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Following successfully conclusion of a bond issuance programme where the company raised N7 billion to finance its operation, C & I Leasing Plc just acquired two tugboats to improve service delivery to customers in the maritime sector. In this interview, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Andrew Otike-Odibi spoke on the company's growth trajectory, the impact of Cabotage Act on maritime industry, as well as the challenges among others. Excerpts:
By Nkiruka Nnorom
HOW will you rate the Nigerian maritime sector. What can you say about the progressive at least in the last 10 years?
The maritime industry in Nigeria has shown positive developments within the last 10 years. The advent of the Carbotage and Nigerian Content Acts have created significant opportunities in the sector. However, there are still several challenges bordering on financial capacity and skill levels required to manage the vessels in line with world class standards. I am aware that the ship owner's association is engaging different stakeholders with a view to addressing these issues amongst others.
What would you say are the challenges in the sector and how can they be addressed for the benefit of all stakeholders?
Like I mentioned before, the key challenges are funding structure, which takes into consideration the high value of marine assets and the market peculiarities of the business; building intellectual capacity to operate and manage the vessels. I believe contributions being made to the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), which is managed by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCDF), managed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will act as good starting points to providing lasting solutions to the problems. The government will need to focus on developing the sector as it has the potential for sustained economic growth.
You mentioned the contribution of the Cabotage Law to the growth of the maritime sector, are indigenous companies really benefiting from it?
The benefits are trickling in. It has been able to create more opportunities for local operators by setting barriers for foreign operators in Nigeria. It still needs to address the issue of funding vessel acquisitions and capacity development in the sector.
C & I Leasing Plc started as just a finance leasing firm but has grown into a business services conglomerate operating in several sectors of the economy. How would you describe your journey so far?
We can say it has been an interesting adventure since 1990 with several high points and an equal amount of learning. We started with the finance leasing business and while doing that, we expanded into the operating lease sector, providing vehicles to a number of corporate clients. Then, we took advantage of the car rental opportunity with the signing up for the Hertz rental franchise. This further gave rise to the personnel outsourcing business through provision of drivers to several clients initially but has now grown to providing different categories of personnel, including specialised oil and gas engineers. We currently have over 5,000 staff working across different companies. We have embraced opportunities with calculated courage based on the perceived or emerging market demands in the business service/support space and we continue to succeed as we follow through to ensure we deliver value for our clients.
How are you able to manage all different business segments successfully?
Structure is critical for service delivery, scaling and growth in business. Each segment is given its unique structure and equipped accordingly with the relevant resources then empowered and supported to grow clientele and returns.
The maritime sector is highly competitive, what has been your sustaining power?
We have over the years been developing capacity to manage our marine assets. This is in line with our philosophy of always keeping the client's expectations before us. This does not end with just buying the boats but having the right minds work together to ensure a proper service is delivered. This has been our sustaining power. A lot of people believe the margins in the business are fantastic. If the business is run properly, one will realise that the margins are slim as a good support structure has to be put in place to run a sustainable marine business.
As a quoted company, how has the company been able to meet shareholders' and regulators' expectations?
It's been a journey since 1997 when we became a quoted company and I can't say we haven't made mistakes along the way. Being a quoted company comes with its own set of rules and regulations and we have made some mistakes along the way but, in recent years, we have greatly improved and are better structured to meet up with the demands and expectations from our regulators. As for our shareholders, we continue to work on improving the value of their investments through increase in share value and regular dividend payments.
What are you doing to improve on returns to your shareholders and render quality services to customers in the years to come?
Over the last 27 years, we have diversified the revenue base of the business to create a balance in its earnings, therefore preventing business concentration in any area. This philosophy causes us to continually seek profitable opportunities for the business, which invariably leads to an increase in profitability and improved returns to shareholders. In addition, we have kept our focus on value creation for our clients across our different business units. This has resulted in a high client retention which has also translated into steady revenue stream for the business.
You raised a bond recently, how are you expending the proceeds and how will this financial injection impact your operations?
We invested the funds in further expansion of our business as we had committed to do, for example, we concluded the acquisition of a 27.5 percent minority stake in C &I Petrotech Marine Ltd- a Joint Venture company with six vessels presently deployed to a long-term contract with Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC). We invested in two new Tug Boats in joint venture with SIFAX Marine Ltd which are to resume in a 10 year contract with Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) by fourth quarter (Q4) of 2018. We also invested in our fleet management and car rental business acquiring brand new luxury cars to meet the growing demands from our clients. In addition, we restructured our liabilities by replacing more expensive debts with the bond proceeds.
Can you tell us more about the new vessels you acquired?
We are excited to announce the safe and timely arrival of two brand new 2018 'ASD 2913 Tugboats' named 'MV Chidiebube' and 'MV Folashade'
They are both owned by C & I Leasing Plc in Joint Venture agreement with SIFAX Marine Limited and are to be deployed immediately for a long term contract with NLNG.
Where do you see C & I Leasing in next five years?
I see a major player in the leasing service sub sector, land fleet management, personnel outsourcing and oil field support marine vessels in the West African sub-region. I also see a company ranked amongst one of the most profitable businesses in Nigeria with a collection of highly motivated investors.


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Ink drawings--Created 6 years ago
INK 1: a colored usually liquid material for writing and printing, 2: the black protective secretion of a cephalopod. This group is for all art that has been drawn or painted with ink. Try to keep other media in minimum, this is essentially a group for things made with ink.
*Italo - Byzantine Acuity---Created 5 years ago
A space for photographic icons, iconographers and iconoclasts.
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Pictures of decobooks, slams, fb's, and other booklets that travel by mail. Welcome everybody!
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A group for modern hunter-gatherer-craftsmen. All areas of bushcraft, vegetable gardening, ecological living and traditional homestead activities are welcome. Have you just dyed a lot of yarn with plants? Built a new stone wall? Share it here!
Bookbinding---Created 6 years ago
Hand bound books in all formats. Traditional codices, scrolls, journals, albums, miniature books, artist books, sculptural books, bookbinders' tools and bindery images. If the book has been bound by you (or is being repaired by you), it's welcome in this group! Bookbinding / kirjansidonta / reliure / buchbinden / переплетное дело
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For all pictures printet with alternate processes, like cyanotype, VanDycke and saltprint. Also other alternate postprozessing like inkjet transfer or laser transfer for example. Please tag you picture with the process you take.
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Analogue (Analog) photography either on film, plate, paper, or any other digital photography from St. Petersburg, Russia, for photographers from St. Petersburg, Russia or for anyone with analogue pictures of St. Petersburg or the region. I am not totally crazy (just a bit) and I realize that any analog photograph becomes digital once scanned or digitalized in any other way. I do prefer black and white photographs printed the old (optical) way with an enlarger in the dark room and understand th…
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Visual representation (painting, collage, photography, video) of songs or music. For the sake of knowledge and enjoyment of the other members of the group, please add a reference (in text, link or extension) to the piece of music or musician that inspired you. *** Representación visual de canciones o música. Por el bien del conocimiento y disfrute de los demás miembros del grupo, por favor agrega una referencia (en forma de texto, enlace o extensión) a la pieza musical o músico, que te inspir…
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This group is for analog photographers, new or more experienced. Our goal is to promote the survival of film in the digital jungle. Experimenting and classicism welcome. However your photography should have a "felt" feeling in it or display a personal point of view, subtle or striking does not matter. Your way of seeing with a camera does. This is not a group for contests or excellence, but for analog photographers (whatever your camera) willing to discuss, exchange and experiment, and above all…
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subset: commoncrawl


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More Crazy Colors G-Shock 2014
In what is becoming a yearly summertime mini-event, Casio is treating us to another group of disparite hodge-podge colorways that live up to their moniker, Crazy Colors. As far as the technology in these timepieces, there is nothing new to report. Based on G8900, Ga100, and GA110 designs, these watches behind the colorful package are familiar stuff. Continue reading


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ORB considers sustainable design to be more than a fad. We are a member firm of U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). All of our design staff are trained in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and we actively support efforts to certify each team member in this USGBC accreditation.
ORB Architects integrates sustainability into our design approach for every project. Sustainable design is not simply an idea that is applied to make a project more environmentally friendly; it is a way of thinking about a project that starts from the initial program development and pre-design phases and is carried out through construction administration.
Our sustainable design strategy starts with looking at the building as it will relate to the site and local climate in order to take advantages of existing conditions, such as sun angle and prevailing winds. Secondly, we consider the passive design elements that can be incorporated to control these factors. This may include louvers to control daylight glaze and heat gain, and to operate windows located to provide cross-ventilation within a space. Lastly, where practical, we consider the life-cycle costs and benefits of on-site energy sources such as solar or ground source heat pumps.
Following are some of the projects we have designed to LEED® certification standards:


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Trusts and Deeds
Trust real estate is removed from a trust via a property deed. There are several types of property deeds. If a grantor wishes to remove real estate from the trust and re-assume ownership of the property, a quitclaim deed is appropriate. Deeds of this type do not make warranties by the grantor. If trust property is being sold to a third party, a warranty deed is generally used. Warranty deeds ensure that properties are free of title defects.
Trustee's Role
A trustee is the party who must convey property out of a revocable trust. The grantor generally acts as the trustee of a revocable trust during his lifetime. He must sign the deed, print or type his name below his signature and state that he is acting on behalf of the trust. Once the deed is signed, it is recorded in the register of deeds in the county where the real estate is located.
Ramifications for Removing Property
Property removed from a trust may be subject to probate when the grantor dies. Probate creates delays for heirs and incurs court costs that do not apply to trusts. Removing property from a trust can also result in intestate succession distribution, which means state law determines heirs to the estate rather than the decedent. A pour-over will can ensure that a decedent's property is conveyed into his revocable trust if it is not included in the trust at the time of death.
Amending Trust Schedules
Trusts generally have an attached asset schedule that lists all of the property in the trust. An asset schedule allows the trustee to easily locate and identify trust assets when the grantor dies. When property is removed from a trust, the trustee should update the asset schedule for convenient reference and accuracy. The new asset schedule should be dated, identify the property removed and be attached to the trust.


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A restaurant closed by fire last year will re-open for business by the end of the month.
Carena's Jamaican Grille on Midlothian Turnpike has had several set-backs lately. It was closed for renovations to update its look, in keeping with the rest of the construction on Midlothian Turnpike. Just a few months later, a kitchen fire forced it to close for several months.
The restaurant serves Jamaican-style food, near the former Clover Leaf Mall.
via Chesterfield restaurant reopens after 2013 fire – NBC12.com – Richmond, VA News.


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Vango Hudson 500
Next working day UK* delivery
The Vango Hudson 500 Tent is a 5-person family tent which is quick to pitch, making it perfect for escaping to the outdoors at the weekend.
The tent has a flat front entrance and pre-angled Powerflex® Fiberglass poles allowing you to truly maximise the space within the tent.
Included in the design is a pre-attached overdoor canopy which is great for providing cover from both the sun and the rain.
Overall the Hudson is perfect for couples and small families who want to embrace their Spirit of Adventure in the outdoors.
- Strong and durable yet lightweight Sentinel Dura flysheet fabric
- Waterproof to 4,000mm HH
- Sewn-in groundsheet
- Lights-out Inner with toggled inner divider and queen bedrooms and storage pockets
- Strong, light and reliable Vango PowerFlex® fibreglass poles
- Patented Vango TBS®II Tension Band System
- Diamond Clear Windows with toggled privacy curtains
- Vango AirZone ventilation system
- Flat Front Living Area
- Cable Entry with Tidies
- Lantern Hanging Points
- High visibility guylines
- Pre-attached Front Extension
- Secure front & rear storm anchors
- Oversized expandable tent bag with compression straps
- Weather tested to the European standard EN5912 by certified test centre
- Fire retardant fabrics - Meets European EN5912 safety standard
- Capacity: 5 person
- Pitching time: 17 mins
- All-in-one pitching
- Pack size: 70 x 30 x 25 cm
- Weight: 15.95 kg
- Vango Hudson 500
Delivery Charges
Just £1.95 next working day UK delivery - Free on orders over £50
Delivery Times Explained
Next working day delivery - stock is available from our warehouse and will normally be despatched the same day if you order by 3pm.
All items are sent on a next working day service (large/expensive items DPD Monday-Friday, smaller items Royal Mail Monday-Saturday). If you require Saturday delivery on larger/more expensive items (over about £50) there will be an additional charge, please give us a call for a quote.
Northern Ireland, Highlands and Islands will take 2 working days.
On order - Please call to check availability
Delivery Method
Small items may be sent by Royal Mail 24h, larger or more expensive items with DPD Next Day may require a signature on delivery. In the event that no one is available, the parcel will be taken to your local depot and a note will be left with instructions for redelivery.
Our Guarantee
Our "no quibbles" guarantee means that if for any reason you are unhappy with the item you have purchased just return it in its original condition within 28 days and we will issue a full refund or exchange.
Christmas Returns
Items purchased between 1st November and 25th December can be returned anytime until the 31st January 2020 as part of our extended Christmas guarantee! Normal terms and conditions apply


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Full Streaming Life in Color in HD VideoNow you can download full Life in Color in best look with duration 86 Min and was published in with MPAA rating is 0.
- Original Title : Life in Color
- Movie title in your country : Life in Color
- Year of movie :
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- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie :
- Companies of movie :
- Countries of movie :
- Language of movie : English,
- Durationof movie : 86 Min
- Average vote of movie : 0
- Youtube ID of movie :
- Translation of movie : EN,
- Cast of movie :Josh McDermitt (Homer), Katharine Emmer (Mary), Adam Lustick (Adam), Jim O'Heir (Bill Winters), Fortune Feimster (Zoe)
Movie plot of Life in Color :
Play full Life in Color in Top Quality with movie synopsis "With no place to live, two strangers are stuck house sitting together. At odds, Mary and Homer soon realize the gravity of their situation and the necessity of joining forces, making money and pulling themselves out of the emotional hole they have lived in for years. This grounded romantic dramedy explores the hidden issues we all bury beneath the surface in a raw and touching way with humor and honesty. The cast includes, Josh McDermitt from The Walking Dead, Jim O'Heir from Parks and Recreation, Adam Lustick from Harvard Sailing Team, and Fortune Feimster from Chelsea Lately. Life in Color marks Katharine Emmer's directorial debut. She also wrote, produced, edited and stars in the film." in HD quality. Watch full Life in Color in Best Video Format by push of the button above.
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Director : Katharine Emmer
Of course, now you can view movie involving Life in Color completely length and find the connection to this film Life in Color in best video format.


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How to Use LinkedIn for Marketing & Business: Resources
LinkedIn has been around for ages but finally the service matures. LinkedIn has gained critical mass and positions itself as an alternative or addition for both Facebook and Twitter.
I've been on LinkedIn for several years but until recently I wasn't serious about my LinkedIn presence.
While I was wary of social media and networking by now I nevertheless decided to use LinkedIn in a strategic way in future.
LinkedIn resources galore
At first I present you this LinkedIn marketing and SEO resources list. As a follow up I will write a post on how I do optimize my LinkedIn profile.
Also take note that this list doesn't not contain the typical LinkedIn SEO advice pieces where SEO is solely meant as Google optimization.
In SEO 2.0 we deal with search holistically. Thus LinkedIn is treated as just another search "engine". It's business people search.
How to Use LinkedIn & LinkedIn Profile Optimization
- Use LinkedIn Effectively
- How to Use LinkedIn for Professional Networking, Business & Marketing
- How to Improve Your Linked ROI By Tweaking Your Profile
- LinkedIn SEO tips
- How To Rank Higher on LinkedIn in Your Niche
LinkedIn Marketing & Use Cases
- Effective Marketing on LinkedIn
- LinkedIn Marketing Tips
- Network on LinkedIn
- 7 Ways to Get More Out of LinkedIn
Using Specific LinkedIn Features
- How to Successfully Manage a LinkedIn Group
- How to Use LinkedIn Sales Navigator for Better Prospecting
- 5 Ways Small Businesses Can Leverage LinkedIn's New Features
- How to Promote and Manage LinkedIn Group
Take note that I didn't add all LinkedIn resources I know but selected them very carefully of the course of several months.
There are not that many serious LinkedIn marketing resources out there.
Most LinkedIn SEO posts are just short and often outdated tidbits. It took me considerable research to pick these resources.
Social media for business done right
Last but not least consider reading my social media hopping post on how you shouldn't waste your time with social media and networking but use is to propel your business to new heights instead.
You can't abandon social media as a business person but you can't work for social sites as a user generated content slave for free either.
Do you want to know more about me? Well, you can view my LinkedIn profile. I updated it sporadically. Read my blog to stay current.
In case you want to connect with me make sure to tell me why. I don't just collect "friends" for the sake of numbers.
Last updated: May 3rd, 2018.
* Creative commons image by smi23le


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Thursday, July 23, 2009
This DOG - ID#A430584
I am a neutered male, tricolor Australian Shepherd.
The shelter thinks I am about 1 year and 1 month old.
I have been at the shelter since Jul 15, 2009.
This information is less than 1 hour old.
For more information about this animal, call:
San Bernardino County - Devore Shelter at (909) 887-8055
Ask for information about animal ID number A430584
Posted by Unknown at 4:02 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Account Executive – Vancouver, British Columbia
Seeking a true hunter of business! As TPD's Account Executive, your main objective will be to scout, qualify, and close new customers by presenting consultative solutions that solve their greatest business challenges.
An Account Executive expands TPD's growth in terms of overall revenue, profitability, and captured market share. You will ensure alignment between the company's strategic goals and new customer acquisition to meet and exceed company goals for growth. A successful Account Executive assists the Sales Director in formulating and executing overall sales and marketing plans and leads all sales activity to drive new business to TPD.
Shipper / Receiver – Burnaby, British Columbia
Our client, a highly established and growing building materials company, has a rare opportunity for a Shipper / Receiver to join their team. This position involves picking and packing orders; operating a forklift (battery powered); receiving, counting, verifying and sorting truck and container shipments; processing courier waybills associated with shipping and more. Compensation for this position ranges from $18 to $21/hr depending on experience and includes a comprehensive extended health and dental plan. Click to learn more.
Site Construction Manager - Commercial Interiors – Toronto, Ontario
Our Client, an established commercial interior construction/design company which is a creator of sophisticated work spaces across Canada, currently has a rare opportunity for a dynamic, creative, and driven Site Manager to join their team.
Being a part of the team, you will coordinate with different sectors of the business and management to get the best result of the space you are creating. This is an immediate opening and interviews are taking place right away.
This position features competitive compensation ($75K to $90K plus $15K-$25K in bonuses); 100% employer paid benefits; interesting and diverse projects and work/Life balance with the ability to work from home if appropriate.


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This is not an offer for credit and should be used for estimation purposes only based on the information you provided. You should not base your decision on this estimate alone. Title, registration, tax and other fees, and personal circumstances such as employment status and personal credit history, were not considered in the calculations.
Digitally controlled CDI
Engine Starter Output - 270W @ 3000 RPM
Drive - Auto-adjusting CVT
Driven - Lightweight CVT
Calibration - 6,000-8,000 ft.
Gearing - 19/50
Chain Pitch - 96
Reverse - Push-button Engine
ProClimb™ - 7 in.
Runner - Single with carbide
141 x 15 x 2.6 in. Power Claw™
Pitch 3.0 in.
Arctic Mountain Suspension (AMS)
Travel - 7 in.
Travel - 14.5 in.


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Sunday letters: DACA saviors?
Hope in Congress
Regarding "Texas AG sues to shut down DACA" (Page A13, Wednesday), it is now or never: DACA is the last line of defense. For DACA recipients, other immigration routes to permanent residency or even the holy grail of U.S. citizenship are next to impossible. Legally, even if after deportation they manage to apply for U.S. legal status, their unlawful presence will surely be a roadblock. That is why it is now or never for not only these Dreamers hoping to obtain permanent legal status but also for Congress.
The article notes that conservative lawmakers across the country have threatened legal action for the past year and now have reached a boiling point with decades of false promises and idleness from federal lawmakers on immigration reform. In front of a judge with a history of anti-immigration judgments, a victory is almost certain for these seven states.
So when they do win, these states will not only deport millions of people but will prevent them from ever coming back to the only country they have ever known their entire life. They will be permanently "exiled" to a country for which they know nothing about. It was not their fault they were put in such a position, and yet they are the ones paying the ultimate price.
This would spell the beginning of the end. That is, unless, Congress can step up to the plate. Historically, Congress has passed laws in the waning minutes of a crisis and this time is no different. Congress will act. It must act. Legislation, not the courtroom, is the only true, lasting hope for the sake of 3.6 million people, who are just as American as you and me. But if Congress fails, can we honestly tell the rest of the world: "give me your tired, your poor"?
Nimroz Ali, immigration attorney, Austin


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If you're a summer bride trawling for truly original ideas for your upcoming beach wedding – consider the humble starfish! Simple shells are a little played out, but strangely enough, the wedding world is rife with adorable starfish wedding inspiration. Take a gander at this attractive selection of wedding invitations, sandals, favors, decor, and wedding accessories.
Need even more summer wedding ideas? Check out even more summer shoppables here. And don't forget to shop our guides to the best unique wedding invitations, eco-friendly wedding favors, and wedding centerpiece decorations!


text: A lot can attest that acupuncture can work wonders on your body but combined with traditional Chinese herbs, acupuncture herbs is the best remedy for a number of ailments. But the question is how do acupuncture herbs really work? Another aspect in traditional Chinese medicine is Chinese medical herbology which in conjunction with acupuncture for more improved results. The herbs are a natural treatment option with little to no side effects unlike conventional medicines. A combination of herbs may be recommended to treat specific conditions and improve a person's overall health basing on individual needs. Acupuncture herbs are commonly used for healing. With more than medicinal substances listed in the Chinese pharmacy and more than 6,000 Chinese medicinal herbs in the sold in the market, herbs are used more in modern Chinese healing. Together with acupuncture, acupuncture herbs are prescribed to correct the imbalances of Yin and Yang in specific combinations for each individual. … [Read more...] about The Wonders of Acupuncture Herbs


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Customer service is a key part of any organisation. Your product might be great, but your customer service also needs to be on par. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Customer service is one of the key 6 phases of the Customer Journey, turning customer interactions into durable relationships, which ultimately builds loyalty. This just shows how important it actually is.
Your customer service representatives are at the centre of all of this. Customers expect a consistent, positive and proactive flow during their interaction with your team. Therefore, it is important to ask yourself how you can improve the customer service. Great customer service centres know the customers' expectations and deliver a consistent flow along the whole journey. HR service firm Randstad, for example, is using individualised learning moments to deliver a consistent customer experience throughout all their local offices.
Here are a few customer service tips for identifying ways to better serve your customers:
Gather feedback from customers
The first step is to get a baseline on how you are doing today. This is done by actively measuring the customer experience and getting continuous customer feedback. Make sure to ask your customers for feedback after an interaction with a service agent or an online knowledge base. This can be done by using a scoring system such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), Customer Satisfaction (C-SAT) or Customer Experience Index (CXI). Besides these scoring systems, open feedback will also give you a lot of insights. At Onsophic we are able to capture this feedback in an automated way, providing you with a detailed dashboard on how your customer service is performing.
Be present and available in the omnichannel
Customers want help without hassle. They no longer want to wait 20 minutes on the phone listening to a tune. Customers want immediate assistance, using their preferred channel, at their convenience. Therefore it is important to invest in an omnichannel approach. Of course, email and direct phone are very relevant, but why don't you try experimenting with Live Chat, SMS, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Twitter or even Chatbots? Try to think of moments when your customer might require help, and which channel is appropriate for that time.
Observe the customer, become proactive
A big new trend is 'customer observation'. Instead of waiting for the customers to ask for help, you should try to help them out proactively. This can be done through data analyses. For instance, if you can detect that a coffee machine is almost empty, you can take proactive measures to fill it up again before a customer has the chance to notice it – resulting in fewer calls and happier customers! This strategy is, of course, harder to achieve, but it will greatly improve your customer satisfaction.
Improve customer service skills
Naturally, your team stays at the centre of the game. It is very important to keep on improving their soft and hard skills. The Onsophic CX platform is able to automatically train your team based on the insights that are gathered. We know, based on the feedback that a customer gives, which team member is involved, and can deduce which course is relevant for that person to learn and improve. Then our platform starts developing new habits with the team member, by sending interesting and small 'learning nuggets' at different moments in time. This eliminates the need to develop lengthy classroom or e-learning courses. With Onsophic CX your team's skills are improved rapidly, whether it's about product knowledge or communication skills.
Invest in self-service
Customer needs are shifting. Gone is the time where they used to call the service desk for every little question they had. Customers are demanding increasingly more self-service capabilities. Questions or requests regarding their invoices, account balance, upgrading or downgrading their plan, etc. So it is important to start investing in self-service capabilities as an organisation by providing step-by-step texts or video manuals.
Nonetheless, your service agents will still play a key role. As customers expect self-service for routine tasks, the need for a very personal and productive conversation is still of importance. If you can pull that off as a customer service centre, you are on top of your game and are building customer loyalty along the way.


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With a prognosis for subdued growth for some time and, irrespective of whether they rise in the coming months, (relatively) low interest rates Niels Jensen of Absolute Return Partners expects returns from taking beta risk to be quite modest when compared to the last 30-35 years.
"If that turns out to be correct, fees will likely be affected in a major way. The investment management industry is much more efficient than it was when I first joined it some 30 years ago, yet fees are broadly the same (i.e. profit margins are much higher). Expect a lot of fee pressure in the years to come," he says. And he's not just talking about ETFs.
The show has only just begun.
BlackRock has escalated the price war among US exchange traded fund providers after the world's largest asset manager announced an aggressive round of ETF fee reductions on Tuesday. ETF managers in the US and Europe are fighting a cut throat battle to win over investors with price cuts at a time when the ETF industry is attracting record inflows.


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Learning Centers
What are the benefits of Learning Centers?
Learning Centers encourage children to take responsibility for their learning.
Learning Centers provide an atmosphere of learning for children who struggle with needing to move around while schooling, rather than just sitting at a desk and a chair for the entire school time.
Learning Centers help mom out when mom needs to work one-on-one with one child while the other children still need to stay focused on schoolwork.
Learning Centers provide variety in learning.
Learning Centers provide an atmosphere for hands-on learning.
How are Learning Centers set up?
1. Determine how many Learning Centers you want. Suggested centers are Bible Center, Reading Center, Language Center, Writing Center, Listening Center, Social Studies Center, Science Center, Math Center, Arts & Crafts Center, and Music Center.
2. Set up a box for each center. Use whatever kind of box is most economical and practical (from a space-saving standpoint) for you. Consider buying some medium-sized plastic storage boxes at your local department store. Label each box.
3. Place appropriate learning materials in each box. Be creative! Some workbooks/worksheets are fine, but try to include lots of hands-on materials, too. See below for suggestions on what to include.
4. Place the filled and labeled boxes in the best visible location in your school area. Consider buying a bookshelf with enough deep shelves to hold all the boxes.
5. To use the centers, give your child a daily checklist to know what centers he/she is to use that day. Determine when the centers will be used. For example, perhaps you have a busy time in the morning with a nursing infant or toddlers that need your attention or a child who needs individualized school attention. In that case, during that busy time you can announce it is now Learning Centers time. Perhaps you want to set aside a specific time each day just for Learning Centers time. During Learning Centers time, your children will be responsible for completing a specified (by you) number of activities in each of the designated Learning Centers.
6. Keep in mind that Learning Centers should be used in addition to teaching time by the homeschool parent. The centers are intended to supplement the parent's teaching, not replace it.
Some Ideas of Items to Include in Learning Centers
(I have not differentiated between suggested items for older vs. younger children. Obviously, disregard any suggested items that are too "old" or too "young" for your children.)
Bible Center:
Each child's own daily devotional Bible scrapbook (see
Daily Devotional
page for more information)
Scrapbooking supplies (the day's Bible verse, stickers, scrapbooking scissors, decorative scrapbooking paper, double-sided scrapbooking tape, stamps, ink pads)
CD player
Bible on CDs
Praise and Worship CDs
CD player ear phones
Bible felt sets
Mini felt board (can be as simple as cardboard covered with felt)
Bibles with appropriate reading levels for each child
Bible coloring & activity pages
Markers, colored pencils, crayons, pens, pencils
Bible games at
Educational Learning Games
Reading Center
(This center should ideally be located in a cozy corner of your learning area. Make sure there is good lighting and, if possible, include bean bag chairs or cozy floor cushions.)
Book basket filled with library books on different topics in age-appropriate reading levels. Some libraries also offer topical book kits that can be borrowed. The book kits contain books and hands-on materials (like puppets) related to the topic.
Small puppet theater, puppets, and puppet show scripts or readers suitable for using as a puppet show. Theater can be as simple as buying a presentation cardboard tri-fold, cutting out a rectangle, and hanging a piece of cloth over the cut-out space for a curtain.
Phonics and sight word flash cards
Reading/Phonics games at
Educational Learning Games
Usborne Reading Learning Palette
With a subscription to
Reading A-Z
, each day you can print out different leveled readers and accompanying worksheets to be completed.
VersaTiles from ETA Cuisenaire
Language Center
Grammar games at
Educational Learning Games
Spelling games at
Educational Learning Games
Word games at
Educational Learning Games
Word puzzles (word search, crossword, etc.)
New metal cookie sheet with magnetic letters (with word lists to practice spelling words) and/or magnetic letter, word, and tile sheets at
Educational Learning Games
Plastic letter tiles (with word lists to practice spelling words)
Plastic word tiles (to practice making sentences)
Mini dry erase boards and dry erase markers (with word lists to practice spelling words)
Writing Center
Independent writing journal per child
Scrapbooking supplies for the writing journals (stickers, scrapbooking scissors, decorative scrapbooking paper, double-sided scrapbooking tape, stamps, ink pads)
Supply of writing prompts
Magazine pictures to serve as writing prompts
Calligraphy supplies
Markers, colored pencils, crayons, pens, pencils
Penmanship re-writeable practice boards
Social Studies Center
Geography games at
Educational Learning Games
Government games at
Educational Learning Games
History games at
Educational Learning Games
Fandex cards
Which Way USA Activity
Top Secret Adventures Activity
States flash cards
Presidents flash cards
U.S. and world jigsaw puzzles
U.S. and world coloring maps
Markers, colored pencils, crayons
Science Center
Science games at
Educational Learning Games
Microscope slides
Field guides
Experiment kits
Math Center
Usborne Learning Wrap-ups
Usborne Math Learning Palette
Math games at
Educational Learning Games
Flash cards
Play money
Toy cash register
"Store" items (with price stickers on items)
Mathmania puzzle activity
Cuisenaire rods
Listening Center
Audio books on CD
CD player
Arts & Crafts Center
Glitter glue
Paint brushes
Finger paints
Finger paint paper
White art paper
Colored construction paper
Colored pencils
Thick washable markers
Thin washable markers
Sponges (for sponge painting)
Paper plates (for paint palettes)
Paper cups (for paint water)
Paper towels (for clean-up)
Old T-shirts (for paint smocks)
Music Center
Musical instruments and games at
Educational Learning Games


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These last few months I have been totally immersed in playing with my 11 month old filly, Ginger, and her six year old momma, Layla. I knew when I made the decision to bring a pregnant mare into my herd there would be lots of growth. Boy, was I right. However, I did not realize just how much growth!
Decisions create change, change creates growth and new insights open us to more possibilities.
I am forever grateful that I brought in this mare. Her baby, Ginger, is proving to be a very intelligent, calm and gentle little filly who has already investigated so much here at the farm. Ginger has been so easy to work with and to teach and has brought loads of sunshine to all of us.
Layla, on the other hand, has a high need for love, deep understanding, patience and time for processing. She is a beautiful horse that I suspect has been "used" for her unique genetic qualities that can produce the desirable champagne offspring. At age six she has had four babies. Three were taken away when they turned one year old. It makes me wonder if anyone has really seen "HER" and gotten beyond their human agendas and desires. Doubtful.
When we play, I offer her opportunities to show me more and more of "who" she truly is. I had not worked much with a horse who rears up, pins her ears constantly and can be aggressive. I will admit that at one point when the herd dynamics were just too difficult and there was constant chaos, I thought about letting her go and walking away from the relationship. I called a friend that I knew could place her. Even though the thought of letting her go produced a better feeling in my body, as time passed I struggled with actually doing it.
I guess sometimes we all just need a bit of a relief from the pressure.
After taking a break and asking myself "WHY am I really doing what I do?" it all became crystal clear. Ultimately, my purpose in life is to teach people to Love, Honor and Respect the horses, all animals, mother earth and each other.
Sending her away at this juncture of our journey would not serve either of us. She is my teacher and she will deepen my understanding of and ability to Love, Honor and Respect. We are now exploring the next level of our relationship.
For the very first time in Layla's life, her offspring will not be taken away from her at the year mark. Only time will tell how she will heal her heart and each day she gives a little bit more. This little mare never got babied, she was not given time to explore before she became a momma herself. I hope I can find my way with her and we can find some answers together. I know it will mean that I, too, have to be vulnerable.
When times get tough and I want to run away or not follow through I must ask myself:
- Will my decision take me away from my passion or bring me closer to it?
- Does my decision give me temporary relief shadowed by lost opportunity?
I want to share this with you because this is the time of year that I am speaking to a lot of people who are very interested in either experiencing Horse through one of my transformational programs, or they want to learn how to be a facilitator of the work and bring it to others.
Yet, in their process of making a decision, a person's demons, fears, vulnerabilities and stresses come up. Sadly, and much too often, the person will not access their courage and make the decision to grow and experience the heart of Horse.
What does it take to embrace change and to make the decision to grow?
Horses give this to us so often. When I ask this beautiful little mare to do things that her little baby can easily do, Layla can become resistant and frustrated.
However, when I take a big pause, breathe into my own body and find my heart space and I speak to her "vulnerability" and I tell her that she can't really do a thing wrong, she steps up and gives it her best try. And that, to me, means more than accomplishing the goal itself.
Regardless if you have been following me for years or you just found me, the message for you, my dear friend, is that nothing happens without making a decision. And with those decisions can come opportunities. ALL opportunities stretch us and grow us through vulnerability, willingness and courage.
These are emotions that guide us to a better life of possibilities and insights.
If this little mare, who has had very little say about what her body will be used for, and how long she will be "allowed" to nurture her offspring can make the decision to find the courage to be willing and vulnerable and learn new things with me . . . well, what would it take for you to do the same?
My herd wants to see you here at the property so be sure to engage your courage and willingness and come along for the Journey. . .
Are you ready to experience the deep power of horse to touch your heart and give you insights: Click here for my spring program listings
Are you now thinking: What the heck am I waiting for? I have been looking at this certification program forever. Click Here and fill out my Discover Form and we will schedule a time to talk about your path with Horse.
Are you still not ready to:
Feel the breath of a horse brush against your check?
Sense the deep rhythm of her heart?
Smell "horse" well after your time with her, saturated into your clothing and hair, a smell you want to keep forever?
That's ok—I have a special gift for you (and all of you!).
I have created a very special "Get Started" program that will fill you up with three free classes and a free "Am I Ready for the Journey with Horse" assessment. Yes, you can have some "horse-time" without leaving home. Click here to get your free goodies.
Those of you who know me have experienced my endless flow of energy and desire to help others bring their gifts to the world. I am particularly passionate about changing the treatment of horse and all animals, reconnecting people back to the earth and inspiring others to be the best they can be. The world needs you to step up! I would love to share my special herd with you and hope you can find your way here.
Blessings to YOU and now . . .


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Kanata Lakes Community Association
The Kanata Lakes Community Association is a completely volunteer- run organization which seeks to connect neighbours, educate the community and provide a voice when issues arise.
As a volunteer-run organization, we rely on you, the community, to help. Many hands make light work, and we are always looking for new contributors! Get in touch today to let us know how you can help!
** The KLCA has no political affiliations. **
Our Mission
- Ensure community concerns are brought to the attention of City officials and our local Councilor.
- Organize and hold community events such as summer picnics and spring clean-up activities.
- Advocate for improved community safety
- Help residents resolve issues such as traffic congestion, unsafe intersections, etc.
- Organize public meetings to address specific community issues including changes to housing development plans
- Support community activities such as the operation of the outdoor ice rink.
2019 Team
Lianne Zhou: President
Joseph Pollard: Vice President
Milena Srikont: Treasurer
Catherine St George: Communications
Directors & Area Reps:
Shannon Wang
Corina Marinescu
Heather MacLean
Douglas Sward
We are always looking for volunteers so if you are interested please send us a note and let us know.
We need people to help with Events, Issues and monitoring Communities.
Join Today!
Join the KLCA today, and let us know how you can help make our community great!
Join Today
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter


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Becky Nelson keeps an old Neiman Marcus specialty foods catalog on her desk. Once it was a constant reminder of her goals. Now it's a little trophy for what the 59-year-old has pulled off.
Her company, Le Gourmet Valet, offers home meal delivery and catering. In 2012, when Nelson added a lip-smacking, hip-packing shortbread cookie to her lineup, her goal was to make a treat worthy of The Book, Neiman's renowned direct-sales catalog.
"Its qualities and uniqueness said Neiman's to me," Nelson says. "If properly packaged, both aesthetically and for shipping purposes, I believed we had a shot to become a Neiman Marcus gourmet gift sold online."
She even turned down Trader Joe's.
Her dream came true this fall when her shortbreads were featured in NM Direct's epicurean catalog just in time for the holidays.
"I loved the extra effort that Becky put into the design that made the cookies exclusively for Neiman Marcus," says Kayla Bloch, tabletop buyer for NM Direct. "Not to mention, they are delicious."
Bloch expects to sell 200 12-cookie tins for $50, plus shipping, by the Dec. 18 cutoff for Christmas delivery. But since the shortbreads aren't holiday themed, Neiman's will accept orders after that, she says. "We are also working on special ones for Valentine's Day that are super cute."
Bob Beaudine, author of the business best-seller The Power of Who, has been a friend of Nelson's since their days at Southern Methodist University. He's not surprised that she scratched and scraped her way into The Book.
"Becky's always had an entrepreneurial flare," Beaudine says. "Once she starts an idea, she never gives up."
Nelson's saga started in 2003, when she was inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. She emailed Garten for tips about opening a gourmet shop.
To her surprise, Garten immediately responded. Her big advice: Get broad experience in the food service business.
Nelson was a stay-at-home mom with three kids, so she took up part-time work as a barista at a coffee shop in Argyle, and worked at a hamburger grill and for a caterer that supplied lunches at Bell Helicopter.
In 2006, Nelson was on her way to yoga class when her husband called and asked her to come to his office. She was blindsided when he said he wanted a divorce.
She thought her dream of owning a business had disintegrated along with her marriage. "I knew my finances were going to be limited, and I had to figure out a way to support myself."
Nelson went to work for Central Market as a foodie, walking the aisles and doing sampling. "I was 50 years old and being told when I could go to the bathroom, clocking in and clocking out, and micromanaged — I 'wasn't smiling enough.'"
After a series of nonrewarding jobs, Nelson decided to go for it. "The thing that came to my mind was: 'There will never be a better time. If it doesn't work, at least I can say I tried.'"
She launched Le Gourmet Valet in early 2012, curating specialty foods and treats for home delivery.
Light bulb moment
Nelson got the idea and the name after her friend and sorority sister Jil Katz was mugged in the parking lot of Whole Foods Market in Preston Forest Shopping Center.
"Jil said she was going to hire a personal valet to do her shopping because she was so scared," Nelson recalls. "Afterward, I was walking my dog and it just clicked. What if there was somebody who was a gourmet valet who brought you good food?"
She quickly expanded into catering, which is now the bulk of her business.
Later that year, she developed her shortbread cookie — a modified version of the Barefoot Contessa's — as her signature treat.
Trader Joe's
Nelson almost took her eye off the prize in early 2013, when a buyer from Trader Joe's came calling.
Nelson, who was working mostly out of her home, met the buyer at the kitchen of Midway Christian Church, which she sometimes leased for big orders, hoping he wouldn't know just how small she was.
Apparently he didn't, because he offered her a deal to put her cookies in Trader Joe's throughout Texas. "I'm thinking, 'Whatever it takes, I'm going to do this,'" Nelson recalls.
But her mentor, Jerry White, director of SMU's Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship, cautioned her against it, saying if she went with Trader Joe's, she'd never get into Neiman's.
He pointed out that her margins were going to be thinner than her cookies.
"And that was that," Nelson says. "That gave me the oomph to really go after Neiman's."
After the Trader Joe's experience, Nelson realized she needed a commercial kitchen to be taken seriously.
She found affordable space, a 360-square-foot kitchen and 150-square-foot pantry, at Westminster Presbyterian Church and moved in a year ago.
"I was already on Plan D and didn't have any other options," she says. "It's a good fit."
Her first Neiman's shipment Oct. 1 was bittersweet. Her artisan baker, Lisa Staffelbach, who had been instrumental in perfecting the cookie, died the week before at age 45 from a pulmonary embolism.
Nelson now has just one full-time employee and six seasonal workers.
Fortunately for Nelson, Staffelbach left a detailed blueprint of everything she did, down to how long it takes to roll the dough.
"Sales have been steady and manageable," Nelson says. "I am thankful since we had to completely regroup after losing Lisa."
Nelson expects the company's total sales to be about $450,000 next year, with cookies accounting for about 15 percent of that.
The NM stamp of approval is definitely opening doors.
Nelson ran the cookies, which are 3/4-inches high and 2 inches in diameter, through nutrition testing but decided to keep the results to herself.
"It even shocked me," she says. "But what I love about the cookie is it's low in sugar. That is on our label."
Ingredients are listed with butter at the lead, Nelson says. "If you really want to know additional information, we can provide it."
Twitter: @CherylHall_DMN


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Wednesday, June 07, 2017
In U.S. Universities, a Divorce Is Needed
For a century or so, U.S. universities have been an adornment of American culture, and indeed of world culture, but, with notable exceptions, only in the sciences. Bright people have flocked to the USA from all parts of the world to study, research, and teach in physics, chemistry, biology, other physical and life sciences, and related fields such as medicine, mathematics, and engineering. The products are all around us, from life-saving drugs to the Internet, smart phones, GPS guidance systems, and countless other marvels.
But in the humanities and social sciences, the story has been different, especially during the past forty years, as Marxist-spawned doctrines such as Critical Theory and Multicultural This and That have proliferated, destroying disciplines such as English, history, sociology, anthropology, and even in large part economics and replacing them with tendentious dogmas cum jihads such as black studies, gender studies, and LGBT studies.
Moreover, aggressive administrators and zealous faculty adherents of these doctrines have now begun to extend their gaze toward and their interventions in the STEM fields, threatening to destroy the last bastions of what was glorious and truly progressive in the universities. For a long time the faculty in the substantive fields tended to ignore the crazies in the humanities and social sciences, being satisfied to be left alone to do real work. But whether they will be able to continue in this strategy seems now to be in serious question. Pusillanimous administrators have been easily swayed, if they did not in fact lead the way, in favor of the bullshitization of the U.S. universities, turning institutions away from understanding and scholarship toward ideological crusades and identity politics.
If the worthwhile parts of the U.S. universities are to continue to thrive, or even to survive as serious endeavors, it would seem that a parting of the ways must come. The STEM fields must separate themselves from the bullshit parts of the universities. The latter can then go their own way to fester in their nonsense until the general public awakens to the need to cease supporting such activities altogether. This divorce cannot come too soon. Scientific and technical progress is too important to mankind to allow it be be taken hostage by practitioners of anti-rational, mumbo-jumbo-talking, ideological zealots.
College Prevents Students From Distributing U.S. Constitution
As American colleges and universities have embraced leftist ideology those values of liberalism so often espoused by these institutions have died and have given way to an ever-increasing tyranny of "social justice." The latest instance of leftist intolerance comes from Bunker Hill Community College, where students were prevented from handing out copies of the U.S. Constitution. The school administration justified its action based on polices contained within its student handbook, which "prohibit[s] expressive activity on campus without advance permission and approval, restrict[s] the content of printed materials that may be distributed, and grant[s] unbridled discretion" to prevent discrimination against minority views. In other words, this public school's administration has taken it upon themselves to determine which viewpoints students are allowed to express. The thought police.
The Alliance Defending Freedom, along with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, sent the college essentially a cease and desist letter. It states in part, "Constitutionally protected freedom of speech doesn't disappear as soon as students step on to a public college campus, which is supposed to be the very 'marketplace of ideas.' It's ironic that the college is unconstitutionally prohibiting the distribution of the very document that protects the freedom of Americans to engage in free speech and to associate with one another to advance shared beliefs."
The hiding, veiling and even prohibiting of constitutionally recognized and protected individual freedoms by leftists running these colleges and universities needs to be addressed. The freedom an individual has to promote those ideals he favors is the outworking of his right to free speech. To prevent or demand and individual capitulate to ideals by a statist authority is to do violence to an American citizen's freedom.
'I wake at 2am worrying about the children': the headteachers leaving Britain's schools
Too little money, too many tests: senior staff talk frankly about life on education's frontline
It's five in the afternoon at the Forest school, a boys' comprehensive near Wokingham, Berkshire, and most of the staff and students have gone for the day. But headteacher Mary Sandell is still in her office, as she is every day. The room, with its slatted blinds and motivational messages – "Make your mark on the world"; "Keep your promises" – is the one she entered as a newly appointed head three years ago. Her buzzword then was "'fizz: I want to go into classrooms and feel fizz. I want children to feel energy and passion."
Now all she feels is battle-weary. A combination of budget cuts and underfunding means Sandell had to axe food technology GCSE (along with the food technology teacher) from the curriculum last year, because the school "simply couldn't afford it". The subject had been on offer since the school opened nearly 60 years ago. Now she has to make further announcements: next year there will be no music, French or Spanish A-levels (no languages, at all, in fact, beyond GCSE), because they are no longer "economically viable".
Nearby, in the Winnersh Triangle business park, an expanding hub of tech companies, the future looks shiny. Not so for the Forest school. "Here we are in 2017, and we're going backwards in terms of choice, not forwards," Sandell says. She sits brooding at her desk and considers the future. She could put up with the shabby paintwork, the rundown toilet blocks and substandard tennis courts (only two of the five have nets), but not with the fact that there are only 45 geography textbooks for the 168 pupils doing geography GCSE. There is an e-copy, but not all of the boys have a fast internet connection at home.
On 31 August, after 29 years and 43 days first as a teacher, then a deputy, then a head, Sandell will be standing down in protest at what she sees as a crisis in education. "We are short-changing our children, and by that we are short-changing the nation," she says.
She is not the only one who feels this way. Last month, Alex and Peter Foggo, the head and deputy head, respectively, of a primary school in Hampshire, announced that they would be resigning after 25 years in education. "The last year has seen things just get harder and harder, as more and greater challenges have come to undermine our core beliefs in education," Peter wrote recently.
Last September, Jo Garton resigned as head of Bridlewood primary in Swindon, after eight years. Concerns about school funding levels, changes to the curriculum and new assessment methods had led her to the conclusion that children were being "used as guinea pigs by politicians, yet again", she wrote in her resignation letter to parents. "This is unforgivable."
"I love what I do, but there comes a point where resignation is the only option," Richard Slade, head of Plumcroft primary school in Greenwich, south-east London has said. His school faces a £400,000 cut in funding by 2019-20. "If I'm going to deliver those cuts, standards are going to be unsafe."
He told delegates at a recent Westminster Education Forum that "a lot" of headteachers have told him they are considering resigning, after asking why they would want to "oversee the decimation of our schools". Last month, more than 500 headteachers signed an open letter to Theresa May, demanding that she abandon proposed education cuts, which they said represent up to £3bn in real terms.
"It's a Headteacher Spring," says a spokesperson for the school leaders' union, NAHT. "An uprising. Lots are writing to MPs, governing bodies, taking an unusual interest in campaigning."
In the 17,000 primary schools and 3,000 secondary schools across England, discontent runs deep. Research by the NAHT shows that 72% of heads say their budgets will be untenable by 2019/20; 18% of school leaders say they are already in deficit.
But the pressures are not just financial. There is also a new national curriculum in local authority schools in England, for pupils aged five to 16, and new Sats tests. The combination of external auditors (Ofsted), government targets and league tables has massively increased the stress. Work now routinely entails detailing aims and objectives, analysing data, and the anxiety of being subjected to ubiquitous scrutiny.
The micromanaging by the Labour government under Tony Blair – literacy strategies, numeracy strategies – has shifted under the Conservatives to a focus on structure, with the championing of academies, free schools and now grammar schools.
In recent years, Ofsted has increased the pressure, bringing in "no-notice inspections". A school "doing badly" can result in the head being dismissed. "Heads now join the likes of football club managers, whose job can often rest on the result of one major match," one headteacher wrote.
One of the effects is that people are being deterred from entering the profession. Sometimes there are no applicants for a headteacher vacancy. A 2016 report by Teach First and another charity says that "by 2022 England could be in need of up to 19,000 school leaders". According to Russell Hobby, general secretary of NAHT, the profession is headed towards a crisis: "School budgets are at breaking point, and so are many headteachers."
More HERE
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The imposing, 40-foot-high sledding hill at Canalside is artificial.
But everything else about the Snowzilla ride at Championship Village is real: The bitter-cold weather, the liability waivers that all riders have to sign and the 4-second plunge that is thrilling kids and former kids alike this week.
"You're never too old to have fun," said Brandon Palmer, of Buffalo, who went down in one tube while his girlfriend, Shannon Szczublewski, of Lancaster, rode down at the same time in another.
Snowzilla is a four-story, inflated hill that sends inner-tube riders careening down a steep slope until they hit a flat stretch at the bottom and crash into a cushioned wall and come to a stop.
The free ride is part of the Championship Village outdoor experience set up at Canalside to coincide with the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, which started Tuesday at HarborCenter and KeyBank Center and runs through Jan. 5.
Championship Village, which opened a few days before the tournament, features live music, entertainment, food, hot beverages, a hockey skills competition and a display of team jerseys frozen in blocks of ice. (Did we need reminding that it gets cold here?)
But a highlight is Snowzilla, which organizers say is the only attraction of its kind in the United States or Canada.
Imagine an inner-tube water slide, but riders are slipping down a hill made out of the same material as their inner tube. And it's freezing cold out, so there's snow pooled at the bottom instead of water streaming down the hill. And riders are bundled up like Arctic explorers instead of wearing swimsuits.
A sandwich board sign includes standard cautionary language warning the ride is not recommended for guests who are pregnant, who have heart trouble or — unnecessarily — who don't have a shirt.
Tuesday, the temperature at 1 p.m. in Buffalo was 12 degrees, or minus 5 degrees counting the wind chill. That sounds like ideal weather for a creature named Snowzilla, but it's less than pleasant for humans.
Still, this is Buffalo, and the late morning and early afternoon found a trickle of hardy riders taking on the challenge of the sledding hill.
Palmer and Szczublewski had tickets to one of the World Junior Championship games Tuesday and decided to check out the village beforehand. Palmer was surprised at how quickly the tube went down the hill and said his only thought was, "Hopefully I stay inside."
The workers periodically spray the bottoms of the blue-and-black tubes with silicone to make them fly even faster.
"I didn't think they were going to do that," said Libby Kibler, 12, of Attica, after trying out Snowzilla with her sister, Grace, who is 17. Their dad found out about the Canalside sledding hill online and their mom, Mary Beth, took them to the ride while he took their other sister to one of the World Junior Championship games.
"I didn't think it would be as fast as it was, especially at the end where it straightens out," Grace said.
The ride takes between 3 and 4 seconds, depending on how heavy the rider is.
Mark Goveia, of St. Catharines, Ont., checked it out with his daughter, Talia, who is 9.
"You get a little bit of butterflies up at the top," Mark said.
Talia went on Snowzilla at least five times. Once, she hit some of the snow piled at the bottom of the ride and sent it spraying in all directions, including into her face, but she was unfazed.
"It was kind of like a roller coaster, because it went down really fast," she said.
Aidan Gould was working at the bottom of the sledding hill late Tuesday morning.
He said the ride had steady use over the weekend and he expects it to pick up now that the tournament has started. "It's been good," said Gould. He said crews deflate the ride at the end of every day and inflate it each morning, a process that takes about 15 minutes each time.
Josh Britzzalaro of Hamburg asked Gould if he could ride with his 3-year-old daughter, but Gould said riders have to go down alone, so Britzzalaro left her with family members and went down solo.
"It was fun, as an adult, but I don't think she would have survived," he said.
As for the wind chill, Britzzalaro shrugged.
"We live in Buffalo — what else are we going to do?" he said.
Snowzilla and the rest of Championship Village are open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 2, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jan. 4 and Jan. 5.


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Look! Two days in a row! Is this the beginning of a new era?
I'd like to think so, but probably not.
Anyway, happy to report that I'm back to writing, working simultaneously on two projects. The fantasy (my nano novel), which has exploded into a blob-like mess of ideas and Things That Have To Happen But Haven't Yet and is very conducive to procrastinating mightily. Did that sentence make sense? Probably not, sorry, it's late and I just ate a very large steak for dinner.
Next year I think I will be very fat.
Anyway, the other project is as of yet untitled but I like to refer to it as "Law and Order: Vampires", which is sort of what it is except no ADAs have made an appearance as of yet.
So a fair amount of writing done although my first chapter, contrary to all laws of the universe, is actually too short and contains no backstory or exposition, barely any description and actually not that much dialog, either. In plain terms it's short and needs to be expanded…but that's for a later revision.
This has the potential to be difficult for me because I was always the kid who looked up the answer in the whodunits…but more on that tomorrow. Bedtime.
Status Update: L&O: Vampires
Word count: 1,355
Characters introduced: 5
Characters killed: 1 (she was dead when introduced)
Vampires: 1 (Piper)
Werewolves: 1 (Corrigan)
Humans: 3 (Mallory, rookie, dead girl)


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Through the Promoting Interoperability Program, Eligible Professionals (EPs) can receive up to six years of incentive payments. Initial payments were $21,250 and subsequent payments are $8,500 (Pediatricians attesting to lower volume receive reduced payments).
The last year to begin participation in the program was Program Year 2016, and the program is scheduled to continue through 2021. EPs are not required to participate in consecutive years.
EPs can access the state-level application through their secure provider portal.
For assistance in registering call the EHR Incentive Payment Program Contact Center at 1(855) 231-5472 or view the User Guide for Eligible Professionals.


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Facilities Offered
- While the traditional method of teaching continues, it is often supplemented with various kinds of practical exposures. Trips are therefore organized for students to outskirts of the city so that students out of these exposure, learn how to relate theory of their books with practical facts that they experience.
- Departmental seminars and debates, attending lectures of various resource persons etc. helps the students to develop a perspective which they would not have attained otherwise.


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As beautiful as it is functional, this bundle not only covers all the bases, it looks great while doing it. All the guidance you need to raise a Puppy Culture litter, plus charts, ideas, shopping lists, and worksheets to record your experiences. You'll be amazing with this one.
Puppy Culture is a complete program of over 50 lessons from whelping box to new home. From early neurological stimulation, to aggression prevention, to potty training, manding, and leash walking, it's all here! Learn from top veterinary behaviorists, breeders, and dog trainers - scientifically proven to greatly improve outcomes for puppies!
With step-by-step instructions on what to do at each critical juncture in the first 12 weeks of life, Puppy Culture if your guide to raising your puppies to be calm enrichment seekers, ready to take on life's challenges with love and joy to spare.
- A weekly nuts and bolts timeline and organizer of what to do when, based on the development of YOUR puppies.
- Our charts, records, worksheets and handy at-a-glance pages have you covered so you can spend less time worrying about whether you're doing everything you should be doing and more time relaxing and enjoying all the fun Puppy Culture activities!
- Customizable and expandable - Just like puppies, no two people learn in quite the same way. So we chose a three ring binder format that you can customize to suit your learning style. You can take pages out, move them to the back or front as you use them, add your own material or notes, or just group and reorganize things as you please.
- A complete record of your litter and their developmental milestones so you can fine tune your activities with future litters and develop your own "best practices."
11 chapters, each containing:
- Cover summary page of things to gather and review for that week
- "At A Glance" weekly developmental milestones to watch for and activities
- Additional guidelines with tips and cautions
- Recipes, ideas, and shopping lists
30 Pages of Charts and Worksheets, including:
- 7 whelping, weight, and litter record charts
- Milestone Charts
- 19 Worksheets for Puppy Culture protocols, with scoring system
- Includes 50 lessons, from whelping box to new home
- From early neurological stimulation, to aggression prevention, to potty training and leash walking, it's all here! Learn from top veterinary behaviorists, breeders, and dog trainers - scientifically proven to greatly improve outcomes for puppies!
***Upgrade Your Workbook to Laminated Pages for Only $25 Extra!***
- Heavy duty, 100# laminated bond resists spills and and wipes clean with a damp cloth.
- Virtually tear proof!
- Make temporary notations with a dry erase marker or permanent notes with a permanent marker.
- Note that the worksheets and charts are not laminated so you can still easily write on them with any pen or pencil.


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May 2012
A proposal was submitted to the Provincial authorities of Groningen and Friesland (the Netherlands) for the construction of a 58 km line connecting the cities of Groningen and Heerenveen. The favourable investment and commercial operation this would involve have attracted political interest.
March 2012
Qatar has requested the provision of a system for passenger transport in connection with the Football World Cup in 2018.
December 2011
OMFL (Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Flevoland) is interested in constructing an OTS system to link Lelystad Airport to the city of Lelystad, possibly with an onward connection to Almere and Amsterdam.
October 2011
Abu Dhabi contacted OTS about a combination of passenger transport and freight containers. The transport system would be constructed across several islands and lakes, eliminating the need for large buildings.
August 2011
We were awarded a contract to construct an OTS above 4 pipes, each 15 m in diameter and 75 km long, in Jakarta, Indonesia. These connections will be combined with the existing, very outdated drains and sewers.
July 2011
Australian train builders are interested in the construction of 450 km suspended rail system to make it easier to cross water barriers and desert regions. Offer and information are under consideration of interested parties.
OTS Movie


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A month ago, I did a post about collaboration and Fawn Morgan, the owner of Office Help Center, responded with the quote "Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe" by one of her team members, Serena Grimes. I loved the quote and asked if I could steal it for a post. It would be easy to write the quote off as something a surfer said in passing but if you take it to heart it can be very impactful.
On a personal level sending out the correct vibe decides who does and does not want to spend time with you. I have been extremely fortunate over the years that out of dumb luck I must have been sending out a good vibe because I have had great friends! In your teens and 20's these are the people who will shape you and help get you through some tough times. They are also the ones that are there when you make questionable decisions. As you get older they are the people you leave your kid with without a concern. Friends can be the best part of life if you are sending out the correct vibe and if not, they can be the ones that drag you down.
Professionally the tribe you form are the people you work with and there is a good chance you will end up spending more time with them than your family. Your vibe is also determining the customers you are attracting. Are you bringing in your ideal customer? If not, maybe the way you are presenting yourself and your business is turning off that great customer. Who you get to work with can be the difference in success and failure or mediocracy and excellence.
Whether personally or professionally look at your tribe, if you would like it to change take a look at your vibe.


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As I write this post the wind is howling furiously outside my window, and my apartment, which usually manages to stay pretty warm no matter what's going on outside, is decidedly drafty and chilly. It's a true winter's day in New York City. Because of that, because of recurring sinus stuff that won't quite quit me, and because tomorrow is the very first morning of my new DI rotation, I've barely stepped outside today.
Years ago, a day like this—sedentary, indoors, very sleepy—would have felt threatening at best, intolerable at worst. I'd have forced myself to move more, and if I couldn't do that, I'd have forced myself to do more. My ego would be challenged by the lack of doing, my ED by the lack of movement, the terrible feeling that I had to earn my right to eat.
Most of the time, I find that growth and evolution happen so gradually and in such small ways that I can only take stock of them when I gaze back over a lot of personal history. Lying on my sofa today, I realize how different a person I am (in many ways—certainly not in others!) than the person who started blogging nearly ten years ago. That I can give my body permission simply to be—especially when being looks like hours of lying down, sitting still, eating what I want, ignoring work I don't have energy for—is, when I think about it, pretty enormous.
This perspective is all the more poignant to me in the wake of Mary Oliver's death. I, along with so many people, have been feeling grateful for her poems and her legacy. "Wild Geese" has a special place in my heart, because for many years it was an ED recovery anthem of sorts for me. If you don't know it, here it is:
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting –
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
When I first read this poem, I was so intertwined with my disorder that the very word "soft" was triggering for me—let alone "soft animal," which had the additional, threatening implications of instinct and hunger. ("Full" used to be a trigger word, too, which is part of the reason I reclaimed it in my blog title.)
I said a prayer that time, faith, and many re-readings of the poem would give the word new meaning, and they have. Nowadays I love the words "soft" and "softness"; I especially love to think of them as an approach to living. "Wild Geese" gave me a much needed push to recognize and respect the wisdom and necessity of my body's wants when I was in recovery. It continues to teach me a lot about allowing myself to go with the flow of things, to ease into life's greater rhythm rather than conforming to a frantic, self-created one.
Challenging as the hours and schedule of the DI have been so far, they've tested my capacity for self-care. I've been surprised at how well I've passed this test (OK, maybe not the best metaphor) with lots of lovingkindness and self-compassion. I've managed to take as much rest as I can in the moments when I can, reserving my energies for the work that needs to get done. I'm cutting corners that can be cut. I'm skipping what doesn't need doing. I'm getting better at knowing when to call it a day.
This may sound very obvious—shouldn't self-care be second-nature? But I guess the point is that for me, taking care of my body hasn't felt like instinct until recently, and I'm still learning how to do it. I'm thankful for the artists, poets, songwriters, fellow bloggers, and other creative spirits who have guided me along the way.
In the spirit of wise self-preservation, I'm publishing this post in spite of the fact that I was too busy resting yesterday and today to hunt for articles and links. You might be unsurprised to learn that I was not too busy to look at food photos and recipes 🙂
Here they are.
There is nothing I love more than a good, old-fashioned vegan bowl with lots of hippie vibes. Hannah's got a recipe for a great one: the Mother Earth Bowl from the restaurant Flower Child.
With the DI recommencing, I'm thinking once again about good, homemade snack ideas. I love Kiersten's caramel nut granola bars!
Exactly the comfort food I wish I had on this freezing cold night (I've got this soup, which is pretty good but not as good): Jess' buffalo cauliflower mac n' cheese.
New Year's celebrations are over, but I always love a bean and collard dish, and right now I'm all about Traci's Hoppin John stew.
Finally, a perfect, earthy grain dish for winter (starring farro, which is a personal favorite of mine!), courtesy of the lovely Erin.
And in lieu of the regular reads, a link to Rachel Syme's tribute to Mary Oliver in The New Yorker. It resonated with me; whether or not you're a fan of her work, perhaps it'll resonate with you, too.
Happy Sunday, friends, and take good care. I've got an easy rice-and-lentil dish to share with you this week.


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Develop a booking systems for niche markets. I have one such marked that uses it very - vigorously.
They have been doing their annual bookings for the new year and suddenly I have 15,000 rows from a specific table dissapear.
The CPU was running high 100% for 2 day during peak times, could has have been the cause? I have checked re-chekkd there is no other obvious cause!
Things in my mind I have been through
SQL injection, its very unlikely as always sanetize the code. Also the table names are not obvious, and we are missing random amounts during a time i know the cpu was 100% for hours.
Bad code - this was my first though, and I have checked and check fory any DELETE, REPLACE even UPDATE on the table
Anybody got some thoughts,
I am running xt-small-RDS by Amazon AWS. It was on a micro server but I have upgraded it and recoded to keep CPU below 50% now sits camly at 2-7%


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Players such as Harry Kane, Hector Bellerin, Francis Coquelin, Jordon Ibe and Ryan Mason all emerged onto the scene and became pivotal figures in the first teams of their respective clubs last season. With the new season still two months away, plenty of other prospects will be hoping to make similar impacts in 2015/16.
Jason Denayer – Man City
Belgian centre-back Denayer enjoyed a fruitful year on loan at Celtic, winning the SPL Young Player of the Year. He will return to the Etihad as a much stronger player having played for a side regularly dominant in possession, like his parent club. Whilst chances for young players at City are rare given the fortunes they sit upon, Denayer is of the ilk to compete with regular centre-backs Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis. All he needs is a chance from Manuel Pellegrini.
Lloyd Isgrove – Southampton
It wouldn't be a list of the best young players without featuring someone from St Mary's! There were many stand-out contenders from the club, such as Harrison Reed, Matty Targett and Jake Hesketh, but Isgrove could make the biggest impact in our eyes. Considering the club have a Europa League campaign to juggle, winger Isgrove could be used frequently and really make a name for himself. Impressive performances and it will be only a matter of time before he links up with former Saints man Gareth Bale in the full Wales setup.
Duncan Watmore – Sunderland
Premier League Under-21 Player of the Season Watmore, 21, could be the spark Sunderland so desperately need to push towards mid-table. The winger, who also scored twice for England Under 20s at the Toulon Tournament this summer, was named as 'Revelation of the Tournament', and will be pushing to be included in Sunderland's first team next season. He made Dick Advocaat's squad just once with the Dutchman deciding to protect the lad from the pressure of a relegation dogfight. Instead Watmore could be the man to help lead Sunderland from another basement battle in 2015/16.


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Mike Buick: demystifying OSB.
OSB 'still misunderstood in the merchant's yards'
Published: 28 September, 2009
COWIE: Oriented Strand Board is one of the staples of the construction industry, yet its uses are often misunderstood, said Norbord brand manager, Mike Buick.
"One of the most common errors is to confuse OSB with plywood. Both materials are composite products made from thin layers of wood bonded together with adhesive, but there the similarities end.
"Highly versatile and strong, SterlingOSB is a timber product which is made from layering strands of wood in specific orientations and then bonding the layers with a resin.
Plywood is made from alternate layers of veneer, each arranged with the grain at right angles to that of its neighbours. The high quality plywood can be very strong, it is very expensive compared with OSB.
"Imports of cheap low-grade plywood can look attractive to the uninformed buyer but it is often inferior in quality to home-grown OSB and, moreover, is often from uncertified, unsustainable sources.
"Buyers need to know the difference, and this is where the builders' merchant's yard staff can help.
"Most jobbing builders will drive straight up to the timber yard, select what they need and only then go into the sales office to pay. Their buying decision will have been made with the help and advice of the yard staff.
"While most builders' merchants provide excellent product training for their sales personnel, the yard staff seldom have the opportunity to acquire the same product knowledge," Mr Buick explained.
"The yard staff are the unsung heroes of the merchant sector," Mr Buick continued. "They are eager to help customers and they're in a good position to give product advice. If they understand the benefits of OSB over cheap plywood, the customer will benefit, too.
"Made from thinnings harvested from FSC-certified British forests, OSB it is a truly sustainable product which is produced and consumed entirely within the UK and does not have to be shipped half-way round the world to reach the end-user."


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Does your hair need a change? Looking for a fresh, new look this season? Want to try a hair makeover – hair style, cut or color? Studio99 Unisex Salon & Spa perfectly caters all your hair makeover needs, be it hair style, simple haircut or change of color. What makes a great hair style, cut or color? We know it well because we our hair services are administrated by top hairdressers – master cutters and colorists. Our team of talented hair stylists and artists will ensure for creating a great hair makeover and that look you have always wanted. We always keep eyes on latest trends in the industry and keep updating & educating our hair artists as well.
Following the concept of unisex salons in India, we at Studio99 provide our services for both men and women. Additionally, we also provide hair cut services and styling services for children. Haircutting, styling, coloring, waxing, perm, threading, washing & blow drying, updo styling, and hair spa are main hairdressing services we offer.
Haircuts & Styles
Good haircuts complement your best features. If hair cutting is done correctly then it can highlight the best feature of your face, making you feel smarter and more capable. Whatever hairstyle you opt for, our talented hairdressers are competent to cater your needs perfectly. They can also suggest you the latest style that suits your personality and appearance, while keeping in mind your preferences and desires. Book hair cutting & styling service appointment today!
Hair Crimping
If you wish give a new look to your straight, long hairs then hair crimping would one of the best options. We can transform straight hairs into sawtooth or zigzag fashion by hair crimping method. We use good quality hair crimper (crimping iron) and utmost take care of during the procedure so that we can provide you desired look.
Hair Curling
Have you ever wished to have curly hairs like Kangana Ranaut, one of most popular actresses in Indian cinema? If you wish to transform your straight hairs in a different style i.e. curly hairs, then Studio99 is the place where you will receive the best solution.
Hair Straightening
We at Studio99 are committed to fulfill the wish of having straight, silky hair like your favorite Bollywood actress. We use the most reliable techniques to transform even the tightest curly hair into silky straight hair. We provide highly-effective and damage-free hair smoothening treatment. We always use safe and premium quality products from renowned brands like L'Oreal, Wella, and Schwarzkopf in hair straightening treatment. Book hair straightening service appointment today!
Hair Coloring
Make a bold statement in a beautiful manner by experiments with colors at Studio99. Hair coloring is the fabulous and simplest way to make your look stunning and noticeable. Whether you want to cover up greys or you just love to experiment with hair colors, our hair coloring services are just meant exclusively for you. Our hair coloring services include root touch up, block coloring, creating coloring, fashion streaking, global coloring, highlighting, high-lites coloring, low-lights coloring, balayage highlighting, ombre coloring and henna coloring. We always use premium quality ammonia-free coloring products to ensure healthy hair color and bring the desired shades. Book hair coloring service appointment today!
Hair Spa
The hair spa treatment is a holistic approach and highly-effective therapy for hair re-growth. It is also the best remedy for many hair problems such as hair loss, dandruff, dull & frizzy hair, gray hair, lack of volume, split ends, and dry & brittle hair. Apart from being highly-effective in various hair problems, it also relaxes your body and relieves stress. The expert hairdressers and spa therapists at Studio99 make sure that you receive the world-class hair spa treatments and the best possible solution to all hair problems you have. Book hair spa treatment service appointment today!
Hair Treatment
We provide a range of hair treatments including hair spa treatment. Whether you wish to make your hair free of pollution, dust or other environmental impurities, you will receive the right treatment for your locks here. Our meticulous treatment and holistic approach will make your tresses healthy and glowing. Whether you are suffering from dandruff or hair fall, we will provide the best hair treatment that will help you fight with these conditions. Book hair treatment service appointment today!
Waxing (Hair Removal)
Waxing is the most preferred hair removal technique because of the long-lasting effect. Our waxing services are designed for making the hair removal process a lot easier and simpler. Waxing, if done correctly, will provide you soft and smooth skin. At Studio99, we use the safest waxes to provide you painless hair removal experience. The waxes we choose in waxing procedure are highly effecting in eliminating the undesirable hair in just one simple pull. We provide waxing services for full body, full arms, full legs, half legs, underarms, jaw line, chin, bikini line, underarms, stomach, midriff and back. Book waxing service appointment today!
Threading is one of the most common and cost-efficient ways to remove unwanted hair from the face. We at Studio99 are offering safest threading services for tackling those unwanted facial hairs. Our staff who are trained in the art of threading will ensure safe removal of unwanted hairs from the different face areas. Our threading services include eyebrow threading, chin treading, upper lip threading, forehead threading, and full face threading. If you are looking to appear and clean and fresh face then book our threading service appointment today!


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7 days cruise from Sep 12 - 19 € 940
All prices are per person in Euro including vat.
Prices include
• carefully selected sailing cruise itinerary
• your accommodation on the yacht
• the professional guidance of a gay skipper
• bed linen & towels
• dinghy + outboard
• diesel & gaz
• end cleaning yacht
Prices exclude
• your flights/transfers
• reservation fee € 55 p/person
• food/drinks & occasional mooring fees
Relaxing, fun and enjoyable nude sailing cruise from wonderful Sardinia with it's amazing beaches to stunning Corsica with it's rough landscapes. Of course we will also visit our beloved La Chiappa nudist village.
Many places of interest on the way, like the famous Maddalena Archipelago, the Lavezzi islands and plage de Roccapina.
Great mix of beaches, turquoise waters, picturesque villages and stunning scenery like the cliffs around Bonifacio.
• fly to/from: Olbia/Ajaccio International Airport
• boarding after 1700 pm first day, Olbia
• disembarking before 0900 am last day, Bonifacio
(when joining 1 week, you can either fly in and out from the different islands or use the quick ferry and our groups transfer between Bonifacio and Olbia which allows you to fly to/from the same airport)