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I like my Withings products and the the associated Health Mate App has been a pleasure to work with in the past. Recently Nokia took over Withings and also rebranded the whole product range. They also gave the Health Mate App a complete new design. What really upsets me is that they did not manage to come even close to the functionality that Withings' original Health Mate app offered. I received the following reply from Nokia after asking them where my swim tracking data had gone:
Below you will find a list of known issues that we are in the process of fixing:
- Health Mate isn't sending data to Apple Health
- Historical weight data not displayed in app
- Navigation and UI issues with weight data graphs
- Temperature and CO2 widgets missing
- Luminosity, Noise, and Temperature data not displayed for Aura users
- Normal ranges for Weight, BMI, Body Composition not appearing in the app
- Swim data missing from the app
- Inability to BMI widget to Dashboard
- Inability to set or edit alarms on the Aura
- Inability to log food or access the Nutrition screens
- Inability to link Health Mate to MyFitnessPal
- Inability to edit your Profile (email address, height)
- Inability to set or change a Reminder
- Inability to link to MyFitnessPal
Note that this is the bugs they are currently working on, after they already released a bug fix on June 23rd (version 3.0.2). Why do they release an incomplete and buggy app? Yes, it looks fancy, but how about focusing on the functionality first? This is not a good sign for Withings products. I really hope that Nokia does not ruin their beautiful products.
UPDATE: 8 August 2017
My Health Mate App updated automatically and Nokia put up a rather apologetic message. I can't test if all the functionality they promised now really works, but at least some connection to Runkeeper is now working. My Swimming data usually is displayed twice, which remains a bit of a bummer.
UPDATE 3 May 2018
And now Nokia is selling its health products back to the founder of Withings. A prime example of "company strategy".
121 Comments
I agree completely! Many people or patients like my self, could use the old app as a tool for medical discussion or change of f.ex BP medications. The layout is difficult for older people. Activity doesnt work and so on.
This is a useless app, and I am very sorry they forced us to change!
Withings customerservice was always very helpfull. Now Nokia delete the bad comments on their own app.
Give us back the old app!
I agree 100%. I'm already scouting the market for an alternative. Withings environment was great – all they had to do was swap the withings logo for a nokia logo and it would've been fine, then build/change from there. instead – we have trash, that makes my hardware investment into withings ecosystem feel like a waste.
Like a fool I bought the heart pressure monitor and the scales – neither now work so I am hundreds of pounds out of pocket and can't track my BP or weight. WTF? Why change things before they have solved the problems?
Another angry user here… the new "nokia" App broke sync'ing for my Steel HR. They fixed it 2 days later. Less than a week has passed a V3.0.3 launches and guess what? Sync is broken once again.
Speaks volumes about their change management and testing program!
I had Withings Scale & Fitbit HR2, happy as a lark, now I'm SOL, nothing syncs, Healthmate app to me is worthless. Nothing works, try deleting a member. Never happen
Anybody knows this?
This new APP still not work. and as I mentioned earlier, many patients and doctors use this as a TOOL.
Now is useless!
What happened to all my previous recorded data?
Same experience here.. I had the unfortunate idea of buying a new smart watch just a couple of weeks before the Nokia takeover. I was happy with my health app, my scale, my watch and blood pressure monitor, all of them from Withings. The last 8 weeks since buying the new watch (Steel HR).and the switch to Nokia nothing works properly anymore. I performed a factory reset of my watch as recommended by the help page and now the whole display is dead, shows me a go.withings.com running line, and that's all. I get nothing but automatic thank you messages from the help desk, there is no phone line to call them..:
I am frustrated and disappointed and want my money back.
I consider switching to another system. Anyone suggestions?
Garmin? Fitbit?
I was really pleased with my Withings watch, bought last October, to monitor my steps, however this week the app on my iPad automatically changed to the Nokia Healthmate (which is not as good) but my phone has completely lost the app, and although I have tried many times, I can't get it to re-install. Any ideas please?
I have just taken mine back for a refund as since they took over cannot monitor sleep or get phone info and text info on my Steel HR. Really disappointed as loved my Withings!
Shop I got it from said I wasn't the first to return and get a refund!
Loved my Withings weighing scales – got it last January easy to read app
I hate new Nokia app- but I would put up with it if my scales reliably synced – which it doesn't
Can't get Bluetooth connectivity
Despite repeated reporting to Nokia no support
Agree the Nokia app is useless. The blood pressure works okay. But the tracking is useless- it records distance but with a two or three hour delay. I used Withing for two years and it never missed a step
I have the Withings scales, and their blood pressure monitor which connects to my iPad with a cable. All worked well until Nokia took over. Although the Withings scales still connect by wifi to the Withings app on my iPad (and also on the Nokia Health mate app) I'm having problems with the BP monitor. It won't work with the WIthngs app anymore, and the Nokia app doesn't want to connect. The only help suggestions from Nokia are regarding wireless BP monitors.
I agree my Withings watch is now useless it doesn't synch my sleep or activity, last updated on 10th July and it won't synch further, doesn't monitor correctly, splits sleep into naps and sleep, double counts when I have been swimming. Difficult to navigate don't like the appearance. So glad to find it's not just me, something of a technophobe, having difficulties.
My friend had not done the upgrade. we login my account on both and compare the screens the difference is night and day. The old one has useful data easy to read the new ones just a picture Yes they should still offer the old app as an option
i'm sure they'll blame something else for loss of marketshare six months from now.
My ap disappeared on my iphone. Quite an investment withe my Withings scale – useless now. Class action lawsuit???
I am another very unhappy user. The nokia app is worse than useless and inferior to Withings in just anout every department. First of all it 'updated' me without asking my permission. Then it lost my BP monitor. In 3 weeks it has only worked once with the monitor. It is much slower in picking up step counts and is often inaccurate. Give me my withings app back please and test this mess before you think about reissuing it. No wonder the whole world stopped buying their cell phones!!
My Aura and the sleep sensors aren't working anymore, since NokiaHealth took over. I used the Withings sleep tracking tools for years – everything worked fine. Now it's completely useless and waste of money. Stay away from NokiaHealth products – they can't built software. It's horrible.
Why don't they just bring back the original app? It provided a very clear and visually appealing feedback as the steps counter racked up the numbers till you passed your goal. Swimming and other metrics were great as well. Why buy a company and then destroy what made it valuable and appealing?
If Nokia screws this up like they lost the plot in mobile phones then that is the end of their run and they belong in a business class case study along with Blackberry
i totally agree with all the complaints. bought a cardio scale and auto sleep tracker which are both useless with the terrible health mate appp while the tithings app was ok. when will Nokia come with a prpersolution, or inform his clients about their policy and next steps?????
Same here, upgraded to the top of range steel in April and now it is utterly useless, plus the watch steams up when washing the car so clearly unsuitable for swimming.
At the very least Nokia should have contacted their customers to let them know what is going on. I have spent time trying to find and reload the old software and thought it was something Inhad done to uninstall it.
If this is how Nokia treat their customers the message is obvious – Keep clear!
I shall be seeking to return my watch for a full refund
Add me to the list. Had not checked the Withings app for a few weeks and found years of weight and other data lost (though most still in iOS Health App). Why buy a product line only to kill it? Nokia – what is your plan to fix this?
I hate Nokia, I decided to give away my Withings Activite Watch and now use my Garmin Fenix5s Saphire.
I have a Withings wireless BP monitor with valuable data for my doctor on my BP monitoring history. With the Nokia app all this is gone and I can no longer use my expensive BP monitor using this app. Is there any other app that can do this. The Nokia app and the Nokia company suck!
I had enough, and bought this!
Absolutely disgraceful behavior from Nokia. They don't inform customers of the take over and the plans for the company and forcefully updating their crappy app over the wonderful withings app. The way I see it, Nokia has lost the plot and soon will end up killing withings. I was always hoping that someone like Apple would buy them, as they had that nice Apple feel to their products. Unfortunately, they seem to have been brought out by a failing company that is Nokia!
I can no longer use my Withings Scale since Nokia took over. Time to hunt for a new WiFi enabled scale. If Nokia's plan was to kill Withings then I think they are succeeding.
I concur on all of the previous complaints. My recently bought Body Cardio Scales works but the new Nokia app doesn't. And no data is being passed on to the Apple Health app. So what's the point? It's infuriating. Nokia, please give us the option to re-install the old Whitings app.
I had similar experiences w my Steel HR, it will not sync with the app on sleep or walk, etc, I actually exchanged my watch, and was still having same issues until the last app release. Other challenges include recording sleep data when I was not even wearing the watch.
Really disappointed with Nokia, doesn't look like they do any testing before any releases.
I got the Pop watch and enjoyed useing it but since Nokia took ovet, nothing works or is easy ad with Withings! Bought also the security cam and it doesn't work either. Blood pressure machine doesn't work properly either and lost my old records that I kept for my doctor! Ridiculous! If Nokia had just left everything as it was before, all would be well! It is very upsetting and annoying and I don't even want to think all the money I wasted on all these items!
Thank God I found this page …was about to the purchase the HR steel a couple of minutes ago … sad that good things don't last!
Thank you all for your feedback…I just saved USD$200.
Where's my historical data gone, I've spent years collecting this and need to use it for my annual medical review next week and it's all gone!!! You utter idiots Nokia
I agree… Nokia has ruined Withings. And, I just upgraded to the Steel HR shortly before Nokia took over. Immediately upon the update to the Nokia app, I no longer get sleep data. Now, the worst problem yet…. I was not able to charge my watch for several days and it died. Once I did recharge it, I tried to reset the time (using the app, as you are supposed to) and doesn't work. The hands do not move no matter what I do…. So now I cannot even TELL THE TIME!!! This thing is truly useless now.
Nokia seemed to manage to destroy my HR Steel watch and are now making a refund
They seem to have managed to ruin everything. Even the data I manually enter for BP is now multiplied by 100 when exported to CSV
I am really shocked and also very disappointed
When my lovely Swiss Activite dies, I suppose it will be Apple watch time
Nokia killed Withings
I think I'm one of the 'lucky' ones. I changed phones at the same time as the app update. New phone has new app, old phone old app. As well as the disappointment that everyone else has been going through; today my pop had gained time and new app could not connect to it to rectify, even with watch factory reset.
In my panic (I love the look of my watch, I've bought extra straps) I reached for old phone.
Thank goodness.
Farewell and RIP to the old functionality of the once amazing Withings watch that I loved. At least I still have a pretty watch I suppose.
So sad that Nokia won't seem to admit defeat and give us back the old app until they can fix their mistakes, you can change the logo if you like – just give back what we all had.
I've also been in email contact with Nokia to ask about this mess. They have suggested I use this …
So perhaps we should all go there too.
Nokia lost the cellphone market to smart phone. They want to come back with a smart phone, but do they know what they are doing. Turning a good and working app into an useless garbage. Don't expect too much with their upcoming smart phone.
Thank you for this site. I don't normally write reviews or contribute to forums but I am so very disappointed in the new healthcare site that I wanted to add my thoughts in the hope Nokia make some change fast. The main problem I have is the weight graph. I used to love adding my weight each morning and evening, and enjoyed setting myself challenges. I can't really see the new graph very well, it's too small and it ranges over such a long time period that it's basically useless to me. Now I just have a beautiful withings watch, which looks great, but I don't use the app any more and (although it's not an excuse) I'm walking less and putting on weight. What a complete disappointment from Nokia. On so many levels. It's like an intern developed the app, with no reference to UX data or knowledge… poor, poor, poor :(
They have completely broken the product. Can we sue them? It was a great scale, but now I can't use it.
Another disgruntled scale owner here. The Nokia interface is horrible and I totally miss the functionality of what withings offered previously. Very disappointed and think I'm just going to go back to some dial scales and forget about the body fat reading. I can no longer view the fat mass on the scale in lb. Forced into a percentage readout and the syncing features for myfitnesspal etc have all gone out of the window.
This worked for me….. You maybe lucky, ( I still hadn't synced my iphone with my iMac, & iTunes, so still had the old Withing app on the iMac.) So if you can source the old withings 2.10.1.ipa you can roll back to the old withings app by deleting the nokia health mate app from the iphone & placing the withings 2.10.1.ipa file in the folder where iTunes stores your sync'd apps on your mac /pc. Also move the Nokia Health Mate app (.IPA) from that folder. In iTunes options set not to sync as soon as iphone connected, do this manually (I use cable not WiFi). Reconnect your iphone to your MAC / PC ….. fire up iTunes it should then see the old Withings "HEALTH MATE" app, & click to install. Then DONE, Then APPLY… it then re installs the Withings app. I just then logged in with my user id & password ok.
And the reason the Nokia brand died a death and should have stayed dead was……… crap development poorly thought out role outs and lack of planning.
Hopefully this will be the nail in the coffin
Totally gutted with this now my activity pop doesn't work, blood pressure don't work
All I get is weight on scales.
Now looking to get rid of all my withings stuff and move over to another brand.
HERE HERE… this new experience is horrible. having been a customer since 2012.
they should have just left the functionality alone.
My activity section on the app just reset itself to 1 Jan 1970 with all activity deleted.
I too used to be a happy satisfied Withings customer but since Nokia took over Withings my Blood Pressure Monitor has ceased to function. I am in email correspondence every 3/4 days over last 3 weeks with their Customer Service department but they appear to be incapable of resolving the issue.
My strong advice to potential customers – do not commit until this problem is resolved.
Not much else to say here that has not already been said … just follow the trail … Withings … Nokia … Microschlock …
I have had aortic valve replacement surgery and had been using the Health Mate app on my iPhone 4S. I liked Withings because 1) they actually worked well; and 2) they were backwards compatible with the 4S phone. Problems are i] now the app doesn't work AT ALL – ii] my 3 years of data are not available to me (not even an option to access the data on the cloud – WTF??) and iii] an incompetent, morally bankrupt, completely inept brand manager is destroying one of the fundamental tools patients and doctors use on a recurring basis, multiple times per day. From the brand manager on up to the chairman and board — SHAME on you Nokia – stand up and admit the failure, and return the original software build to your customers. Then take small, incremental steps.
I was very happy with the Withings app, but now I can no longer use my watch with my phone! Very disappointed as I purchased my watch a few months ago, only to have it no longer work. Such a shame as it used to work brilliantly, but now it's useless. I wish they'd bring the original app back. Disappointed and angry. Feel like I've been cheated,
I had to remove the app from my iPad and the-install to take my blood pressure. Kept getting an WPM 01 error. Worked flawlessly since 2013. Sounds like Nokia has been playing around with it and buggered things up.
After re-installing the app, it works fine. Thier FAQ site that it kept directing me to never helped me a bit. Had to figure it out on my own.
100% agree. The new website and mobile app is such a step back in the data it provides. I really liked the way you could modify the historical data into an easy to view format. Not happy.


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There Was Snow
Highlights from our 2.5 months of snowboarding in the 3 Valleys in the French Alps from Jan – March 2016. There Was Snow!
American Authors – Oh, what a life
American Authors – Best day of my life
Posted on July 12, 2016, in Other Adventures, snow and tagged alps, france, snow, snowboarding. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mobile Bingo Apps for Android & iOS
Welcome to our review page of the Best Bingo apps for Mobile, Android & iOS devices. These days more often than not bingo players like to enjoy the odd game of bingo whenever they get a chance on their mobile's or tablets. Gaming on the go is so simple now because bingo providers have developed mobile-sites & native apps which can be downloaded for Android & Apple devices in their respective App Stores.
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- Spend £10, Get £30 Free +£10 (shopping voucher).
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- Games Include daily jackpots, 75 & 90 Ball Bingo.
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*New members only, opt-in required. Min £10 deposit and wager. Spins on Paper Wins only. Bingo game restrictions apply - £50 value on 25p tickets. 30-day expiry from opt-in. Rules apply*
7 - JackpotJoy Bingo App
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*New players only, min £10 dep, 200% up to £100 Bingo Bonus, wagering requirements apply: 3x (deposit bonus). Spins on pre-selected games. Further T&C's apply.*
9 - Gala Bingo App
- Spend £10 & get £30 in bonuses.
- Play bingo online or via Gala Bingo's mobile bingo app.
- Available on both Android & Apple (iPhone & iPad).
*18+. New online customers only. Certain countries only. Min first bingo deposit and spend £10 = £30 bingo bonus. Wagering reqs apply: 4 x. Bingo Bonus Bonus valid for 1 week after credit. T&Cs apply.*
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- Dedicated bingo apps available in Google Play & Apple App Store.
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T&Cs Apply on All Offers Above - New Customers Only - BeGambleAware 18+
Note: All of our bingo reviews are simply there to provide a little guidance into the world of online bingo. Just because we recommend the above apps, it doesn't mean that you have to go & download bingo apps for the sake of it. We will be adding to our list of top rated mobile bingo sites in the near future.
The Best Bingo Apps - Who Decides & How are they Rated?
There is a variety of factors we look at when deciding on which of the mobile apps make our list of the Best Bingo Apps. First of all, we would register an account with the said bingo provider. This enables us to gain access to all of the games on offer. Because how can we provide a fair review if we haven't actually tested the mobile bingo platform out for ourselves. Then we focus on the following points:
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Bingo Apps for Android - Now on Google Play
Having the ability to directly download Android Bingo Apps on mobile & tablet devices has only been possible since late 2017. This is due to Google Play Stores policies on real money gambling apps. However, the reigns have been loosened & Android owners can now install native bingo applications for all devices. Which means there's no need to install third-party APK Files & jump through hoops anymore just so you can play bingo on your mobile.
iOS Bingo Apps for iPhone & iPad
The iTunes App Store has always enabled Apple users to download Bingo Apps for iPhone & iPad etc. So as you can imagine, iOS apps are very popular where online & mobile bingo players are concerned. There is a full range of applications available which have been developed by the UK's leading bingo brands. All of the bingo sites listed in our top 10 are free to download, allow you play for & win real money.
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Native App Vs Web App - What's the Difference? Well, this is quite a simple one to answer!
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Mobile Bingo is the Best Way to Play
Players love playing bingo on mobile because of the whole convenience of it all. Yes, we understand that going to your local bingo hall enables people to meet up & be sociable. But what if we said that you can play bingo & chat to fellow bingo players on your mobile? Would you be interested in how? The majority of bingo providers have bingo rooms dedicated to Chat Bingo, these games are provided as a way to play the games you love & socialise at the same time. Great eh...
Hopefully, our list of recommended mobile bingo apps has helped you make a decision as to which of them is best for you! We have tried & tested all of the above bingo providers on a range of devices including iPhone & Android. We enjoyed playing progressive jackpot games, 80, 90 & 75 Ball Bingo games. We enjoyed them all, we hope you do too.
This mobile app review was brought to you by Free Bookie Bets.


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Explore five reasons Citrix Endpoint Management meets IT's requirements to enable full business mobility throughout the enterprise better than AirWatch by VMware.
In this white paper learn:
Register to download the free white paper.
XenApp, XenDesktop, XenMobile 및 XenServer는 Xen® 제품군의 일부입니다.
© 1999-2019 Citrix Systems, Inc. 모든 권리 보유.


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You can integrate common load test metrics from your Floods including response time, concurrency, transaction rate and passed/failed statistics. This is useful for customers looking to consolidate both load testing and Application Performance Monitoring (APM) tools, such as New Relic.
This lets you create custom dashboards such as this in New Relic.
New Relic Insights is connected to every product in the New Relic platform—which means you can stream and track data from APM, Browser, Mobile, Infrastructure and Synthetics for deeper analysis, segmentation, and filtering within Insights.
To integrate Flood, you will need your New Relic license key. This can be found in your New Relic account settings.
Simply add the license key to your integrations page for New Relic and you're good to go.


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Materni is a 100% Belgian company, founded in 2013. We develop and manufacture tools for feeding infants in hospitals and for home use. It explicitly focus is placed on the development of products to support breastfeeding. The unique feature of all our products is that they are manufactured and packaged in a way that is microbiologically pure so that they are always ready for use. Our aseptic products are not only 100% safe; they are very convenient as well!
Breast milk is the best food for your child, so Materni has developed a number of accessories for breastfeeding. In some cases, however, the use of bottles and teats is appropriate and cannot be avoided. That is why we have also developed a full range of products for optimum bottle feeding.
You can also rely on the professional quality and user-friendliness of our products for use at home. They are available to order here.
Our products have no unnecessary extras, so you can feed any infant easily, safely and economically, wherever you are.


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Alpharma Inc. ALO, +2.90% said Monday that it has agreed to sell its U.S. and international generics businesses to Actavis Group for $810 million in cash. The boards of both companies have approved the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter. The net after-tax cash proceeds are expected to be $150 million to $200 million following the repayment of debt, Alpharma said. Fort Lee, N.J.-based Alpharma expects the sale will add to its 2006 earnings and sees annual savings of at least $15 million. It's retaining ownership of its branded pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and animal health businesses, as well as ParMed Pharmaceuticals Inc., and forecast 2006 earnings before interest, depreciation, and amortization for its retained businesses to be $135 million. The company has subsequently temporarily suspended its search for a chief executive officer to succeed Ingrid Wiik, who said earlier this year she planned to retire once a successor is named.
Alpharma agrees to sell generics div to Actavis for $810M
Quote References
+0.02 +2.90%


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|Return to portfolio index
From the portfolio of The Party PackageTitle: Batman parody
Creator: The Balloon Lady
Description: Here is the birthday boy posing with his new buddy. I started with Ken Stillman's superhero design (Thanks Ken!) then just kept adding balloons till I satisfied with the result. Athough it doesn't show in the photo, the Batman parody is wearing a cape made from 160s.
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Lots of new releases coming for this year's Fantasy Faire! Opening May 1st at 12 SLT, you'll find Bliensen + MaiTai on the Faery Court sim. SLURL to follow upon opening!
One jewelry set to be released is Gilgalad, a HUD-driven texture change set that includes earrings, necklace, tiara, crown, and armbands* (all sold individually). Textures include 6 jewel designs and 4 metals.
*Relay For Life charity item


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*Conference Talk:* For more information on this topic read "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," by L. Tom Perry, _Ensign_, Nov 2008, 7-10. *Thought:* In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. (L. Tom Perry, "Let Him Do It with Simplicity," _Ensign_, Nov 2008, 7-10) *Song:* "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam," _Children's Songbook_, p. 60 *Scripture:* And for this cause, that men might be made partakers of the glories which were to be revealed, the Lord sent forth the fulness of his gospel, his everlasting covenant, reasoning in plainness and simplicity. (Doctrine and Covenants 133:57) *Object Lesson:* _Materials needed:_ A wire hanger, yarn, scissors, stiff paper cut into shapes (such as ovals, squares, and rectangles), and a marker. _Procedure:_ Ask family members to name some activities they enjoy participating in. Write their answers on the cardboard shapes. Use thread to attach the cardboard shapes to the wire hanger to create a mobile. Distribute the shapes across the hanger so they balance. Discuss how we can balance our lives by doing the more important activities and getting rid of (or reducing) the activities that are less important. _Story:_ So often we think that changes in our lives must be elaborate or that celebratory events cannot occur without having sweep and scope, without time and money, without complicated step-by-step patterns. As we learn the uses of simplification we find that focused simplicity can give even more happiness than elaborate and tradition-encrusted events. I use simplicity to add joy and celebration to our daily experience of eating. Mealtimes should be one of the great centers of celebration in family life--convivial, lovely, nourishing to both body and heart--a time of savoring. Now I know that some meals are rushed and full of stress and just a lot of work. But I also know that with wise and creative care and simplification, most meals can be more filled with celebration and wonder. For their afternoon meal, farm workers in France will pick a head of cauliflower, steam it whole, marinate the tender florets in oil and vinegar with herbs and Parmesan cheese, and, with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread, make that their entire meal. My family has tried it--and it is not only delicious but such a delightful break from traditional meals. That simple meal is an experience that helps us savor one flavor to the fullest, to think of the bounties and variety of the harvest of this earth, and to feel a shared delight with unknown workers in a distant land. At the height of strawberry season, or asparagus season, or corn season, or artichoke season, we have often made our entire meal of the single delicious variety of fruit or vegetable. I remember my father saying once, as my mother rationed out the strawberry shortcake, "Strawberry season is so short--don't you think that just once during the season everyone should have absolutely as many strawberries as he could possibly want?" A few weeks later we drove across the border from Canada to Kalispell, Montana, and on the way home we bought a flat of strawberries at a roadside stand. We had only a couple of hours' drive back to the border, and we could not take any produce back into Canada, so we ate strawberries until we could scarcely swallow. Most of the family fell asleep, but I was sitting in the front seat talking to my father. He was still eating strawberries, and the border was getting closer and closer. Any berries that were left would be confiscated. I watched his hand as it reached up to the dashboard to choose a berry from the box that was balanced there. He would eat the strawberry, savor it, and then in a minute, his hand would reach out again. Finally his hand hovered for a good thirty seconds and then returned to the steering wheel--empty. "Well," my father muttered to himself, "I have finally, for once in my life, had all the strawberries I can eat." If we are to simplify our homes, our lives, and the work we do, it is very important to know ourselves. No two people will ever simplify in the same way because things that are unnecessary complications to one person may be a joy to another. (Jaroldeen Edwards, _Celebration! Ten Principles of More Joyous Living_, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995].) *Activity:* Play a simple game such as marbles, chinese checkers, jacks, or pick-up-sticks. *Refreshment* _Cox Honey Cookies_ * 1 1/2 cups shortening * 2 cups sugar * 2 eggs * 1/2 cup honey * 4 cups flour * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 3 teaspoons baking soda * 1 teaspoon baking powder * 1/2 cup sugar * 3 teaspoons cinnamon In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, 2 cups sugar, eggs, and honey. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir into creamed mixture. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 3 teaspoons cinnamon. Form heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and roll each ball in sugar/cinnamon mixture. Place balls on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Do not over bake. Makes 3 dozen cookies. (Paula Julander and Joanne Milner, _Utah State Fare_, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1995] p. 21.)
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Charlie's Bunion, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
*We have added Charlie's Bunion via the AT to our list of Great Hikes in the Southern Appalachians. It's actually a no-brainer on this list, a hike that everyone in the region eventually does. It would also be very near the top of our favorite hikes named for chronic foot ailments…if we had such a list. But we don't.
**This article is part of a longer series on Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and our general love-hate relationship with this amazing and celebrated place
Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Everyone knows the name.
It may not be our favorite National Park, but it is the one we visit most often, because it happens to be right in our figurative backyard. Figurative meaning, while it is located partly in the same state we are, it's over four hours drive away, about the same distance as Washington DC.
In point of fact, it's not the closest National Park to us. Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia is slightly closer. But the closest is actually Congaree National Park. If you just read that and went, "Huh?" don't feel too bad. Congaree is one of the most obscure units in the National Park system, protecting a huge track of flooded woodlands in coastal South Carolina. It is one of the least visited National Parks…in fact, we haven't been there and no immediate plans to go there. (Sylvia has stated her abject refusal to visit 'swamp' on many occasions, and Brian, wishing to remain married for a while longer, is happy with the mountains.)
There is absolutely no doubting that Great Smoky Mountains NP is an and critically important place, both for the ecosystem it preserves and as a huge source of recreational opportunities. And there can be very little real dispute that it is the greatest national park in the Eastern United States. It is also the only significant National Park Unit in the entire country that, as a requirement of its charter, charges no admission fee. It's one hundred percent free to visit.
However, everything said above has significant repercussions. All of the factors above, plus the fact that it sits in close proximity to a good dozen major population centers across the east coast and Ohio River Valley, help make it a very convenient and desirable place to visit. And lot of people do visit. In fact, GSMNP is BY FAR the most visited true National Park in America. In 2017, over 11,0000 visitors streamed through its gates (or more correctly, inched through amidst the press of traffic.) That is almost twice as many visitors as the next most visited National Park, which happens to be the Grand Canyon.
And what this means is, while GSMNP may be a remarkable place, it's also a remarkably crowded place. Several of Brian's least fond memories involve being stuck in huge traffic tie ups in this park…some of the worst traffic jams he has ever seen. And Brian grew up in Boston.
We have seen the Smokies described in numerous as a hiker's paradise. This is a very debatable statement, in our opinion. There are many fine hikes in this park, and a few are great. But our opinion is that there are other places in North Carolina and Tennessee that are as good, and probably better. And most are far less crowded.
Two other things must be said about hiking in the Smokies. The first is a problem shared with many areas in the Southern Appalachians – poor air quality. The views, even on bright sunny days, are often marred by haze. Some of this is natural (they aren't called the Smokey's for no reason) but most of it is caused by pollution mostly from factories and power plants in the Midwest. Shenandoah NP has similar (maybe even worse) problem. If you visit on a day when a shift in the prevailing winds blows the haze off, it's really stunning. (See our hike of Sharp Top…it's not in either park but you'll get the idea.) But, most of the time…there's just something about views when they are obscured by smog and haze that leaves a bad taste in the hiker's mouth.
The second problem is trying to find a view at all. There are very few open summits in the Smokies and many of these are (in our opinion) decidedly underwhelming.
This again is a truth about Appalachian Hiking (hence they call the AT the "long Green Tunnel.") However, Brian grew up in New England, a few hours drive from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He is absolutely convinced that the best summits of New Hampshire (and Maine, and maybe Vermont too) are collectively superior to those in the Southern Appalachians.
There are several reasons for this…tree line in the Northern Appalachians is at approximately 5000 feet. Go above that, you are in the Alpine Zone. In the South, tree line doesn't exist. It would be above 10,000 feet, but there are no mountains anywhere near that high. There are 'balds' in the South, but not all of these are impressive. Some feel more like cow pastures than wild peaks.
No view that I have seen in the Smokies compares with this one from Hawksbill Mountain
Secondly, there are many more rocky topped summits in the Northern Appalachians and Adirondacks. And we're not even talking about the bigger mountains here…there's just tons of small ones too, like Chocorua, Monadnock, Camel's Hump, Roger's Ledge, the Moats, Tumbledown, etc. And almost all the big ones (like Washington and Katahdin) have large and impressive alpine areas with nearly limitless views. These places FEEL like wild summits, and that's exactly they are. Washington remains a potentially dangerous summit to this day, and Katahdin is in some ways even more forbidding.
Compare this the highest points in the Southern Appalachians. Mount Mitchell is treed to the summit, and Clingman's Dome in the Smokies is too. Both have observation platforms that help with the viewing but…it's just not the same. There are some tough sections of trail to both but…In no way do these peaks compare to the Presidential Peaks or Katahdin Massif.
Now, that's not to say there's aren't many great summits in the South. Old Rag is a dandy, and at least three of the summits that border the Linville Gorge can rival almost anything north of them. There's plenty others, too. Roan Mountain in Tennessee and the Black Balsam section of the Art Loeb Trail have extended open views. So do the Grayson Highlands.
But if you think those places are located in GSMNP, think again.
Probably the largest open summit in the Smokies is Gregory Bald. We visited this place early in 2018 as part of our shakeout for the Tour du Mont Blanc and enjoyed the hike. But were also a bit underwhelmed by the summit. There were fine, though somewhat restricted and haze-obscured, views, but nothing that could possibly compare to Mt. Washington on a good day.
Mt. Cammerer is probably the best single viewpoint in the Smokies
There's also Mt. Leconte, which has no view from the summit but many great views and curious caves and bluffs on the way. And Mt. Cammerer which we think is perhaps the best view in the park, or the best we've seen anyway. And – full disclosure – we have seen it all. We've yet to see Rocky Top, the Thunderer or the Chimney tops.
But no discussion of the park would be complete with perhaps the most famous view in it. This would be the viewpoint known as Charlie's Bunion. I am not sure who Charlie was, but the view from his bunion sure is grand. In fact, I would say that this is, without doubt, the best claimant to the title, "World's Greatest Bunion."
Brian hiked to the Bunion in 2008 on a day of partially good weather. The photos are from this hike.
We've already covered the fact that GSMNP is the most visited of the National Parks. Well, Charlie's Bunion is likely the second most popular hike in the first most popular park…after only the Alum Cave Trail. So, if you guessed that you won't be alone, you guessed right.
Another factor in this being a popular hike is that, for its entire way, it follows the famed Appalachian Trail. It also leaves from Newfound Gap, aka the most crowded single place in the most crowded of the US National Parks. This adds up to a lot of…crowds.
Almost everybody who visits Newfound Gap poses in front of this sign to get their picture taken. Its almost a right of passage.
But really, it makes little sense. The NC-TN border runs for hundred of miles…in fact, the Appalachian Trail alone runs for 224 miles along the border, and there are many road crossings. There's no magic at all to it…you could stand at the border in a hundred different places. But people gotta have their pictures.
The first challenge of the hike to Charlie's Bunion is finding a parking space at the Newfound Gap lot. An early start is recommended. The hike to the bunion is about four miles one way…eight plus miles total. Most of the hikes to anything in GSMNP are quite long. In fact, to reach any view not right on the roadside you usually have to walk ten miles or more. So the Bunion, while a good ways from the road, is closer to it than most viewpoints. And that don't make it any less crowded.
While it's not an easy hike, it is not particularly difficult either. It's a steady uphill most of the way over a modest, though eroded, trail bed. You will be constantly passing other hikers or being passed by them, depending on your pace.
What Brian remembers most about this hike was that he left his hydration system at home and had to improvise one on the fly. He was able to rig up a very crappy makeshift one by hanging a Nalgene bottle from his pack by means of a carabiner. He clearly remembers the bottle swinging back and forth of smacking into his chest with every step. No photos exist of this hybrid system, which is for the best. It has never been redeployed.
The second thing he remembers is that he encountered a woman who had a bear bell on her pack and was very nervous about a bear encounter. A bear bell, for those who don't know, is a little jingle bell that you attach you your pack in the vain hope that bears will hear you coming and assume you are Santa Claus and leave you alone, or something like that. Brian owns one, somewhere, which he purchased for a trip to Montana in 2004. He lived through that but has not used it since.
Oh, and by the way, Brian did see a bear in the park just the day before the hike and related this to the woman, who was greatly displeased to hear it.
The third thing he remembers is the view. Which is impressive. It's a 180-degree panorama that looks something like this…
We have noted that many of the views in the Smokies tend to look stark and ominous, even somewhat gloomy. Mt. Cammerer is one major exception to the rule. But Brian is okay with this…wilderness should be a bit forbidding in character. True wild things have teeth.
(If you are wondering why the call it the Bunion, and who Charlie is, there are two possible versions of this story, both of which can be found on the wikipedia article for the Bunion. Brian is of the belief that neither is likely to be correct.)
There's really only this one view, plus a very nice rock ledge to sit on and enjoy it. Usually there's a bunch of people lounging around. Brian spent some time speaking to a young hiker who had been backpacking in the park for days…he was carrying a huge pack, had no idea what he was doing, was making it up as he went along, and was loving every minute of it.
After enjoying the views for a while, Brian (who was still suffering from his bout with plantar fasciitis at the time) stumbled back to Newfound Gap, unclipped his Nalgene bottle and drove away. He took no selfie that day.
A Year or so later Sylvia and I returned to the spot, where we took this picture.
Minutes later, we got stuck in a bear jam (traffic jam caused by a bear, or bears) that stretched, I kid you not, from Gatlinburg all the way back to the gap.
Some years after THAT, Sylvia and I attempted to hike to another viewpoint along this same route, but the weather simply did not cooperate. Not only did we get crowds, we also got clouds. We halted at the lookout known as the Jump-Off. Not clear, exactly, what you jump off into…probably it's a long way away, we didn't try it. There's supposed to be a view of Charlie's Bunion from here but…we couldn't tell. We ate a soggy snack beneath dripping pine trees and beat a well-earned retreat. I could not find a single picture from this soggy day…it's just as well. There was nothing to see but us, soaked to the bone.
Brian will fully admit that GSMNP is not his top of the list place to hike. In the Southern Appalachians he prefers the Pisgah, Nantahalia and Cherokee National Forests. He also thinks that while Shenandoah is a smaller and generally an inferior park, it does have at least one far superior hike (Old Rag.)
But on days when it is not crowded, GSMNP is a very, very nice place to hike, camp and sight-see. And we have not explored all of it yet…Sylvia and I still have an open mind toward a vast wilderness area.
Every American should see all the major National Parks at least once. And when you get to GSMNP, you might as well see the Bunion. You might see a few better hikes , but you won't see a greater bunion, that's for sure.
Next: Can You Avoid the Crowds in the Smokies?


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Ophelia Marble Dining Table Rectangular In Cream And Brown, is a very distinct and bold in style, especially with the stunning "V" shaped pedestal base. The table is constructed from a very resilient solid wood throughout, with the table top and base plate being finished using constituted marble for strength and durability. The surface is very chic and elegant, providing a smooth cream table top, which still manages spotlight the marble pattern throughout, making this table striking and unique. The table can comfortably seat 6 - 8 people, making this perfect for when entertaining your guests.
Special Order: Lead Time For Delivery is 4 Weeks
Ophelia Marble Dining Table Rectangular In Cream And Brown
Table top and base plate finished in constituted marble
Resilient solid wood pedestal base
Rectangular shape table top
It allows comfortable seating upto 6-8 people
Ideal for your Dining Room
Available at an affordable Price
Width: 100cm
Length: 180cm
Height: 75cm
© 2019 Furniture in Fashion


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Tristan Condo Condominium for Rent
Tristan Condo Condominium for Rent
Light wood floors, stylish decor and comfortable furnishings are offer in this welcoming low rise 3 bedroom condo for rent at Tristan Condo.
Coming with 154 square metres it opens to a living area holding lounge and dining sections. The lounge has a comfortable sofa with attached daybed and matching circular poufee against a patterned wall section, a tall lamp, 2 coffee tables on a shag rug and a large wall unit with shelving, a flat screen TV and a large mirror section. This area is close to sliding glass doors that give good natural light and allow balcony access.
Deeper into the living space is a 6-place dining suite. Meals enjoyed here will be prepared in the fitted kitchen that comes with a suite of cupboards and drawers above and below the work surface as well as installed appliances awaiting use.
The 3 bedrooms have a mix of double and single beds and furnishings that include bedside tables, reading lamps, work/study desk with chairs, dressers and generous wardrobe space. The master is particularly spacious.
As for the 3 bathrooms, these have modern w.c.'s, stand-alone wash basins, wall mirrors and either full size bathtub or shower area.
Uniformed security personnel and constant CCTV monitoring both operate 24/7 and residents have secure parking. Leisure facilities include an inviting swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness room.
Phrom Phong is the nearest BTS station with an Expressway entrance within 2 km. There is a hospital 1.5 km away and an international school and large supermarket within 1 km. For multi-floor shopping The Emporium Department Store is within easy reach.
In terms of dining and entertainment this area spoils for choice. There are a host of cafes, bars, restaurants and nightlife venues for you to discover and enjoy.
Included with the unit
|Common Area


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Ordering Information
Terms – All plants are labeled true to name, alive, healthy and dormant. Only healthy plants of excellent quality are shipped. Since we do not have control of the plants after they leave the International Bonsai Arboretum, plants are not guaranteed.
Payment – Full payment must accompany all orders. All prices are payable in U.S. dollars and subject to change without notice. We accept checks, Mastercard and Visa. Please provide your account number and security code on the back and expiration date for credit card payments. New York State residents add 8% sales tax. Minimum order $35.
Shipping & Handling – FREE SHIPPING Bare-root seedlings are only available from mid January through March 2019 by mail order depending on quantities and weather conditions. Plants will be shipped via U.S. Mail. Please provide your complete street address and telephone number. No foreign orders. Special arrangements can be made to deliver plants to bonsai conventions that I will attend. Please indicate preferred shipping date.
Care Upon Arrival – Plants should be unboxed upon arrival and kept in a cool dark area at 35-40oF . Deciduous bare-root seedlings can be easily kept for several months if correctly stored and periodically checked for watering. Transplant when buds are swollen and before they start to open. Tap roots and heavy roots should be lightly trimmed when planting to encourage an abundance of fibrous roots. Seedlings should be potted before foliage opens and matures.
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Japanese Black Pine
Pinus thunbergii
pre-bonsai– 1 gal, 8-15" $110 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Larger image depicts the single sample tree after wiring and potting. Smaller image depict First individual sample tree was wired. More sample trees.
Itoigawa Sargent Juniper
Juniperus chinensis 'Shimpaku Itoigawa'
Sargent juniper, also called Shimpaku juniper, is a favorite among bonsai artists from beginners to master artists because they don't have a natural growth form and can be shaped into any shape. The evergreen, bright green foliage of the Itoigawa sargent juniper is more delicate and refined than the common Shimpaku juniper. They are quick to develop and easy to maintain. Supple branches can withstand quite a bit of bending into extreme as well as delicate forms. These specimens started from cuttings have been wired to create basic trunk movement and have been container grown to ensure a healthy root system. Create your own bonsai with bright green foliage!
pre-bonsai– 4" pots, 8-12" $50 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Larger image depicts sample tree before wiring. Smaller image depict sample trees after wiring.
Trees are not sold wired. Ceramic pot not included.
Sekka Hinoki Cypress
Chamaecyparus obtusa 'Sekka'
Pre-bonsai- 1 gal. 8-10" Tall– $55.00 Free Shipping SOLD OUT !
Click on smaller images to see image of pre -Bonsai.
Rough Bark Japanese Maple Seedling
Acer palmatum
There are several cultivars of Japanese maples with interesting bark. The most vigorous and easiest to grow and train for bonsai is the Rough Bark Japanese maple cultivar 'Arakawa.'Truer from cutttings, many of these seedlings have shown the characteristic rough bark at a young age. These seedlings are from my forty year old garden which is covered with rough bark and has survived severe winters in Rochester, New York. Each seedling has been root pruned to encourage surface roots and wired to create trunk movement. Branches will quickly develop. The bright autumn color is reliable for these choice seedlings established in three inch pots.
Seedling from 3" pot - 6-10" Tall– $40 Free shipping SOLD OUT !
Trident Maple
The Trident maple is one of the best deciduous species for forest and single trunk bonsai. The small, dark green trilobed leaves turn yellow and orange in autumn. They grow quickly in trunk caliber and thin, delicate twigs are attractive in winter when the structural beauty of the bonsai can be enjoyed. The unique ability of Trident maple roots to grow together and "web" makes it the finest species for root over rock style. New shoots grow quickly from old wood after drastic pruning. Flexible slender seedlings great for thread grafting roots and branches. The larger specimens are great for workshps or larger forest. Develops superb surface roots!
10 Bareroot Seedling Bundle- 6-18" Tall – $50. Free Shipping SOLD OUT !
Click on smaller image to view seedlings bundle.
Larger image depicts a developed bonsai, ceramic pot not included.
White Chojubai Flowering Quince
Chaenomeles japonica 'Chojubai White'
There are numerous cultivars of Japanese flowering quince, mostly selected for flower color and form. The Chojubai Japanese flowering quince is highly prized for the small flowers and rough bark which develops with age. Usually they begin flowering from late autumn to spring. The orange-red cultivar is well known with dark green leaves, but slow growing and difficult to find in this country. The white cultivar is even more rare and is much faster and easier to grow than the red variety. The white flowers are commonly followed by small yellow fragrant fruit which contrast well with the light green foliage. Most of these plants have been traind to be single trunk bonsai. Try this rare plant with white flowers!
pre-bonsai– 1 gal, 8-12"– $65 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Click on smaller image to view Pre-Bonsai.
Koto Hime Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum 'Koto Hime'
The Koto Hime Japanese maple has probably the smallest foliage of all maples and is superb for shohin bonsai as well as larger specimens. The tiny foliage leafs out with a reddish color which becomes rich green. These plants are cutting grown and established in 1 gallon pots. Surface roots quickly develop from cuttings and develop heavy trunks when container grown. The natural growth habit for Koto Hime Japanese maple is upright, so horizontal branching needs to be shaped with wire. Short dense shohin bonsai can be developed in a few seasons with this easy to grow select cultivar. Add this small treasure to your bonsai collection.
1 Pre-Bonsai– from 1 gal. 8-10" Tall– $50 Free Shipping SOLD OUT !
Dwarf Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Click on smaller image to view Pre-Bonsai.
Japanese Beauty Berry
Callicarpa japonica
pre-bonsai– 5" pot, 8-10"– $55 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Japanese Red Pine Bundle
Pinus densiflora
Japanese red pine are excellent but are difficult to find species for bonsai training. The bark forms thick sections which add the appearance of age quickly. The trunks are reddish as are the buds. The light green needles, thick bark and growth characteristics are different from Japanese black pine. Japanese red pine are delicate in appearance, but easy to grow and are winter hardy. Short needles are easily developed. The three year old unbranched seedlings, have a good root system and can be easily bent to look old and contorted. Easy to grow and winter hardy!
Dawn Redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides
Unlike the "true" Redwoods native to California, the Dawn redwood, native to China, is a deciduous conifer which is quite winter hardy in northern areas of the United States. The delicate appearing foliage appears to be feathery and is bright green in spring. Autumn brings a bronze coloring before all the foliage drops revealing branches. This fast growing species develops quickly with rough bark adding impact to the bonsai design. Although most bonsai are trained in the formal upright style, any upright form is suitable according to the growth charcteristics. Forest plantings are popular if different size trunks are available. Make your own Redwood forest.
Pre-bonsai– from 1 gal. 10-18" Tall $45 Free Shipping SOLD OUT !
Larger image depicts a deleloped bonsai forest, ceramic pot not included.
Dwarf Stewartia
Stewartia monadelpha
Dwarf stewartia (a member of the Camellia family) are grown for the light-brown, cinnamon-colored bark, small white flowers, bright orange autumn foliage and distinct long dormant buds.
The fine twigs also make Dwarf stewartia an excellent choice for shohin bonsai and for winter appreciation. Often displayed in winter to appreciate the unusual beautiful bark. Difficult to find outside Japan. These vigorous seedlings have light branching and a fibrous root system which make them excellent for forest bonsai. A true rare find in the bonsai world.
1 Bareroot Seedling - 12-20" Tall– SOLD OUT!
Larger image depicts a deleloped bonsai forest, ceramic pot not included.
Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
Hinoki cypresses are prized for their elegant fern like dark green foliage which lies flat. This slow growing cultivar is popular for rock gardens. The branches are quite pliable is simply pinched with fingers to avoid brown tips. These pre-bonsai Dwarf hinoki cypress are ready to be shaped and recommended for workshops. They are bushy and can be shaped into impressive bonsai during a three hour workshop. Great for club workshops or classes!
Pre-bonsai– 4" pot, 12-14"– $50 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Large image depict sample tree after wiring and repotting.
Loose Flowering Hornbeam
Carpinus laxiflora
The most commonly trained hornbeam in Japan is the Loose flowering hornbeam also called Red leaf hornbeam because the new growth is bright red. During spring and summer long slender flowers form before they become tan fruit. The light grey bark has long distinctive stripes as the tree ages. The light green long leaves have distinctive prominent veins. Although mostly trained for forest bonsai, they are also used for single and multiple trunk style. This easy to grow species is difficult to locate in the United States. Create an unusual bonsai specimen.
5 trees in community pots– 10-12"– $50 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Beech are a beautiful species primarily grown for their white bark, long buds and fine twigs. The dark green leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. The winter bronze leaves often persistthroughout the winter. Forest bonsai are commonly createdwith beech because they are easy to grow. These five branched seedlings can quickly be created into a forest bonsai and have been grown in a community pot. Trunks become white in about six years. The trained pre-bonsai have light branching and often smaller foliage than Japanese beech.
5 trees in community pots– 10-14"– $50 SOLD OUT!
Larger image depicts a deleloped bonsai forest, ceramic pot not included. Smaller image depict sample community pot and pre-bonsai.
Buttercup Winterhazel
Corylopsis pauciflora
The Buttercup winterhazel has full fat yellow buds from late winter to early spring. which contrasts with the light grey bark.The pendulous flowers are much smaller than the common Spike winterhazel. They are often trained into single or multipletrunk style bonsai. Small shohin bonsai can also be trained because of its delicate growth habit and small flower size. They have a spreading growth habit and are well rooted ready for shaping and Training. Full of plump flower buds.
1 seedling– 4" pot, 8-10" $30 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Larger image depicts a developed bonsai, ceramic pot not included.
Chinese Quince
Pseudocydonia sinensis
The Chinese Quince, "King of Fruiting Bonsai" is a distinctive species because of its attractive delicate pink flowers in early spring and large fruit during the summer. In autumn the fragrant fruit mature to a golden yellow and the foliage turns bright orange and red. Irregular patches of colorful bark can be best appreciated in the winter. All plants are seedlings from one of our bonsai and have excellent roots. The tall trunks can easily be wired into interesting shapes or created into a forest bonsai. Chinese quince has it all– flowers, fruit, bark and autumn color.
Good for workshop and classes!
Click on smaller image to view Pre-Bonsai and seedling
Akebono Flowering Cherry
Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono'
pre-bonsai– 1 gal, 12-16"– $50 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Click smaller image to view Pre-Bonsai.
Japanese Larch
Larix kaempferi
Japanese larch are deciduous conifers. Early spring is the best time of the year to appreciate the small delicate opening buds, which look artificial. Following a summer of light green needles they will turn golden yellow in autumn before dropping, displaying beautiful twigs with large buds. Japanese larch are quite winter hardy and will not thrive in warm climates with high humidity. Trees are pliable and have been trimmed and have great branching. Brilliant spring new growth coloring!
pre-bonsai– 4" pot, 10-16"– $30 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Larger image depicts a sample pre-bonsai wired and repotted.
Okame Flowering Cherry
Prunus incisa 'Okame'
This hybrid Flowering cherry from England has single pink flowers with red centers. The delicate flowers appear throughout the plant, even on young branches. Autumn brings clear yellow attractive foliage. These select plants have been cutting grown in 3" pots and have been trimmed to develop branches for training into small or medium size bonsai. They are now ready for wiring and shaping into delightful bonsai. Although the trunks are heavy, they can still be wired. Great for creating shohin bonsai and can be potted directly into small bonsai pots. Enjoy a delightful pink spring flowering bonsai!
Branched Pre-bonsai– from 3" pots 8-10" Tall– $35 Free Shipping. SOLD OUT !
Momo No Haru Azalea
Rhododendron indicum 'Momo No Haru'
This choice cultivar of Satsuki azalea has beautiful pink flowers which are small, unlike other cultivars. This dwarf cultivar has small foliage which makes it superb for shohin bonsai or larger specimens as well. The compact root system is suitable for potting into bonsai containers now. These Momo No Haru satsuki azaleas have been trained for single trunk bonsai, unlike the commonly available multiple trunk plants. The flexible branches can easily be wired and shaped into bonsai forms. Enjoy a month of pink colorful blossoms.
pre-bonsai– 1 gal, 8-12"– $60 Free Shipping! SOLD OUT !
Smaller image depicts a pre-bonsai.
Bonsai Training Container
These brown plastic oval training containers with multiple knock out drainage holes are great for forests or single trees and economical for classes and workshops. The container can also be used as a water basin or saucer if the drainage holes are intact. One or two seedling bundles will generally fit well in this size container. A great training pot.
Container size: 17" x 12" x 2" deep SOLD OUT !
6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album
Each album is unique and contains their own set of trees.
Only 5 trees have ever been shown twice at the U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition. See and study over 300 of the finest bonsai in the United States displayed in the 6th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition held on September 8-9, 2018 in Rochester, New York. Well over 100 different species, 5 species never exhibited before at a U.S. National Exhibition, are beautifully photographed and printed in the high quality exhibition album featuring every bonsai displayed. The beauty of over 100 shohin bonsai are displayed in addition to special exhibits from the leading botanical gardens and arboretums in the country. Candid photos of the sales area and demonstrations complete this beautifully produced and horticulturally accurate book. Trees from 27 States, 11 Arboretums, Canada and Puerto Rico. Hardcover, 240 pages in full color. Not only can you view master piece Bonsai , it is a great way to study them. If you study the styles, dimensions, proportions and ratios of these beautiful trees, you will develope a better understanding of their grace. This knowledge will help you develop your own outstanding trees. Please order now and help support the publication of this great Bonsai album.
Retail Price $69
5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album
2016- 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album
See and study over 300 of the finest bonsai in the United States displayed in the 5th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition held on September 10-11, 2016 in Rochester, New York. Over 100 different species are beautifully photographed and printed in the high quality exhibition album featuring every bonsai displayed. The beauty of over 100 shohin bonsai are displayed in addition to ten special exhibits from the leading botanical garden and arboreta in the country. Candid photos of the sales area and demonstrations complete this beautifully produced and horticulturally accurate book. Trees from 37 States.
Every Album is unique, with it's own set of trees.
Hardcover, 224 full color pages
Retail Price $69
4th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Album
2014 - 4th U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Commemorative Album
See and study 320 of the finest bonsai in the United states, including 40 shohin bonsai compositions with 120 small size bonsai, displayed in the 4th US National Bonsai Exhibition held on September 13-14, 2014 in Rochester, New York. Over 125 species and plant cultivars were displayed which is representative of the trees trained for bonsai in our country. Plus, bonsai from three special exhibitor groups from two provinces of Canada. Also included are bonsai from the leading botanical gardens and arboreta in this art form. One of the earliest bonsai to enter the Untied States in 1935 was on display, which was started from a cutting taken in 1802.
Every Album is unique, with it's own set of trees.
11 x 8.5" hardcover
Retail Price $69
Sale Price $50.00 + U.S. POSTAGE $7, POSTAGE CANADA $28.00, FOREIGN POSTAGE $38.00
3rd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Commemorative Album
2012- 3rd US NATIONAL BONSAI EXHIBITION ALBUM
See and study 248 of the finest bonsai in the United States as displayed in the 3rd US National Bonsai Exhibition held on June 9-10, 2012 in Rochester, New York. Magnificent full color photos of each bonsai in perfect color shows fine details so you can study the forms, species and styles of each artist's best creations. Overall candid photos of the sales area and demonstrations complete this beautifully produced and horticulturary accurate book.
208 full color pages 11 x 8.5", hardcover
List price: $65.00 U.S.
ON SALE $40 + US postage $7, postage to Canada $28.00, postage other countries $38.00
2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition Commemorative Album
2010 - 2nd US NATIONAL BONSAI EXHIBITION ALBUMSee and study 226 of the finest bonsai masterpieces in the United States as displayed in the 2nd U.S. National Bonsai Exhibition on June 12-13, 2010 in Rochester, New York. Magnificent full color photos of each displayed bonsai including 91 shohin bonsai, as well as candid views and three demonstrations. Relive memories from this historic event!
Every Album is unique, with it's own set of trees.
Soon to be out of print.
List price: $65.00 U.S.


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Upstream oil industry is key to the continent of Africa. According to the 2008 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Africa had proven oil reserves of 117.481 billion barrels at the end of 2007 or 9.49 % of the world's reserves and in 2007 the region produced an average of 10317.6 thousand barrels of crude oil per day, 12.5% of the world total and a change of 3.1 % compared to 2006. Five countries dominate Africa's upstream oil production. Together they account for 85% of the continent's oil production and are, in order of decreasing output, Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, Egypt and Angola. Other oil producing countries are Gabon, Congo, Cameroon, Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cote d'Ivoire. Exploration is taking place in a number of other countries that aim to increase their output or become first time producers. Included in this list are Chad, Sudan, Namibia, South Africa and Madagascar while Mozambique and Tanzania are potential gas producers.
According to the 2008 BP Statistical Energy Survey, Africa consumed an average of 2955.2 thousand barrels a day of oil in 2007, 3.49% of the world total and a change from 2006 of 131 tbpd.
According to the same survey, Africa had 2007 proved natural gas reserves of 14.58 trillion cubic meters, 8.22% of the world total. Natural gas production for 2007 was 190.37 billion cubic meters, 6.45% of the world total.
The downstream oil industry comprises 44 refineries in 25 countries with a total distillation capacity of 3,000 thousand barrels per day which represents 4% of the world total. The major refining centers are in Egypt (19.2%), Algeria (16.7%), South Africa (15.6%), Nigeria (14.6%), Libya (11.6%), Morocco (5.2%) and Kenya (3.0%) in decreasing magnitude of refining capacity (1/1/99) as a percentage of total African capacity. South Africa also has synfuels production. All countries have marketing and distributing facilities. In addition to fuels, Africa has an active lubricants industry which encompasses base oil refining, lubricant blend, distribution and marketing.
All the major international oil companies have a presence in Africa, but there are also local African oil companies. Most of the companies issue regular press releases which are a supplement to the news available about their activities and to the investment reports of investment analysts.
The World Bank and other bodies have undertaken studies and produced reports on the African oil industry. In recent years, there have been several conferences devoted to the African oil industry in both the upstream and downstream sectors.


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Introducing new 1000mg CBD&CBG drops.
1000mg per container, 30ml container.
simply take under the tongue, mix with any food or drink, or add to your favorite vape juice!
CBD (cannabidiol) isolate, MCT oil
*Dropper shows milliliter measurements
Approx. dosing:
1.6mg per drop
8.3mg per .25 ml
16.6mg per .5 ml
25mg per .75 ml
33.3mg per 1 ml


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A teenage girl from Syracuse is facing multiple charges after deputies say she agreed to have sexual contact with an undercover officer in the Town of Canandaigua.
The Ontario County Sheriff's Office and Canandaigua Police charged a 17-year-old girl from Syracuse with Prostitution and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana after an investigation at a hotel on Routes 5 & 20 in the Town of Canandaigua on April 2.
Deputies say the teen agreed to have sexual contact with an undercover officer. She was remanded to the Ontario County Jail for pre-arraignment detention.
32-year-old Djaquinn Johnson of Syracuse was seen giving the child a ride to the hotel. He was pulled over and issued a ticket for Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Vehicle and taken into custody and turned over to Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for an active warrant for Robbery in the 2nd degree.
The relationship between the teen and Johnson is unclear.


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$88.00 $69.00
Item# FRANCO2-CA-BLK-XLG
Canvas Stretch Belt
Additional Information
The distinguished design and accent stitching of the FRANCO men's belt in canvas stretch with a calf leather trim is guaranteed to elevate your style. The rich Italian textures of this stand out accessory will bring any look together. Made in the Mountains of Italy.
- Canvas stretch construction with calf leather trim
- Polished hardware
- Width: 1 ⅓ inches
- Waist size: (MED) 38 (XLG) 44 - must be custom cut for size (S)
- Made in Italy


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Who We Are
We are a family-run, fast-casual Tex-Mex eatery offering a sit-down, takeaway and delivery service. We currently have 4 outlets in Johannesburg. (find us here)
Our passion for this style of food originated from our holidays in Los Angeles where we frequented many of the different Tex-Mex restaurants across the Californian state. Deciding that limiting ourselves to these great flavours to once a year wasn't an option any more, we opened our first branch in Craighall in 2010.
Now we can get our Tex-Mex fix on a regular basis and also share our fervour for this incredibly delicious food with South Africa.
Come and visit us and enjoy our wide range of offerings, including burritos, tacos, nachos, fajitas, chimichangas, quesadillas and enchiladas. All our meals are available in a choice of vegetarian, beef, chicken or prawn fillings, and are made with only the freshest ingredients, on site, every day.
Our dishes can be enjoyed with sides of your choice such as fresh guacamole, fresh salsa, pico de gallo (chunky salsa), Mexican rice and refried beans.
We also highly recommend our chocolate burritos. They are amazing!
Our food is not spicy and is child friendly, but fresh chilli can be added to all our dishes on request to give you some "heat".
We also offer customised catering and platters for any function. Contact us to discuss your requirements and budget.


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Job Description
As the Technical Support Manager, you are primarily responsible for managing technical support issues raised by our clients and end users of our software. Additionally, you are responsible for maintaining and enhancing Marketing, Sales, Services & Support Salesforce.com functionality and workflows.
The ideal candidate has experience managing and growing a SaaS software support organization, utilizing systems, processes and metrics to efficiently track and resolve issues. Using the Salesforce.com Service Cloud platform, approximately 70% of end user inquiries are resolved via an automated workflow and you will be responsible for evolving that workflow as we expand our client technical support capabilities. As a player/coach, you will evolve the department strategy, including how to address global expansion, while managing the Technical Support Analyst currently handling case volume, acting as an escalation point for complex issues, and ensuring cases are addressed 7-days per week.
Additional CRM duties include working with the Sales Operations Analyst and department leaders to support current Salesforce.com use across the company and identify opportunities to better leverage our Salesforce.com investment.
- Ownership of inbound and outbound case queues across various accounts while adhering to SLA requirements to resolution.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to identify, understand and deliver key performance metrics and assist in driving overall program success and enhancements.
- Escalate issues to internal teams such as CSMs, Engineering and Data Services with detailed reproduction steps and completed triage overview when appropriate.
- Manage issues or areas of improvement for clients to ensure they are getting the best results from the solution.
- Manage to support KPIs and use trend data to prepare for future capacity needs.
- Continue to evolve the systems and team to support end users 7-days per week and grow with the organization as we expand globally.
- Develop and maintain customer-facing and internal support reference materials and knowledge base articles.
- Document software bugs and partner with Engineering to triage, prioritize and resolve product issues that are impacting customers.
- Push creative thinking beyond the boundaries of existing support best practices to come up with process improvements and new ways to delight customers.
- Assist management in tracking customer communication, issues, and metrics for reporting and enhancements.
- Assist in client meetings, phone calls and reviews as a technical expert when beneficial.
- Maintain a proactive approach to client support as well as understanding new products, services and implementations from the Registria platform.
- Additional duties as necessary
- com configuration & user support for day-to-day operations.
- Maintain and evolve existing automation rules using Workflow and Process Builder.
- Assist various departments in various import and export CRM data requirements.
- Assist defining and deliver CRM best practices and process trainings to impacted teams.
- Support and empower Sales Operations Analyst projects and reporting requirements.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Attributes
- Passion for technology and for being a part of a fast-growing SaaS company.
- com configuration and end user support experience.
- An effective team player with a high level of initiative and the ability to work well in a multi-team environment.
- Experience in working with complex, multi-divisional, multi-geographical clients.
- Strong case management, time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities at one time.
- Professional technical communication abilities (persuasive written, compelling oral) to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
- Obsessed with quality. Build trust with customers and teammates by consistently delivering quality work.
- Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines with high visibility internally and externally.
- Previous experience with case management within the Salesforce.com and/or Jira platforms in a Kanban environment, including case workflow automation.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g. I.T., Product, Engineering, Services)
- Bachelor's degree [or equivalent combination of education and experience required]
Required Experience
- 3-5+ years' experience in SaaS customer and technical support.
- 1+ years' experience with Salesforce.com Administration.
- 1+ years' experience in a support lead/manager role.
- Previous software startup experience desired but not required.


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|Message view
|« Date » · « Thread »
|« Date » · « Thread »
|Niklas Gustavsson <nik...@protocol7.com>
|[Ftpserver] Comments on the new code
|Sun, 18 Sep 2005 20:06:26 GMT
Hi I've taken a quick look through the new code for Ftpserver commited by Rana. For the most of it I'm impressed and think it looks very good. I do have some minor comments though: 1. Interfaces are inconsitently named, some starting with "I", some not. They are also somewhat randomly placed in different packages with some in a special "interfaces" package and some not. 2. Logging, I'm not so sure that it's a good idea to invent our own logging solution. There are plenty out there that works great and are highly configurable. I think the cost of introducing a dependency is lower then that of writing our own logger. 3. There is a great need for unit tests. I'll try to work on this. 4. In general, the code could be brokern down into more replacable parts (think IoC). I'll try to work on this as well. Anyways, great work! /niklas ------------------ Niklas Gustavsson email@example.com http://www.protocol7.com --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: email@example.com For additional commands, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
|View raw message


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Portofino® Comfort 2pk Barstools - Gray
These Portofino bar stools are a great addition to your outdoor area, and are updated with arm rests and an exposed back for design and superior comfort. Host your guests in style in your outdoor seating space with a commercial grade stool set to enhance your bar, kitchen island, or entertaining area. Designed to coordinate with the best-selling Portofino Collection.
- Set includes two bar stools
- Air lift barstools features a powder-coated aluminum frame and Gray woven seat top
- Woven seating surface is a 21-inch square base with a low exposed back and arm rests for added support
- The activation lever allows you to adjust the height to suit your needs between 30-38 inches
- Foot rest provides an extra level of comfort
- UV, weather, and fade resistant.
- Easy to clean with mild soap and water
We guarantee your satisfaction on all products we sell with a full refund for 30 days from date of purchase.
Items must be returned in their original shipping box along with any accessories, manuals, and documentation. Items must be available for pickup in the same manner as they were delivered.
Unless the order was fulfilled incorrectly by RST Brands, you are responsible for return shipping.
RST warrants that all products will be free from defects in the material or workmanship to the original consumer purchaser for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If a component is determined to be defective, within the terms of the warranty, RST will furnish a replacement component at no cost. This warranty applies under conditions of normal use, but does not apply to defects or damage that result from intentional or accidental damage, weather or weather related conditions, negligence, or unreasonable use.
For additional information, please contact us.
Questions & Answers
Barstools: 21 in. W x 21 in. D x 30-38 in. H
Powder-coated aluminum frames
SolarFast® resin wicker
Weight Capacity
300 lbs.
Assembly Required
Minor chair assembly
Items under 100 lbs will be shipped via UPS ground. All other orders will be shipped LTL, with an appointment scheduled by the freight company. Estimated delivery time is 7-10 business days; however, during peak spring and summer months, this may increase.
White Glove Delivery: For an added convenience, White Glove Delivery agents will unload and place your furniture to the preferred location, and remove all shipping waste when completed. Not all orders qualify for White Glove. If interested, please call us for more information.
Designed to sit deep. Ergonomically contoured to fit to your body.
Weather resistant materials are durable and easy to clean.
Powder-coated aluminum is lightweight and rust-free. Hand-woven resin wicker is engineered for rugged outdoor use.
Plush cushions are layered to allow moisture to completely drain. All-weather fabric is fade resistant to last for years.


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Pawn Expo Educational Sessions
Leadership in Times of Crisis
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 9:15 – 10:30 AM
While we all aspire to live bravely in the face of life's significant challenges, few of us are tested to live bravely before the guns of hostile Somali pirates who threaten our leadership and authority, our lives, and the lives of our colleagues. Before Somali pirates hijacked his cargo ship and held him captive for five days, making him the center of a riveting international drama which played out live on television, Captain Richard Phillips was as normal as each of us doing our best at work and home. Captain Phillips will share how planning and practice in our life and business prepares us to respond quickly and effectively when a crisis strikes.
General Session
Lightbox Live
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 10:45 – 11:45 AM
As pawnbrokers, we've all been made aware of the impact of lab-grown diamonds on our industry. Lightbox is revolutionizing the industry and is a digital brand focused on a jewelry line of lab-grown diamonds. Lightbox's role is not to compete with diamonds, but to add a new sector to the jewelry domain. To make us more aware of this emerging field, Chief Marketing Officer of Lightbox, Sally Morrison, will be presenting her point of view on the lab-grown space; specifically, how we can embrace this new jewelry sector, what to look for in identifying a Lightbox piece, and discussing the consumers' feelings towards this rapidly changing market.
Networking in the Fast Lane
Pawnbroker Networking Discussion
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 1:45 – 3:00 PM
Network with your peers and make quick connections in this NPA twist on speed-dating. Ask and answer five questions, exchange business cards, and get better acquainted throughout the convention.
Security Technology
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 1:45 – 3:00 PM
Innovations in Security Technology – How smart use of video analytics, WiFi, IoT, location systems, and other technologies are revolutionizing the way brick and mortar stores survive in the age of online shopping.
Fab or Fake – Designer Jewelry
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 3:15 – 4:30 PM
Obtain the knowledge and tools to identify designer jewelry such as Tiffany, Harry Winston, and many others. Learn what to look for in counterfeits to ensure they don't end up in your inventory.
How to Maximize the Value of Art and Collectibles through an Auction House
Tuesday, July 9, 2019, 3:15 – 4:30 PM
Whether fine art, collectibles, or numismatics, an auction house is a great way to turn objects into cash. With 19 years of experience in auctions and appraisals, Meredith will explain how an auction works, what items are best sold through auction, when outside vetting or grading is needed, and marketing strategies for maximizing your auction results. She will also share free on-line resources that are available to you at Heritage Auctions for identification and value research. A Q&A will follow the presentation.
Firearms Dealer Liability
Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 8:15 – 9:30 AM
Injuries and deaths involving firearms happen, and what started as a perfectly lawful sale morphs into a legal and financial nightmare for an FFL dealer. Once the trace requests and criminal proceedings subside, in come the personal injury lawyers looking to hold anyone and everyone they can liable for the injury, from dealer to gunsmith, distributor to manufacturer. Learn where your FFL stands today with respect to liability for injuries resulting from a firearm or ammunition sold.
A Deep Dive – Lab Grown Diamonds
Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 8:15 – 9:30 AM & 9:45 – 11:00 AM
CVD lab grown diamonds began appearing in the gem diamond market about a decade ago. Colorless lab grown diamonds produced by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) are becoming more common in the market. CVD-processed stones are much different from the natural diamonds produced by geologic forces. They are also vastly different from the High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) lab grown that have been manufactured since the mid-1950s. Myriam will demonstrate how to identify lab grown diamonds and the various tools available to assist you.
Women in Pawn – Attracting Female Customers
Panel: Lynden Miller, Gina Barkan, Beth Anundi
Wednesday, July 10, 2019, 9:45 – 11:00 AM
Everyone is looking for ways to expand their customer base, are you doing everything you can to attract female customers? Hear from three industry leaders, all woman, on the things you can do to make your store(s) more appealing to potential woman customers.
Building Your Digital Community
Panel: Seth Gold, Lauren Kaminsky Goldman, Danielle Yanke
Thursday, July 11, 2019, 1:15 – 2:30 PM
What is a Digital Community? Move beyond basic social media and build a true presence online. Hear from two pawnbrokers and a digital media expert about ways to build and expand your digital community.
Ask the Experts: Pawnbroker to Pawnbroker
Panel: David Ashe, Sam Shocket, Joshua Davis
Thursday, July 11, 2019, 2:45 – 4:00 PM
You asked and they will answer. The panel will answer a variety of pawn industry questions from our Facebook posts and from the audience. This is your chance to pick the brightest brains in pawn.


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This piece was originally an insert on the blog but because of limitations in HTML standards (or, more likely, my ignorance), I could not stop the film playing every time the page loaded. This became annoying and so I have moved it to a separate page.
More details in due course.
attempting to distinguish betwen Windows and OSX


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Ok, I know. There's a little tone in the title. Believe me after this story, I will have so much tone, I could miss a week at the gym. Well, maybe.
Let's get up to speed.
I know, right? All sounded peachy keen bean. Well The Straight-ish Guy (or as I am calling him now, Cuntbag Fucknose) gets in contact on the last Wednesday of my holiday to arrange a something on the Friday night. Actually, what he said was:
Getting back to London today, but leave again Sat, what you doin Friday night?
Me: Friday sounds good, shall we have dinner in town?
Ok, so, I would like to explain that I was completely misguided by an Idealistic Lesbian on that last text - she said, "Take the bull by the horns, Loz and just suggest dinner". Look I love Idealistic Lesbians as much as the next person, but I think her next word of advice would have been, "And perhaps after dinner you could take a look at the Ikea catalogue together on the way to the animal shelter to rescue a family of Guinea Pigs". So, no, I won't be taking the bull (dyke) by the horns again, thank you very much.
Cuntbag Fucknose: I'm in the office in Bromley Friday arvo so dunno when I'm back but we can def catch up. Will let you know...:)
*Groans and rolls eyes at Idealistic Lesbian* Right, so basically he doesn't want to have dinner with me EVER, but what then...drinks? Or a 330am booty call like the last time?
So, anyhoos, I go deep into Date Prep Overdrive. It is ALL about the prep. I even clippered my own ass. Let me tell you, it is no mean feet to straddle a mirror, trying to not knick your mangina with a Remington Pro Power Hair Clipper, all the while having your crack winking back at you in the reflection.
Lord, being gay sometimes can test your nerves.
So, needless to say, totes looking shit hot. Feeling great, feeling validated.
Friday night comes. Sitting on the couch waiting. Having a few drinks to relax. Looking at the phone every now and then. Waiting. Having a few more drinks. Checking that the ringer volume is adjusted to an audible level. Still waiting. Getting a bit drunk. Checking my inbox just in case a message has slipped past me. Midnight now. Totes shitfaced. Reasoning with the phone. Kissing it and asking it to *just ring*. Pass out. Phone in toilet.
Right, so, that happens and I hear nothing from him. Then the other day, roughly 2 weeks later, I get this:
Cuntbag Fucknose: Hey mate how are you? Sorry that Friday never happened, don't take it as excuses but with the family in town and a stupid early flight to Berlin on Sat it was all too hectic...you all good?
Firstly, fuck you. Secondly, totes too little, too late. And thirdly, FUCK YOU! So, I haven't texted him back. It has been 5 days. Basically, I am taking the most passive aggressive approach and not texting him back until he sends another text realising that the last text was totes inapprops. Right? My God, I even exhaust myself. Basically, I think I have kind of fucked myself in the ass on this one. The sexting has completely devalued any relationship I hoped to have with him. He thinks of me so insignificantly that he will wait until 330am in the morning to call or he doesn't call at all. Ouchy.
I keep oscillating between three Beyoncé songs which accurately describe my feelings at that moment:
Best Thing I Never Had - when I am feeling empowered
Why Don't You Love Me - when I am not feeling empowered
And Run the World (Girls) - just coz it's a shit hot song
Once again Beyoncé speaks to a generation.
Continue the story here.


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Yen dips as Japan officials warn over unit's strength
Traders piled into the yen against the dollar after the Fed on Wednesday kept interest rates ultra-low, saying it needed to see a stronger economy before tightening monetary policy.
Japan's top government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, on Friday said the government was "concerned" by the stronger yen, telling reporters: "We will take necessary steps if these sort of moves continue."
That followed similar comments from a finance ministry official who hinted at the possibility of a market intervention to weaken the currency.
A stronger yen hurts profits at Japanese firms that do business abroad.
It was the latest in a string of comments from Tokyo aimed at pushing down the yen, which has soared since the start of the year as volatility on financial markets and worries about global growth boost demand for the safe-haven unit.
In Tokyo on Friday, the dollar was changing hands at 101.18 yen, up from 100.77 yen in New York late Thursday. But it is still down from levels above 102 yen before the Fed decision and soon after the Bank of Japan unveiled an overhaul of its monetary policy to kickstart inflation.
The euro rose to 113.21 yen from 112.94 yen while it bought $1.1201 against $1.1208.
The greenback rose against other Asia-Pacific currencies, jumping 0.3 percent against the Australian dollar and 0.2 percent on the South Korean won. It was also up 0.3 percent versus the Indonesian rupiah.
The Malaysian ringgit, Singapore dollar and Philippine peso also retreated.
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