'd think. How foolish to think they have a monopoly on such a precious commodity.
Sometimes when we, the staff members, saw Kate and Chris walking slowly holding hands, our conversation would turn to a discussion of the couple's love and devotion. We all knew that Kate was dependent upon Chris. How would Kate function if Chris were to die first? We wondered.
Bedtime followed a ritual. Kate would be sitting in her chair, in nightgown and slippers, awaiting my arrival with the medicine. She would take her pill and then, very carefully, Chris would help her from chair to bed and tuck the covers around her frail body. Chris would turn off the light above her head and tenderly he would bend and they would kiss gently. Only then would he turn and accept his own medication. As I walked away I could hear Chris say, "Good-night, Kate," and her returning voice, "Good-night, Chris."
I had been off duty 2 days. When I returned, the first news I heard was that Chris died from a heart attack." How's Kate" I asked. "Bad," the answer was. I went into Kate's room. She sat in her chair, motion-less and staring. I took her hands in mine but her eyes never shifted. "Kate, I just found out about Chris. I'm so sorry." At the word Chris her eyes came back to life and tears welled up and slid down her cheeks. "Chris is gone," she whispered.
We pampered Kate for a while, letting her eat in her room, surrounding her with special attention. Then gradually the staff worked her back into the old schedule. Bedtime was the worst part of her day. Although she had been granted her request to move to Chris's bed, and although the staff chatted and laughed with her, still Kate remained silent and sadly withdrawn. I'd find her wide awake for hours, staring at the ceiling. The weeks passed and the bedtime wasn't any better. Why this time of day more than the other hours? I wondered.
Then one night I kissed her wrinkled cheek and I said to her impulsively, "Kate, could it be you miss your good-night kiss?" It was as though I had opened the floodgates and tears coursed down her face. "Chris always kissed me good-night," she cried and her hands gripped mine, "I miss him so and I just can't seem to go to sleep without his kiss."
"I know," I whispered.
"Thank you for giving me a kiss," she said, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "You know," she said confidentially, "Chris used to sing me a song and at night I think about it."
"How did it go?"
Kate smiled, cleared her throat and her voice, small with age but still melodious, lifted softly in song: So kiss me, my sweet, and so let us part. And when I grow too old to dream, that kiss will live in my heart.
(The song is from a film, 1935, by Hammerstein. The story was told by Phyllis Volkens, the nurse, from "Chicken Soup for the woman's Soul", by Jack Canfield & Mark Hansen, Copyright c 1996.)
When I copied the story from the book, tears came to my eyes. I read it now again and I feel a pain crawling up my throat and envy is whispering "I wish I'd grow old like them…"
Fireworks (33)
Shuka, from Madrid Spain
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Leave a comment.
You may also subscribe to new post by email. Click here to subscribe.
No comments yet.


text:
I vividly remember venturing into a Walgreens on Feb. 13 last year. On my way to peruse the latest metallic nail shades CoverGirl had to offer and uncover a sea-kelp face mask I needed not purchase, a sea of men sprinted by me — it left me dizzy. Their motions were hurried. Their faces held the sort of determination one may only see on the football field, or in times of war. Vehemently grabbing bouquets of roses and heart-shaped Russell Stover boxes, they made their way to checkout. Cause nothing says "I love you" like genetically altered flowers and drugstore candy.
Yes, folks, this was the eve before Valentine's Day and I just happened to find myself in the center of the waxy-petaled and artificially flavored. Pickings were slim for those in search of the perfect collection of finds that would send the right message of adoration to their lover.
It got me kinda blue. Not because I didn't have a better half to buy me unnecessary trash, but seeing those men spending their well-earned beer money on blooms that would wilt after 48 hours and high-fructose corn syrup-filled chocolates was about as depressing as any Adele album.
Also, can we talk about the random stuffed animals that are big-sellers on this holiday? When do adults ever need, or want, something that looks like it was fished out of the claw machine at Chuck E. Cheese's or redeemed after a victorious game of Whack-a-Mole at the state fair.
Let's not forget about the dinner specials rolled out by various eateries around town. If you find yourself in a committed relationship, if you're Facebook official, you get to savor overpriced sea bass over sage risotto. Instead of offering high-priced options to couples, restaurants should offer discounted meals to singles. Feverishly swiping through potentials on Tinder and suffering through family fix-ups has earned you the right to enjoy the below-market rate on snow crab legs. Heck, if restaurants really wanted to appeal to the demographic that finds themselves without a significant other, they could run a deal where commitment-phobes and dumpees savor all the garlic, and all the refined carbs, in all the forms. Inventive menu pairings shouldn't be reserved just for the boo'd up.
The mugs with mushy messages of love are also pretty infuriating. Although, I still fantasize about designing a coffee cup line with "I'm Crazy About You" splashed along the front with the images of straightjackets and pills a-plenty. I think there's a certain demographic for that sort of thing. Anyway, I digress.
A recent development that may have been a sign of the commercialization of this holiday dwindling came with the announcement that Necco's Sweethearts Conversation Hearts, for the first time in 153 years, would not be available for sale this V-Day. With the news of these chalky antacids moonlighting as candies being no more, came the public outcry. Comment sections were flooded with sad-face emojis and messages of dread. As it turns out, Brach's Confections has consistently put out its own version of the Tums-inspired treat and plans to have market shelves stocked prior to the holiday. Crisis averted. Still, I wondered why this news warranted such a strong response.
I think the upsetment spawned not from the fact that consumers wouldn't be able to get their hands on the "Be Mine" and "You're Hot" morsels, but from nostalgia slipping away faster than Matthew McConaughey's hairline in '99. Remember when Valentine's Day was just an excuse for elementary schoolers to wrap empty New Balance shoeboxes in shimmery paper and hand out Lisa Frank cards to every-dang-one. It was a simpler time — one filled with neon-shaded, doe-eyed dolphins.
The bizarre fruit kebabs of Edible Arrangements also leave a lot to be desired. When, in a day, does one think, "I know, I'd really like to consume numerous grapes, chocolate strawberries and cantaloupe cut into flowers stabbed by wooden skewers that rest on a bed of kale — perhaps stuffed into a watering can?"
I guess when it comes down to it, it's not that I dislike Valentine's Day. It's that I loathe all the cheesy, possibly lead-filled and chemically-drenched, swag associated with the holiday. In the words of Pat Benatar, "Love is a Battlefield" — and so is any drugstore the day before cupid's charade. Consider yourself warned.
Kalene McCort: 303-473-1107, email@example.com


text:
Amy Here with another video tutorial showing another "green" idea: transform an advertisement FLYER into an attractive, custom card! I also show you have to achieve crisp, perfectly printed custom custom "tags". So, find inspiration from expensive marketing materials, junk mail, and other printed stuff and turn them into treasures. You'll be looking at this stuff with a whole new purpose.
The inspiration and materials for this masculine card came courtesy of Men's Warehouse.
Let the Corporate Designers and Marketing Departments spend big bucks
and let you have the fun being clever and crafty in your craft room!
ScraPerfect products used in the making of the card were:
the Best Glue Ever™and the Perfect Crafting Pouch™,
two products you shouldn't be without!


text:
Sad news for all of you Smith & Hawken fans. Parent company Scott's Miracle-Gro announced they are shutting down the business. The Smith & Hawken web site is already down, but the selloff continues at 56 stores (South Coast Plaza is the only Orange County location) by a third-party liquidator.
Can we ever learn to live without their cachepots and plant stands? Apparently we can, and that could be part of the problem.
Founded in 1979 as a mail order company by Dave Smith and Paul Hawken, Hawken told Jim Welte of the Marin Independent Journalthat "Scotts couldn't have been a worse corporate owner." He asked his friends not to shop there anymore.
Smith and Hawken were all about the organic food movement and had strived to offer sturdy tools and other implements for gardeners who grew their own. But Miracle-Gro took the company in another direction with garden furniture, holiday decorations and interior décor items.
"How could you possibly have a gardening store in this economy and go wrong?" Hawken said. "I'll tell you why. This wasn't a gardening store anymore."
Sturdy tools are not gone forever. Lots of Orange County gardeners will remember another serious tool guy, Bob Denman from Denman's in Orange. The Denmans aren't gone, by the way, they just moved to Boring, Oregon.
Bob is still hand-forging trowels, cultivators and hoes and Rita is still minding the store when she is not minding her horses and chickens.
And Bob is still crafting interesting iron products like fireplace tools, gate hinges and obelisks. I will never forget the "root pruner" he made for me.
I needed a super sharp shovel to sever the roots around my wisteria (root-pruning prompts blooms). Bob made me a shovel that would easily take a foot off if I weren't careful. And he'll still forge you anything you can dream up.
If you are missing the sturdy tool days, and since you won't have Smith & Hawken for long, check out the Denman store online at RedPigTools.comor call at 503-663-9404.


text:
A strong password, whether it be for your smartphone lock screen, your mobile banking app, or your e-mail account, is one of the most important steps you can take to keep your sensitive personal data safe and secure. But sometimes, the process of creating that password can be so complicated (It has to be how long? It needs to have both numbers and letters?) that it ends up being a considerable source of stress and worry for many people.
If you're someone who wants to maintain a strong level of digital security, but you have a hard time staying on top of all your passwords, you're not alone. According to a recent survey from Pew Research Center, a US-based non-partisan fact tank, a significant number of Americans find password management to be a challenge and are concerned about how they are handling it. Approximately 39% of survey respondents said they had difficulty keeping track of all their passwords, 30% said they worried about password security, and 25% admitted that they used less secure passwords because they found it too difficult to remember more complex passwords.
Password management apps
Fortunately, there is a solution to these password challenges: password management software and apps. Useable on desktop computers and mobile devices such as the iPhone, these specially designed digital tools provide safe storage in an encrypted data vault for your various passwords, login names, and personal details. They can even automatically generate secure passwords for new accounts. And the best thing about using them is that you'll never have to remember dozens of different passwords again—only the one master password that you use to access your vault.
However, despite the fact that password management software is the approach to password management most recommended by cybersecurity experts, its use is still relatively rare. The aforementioned Pew Research survey found that only 12% of respondents used software or apps to manage their passwords, and just 3% stated that this was their primary method of password management.
If you'd like to join the 12% of people who are using the top expert-recommended password tracking technique, read on for a look at some of the leading password management apps, all available for your iPhone free of charge.
LastPass has been a popular choice for desktop users for several years, and its mobile version is just as outstanding. LastPass combines a password vault, a password generator, and a browser in a single mobile app. When you're logged in to LastPass, the browser will automatically fill in forms and login details when you're browsing online, and you can easily add or update your list of passwords and sites straight from your browser. Best of all, even non-paying users have access to convenient bonus features such as unlimited device usage and platform syncing.
This simple password management system is available for the desktop and a variety of mobile operating systems. Its clean interface lets you easily enter, organize, and store your passwords and other personal information, and it gives you the option to share these details with trusted contacts. Like LastPass, Keeper also offers a built-in password generator and can auto-fill login information. Moreover, it automatically remembers new passwords. If you choose to become a paying subscriber, you'll also have access to cloud-based backup services and multi-device syncing options.
This multi-platform password manager also serves as a handy digital wallet. The app's storage vault can be used for both passwords and personal information. Form auto-filling and automatic website logins are also standard features. In addition, you can take advantage of the integrated browser and optional keyboard (as well as a Safari extension) for even more auto-fill options. If you'd like to take the extra security-conscious step of using two-factor authentication, Dashlane lets you do so through Google Authenticator support.
While the free version of 1Password is fairly basic, it offers as much functionality as many users need. Therefore, it's become a commonly used choice for many mobile users. Free features include standard ones such as a master-password secured vault, an in-app browser, and automated logins. Moreover, data syncing is available through iCloud and Dropbox support. If you upgrade to the pro version of 1Password, you'll be able to access a number of additional features, which include more tools for keeping your passwords organized, and an option for password vault sharing.
True Key
If you need security for just a few online accounts and passwords, True Key could be the app for you. Its mobile app allows you to sync across multiple devices, but limits the number of passwords or login credentials you can store to 15. In addition to all of its standard features, True Key offers high quality multifactor authentication which means you can log in to the app in a number of different ways, including a master password (the most common access method), facial or fingerprint recognition, an e-mail link, or verification from a trusted secondary device.


text:
Enjoying the mountains in winter in uncontrolled terrain, call it backcountry or freeriding, is becoming increasingly popular. The search for a closer relationship with nature, away from overcrowded and expensive ski resorts, and the desire for an unlimited adventure is bringing skiers, freeriders, snowshoers and traditional winter trekkers more and more into the wilderness.
However, with reward there is also risk. Mountains have an intrinsic degree of peril including avalanche danger, unpredictable weather and changing terrain so approaching the backcountry in winter with an adequate level of awareness is fundamental to having a fun and safe experience.
What I see however, especially here in the Alps, is that more and more people are wandering out of bounds with insufficient skills and improper equipment. Even worse, some very experienced skiers misjudge dangerous conditions putting both themselves and others in very unsafe situations.
So in order to counter some of these risks, here are my 5 golden rules for a safe backcountry adventure.
- Know The Snow
Enroll in a professional avalanche-training program, attend snow-safety camps, and read books on the topic. Be autonomous in correctly evaluating the stability of the snow pack before and during your tour. Repeat your training periodically, at least once every start to the season as part of a continuous learning process. Get training on winter outdoor activities (orienteering, meteorology, physical preparation, equipment). You need to be able to distrust faulty statements such as "it has only snowed a little, so there's no avalanche danger."
- Planning Makes Perfect
Prepare rigorously for your trip beforehand, even if it's not an extreme adventure. The major part of risk is mitigated with sound planning. Check the avalanche bulletins, the local weather forecast, draft your route depending on conditions and evaluate your fitness level. Make a backup plan, check your equipment, and get emergency contact numbers. Talk to local professionals to understand how the snow pack has formed over the season. And of course, hire a mountain guide if you don't know the area well.
- Safety First
Buy an avalanche safety kit (transceiver, shovel, probe), even if you are only going snowshoeing. But that's not enough. Be proficient in the use of your tools and train, train, train. Understand how everything in your safety kit works and practice the search procedure regularly. It's good to simulate a timed self-rescue operation with your friends and then debrief to discuss the results.
- Squad Goals
Unless you go solo out in the wilderness, choose your adventure friends carefully. Make sure they have the right skill level, equipment and required physical training. Ask yourself if they'd be able to get you out of trouble if you were in serious danger. Be skeptical if someone you don't know wants to join your group at the last minute. And most of all, be careful of group dynamics. Typically, a group takes higher risks than what a person on their own would do. Be determined to evaluate and follow your own personal levels of risk. Courage in the backcountry also means being able to give up or turn around at the right time.
- Help Others Help You
In the unfortunate event than an accident does happen, what should you do? In a life-threatening situation, a search & rescue (SAR) team needs to be engaged immediately. You must be able to make an emergency call, relay your exact location and report the key details of the accident dynamics. This is not always possible, because you might be off-grid or alone and unconscious. This is where innovative technologies such as the wearable safety device PhiPAL can prevent an accident from becoming a tragedy.
Exploring the backcountry is one of the greatest adventures you can have, and properly planning and training for it will ensure many great treks in the future.


text: What do we say? A fantastic 2 owner panel van with both original keys and an impressive history portfolio consisting of 4 stamps completed every year. This is the perfect van for any starter business or courier looking for a reliable and economical work vehicle. You instantly know this particular van has been looked after due to the calibre of the interior which is exceptionally clean for a commercial vehicle. There is also plenty of MOT (July 2019) and we will also include 6 months warranty for good measure.


text:
Every once in a while you see activity, not just messaging, that really helps define a brand. A great example of this is REI's #optoutside campaign last year's Black Friday shopping event.
REI showed its authenticity be deciding to shut its doors and giving each of its 12,000 employees a paid day off to go explore the outdoors. While nearly every other retailer was busy advertising Black Friday sales, REI was making a splash on social media with its #optoutside campaign. Over 1.4M people posted pictures of themselves hiking, skiing, biking and paddling outdoors instead of spending time in malls.
We talk a lot about designing customer experiences. The best customer engagements come naturally from authentic bonds between customers and employees. If you walk into an REI store you'll know what I mean. The company attracts and employs outdoor enthusiasts - folks that often start as customers first. So, we don't think it was much of a stretch for REI think up or justify this clever campaign. It's a logical representation of the the brand -- authentic.


text:
If you're Australian, 6'8″, and 395 lbs, chances are that you might receive a few more glances than the average person. If you're all those things AND you play football, well, you're probably going to get quite a few scholarship offers. That was exactly what happened with 3-star OT Daniel Faalele.
Faalele, originally from Melborne, plays for football powerhouse IMG Academy out of Bradenton, FL. Despite offers from the top ranked football programs in the country such as Alabama, FSU, LSU, Georgia, and Auburn, the Australian OT decided to play for the Fighting Boat Rowers of Minnesota.
Faalele had never played football before and was discovered by a recruiter from the University of Hawaii in a Melborne gym. So the sky is the limit for this raw 395 lb giant. Three hundred ninety-five pounds is a lot of human. For reference, that's equivalent to approximately 40 house cats, 10 microwaves, 7 punching bags, 5 dishwashers, 4 toilets, or 395 1-lb weights. And if you're a Golden Gopher fan, you have to be stoked at the thought of 40 house cats anchoring your offensive line for next four years.


text:
Our European Adventure - Chapter Five
It's everybody's favourite time of the week, that's right! Time for another instalment of our European Adventures! (Check out the last chapter here if you missed it.. or just can't remember what happened) Last time we left off as Cole and me got onto a 13 hour bus to Milan. Aren't you just buzzing to find out how that went?... well read on and find out!
We spent most of the coach trip watching The Defenders (great show, bit boring?) until about midnight when we thought we should probably get some sleep. We planned to travel straight from Milan to meet the guys hosting us so we had a none stop day ahead of us!
After changing positions and seats multiple times (as well as being thrown from our seats as the bus braked on more than one occasion) we finally got a rough few hours sleep. Traveling through Czech, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and finally pulling in to Milan at 6am.
The booming voice of the coach driver woke us up with a start and it seemed within a matter of seconds we had been shooed off the bus and handed our baggage as the bus sped off in a cloud of dust. Standing alone in the cold morning, half asleep and no idea where we were going, the temptation to say 'fuck it' and get a hotel was pretty high.
Reaching for each other's hands we exchanged a supportive hand squeeze to say, 'I know you're tired but we can do this!'. Feeling less than confident we walked to the subway station and tried to figure out a plan.
After a lot of googling of how Milan metro worked and what station had the most things open around it, we made our way to the centre of the city. While under the ground the tiredness washes off us and although we only had a few hours of sleep between us, our motivation to get to the mountains was strong.
Striding out of central station into the rising light of Saturday morning we went to the only place we could think would be open so early (and we could afford)...
McDonalds! The promised land.
After the most expensive breakfast of the trip and a quick cry that we weren't in Czech anymore we made our way down town to do our really exciting tasks for the day.. Landry!
Once at the Laundromat we handed our washing to the happy looking washer woman who uttered the words we did not care to hear.. 'cash only!' Having only just arrived we had no Euros on us. Politely apologising as her smile turned to a frown we asked where the nearest cash machine was. She pointed down the road and said 'five minutes' before shoving our washing back into our tired hands.
We set off determined to have cash within five minutes and make our washer woman smile once more but we did not get any cash within five minutes... we walked for HALF AN HOUR!
After almost an hour we found a cash machine and finally got our washing done (the woman was more friendly when we actually had Euros!). During our epic quest for money we stumbled on a stuff store where we bought more underwear (because we're rubbish at packing essential items). Unfortunately the shop we purchased it from imported its undies from Asia so even the XL was too tight a fit on us.
Our positivity from the morning was slowly fading and being replaced by exhaustion and fustration for the polluted city of Milan. Happy to be heading to the countryside we gladly boarded the train to Morbegno where our mountain peeps awaited us.
While on the train a wave of exhaustion hit me and it became clear to us our bodies were struggling to keep up. Our original plan was to spend a night in the mountain then head back down, rough it on a bus to our next location and sleep properly once we got there. However we knew we would get a pretty rough nights sleep in the alps and we were expected to work once we got there and before we left. There seemed like only one logical thing to do; book a cheap hotel for Sunday night.
Once we had booked a cheap place to crash, I crashed out while Cole kept watch for our station. An hour later we arrived into the Italian countryside feeling just as rough as we had in the morning.
We stood at the entrance to the station feeling lost and unsure what we were doing some place other than a bed. Luckily our host found us in our forlorn state and welcomed us warmly while explaining to us we were hard to miss (which in this case was a good thing!). Once we helped him pack all his building equipment into his Land Rover, it was off up the mountains!
It was quite exciting speeding up the mountain admiring the view, until we hit... the half way point.
This was where the road became a treacherous stone path narrow enough for only one car at a time. This was not a one way road though, it was the busiest mountain road around! Numerous cars speeded down the path towards us, not seeming to care about the 1300 foot drop to the ground! It was while Jacamo joked about this being nothing, telling us he once squared off against a tractor on the road, that the unthinkable happened.
The ground shook around us and the grinding of an engine in front of us told us what was coming round the corner was not a car. A huge fuck off tractor loomed before us, making our 4by4 look like a toy car in comparison. Jacamo jumped into action pulling on the cliff edge. As we teetered on the unstable rocks beneath us the monster tractor passed us slowly, the driver giving us a look of content for being in his way. Cole glanced at me from the passenger seat with a look that could only mean one thing; 'I think this is how we die..'
[wpvideo Q0nX1klS ]
Spoiler alert: we didn't die.
We eventually made it to the top of the mountain, Jacamo's experience of tackling the bumps and curves of the road had saved us although the break neck speed which he tackled the mountain had been terrifying as well as undeniably impressive.
On arrival we were introduced to the rest of the hosts and given a grand tour of the pee hole, poo hole and the beautiful mountain house. There was hardly enough time to admire the scenery before we were put to work, carrying boxes up the mountain and left to figure out how to put guttering up around the house.
While the other guys completed multiple hard labour tasks around us, Cole and I sat on the roof contemplating how we would screw bits of wood together to make the greatest gutter of all time!... God knows why we were trusted with that task!
After a few hours of hard contemplation we managed to put two sets of guttering up and swept the roof of the house free from dirt and leaves. Feeling like we had earned our dinner we climbed down off the roof and settled in for the night with the guys.
Grabbing a beer from their make shift fridge (a tank of water outside) we sat together by a crackling fire and waited for the bubbling pot of stew to be ready.
A few hours later we were chowing down on some home cooked food. Polishing off a second helping before the others had finished their first. There was something that felt almost homely about sitting together eating, tearing bread and passing it between us. Perhaps it was our primitive past lives rising to the surface of our subconscious, craving the communal aspects of simplistic living... man that was a bit deep!
We then played a crazy voodoo board game which our hosts tried to translate to us while we played, most of us were feeling the effects of the beer at this point so it was quite a struggle to understand! (On a side note: it's an awesome game! You get to curse each other and make your friends look like complete dickheads!). Somehow through the alcohol and language barrier, Cole won the game! In celebration Jacamo grabbed a guitar and played Italian songs accompanied with this friends voices and the crackle of the fire.
Tipsy, full of food, emotional from the beautiful atmosphere of the cabin and the stars coocooning us we were more than ready to drift into sleep. The guys joked about us looking like cows waiting for the aliens to come so we bid them goodnight and made our way to the communal sleeping quarters above.
We woke around ten to the sound and smell of food behind made downstairs. Considering we had spent the night on the floor we had gotten a good nights sleep (other than someone snoring all night!). Hungry for another day of mountain work we joined the team for a breakfast of French toast!
Jacamo bid us farewell as he had other engagements and left us with the rest of the guys. After a morning pee in the forest it was straight to work collecting firewood. Something about foraging in the forest really appealed to me, while breaking branches into a pile, I wondered if maybe I should become a lumberjack once this trip ends.
After collecting what we thought was a decent haul of wood (it was puny on second inspection) we joking the team for lunch. Lucas cooked us a feast and we met his aunties who had come to visit.
Once we had done the dishes and organised our bags Gabe gave us a lift back down the mountain, thankfully tractor free this time! Once back down in the village we drove straight into the biggest hold up of traffic due to some wine festival happening in the town. Lucas met us at the train station and jumped in the car offering to give us a lift straight to our hotel.
We set off at five and almost an hour later we still hadn't left Morbegno! The traffic was next level and it stretched all the way to Milan. The next three hours were tedious and confusingly more uncomfortable than the 13 hour bus ride we had endured to get to Italy.
We finally arrived into a rough looking part of town which was where Lucas announced we were at our hotel. Almost falling out the car with our cramped legs we thanked the guys for hosting us and hastily made towards the neon signs of our hotel.
Despite being in a run down part of town this hotel was amazing! The guy at reception was so friendly, giving us advice on where to eat when we said we were starving! After dropping our bags in the room we rushed back out to the take away across the road and ordered two big pizzas. Although the guy spoke no English his customer service was on point! Feeling welcomed into the area we dashed back to the hotel to feast.
With pizzas in our bellies we decided it was probably a good time to shower... now remember we had last showered back in Prague and we had been wearing the same clothes since then, so we were horrendously horrid! As I washed off the sweat and mountain dirt from my body I watched as the water turned black around my feet. I'm not telling you this to gross you out, I'm telling you this because this is what traveling is; sometimes you can't shower and sometimes you have to wear the same clothes to avoid paying for laundry more often. It's dirty and horrid but man does it feel good to shower after that!
Once clean we headed down to the pool! The whole trip we've wanted to swim and at 10pm that night our wish finally came true! Splashing about in the pool felt so good after all the walking we'd been doing lately; and as Cole showed me his impression of a hammer head shark it felt like everything was on track to work out just fine!
After scaring all the other guests out the pool and yet another shower we snuggled up in a comfy bed, happy to be sleeping on something other than the floor or bus seats. Before hitting the hay we decided we would book a bus to Paris for the next day and figure out our next move in the morning.
We woke early and checked out, pissed we had to pay an extra €6 tourist tax on our way out.
We spent the rest of the day in a cafe trying to figure out what to do once we got to Paris. For us Paris is far to expensive to stay in so we needed a plan to get us out of there stat! Struggling to find anything affordable a black rain cloud hung above us the rest of the day. The cafe owner sensing our fustration offered a bowl of free crisps to lift our spirits.. like I said Milans custome service is next level!
Not finding anything we headed to the bus station feeling pretty crappy and apprehensive to begin a journey without knowing where we would end up.
As we climbed onto the bus, claiming the back seats as our territory, we gripped each other's hands again to say only one thing, ' I know you're tired, but we can do this!'
The buses doors squeaked shut and we pulled out the station to start another 13 hour bus ride, with no plan, no accommodation, nothing but each other.
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a like if you enjoyed this post and subscribe so you don't miss the next chapter!
Also on a little side note soz this took so long to post! Weekly blogs are back though!
Follow us on Instagram so you can keep up to date with all our adventures and check out our YouTube for a brand new travel video!
Stay chill,
April and Cole
P.s what's everyone's thoughts on Milan? Do you like it or does the pollution get you down? We'd love to know in the comments below.


text:
SPRINGFIELD - About 150 students from Effingham County schools met at Springfield Elementary earlier this month for the annual countywide Student Media Festival.
More than 60 of those students won their respective categories during the competition and will advance to the statewide competition May 1 in Atlanta.
Submissions were entered in six different categories, including live action, sequential stills with audio, animation, interactive sequential stills, interactive stills and sequential stills without audio.
Student-created media, through its involvement in computers, video, sound and photography, is a proven avenue to increasing student participation in the classroom learning environment.
State and national educational standards are met and surpassed with creativity cultivated through the use of student media projects. With the skills learned in the projects, students have more success in their future academic careers and employment opportunities.


text:
More than 25 McDevitt Middle School students participated over this past school year in McSketch It, an after school arts club. Meeting every Thursday afternoon, the students explored artistic concepts and materials, and met local artists, many from the Waltham Mills Association. The students recently displayed their work at the Watertown Savings Bank in Waltham, alongside the work of visiting artists.
Art teacher Nicholas Goodhue said, "Having local artists come share their work has been great. I especially like that this connects artists in the community to students who might otherwise not have access to this kind of experience."
The club was sponsored by Watertown Savings Bank, the Waltham Cultural Council and the Waltham Education Fund.
The Waltham News Tribune welcomes submissions to this page from local education, community, civic, arts and religious groups and organizations. Please send photos with identifying captions along with some information about the event to email@example.com. Please write "Watch City Life" in the subject line.