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Wrestling in the country couldn't have faced a madder moment than last year when the out-going Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA) executives held the arena to ransom by refusing to accept their dissolution causing delay start to the season.
The rancor was borne out of agitation for a change of leadership by arena stakeholders having grown disillusioned over Matarr Jarju and co's reign, whose spell at the helm is described by opponents as a tenure of false promises.
As in any institution, break in bond between the top dogs and surrogates is mark of impending crises. In Jarju's case, it was beginning of an end to his presidency.
The fall-out started off with accusations of malpractices. The drama began with few delegates pointing fingers of blame at the executives. The number of accusers soon swelled.
Matarr – a former wrestler – is said to have failed to make available a suitable office complex where the GWA could have been housed – a thing made mandatory by Sports Council as standard requirement for all sporting associations.
Allegations, ranging from failing to hold an AGM with utmost transparency, to executives disguising as wrestlers to travel to international wrestling events in a bid to rake in per diems, were all directed at Jarju's leadership.
While the second one is difficult to substantiate, with the executive getting little bothered to repudiate these assertions, inability to provide a constitution – after four years in office –did little to enhance a much tattered reputation.
However, giving majority delegates of the GWA comprised largely people with little knowledge about the running of an association, there wasn't much fuss made until a sudden agitation, prompted by incessant campaigns on radio call-in wrestling programmes, saw the tables turn around. This set the pace.
The rallying cries for an extra-ordinary congress were instigated by the longing to know the body's state of finances.
Delegates were, by this moment meeting secretly at the Serrekunda West Field, to trump up support in efforts to attain a quorum enough to force the association's heads into summoning an extra-ordinary session. Soon, associations of wrestling club managers, promoters, coaches sprung up, potentially swinging the balance in case of elections with their voting rights.
Jarju and his cohorts new the game was up and their days in office probably on the brink of being numbered, when stakeholders notified the regulatory body, the National Sports Council (NSC) copying it to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, regarding the crisis in the arena.
Silence was no longer sufficient answer and the GWA realized they must be seen to be talking or risk been perceived to be all around faulty in the wake of allegations thrown at them by vociferous but unified delegates. Exchange of tirades between the two camps by now became common place.
Stepping in, the NSC urged the executives to, amongst others, put up a draft constitution subject to voters' approval and hold a congress.
With a chunk of his promises in the previous polls unfulfilled, sitting President Jarju opted against seeking a renewed term at a time his popularity has sapped and in the teeth of robust opposition from friends-turned political foes.
In the meantime, the council had given an ultimatum for the GWA to go to congress or face its ire which could, at worst, mean dissolution. Weeks, months, passed, without a session being held. The council's patience was now being tested.
By September last year, the holding of the event has been postponed thrice. Compilation of dossiers in readiness for the congress was blamed for the postponements.
A month later, the pressure for a congress had softened with a plethora of people fearing the worst at news of the formation of a coalition party ready to give then sitting leader Yahya Jammeh run for his money, in an Election Year.
The agitation subsided and the dust temporary settled until few days following the historic dethronement of Jammeh's 22-year reign.
The country's fate hung on a threadbare at this juncture with the 52-year-old leader's refusal to concede defeat to property-seller-turned president-elect Adama Barrow, the talking point.
War looked on the brink during these times, but undeterred, wrestling delegates still pestered, anticipating a decision from the NSC.
A month following the country's political impasse, the council made the pronouncement of dissolving the Jarju-led GWA leadership, informing they will oversee an election process which will allow wrestling stakeholders usher in a new set of people to run affairs of the association the next forty-eight months.
That promise was fulfilled with Serign Modou Faye elected unopposed as the new Gambia Wrestling Association president in a congress held at the Friendship Hostel.
False promises of handing over
In-coming executives are able to assess their predecessors' performance by getting access to association's documents through a handing over procedure.
The process entails the official transferring of all documents for essence of transparency.
However, Matarr and his aficionados had other ideas –doing a Jammeh by declining to accept the NSC's ruling, and, baulked at the idea of handing over documents in their custody to the new executives.
Start of the wrestling season had to be delayed in these torrid times of the sport as a result.
A stand-off looked imminent but it sure was a case of exploring dangerous waters for the out-going executives. Newly-elected president Faye and his surrogates needed to know the body's state of finance to begin their new phase of life as movers and shakers of the GWA.
Interestingly, a new trajectory popped up with Jarju and team reversing their initial stance not to handover. Cracks were by now beginning to show. Former SG Habibou Nyassi was, during this stage, the sole outspoken man from the outgoing executive and said this about his team possibly handing over when asked by Foroyaa Sport in a previous interview: 'We have written to the Sports Ministry about the situation and are waiting for them. The handing over will be done because the documents aren't ours and that could happen probably before the season finishes. Our boss (Matarr Jarju) has traveled and is not in the country.'
Pleasing as it may have sounded, this, it was hoped, will signal end to the long drawn out saga. To the dismay of many, the rancor continued and the handing over had to be canceled, inexplicably, on four different occasions.
In last year's AGM (Annual General Meeting), a report was presented offering breakdown of how much Jarju's reign had in income and incurred in expenses.
It turned out, that D23, 619.00 (twenty-three thousand, six hundred and nineteen dalasis) was what was left as bank balance after an initial total income of D184,574, a figure of which D160,955 was used on expenditure for the year 2015-2016.
The sums are a sharp contrast from the D100, 010 the new executive managed to rake in as profit after just eight months in office.
The initial revenue made by Faye's leadership was pegged at D230, 350 -obtained from combat contracts, registration of licenses and donations – out of which D130,340 was forked out on expenditure.
The difference in the profits registered between the old and new executives sent a ripple of concern to the delegates present at the hall.
Impersonation claims
At the height of his powers, ex-GWA boss Matarr Jarju was the most discussed figure in the arena. In the weeks following dissolution of his leadership, allegations were hurled all over him. Prominent among them was claims of impersonation.
In the time Matarr and his surrogates refused to handover, they were accused of manipulating the association's official email account, which they reportedly alone had access to.
This way, it's purported, communiqués including international travel invitations from affiliate international wrestling bodies, were hijacked without knowledge of the new executives.
Matarr is alleged to have attended a five-day international conference dubbed the United World Wrestling Africa Elections at the African Championship in Morocco.
At the Rabat convergence, he is purported to have introduced himself as president of the Gambia Wrestling Association, even though he was removed from office three months earlier.
The information leaked after vice president of Senegalese Wrestling Federation, also in attendance at the Morocco confab, reached out to the current GWA boss Faye regarding Matarr's presence at the occasion.
A video reportedly taken of Matarr at the event did the rounds. So strong was this assertion that it courted interest from the National Sports Council but the government body baulked from their tracks after failing to lay hands on the footage as ground evidence for possible investigation.
Unfazed, Matarr didn't bother to dispel the rumours about his personage. Efforts to seek a reaction from him in those moments, proved vain.
A new dawn
Fast forward to the recent occurrences, there's a different vibe reverberating around. With a renewed sense of hope and foresight, the ills that once dogged the arena seem to have faded. The new leadership of the GWA currently enjoys popular support but how long this continues remains to be seen.


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Jan 9 (ANI): American-German actor Diane Kruger who has recently welcomed her first baby with beau Norman Reedus, requested everyone to respect the privacy of her daughter.
The 42-year-old star took to her official Instagram handle appealing for privacy by sharing a blurred post of her daughter's picture and writing, "Dear fans, dear non fans, dear paparazzi and anyone with a conscience, We were just tagged in these paparazzi pictures of me and our daughter. These pictures were taken without our consent and expose a vulnerable and innocent baby."
She further added, "While we understand that some people would like to see a picture of our daughter, we as parents, want nothing more than allow her to grow up in privacy and safety."
Moreover, "Me and @bigbaldhead would kindly ask you to not repost these pictures and help us achieve that goal. Whoever has already posted them, please take them down. Please put yourself in our shoes," the 'In the Fade' star added.
She concluded by writing, "We are just like any parent wanting the very best for our child. Thank you for your support."
Except for the gender, no other information is out including the name and date of birth of the newborn.
Actor Norman and Kruger first met in 2015, while filming the 'Sky.' Further, they started hanging out together and they promoted the film together at the Toronto International Film Festival, People magazine reported.
The couple confirmed their relationship in March 2017.
However, this is not the first child of Norman Reedus, who has a 19-year-old son, Mingus Lucien, with his ex-wife Helena Christensen. (ANI)

subset: commoncrawl


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Preserving Jar Tulip Shape
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Jar mouth Ø 5.5 cm. Volume 200 ml. Height 8.5 cm. 1 glass with glass lid, gasket of rubber and lid clips.
Traditionally "Einwecken" (preserving of vegetables and fruit) has been done in jars from the Johannes Weck company based in Baden Wuerttemberg, including this small glass in a tulip shape.
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How Grime Culture has invaded Music & Fashion
"Grime shit," as I like to refer to it has been growing in popularity recently due to several key factors. The word "Grime" comes from a style of music that originated in the U.K, which is influenced by Jamaican dancehall as well as modern hip-hop. Some of the popular artists currently include Skepta, Stormzy, JME, and Giggs. Music has always played such a huge role in men's fashion, and in the UK it's no different. With the growing popularity of Grime music, it comes as no surprise that men's fashion in the UK has catapulted as well.
There is without a doubt that Grime music is currently reaching a peak of its popularity right now. I remember a year and a half ago when I heard Skepta's smash single "Shut Down," and I thought to myself "who the fuck is this? This shit is hard!" Since then, Skepta and others have become increasingly popular for their unique flows and slang. Grime music has trickled down and amplified the U.K as a premiere site for music & fashion culture. With the recent release of Drake's "More Life," there has been increasing talk about Drake's connection to Grime Music. Drake brought out Skepta and Giggs on 3 tracks on More Life, which included "Skepta Interlude, "KMT," and "No Long Talk." Drake frequently tossed around Grime lingo such as "Blem, "Wasteman,"The Mandem," " The Ends," in multiple tracks throughout the album. Drake's appropriation of Grime lingo and style has sparked interest within the U.S. Not only is Grime music becoming more popular within the U.S but so are the styles associated with the U.K Grime culture.
Youth Culture
A very important part of the growing popularity of UK "grime" style is heavily attributed to the youth of the United Kingdom. With the opening of Supreme London in 2011, the growth of the fashion conscious youth seemed to follow. A face that has become synonymous with the U.K fashion scene definitely has to be "Gully Guy" Leo. He has graced many different publication's street style sections, as well as Off-White's Instagram account. He is a good reflection of where U.K fashion is and how it has changed. The original "Grime" musicians and culture would rock full tracksuits (usually athletic brands) and Nike air maxes. This was where the look originated from, but since then, the youth have adapted that look into luxe streetwear brands such as Supreme, Palace, Patta, Places + Faces, and A-COLD-WALL*. We are now seeing the growing popularity of Grime music, which only further pushes this style of luxe tracksuits, cross body bags, and athletic sneakers. This new breed of London "cool teens" is growing larger every day and will be affecting men's fashion for years to come.
In this video by popular You-tuber, Icymukof, you can gain a sense of the atmosphere in which the youth of the U.K are growing in. These vlogs really show the culture and how it is different and similar to ours here in New York.
UK Fashion Designers
Samuel Ross's A-COLD-WALL* has had great success in just a short amount of time. Ross's implementation of unique fabrics and vacuum sealed aesthetics have made A-COLD-WALL* one of the most popular brands from the U.K. A-COLD-WALL* is a modern take on some of the elements that were developed from the Grime culture. In Ross's latest fashion show, there were futuristic tracksuits, and a tease of A-COLD-Wall*'s upcoming Nike Lab sneaker collaboration, which is all synonymous with the original style of grime musicians from the gritty neighborhoods of the U.K. All of those elements are there, but just in a futuristic and highly avant-garde way. Ross is really for "the culture," and I am sure that the growing popularity of his line will only increase among British youth as well as the rest of the world. For more on Ross and A-COLD-WALL* watch here.
The culture of the U.K is growing in many different ways, and we at the FMF office will definitely be paying attention to future artists and influencers from the Grime capital in the following years to come. We hope that this breakdown has given credit to the U.K's growing fashion scene, and that maybe you will try throwing some grime style into your wardrobe, or even your into your music library. In the words of Skepta, "Went to the show, sitting front row in a black tracksuit and it's SHUTDOWN."
Big thanks to @_tabz__ for the help on this article.


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Luxury City Breaks – Are you dreaming of a weekend away in a European city, or maybe further afield? Or even a short break here in the UK?
At Your Perfect Escape we have plenty of ideas on which cities to go to, where to stay and what to do when you are there.
We can help you find a hotel to match your budget and arrange flights between the most suitable airports. What's more, you'll be covered by our ATOL protection. (Find out more about Our Service here)
So, whether it's Amsterdam, Rome, London, New York or Marrakech – or any other city you can think of – contact Your Perfect Escape.
Take a look at our SPECIAL OFFERS
Please call Mandy on 01455 233 944 or 07783 238 538 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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Cornerstone Park
The completion of Cornerstone Park was a collaborative effort between the City of Muncie, George & Francis Ball Foundation, Ball Brothers Foundation, the Community Foundation of Muncie-Delware County, Community Enhancement Projects (CEP), Jay-Crew Landscaping and the Muncie Redevelopment Commission. Adjacent to Fireman's Park, Cornerstone Park began as a redevelopment of a former Muncie brownfield, and now features a performance stage, greenspace, and a tribute to the partnership between Ball State University and the City of Muncie. The park also features Muncie's newest display of public art, EXTESS. Designed and installed by Muncie's very one ProjectiOne, the piece is a symbolic representation of the momentum and vibrancy of Muncie's downtown.
Located At
101 S Madison St
Muncie, IN 47303
It is said that John Dillinger, the infamous bank robber passed through Muncie in July of 1933. He did not rob any banks here because he was afraid of a train hindering his getaway plan.


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$10 ADVhttp://ppblosdnts.bpt.me
Puff Puff Beer is an Oakland based sextet that covers a huge spectrum of music, with an impressive and hard to describe realness. Funky basslines, jazzy keys, and rock guitar riffs fuse with smooth, soulful vocals to create cohesive songs. Whether the topic is their favorite French basketball star to being flat out broke with an alcoholic girlfriend, every track is a celebration and they entice the listener to groove to the music. Simply put, there ain't no party like a PPB party!
Down North:
Alternative Soul / Rock & Roll Band
Your favorite band's favorite band
L.O.S. (Left Over Soul):
Soul Music from Spokane Washington. Something to wiggle to. And you know we like it...
The Smokes:
The Smokes are a two piece garage band from Spokane WA. They play with abandon and observe a bold indifference to decency.


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Nasi goreng has become something of a national signature dish, yet it is usually made from leftovers. No surprise then that my main ingredients were leftovers. I've reconstructed a proper recipe – but actually with this dish anything goes.
280g precooked rice – best bought ready cooked, or use leftover rice
5 rashers streaky bacon – or other leftover meat
Assorted vegetables – best as leftovers – e.g. all or some of the following: a small handful of blanched mange tout, one small sliced blanched carrot, half a red pepper sliced, a stick of celery sliced, small handful beansprouts, chopped pak choi
2 large eggs
Fried shallots – ready cooked from Oriental grocers
Fresh chopped coriander
For the sauce
1 shallot chopped
1 red chilli chopped – to taste
2 large cloves of garlic
1 tbs ginger chopped
1 tbs tomato puree
1 tsp shrimp paste – or to taste (optional)
2 tbs tamarind paste made by adding water to seeded block of tamarind – or 1 tbs lemon or lime
1 tbs ketjap manis – or 1 tbs soy with 1 tsp sugar
This should be made in stages. Keep everything in separate bowls in a warm place and then assemble at the end.
RT @Bevansbutchers: Some of you may have noticed that we had a little photo shoot outside of the shop this morning, well we couldn't be mor…


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SCORE presents Faculty/Staff Safe Zone Training
Posted: October 24, 2014
(12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Humanities Auditorium)
The primary mission of Ally Training is to create a safer, more welcoming, and more inclusive campus environment, to strengthen community, and encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQQIA) people. Please RSVP to Victoria Verlezza at firstname.lastname@example.com by Oct. 24th. For more information about the event, call 909-621-8277 or email email@example.com .
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|Next: 10/28-10/29 Challenging Privilege, Building Inclusion Speaker Series


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Writing for the web guide
In recent months we've provided our in-house writing guide to more and more customers to help them develop their own content. This is becoming increasingly important to the success of websites as content is such a key component to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).
Our research into SEO (an ongoing and endless process) has enabled us to identify a number of key guidelines which we have included at the start of this guide. The SEO guidelines and some of the actual writing guidelines can conflict. We haven't tried to address these few ambiguities as both are applicable in different circumstances - it's just worth knowing that these ambiguities can and do exist.
This document still essentially remains an in-house document, originally produced alongside Government clients. We've tried to ensure it remains focussed and easy to follow - but if you do find yourself getting stuck, please feel free to give us a call.
Yours sincerely
Fintan Lambe - Director - Popcorn Web Design
Click for the full document Writing for the web


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Cooking Classes
Canadian SIMPLE tourJoin Yotam for his SIMPLE tour this autumn. Yotam will explore simple recipe writing, what simple cooking means and how to maximize flavour with minimum effort. SIMPLE is coming out this autumn and we can't wait! You can pre-order a signed copy or a standard copy CANADIAN TOUR DATES...
US SIMPLE tour
UK and Ireland SIMPLE tour
The Real wine fair April 17th + 18thOttolenghi and Nopi are really excited to be running a pop-up food stall at the Real Wine Fair in London, April 17th-18th. This is a great opportunity for you to meet the producers of the wine we sell. You can get your ticket on therealwinefair.com We look forward to...
Dates for NOPI: The Cookbook TOUR
NOPI: The Cookbook TourWe're delighted to announce the schedule of UK events and signings for the launch of NOPI: The Cookbook, Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully's brand-new collection of recipes from the celebrated Soho restaurant. Yotam and Scully will be appearing at select events to talk about the book, the influences behind the...
Hello world!Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Leiths cooking class updateAll classes for 2012 are now full. At the moment no classes have been planned for 2013. We will update you on any future classes if and when they are planned.
Leiths classes, spring 2012Our next available set of cookery classes at Leiths are starting in January 2012. As before, there will be a short window of opportunities to sign in to the classes, due to their great popularity. Leiths' booking line (020 87496400) will be open on 17th of October 2011 only, from...
Leiths classes, autumn 2011We are delighted to announce our next set of classes at Leiths, starting September 2011. As advertised earlier, there will be a short window of opportunities to sign in to the classes, due to their great popularity. Leiths' booking line (020 87496400) will be open on the 8th March only...
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Once God has all our heart (mind and might), and once we understand that we need to be ready to teach what God has put there at all times, (this starts first within us individually, then in our homes where primary influence should be), the question becomes, "What's next?"
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Deut. 6:4
The message isn't just for individuals. It isn't just for families. It is for God's people. In the Old Testament, the people of God were referred to nationally as "Israel". When Moses spoke these words, he was addressing the people of God as a whole. As we move through redemptive history and get into the New Testament with Jesus, the "people of God" expand beyond the borders of Israel, and now we call them "the church".
So, now the church has some responsibility. But what is it? It's the same as for the individual. Love the Lord your God with all your heart/soul/might, and be ready to talk about it at any time. Why include the church in this conversation? Because the people of the church are in a unique position to influence each other and the community in which they are located. And that is what this is really all about; community. Parents should be the primary influence of their children, but not the only influence. It takes the church to create a culture where faith can thrive. This is part of what discipleship is about.
So lesson #3 for this Deuteronomy 6 revisit is: Learning to live out faith happens best and most practically within the community of the church.


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Pellon Craft Fuse Light Iron On 808P
Pellon® 808 Craft-Fuse® is a fast and easy-to-use nonwoven, fusible fabric backing that adds strength and body. It is excellent for home décor projects, apparel accessories and children's toys. For areas that require extra rigidity, use 2 layers. It is completely sewing machine safe and won't gum up your needle.
- White
- Acid-Free 90% Polyester/10% Rayon
- 20″ by-the-yard width
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- Machine wash warm, Tumble dry low or dry clean.


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Directions: 1. Bring the chicken stock and coconut milk to a slow boil. Add galangal, lemongrass, chicken and mushrooms. When the soup returns to a boil, season it with fish sauce. 2. Wait until the chicken is cooked, and then add the kaffir lime leaves and bird's eye chilies.
Remove the pot from heat and add lime juice. 3. Garnish with coriander leaves. Continue reading
Category Archives for Recipe
Pad Thai Goong Sod or Thai Fried Noodles with Shrimps
Soak the thin noodles for 5 minutes in water before cooking to soften. Continue reading
Gaeng Som Phak Ruam or Sour Curry with Mixed Vegetables
Hot & sour mixed vegetable curry with prawns – Gaeng Som Phak Ruam Continue reading
Tom Yum Goong Recipe: Thai Prawn Soup with Lemongrass,
Tom Yum is both hot and sour, and it's one of the main signature dishes that defines Thai flavor. Continue reading
Delicious Thai Massaman Chicken(Kai) Curry Recipe
According to one theory, it originated in central Thailand at the court of Ayutthaya in the 16th century CE through a Persian envoy and trader. According to another theory, it originated in southern Thailand and its contacts with Arab traders. Due to its Muslim roots and therefore Islamic dietary laws, this curry is most commonly made with beef, but can also be made with duck, tofu, chicken, or, for non-Muslims, with pork (as pork is a forbidden food for Muslims, this variety is not eaten by observant Thai Muslims).
The flavoring for Massaman curry is called Massaman curry paste (nam phrik kaeng matsaman). The dish usually contains coconut milk, roasted peanuts or cashews, potatoes, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon, star anise, palm sugar, fish sauce, chili and tamarind sauce. Traders brought spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, star anise, cumin, cloves and nutmeg from Indonesia to the south coast of Thailand. The dish is served with rice and sometimes with pickled ginger or "achat" (Thai: อาจาด), an accompaniment made with cucumber and chili peppers macerated in vinegar and sugar. (Source: Wikipedia) Continue reading
Thai green curry with Shrimps Recipe (Gaeng Kiew Wan Goong)
Sweet coconut milk and spicy green curry paste are blended with shrimp and basil to create a comforting Thai curry dish. Serve over Jasmine rice to soak up the sauce and you have a complete dinner!
If you love Thai food, you'll love this quick and easy dish, perfect for a busy weeknight! A lot of Thai dishes are hard to make at home if you don't have access to a good Asian market, but luckily with the popularity of Thai cuisine, Organization like Thai Select have made a lot of the ingredients available in Overseas supermarket. You can adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less green curry paste, if you prefer you can use cilantro in place of the basil. Enjoy!! Continue reading
Thai green curry (Gaeng Kiew Wan)
Green curry is a variety of curry in Thai cuisine. The name "green" curry derives from the color of the dish. Green curries tend to be as hot as red curries or hotter. The green color comes from fresh thai basil and green chillies. The "sweet" in the Thai name (wan means "sweet") refers to the particular color green itself and not to the taste of the curry. As this is a Thai curry based on coconut milk and fresh green chillies, the color comes out creamy mild green or, as this color is called in Thai, "sweet green". The curry is not necessarily sweeter than other Thai curries. Continue reading


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10 Healthy And Delicious Super Bowl Recipes
Are you scrambling to find Super Bowl recipes for your party this Sunday? We're here to help y'all to remember Super Bowl parties don't have to be entirely unhealthy. There are several options for sneaking in veggies and nutrients, while still giving your mouth a party. Here are 10 of our absolute favorite recipes for any guest or host celebrating football this weekend!
1. Cool Ranch Hummus
2. Vegan Queso Dip
3. 10 Minute Salsa
4. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
5. Healthy Ranch Dressing
6. Pizza Kale Chips
7. Healthy Bean Dip
8. Cajun Cauliflower Poppers
9. Spinach Quesadillas
10. Flourless Brownies


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Friday's are not the typical blog posting day for me, but with a wedding this good, I couldnt wait until next week to share this one with you guys!
Meet Mr. + Mrs. Jeremy Pires! These two exchanged vows at the beautiful gazebo located on Parris Island and later danced the night away at Amvets Post 70! Danielle and Jeremy live in Hawaii, where they serve in the United States Marine Corp, and they took destination wedding to a whole other level! With the helping hands of their friends and family that live in Beaufort + beyond, they were able to pull off one of the most stunning weddings of the year!
I was nervous going into the weekend because the chance of rain was huge but luckily we were able to make it through the entire day without a stitch of rain!
The day started off with Danielle and the girls getting ready at a stunning historic home in downtown Beaufort, Cuthbert Inn, and boy did it not give off the very essence of southern charm. From there, we moved over to Parris Island for an amazing ceremony on the marsh that included some heartfelt but funny speeches from some of the groomsmen and Danielle's brother. The night ended at Amvets where the guests were entertained all night long with activities, dancing, and speeches!
I cannot stress enough what a joy it was to work with this beautiful couple (I mean did you see their portraits!?) and should I ever find myself in Hawaii, we all know who I am going to recruit to model for a styled shoot for me!


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The Cybex selectorized strength line is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding facilities and users.The 8-piece line incorporates fully enclosed weight stacks. A unique "Logical Pairs" design allows complementary machines to be placed back-to-back which saves valuable floor space. Select machines use Cybex' Second Generation Dual Axis Technology that provides for both fixed plane converging and diverging movement as well as user defined movements. These unique machines take a fresh approach to make strength training more effective.
This full circuit by Cybex is comprised of numerous Selectorized (pin-select) strength machines. Every machine is used to target a specific muscle or muscle group. When positioned in a health club as a circuit, these machines can be used to create an intensive workout. The design of these machines makes it a lot safer than operating free-weights and the bio-mechanics of the machines ensure correct posture and ensures that the user performs the repetitions and exercise correctly.
Arm curl
Lying leg curl
Leg extension
Shoulder press
Incline Chest press
Seated row


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Singleton appointed to Future Business Council Board/
Chairman of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia, David Singleton, has been announced as one of seven new Directors on the Board of the Future Business Council.
The Board moves from an advisory role to a governance role and under the leadership of the Chairwoman Alison Rowe, will guide the growth plans of the Future Business Council as it provides a viable new voice for the business community and sets the 50 year vision for the future of Australia's economy.
David joins leading business executives and strategists drawn from across Australia: Emma Bull, Alan Kohler, Craig Lee, Louise Pocock, Parrys Raines, James Wright.
"I'm delighted to be appointed to the board of Future Business Council at what is an exciting time for the new generation of businesses in this country and globally," said David.
"The board is diverse in background and experience and I look forward to taking my place. I know that I will bring my extensive experience as a board director and chair. My background in sustainability, tempered by my experience as an engineer will I think be very valuable."
"The Future Business Council exists to advocate for the benefits of change and to push for reforms that will shift the economy in favour of more sustainable, innovative and ethical business models. Our work is dedicated to positioning Australia's business community to lead and prosper this century; recognising that the lasting solution to a sustainable community will be that which is based on sound business practices.
The board will build on the successes of the organisation over the last 12 months including the launch of the agenda setting The Next Boom report , Future of Food and Agriculture event series, the COP21: Three Point Plan for Paris , and work to increase University Business Collaboration.
For more information or interviews contact Tom Quinn, Executive Director: firstname.lastname@example.com, 0400 515 726, email@example.com
About David
David Singleton is Chairman of the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) and a Director of Standards Australia. He is also Chairman of Engineers Australia's Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management and a member of the governing Council of Swinburne University of Technology.
About the Future Business Council
The Future Business Council is the peak body for the next generation of business in Australia. The FBC represents the companies creating the jobs of the future by driving the transition to a more innovative, sustainable and fair Australian economy.


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10. The Smith and Eley Families IRIS ELEY
The Smith Family
One of the families known to have been in Little Thurlow for almost 200 years is the Smiths, and although the Smith name itself can no longer be found direct descendants still live in the village. Joseph Smith and his wife Elizabeth were both born in 1802 and were married in 1826. They had four sons and three daughters, and in the 1861 census they were to be found living at Overgreen Farm (in the area behind Tara in Little Thurlow Green). Two of their sons were recorded as being agricultural labourers like their father, although their eldest son William, born in 1829, proved to be more adventurous, and emigrated to South Australia in 1854. Their youngest daughter Mary left the village to go into service.
Their son John Smith (born in 1839) spent all his life in Little Thurlow, marrying Eliza in 1858. They lived at Temple End and had four sons and two daughters. John was widowed when his youngest daughter (Kate) was born. In later life he lived at Locks Cottage, where two of his grandchildren were born to his daughter Harriet. All of the children born to Eliza and John are buried in Little Thurlow churchyard and extension, except William, the eldest, who left the village to work in the brewing trade in Burton-on-Trent.
John and Eliza's second son Thomas was born in 1861, was married to Jessie, and was a blacksmith working in the smithy that stood in the Square opposite Driftside. His daughter Eliza married Dick Sargent, who for years was the village builder and undertaker, and their son Fred continued in the family business at Brookside until the 1970s. Fred died in 1993.
Tom and Jessie ended their days in the middle almshouse, next to brother John, who had lived previously next to his sister Kate, in cottages that have long since disappeared but which were alongside Mill View. Kate married Jerry Wright, and they were the parents of Dora Rowlinson, who now lives in Porch Cottage. Their son (Herbert) spent all his working life working at Manor Farm. Dora's grandson, Paul Atherton, is the sixth generation to live in the village, and he carries on the unbroken tradition of working the land.
John and Eliza's daughter Harriet Smith, born in 1866, married Charles Webb from Great Bradley, and made her home in Little Thurlow Green, first in the Old Thatched Cottage, and later at Green Farm Cottages (now one half of Blackbirds Cottage). They had four sons and four daughters. Three sons served in France in the 191418 War. Sergeant William John Webb was killed, but Frederick and Harry , who was a signaller, returned home from the front, as they were needed to work on the ploughing engines. They and their father Charles were among the first in the area to work these engines. Fred left Little Thurlow to drive one of the first steam lorries for 'His Master's Voice' Record Company in Hayes, Middlesex. The four daughters and the youngest son all went to London to work in service.
Harry stayed and married Winifred Smith (no relation) of Withersfield in 1924, and they lived with Charles, a widower, at Green Farm Cottages, where they had three daughters and two sons. Harry spent his working life on the land at Little Bradley, Church Farm, Little Thurlow and later on the Thurlow estate. Living in a tied cottage meant a move to 147 The Green, now Fair Rig, for the job at Church Farm. After a further four years, they moved to 2 Council Houses, before in 1953 becoming landlord and landlady of the Red Lion, now the Old Inn. After ten years they made their final move to Rose Cottage in Little Thurlow. Their daughter, Iris Eley (née Webb) is the only remaining member of this branch of the family still to live in the village.
John and Eliza's son Fred (born in 1869) married Jane and raised ten children in the Thatched Cottage by the almshouses on the Bradley Road. His son, another William (born in 1900) spent all his life working at Manor Farm for the Tilbrook family. Bill and his wife Louie lived at Locks Cottage, where his father had once lived. Bill was a real character, who rang the church bells, kept the boiler going, took the collection (singing on his way), dug graves and kept everything tidy.
The Eley Family
Four generations of the Eley family following the maternal line have lived in Little Thurlow. Bill, Derrick and Eileen Rooks are Thurlow born, as was their mother Alice née Dearsley. Their father Harry was the son of Elizabeth and Arthur, who lived in the Square (now 116b). Harry served in the 1914-18 War winning a medal for bravery in the field, and he received a cup for the best pair of horses in the Royal Field Artillery. Sadly, his life was shortened as a result of the gas attacks in that war. Eileen served for four years in the Second World War, finishing as a corporal.
The Dearsley family had a long connection with the Little Thurlow Post Office. Martha Dearsley, née Rogers, ran it when it was situated in what is now Trudgetts. This business later moved to 122a The Street, when the post master was Alec Sadler who was married to Martha's daughter Bessie. They ran the Post Office until it closed in the late 60's. Martha's father William Rogers was the post master before this.
Derrick and Eileen were both involved in the work of the Post Office in their time. Derrick used to deliver telegrams as far afield as East Green in Great Bradley. He once accidentally dropped the keys inside the post box when collecting the day's mail, much to his uncle's disgust. Eileen, too, did her stint by delivering mail for eight years until the early 50s.
Taken from pages 61 - 63
© Little Thurlow 2000 Project


text: Armageddon Afterparty's favorite Local Sports Survivor Analyst Todd finally returns to the bunker for talk of all sorts of sports, including The UFC, The Masters, UGA Ice Hockey, and the Athens Rollergirls. They also have a very timely discussion about the Final Four and make a few predictions. At times, they deviate to the movies, Chewbacca impersonations, and budget exorcisms. They discuss the rise and fall of The 80's Bar, and they briefly delve into the subject of patent trolls, which of course leads to talk about gay orgies. Happy Palm Sunday, everyone.


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Intersectionality is Bad: It's A Form of Fetish and Oppression Olympics
Intersectionality is Bad: Here's Why…
What are your thoughts on the concept of intersectionality?
Does it actually work beyond theory?
Does intersectionality enhance or diminish the quality of our society?
Check out my video response on why intersectionality is bad :
More Old Simo YouTube videos here
I dislike it when people use certain new wave words and terms in arguments. Certain words and phrases erode intellectual capital. CIS gendered and Islamophobia are at the top of the list. So is intersectionality. Intersectionality is bad and problematic when it goes beyond a mere academic theory.
Intersectionality should never have left the confines of academia. Unfortunately it has leaked into mainstream society. It is a sibling to gender and identity politics. All three combined have excelled white western guilt culture, created victimhood fetish and furthered irrational minority fundamentalism.
Intersectionality was invented by American civil rights activist Kimberly Williams Cremshaw. She devised it as a theory to explain how different social identities over lap and form connection. It's the process of multiple social identities that intersect and infuse. They create a hybrid of "minority" or disadvantageous elements.
Williams wanted to illustrate how black women can face double doses of discrimination by virtue of race and gender in the US. This gives white or non black women a level of privilege not afforded to black women. Sounds simple and accurate? This one example is simple. It reflects a truth. However, the belief that all aspects of an individual's identity should be taken into account is where it become complicated.
The theory also suggests that forms of discrimination and prejudice are all shaped by one another. The list of identities includes and is not limited to: social class, ethnicity, gender, skin color, sexuality, nationality, age, mental disability, religion, physical illness, and mental illness.
What happens when the black woman is also gay, lower socioeconomic and has a physical impairment? She's no longer viewed as an individual. She is a hybrid of disadvantageous groups. This is used to define and categorize her. It doesn't go beyond that. It is an aesthetical and superficial driven method.
Intersectionality is bad beyond a mere theory because:
Intersectionality is too ambiguous. It has no specific parameters. The options to increase the intersectional hybrid are endless. Where does it stop?
Intersectionality has become a favourite among far leftists and minority fundamentalists (like CIS gendered and Islamophobia). Once its taken out of the hands of Ms Cremshaw and placed into society it becomes an empty slogan. It's just a buzz word. We don't understand it because we don't understand the complexities of religion, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Especially groups that we don't belong to.
We can't practice it because its impractical. Most of us are too concerned with ourselves to be interested in intersectionality. It just sounds good and makes people feel better about themselves.
Intersectionality forms an unholy marriage with gender and identity politics. When they intersect with intersectionality they create two narrow prisms: villainy and victimhood. This is where the concept of privilege also comes into play. People are graded on the spectrum of villainy and victimhood based on social identities.
For example, a white heterosexual Christian man is as bad as it gets (villain category). A brown, Islamic, gay woman is as good as it gets (Victimhood category). They are graded on what they are. The analysis is not on who they are.
This creates a feverish and irrational form of victimhood Olympics. It all becomes about suffering. The more disadvantageous categories you belong to, the more credibility you have. Sounds quite masochistic.
Not all forms of social oppression are linked. This is what intersectional theory campaigners like to believe. These artificial collaborations between groups share little in common apart from a hatred of another group. Furthermore, a myopic western scope clouded by white western guilt also comes into play.
This is evident when examining the area of religion. Because of western perceptions (that don't extent further than the West) Christianity and Judaism are power majority religions. There is much truth in this, but because of this they automatically (with utmost delight) go into the villainy category. Anyone with a Christian or Judaic identity must check their privilege. Islam is a minority, therefore it's a consummate victim. By virtue of this identity, the individual is placed (with utmost delight) in the victim-hood category.
These prisms don't take into account the fact that Islam often is a power oppressor in the East. Christians and Jews in that context become persecuted minorities. These facts ruin the agenda. The persecution of Jewish people in the West is also ignored.
Intersectional advocates identify Jews with Israel. They are against Israel because they see it as a colonial state persecuting Muslims. Yet there is no outcry over the colonial Islamic state of Pakistan and the heinous damage that caused.
Since Christianity and Judaism is in the villainy prism, third wave feminists and gays align themselves with Islam (due to its perceived victimhood status). They have no real understanding of the complexities and factors of the religion. its victimhood status is enough.
The disturbing part of this alliance is that third wave feminists and gays have aligned themselves to a religion that not only condemns them but prescribes punishments for them. Reformed modern Christianity and Judaism do not do this.
Examples of Identity Politics and Social Identities taking Precedence:
Barack Obama: Obama received less scrutiny and criticism from the public due to two reasons :
- His intelligence, articulation and friendly media personality.
- His skin color.
Intersectional theory and activists allocate Obama into victimhood category due to skin color. Therefore, he can do no wrong.
He was not significantly criticized for deporting more illegal immigrants than any other US president. His involvement in Iraq, Libya, Syria and Yemen was largely not criticized. If he was George Bush or Donald Trump it would be a different matter.
Hillary Clinton– Third wave feminists often gave her support and votes due to her gender. Gay men wet their pants over seeing a bossy woman in a power position. Her minority category of gender (woman) cemented her favour. This identity automatically placed her in the victimhood prism. You could argue that anyone would be better than Trump, but her gender as opposed to her character and policies was a major factor of support.
Waleed Aly– Aly is an Australian academic and social commentator. He has tried to minimized the realistic power of ISIS. He's dismissed Boko Haram as "mere vigilantes". Aly refuses to engage in honest and analytical discussion regarding Islam. He avoids it like the plague. None of this matters to intersectional theory and activists. He is Muslim, therefore he gets a free pass.
Example of Identity Politics Infusing Intersectionality
Linda Sarsour and Yassmin Abdel Magied– Sarsour is a lying fanatical Sharia advocate and Islamist. She claims to be a feminist and human rights advocate. She is an anti-Semite. Sarsour has called for female genital mutilation of her opponents.
Magied has lied about the realities of Sharia law and has tried to rewrite history. In her book, she blamed Western colonialism for the setbacks of women in the Islamic world. Facts are that unreformed Islamic doctrines and extremism have been persecuting women since their inception.
But all that doesn't matter to intersectional theory activists. They are women. Both women are Muslim. Sarsour is Arab. Magied is Sudanese. Three points of victimhood ! Score! Support!
Intersectionality is bad. My simple combat advice: Observe and judge people on who they are and what they say and do. Do not categorize, sympathize, and judge based on what they are! Also remember, you are not racist, sexist, or bigoted for calling out the reasonable argument that intersectionality is bad.


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Butler faces Brandon Cook in an all-Canadian super-welterweight bout at the Bell Centre.
Undefeated Montreal boxer Steven Butler puts title on line Jan. 28
In his relatively short tenure as a boxing promoter, Camille Estephan has never been reluctant to have his featured pugilists meet legitimate challengers.
Montreal's Steven Butler, one of Estephan's prized fighters, has been on a collision course for some time with Brandon Cook in the super-welterweight division. The 12-round main event bout will finally come to fruition Jan. 28 at the Bell Centre.
"He (Cook) is coming with a challenge, but we feel Steven has not only what it takes to win this fight, but to shock the world, impress the boxing world. We want to make a statement," Estephan said Wednesday, during a Bell Centre news conference that was well attended in the room normally reserved for Canadiens coach Michel Therrien's post-game comments.
"I feel the energy. I'll be counting the days."
Butler, only 21, has 19 bouts to his credit and has yet to lose, going 18-0-1 with 15 knockouts. He's coming off a first-round technical knockout last October against Janks Trotter, during which Butler captured the vacant International Boxing Federation North American 154-pound title. Butler is ranked 15th by the IBF.
Cook, 30, also has yet to lose, forging a 17-0 record with 10 KOs. He's putting his World Boxing Association North American title on the line. He captured that crown last May, scoring a unanimous 10-round decision against David Doria.
Cook, a resident of Ajax, Ont., has fought primarily out of the Hershey Centre in Mississauga. He's rated seventh by the WBA.
Estephan hoped to have the two meet last October, on the undercard of the David Lemieux main event. But Cook signed for a title bout against Erislandy Lara for the WBA super-welterweight title. That fight was cancelled.
Curiously, Butler and Cook don't have rematch clauses in their contracts.
"This is the biggest fight of my life. I've waited for an opportunity like this," Cook said. "He's coming up. He's 21. He's got a good streak, but this is everything I've ever wanted. I'm going to put everything I've ever done into the fight."
Cook understands he's coming to a crossroad in his career now that he's in the midst of his prime fighting days. He has a day job, installing windows and doors in the Toronto area, but realizes a victory over Butler can propel him into more lucrative purses — high enough for him to concentrate fully on his boxing career.
And Cook understands, fighting in Butler's backyard, that will pose an immediate challenge.
"I'm looking for a big fight like this to make my career come to the next level so I don't have to work," he explained. "This fight can get me to that point. We thought we'd take the fight and put everything on the line. If it doesn't work out, who knows? But I'm not looking at it like that.
"I'm coming here to put everything on the line. When I leave that night, my hand's going to have to be raised. I'm not coming to play pitty-patter games with him. I'm coming to try and rip his head off."
Cook has never fought more than 10 rounds in his career, while Butler has been stretched into the ninth round only once, last May, by Ferdinand Pilz.
Although Cook's a compact 5-foot-9 and will relinquish a considerable height and reach advantage to Butler, he remains unfazed and undoubtedly is used to facing taller opponents.
"Every time I've fought a bigger guy they've had a lot of trouble. We'll see how intense I'll be, but I'm going to come forward the whole time and try to just beat him up. A bigger guy means it's a bigger body to hit," Cook said.
"I have no clue what's going to happen until the first round. Then I'll feel how I want to fight," he added. "He does have a draw, so he's really not undefeated. What I'm going to have to do is make sure he gets his first loss. That's all I want. One thing I hate in life is losing. I haven't lost in a long time — and I'm not going to start now."
Only Jaime Herrera, who fought Butler to an eight-round draw in June 2015, has proven to be his equal. Germany's Antonio Hoffmann took Butler the eight-round distance before losing a unanimous decision last January while Pilz, who has been undefeated in 16 bouts, lasted until the ninth.
Cook should provide a good measuring stick.
"He's a good fighter. He's got a punch. He can box and do everything," Butler said of his opponent. "For sure, I'll use my jab. I'll see in the first round what he has. I'll use my jab, my right, everything. I'll be ready for a war. If he wants to box, I can do that. If he wants to go punch-for-punch, I can do that.
"He has a good punch — but I think I have a better punch."
In the co-feature, Raymond Olubowale will put his Canadian Professional Boxing Council heavyweight title on the line against Simon Kean of Trois-Rivières. But first Kean must get past Danny Calhoun Saturday night at the Hershey Centre.


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*Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.*
Hope for the Prodigal: Bringing the Lost, Wandering, and Rebellious Home by Jim Putman with Bill Putman... Sounds like a promising title right? (In addition, as an aside, the wonderful use of the Oxford comma pleases the grammar geek in me.) I wanted to like this book. I really did! I wanted to enjoy it, learn from it, and grow from it. I had high hopes for this book! But I just. could. not. get. into. it!! I think the biggest reason for my struggle with this book was the author's flawed presupposition - believing that a person can lose his/her salvation and then has the opportunity to become resaved. This he speaks of already in the introduction and throughout chapter 1 (at least as far in the chapter as I could get), this theme is the foundation for all his arguments. I was just not able to get past this and see the good that may be apparent in his writing.
There was the odd point that I greatly appreciated. He speaks of how essential it is for parents to model their faith to their children. That, if parents truly believe their faith is important to them, they need to show this importance in their own lives and how they address issues in their children's' lives. Do you skip church to attend that sporting event? Or is church important enough that you are willing to miss the sport and perhaps forego advancement in that sport for the sake of Christ? Do we place the church, our faith, our time with God as the most important in our day to day lives?
So, I suppose this book has the potential to be a good book. I suppose someone might enjoy it very much. However, I, personally, could not enjoy it.
This is the story of my life. My life as a mom, as a wife, as a woman, as a daughter of God. A life that sometimes feels isolated and is sometimes oh so hard but a life that is beautiful none the less for it is a life given by God Himself.
Thursday, 28 September 2017
Friday, 8 September 2017
Work ... as those who love him (Five Minute Friday)
These were my thoughts this morning. I thought they fit alright with the Five Minute Friday word for this week: work.
Work ... as "those who love him"
Work ... as "those who love him"
So, this school year, while I homeschool my girls, I've decided to work on memorizing the Fighter Verses (collection of verses put together by Desiring God). The very first verse is Deuteronomy 7:9.
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations."
Last night, as I was lying in bed, I was reciting it to myself and feeling rather proud of how well I had already learned it. I was convinced I had the whole verse memorized! This morning, I opened my Fighter Verse binder and looked at it and realized I forgot one key part of the verse. See, I think we, as humans, err on the legalist side of things. "If we just work harder, if we just obey, if we just follow the rules, then God will love us." Can you guess which part I had forgotten?? Yup: "those who love him"!!
What is obedience without love? It is nothing! It is what the older brother did (in the parable of the Prodigal Son), proving that he was, in fact, the one that was truly lost! But isn't that our tendency? In our minds, it is easier, probably because it's more tangible, to measure God's love for us by how well we work for him, how well we obey him. And yet we deceive ourselves because we cannot even come close to perfect obedience and, without love, all our work is defiled and imperfect and doesn't meet His standards! "Be holy, as I am holy!" is, in some translations "Be perfect, as I am perfect!" (Leviticus 20:26/1 Peter 1:16) But we can't attain this level of holiness or perfection. Only Christ can! And, thank God, He did this for us! But then there's love. No, we can't love perfectly either (though we think that if we do lots of loving things it means we love a lot … another deception we tell ourselves.) But if we love God, truly love Him, then obedience flows out of that – not out of duty (because we have to) but out of love (because we want to). Then obedience is no longer really work but it is a pleasure! Yes, there are verses in Scripture about work "work out your salvation…", "work heartily, as for the Lord…" but I believe that this idea of work is really about delight and the outflowing of love for our Lord, not about duty, which is our tendency.
Work, yes, but don't forget to first love! You can work & obey, without love (but it is empty work, empty, meaningless obedience) but you cannot truly love without obedience. Otherwise it is empty, meaningless love – simply words to look good but not how you truly feel.
Tuesday, 15 August 2017
The Way of Hope - A Book Review
The way of hope claims to be about "sexual identity, same-sex marriage, and the church" (subtitle). And it is. But it also isn't. It's more. It's about surviving abuse. It's about letting go of perfectionism and performing and embracing grace (though the author seems to focus more on us giving ourselves grace than God's grace). It's about facing your monsters - sins and addictions - and experiencing God defeating them.
We might not all be struggling with sexual identity, but we are all struggling with our own personal monsters and, for that reason, I would recommend this book to everyone who desires help through that struggle.
The Way of Hope opened my eyes to how the words I say and things I do can so deeply affect my daughters! It opened my eyes to how I treat others both in the church and in the world around me! It made me acknowledge the existence of personal monsters I'd rather pretend didn't exist and face monsters I already know too well!
Melissa Fisher takes us on a journey through her life - childhood through to now, through experiences of intense pain to embracing the same-sex lifestyle to encountering God and freedom from that lifestyle. It truly is a story of hope!
I would have liked to see more dealing with how the church needs to/can address this issue of sexual identity and same-sex marriage. It was very clear that we can't condemn the person, nor can we condone the lifestyle. She clearly acknowledges that it is sin. But it wasn't clear how we can do this as a church - how we can love but not condone (and make it clear we're not condoning sin). More can be written on this.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it, I recommend with caution. THere is much good in here, much about God's love, much about hope and salvation from sin (through Christ). BUT the last few chapters reveal a works righteousness type of theology that concerns me. There is a LOT written about the work we need to put in to find this freedom, hope, etc. but nothing about God's grace. This is where I believe the book can begin to be discouraging for people on a similar journey.
That being said, Ms. Fisher does an excellent job of guiding her readers to The Way of Hope! This book will be on my list of books to re-read and books to lend out!
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers www.bakerbooks.com/bakerbooksbloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.
Monday, 31 July 2017
The Road to Paradise - A Review
~"You walked up that mountain a strong man and returned a Christian!"~ (p. 254)
This novel tells a story of two people in search for peace. It is set in Mt. Ranier National Park in the mid-1920s. We encounter two main characters, Margie (Margaret) and Ford, who struggle to find peace and faith, each in their own way, while fighting to protect God's great creation in this national park. As their lives intertwine, we meet a sinister Philip, a motherly Mrs. Brown, and a few other supporting characters, all of whom help them, knowingly or not, on their journey.
From the start, I knew this was primarily a Christian romance - definitely not my favourite genre. And yet, I found myself captivated, drawn to the story. Karen skillfully weaved in a story of struggling against people with dark purposes, struggling to reclaim a faith that was lost, struggling to find one's true identity, into a story of a realistic romance! Often, when I was away from the book, I found myself wondering what Ford and Margie were up to!
I have never been to Mt. Ranier but the author's descriptions painted such a perfect picture, I felt I was right there with the characters, like I could smell the mountain, feel the cool breezes, see and touch the same plants, walk the same trails! I also loved how little details of the characters' pasts weaved themselves so naturally into the story!
I thought I wouldn't enjoy the romance aspect of the novel but it really worked! It wasn't over-the-top and the romance was just a natural part of life, like any other struggle in the lives of the characters! This raises Ms. Barnett far above all other Christian romance authors I have read!
Yes, this is one of those Christian romances BUT the historical details, information about nature, and the sense of humour the author brings, mixed with alluring hints of hurt, danger, and darkness, make it a thoroughly enjoyable read!
I received this book, in ebook format, from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
Find more information about the other and her books:
Friday, 16 June 2017
Five Minute Friday: Maybe Tomorrow {Worth}
I'm back at it with Five Minute Friday. Today's word is worth and, amazingly, I'm writing on Friday! Yay me! Today's writing is a piece of fiction. The beginnings of a story ... or a novel ... I don't know yet. :) It's called Maybe Tomorrow.
She steps away from the mirror. Shouts, more than images, seem to reflect back. She closes her eyes, covers her ears, trying to block the sounds. "You're worthless! Absolutely worthless! She's prettier than you! She's smarter than you! She's more outgoing than you!" They're right. Her sisters are all those things. Oh, they've never actually said those things to her. But she knows they think them. Her parents. She was the last. They wanted a boy. They got another girl. Worthless. What good is another girl? But at least the first three amounted to something! One has her beauty – that got her far. Modelling, acting, famous. The next got the smarts. Billions of things you can do with that! She chose law. Most successful lawyer in the province! Maybe even in all of Western Canada! She's made a name for herself. And then there's the third – super outgoing. That's her greatest quality. She's on TV – a journalist. Yeah, they all got a decent amount of brains, looks, character. She's nothing. Never got good grades, yet somehow, miraculously, made it to college. What for? She'll never amount to anything.
"Follow your dreams," the teachers said back in high school. What are her dreams? She doesn't even no anymore. Are worthless people allowed to have dreams? Away from the mirror, away from that awful sight of her pale face and stringy brown hair, her mind strays to her grade school days. There was a day she thought she'd like to be something. Before she turned so ugly, before everyone realized how worthless she was. She wanted to be an author. You don't need to talk to people to write. Your characters can be your friends! There's plenty of recluse authors right? Adds to the mystery or something. Maybe… Maybe tomorrow … Maybe tomorrow she'll talk to someone about changing up her classes. Maybe tomorrow she'll switch to some English, Literature and Creative Writing classes. Maybe tomorrow she'll start to have some worth.
I need to stop writing sad stories ... it gets me down! Or, I just need to pursue this one further and find a happy ending for this girl ... whatever her name is. She hasn't told me yet. ;)
|Image by Me
Thursday, 15 June 2017
Expectations for the Future
I want to write. Not primarily so people will read it (though that would be totally awesome) but, mostly, because it feels good to write. I've let my writing slip to the wayside and that really sucks. I feel silenced. I feel like I don't know how to find my voice back. And it's my fault. Hmm. Well, I got an email that said Five Minute Friday moved. I LOVE FMF! So, naturally, I went to the new site and signed up. I joined the Facebook page and was eager to get going again! Because, really, there can't be any "I don't have time" excuse when it's just a five-minute writing assignment! I saw the first word since my joining the new page: future. I delayed writing. The Monday after that word came out, my second oldest (4.5-year-old) got really sick. I was too exhausted to think, let alone write. She was puking, not drinking, not eating. Fever kept spiking – it's highest was 41 Celsius (about 106 Fahrenheit). It was frightening and we ended up at the Children's Hospital. Got her sorted out, got her on some meds and she started improving – Praise God! The next Friday came. We were supposed to have a field trip with a homeschool group and considered not going since she was only just on the mend. She really wanted to go so we went. It was an exhausting day for her! But she was improving. The word that morning was expect. I told myself, "I'll get to it on the weekend." But my bad habit of not writing took control and I didn't get to it right away. Then Saturday evening came and my 6-month-old baby had a febrile seizure. It came out of nowhere. He whole body was shaking hugely and her skin turned purple almost immediately. She was breathing funny, she was crying funny. We called 911. The seizure lasted at least 10 minutes (my husband thinks closer to 15). We were back in emergency at Children's! I have never been so terrified in my life! Thankfully the doctor's were able to determine why she had a fever (UTI) and gave us meds for her. It was still intense and stressful – she didn't want her meds, often puked afterwards, still not drinking 100%, still fevering. But slowly she's been improving. Today starts the 3rd day of no fever. And tomorrow brings a new FMF word. Today I want to write.
All this week, those two words have been running through my head: future, expect. I'm not limiting myself to 5 minutes this time. J The two words, I find, a very related. What do we expect for our future? For our children's future? I will admit, I think more of our children's future than my own. Especially considering the current government of my country. But when they are sick, my thoughts about their future and my expectations change. I've always expected that they will live long lives, that they will live God glorifying lives, that they will be happy and successful. But none of these is guaranteed! Not even that they will love God (though we pray they will and we guide them in the faith)! What is the only guarantee of the future? That God is faithful! The thing is, we don't always know what that looks like. So do my expectations for my children change? I expect them to live long lives but the fact is, God could have taken two of my children to Himself this past week. So I have changed my expectations for today and tomorrow and all the tomorrows to come. I expect (and trust) that God will care for us, that He will guide us and will keep us close to Him – however that looks.
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Hygge + knit.wear = The Winter Whites Collection
What happens when you combine the hygge trend with knit.wear style? The Winter Whites collection in knit.wear Fall/Winter 2017! When we were brainstorming this issue many months ago the hygge trend was exploding in America, so naturally, we thought to blend the modern, clean aesthetic of knit.wear with this Scandinavian comfort-driven lifestyle trend. We combined classic techniques (like cables and textured stitch patterns) and luxurious fibers with feminine, unexpected silhouettes to evoke the cozy feel of hygge without compromising the fresh, sleek knit.wear look.
The standout piece of this collection is our cover project, the Demetria Cowl by Susanna IC. Made in cloud-like The Big Softy Yarn by The Rare Creature, this reverse cabled cowl can be worn like a stole or buttoned and wrapped for chic, enveloping layer that protects you from the cold.
For an "editor's pick," I will be casting on the Lumi Tunic by Sarah Solomon as soon as possible. It's all in the details with this garment: the allover textured stitch, the precise finishing, and the full-fashioned shoulders add up to an essential wardrobe piece that will look fantastic paired with leggings and boots. The yarn—Clever Camel by Jones & Vandermer—was the catalyst for our feature article on the Wild Camel Protection Foundation.
Find more comforting cables, clean lines, and elegant design in knit.wear Fall/Winter 2017. And let us know what you think of the new issue!
Olwen Cardigan by Cheryl Toy
Niamh Pullover by Lana Jois
Janus Pullover by Irina Anikeeva
Iclyn Sweater by Anna Harris
Eira Pullover by Linda Marveng
Bianca Pullover by Kephren Pritchett
With love,


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Anyone that's had dealing with merchant accounts and cost card processing will tell you that the subject may get pretty confusing. There's much to know when looking kids marijuana merchant account processing services or when you're trying to decipher an account which already have. You've obtained consider discount fees, qualification rates, interchange, authorization fees and more. The associated with potential charges seems to go on and on.
The trap that simply because they fall into is which get intimidated by the volume and apparent complexity within the different charges associated with merchant processing. Instead of looking at the big picture, they fixate on the very same aspect of an account such as the discount rate or the early termination fee. This is understandable but it makes recognizing the total processing costs associated with an account very difficult.
Once you scratch leading of merchant accounts they're not that hard figure outdoors. In this article I'll introduce you to a business concept that will start you down to path to becoming an expert at comparing merchant accounts or accurately forecasting the processing charges for the account that you already enjoy.
Figuring out how much a merchant account will set you back your business in processing fees starts with something called the effective frequency. The term effective rate is used to for you to the collective percentage of gross sales that a business pays in credit card processing fees.
For example, if an internet business processes $10,000 in gross credit and debit card sales and its total processing expense is $329.00, the effective rate of this business's merchant account is 3.29%. The qualified discount rate on this account may only be four.25%, but surcharges and other fees bring the price tag over a full percentage point higher. This example illustrate perfectly how devoted to a single rate evaluating a merchant account can prove to be a costly oversight.
The effective rate is the single most important cost factor when you're comparing merchant accounts and, not surprisingly, it's also one of the most elusive to calculate. When shopping for an account the effective rate will show you the least expensive option, and after you begin processing it will allow you calculate and forecast your total credit card processing expenses.
Before I pursue the nitty-gritty of methods to calculate the effective rate, I should clarify an important point. Calculating the effective rate of a merchant account a great existing business is much simpler and more accurate than calculating unsecured credit card debt for a clients because figures provide real processing history rather than forecasts and estimates.
That's not believed he's competent and that a start up business should ignore the effective rate of some proposed account. It is still the crucial cost factor, however in the case about a new business the effective rate must be interpreted as a conservative estimate.


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The Department of Education worked to increase the amount of income-driven repayment plans for student loans. The intervention was a large-scale email campaign that gave details about the benefits and availability of various income-driven repayment programs. These emails both emphasized action and decreased potential rejection or negative effects. The emails overall were effective at increasing IDR enrollment, but there was no significant increase for different target messages.
Biases Used
Further Reading
Other Applications: Savings and Financial Deicisions


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What's New in Wellness from Around the World
North America
The Chatwal | New York, New York
Offering welcome respite in the heart of the Theater District, the 2,400-square-foot Red Door Spa by Elizabeth Arden features three treatment rooms, fitness center as well as an indoor saltwater lap pool and a Jacuzzi plunge pool. Plus, the Red Door is tucked underneath the hotel's lobby like a wellness bank vault. Ambient noise is minimal.
- What's New: The Chatwal launched an exclusive collaboration with Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow's yoga and spiritual guru, Eddie Stern. Complete with a Chatwal-red mat, his "Pause & Take a Breath" app, featuring nine 12-minute yoga lessons with music by Moby is now provided to hotel guests on a complimentary basis through the in-room iPads. For a more personalized training, Chatwal can also coordinate one-on-one private class appointments with Eddie or one of his instructors.
Napa Valley | California
According to the most recent Visitor Profile Study, visiting a spa is one of the top reasons people come to the Napa Valley. Crystals that enhance massage therapy, superfoods such as monk fruit and homemade probiotic granola that promote well-being, and sleep-inducing snacks including dried cherries and pistachios, are just a few of the forward-thinking health and wellness trends that can be found in Napa Valley.
- What's New: Thanks to its relaxing and mood-enhancing effects, CBD is a trending ingredient in spa treatments. Solage Calistoga is now offering Healthy Lotus CBD oil in its massages, facials, and body scrubs; and Mount View Hotel & Spa features a sound healing therapy paired with a CBD-infused wrap. Guests can also opt for a selection of CBD wellness massages at Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort.
UXUA Casa Hotel and Spa | Trancoso, Brazil
Nestled in the remote fisherman's village of Trancoso, UXUA's Almescar Spa is truly of the earth. All products are made using the techniques of the Pataxo Indians, incorporating the tree-sap found only in that part of the world – almescar. Even the building itself is made of locally reclaimed woods constructed by native craftsmen.
- What's New: UXUA recently completed a top-to-bottom refresh of the Almescar Spa including three treatment rooms and a new sauna as well as a new product line and new menu.
The Christopher | St. Barts, French West Indies
Located above the rocky shoreline of the popular neighborhood of Pointe Milou, The Christopher recently reopened following a complete renovation including the Sisley Spa, which features five treatment rooms all opening out to the ocean below. The large teak terrace offering views of the bay and outdoor daybeds facing the sunset are always in demand.
· What's New: The spa most recently launched a new lomilomi massage, mimicking the sounds and movements of the waves, that combines light stretching, kneading, and acupressure to awaken and balance the body's energy flow.
GoldenEye | Oracabessa, Jamaica
The FieldSpa at GoldenEye is built into the jungle-like landscape on the edge of the crystal-clear blue lagoon, allowing guests to swim or kayak to their spa appointment.
· What's New: The property will unveil the new FieldSpa later this year. As part of the several-month development, two new spa huts will open, along with a new hammam and yoga deck. A selection of elixirs, juices, and healthy bites incorporating fresh ingredients from the hotel's farm, Pantrepant; and a new therapy menu will be introduced. This expansion will provide direct access to the new spa cove, a crescent of sand nestled along the property's signature lagoon.
Viceroy Riviera Maya | Mexico
Viceroy Riviera Maya's resident shaman oversees the Jardin Pak'al, the garden where he grows herbs used to treat guests at the Wayak Spa. One-on-one consultations with guests are conducted in the K'óben (Mayan herb kitchen), to determine individual preferences and needs before a personalized experience is created. The signature treatment, Hunan-Kab, incorporates honey harvested on-property. The Melipona Bee Honey (Bee Cheii) is thought by the Mayans to be medicinal. The honey is applied using herb compresses soaked in a special tea before guests enjoy a massage in nature next to a waterfall.
· What's New: Every Monday, guests can participate in a complimentary Mayan walk that starts with guided meditation and a blessing by the Shaman in the garden before walking through the pool and to the beach.
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa | Mexico
Set within 200 acres of lush jungle and Caribbean beachfront, Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa offers a wide variety of spa treatments and wellness programming inspired by its Mayan surroundings. Guests of the Kinan Spa can indulge in honey-based spa treatments thanks to the on-site apiary or take their time with a number of Slow Beauty rituals built on ancient traditions.
· What's New: For travelers looking to stay active on vacation, the hotel has appointed Franco Livi – former trainer for greats including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray – as the its resident instructor. As part of the new "Perfect Match" package, Franco will develop workouts focused racket technique and game strategy supplemented by fast-paced 'beat the pro' matches and 30-minute cardio tennis sessions. Beginning at $650 per night for two people, the package includes daily 60-minute private tennis lessons followed by 50-minute muscle release treatments at the Kinan Spa.
La Réserve Ramatuelle | Ramatuelle, France
Although it's only six miles from St. Tropez, La Réserve Ramatuelle is nestled within a Mediterranean jardin overlooking the Côte D'Azur and is the ideal escape for travelers looking for a bit of R&R. The hotel's spa offers multi-day Nescens retreats. The Nescens brand was developed by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in the realm of biology of cellular aging and anti-aging medicine, at Geneva's Center for the Prevention of Aging at the Clinique de Genolier. Each of the Nescens programs begins with a check-up with the spa's team of medical professionals during which time the guest's physical fitness, medical history, and diet are evaluated. An itinerary is then tailor-made for each individual based on their medical record and personal goals.
- What's New: La Réserve Ramatuelle will reopen in mid-April with new Nescens programs and will unveil the property's first beach club on the coveted Pampelonne Beach.
Royal Mansour | Marrakech, Morocco
The three-story, hand-crafted Royal Mansour Spa, resembling an elaborate white birdcage, is reason enough to visit the palatial property. The spa's design incorporates Moucharabieh, an element of traditional Arabic architecture that includes a window enclosed in carved wood latticework. The Spa also features an indoor pool with vaulted glass ceilings and a traditional hammam with its narrow, unadorned passageways and succession of spaces, lighting effects, and lanterns.
· What's New: Royal Mansour has introduced new Bespoke Hammam Treatments. Here, each step of the traditional technique will be personalized to the specific skincare needs of each guest using ingredients sourced from Morocco's bountiful environment. Purifying clay, for example, has been collected from the Atlas Mountains while roses from the Kalaat Megouana valley are used in a new regenerating body wrap and local saffron is infused into the 'gourmet glow' wrap.


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Work with the clients that excite you. They are the easiest to work with and enable you to do your best work. ..»
6 Steps to Ideal Clients Reviewed by Unknown on 05 November Rating:
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This year I decided to make the majority of my Christmas gifts, and since I'm no longer tied down to a full-time job, I mostly succeeded! My biggest reason for giving handmade gifts was actually to save money – since I'm not working as much this year, I thought it would be nice to use the extra time I have at home to avoid shopping as much as possible. I'll be sharing the majority of my Christmas makes in another post, but today I wanted to focus on my gift to my husband. Unlike his birthday pants, these actually got done on time. In fact, I even had a week or so to spare! HA!
So, what did I make? I chose another Thread Theory design – you really can't lose with them! – and made the Newcastle Cardigan. I had actually promised him the cardigan back in September, when I purchased the fabric for it, so I admit that turning it into his Christmas gift was sort of cheating. But, hey, it got me to finally sit down and make it!
The fabric is a pretty awesome double-sided knit from Mood Fabrics. One side looks almost like a rib knit, with thin, contrasting stripes running vertically down the fabric. The other side was a slightly darker shade of brown than the first side. I took advantage of this fun detail by making the main body of the cardigan out of the stripes, and the collar, cuffs, and button placket out of the darker side.
Fit-wise, this was a bit of an adventure. I'd never made anything for my hubby's upper half before, so his "fit issues" came as something of a surprise! For some reason, I had been thinking, "well, he's a man, so it'll just fit right out of the envelope, RIGHT??" Wrong!!! His chest measured a size medium, so I started by cutting a medium. However, when I had him try it on after attaching the sleeves, the shoulders were WAY too big! Turns out my man has a very narrow upper back, which I never would have guessed. Since I didn't feel like re-tracing my pattern pieces grading from an XS at the shoulders to a medium at the chest, I just shaved off 3/8″ at the armhole seam, which seemed to take care of it. Next time I make it, I'll probably try doing it the "correct" way, but for now, it works!
I think it's rather snazzy on him :). In fact, he's gotten compliments on both the cardigan and the pants. Not too shabby!
The buttons were fun to pick out. I actually managed to drag my husband to the fabric store to get them. (Obviously, I did not try to keep this gift a surprise :P) Since he has excellent taste and is somewhat picky about what he wears, I thought it would be best to let him select the details. He picked out German coin buttons, which I initially thought weren't the best idea, but after sewing them on, he clearly made the right choice!
Button detail:
Anyhow, this was a super fun project to make, and I hope to make many more in the future!


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The Two Foundations
From the sermon series, "The Gospel of Luke"
Sermon text: Luke 6:46–49
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Download the discussion guide for this sermon here.
Listen to this sermon here:


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What is Team Building About?
The idea of "team building" has become a company catch phrase for team mini golf, ping pong, or "morale events." At Adventura, we know about team building Our team of experienced facilitators lives it and breathes it through our workshops that have been honed and tested over many years, and our dedication to building communication and collaboration.
For us, team building is not simply about making friends with your coworkers and having fun with your team. It is working to be more whole and better people. These are the values we work from, strengthening your team from the individual out. Strengthening communication and working toward becoming a better person is essential for bettering any relationship This is no different in interpersonal work relationships.
This is what we offer at Adventura. We are not here to be your friends. We are here to help you understand yourselves more, make stronger decisions, support each other, and work toward being your best self.
Why Team Building Near Northwest Village with Adventura?
Adventura is the only company of its kind in the pacific northwest. Our facilitators receive classical training in experience-based learning and are the best in the business. As our client, you will receive just what you have signed up for: straight forward team building from an experienced team. We will help you define what is important to you as a team, and we will help you achieve your team building goals.
We don't offer powerpoint presentations, online assessments or listicles, just direct and pure interaction, communications, and exploration between humans.
We are passionate about what we do, and have a unique point of view to share. Our workshops are designed combining our knowledge of team building and what we know about your company and team. Our experienced facilitators are ready to guide you and your team through one of our team building experiences.
How is Experienced-Based Learning Useful for Team Building?
Practice and Mastery: Have you learned how to dance? Do you write amazing code? Can you sit down and proficiently play a musical instrument? How have you honed those skills? Through Hands-on practice. It isn't sufficient to just be told a thing. Hearing does not equal seeing, seeing does not equal knowing, and know does not equal doing To be able to apply the knowledge in practice, that is our objective. The process of developing skills via experience is embedded within us all. Here at Adventura, we actively work to provide people with the transition from knowing to applying.
How to we make the jump from typical work-mode to practice-mode? This questions is key in how we make the most of team building time investment We excel at creating this shift of focus. We utilize experience-based learning to do this.
Meet Our Practitioners of Team Building Near Northwest Village, King County
We have high standards for our crew of team builders They aren't camp counselors, they are skilled and motivated to help you define and achieve your goals. Our work is demanding but rewarding. Our practitioners seek to make a long term impact in a short amount of time.
What we look for in our candidates is a degree in Organizational Psychology, with time spent on experience-based learning. Our Team members should be committed to our values, and they should be able to communicate those to our clients.
Are You In Need of Our Team Building Workshops?
We have worked with a lot of individuals and teams, and we're confident that anyone and everyone would be able to find value in our workshops. Our emphasis is on self discovery, improving communication, and cooperation. These are skills that transcend work into life.
Our typical team building events range from 25 – 40 participants. We've found that this is a good size for positive interaction. However, if you have a larger group or business, be sure to contact us so we can design an individualized event around your business, that will make everyone happy.
These are the types of teams and companies that have benefited most from our team building workshops:
- Small businesses (less than 40 employees)
- Executive leadership teams
- Small to medium business with less than 150 employees
- Teams with new leadership
- And more!
Team Building in the Long Term
There have been many studies done in the last ten years, spanning the benefits of team building. Across most of these it has been found that team building work should not just be encouraged, it should be required.
Long term benefits from Team Building are clear. Whole companies can shift direction when team building is skillfully utilized. This kind of development improves morale and communication, builds respect and camaraderie, and encourages productivity. Building the kind of skills we offer in our workshops can have long term, positive impacts on every area of life.
Team building can break down barriers between individuals and can highlight different strengths, work styles, and problem solving approaches. It can create an atmosphere of appreciate by revealing what each team member contributes to their workplace. By working together to complete a task, the multiplicity of skills within the team can be highlighted and acknowledged. Our team building workshops give coworkers a healthy environment to practice problem solving and communication in real time.
Teaming building can have a lasting impact on:
- Creating a workplace that is respectful and where individual strengths are appreciated.
- Strengthening interpersonal communication skills
- Encouraging a positive work environment where productivity is a natural result.
- Inspiring creativity by highlighting strengths
Some Feedback We Have Received
We take deep pride in the work we do and the results we produce. Because what we do is on such an interpersonal level, we receive daily feedback on our work. These are some of the comments that have stuck with us:
"This is the workshop we needed years ago. I'm relieved that we've finally found a company that helps us to be better people".
"It all makes sense now. I actually understand why conflict exists in the team and there is no closing our eyes anymore."
"Not only did this communication skills workshop make a huge difference for the team, it made a huge impact with my family."
"Every company out there, that really cares about having a healthy dynamic, should hire you all."
"Best workshop I've encountered in 35 years."
What Can You Expect From Our Team Building Workshops in King County, WA?
It would be difficult to share what exactly happens in one of our workshops, because each one is a little different. Each is structures around what your team brings in the door with them. It's a collaboration between our teams, Adventura's and yours. Your team puts in the work. We are there to be the guides.
It's fun. It can be intense. Sometimes it's relaxed. It can be eye-opening. What your experience will be is up to you. You will be as successful as you come in prepared to be. We ask that you arrive ready to take the workshop seriously, and to be open and honest. We will meet you where you are. It may be hard work, but if you're ready and up for it, the results can be life changing.
Our experience has led us to believe in our process. And we've found that this gives us the experience based faith to believe in you.
Types of Team Building Workshops with Adventura
The Essentials Team Building Workshop
The title of this workshop tells you exactly what it is. It teaches the fundamentals of a healthy team dynamic. We offer an overview and an in-depth dive into the foundation of communication and trust.
This workshop dives into the question of "What is important to a team and what is essential to YOUR team." We utilize collaboration, humor, and adventure to help folks find out what works in creating a team. This offers an opportunity for each person to understand how a healthy team can help the individual.
Activities, games, and sometimes climbing are used in the workshop to guide participants toward healthy dialogue. We use laughter and fun as tools to guide participants toward a deeper level of learning and developing together.
The goal of this workshop is to communicate the ability to work together as a team and to encourage interactive creativity. Read more
The True Colors Team Building Workshop
Seventeen questions, four colors, and a day to change everything. We have three variations of our True Colors workshop.
We truly craft this workshop around our clients. Experiences can range from an afternoon overview of team building, all the way to a three day deep dive. The workshop is a journey into team dynamics, self-awareness, collaboration, and communication. The 3-day retreat focuses on skill development and implementation, knowledge and practice. It is during the 3-day retreats that clients can truly learn new skills in communication and self discovery, and practice them. Results are powerful. Read more
Who Are We at Adventura?
Adventura is an experiential based education company that is located in Washington that specializes in aerial course adventures and team building. We are an experiential education company located in Woodinville Washington and that specializes in aerial course adventures and team building events. We create unique adventures, experiences, and memories that span an afternoon of fun to a full life-changing weekend.
We will support your corporate events, individualized adventures, and team building needs. we craft our adventures around our values of simplicity and honesty.
Our team here at Adventura has adopted a lifestyle that is centered on the pursuit of happiness through outdoor activity, and a commitment to experiential learning. We share a passion for engaging every-single-human and creating a one-of-a-kind experience and connection with our customers. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we've received tells us that we are achieving our goals.
Contact Us and We'll Answer All of your Team Building Questions
Giving your employees the tools they need to improve the dynamics of their teams can change the direction of your company. You can have a turning point that increases creativity, dedication, morale and productivity. This logically, in turn, translates to better success for your business.
We will guide your toward defining what team building means to you and your team. We want you to have a positive experience in our workshops with lasting effects that you may not have expected. We will push you to look at yourselves and we will guide you to do better. You may go into this experience expecting to improve company morale, but we've found that our workshops can have a deeper change. They can change how an individual approaches their life.
We built our a one-of-a-kind program for a reason. We believe in the value of team building and translating the skills that you learn from our program to every aspect of your life. We have passion for interpersonal growth and we want to share that with you today.
We would love the chance to work with you. call 1.866.981.8665, or email: email@example.com today to find out more about our events and workshops.
Mission Statement
Adventura is dedicated to crafting experiences that offer a solid look at team dynamics, human behavior, and a healthy exploration of what it takes to be a team.