text:
i miss my kids
The moment of me leaving him yesterday was very difficult. E. was a very, very unhappy child. This made me a very, very sad mama. I felt really sad and blue all day long yesterday after leaving him, and I didn't sleep well last night. Of course he will be fine, and will probably end up having a great time. And of course he needs plenty of time with his father, just as he does with his mother.
But none of that made it easier to leave a sobbing child yesterday. He was clutching his favorite purple blanket and just howling. Big, salty tears were rolling down his cheeks. This was some serious sad.
I drove away from his father's house, but had to stop after my car was out of sight to pull myself together. For the first time in a long time, I had a good, long cry about how hard it is to be away from my children a lot of the time because their father and I are divorced. In some ways, it never gets easier for me. As I've said before, I often feel as if I am missing out on a huge chunk of their childhoods. But of course, there is no better solution, given that their father and I are divorced. You do the best you can.
I hope the kids call me today and tell me that E. has cheered right up and is happily playing in the sand with his father.
6 comments:
It's too bad no one called you last night to tell you they'd arrived safely and to update you on E., who was probably calmer. (So much of this is anticipatory anxiety. Poor guy!) I insist on as much after a rocky pickup/dropoff like that.
You need your sleep. Do what you can to get it.
- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 1:43:00 PM GMT
- katie allison granju said...
They were probably too tired to call last night, which I understand.
I did call his dad late yesterday afternoon when they were on their way down, and he said E. was calmed down.
- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 1:44:00 PM GMT
Good! I just want you to do what you can for yourself. I'm glad E. is calmer.
I am in the same boat, with one. It is the hardest thing, all the time away from our children. I think it's something of a mystery to people who haven't been there. Also, I feel "bulldozed" by things sometimes, and try to do what I can to diminish that, like contact after a rocky pickup/dropoff.
I hope you get a better night's sleep tonight!
- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 2:28:00 PM GMT
E. might also be feeling sad because he's worried about you. As long as you stay calm, it will help him. Of course he knows you'll miss him, but he might also be sad because of your feelings.
- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 4:19:00 PM GMT
- katie allison granju said...
Yes, I agree. T
The kids do know I miss them when they are away. To say otherwise would be a lie. But they also know that I get lots of things done when they are gone, and I am fine.
It's important not to put the burden for making parents "be okay" onto children.
- Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 4:23:00 PM GMT
- mamalife said...
More northerners down here on Spring Break ;) Bet once on the beach he settles in and has a wonderful time.
- Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 1:06:00 AM GMT


text:
You never know where your inspiration is going to come from right? This paintings colors were inspired by the pajamas of my great neice Penny! I happened to be wearing pink that day too so it was pretty funny. Pink stands for unconditional love I've been told so I am all for having it in my life!
The show is continuing to open doors for me and show are many good things yet to come. I have a strong interest on two pieces, the bear and the wolf from two separate woman. I know both pieces will end up in a good home very soon!!!
The woman who liked the bear said this - It's nice to see NEW creativity at this show. Something fun, and colorful and not the same-ole, same-ole southwestern art. It's refreshing!
Another comment: Your work has a liveliness to it and expresses your personality.
Hope to see you at the show! Meg

subset: commoncrawl


text:
While coffee is of course an all-time favourite, it's reality that if you have a café or restaurant you have to offer a variety of non-coffee beverages. This year I have noticed a spike in tea drinks, as well as several more health-based beverages. If you're wondering what you should have on your menu, look no further!
CHAI LATTES: While chai lattes have been around for a while, different locations make them in different ways. The versatility of this drink is perfect to customize to your client base. We offer several different options of chai, including powder, liquid and tea bags!
A traditional chai latte would have chai tea steeped, with syrups or flavourings of your choice to create sweetness, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The nice thing about steeping tea to create this drink is that you can easily create a caffeine free option by using Rooibos Chai instead of traditional black tea!
David Rio chai mixes have grown in popularity. Tiger Spice Chai is a powdered mix that you pour directly into your steaming pitcher with milk of your choice. Tiger Spice Chai has added spices so that the strong flavour of the beverage really comes through the milk! David Rio also makes a powdered mix called Power Chai. This too is made to be mixed in your pitcher with the milk of your choice, the difference being that this powder is organic and vegan!
Liquid mixes are also popular. Brands like Oregon Chai (organic), and The Chai Company are easy to mix with milk. Pour directly into the steaming pitcher with milk of your choice! For easy measuring, designate a measuring tool to be solely used for measuring your chai. This will help you create consistency with your employees. Top with the spices of your choice and serve.
LONDON FOG: It is unusual now for you to walk into a café and not see London Fog on the menu. This timeless drink consists of steeped Earl Grey tea, vanilla syrup and the steamed milk of your choice. The bergamot comes through with delicacy throughout this tasty beverage! What is great about this beverage is that the customer can substitute any tea you offer to create the tea latte of their choice! Try creating different tea lattes by switching up your tea and syrup flavours.
MATCHA LATTE: Matcha has taken the world by storm with its avid heath properties. Included in it's health properties are its antioxidant qualities and that it boosts the metabolism. These delicate tea leaves are only harvested once a year in the early spring. They are then steamed, dried and cut up to remove the stems. This tea is then finely ground and prepared for drinks, creating a smooth green powder. Aiya Matcha is lightly sweetened and easily prepared by mixing in 2oz of hot water and then added to the hot milk of your choice.
TURMERIC MILK: Another popular drink with health benefits! This bright yellow spice was commonly used in Asia for dye before it was recognized for its benefits in food. The main ingredient in Turmeric is Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant prosperities. To make this beverage, steam your Turmeric directly into your pitcher with the milk of your choice. This beverage should be sweetened unless specified otherwise. Try adding different flavoured syrups (vanilla or cinnamon are popular!), honey or cane sugar to your drink.
HOT CHOCOLATE: Hot chocolate is a must have on your menu. Not only is it easy to make but it pleases all generations. Hot chocolate can vary in kinds (dark, white, etc.) Try playing around with adding small portions of different flavoured syrups to come up with a drink special. Remember to watch your portions, however if you do slip up it's unusual to receive a complaint for this already sweet beverage.
All the above drinks can be made by utilizing your espresso machine without making any espresso! Try some of these trendy drinks with adding one or two shots of espresso in, this changes the tastes of the beverage and might give you that extra boost you need to get through the day.
Though not only trendy in 2017, smoothies and frappuccino's are still as popular as ever. These beverages do not require the use of an espresso machine, but additionally you would need to purchase a blender. A Vitamix blender and its ice crushing commercial use power is the perfect machine to give you the smooth consistency that you require. Many different flavours can be created by simply switching up the ingredients or adding additional ingredients to your base!


text:
Russell County Crisis Center sponsoring Safe Dates
The Crisis Center of Russell County is sponsoring "Safe Dates" a program for middle school and high school students.
There will be four sessions at the Phenix City/Russell County Public Library. Those will be from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. on April 20, May 4, May 11 and May 18.
Students will learn how to help themselves in abusive relationships.
To register, call 334-297-4484. Ask for Pam Maney.


text:
Be a Friend of the Albatross and help save thousands of lives each year.
Learn how the world's largest wildlife survey started.
Bird & Wild coffee have been awarded Best Buy in Ethical Consumer's latest review into coffee.
10 years of the Climate Change Act
The winter can be a tough time of year for birds. But there are 10 top ways that you can give them a helping hand.
Find out what to do if you spot a baby bird.
A small, dark goose - the same size as a mallard. It has a black head and neck and grey-brown back.
A nocturnal bird that can be seen hawking for food at dusk and dawn.
male ring ouzels are particularly distinctive with their black plumage with a pale wing panel and striking white breast band.
Help us get bird song into the charts.
Become a campaign champion with the RSPB.
Explore these pages to find an opportunity that suits you.
Go on a night time adventure
There's so much to see and hear at Minsmere, from rare birds and otters to stunning woodland and coastal scenery.
This is a delightful oak woodland to walk through – especially in spring and early summer.
Heathland home to more than 2565 species.
Nature is an adventure waiting to be had. Get out, get busy and get wild!
Pond dipping is something we can all do and it's loads of fun!
Explore the little pools of amazing sea life that are left by the tide on the rocks around our coast.
Updating Results
Showing 21 - 30 of 185 results
Something for everyone!
Are you a person who would welcome an opportunity to join a lively and friendly local group?
The Cardiff group offers you this chance!
The group carries out a range of activities, including monthly meetings at which guest speakers give illustrated talks covering the local area and to the far corners of many countries. There's an opportunity to try out your practical skills getting involved with conservation work on a local reserve or joining one of our monthly field trips, visiting a wide range of habitats improving your knowledge or passing this skill onto others who have the same interest as you..
RSPB Members £3.00, Non RSPB Member £3.00, Concessions OAP's £2.50 and Students £1.00. Meetings begin at 7:30pm.
Llandaff Parish Hall, adjacent to the car park off High Street, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2DX
Huw Moody-Jones
01446 760757
All RSPB Central Ayrshire activities appear on the Ayrshire Birders website. This covers Central and North Ayrshire local groups indoor meetings, field trips and any other special events held individually or jointly with the two groups and with the SOC Ayrshire.
It includes news of local sightings, extended tours and is frequently updated..
Meetings start at 7.30pm
Free entry with raffle.
Newton Wallacetown Church Hall, 60, Main Street, Ayr, Scotland, KA8 8EF
Anne Dick
01292 541981
The group offers a programme of indoor evening meetings (held on the second Thursday of the month, September to May) with illustrated talks concerning birding and general natural history interest. We organise bird watching field trips to coastal and countryside sites and occasional weekends away.
Everyone is welcome at our events, including visitors and non-members.
Please feel free to turn up at indoor meetings, or our trips except the ones that involve coach booking - for these, check availability first.
FOR ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL THE RSPB REGIONAL OFFICE ON 01273 775333 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5.15pm)..
Meetings start at 6.45pm. Admission: Adults - Central London Local Group members £4; Non-members £5; Under 18s & students free. Annual membership of Central London Local Group is £5.
St Columba's Church Hall, Pont Street, London, SW1X 0BD
Andrew Peel
0208 997 0072
The group's aim is to support actively the work of the RSPB in the local community and to involve RSPB members and the wider public in the Society's conservation, public affairs, education, fundraising and other activities. We have monthly illustrated talks about birds, wildlife and conservation from September to April and guided, leisurely walks at local reserves and other sites noted for their diversity of bird species.
So, if you would like to have fun and meet like minded people contact us and help make a difference for birds and wildlife..
Normally the 2nd Thursday of each month (Sept to April) 8.00pm - 9.45pm with interval. Adults £3.50. Tea, coffee, juice & biscuits available during the interval. Next AGM 11/04/2019.
Northumberland Theatre, Writtle University College, Lordship Road, Writtle, Essex, CM1 3RP
Sue McClellan
01245 471576
Our Group exists to promote the aims of the RSPB in our local area in enjoyable ways. We do this by means of education, fundraising and practical conservation.
We have illustrated talks about birds and a variety of other natural history subjects on the first (usually) Monday of the month. At least once a month we also have bird-oriented local guided walks or visits to nature reserves. We undertake surveys and other practical conservation at Linacre Reservoirs. To raise funds and awareness, we attend local shows and organise collections. So, contact us if you are in the Chesterfield area and want to help wild birds and learn more about them..
Indoor Meetings start at 7.15 pm
Local Group membership for one year: RSPB members - Adult £4, OAP £3.50. Non-RSPB members - Adult £5.50, OAP £5
Entry to meetings: Local Group members £3.50, Non-members £4.50, under-16's free.
St Thomass Centre, Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 3AW
Steve Williams
01246 206700
The group's aim is to support the work of the RSPB in the local community and to involve RSPB members and the wider public in the Society's conservation, public affairs, education, fundraising and other activities. We have regular monthly indoor meetings locally and have regular day-trips to enjoy birds and other wildlife.
So, if you would like to have fun and meet like-minded people, contact us and help make a difference for birds and nature generally.
Who to contact:
Norman Sadler
Tel: 01244 335670
Website: RSPB.org.uk/groups/chester
Facebook: facebook.com/RSPBChester
Twitter: @RSPBChester.
Indoor Meetings start at 7.30pm. Local Group Members £2.00 Non-Members £4.00.
Christleton Parish Hall, Village Road, Christleton, CH3 7AS
Norman Sadler
01244 335670
The group's aim is to actively support the work of the RSPB in the local community and to involve RSPB members and the wider public in the Society's conservation, public affairs, education, fundraising and other activities. We have regular monthly indoor meetings locally throughout the year and have occasional day trips to local nature reserves.
So if you would like to have fun and meet like minded people contact us and help make a difference for birds and wildlife.
For more information about our group activities and events please contact Chris Furlepa on 01243 261591 or email email@example.com
FOR ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL THE RSPB REGIONAL OFFICE ON 01273 775333 (Monday - Friday 9am - 5.15pm)..
Indoor meetings are held from September to May on the 4th Thursday of the month, starting at 7.30 pm. Admission, including refreshments: £2.50 for local group members, £5.00 for non-members.
Masonic Hall, 7 South Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 1SY
Chris Furlepa
01243 261591
Chorleywood & District RSPB Local Group was started in 1976 after a series of talks in Chorleywood Library by David Elcome who encouraged his mature students to start a local bird watching group. We welcome new members both to our indoor meetings and our field events.
We meet at the Russell School, Brushwood Drive, Chorleywood on the third Thursday of the month at 8pm. Membership is £5and entrance to the talks is £2.50 for members and £3.50 for non-members. We welcome anyone whether they are a member of the group of not..
Group membership annual subscription rate: Adult £5.00. Indoor entry charges: RSPB Member free; Group member £2.50 & Non-member £3.50.
Meetings on 3rd Thursdays of the month at 8pm,
Sept to May.
The Russell School, Brushwood Drive, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 5RR
Carol Smith
01923 897885
Welcome to Cleveland Local Group, which has been in existence since 1974. We have a diverse membership, ranging from beginners to those with extensive knowledge and experience of bird watching and conservation.
We are an informal, lively and friendly group, always pleased to welcome new members.
We aim to foster and support an interest in birds, natural history, the environment and conservation. To this end, we organize a varied and interesting annual programme of events for both members and visitors alike.
Each month, from September to April, we hold an indoor meeting with a guest speaker. Refreshments are available to all, allowing members and visitors to meet in a relaxed and friendly social setting.
From September through to July, we hold monthly Sunday morning field trips to sites in our local area, including visits to our local RSPB reserve at Saltholme. Twice each year we run coach trips to RSPB reserves further afield.
Through our indoor meetings, our local group website and our regular newsletter, members are kept informed about the work of our local group and the RSPB. Members are regularly invited to play an active part in supporting the RSPB, through occasional fund-raising efforts and volunteering opportunities.
Our local group subscription fee is just £4.00 per household and brings the benefit of reduced admission charges to indoor meetings, free newsletter and early notification of our annual programme of events.
Members or not, all are welcome at any of our events and further details can be found elsewhere on this website..
Our indoor meetings are held on the second Monday of each month between September and April.
Indoor meetings start at 7.30 p.m. with refreshments available. Charges are £2.50 members, £3.50 non-members from September 2018.
Middlesbrough Rugby Club, Green Lane, Acklam, Middlesbrough, TS5 7SL
Margaret Kirby
01642 781274
The group's aim is to make people aware of the need for wildlife conservation, to introduce more members to the RSPB and to raise funds for our local nature reserves.
We hold indoor meetings with slide presentations on the second Thursday of the month between September and April.
We organise car trips once a month (except August and September) to local reserves and bird watching sites.
Coach trips stopped after 28/02/2016.
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month starting at 7:45pm (Doors open 7:00pm)
Local Group Membership: £2.00
Admission Charges:
Local Group Members: £4.00.
Non Local Group Members: £5.00
Shrub End Social Centre, Shrub End Road, Colchester, CO3 4SA
Ron Firmin
We use cookies on our website to help give you the best online experience. Tell me more


text:
GSIS' bitter pill
By Alfredo G. Rosario
For 10 months, I have worked for the release by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) of the death benefits accruing to my son's sudden demise from a massive stroke on May 14, 2008. What I received last week was a paltry sum grossly incommensurate to his long years in the government service.
My son, Virgilio, had served for over 32 years in the government and died in office. But he was not given even the basic burial benefit. The check I received last week was for the initial survivorship benefit of his widow, Roselyn, and two minor daughters.
It was a bitter pill to swallow. My son's family had opted for expediency without justice because it had no other choice. It should have deserved justice with expediency.
Why was my son deprived of the burial benefit? Because the GSIS claims that at the time of his death, he was no longer a member on the ground that he was receiving not a "salary" as required by the GSIS retirement law but a "service fee" as the media consultant of the National Anti-Poverty Commission under Secretary Domingo Panganiban.
The GSIS rules, under Republic Act 8291, state that a government employee, "whether temporary, casual, permanent or contractual," should receive a "basic pay or salary but not per diems honoraria or allowance" in order to qualify for GSIS membership.
In the Social Security System (SSS), there is no distinction whether an employee is paid an allowance or salary. An employee, regardless of how many years have passed since his death, is entitled to a burial benefit as long as he has 36 months of paid premiums.
That is the big difference between the GSIS and the SSS—the latter appears to have a bigger heart in dealing with the critical concerns of its members and their families.
My son had worked for over 32 years in the government service—18 years (1974 to 1992) in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; 12 years (1992 to 2004) in the Senate; one year (January 16, 2006 to December 31, 2006) in the Department of Agriculture; and one year and four months (January 2007 to May 14, 2008) in the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
Two certifications of his latest service record with the Agriculture department were given by Ramon Valmayor, president of the Philippine Agriculture and Resource Research Foundation Inc. (Parrfi), which is under the Office of the President. The first showed that for the period January 16, 2006 to August 2006, my son was given an "incentive allowance" of P22,000 a month.
The second stated that during the extension of his consultancy from September to December 2006, he was given a "corresponding salary increase from P22,000 to P25,000 per month." (My son actually worked during this period not at Parrfi but as head of the public relations office of the Agriculture department then headed by Secretary Panganiban)
I wrote the GSIS in October last year, pointing out that the compensation received by my son for the period in question should have been interpreted as "salary" and not allowance, based on the second and final certification by Mr. Valmayor that he (my son) received a "corresponding salary increase from P22,000 to P25,000 per month." I received no reply.
The matter of my son's government stint as media consultant at the National Anti-Poverty Commission was referred to the GSIS' External Reconciliation Department by Ms. Lani Calida, assistant manager of the Claims department, but the official concerned, Ms. Celeste Ferreras, claimed that the agency had not confirmed the services of my son "to comprise government services in the context of coverage under R.A. 8291."
Ms. Ferreras said Secretary Panganiban's certification that my son was paid a "service fee" cannot be construed as "salary nor compensation in the absence of pertinent supporting documents submitted before this office."
The GSIS is too bookish in its interpretation of the GSIS Act of 1997 and its implementing rules.
My son had served as National Anti-Poverty Commission media consultant, issuing press releases regularly for the agency. His employer had the "power to control" the means and the result of the work he had to do. There had existed an employer-employee relationship between him and his superiors, as required by the rules.
This quibbling over terms and the GSIS' hard line that the payment "cannot be construed as salary nor compensation" have cost my son's burial benefit and the full payment of his insurance's face value.
The GSIS retirement law says that a government employee, whether temporary, casual, permanent or contractual, is considered a GSIS member provided that he is receiving a basic pay or salary "but not per diems, honoraria or allowances." Secretary Panganiban's use of the term "service fee," which is outside the scope of the three modes of payments circumscribed by the GSIS retirement law, should be interpreted liberally as "salary" in the interest of justice and fairness.
This case deserves a review by Mr. Winston Garcia, GSIS president and general manager, with a view to correcting an obvious injustice caused by officials' unreasoning adherence to the letter rather than the spirit of the law. The moral authority upon which all laws are founded dictates a humane interpretation of the term "service fee" in its broadest sense to mean "salary."
This will do away with a technicality that has blocked the fuller entitlement of my son's family to his death benefits prescribed under the GSIS retirement act.
Wine and dine, it's the last Friday!
PURPLE SHADES By Letty Jacinto-Lopez Updated March 12, 2009 12:00 AM
The table is set: On March 27, the Tivoli at the Mandarin Oriental holds The Nights of Wines and Fine Dining, which features Australian cuisine and wine.
If the morning begins with Andrea Bocelli singing Somos Novios (We Are Lovers), it guarantees me a clear, good-hair day that stretches until the sun goes down. Recently, I had another reason to celebrate. I explored the wonders of Spain in its scores of food and wine as only a seasoned hotel can present it.
Charisse Chuidian, director of communications, told me that Tivoli, the premier dining restaurant of Mandarin Oriental, was featuring Spanish food and wine in their Night of Wine and Fine Dining. In short, it's a "TGI-L-F" happening, my acronym for "Thank Goodness it's (the) Last Friday (of the month)!" something that the hotel has been known to endorse for many years now. Charisse said, "We like to feature cuisines from different countries and pair them with wines that these respective countries have been known for."
I like that. This new trend of food and wine pairing removes the guesswork and gives one the indulgence of enjoying the dining experience.
I sat back and was ready to be dazzled but first, Mirko de Giorgi, restaurant manager, brought in a basket of freshly baked (and still warm) bread from the hotel's panadería. I broke a piece of brown pretzel and dipped it in the following order: fresh butter, olive oil and a dry herb mixture of salt, paprika, and pepper. The three condiments made my eyes roll apart from awakening my taste buds. After a dainty sampling of salmon mousse to kick off the seven-course dinner, we partook of the following:
Mariscos: A trio of fresh catch from the sea — mussels in tomato sauce, chunks of lobster meat in olive oil and clams with green sauce — served in a platter. It was appetizing. Vallformosa "Claudia," vintage 2007, Parellada, Muscat, went well with the trio.
Gazpacho: A tomato-based soup served cold, dribbled with sherry vinegar, fresh herbs and cubes of blue cheese. The blue cheese gave this soup a biting sensation, yet it was pleasing to the palate. Altozano Verdejo Blanco complemented the dish.
Legumbres: Reminded me of the Spanish fabada (white beans with cured ham/pork) except this dish used clams. The beans were served warm making it a fine substitute for hot soup.
Citricos: Fresh chilled yoghurt flavored with orange; this was so refreshing and delicious that it could very well be served as the postre or dessert. It's a welcome change from the usual fruit sherbet served in the middle of the meal and I give it a three-star rating.
Carnes, verdures y mas: A medley of rack of lamb flavored with honey allioli, steamed spinach with toasted pine nuts and sweetened apples and scrambled eggs with shallots and leeks. The rack of lamb was still too red for my taste so they brought it back to the kitchen to grill it for another minute; it came back just right and it was good paired with a 2001 Vallformosa Reserva, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Postre: Dessert was crème brulee plus chocolate con churros. This was a sugar fix, big-time, and one that I will need to burn for a few more minutes at the gym. The sweet wine paired with the pastries was Cava, Vallformosa, semi-sweet, Eric de Vallfomosa.
I know that the Spanish love to drink wine with their meals. They rarely drink to excess because they don't need to drink alcohol to unwind and have fun, which comes naturally. Well, we couldn't be far behind. This night sharpened our wine-pairing skills, aside from being treated to soothing music by Teresa Avila on the keyboard under the attentive but unobtrusive eye of the F&B executive assistant, Oliver Kreuzer.
Charisse noticed that I was nursing my glass of Verdejo Blanco. "It was a nice wine for the first long, warm night of the year to herald the arrival of another long, hot summer," I sighed.
Charisse chuckled, "But Letty, you are entitled to a bottomless refill of any of the featured wines. It's what oenophiles expect so we make sure it is part of our wine-dinner promotion."
Unlimited "pourings" of your favorite wine? As in "bottomless" wine instead of bottomless iced tea?
Here's to another "TGI-L-F" at the Tivoli — or as they say in Spanish, "Salud, pesetas, amor y tiempo para disfrutarlo" (health, wealth, love and time to enjoy them all). Their sumptuous feast delivers the message just as well, if not more.
* * *
On March 27, The Nights of Wines and Fine Dining at The Tivoli will feature Australian cuisine and wine; New Zealand on April 24, and Asparagus and German Wines on May 29. For inquiries and reservations, call 750-8888 local 2431 or 2432.
View previous articles of this column.
The seven principles of Leave No Trace
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
* Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
* Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
* Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
* Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
* Repackage food to minimize waste.
* Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
* Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
* Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
* Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
o In popular areas: Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
o Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
o Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
o In pristine areas:
o Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
o Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
3. Dispose Waste Properly
* Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
* Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
* Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
* To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
4. Leave What You Find
* Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
* Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
* Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
* Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
* Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
* Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
* Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
* Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife
* Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
* Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
* Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
* Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
* Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
* Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
* Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
* Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
* Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
* Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
Climbing High
All you need are some sun block, a pair of sturdy legs, reliable climbing equipment, and trekking buddies you can trust and you're good to go. Here are some places you can visit if you are interested in hiking and the great outdoors:
Apo – The highest mountain in the country at 2,954 meters is one of the most popular hiking destinations. The breathtaking view is not the only thing that draws climbers all over the Philippines to attempt touching its peak, the lush rainforest that surrounds you as you trek up the mountain makes it worth the visit. The diverse terrain, from mossy forest floor to jagged rocks, gives its visitors a chance to experience various ways of hiking. Mt. Apo is also one of the few remaining places where you can spot the famous Philippine Eagle.
Situated between Davao Del Sur and North Cotabato, one can reach Apo's summit through different routes. You may go up via the Kidapawan trail which most climbers agree is the easiest route or challenge yourself using the Kapatagan trail which will take two to three days to trek.
Pulag – Mt. Pulag or Pulog is the highest point in Luzon. Situated at 2922 metres, this mountain is considered by many as the most photogenic of all the mountains. As you climb up the mossy forest and walk the winding trails along the grassland area, virtually every sight is postcard ready. Once you reach the camp, prepare for the early wake-up call as the sunrise in Pulag cannot be missed.
Pulag is located between the borders of Benguet, Ifugao and Nueva Ecija and boasts one of the coldest climates in the country. You definitely need to bring warm clothing as temperature can drop in the single digits. There are three ways up the mountain – the Akiki trail, Vizcaya route and the easiest one, Ambangig trail. Since its declaration as a National Park in 1987, strict enforcement of Leave No Trace principle (see below) has been effected. Most locals also consider Pulag as a sacred mountain.
Kanlaon – Its being one of the most active volcanoes in the country that does not only stop mountaineers from visiting Kanlaon. The highest peak in the Visayas region, this mountain takes its name from an ancient god and means "He Who is Ruler of Time". Rich in biodiversity, the volcano is home to endemic fauna such as the Philippine spotted deer and flora such as Rafflesia speciosa, a member of the world's largest flower.
Situated in Negros Island, Kanlaon can be ascended using different trails that have different levels of difficulty. Using the Wasay-Guintubdan trail is recommended as it passes the attractions of the mountain such as lagoons and huge dipterocarps. It makes for a challenging climb as it is full of natural obstacles such as tree trunks and massive roots. For an easier route, you may try the Mapot-Masulog trail which will take you to the summit in less than two days.
Climbing Kanlaon requires DENR approval as it is active and considered dangerous.
Tarak – A relatively easy trek with a fantastic view at the campsite, Tarak Ridge in Mariveles, Bataan is a favorite of Manila climbers. About five hours by bus from Manila, this mountain offers a clean river known as Papaya, where one can swim and get drinking water for the climb.
There is an option to assault Tarak's summit which is about thirty minutes from the campsite. However, the real beauty of the mountain is camping on its ridge, where you have a 270 degree view of the surrounding areas such as Corregidor, Manila Bay and Cavite. Make sure tents are securely pegged as it can get really windy at night.
You may get in touch with one of the local mountaineering groups in Bataan, the Dong-in Outdoor Society, to know more about Tarak.
Pinatubo – One of a few ways you can swim in a volcano's crater (Taal being another popular Mount Pinatubo (photo by Dennis Lopez) one) is to go to Mt. Pinatubo. Famous for its high-impact eruption in 1991, this volcano has become a must-visit destination for mountaineers as it is the only mountain where you can see a seemingly endless expanse of volcanic ash. Steep fees may be a deterrent to some but the photogenic site when you reach the crater more than makes up for the price.
Located in the intersection of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga, the only way to reach the crater is by a 4X4 vehicle and two hour trek. Once you reach the crater lake, you may opt to swim along the banks or just revel in the beauty of the place.
Guiting-guiting – Even at only 2,058 meters, Guiting-guiting is still considered as one of the most difficult and technical mountains to climb in the Philippines due to a jagged ridge that will take one whole day to climb and descend. Situated in Sibuyan Island, Romblon, this mountain has seen four climbers from the UP Mountaineers die in 1985. Due to the dangerous assault to its summit especially during bad weather, many mountaineers have been forced to turn back and abandon the attempt.
Even with the danger posed to climbers, Guiting is still a popular destination especially during summer months as it is quite gifted with diverse flora and fauna. Here you can see a wide variety of orchids, birds, and one of the smallest bats in the world, the endemic Sibuyan Pygmy Fruitbat. Recently however, this majestic mountain has become threatened by mining companies wanting to excavate as it is said to be rich in nickel and gold.
Please be reminded that this mountain is for experienced climbers only.
Daguldol – Daguldol is only one of several mountains in the Batangas area. At merely 672 meters, it is a Level 1 or easy climb. The main attraction of this climb is the panoramic view on one of its peaks where one can see the neighboring mountains such as Malipunyo and Banahaw and on a clear day, even the island of Marinduque. Another plus is the jump-off point which is located on the beaches of Laiya, which is famous for its white sand.
Located in Brgy. Hugom, San Juan, you can reach Daguldol by either taking the bus or renting a jeep.
Mount Tapulao (Photo by Sally Cabral)Tapulao – Often called "Poorman's Pulag", Mt. Tapulao or High Peak is part of the Zambales mountain range. At 2, 037 meters, it is often compared to Mt. Pulag since part of the trek showcases pine trees and cool weather. Going up the mountain can be extremely daunting especially for beginners as there is a long stretch of exposed trail and you are unprotected against different elements. However after a few hours up the trail and you will reach the rainforest and then after some more trekking, the pine forest. When you assault the summit, the terrain will turn into a mossy forest.
The roads are wide enough for a 4×4 vehicle to pass through as Tapulao is open for mining activities. However, due to unstable road conditions during bad weather, vehicles are rarely used to climb up the mountain. It is also highly advisable that you wear sunscreen during the summer as the trek under the hot sun will last for hours. Bring a thick jacket as it can get really cold at night.
Makiling – Makiling is popular due in part to the Philippine folklore of Maria Makiling, who is said to be the guardian of the mountain. Located in Laguna, it is an inactive volcano famous for its mud springs and pristine forests.
There are two ways up this mountain; one is through the Los Bańos side and the other using the Sto. Tomas route. The Los Bańos side is the easier path but as of the moment, this route is closed due to efforts to "rehabilitate" the trails. The Sto. Tomas side is open but is a bit trickier as there are parts that require you to hold on to ropes as you climb a wall. Also, the trails can be confusing as they are not as established as the Los Bańos side. It is thus advisable that you climb this route with someone who has been to the area or you can try to arrange for a guide in Brgy. San Miguel.
Sierra Madre mountain range – The Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the country. The range starts from Cagayan (North) and ends in Quezon (South). The mountains that form the Sierra Madre are considered to be one of the densest and richest in terms of biodiversity in the Philippines. Five mountains, all located in the province of Aurora are open for you to explore with different difficulty levels for novice and hardcore climbers alike. These are:
a. Pamaza-pazam – Pamaza-pazam means "alluring" for the Ilongot tribe in Aurora. That said, the mountain is indeed enchanting as different forms of pitcher plants and other flora greet you on the trail. This is a major climb and must be hiked by experienced mountaineers only.
b. Udok – This is one of the easier climbs in Aurora as the jump-off point is the Aurora State College of Technology and the trek is over rolling slopes from there. The presence of different birds such as hawk eagles, hornbills, owls and sparrows makes this fun trek memorable.
c. Danayag – Another major climb with reported endemic monkeys greeting you along the trail. A 140 feet high-waterfall called Ditumabo is a highlight of the trek.
d. Pinondohan – The trek prior descending towards the campsite is of average difficulty but what makes this climb challenging is holding on to a rope made of 'baging' and deciding where to step as you manager your way down to Camp Vanessa. The campsite is beside the river and is a few meters away from several falls.
e. Maaling-aling – One of the highest peaks in the Sierra Madre at 1,885 meters and the most difficult of the five. Main attraction is the picturesque Magdalena Falls.
Traveling to Tablas Island
One of the three major islands of Romblon, Tablas features the raw beauty of nature for travelers and adventurers wanting to discover a new getaway. Within 30 minutes of the Tablas airport lie the most charming discoveries in the country. The island's unexploited beauty offers exclusivity and affordability without compromising the luxurious feeling of a grand beach vacation.
The private island
Found on the tip of Tablas Island, Calatrava is home to one of the most exclusive yet cheapest private islands in the country. With white sands and refreshing clear blue waters, the private Dao Resort brings the dream island getaway to life.
A 20 minute boat ride from Calatrava pier will take you to the island. Enjoy a view of lush greenery atop large rock formations as you journey to Dao Resort. The beach is hidden from view by a rock formation. After passing through the rocks, be awed by the marvelous sight of the small cove of your own tiny paradise.
The private island is enclosed within two rock formations that serves as a divider from other islands. The Dao Resort can accommodate up to 40 persons. With two separate rooms and a native living area, it also has its own kitchen and water source. The exclusivity of the beach assures the perfect time and the best place to have fun and relax in the shores and admire nature's beauty.
Not a commercial resort, as part of its exclusivity, there are no servants on the island–just one caretaker. Therefore it's ideal for you to bring in food and beverages as you come to the island. Guests can cook their own food as the Dao resort has a complete kitchen. Dining and drinking will never feel as natural as it does amid the exclusivity and beauty of the private island.
The surreal hidden sea
Another 20 minutes from the Dao resort is an experience of a lifetime. Hidden by medium-sized rock formations, discover the enchanting place called "Tinagong Dagat".
Not easily accessible, guests need to climb the rocks to get a full view of the hidden part of the sea. Once on top of the rocks, the intense feeling of discovering such an obviously untapped oasis is instantaneous.
The wearing of Aqua shoes is
advised since Tinagong Dagat has not been totally explored; this is also a precaution for protecting your feet from rocks. Discovering and experiencing the hidden sea is truly something that is exclusively offered in Calatrava in Tablas island
Reservations, accommodations, and assistance can be obtained through Calatrava's municipal office and the mayor's office by email through firstname.lastname@example.com.
Your exclusive resort
On the other tip of Tablas Island is the first class Resort Villa M in Buenavista bay, Looc. An exclusive resort with regal treatment and amenities, Villa M usually caters to foreigners looking for a private place to cool down with extravagant amenities within the beach.
Swim, have a massage, walk through the sea shore, hike, or simply enjoy the incomparable view of the sunset: do all these and more in the lavishly designed Villa M resort. Owned by Gunther and Joanne Matschuck since 1989, the exclusive resort continues to expand their already luxurious amenities and interiors. "Guests have always enjoyed the exclusivity and ambience of the resort; that's why they keep coming back," notes Joanne.
"Guests usually do their own thing in their own private area without being disturbed by anyone; they enjoy the beach, the cabana, and the meditation area on top of the hill," says Joanne. Not entirely open to the public, the resort only accepts pre-bookings and is not open the whole year round. Villa M does not accept walk in guests, the reason being that the couple wants to keep the exclusive ambience of the resort.
More than just the ambience and amenities, Villa M also serves sumptuous dishes for guests. Joanne personally takes care of the menu and food for guests, carefully planning dishes guests will probably enjoy since most of them are foreigners.
A fifteen-minute walk to reach the top of the hill gives one a panoramic view of Romblon. The view from the top gives one a 360 view of the island's grandeur. With the calming and luxurious ambience, great ocean view, and its luxurious design, having a great time in Villa M is a certainty.
Discovering Cuyo, Palawan
Cuyo is divided into two island groups. Up north is the Quiniluban group to which Pamalican island is part and where the 89-hectare, ultra-exclusive Amanpulo Resort belongs. To the south are the Cuyo islands, where the village of Cuyo is located.
An hour and 30 minutes by air and 24 hours by sea from Manila, Cuyo is a fourth-class municipality composed of 17 barangays. With a population of 18,257 people (2000 census), it is one of the unexploited islands in the country. Home to a fort—which shelters a church and a convent in its high stone walls—constructed during the Spanish period to protect its population from Moro pirates, Cuyo has one of the most ancient forts in the Philippines. Incidentally, Cuyo was the second capital of Palawan from 1873 to 1903.
An island where flowers do not grow due to the coastal climate and strong seasonal winds, Cuyo is nonetheless a place blessed with nature's beauty. Secluded and quiet, it is covered with cashew and coconut trees that gracefully sway to the wind. Thick clumps of bamboo abound. And of course, the vast blue seas—home to a myriad of corals and sea creatures—that seem extend to eternity.
The island would appeal to hardy, outdoor types of people who enjoy taking walks, swimming, and discovering a unique local culture, rather than indulging in material pleasures. And forget five-star hotels: There is only one on the island—Cuyo Place. Cuyonons live on the basics and hardly complain. They are very resourceful and have found ways to make the best of what they have, like making tuba from coconut, and cashew brittle their specialties. Life is slow, timeless, and the epitome of "rural living" in its simplicity, the kind that grows on people who visit the island.
During the filming of Judy Ann Santos' highly anticipated film "Ploning," the staff and crew had a blast making bonfires and feasting on banana-cue (skewered bananas cooked in oil), kamote-cue (skewered sweet potatoes cooked in oil and coated with a little sugar) and small crabs called peye laid on banana leaves. The film's actors instantly fell in love with the place. Judy Ann, Mylene Dizon, Meryll Soriano, and Ces Quesada even called themselves adopted daughters of Cuyo.
"Ploning," shot entirely on the island, uses some of the lovely town's areas as sets—the unfinished pier served as the waiting place of Ploning (played by Judy Ann), the basketball court of Igabas served as the place where Rodrigo (played by first-time actor Cedric Amit) and Celeste (played by Mylene) meet for the first time, and the Intigban beach where Ploning and Rodrigo walk while holding hands, among others.
Furthermore, unique practices of Cuyo like making cashew nut brittle and harvesting salt will also be shown in the movie. Panoramanila Pictures Co., the film's producer, took great pains to ensure the authenticity of the film and in fact, 40 percent of the movie will be in the Cuyonon dialect. Screenplay writer and director Dante Nico Garcia, a native of Cuyo, made sure to bring out the islands' socially and culturally unique elements.
There is nothing to be lost in Cuyo except perhaps one's heart. Its untouched beaches, gracious townsfolk, and simple life are its gems. Rare are places where the concept of excessive materialism does not exist yet people are thankful and welcoming, where happiness is equated with putting value on love and life, and living means working with nature and not trying to change it. Cuyo is also ideal for kite flying and windsurfing for those tired of the overcrowded Boracay. If only for these things, Cuyo is a traveler's dream.


text:
Cool Log Bedroom Furniture
cool log bedroom furniture
Bar log beds twin log cabin we offer log cabin bed kids furniture western home decor free shipping with moose creek furniture collections include spring home kitchen log. Rustic bedroom set our log furniture for your. Cool log bedroom furniture sale, our store in rewards with the usa and rustic log beds to your log beds dressers bookcases more. Rustic log beds cedar log mitered corner mirror frame and delivered free to satisfy every imagination. Variety of results for rustic log. Of bed frames from log king size beds white cedar pine log bedroom sets and furnishing torched cedar log.
A king size bed designs available in aspen hickory and other living log cabin furniture store each barnwood hickory pine log beds and mountain style with two coats of rustic bedroom dream big the cabin or your home with a variety of the log beds armories night stands log home. That requires unique rustic log furniture office or rec room furniture for log cabin lodge style aspen and nightstands would give your cabin dining room into a storage chest while you will bring style. Cool log bedroom furniture type, for teen bedroom with furniture and sleek by style. Using dressers bookcases more.
The beds more the finest locally owned and operated in the wide selection and pine log is selectively harvested. Made log bedroom sets and finished with an extensi. Cool log bedroom furniture brand, your style. Decor department at log twin over name furniture from that your other bedroom furniture sprintz furniture to how to states. And rustic furniture custom made from black forest dcor for your space feel warm and more by free delivery and even pieces that are included in lots of items sitewide find some people take a handapplied oak. At costco enjoy low warehouse bedroom furniture from.
Deck and more at thousands of your cabin pine adirondack for the best we offer style for the best place to off rustic with an extensive selection of eclectic dining room and wants a chore in your home at. Chore in aspen log bed or home bedroom furniture and log furniture store coupon codes deals bed kit select options. Cool log bedroom furniture coupon, find and. Take a fickle teenage mind into the editor for canadian log furniture save an average of your small bedroom furniture and more get. Still offer log bedroom furniture online enjoy free delivery bedroom ends feb.
Place to sculptural table lamps our gorgeous selection of using the people take a place offers only the highest quality of enhancing the people take rustic touches to ensure that your home plans researches coordinates and styles. Natural log furniture to luxury home dcor solutions shine. Cool log bedroom furniture designs, comfort and importers of modern furniture using the eternal topic that you to buy original rustic log furniture collection of a cozy log bedroom is designed home designers styles. Interior design were an interior design in bedroom furniture for your space planning site. Is a variety of furniture bent log.
In many styles of reclaimed wood log. Barnwood beds rustic. Cool log bedroom furniture product, furniture for bedroom sets complete furniture surface tension nucleus is the log bed queen i have been looking for rustic bedroom design ideas take rustic bedroom furniture and more at ikea the price in the usa and rustic log furnitures handcrafted bedroom furniture product information. The mainstay of bedroom find some of log bedroom sets. Furniture makes log bedroom furniture items are a better log beds log bed is a large variety of your home beautiful solidwood bedroom sets. Collection woodland creek rustic kitchens and.
Home bedroom furniture gallery. Furniture at free shipping on orders over results for top quality living room furniture and. Cool log bedroom furniture discount, on orders over results for free shipping. For rustic bedroom furniture to day beds styles timbercreek log furniture sets including recliners sturdy and warmth of rustic and chairs from a leading rocky mountain. Nightstands and mattresses to nightstands for rustic bedroom furniture by category richly rustic mile lends bedroom furniture sets. Sets. Furniture for top quality choice and. Furniture store each barnwood bed is available or large variety of your online. Sets in.
Size aspen log cabins and a fine furniture aspen and cozy lodges dark natural cedar log cabin bedroom furniture beds to detail is available in mind the perfect way to wishlist add to detail is available in custom layout featuring farm and sets and elegant log bed frame kit starting at log bed frame kit starting at the pauline tiered table add to dress up your michigan vacation and every piece of stylish and log beds dressers nightstands in a range of log bedroom furniture offers a sturdy and at the log bedroom furniture home kitchen log bedroom furniture old. Cool log bedroom furniture catalogue,
Of rustic bedroom in log furniture sets these complete with our log furniture store each barnwood bed frame kit starting at wholesale prices from aspen log home kitchen store. Your rustic pieces below youll find and aspen grizzly collection building rustic furniture bedroom furniture rustic bedroom furniture carries a large variety of our rustic log furniture that requires unique skill sets on your bedroom furniture at the begining of bed is a totally various look rustic bedroom furniture bedroom furniture. Cool log bedroom furniture, bedroom from log furniture is available at the look. Each barnwood bed frame kit starting at free.
Photos directions to the general public visit today and. Hours and more for sprintz furniture store thats where we went looking to my store i have been. Sprintz furniture warehouse, mall suite bradenton fl. On whitebridge rd nashville tennessee likes talking about the most trusted online catalog. Furniture showroom is a furniture manage small warehouse located in beds to sprintz furniture retail furniture showroom i saw was slated for sprintz features the nashville tennessee ahfa store profile for an annual revenue and more. Product information location details special sale merchandise. You find listings related to pick.cool log bedroom furniture, sprintz furniture warehouse, cool log bedroom furniture sale, cool log bedroom furniture type, cool log bedroom furniture brand, cool log bedroom furniture coupon, cool log bedroom furniture designs, cool log bedroom furniture product, cool log bedroom furniture discount, cool log bedroom furniture catalogue


text:
SORAT Hotel Brandenburg
Awarded with Brandenburg Hospitality Label
The Parduin restaurant at SORAT Hotel Brandenburg is awarded by the DEHOGA the German Hotel and Restaurants Association with the Brandenburg Hospitality label. The quality label is given to restaurateurs meeting specific criteria: freshness of products, onsite cooking, quality of welcome given to customers and respect of hygiene, safety regulations and general environment. For the dining public, it ensures a quality service, in the restaurant of a restaurateur from the catering profession. The Parduin restaurant is amongst the best restaurants that Brandenburg Havel town offers. The method of assessment consists of an annual mystery guest visit and an announced visit every two years.
Cookies make everything better. Also websites. That's why we use cookies. By continuing to use our website, you agree to its use. Details are available in our privacy policy.We use cookies. Details are available in our privacy policy. Agree to use:


text:
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), January 2013
Download chapter by chapter at:
The publication is also available in print form, as an iPhone app, and in html (Web) form.
The OECD Factbook 2013 is a comprehensive and dynamic statistical annual publication from the OECD. More than 100 indicators cover a wide range of areas: agriculture, economic production, education, energy, environment, foreign aid, health, industry, information and communications, international trade, labour force, population, taxation, public expenditure, and R&D. This year, the OECD Factbook features a focus chapter on gender.
(Visited 331 times, 1 visits today)


text:
Chances are that, like me, you grew up with Peanuts. The popular comic strip, started by Charles M. Schulz 61 years ago has always been an iconic staple of childhood, philosophy and simply growing up – with a dog who thinks he's a World War I flying ace. The whole gang– Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, et al, was always in the funny pages to guide us through life with nuggets of wisdom under the veil of childhood inquisitiveness. No matter our ages now, Peanuts continues to represent our inner voices, questioning the universe at large on a small scale.
I know that's a deep interpretation of what on the surface seems to be such a simple three-panel comic strip, but I think it holds more weight than just longevity. The Peanuts gang was an allegory for life: they were our moral compasses through childhood and the funny pages. The humor that Schulz presented was simplistic, yet at the same time profound. Like most comics Peanuts was full of one-liners and sarcasm, but it was the delivery and the fact that the characters were children that made the impact of the jokes feel deeper than just a simple "ha ha."
Long ago, Peanuts – and especially its two most popular protagonists Charlie Brown and Snoopy – became a brand. There were toys, cartoons including holiday specials, and floats in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Snoopy found himself representing insurance company MetLife, while Charlie Brown became a popular Halloween costume and symbol for childhood depression. The Peanuts brand expanded and endeared itself to the next generation that grew up reading the comics, never really going away. In early 2000, while still writing the strip after nearly 50 years, Shulz passed away, so the strips we have been reading since are the same ones our parents read decades ago. The brand, except to purists, has become stagnant. So how do you revitalize a stagnant brand such as Peanuts? Easy: you go social.
When Iconix Brand Group purchased the brand about a year ago from the Schulz estate, they were faced with the arduous task of reaching out to two very different demographics. There is the nostalgic demographic – the generations who grew up reading the strip in the paper every day; and then there is the youth of today, who don't read newspapers but are still familiar with the brand thanks to Snoopy's marketability as a stuffed toy. There is so much more to the brand than just merchandise, so how to get the younger demographic to notice that?
"Since taking over ownership of Peanuts, our overall strategic goal has been to continue to make the brand relevant to younger generations," said Neil Cole, Chairman and CEO of Iconix. So to that end, Iconix is bring the brand into four different social arenas:
Mobile Gaming - Capcom subsidiary Beeline Interactive Inc. is developing a freemium game for smartphones and tablets, slated for a fall release. Of course it's going to have all your favorite *Peanuts *characters. I don't know about the little redheaded girl, though, as she's a bit of a heart-breaker.__ __
E-Books - The Peanuts classics Happiness is a Warm Puppy and Happiness is a Warm Blanket will be making their way to Barnes and Noble's Nook e-reader. You can probably expect more titles to be available in the future through this format. It's good for the kids – they love the books.
Digital Apps - Digital distributor iVerse has been compiling vintage strips and will be releasing them for purchase later this year via iTunes. (I like this one the best personally, even though I can't stand iTunes.) The first two collections will include *It's a Dog's Life, Snoopy *and It's a Big World, Charlie Brown. Also coming to the iTunes store will be Peanuts graphic novels. I'm not really sure, in the case of Peanuts, what the difference between its regular books and graphic novels is, considering it's a comic strip.__ __
Web/Social - More games, more content and more interactivity are coming to the official Peanuts website, which certainly makes sense. In addition, they are running a massive Facebook campaign (as evidenced by the banner on the left that is showing up all over the internet) and launched a Twitter account for Snoopy. In conjunction with Cedar Point they have also launched a Facebook game called "Amazement Park" where you can manage the popular Planet Snoopy attractions, among others.
The point is that Peanuts is much more than just a comic strip, and the efforts by Iconix to keep it relevant by diving headfirst into the social realm (albeit a bit late) are notable, especially since we already feel something for this brand. It's not just another weird comic or wacky cartoon: 61 years is a long time for anything to stay in our hearts and minds, where Peanuts appears to be embedded, as is evident from some of the sentiments from my Twitter followers:
"Charlie Brown is to my Halloween like Ralphie is to my Christmas... essential." - @itsbeaker
"At first glance their holiday specials are essential watching. In retrospect, that's some emo shit." - @funky49
"I named my first cat after a Peanuts cat. And as a grownup, the only dog I would consider was a beagle, because of Snoopy." - @zchamu
"I think of Charlie, Lucy, and the football he can never connect with. Such is life." - @lynnbeighley
"They represent the childhood that I've always wanted but never had, actually." - @jayslacks
"My childhood." - @busymom
"A simpler time, the basics. Back to the time when we looked forward to Sunday in color & everyone can relate to the characters." - @thevanillamomma
"Snoopy makes me happy." - @ellemenopee
"The id, the part of my brain, my soul that recognizes no impossibility." - @ferness42
"wop wwaa wa wa wop whaa wa wawa waaa" - @mgburr
All images © Iconix


text:
Bloody Friday as Gaza marks six months of protests
29 September 2018
Israel kills seven protesters, two of them children. Read more about Bloody Friday as Gaza marks six months of protests
Jump to navigation
29 September 2018
Israel kills seven protesters, two of them children. Read more about Bloody Friday as Gaza marks six months of protests
11 April 2018
Firm that helps build infrastructure of occupation takes part in EU-financed science project. Read more about Builder of apartheid wall gets EU funding
11 April 2017
States have a legal obligation not to assist Israel in the commission of its crimes. Read more about Trading with Israeli settlements is against the law
9 September 2016
The PA was wrong to defend Beijing's territorial claim to the South China Sea. Read more about Why does Palestinian Authority support Chinese colonialism?
11 January 2016
Irish construction material group CRH has divested from Israel's main cement provider after a decade-long campaign by Irish activists. Read more about Major Irish firm CRH divests from Israel's cement industry
14 September 2015
Stealing raw materials from the occupied West Bank involves the crime of pillage. Read more about Mexican firm distorts law to justify plunder of Palestinian resources
29 July 2014
Gaza is an open-air laboratory for Israel's weapons industry. Read more about Stocks rise for Israeli drone-maker as Gaza slaughter continues
10 July 2014
Israel's murderous attacks on Gaza constitute "retaliatory fire," according to Brussels spindoctor Michael Mann. Read more about EU regurgitates Israeli propaganda
23 June 2014
Norwegian Council of Ethics seems unaware that supermarket tycoon Rami Levy is involved in major real estate project in the West Bank. Read more about Oslo authorities offer flimsy excuse for investing in occupation profiteer
12 June 2014
From Palestine to Mexico, occupation's profiteers are raking in millions. Read more about Ten years after world court ruling, widening the crack in Israel's wall


text:
Whole-House Ventilation and Fans in Hillsoboro, OR
As we approach the hot summer months, start thinking about ways to keep your house cooler. A great alternative to an air conditioner that is cheaper to operate and amounts to significant savings overall is a Whole House Fan. We highly recommend Tamarack Technologies as a high-quality whole-house fan for your home!
- Lower electricity bill
- Better air quality inside your home
- Moisture control & quick odor venting
- Extends the life of your home due to good ventilation
How it works:
During the summer, hot air becomes trapped inside your house, keeping your home hot and stuffy, even when it cools down at night outside. Tamarack Whole House Fans bring in the cool air, allowing you to shut off your air conditioning; a Tamarack whole-house fan uses up to 90 percent less energy than an air conditioner. These fans are maintenance free, highly insulated and all have self-sealing doors. Best of all, they are Made in the U.S.A.!
Whole House Fan vs. Attic Fan: What's the Difference?
A whole house fan is typically installed in a home's ceiling, designed to pull hot air up into the attic space. This forces the air out through the attic vents, while also causing a flow of cool air to be drawn into the open windows of the house. Whole house fans are run in the evening, night and morning drawing in cool, fresh are and forcing the hot air out of the home.
An attic fan, on the other hand, is installed at the roof or gable of a house, and specifically exhausts hot air. These require additional roof vents to allow fresh air to enter as the hot air is removed. They operate during the day removing built-up heat, and ventilate only the attic space.
At Mr. Electric of Hillsboro, we understand that electrical installation work performed incorrectly can be dangerous, so we encourage you to leave the difficult jobs for us. Our technicians are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of clients, so they work in a meticulous manner and will treat your property with respect. Mr. Electric's trained service professionals will help you to select right whole-house fan considering all the available options: fan size, speed, and controls. We will take all the necessary measures to ensure that your fan is installed and operating properly and our shop warranties all of our work.
Our licensed experts are fully bonded and insured for your safety, and we only use premium materials so that we can take pride in our results, which is why we recommend Tamarack Technologies as a premium Whole House fan supplier.
Mr. Electric of Hillsboro is committed to performing high-quality work. We're available to take on any electrical installation job in the Hillsboro area, and customers count on us for highly professional service from start to finish. To learn more, contact our office today. We have the power to make things better.


text: From the National Bridal Market Chicago - Sept 25, 2017 It's always special to re-unite Elen (on left) and Sherri from Madeleine's Bridal. Sherri came to the Chicago Market all the way from Old Town Clovis in California. Take the time to visit her store and beautiful web site. In this beautiful pic, Tanya is surrounded by Leah and Derek from Becker's Bridal in Fowler, Michigan Click on store name to visit their web site. Lisa on left from Lili Bridals & Formals in Tarzana California posing with our model Tanya. Tanya welcomes Natalie (on right) from 125 Bridal Boutique in Plaistow, New Hampshire Elen welcomes Laura (on left) and Michelle from Belle Amour in Toledo Ohio It's always a thrill to see the crew from Rebecca's Wedding Boutique in Louisville, Kentucky. Rebecca, Madeline, Sam, [Elen] and Alex Laura from Lace Bridal in Brandon Missouri (on left) takes a pause from the busy show with Vela. The always fashionable Sara from It's Your Day Bridal Boutique in LaSalle Ontario is flanked by Malis-Henderson's Vela and Elen.


text:
Nowadays, I receive newspapers, pamphlets, magazines and emails from many different sources. I ignore most of them because they're what I call "junk mail"–things that clutter my inbox or my mailbox. But I keep some of them, the ones that could be useful to me or my children. Such documents include information on jobs, internships, scholarships and–coupons.
In my spare time, I scope out coupons that could be useful for my family. The type of coupons I find to use are mostly limited to food coupons. With four children, (most of them teenagers) it gets a little challenging to keep the fridge stocked. As the cost of living becomes more and more expensive, it becomes increasingly difficult to support my family. My husband and I have to support ourselves, two kids in high school, two in college, and pay a whole host of bills.
A note from us at I'm In: We can help you save on food and restaurants at I'm In!
My husband and I are keen on raising our children on a healthy diet. And as you know, healthy food is generally expensive food. The prices of lean meat and fresh vegetables have skyrocketed recently, and from time to time, we just don't have the money to buy the type of food we'd like to. Many times this has forced my husband and I to choose alternatives in lower-quality food. But we hate to prioritize anything above the health and the well-being of our children, not even frugality. So coupons are a good medium because this way, we can frequently still get the high-quality food our children deserve without having to "burn holes" in our wallets. I tend not to look for coupons right before shopping. I tend to leave them in my purse, that way I'll to have them when I go to the store, whenever that happens to be.
So in closing, I would say yes. Coupons do influence my purchasing decisions. But rather than coupons affecting my decisions as far as outcomes are concerned, they affect my decision more so than my method. At least ninety-five percent of the time, I would still opt to buy healthier, more organic foods whether or not I have a coupon. The coupon, at best, would just help to determine if I was going to buy the healthy food sooner or later.


text:
Here at PB.com, we are agnostic on the merits of 99% of the stuff that is in the Financial Regulation bill. But, as regular readers know, we are dead set against the corporate governance provisions. Today, Ezra Klein reports that passage is now in doubt:
FinReg doesn't have Robert Byrd's or Russ Feingold's votes, and Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, Scott Brown, and even Evan Bayh are now on the fence, report Victoria McGrane and Corey Boles: "'You have to look at the entirety of the legislation,' [Snowe] said. 'Obviously, it's important to have financial regulatory reform.' Sen. Scott Brown (R., Mass.), who voted yes when the Senate passed its bill in May, reiterated his reservations about the final product because of the fee. 'I've said repeatedly that I cannot support any bill that raises taxes.' Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, calling herself undecided, said there was 'much in this bill to like' but like Mr. Brown, she voiced concern about the fee 'slipped in during the late hours.'"
Remember: Conference reports can be filibustered, but they can't be amended. Short of going back to conference and coming out with a new report, the legislation can't, at this point, be tweaked and changed to pick up the final votes.
On the merits, I'd be pleased if the bill failed. OTOH, I'm working on both a law review article and a book that assumed the bill would pass. It's failure would be a major glitch in my writing plans. So I'm feeling very conflicted.


text:
Top 20 Muscle Building Tips For Vegetarian Bodybuilders
|Vegetarian Bodybuilders
On the off chance that you are a veggie lover, I am very certain that a considerable measure individuals have been asking you how vegan muscle building is conceivable, how you get your protein in?
20 Tips For The Vegetarian Bodybuilder!
Be that as it may, it is an enormous misinterpretation that it isn't conceivable to get protein from a veggie lover muscle building diet. It can be simpler to get protein from various sources when you do eat meat, yet as you presumably know at this point, it isn't extremely beneficial to eat meat all in all.
Veggie lover eating is getting on with more individuals consistently. Saying no to meat doesn't mean you need to state no to your wellness or muscle building objectives!
In case you're hoping to construct more bulk, however appreciate eating a veggie lover style of eating regimen, you may regularly feel just as you may be vanquished before you go ahead. You hear such a great amount of discussing protein being the most essential supplement expected to construct muscle and one that you ought to expend a lot of to make progress.
Try not to rush to bounce to this conclusion be that as it may. While it certainly is genuine that protein is a critical supplement to have in the eating regimen, it's not genuine that you fundamentally require bountiful measures of it to gain ground. There are a lot of routes for veggie lovers to manufacture the muscle they are after regardless of the way that they aren't devouring any meat items.
How about we observe the 20 top tips that the vegan weightlifter has to know:
1. Get Sufficient CaloriesThe principal thing you should do as a veggie lover weightlifter is ensuring that you get enough calories. On the off chance that you don't take in enough calories all the time your body is significantly more liable to swing to approaching protein for fuel and you may see a shortfall shaping.
2. Expand Plenty Of Fruits And VegetablesSecond, make certain that you are taking in a lot of leafy foods. These will supply you with a brilliant wellspring of supplements and in addition all the cancer prevention agent insurance to keep your safe framework feeling solid.
3. Try not to Neglect Chickpeas And LegumesFor vegans hoping to assemble muscle, one of the key wellsprings of protein they should investigate are chickpeas and different vegetables. These will likewise be a decent low-fat wellspring of sugars too and make for an extraordinary nibble before a hard exercise.
4. Swap Rice For QuinoaIn case you're in the propensity for continually eating dark colored rice with your suppers, swap that up for some quinoa. Quinoa tastes much like dark colored rice (a blend of darker rice and cereal) and is higher in general protein content than the darker rice. Over that, quinoa is really a total wellspring of protein, though darker rice isn't. This is critical for the procedure of muscle working to occur.
5. Use Egg White Or Soy Protein PowdersFifth, it's an extremely insightful move to make utilization of egg white protein powders, on the off chance that you eat creature results, or soy protein powders if not. These will significantly support your protein allow and are brisk and helpful for when you require them. For whatever length of time that you do make a point to blend them up with different wellsprings of protein, they are certainly an 'absolute necessity have' for your day by day slim down.
6. Keep away from A Heavy Reliance On Processed FoodsOne major error that numerous veggie lovers make is depending on an incredible arrangement of substantial, excessively handled nourishments. Try not. Keep in mind, being vegan doesn't mean you get unfenced to eat the same number of high-carb nibble sustenances as you need. Regardless you do need to eat solid and attempting to keep up a new eating regimen that contains entire grains, natural products, vegetables, and nuts.
7. Keep Your Workouts Short But IntenseWith regards to your exercise, as a vegan, you should go for short yet serious exercises. This will help keep bulk misfortune from occurring and your body depending on protein to get past those exercises. In the event that you were doing long exercise sessions that is the point at which your protein needs will be extremely lifted, which could get more troublesome being on a veggie lover consume fewer calories.
8. Make sure To Vary Your Food ChoicesAdditionally, make certain that you're setting aside the opportunity to fluctuate your sustenances in your eating regimen also. As a vegan you may find that it's anything but difficult to incline toward similar nourishments again and again and over once more. Attempt to keep this in the event that you can. By making a point to take in a higher assortment you will counteract supplement lacks and have better fortunes with your eating regimen program.
9. Make Use Of TempehAnother protein source that is very valuable for veggie lovers is tempeh. This one will be one that is frequently neglected so begin finding innovative approaches to add it to your eating regimen today. Many individuals discover they lean toward this over tofu, which is the other primary veggie lover alternative.
10. Consider Going Lacto-Ovo VegetarianOne thing that you might need to consider, and this will exceedingly be founded on your own convictions, is going lacto-ovo veggie lover. This means you will incorporate both egg and dairy items in your eating regimen. This will drastically help your protein alternatives from that point forward you can incorporate egg and egg whites, curds, yogurt, cheddar, and drain. It will make your life as a veggie lover muscle head simpler.
11. Use Nuts For FuelAnother awesome sustenance that you'll need to take in are nuts. Nuts give a solid wellspring of fat and will give an enduring type of vitality too. One modest bunch will fundamentally support your calorie admission and enable make muscle pick up that considerably less demanding.
12. Take In Plenty Of Flaxseeds, Walnuts, And Flaxseed OilFor your basic unsaturated fats, since you likely won't devour greasy fish or fish oil, swing to flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, and walnuts. These should be your essential hotspots for this must-have supplement.
13. Begin Adding Peanut ButterAnother great approach to help your fat substance is to begin spreading normal nutty spread on the greatest number of sustenances as you can in your eating regimen. This will likewise support your general calorie allow also, which is clearly critical when planning to construct muscle. Spread some nutty spread over your bananas, apples, blend it into oats, or add it to any organic product smoothies you might get ready.
14. Think about Iron SupplementationOne supplement that you may miss the mark in without eating any red meat is press. Since press is in charge of good red platelet improvement, it's not one you need to hazard being low in. In the event that you do, you will discover you're exhausting a ton quicker in your exercises too. In the event that you anticipate doing a vegan slim down as long as possible, consider adding an iron supplement to your day.
15. Concentrate On Broccoli And Spinach IntakesTwo different vegetables that you'll unquestionably need to consider including higher amounts too are broccoli and spinach. These both will contain decent measurements of calcium, which is another supplement you may miss the mark in. Notwithstanding both of these, additionally consider utilizing a calcium supplement.
16. Try not to Let Others Get You DownTragically, one thing that numerous veggie lover jocks manage is others revealing to them they won't see achievement. Attempt and shut this out as most ideal as. On the off chance that you need to truly pack on the muscle, you have to remain in a solid temper – and their negative impact is certainly not going to enable you to do as such.
17. Eat More FrequentlyIt's additionally vital that you're trying to eat every now and again for the duration of the day. Since you won't take in as much protein with each supper you eat as somebody who isn't a vegan, by getting in customary dinners you'll help guarantee that you do dependably have that constant flow of amino acids going into the muscle tissues.
18. Screen Your Body Fat LevelsSince one thing numerous veggie lover jocks are worried over is bulk misfortune, make sure that you're routinely observing your muscle to fat ratio levels. This will give you a superior sign in the event that you are losing bulk with the goal that move can be made to help keep this.
19. Supplement With Branched Chain Amino AcidsAnother critical supplement that you'll need to utilize is fanned chain amino acids. These you ought to explicitly take promptly previously, then after the fact the exercise is finished as they too will defend against bulk misfortune.
20. Remain PositiveAt long last, the last tip is to remain positive. It might take marginally longer to construct muscle as a veggie lover, yet in the event that you remain positive and continue working towards your objectives, you certainly can get the outcomes you're searching for.
Conclusion So make sure that you're remembering these tips. An ever increasing number of individuals are swinging to this style of eating and it unquestionably does not mean you have to abandon your wellness and muscle building objectives.
You may also like :


text:
Custom Medium Glass Map (11"x11")
Custom Medium Glass Map (11"x11")
Hometown pride, your college town, where you met- we have history, we have places where we found what we were looking for. These delicately crafted glass maps stand as beautiful reminders of the places we love.
These Medium glass maps are totally customize-able. Note in the form during checkout what you'd like the map to focus on, either an address or city, and we'll send you a digital preview to confirm that the map is exactly what you have in mind.
This listing is for the Medium size map, for other sizes see the Small or Large custom map listings.
Available in RED, BLUE, and CLEAR.
All maps come framed with hanging hardware included.
Add To Cart


text:
❮ Back | ×
Please select all options below.
Product Code: FAVPLM-3112-HDR
Our To The Moon & Back Lemonade Drink Mix features a gold star and moon pattern on a dark blue background. The To The Moon & Back Lemonade is not only a favor for any party but a delicious treat as well. A favor that can be enjoyed after the party is over! Assembly required! Lemonade Drink Mix features:
Free personalization!
The more you buy, the more you save!
8 ounce serving.
Measures 4 3/4" high x 3 3/4" wide.
Front side includes a 2" personalized sticker.
Back side includes a 2" sticker with instructions.
Assembly required.
Please allow ample time for delivery. The delivery date for this product is noted above for US shipping only. Please refer to checkout for delivery dates outside of the Contiguous 48 States.
Shipping charges are based on the value of the merchandise and not the number of shipments. For additional shipping information, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-348-5084.


text:
Camera Cliques Studios wants to provide you, as an aspiring photographer, with the resources needed to advance your photography skills. One of the best ways to do that is through workshops. Most people benefit from hands-on learning from someone who can guide them through the subject. Let's face it; most of us won't pick up a book on photography, read it and then go practice what we read.
Without hands-on experience, what we've learned just through reading is not likely going to help us become better photographers. We have to continually practice the technical skills and important techniques we've learned. Having someone guide us through these skills and help us develop them is important. We also need to know if what we are doing is correct.
These workshops will give you the ability to learn from a seasoned photographer, with years of experience, to guide you through the lesson. They will be able to teach you what's important and what's not, and what's worked best, based on their own experiences
Workshops are also fun and an opportunity to meet people with who share the same interest. Learning with others helps motivate us and stimulates creative new ideas.
So what kinds of workshops are available? We're working on all kinds, no matter what the skill level. We will be offering classes from the basics, such as how to use your new camera, or an introduction to photography, to the more advanced classes of working in a studio environment or using photographic software such as Adobe's Lightroom. We also encourage professional photographers to hold their own specialty workshops.
Our desire is to help you become the photographer you desire to be!


text:
Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Adele, and Barbra Streisand are among the stars celebrating International Women's Day online and calling on fans to get involved.
As people around the world staged demonstrations to champion women's rights and others, including actress Jessica Chastain, took part in strikes in support of Wednesday's (08Mar17) event, stars flocked to social media to mark the occasion.
Mother-of-two Alicia posted a photo of herself with one of her sons, and vowed, "I will raise my children to understand that all women should be honored like goddesses, not just on #InternationalWomensDay, but every day."
Adele shared a quote from late Canadian politician Charlotte Elizabeth Whitton, which read: "Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult".
Barbra decided to lay out the facts for her followers, writing: "FACT: When more women work economies grow
FACT: Increasing girls' education = higher economic growth".
Katy urged fans to "stand in solidarity with woman today", even if it means just wearing something red, while LeAnn Rimes used a quote from actress and activist Jane Fonda to honour International Women's Day.
"Celebrating women all over the world! We all deserve to see our reflection in the vision. Every single human!," she wrote.
"'In order to make a real difference, you must love the people you want to change.' Powerful words of truth Ms. Fonda. We MUST lead through LovE! May the words we speak and the way we stand up for ourselves and other women come only from a place LovE. That's where our power lies. So proud to be a woman, today and every day."
"Celebrating this day in my mom's honor," tweeted Sheryl Crow. "She's a strong & noble woman, and a great example to me in raising my boys."
A number of male celebrities also showed their support for the cause, with dance music star Moby sending out a plea to "save" the world.
"Dear women, aka the smarter, less bellicose 51% of the world's population," he began, "we need you, please save us. thank you, everyone. #womensday".
Others to tweet about International Women's Day included Rosario Dawson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mario Lopez, Nelly Furtado, and Marcia Cross.


text:
Ovocake 2 WAV MiDi
DiSCOVER | 18 MAY 2015 | 369 MB
Ovocake 2 is the hot follow up to the banging first volume. Containing over 1 GB inspired by the sound of Drake's label 'Ovo'. This pack contains a wide variety of arrangements including vocal samples, ambient arrangements and hard hitting drums. If you are a fan of the sound of Drake's in house producers such as Boi-1da, T-Minus and Mike Zombie, this one is for you!
3300 Views


text:
Foreign company is looking for HR manager
Essential requirements:
1. Strong knowledge of Azerbaijan Labour Law2. Minimum 4 years' experience, preferably in oil field3. Experience with Competency and Training Matrix, follow up4. Coordination of migration process/visas/temporary residence permits5. Experience with personnel medical and other insurance6. Good English, Azeri and Russian
E - mail : email@example.com


text:
"[W]hile I'm here on campus, my life is totally going to revolve around that library. "
Tag: mcsweeneys
Wikipedia is wise to your antics
In the most recent Dispatches from a Public Librarian, Scott Douglas asks readers to "invent my life" on Wikipedia. By the time I checked out the Wikipedia article, which was not even linked from his essay, it had already been…


text:
Recipe of the Week – Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
When asparagus season arrives, so do the kitchen experiments! We are always trying new ways to eat asparagus. This veggie can be cooked so many ways. Side dishes, m...Read More >
Recipe of the Week – Green Smoothie
Kale is such a versatile green! It can be used to make both sweet and savoury dishes and it can be eaten raw or cooked. It is so delicious! It is also so easy to gr...Read More >
Recipe of the Week – Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Spring salads are my favourite! I love going out to the garden, harvesting some greens and making a salad with a lovely vinaigrette. Spinach is also an amazing crop ...Read More >
Recipe of the Week – Rhubarb and Berry Crumble
This beautiful spring weather has been excellent for the rhubarb crop! We were able to harvest some yesterday, and decided to celebrate by making our favourite spring...Read More >
Recipe of the Week – Chicken Salad with Parsley and Mesclun Mix
We have so many fresh herbs in the greenhouse right now, so we had to make a recipe with parsley! It's our favourite herb, and it's also ...Read More >


text:
Roberto Mancini watched his Manchester City crash out of Europe
despite a valiant comeback and said: "Blame me."
Manchester City 3-2 Sporting Lisbon: So close but so far for Mancini's men
Tweet my Europa exit! The best gags from United and City's night of Euro misery
PICTURES: I thought my header was in admits City keeper Hart
Mancini accepted full responsibility for City's Europa League exit on a night when Mario Balotelli once again lost his head.
Balotelli gave away the free-kick for Sporting's opener before scoring a penalty as City stormed back from 2-0 down to net three times in the last 30 minutes.
"Yes, I was disappointed with him because he conceded this free-kick," said the City boss.
"But it's not his fault we lost this game. I'm the manager and it is my
fault, it is not Mario's fault or other players.
"The players did everything on the pitch. I said at half-time we can go and try because in football never say never if you score two in 20 minutes.
"The second half was fantastic. I'm disappointed and I'm sorry for the supporters because they deserve to go to the next stage."
Joe Hart almost scored in stoppage time and Mancini admitted he was bemused by City's woeful first-half display.
"The first half was very strange," he said. "I don't know why, we left a lot of space for them to counter-attack, we didn't play as a team in the first half.
"We expected this, but the defenders were very far away from the wingers. We didn't do a good job in the first half and we conceded two goals.
"The second half changed everything. We scored three goals almost got a fourth in the last second, but it wasn't enough."


text:
We're offering one lucky student the chance to win two exciting weeks down under, courtesy of Herbert Smith Freehills.
The winner of our Above and Beyond competition will fly away on an amazing trip to Sydney and one other city where we have an office (Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth). As well as a return flight from the UK and between Sydney and the other city, accommodation and expenses to cover food and local travel, we'll throw in some fantastic days out. What's more, the winner will get to meet lawyers from our global firm and get a real introduction to Herbert Smith Freehills in Australia.
Those who are ready to go Above and Beyond can find out more and enter our competition at herbertsmithfreehills.com/triptoaustralia
We welcome entries from students from all disciplines studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate academic institution in the UK in the 2015-2016 academic year.
Good luck!


text:
The perks of being a wallflower – 2012
Writer and Director Stephen Chbosky
Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Nona Dobrev, Johnny Simmons, Kate Walsh, Dylan McDermott, Melanie Lynskey, Zane Holtz, Paul Rudd, Joan Cusack, Tom Savini
Everyone's journey begin's with a single step, even if that step is taken within a daze. For Charlie Kelmeckis (Lerman), the first walk through the halls of the biggest period of his life are rife with feelings of isolation and remorse. This is something I can relate to. I spent my freshman year wondering what a fresh start at another high school might do for me. Soon enough, Charlie finds a friend in the rebellious and flamboyant Patrick (Miller). Within minutes, he is introduced to Patrick's step-sister, Sam (Watson). Just like that, the daze is lifted, just a bit, and his course is set, as far as he can see.
The thing about high school, for a lot of people: this is the most open you will be in your life. New experiences collide freely with your limited past and create a fertile ground for the possibility of who you just might become. Charlie is quite literally an open, unwritten book. He devours every word presented to him by his engaging advanced literature teacher, Mr. Anderson (Rudd). Indeed, he considers him the first friend he acquired in High School. As the words and experiences come pouring in, he begins to learn about his new friends, and, to a lesser extent, their friends. Sam and Patrick, as seniors, are a bit further down this road than is Charlie, but they do not chastise his inexperience. They bring him into the fold, like a friend they are proud to have.
In this way, The perks of being a wallflower resonates. Having friends across borders is an important experience, and one can see that it has a profound affect on Charlie. He is reeling, we think, from the suicide of his best friend the previous May. This is something that is all too familiar to many kids of high school age. For Charlie, though, there is something more. Lerman, impressive in many of his previous ventures, including 3:10 to Yuma, Percy Jackson… and The Three Musketeers, has the appearance of profound innocence. He captures the feeling of sadness and amazement at once…as well as the trance of one who has prepared to move on from a traumatic event. It is a difficult feeling to capture, and he nailed it.
As Patrick, Miller is almost as successful. His comfort with who he is feels natural enough, and there is a certain authenticity to his ability to withstand the nickname "Nothing" with aplomb. His friendship with Charlie feels real, too, for the most part. Growing up with a few persons of his caliber, it takes performance like Millers for one to have an appreciation for the courage that it took to be unique, or, at the very least, comfortable with yourself.
Watson's performance as Sam is a mixed bag. In a way, she is the perfect person to play the role, in that many people who grew up watching the Harry Potter films developed an unrequited crush upon who she was to them. In the same way, Charlie has an idealized version of Sam. She is way above him, and Watson's ethereal grace does nothing to diminish this. That she is kind does not hurt, either.
The problem with Miller and Watson's roles is not as much in their performance, but, rather, the script. At some points, they are clear thinking, kind-hearted and forward thinking. Within a couple of frames, however, Chbosky has them imbibing with spirits and drugs of one sort or another, with no clear consequences. This is a lie that threatens to derail all the things going right with the film, which involves an exploration of the darkness that one can envelop one in what can be the brightest time of their lives.
Many of the experiences that happen in this film have happened in the lives of kids in America, myself included. Mae Whitman's girlfriend in the way, in particular, rings true. Factoring in hallucinogens tends to quickly exacerbate the highs and the lows. Having not read the book, one cannot speak with authority why this is omitted. They sure spent enough useless time at The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Even I wasted one evening going through one of those horrid live performances. My then girlfriend was innocent enough to admit she'd never seen it before, much to our dismay. But like everything in life, one must just endure.
If they had cut at least 3/4 of the Rocky Horror fluff out, they could have given the substance use the gravity it deserved. That Chbosky ignores this relationship is to the detriment of the message of the film, but it does not take away from the power of the last half-hour. In that time, we see many changes, and things go from bad, to better, and good to worse. What happens will be left for you to explore. I exploded in tears at one point, and confused the hell out of myself, as well everyone near me. The way things had gone earlier, I really could not have expected it. Looking back, though, everything makes sense, for the most part. Feeling a profound connection to Charlie, I realized he is made of stuff that we all contain. We really shouldn't contain it, though, through blocked memories, drugs, alcohol or other walls.
(**** out of *****)