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Dawn walked into Alisha's office and found her friend slumped back in her chair nursing a large coffee. Seeing the tiny lines of strain around her eyes, Dawn said, "You look beat! I thought you would be chomping at the bit after being at the training conference all week."
Taking a swig of coffee and giving a rueful smile, Alisha said, "I was when I got back into town on Friday. It was a great conference, and everybody there was ready to take on the world. I was very intent to hit the ground running when I got to the office today. Then, something hit me between Friday and now: reality!"
Far too often, most of us tackle work or life in short bursts. Like a sprinter, we go all out in our efforts to do something or solve a problem. Sometimes it is necessary to apply that tactic to urgent issues, but it shouldn't be how we address everything. We have to approach what we do like a marathoner. We need to prepare ourselves to use our energy over the long-haul, not in a matter that burns us out or causes us to lose interest.
Energy Intelligence
The scenario above is a typical dilemma everyone faces. Think of New Year's resolutions, which are so common among many people. The timing is ideal. The new year seems fresh and perfect to move forward with positive changes. The concept of the newness of the year infuses many with a burst of energy.
However, statistics show that, on average, only 8% of resolutions ever come to fruition. The underlying reason is that it is difficult to keep up that enthusiasm over a long period of time to meet one resolution. It is even harder when you have a bunch of decisions because you are, in essence, watering down your energy.
After coaching hundreds of people, one thing has emerged over and over again. When people attend conferences and training sessions, the synergy of energy at those events is contagious. You know you attended a well-planned event when you leave feeling like you can set the world on fire. Like Alisha, though, it is hard to maintain that energy level and keep up that momentum in daily life. I have seen people fired up only to have one hour at their desk suck the essence out of them.
As I observe this phenomenon happening with those I coach, I realize the same thing happens to me quite often. It is a standard issue in the workplace and in life. It makes me recall the first Law of Thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy. It states that "Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another." For instance, it would seem as though turning on a light would produce energy, but that energy is actually just being converted to light.
From that science, I coined the phrase energy intelligence. It means having the mindfulness to distribute our energy intelligently to all facets of what we do so that we maintain a consistent pace in all areas of our work and personal life.
That does not mean that you should allocate the same amount of energy to everything you do. That's impossible. We only possess so much energy.
Things happen on a daily basis that cause your energy to ebb and increase. Mindfulness helps you recognize the correlation between your power and goal. It equips you to employ energy strategically. For example, you would direct more of your energy to accomplish goals that are critical to your long-term success. Similarly, you learn to use discretion to say no to your fears.
Energy intelligence recognizes that you only have so much energy and that different tasks require different amounts of it. For example, if numbers are not your thing and you have to spend a couple of hours figuring out a spreadsheet, recognize that it is going to take a lot out of you. It is probably not a good idea to schedule an important meeting right after you do that task. When our energy is down, our brains are not working at full capacity. Part of energy intelligence is recognizing when you are at your best for making crucial decisions or exerting leadership to your staff or team. Part of energy intelligence is transforming tired energy into high-performing energy.
To get started on energy intelligence, begin by observing your energy levels during the day. People tend to have peaks and valleys. Some folks accomplish more between 8:00 a.m. and noon than they do for the rest of the day, while others are night owls. First, make the conscious decision to track yourself.
The next step is figuring out what boosts your energy. Maybe it's reading an inspiring article, laughing at the comics page or drinking a large café mocha. Whatever it is, hang onto that fact so you know how to replenish your energy when it is down.
Now that you know the first steps to energy intelligence, let's get started!
Source : https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/02/20/how-to-conserve-your-energy-intelligence/#399a74343af5
View all SMART GRID Bulletins click here
|August 2019
01 August 2019


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We are excited to announce that we are now offering custom made solid timber benchtops direct to both the public and trades on the Sunshine Coast.
Whether you are looking for a timber kitchen benchtop or a timber bench for a bathroom vanity or office desktop, RAW Sunshine Coast offers the best quality solid timber benchtops on the Sunshine Coast.
At RAW Sunshine Coast, solid timber craft is our speciality. All our benchtops are manufactured in our Maroochydore workshop by our team of qualified and experienced furniture makers and joiners, who take great pride in creating quality pieces that will last a lifetime.
Our timber benchtops are crafted from select grade kiln dried timber and feature wide board laminations. The term 'laminations' refers to the joining of solid timber. This can include full lengths of timber edge-glued or multiple pieces edge and butt joined to make up a larger piece.
Our benchtops are proudly manufactured from full lengths of solid timber and our laminations are generally between 150mm and 200mm wide, unless otherwise specified. In comparison to other timber benchtop on the market, our laminations are often wider. Teamed with full lengths of timber, we believe a more sleek and sophisticated look is achieved over butt joined benchtops with narrow laminations.
Whether you are building a new home or undertaking a renovation, each kitchen and bathroom benchtop is custom made to your specific needs. We have a fabulous range of solid timber species to select from as well a choice of finishes. Our team of experts will guide you along the way or work with your builder, to ensure a simple, stress free process and a final product that you are thrilled with.
To make an appointment to discuss your very own custom made wooden bench top please call 0413 111 595 or drop into our display centre at 23 Kayleigh Drive, Maroochydore. Alternatively, if you already know what you want, click here fill out a benchtop order form or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com for a free quote.
Solid timber has a beauty and warmth that just can't be matched by any other material. Timber is an extremely versatile material and can be utilised in numerous residential and commercial spaces including kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities, desktops, floating shelves and stair treads to name a few. Timbers natural variations in grain, knots and colour makes each length of timber uniquely beautiful. The variety of species available allows you to set the mood of a space, such as selecting lighter timbers like American White Oak to create a modern Scandinavian interior.
Despite wood's softness, it can actually last much longer than its sturdier counterparts. Some timber requires regular maintenance, but even the most neglected of benchtops can be brought back to life. Timber can be re-sanded and refinished at any time during its life to maintain the timbers natural beauty.
Every benchtop at RAW Sunshine Coast is crafted from select grade kiln dried timber. As timber is a natural material, it will continue to expand and contract with changes in humidity. Changes in timbers moisture content can be due to many factors including the climate (moisture in the air – dry or wet), air conditioning and appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and kettles. The timber will expand with increased air moisture and contract as it decreases. Movement across the grain can be up to 1mm per 100mm. This movement is quite normal and when correctly installed, this movement will not be noticeable.
We offer a range of timber species for you to select from. These timbers have been chosen by us for their durability and appearance.
*Timber samples shown above are a representation only. As timber is a natural material, some variations in the colour, grain and knots should be expected and appreciated.
- Standard thickness 32mm
- Laminations 140 – 200mm wide
- 3mm pencil round
- 6mm pencil round
- Bull nose
- Other (prices may vary)
Every piece at RAW Sunshine Coast is handcrafted from sustainably sourced materials and built to last. The timber utilised for your piece has potentially had 100 years to acclimatise to its surroundings. But no amount of acclimatisation or climate controlled drying will fully prepare the timber for our homes.
We expect a lot from our furniture and rightly so. But if we want our timber furniture to perform to the best of its ability for years to come it must be well looked after. To enjoy the beauty of this product for many years, we recommend that you follow these few simple steps:
- No chemicals should be used on the finished timber, nor should any abrasive products or cloths. Clean with a lightly sprayed water-based cleaning product. It is recommended that an OSMO maintenance kit be used to prevent deterioration.
- There exist natural variations in wood, including knots, cracks, colour, and grain. These are unique to every tree and piece of timber, and therefore furniture. These should not be considered faults but serve to make each and every piece individual.
- Only use furniture for its intended purpose.
- Always lift your furniture when moving it, as dragging it may damage the legs or joints.
- Furniture should be dusted regularly with a clean, cotton cloth. Coasters and placemats should always be used under plates, cups, utensils, and glasses, regardless of whether they are hot or cold. When writing, it is best to use a mat to prevent dents.
- Any spills should be wiped up immediately so as not to cause the finish to break down.
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, heating/cooling vents, or fireplaces should also be avoided. These may damage or discolour the wood/finish.
- Securely anchor any drawers, bookshelves, height charts etc. to a wall to prevent tip over accidents. Furniture anchoring systems / safety straps can be purchased from any hardware store
- Handles, hinges and painted surfaces may chip or become scratched with use over time. Treat these areas with care and do not use any abrasive cleaning cloths or products on them.
- Ensure that any salt build up on aluminum frames is removed with the occasional wipe with warm soapy water.
- If necessary, the timber can be refinished with OSMO. If you wish for the finish to be redone, or for any stains, scratches, chips, or other damage to the repaired, contact RAW Sunshine Coast.
We trust you will enjoy this product for many years!
At RAW Sunshine Coast, all products are made of the highest quality timbers and materials and are covered by a two-year manufacturer's warranty. To ensure the longevity of all pieces, proper handling and maintenance is essential. Please refer to our Furniture Care Guide for more information.
Furniture and joinery should not be subjected to undue stress and only used for their intended purpose. For example, never stand or place heavy objects on furniture. Likewise, furniture should not be dragged or pulled, always lift as doing otherwise may damage the legs or joints. Damage to joints through misuse are not covered.
Unfortunately, the effects of the environment and any natural degradation that may occur are not covered by the warranty. Natural factors may lead to deterioration of the timber such as expansion, shrinking, or discolouration. Small splits and cracks may develop over time. These are a natural phenomenon of timber, not a fault, and add character to the pieces.
Damage to the surface of any product through normal wear and tear, misuse, improper positioning, the use of chemicals or abrasive products are not covered.
The warranty does not cover pieces installed by other companies. It is the installers responsibility to ensure correct fixings, waterproofing and adjustment of drawers and doors.
Unsealed surfaces and pieces, at the request of clients carry a limited warranty. Any surface damage, but not limited to water damage, timber movement, spills etc. is the responsibility of the client (timber needs to be correctly sealed).
Any flaws in the product, as well as any issues with the finished design, must be registered within 24 hours of the product being received. Contact RAW Sunshine Coast to resolve these.
We proudly use OSMO PolyX on all RAW Sunshine Coast timber products. This high-quality finish penetrates deep into the wood, forming a low-maintenance, protective barrier.
OSMO PolyX is a natural oil and wax finish and is available in a natural or semi matt finish. Developed from natural oils and waxes used in the industry for over a century, it penetrates deep into the wood and creates a protective barrier against moisture, abrasions, and scratches.
With this oil, all furniture becomes highly resistant to spills, dirt, dust, and minor damage, as well as liquids such as coffee and wine. However, it is recommended that spills be cleaned immediately.
No chemicals should be used on the finished timber, nor should any abrasive products or cloths as these will break down the finish. Clean with a lightly sprayed water-based cleaning product. It is recommended that an OSMO maintenance kit be used to prevent deterioration.
We also offer 2 PAC non-grain filled and grain filled options on request. Speak to our friendly staff for more information.

subset: commoncrawl


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30 Hour Course
Show Course ID: 0
Course ID: UUBXU-U-00014-18-S, UUBXU-T-00003-17-S, UUBXU-U-00016-18-S,UUBXU-U-00019-18-S, UUBXU-U-00015-18-S, UUBXU-U-00021-18-S,UUBXU-U-00017-18-S, UUBXU-U-00018-18-S, UUBXU-E-00001-17-S
Approved By: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
This 30-hour course will provide Oregon tax preparers and tax consultants with all of the continuing education necessary for license renewal, including ethics.
The course will begin by reviewing the federal filing requirements for taxes. Topics we'll cover here include who is required to file, how to select the correct form, how to file for an extension, and how to handle things like identity theft and mistakes on returns. After that, we'll cover the parameters of federal filing status, and discussing the qualifications required for each type of status.
In our Gross Income class, we'll talk about what qualifies as gross income and therefore must be reported. This includes a discussion of recording and reporting tips, as well as interest income, and other indirect income.
Retirement accounts will be covered in our class on income adjustments. We'll discuss how different retirement accounts and types of accounts affect a taxpayer's return, and we'll touch on some alimony and education-related adjustments as well.
After that, we'll move on to some more specialized topics, starting with the taxation of rental income and expenses. This class will address the types of expenses that rental housing can require, and what tax benefits they qualify for. We'll talk about how rental income is taxed, practice depreciation deductions, and review the new tax provisions that benefit owners of rental real estate.
In our class on additional schedules, we'll look at some of the most commonly-used schedules: C, F, J and SE. We'll cover who these are intended for and what benefits they offer to taxpayers. These schedules will be examined in detail, before we move on to our credits class. This lesson will examine the federal credits offered to taxpayers, and we'll identify the credits which are no longer available.
In Other Additions to Federal Income Tax Returns, we'll take an in-depth look at the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and it's new guidelines under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We'll perform some sample calculations under AMT rules, before we review the various credits available to those with minor children. Finally, we'll look at FICA and estimated taxes.
The course will conclude with the required Ethics class, where we'll talk about the nature of ethics, why they matter to tax preparers, and how to serve clients ethically in your profession. Each class in this course package will be followed by a short quiz.


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As Tropical Storm Harvey lashes Texas, more than 30,000 people are in shelters after fleeing their homes.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has called it "one of the largest disasters America has ever faced."
The New York Times has compiled a list of resources for those who are either displaced from their homes or sheltering in place during the catastrophic flooding. (If you're looking for somewhere to donate, please see our guide to ways to help.)
In an emergency situation, always dial 911.
Find help and a place to stay
DisasterAssistance.gov includes a link to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's step-by-step guide to filing a flood claim, a map to locate the nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and instructions on how to apply for assistance. If you have questions about the help FEMA offers or the application process, call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or submit your query online.
The Coast Guard asked those seeking help to follow these instructions:
KHOU, the CBS affiliate in Houston, has posted a list of critical numbers to have on hand. The station has listed several other resources as well, including where to find a shelter, information on the latest evacuation orders and the latest high-water locations in the Houston area.
For a list of shelters open throughout Texas, consult Governor Abbott's website.
Those seeking help from the Red Cross should visit one of their shelters, which are listed here.
Texas State Park camping is free for evacuees, however, be mindful that several parks have closed because of Harvey, and it's important to call to check availability.
Survey the damage
The National Storm Damage Center has advice on how to get maximum value for your insurance claim. Note any signs of damage that can be seen from the ground, and take pictures of that damage. It's also important to hire a reputable contractor, and avoid those "who have a financial incentive to save the insurance company money at your expense."
Crisis Cleanup, a website that helps relief organizations coordinate efforts, advises contacting relief agencies directly for help cleaning up your home or property. If you live in Texas or Louisiana, however, you may call the Crisis Cleanup hotline anytime before Sept. 15 at 1-800-451-1954 to get a case number and be placed on a list distributed to civic and community leaders, as well as volunteer relief agencies. "We can't guarantee you'll be helped, but you won't be forgotten," their website says.
Locate the missing
If you want to report a missing child or are searching for one, you should call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's National Emergency Child Locator Center at 1-866-908-9570 or 1-877-908-9570.
To register yourself as safe and to search for loved ones, visit the "Safe and Well" section of the Red Cross website.
In San Antonio, the city's Animal Care Services Department is transporting and sheltering evacuated pets. Check its Facebook page for updates. Lost Dogs of Texas offers ways to locate lost or found animals, which can also be listed on Helping Lost Pets.
Stay safe
The Houston Chronicle has created a map of flooded streets to avoid.
The National Fire Protection Association has tips on how to safely use portable generators. Never use them inside, for example, and never refuel a generator while it is running.
If you see an animal in danger, call the Animal Rescue Disaster Hotline at 713-861-3010, which is being manned by the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
If you're experiencing emotional distress and need to talk to a crisis counselor, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.


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Why we love YouTube
Two weeks ago, we published an article about the best ways to leverage Instagram as an influencer. There is an ideal platform for every type of content, and understanding your own content and where it best fits in the social media world is an essential part of your job as an influencer. Today, we're diving into another one of our favorite social media platforms: YouTube.
Compared with Instagram, YouTube is OG. While influencer marketing really started with blogs, YouTube is one of the first platforms where everyday people, like Jenna Marbles and Shane Dawson, shot quickly to stardom. But what makes YouTube so great, and what has allowed it to endure while other platforms have faded away? (RIP Vine) Let the experts at Obviously break down what makes this YouTube effective and how you can leverage it to make the most of your video content.
More than any other platform, YouTube allows influencers to speak directly to their followers. Videos give audiences the impression that they really know you. They get a feel for your personality. Our favorite YouTubers feel like friends who just happen to give incredible advice on everything from doing your makeup to fixing your car to finally asking that guy out. Sometimes, we even get real glimpses into people's emotional lives. YouTube is one of the most candid of all social media platforms. YouTube influencers let us into their lives and share their personal thoughts with us. It's kind of a big deal.
Long-Form Content
YouTube allows influencers to hold their followers' attention for extended periods of time. While we might only look at a photo on Instagram for a few seconds, we will watch an interesting YouTube video for a whole half-hour-- or more! This makes it especially useful for how-to videos or tutorials. Viewers can follow along with you as your create a new hairstyle, build a piece of furniture, or finally beat that challenging level on your favorite video game. If what you want to share is too in-depth for an Instagram post, then YouTube is a great option. Even better, you can share a quick preview of what you are doing on your Instagram and use that to entice followers over to your YouTube channel for the full experience.
Who's doing it well?
What kind of influencers should use YouTube?
YouTube is great for lifestyle influencers who want to expand on their blog or Instagram content with a vlog. It's also great for anyone who has something to teach us. Personally, I'm always heading to YouTube for hair and makeup tutorials. I'd basically be lost without it. It's also very popular with gamers and cosplayers, because of the ability to talk us through the various levels of a game and review in-the-moment as they are playing.
I've considered starting a YouTube channel, but how to I make the transition?
YouTube works great in tandem with other social media platforms. Many of our best bloggers and Instagram Influencers are also on YouTube. The most important advice I can give is to be consistent. If you set our promising to make two videos a week, be sure to do so. If that's too much, try out weekly or every other week. The important thing is that your followers know when to check in for new content and what to expect from your channel. Oh- and to have fun, of course!
Stay tuned for next week, when we'll be talking about the mother of all influencer channels: the personal blog.


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Former White House communications aide and "Team of Vipers" author Cliff Sims is suing President Trump and the federal government, claiming the president and his administration are "intentionally" and "unconstitutionally" trying to silence him.
The lawsuit comes after the Trump campaign has filed an arbitration claim against Sims for alleged breaches of a non-disclosure agreement the campaign says Sims signed. Sims, who served as a Trump campaign staffer then as an adviser to Mr. Trump for 15 months in the White House, is asking the courts to not enforce any non-disclosure agreements and stop the president and his associates from further attempting to penalize him.
"The defendants seek to unlawfully penalize and impose a prior restraint upon Mr. Sims with respect to the publication and discussion of his book, "Team of Vipers: My 500 Extraordinary Days in the Trump White House … and any information he has learned as a result of serving as a federal employee," the complaint reads. "The U.S. government is intentionally and unconstitutionally engaging in a subterfuge effort to use a private entity, Donald J. Trump for President, Inc., to do its bidding to silence Mr. Sims when it is really the intense powers of the presidency coming down upon a sole individual."
When Sims' book was released, Trump called Sims a "low-level staffer" and a "mess," after which Sims tweeted out pictures of himself and the president in the White House.
The president has been known to use non-disclosure agreements in the past. An arbitration complaint was also filed against former "Apprentice" star and White House staffer Omarosa Manigault Newman when she published her tell-all book on her time in the Trump White House.
© CBS Interactive Inc.


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The weather is finally starting to cool off and hunting seasons are kicking off all over the state. Now the bass will start working their way to the shallows to feed heavily for the upcoming winter. Fishing is fairly easy this time of year once you find them.
Everyone has "favorite" lures for specific situations. I will give you my 4 favorite baits for when the mercury is falling and so are the leaves.
Topwater Baits– If you love throwing a topwater bait, then fall is the time for you.
Square Bill Crankbait– This is a close second for me as I can cover a ton of water and throw it in some nasty cover and still provoke a reaction bite.
Spinnerbaits- This is the most versatile tool in your tackle box at this time of year. You can fish it up high in the water column or dredge it slowly across the bottom.
JIGS– A jig is still your best tool to land a monster in the coming months, day in and day out.
Well, those are my weapons of choice when I am going to flood the bank to catch those hungry fall bass. I didn't list any specific colors as each lake has its' own prey base and colors that work best.
G'luck Texas Nation and Tight Lines


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|OFFICE: BLTN 209e
EMAIL: email@example.com
Personal Webpage
|Dr. Lueck's core research identity is in strategic communication, applied to important public health issues and informed by psychology. Focusing primarily on non-normative populations, Dr. Lueck's research investigates how mental disorders such as depression influence the interpretations of and reactions to health messages. Despite the high prevalence of mental disorders in the U.S. population, current research does not properly account for how such disorders influence message processing and effects – mechanisms that will contribute to the success or failure of health communication interventions. Dr. Lueck's most recent work investigates the persuasive advantage of positive and negative (gain-and loss) framing of depression help-seeking messages via experimental design utilizing eye-tracking technology and traditional self-report measures. Dr. Lueck's goal is to understand the effects of message framing on key outcomes, such as information seeking, intentions to seek help, and suicide prevention, in order to inform health communication theory and practice. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the development of effective mental health messages regarding help-seeking and lifestyle changes targeting those who suffer from mental illness. Additional research projects investigate cognitive processing of health messages in the context of health disparities, patient-physician communication, and emergent technologies.
Courses Taught:
COMM325: Persuasion
|Representative Publications:


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Imagine, if you will, having $19 million.
A luxury car, harbour side mansion, or a round-the-world trip might spring to mind.
Unfortunately, $19 million is the total cost of claims in NSW for injuries – lacerations, amputations, brain injuries and the like – that occurred in the tree work industry between 2013 and 2016.
In the past four years, there have been more than 600 workplace injury and occupational disease claims for the tree work industry. The injuries are often serious, sometimes catastrophic and average $30,000 per claim. Major causes of incidents include the lack of planning related to working at heights and around power lines; the unsafe use of high risk machinery such as wood chippers; and the failure to assess the condition of trees and poor ground stability.
If you are in the tree work industry, watch our video safety alert for tips on working safety with trees, use our tree work guide to help you operate safety and avoid injury and conduct a self-assessment of your workplace.
When working with trees, planning is the key.


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Title: Sam's Reviews
Author: Jan Irving
Buy link: Amazon.com (Second Edition)
Genre: Contemporary m/m, light BDSM, mystery/ suspense
Length: Novel (176 pfd pages)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
A Guest Review by Feliz
Summary Review: Because he can't walk anymore, Sam thinks that he'll never be able to act out his need for sexual dominance again, until Tall shows him that a man in a wheelchair can still be man enough .
The Blurb: As the holiday season draws near, Sam Masterson, a former marine who is now in a wheelchair, has more holiday unspirit than spirit going for him. He owns a building where a lot of misfits make a home and his neighborhood is threatened because of a shiny new development going up. He heads uptown to speak his mind to the man behind the monstrosity. Architect Tall Hollander is not what he expects — tall like his name, but sexy and up front about finding Sam attractive.
Sam also has other pressures — a brutal thief known as The Bruiser is haunting the area, he has sole custody of his vulnerable nephew Joe, and his latest gay romance has just been rejected because it's too "unrealistic." So Sam escapes into fantasy, the only place where he finds the passion he hungers for. That is, until Tall decides to use his creativity to spark his holiday fire.
The Review:
Sam Masterson had literally shot his feet out from under him by a land mine in Afghanistan. He has been drowning in self pity for a while when the mugging of his grand-aunt forces him out of his self-inflicted misery. A few days before christmas he finds himself saddled with the responsibility for his eight-year-old nephew Joe and his grand – aunt's businesses, a yarn shop and an old tenement building. But the neighborhood seems to be falling to pieces around him and his nephew is underwhelmed by Sam as his new legal guardian. On top of that, Sam's latest novel has just been rejected, so his new choosen profession as a writer of gay romances seems to be a dead end. Sam feels utterly out of his depth, a failure in every aspect of his life, and so he resorts to fantasizing – mostly about sex, for he hasn't had any in a very long while and can't imagine anyone wanting him, a cripple, the way he needs to be wanted.
It takes a hole in the wall of the yarn shop, caused by a caterpillar from the nearby construction site of a shiny new apartment building to propel Sam back into action mode. Determined not letting himself be intimidated by the high-and -mighty developers, Sam sets out to have a straight talk with the man he holds responsible, architect Trevor "Tall" Holland. What he gets, though, is a breathtakingly gorgeous man who not only promptly sets to fix the damage, but also makes it very clear he finds Sam attractive and the wheelchair doesn't make the slightest difference to him. The mutual lust between the two men is immediate, although it takes a bit of persuasion on Tall's part to make Sam acknowledge it. Only when Sam finally lets himself in on Tall, he comes to realize that his life might have changed drastically, but he is still the man he was before.
I liked this book very much, although I can see why others may be of a different opinion.
On the one hand, there was the character of Sam, who I liked very much. Sam is a marine with all his heart, he personifies the whole romatic glory of being a marine, the honor, the fierce protective instinct, the doggedness once he's set on achieving a goal. He is the perfect soldier and a leader of men – except for the fact that he's in a wheelchair, which in his own eyes makes him a poor copy of the man he wants to be. Still, once he's needed – by his grand-aunt, by the tenants of his grand-aunt's house and especially by his nephew Joe – Sam does what he has to in order to get the work done, no matter how. Sam needs to be in control, in his life as well as in bed, and the latter poses an even bigger problem for him since he figures that no other man would willingly submit to a man in a wheelchair. So when beautiful, successful, independent Tall indicates to Sam he would like nothing better than submit to him, Sam can't buy it immediately. But once Tall has won him over, Sam seizes the opportunity with both hands. Sam has also a little bit of a cruel streak sometimes, a certain ruthlessness which in my opinion betfits a marine and lends plausibility to his dominant nature. He's a rounded, multilayered character, not necessarily endearing but true. The author's skill managed to give Sam a very distinctive and deliciously sarcastic voice.
We see Tall only through the eyes of Sam, the first person narrator, and so Tall is necessarily less elaborated, but still a well-drawn character. Drawn to Sam by instant attraction, Tall is willing and able to see through Sam's many layers of self-protection, the grudginess, the forbidding snarl, the wheelchair right to the man behind the mask. Tall is the very example for a pushy bottom, he's the one who courts Sam, who initiates the next move, and who ushers the relationship forward faster than Sam would have gone. I liked this about Tall, that he went about what he wanted with determination. He's his own man in every way despite his need for submission, able and willing of taking care of himself. Still, he was also willing to adapt himself to Sam's smaller way of life, which made his submission all the more believable.
Some of the secondary cast were also wonderful characters, particularly Joe, at times so precocious and then again, so childish and cheeky, just right for a kid who didn't always have an easy life, or Audra, the cunning, goldenhearted matron. There was Tall's sister Erin, pain-in-the-butt teenage princess, there was Mel, Sam's fiercely loyal employee, and all the other inhabitants of the old house, a colorful backdrop for Sam's and Tall's story.
On the other hand, there were parts of the plot which didn't quite do it for me. The way Sam's opponent, Stevenson, acted in regard to either Sam's book and the holiday parade were too over the top to be plausible, much less realistic. The same is true for the reaction Audra's tenants showed to Sam's book, which, after all, is a gay master/slave fantasy romance. Even in the most open-minded community you'd expect at least one or two people taking offense to such a theme. But no, everybody is extraordinarily supportive and helpful, which is simply too good to be true. And of course there had to be the holiday miracle, which was sweet and positive, but regrettably convenient.
Another constant niggle for me were the lenghthy passages out of Sam's book which kept interrupting the actual storyline. They always threw me right out of the flow, especially because they were sometimes inserted without any warning. I couldn't decide if the author meant to mirror the budding relationship between Sam an Tall with the one between fantasy lord Gunnar and his slave Jia; if so, it didn't work all to well. I get it that these excerpts were there to depict Sam's state of mind at the time he had written them, but they could have been drastically shortened and still fulfilled their purpose. On the other hand, Sam's "channeling Rock" episodes where he fantasizes about the main character of his other novel, a super-marine, worked a lot better for that matter; and it didn't hurt that those parts were so hilariously overdone they read like right out of a bad porno.
All in all, a well-written story that had rounded characters, a nice storyline, funny and sweet moments, an adorable eight-year-old boy, several queer customers, lots of colorful yarn, breathtakingly hot sex, emotion – filled love and some pretty dispensable snippets of a fantasy book. Think this menu will be to your taste? Go for it, I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did.


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Waste imports detrimental to climate in the long term
A new DTU analysis indicates that in the long term, Danish CHP plants should be exclusively sized for Danish waste volumes
By Tine Naja Berg
Even though imported waste for incineration has become good business for Danish CHP plants, this should not be a future focus area for Denmark, says Marie Münster, Professor, DTU Management Engineering.
Together with PhD student Amalia Rosa Pizarro Alonso, she has just completed a comprehensive analysis in close collaboration with Ciprian Cimpan, postdoc from the University of Southern Denmark, examining whether it will continue to be feasible economically and beneficial to the climate to import waste.
"We examined thousands of scenarios and life cycle analyses involving multiple variables, such as alternative waste treatment, transport, waste quality and different energy systems. And the conclusion is that in the long term, the climate footprint does not justify importing combustible waste to Denmark, even though it may still be economically profitable," states Marie.
Waste imports benefit climate today
She explains that right now, importing makes good sense. This is because foreign waste equals cheaper district heating, as the capacity of large CHP plants is fully utilized. Currently, several Danish plants actually have problems obtaining enough waste from Danes to utilize their capacity.
"At the moment, this is also beneficial to the climate, as many large plants would otherwise burn fossil fuels to meet their power demand. Furthermore, the originating countries for the imports predominantly process their waste in a less climate-friendly way," explains Marie.
Future focus on smaller plants
However, according to the researchers' analysis, a breaking point will be reached in about ten years when the climate no longer benefits from importing waste for energy conversion, because our energy sources are becoming better and cleaner.
"Although our analysis shows that importing will continue to be profitable, the long-term focus should be on constructing plants that are sized for Danish waste volumes. Because in just ten years, waste imports will only benefit the climate in very few cases," says Marie.
An example is if the waste would otherwise be deposited in an old-fashioned landfill, lying around and emitting gases, or if it is incinerated exclusively for electricity generation, repressing cleaner energy sources.
In addition, the analysis points to waste volumes in Denmark not changing.
"Historically, the waste volumes are closely connected with the economic development, and if we look at the Ministry of Finance projections, the same volumes will be available for incineration, after sorting for recycling, in 2035 as in 2014," explains Marie.
source: Technical University of Denmark


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Peg Perego Skate VS Bugaboo
As a mom I know baby products off the back of my hand and what is THE BEST out there.. And even though new and advanced baby products come out every year you can certainly count on me to tell you the Top 5 strollers of the year!! If your interested in Advertising your baby item please contact me.
I did use it the day I got it and WOW!! It changes from a seat to a bassinett in 4 easy steps!! The bugaboo is really nice but to change from a seat to carriage you have to change pieces and lug around either an extra seat or a bassinett and when you fold it you have to take off the seat or bassinett… not my kind of lugging around.. with the Peg Perego Skate it folds up with the seat on!! And yes there is room on the back for a toddler to stand!
If you want to see more about this stroller click HERE
I have to say I have owned allot of strollers, maybe because I like the style and modernness, or the many options in the strollers made and for sure SIMPLICITY is a big must!!
This is a picture of the seat sitting all they way up.. And Notice the canopy??? So big!! A big plus when purchasing a stroller!! Need to keep that baby covered
This is a new position with the seat facing twards the parent in the fully
sitting up postition! The one Caden loves!
This is the seat convertes into the bassinet.. let loose the tabs on the foot rest and the top of the head rest and in converts into a bed!! Then slap on that foot muff to keep out the sun or cold!!
You can also have the bassinett facing out.. The black handle over the basinett is actually a carring handle so you can switch around the basinett easier! For caden considering he likes to face out its easier when hes sleeping to leave the bassinett out so when he wakes up all I have to do is convert back to the seat in 4 easy steps with out moving caden!!
This stroller is all in one versitile and its so cute and not to mention so cushy soft and came with so many accessories, like a foot muff, cup holder and rain guard! And most importaint…. it grows with your child! From new born to the time the dont need a stroller any more!Caden loves this stroller because he could actually sit up.. The Bob stroller does not sit up and kind of slumps back.. so he was not able to sit up all the way…
So if your having a baby I reccomend this stroller!! I just love testing out the best and helping moms or new moms pick the right stroller the FIRST time! Here are some pictures below I took of the different options.. Oh and if you do buy this stroller and dont understand how to use it ( because they show you in picture which does not make sense) please feel free to contact me with any questions on how to use your Peg Perego Skate..
Category: Reviews


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According to this information in the framework of agreements known in a narrow circle of persons as "white lists", a number of companies have received information about those who were in the contact list of users of the social network - in particular, phone numbers, and also data on the degree of "friendship", writes the online edition of the Chronicle.info with reference to the Correspondent.
Facebook maintained secret deals with a handful of companies, allowing them to gain "special access to user records", long after it cut off most developers' access to such user data back in 2015, according to a new Friday report by the Wall Street Journal, citing court documents it did not publish and other unnamed sources. The social networking giant recently confirmed that it stopped allowing companies access to data in 2015, Engadget reported.
The list of companies provided access included the likes of Nissan, Royal Bank of Canada, Nuance Communications, Apple, and Microsoft.
We already knew that detailed user data of this type escaped Facebook's clutches beyond 2014, when the platform first began to lock down what apps could do with the data they were getting.
"As we were winding down over the year, there was a small number of companies that asked for short-term extensions, and that, we worked through with them".More news: Kanye West and Kid Cudi to hold album-listening event
More news: Putin says ready to meet Trump 'as soon as' Washington is ready
More news: Peel Street buzzing with excitement on eve of Canadian Grand Prix
The Journal's report capped another tough week for Facebook as it continues to grapple with the fallout from a privacy scandal that erupted almost three months ago with the revelation that a data mining firm tied to President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign had scooped up the personal information of 87 million users.
"But other than that, things were shut down", he told the Wall Street Journal.
Facebook recently has disclosed it has been sharing its users' information with about 60 device makers, including Facebook and Samsung.
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether the Cambridge Analytica breach violated a 2011 consent decree barred it from making misrepresentations about the privacy or security of consumers' personal information. It was not yet known users in which country were affected the most.
Facebook's data practices have been under scrutiny since earlier this year when it was revealed analytics firm Cambridge Analytica, had improperly accessed data of 87 million users.


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Mack Brown Power Motion Leather Recliner
Measurements39" W x 38" D* x 38" H
*Extends to 63"
100 cm W x 97 cm D* x 97 cm H
*Extends to 161 cm
- Espresso Brown
- Powered recliner
- Push button activated
- Comfortable, deep seating
- Contrast stitching
- Padded armrest
- Tufted accents
- Genuine leather everywhere the body touches
- Original Leggett and Platt mechanism
- Lumbar support
- Leather
- Leatherette
- Metal
- Foam
- Hardwoods
The Mack Brown Power Motion Leather Recliner features comfortable, deep seating for your living room with smooth chocolate brown genuine leather everywhere the body touches with thick padded armrests and tufted accents. The power in this recliner can be activated with the simple push of a button for full relaxation.
Care Instructions
Clean leather with a damp cloth or a leather cleaner.
Care: When you purchase leather or leather-like furniture, you want to make sure it lasts a long time in your home for you to enjoy for future years. If you would like to keep your pieces strong and prevent soiling, it is best to take care of this material with routine maintenance. This helps remove the accumulation of dust and grime.
Sometimes life is not under our control. If you encounter a spill on this piece of furniture, do not leave it untreated for too long. Make sure the area is completely dry once you are done cleaning it.
Please keep in mind that the use of a professional cleaning service is always recommended if you do not feel comfortable cleaning an upholstered piece yourself.
On Display at Your Local Store
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Hialeah, FL 33012(305) 827-2233
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Wellington, FL 33414(561) 422-1922
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Plantation Showroom400 S. University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324(954) 472-3200


text:
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Continent Love - Long Gray Dress
|NeonCRM by Neon One


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Today my sense of direction and map reading has failed me miserably. Never mind, no harm done, but I did spend a lot of time stopping my bike to check the map, then continuing on convinced I knew where I was going, only to end up somewhere unexpected, again. I also seem to be suffering from Museum fatigue. So I haven't really "done" Kalgoorlie at all – having seen none of the sights I thought I might.
I did enjoy an excellent coffee with a banoffee tart at Relish café in the main street though – super yummy and by far my highest priority today! The standout discovery of the day was Hammond Park – what an oasis! After cycling the much lauded cycle path along Gribble Creek, through Centennial Park and the Arboretum, I began to think there was no greenery to be seen in Kalgoorlie. But I was wrong. Lush green lawns, a large pond with ducks and geese (shame about the colour of the water though!), loads of large shady trees, pavilions, bbqs and shelters galore, huge kids playground, a café (presumably open at some point! Not today) and curiosities such as a small Bavarian castle and aviaries with a range of birds, emus in the neighbouring animal sanctuary. It's a really pleasant place to be. It's what Geraldton lacks.
On that score – Kalgoorlie compared to Geraldton? Same same, but inland. 🙂 It definitely feels more like a city, has a lot more vibe about it. On the whole much more promising pubs, though every one of them seems to think it's essential to have a skimpy prominently advertised. Much nicer buildings, though the contents of them are generally just like any other city or large town. I like the prominence of the back laneways running down suburban blocks all the way from Kalgoorlie to Boulder – a reminder of earlier times and primitive sanitation! The city's surroundings however are generally pretty ugly – it's basically pretty brown and dirty. For me, it lacks a large body of water. Again, that's the coastal girl in me coming out.
I like Boulder's main drag more actually – which is odd considering it's basically pretty abandoned, or has seemed that way whenever I've passed through it the last few days. This is a result of the recent earthquake I suppose, perhaps a lot of buildings are still structurally unsound – but it's odd because there's no obvious evidence of damage that I can see. It's smaller, quieter than the main drag in Kal – I guess I'm coming to realise that's what I prefer. But the presence of the super-pit is everpresent – with a large flat-topped brown earth structure that is the lip of the pit forming the eastern backdrop to the famous Burt Street. I drove up and had a look from the public viewing platform. It is impressive. But also disturbing. Our greediness as a civilisation apparently knows no bounds.
So I prepare to leave and head to South Australia. No regrets. I have a yearning for open space and new horizons! (so long as it's not too hot, dusty and red like the northern goldfields!)


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The tremendous Jessica Turner and Alexander Ian (13 months).
Jessica and her husband married in April 2014 and started trying for a baby right away. They were over the moon when they found out they were pregnant in early June but it was short lived when she started bleeding 2 weeks later at 6.5 weeks along. The bleeding started after office hours so rather than go to her doctor, they went into their local hospital, a teaching hospital, which made continuity of care difficult. The resident on call performed an ultrasound but only saw an empty sac and her beta HCG came back lower than it should have been. She was sent home and told to go back to the lab in two days for another blood draw, if her levels continued to decrease then it was confirmation she was miscarrying. Two days later her worst fears were confirmed. She asked the doctor if she could have something to help move things along but he refused saying early losses usually resolved themselves without intervention. Three days later she started bleeding heavily and thought she had passed everything but the bleeding kept up. Two weeks passed and she reached out to the doctor again and was told that this was common and she didn't need to come in.
Exhausted and drained emotionally and physically she listened and continued to wait but two weeks later, a full month after she began to miscarry, she was still bleeding. She'd finally had enough and made an appointment with a new provider who had just gone through a similar experience with his wife and acknowledged that this was definitely outside of the realm of normal. He sent her for an ultrasound which showed "retained products of conception." She immediately wanted a D&C but it was a Friday afternoon and they didn't have any room in the surgical suite until the following Tuesday. She begged the doctor to do something and an attending finally offered a different procedure that didn't scrape but rather suctioned and could be done without anesthesia, meaning it would hurt. She didn't care, she wanted it done so they headed off to labor and delivery. Even with pain meds, it was intense but at least she could finally move on and hopefully get pregnant again soon.
Jessica tried for 3 months after the miscarriage to conceive with no luck. They eventually decided to take an impromptu trip to Grand Cayman to try to wash away the stress of the previous few months. The trip was beautiful and they came home pregnant! Jessica changed providers mid pregnancy and says it was the best decision she could have made and felt very supported in her goal of having an unmedicated vaginal birth. At 28 weeks she found out she had gestational diabetes but doctors reassured her that as long she controlled her diet she could still try to follow her birth plan. Jessica carried to 40 weeks, 4 days when she passed a blood clot and started cramping badly so she transitioned to the hospital where she was able to labor in the bathtub with the support of her doula and husband. That evening, Jessica give birth to her little boy, all 10 lbs, 14 oz of him, and says it was the most empowering thing she's ever done.
"My husband likes to say I'm a walking contradiction because I'm incredibly self conscious. I sometimes struggling just letting him see me stripped down but I love this project and have been wanting to participate since I first heard about it while I was pregnant. I'm hoping this project will help me realize that I am beautiful in my own way. I also like to read positive birth stories and now having had one, I want to share mine."


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This is Colossal
Launched in 2010 by writer and curator Christopher Jobson, Colossal is one of the largest visual art, design, and culture blogs on the web reaching an audience of 2-3 million visitors every month.
Colossal pride themselves in celebrating the work of both established and emerging artists across a vast field of creative endeavors, featuring 5,000+ articles on fine art, crafts, design, animation, photography, street art, illustration, and architecture. The blog also explores the beauty of the natural world at the intersection of art and science.
Always on the hunt for outstanding inspiration, Envisage regularly follows This is Colossal.
Simon Owen, design director
Latest posts by Simon Owen, design director (see all)
- Triennial - March 8, 2018
- This is Colossal - February 15, 2018
- Reflection on 2017 - December 24, 2017


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Blockchain experts will be racking up significant frequent flyer miles this year. The need for their expertise is rapidly becoming of paramount concern to industry leaders, universities and governments. Anyone seeking to sharpen their cutting edge is increasingly being made aware of how distributed ledger technology (DLT) will affect their productiveness in the very near future. Despite the perception that blockchain is a back-end technology for IT types, several prestigious institutions have lent their names and resources to educate executives and the public at large about the vast and sweeping changes that are on the horizon. One of the most exciting metrics to gauge how significant industry saturation will be is the number of conferences themselves and the increased frequency with which they are appearing.
Already this week there have been three major symposiums. From the business-centric angle discussed yesterday at MIT's Media Lab by central bankers like James Cunha, a Federal Reserve VP from Boston, to Joe Lubin's lecture today on Ethereum developments in Brooklyn to Russia's adoption of blockchain being discussed this afternoon by tech evangelists like Microsoft's Konstantin Goldstein in Moscow, a trend has emerged that describes an insatiable appetite by global leaders to understand the ramifications DLT will have on their processes and methodologies of interaction. Over thirty seminars have been scheduled during the first half of 2017 alone. From Russia to Bermuda and Denmark to China, every populated continent is seeing the number of blockchain-related conferences increase exponentially. The rate at which these conferences are taking place is matched only by the geographic distribution of their locations.
Taking this analysis a step further, one can identify national emerging leaders simply by counting the number of conferences being held in a respective country. While past evidence points to major interest by countries like China and the US, current data highlights new players like England, Denmark, and Germany, which have more than six major industry roundtables scheduled before this coming September.
While the topics of these meetings are as various as the potential uses of the technology they discuss, the statement they represent is clear: this is the wave of the future and you don't want to miss the boat. History has shown us that disruptive technologies have an intrinsic advantage over their predecessors. This is largely because they are born out of solving preexisting problems associated with the technologies they replace. As developers are already struggling to outmaneuver one another and corner these emerging markets, the rate at which blockchain knowledge is disseminated across the human topography of the planet is perhaps the best metric for understanding people's interest in applying its revolutionary principals to our existing global ecosystem.
As blockchain finds industry footholds, we can expect the number of conferences to dwindle. There will be less open discussion and public forums, which will signify a shift from a preliminary phase in which institutions seek out expertise to a more regimented, capitalistic phase where research and development are brought in-house. The transition between these two phases will mark the start of a new era where those who've learned the historical lessons of technological development stand upon the precipice of a world dominated by blockchain.


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The temperament of a Beagle dog is really unique. He has the instinct to chase but at the same time he is a perfect family pet due to his loyal attitude to his family members. Beagle like to run fast, that is why they are always willing to play in the yard with children. In reality this is nothing more than the hunting instinct within these interesting dogs. They are lovable and happy despite a great amount of energy. The Beagle can become the best friend for an eight-year old child. He will protect his owner and play with them. All dog breeds have an average life expectancy number but it may vary from dog to dog and depends on many factors including genetics and care. However, the Beagle's average life expectancy is 13 years. Your pet may live 18 years or only 10.
How Much Does a Beagle Dog Cost and Price Range
Looking for a Beagle puppy you may find it for $2500 or even $250. Both of these numbers are extreme. It is recommended to opt something medium. Take into consideration all factors including registration, location, and age of your potential pet. Be ready to regularly spend a significant sum of money on care. You will need to provide your dog with a high quality food, vaccinations, grooming supplies, routine checkups, home supplies, and some emergency services. You are expected to spend between $500 and $700 as soon as you get a pet.
Beagle Dog Colors, Shedding, Full Size and Average Weight
The Beagle is available in different colors. Thus, you can find 25 AKC color combinations made of 10 colors. There are also six markings. These are basic colors making color combinations: tan, brown, white, red, bluetick, lemon, redtick, blue, fawn and black. It is a common phenomenon for a Beagle puppy to change his color. This dog has double coat that contains two layers of fur. The undercoat is dense and soft, while an outer coat consists of water-repellent coarse hairs. Shedding occurs all throughout the year. This dog stops gaining weight at 13-14 months. The weight of males is about 22-25 pounds (10 to 11 kg) and the weight of females is between 20 and 23 pounds (9-10 kg).
Beagle Dog Breed Characteristics, Information and Facts
The Beagle owner must remember that hunting is the inner instinct of this dog, thus it affects his personality and behavious. While they are good family pets, they do not do well in with any other smaller animal under the same roof. Some Beagles, however, get along well with cats. They need regular exercise - a daily walk for 30-60 minutes will be enough. You can add playing Frisbee, fetch, trail running, etc. These breed dogs tend to become overweight if they lack exercise.


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How to overlap headings in Squarespace
I'm a big fan of overlapping text on purpose to create cool-looking headers, I feel this gives a more interesting look to a rather "standard" section of your website without overthinking it.
So, if you love mixing fonts and want to add a unique touch to your design, keep on reading to find out how to overlap headings in Squarespace!
Decide on your font style
Pretty straightforward. You should pick which fonts you'll be using for these double headers, I personally find script + sans serif or sans-serif and serif to look awesome overlapped!
However if you want to go with the same font then, you can definitely do that too! That's how I have them set up on my homepage.
In any case, you want to achieve a fair level of contrast between the fonts by using different families, colors and/or size.
Create an overlapping double heading
You'll need a regular text block to set up your foreground text, and a code block right ABOVE it to set up your background text.
Note: why above and not below? Because this way you won't have the issue of the background text displaying in front instead of behind the foreground text.
In my case, I set the foreground text as an h2 aligned to the center, and the background text as an h3.
You can use whichever headings you like best!
Then, simply give your h3 – or heading inside the code block – an id if you're only adding one of these snippets per page, or a class like so:
<h3 class="bg-text"> Background </h3>
All that's left to do now is to style the h3 inside the code block! So head over to your custom CSS window and target the class .bg-text, or however you named it, and set the styles.
These are the ones I used:
.bg-text { color: #ebebeb; font-size: 80px; line-height: 1em; font-family: 'kaushan script'; text-transform: none; text-align: center; width: 100%; display: block; }
Now, it's time for the magic!
To overlap the titles all you need to do is give your .bg-text a position of absolute, so you take the block out of the flow of the page, and then give it a top offset to put it in place!
In this example I'm pulling the background text up just a little bit with a negative top value, to peek through the foreground text.
.bg-text { color: #ebebeb; font-size: 80px; line-height: 1em; font-family: 'kaushan script'; text-transform: none; text-align: center; width: 100%; display: block; position: absolute; top: -15px; left: 0; }
And there you go! Here's the result:
Until next time,


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Half Marathon Training Update - Hello 11 Miles!/
Thank you Social Media for holding me accountable. On Wednesday morning, I posted on both Twitter and Facebook that I would be doing a long run that afternoon. It has been noted that people are more apt to stick to a plan when they write it down. Well virtually writing it down is the same to me. Additionally, I chatted with Jen from the Biggest Loser Blog and told her that I was going to head out for a 10-11 mile run after we got off the phone.
Well, damn, saying it again meant it had to happen, right?
I put the running clothes on, laced up the sneakers and headed to the Charles River for my run. I wasn't sure how the run would go since the temperatures really starting getting higher the later I had to wait to run.
But, I was committed. I was ready to hit the pavement and just ENJOY the time I had ... ENJOY the scenery and NOT worry about the pace.
So I hit my normal "usual" port-o-potty and headed out.
The sun was shining, the River was glistening and I had good tunes on the iPhone.
It was a beautiful run and I smiled the entire time.
I even stopped to take some pictures while crossing over the Mass Ave bridge...
How could you not smile while running along here...
Ahhh it is nice to be back in Boston!
It was just too pretty of a day not to be outside!
Despite stopping to take these pics, I was still rocking a sub 9 min/mile pace ... the bridge was at the 6 mile mark so I was psyched with myself.
As I kept running, I just couldn't believe how far I have come. I look at the running paces I have been producing over the past year and I think they should say someone else's name next to them. This can't be me. I'm the overweight girl that HATED running.
But ... it IS me. I am proving to myself that I am stronger than I give myself credit for on a daily basis.
And I love it.
I approached Mile 8 and passed by Genzyme in Allston. This is where I host a Weight Watchers At Work meeting on Thursdays. Just seeing the building and knowing I had a group of members in there - pushed me to keep going strong in the final three miles of my run.
I got to Mile 10 and prepped for the final leg. Isn't it funny when we know our run is coming to an end that the final mile feels like it takes longer than the previous 10? I thought Mile 11 would never end. :P
But, I am happy with the results...
It was a hot and sweaty time, but it was great! It is just so funny how much I look forward to heading out for a run these days ...
I've caught the running bug and it's sticking this time!!


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July dances for Valentines with her heart balloons wearing some very nice black trimmed white lingerie.
Date Added : February 12, 2016
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One Response to "July – Balloon Dance"
March 1, 2016 7:36 pm
July looks incredible in this outfit – moving and dancing so well.


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Tuscan Talk, Silk-cotton (M)
Product Code: PUN1651
Golden yellow silk-cotton kurta with red-green-white kantha embroidery featuring artistic patterns on the front of the kurta. The hand-embroidered kantha work is shaped into diamonds, which gives an ornamental look to the kurta. The bright colours add to its charm. Pair it with white or beige pajamas or trousers to wear to casual and semi-formal events.
Size Specifications
Chest = 42", Shoulder = 18'', Length = 46"


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Practice all your moves at home with your own TryTime rugby ball.
WELCOME TO OUR FOOTER! You've made it this far, so here's some more fun stuff to click on!!
Try Time Kids Rugby Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 08481970 Tel: 01252 794150
Copyright © 2016 Try Time Kids' Rugby Ltd


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The MAST: Midwifery Accreditation Support Track program is for midwifery schools and programs seeking accreditation through the Midwives Education Accreditation Council (MEAC)? Are you currently MEAC accredited or are you thinking about seeking MEAC accreditation? We have resources for every phase of the accreditation journey. The MAST program has multiple support options and resources and it can be tailored to fit your needs.
Webinars are a unique way for you to increase your knowledge related to the accreditation process and stayed engaged along your accreditation journey.
Consultants have specialized knowledge to help support you with higher education, midwifery education, and accreditation topics. They can help your institution or program develop more confidence in the accreditation process.
Social media connections
Join your new accreditation community via social media to stay connected and up-to-date on all things accreditation.
Now that you've learned about MAST Webinars, Consultants, and connecting via social media, click here to find out more about our other exciting ways to get involved, like completing the MAST Application, the Accreditation Doula, and the Peer Mentoring component of the program on the "Get Involved" page.
Liability Disclaimer: MAST: Midwifery Accreditation Support Track is a support program administered through the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) in collaboration with the Association of Midwifery Educators (AME). Participation in this program is voluntary and does not guarantee success in the accreditation process. Use of resources provided, including consultants and peer-to-peer mentorship program, is at your own risk. MEAC and AME are not responsible for the outcomes of resources used.


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Improving cognitive deficits after a brain injury/
80% of persons who sustained a traumatic brain injury believe that their need to improve their cognition had not been met at 1 year post injury. This is according to research (see article below)
So what's been missing? Is it a problem of perception or is it that rehabilitation is simply not as effective as we would like?
Cognitive issues following a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often a major cause of long-lasting disability. These issues are difficult to recognise and characterise compared with the more obvious physical aspects of an injury. Even with so called mild TBI, the consequences of the trauma for cognition can appear long after the initial trauma.
If early and accurate assessment is challenging, then so too is effective rehabilitation it seems. We don't advocate that RehaCom is the answer to cognitive rehabilitation - it's role is to make the therapist's interventions more effective.
Cognitive rehabilitation interventions typically involve two basic approaches, that is, direct restoration and compensation strategy training. Both approaches are used simultaneously in "best-practice" rehabilitation. Direct restoration is believed to be associated with the restitution/restoration of function via reconnection of pathways. This approach is based on the assumption that damaged neural circuits can be retrained if they have been partially or substantially spared after injury. In direct restoration, the effect of the deficit following injury is reduced through systematic exposure to specific cognitive activities targeting specific neural processes. In short - this means specifically targeted training and this is where RehaCom has a role in the hands of an experienced therapist.
Compensation strategy training, in contrast, is thought to be associated with the reorganisation, redistribution, and use of adjacent and remote neural circuits following injury This approach has perhaps been the most popular in the UK - largely because the research in support of restitution was stronger once upon a time.
The rehabilitation team's role of course is to deploy these various approaches to maximise the outcome for patients. The therapist is the "conductor" and the various strategies are the "instruments" that have to be blended in the right way for a harmonious result.
Corrigan JD, Whiteneck G, Mellick MA. Perceived needs following traumatic brain injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2004;19:205–216.


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What is the Need of Hiring Call Girl
This is something that has become more common nowadays especially among the wealthy business men. In this you will have to get a lady to give you company in whichever way that you will desire. Some people may think that this service is free which is not the case as you will have to pay for them. There are many benefits that are associated with hiring call girls as discussed below.
One of the major advantages of engaging call girls is good company. Most of the people who like company are the people who travel abroad for business. At some point you may find that the business trips may get boring, especially when you are going to a city or town where you don't know anybody. It will be the responsibility of a call girl to treat you as a friend to ensure that your stay in the city is enjoyable. Some of the people may think that call girls may let them down which is not the case as they will conduct themselves exactly the way you want them to.
Another benefit of hiring call girls is to maintain appearance. It is important for some known businessmen never to be seen alone. When you have a beautiful lady when going for business meetings to conduct some serious tasks it will help creating some good impression. When you want such services you can contact their companies to provide you with a beautiful lady who will be supporting you and walking by your side. Another good thing with this call girls are that they will behave exactly the way you want them to behave.
It also beneficial to hire them since there are no commitments that are involved. You find that with call girls there are no relationship ties that are involved between you and the them. Most of these call girl services are only enjoyed for a given period of time according to the agreement. After that you can go your way without having to worry about her ever again. You can mostly benefit from this if you want something short term that will not have to interfere with your lifestyle. Apart from that, there are also relationship problems that may befall you in case you are in a long-term relationship which may not be the case with call girl services.
Apart from that, they can also help you in providing companionship. This is important when you would want someone to give you company. With this you will not have to undergo through a process or courting a lady but just communicate what you want and they will accomplish your requests.
The Beginner's Guide to Workers


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AJEC Vol. 28 No. 2 June 2003
In this issue:
- The more he looked inside the more Piglet wasn't there: What adopting a sociocultural perspective can help us see
Jill Robbins
- Sharing the lived experiences of children
Leonie Arthur, Bronwyn Beecher, Cathie Harrison and Christine Morandini
- Preschooler response to pre recorded music in three different situations
Peter deVries
- Changing times: Changing challenges for early childhood leaders
Margot Boardman
- One size doesn't fit all: Patterns of pre-primary teacher policy engagement
Lennie Barblett
- Transitioning children from early childhood education to school: Teacher beliefs and practices
Helen Timperley, Stuart McNaughton, Lin Howie and Viviane Robinson
- Teacher and student perspectives of school readiness
Monica Cuskelly and Nicole Detering
The complete issue of this issue of AJEC is available free online in PDF format


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Cutesy Crap
Rabbit Ankle Socks
Regular price $11.99 USD
Hurry, these rabbit ankle socks will move quickly. See what we did there?! These adorable cotton blend socks feature a cute little rabbit face and pointy ears. Available in 3 color choices. Grab them while you can.
- Cotton/Poly Blend
- Soft & Comfortable
- One Size
- Mid Ankle length
- 3 Color Choices
Satisfaction is 100% guaranteed within 30 days! View our Shipping and Returns Policy for more information.


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7 Practical ways to Make Your Home Cosy For Winter
As Winter sets in you've no doubt felt the cold nipping at your toes over the last while. It's always worthwhile having a bit of a run around the house and seeing where you can make things a little warmer. This blog article does just that, saving you money on your heating bill, and ensuring that your home always stays cosy over the Winter months.
1) Insulate Pipes
The enemy of every home owner in Winter is undoubtedly frozen pipes. Make sure that yours are well insulated, particularly if you've just moved into a brand new home. Check for any pipes which are close to the out doors, for example in a basement, or utility room. If there are gaps and fissures in block work in these rooms, seal them to make sure there's as low a chance of frosty air getting in as possible. It makes sense to see if there's anywhere which could do with some additional insulating throughout your hot water system to keep things running efficiently as well. You'll spend less money heating your water and less on heating in general.
2) Service Your Boiler
The boiler is an important part of your home heating system, so it makes sense to ensure that it is in tip top condition. If you are in rented accommodation, then it's your landlords responsibility to ensure that your boiler is serviced once a year – and it's the law. A fully qualified engineer will make sure your boiler is running as efficiently as possible and isn't squandering energy – this will save you money on your bills, as well as cutting your homes' carbon footprint.
3) Further Insulate Your Attic
Unless your home was specially constructed for energy efficiency, you can probably reduce your energy bills and stay warmer by adding more insulation. Many older homes have less insulation than homes built today, but even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. If you are currently using your attic for storage, it's time to find a new home for that unwanted junk as the simplest and cheapest way to insulate an attic is to add insulation material to the floor. But if the floor is covered in plywood, you can't stuff enough insulation beneath it to do the job sufficiently— not even in warmest of climates. This is a job you can tackle yourself, but make sure to use dust masks, eye goggles, gloves and cover your arms and legs as fibreglass is a well known irritant.
4) Seal Draughts
There are a few places to check for draughts. Your key hole, around your front door (your letterbox) and your windows throughout your house are all typical culprits, although not all windows need to be draught proofed. Double or triple glazing installed since 2002 does not need to be draught proofed at all as the window should be sufficiently built to prevent the problem in the first place. However, for windows that open, you can buy draught-proofing strips to stick around the window frame to fill the gap between the window and the frame.
There are two types:
- Self-adhesive foam strips – cheap, and easy to install, but may not last long.
- Metal or plastic strips with brushes or wipers attached – long-lasting, but cost a little more.
For sliding sash windows, foam strips do not work well. It's best to fit brush strips or consult a professional. For windows that don't open, use a silicone sealant. Another option is to make sure you use heavier curtains to cut as many draughts as possible from creeping inside.
5) Improve Radiator Efficiency
If you haven't already done so, it's time to bleed your radiators, as trapped air can often make them inefficient.As well as that, another way to make them work a bit harder for you, is to install reflectors. Radiator reflectors work on a very simple principle. You radiator radiates heat both into the room, and into the wall behind it. That heat can simply be lost to the outside, especially if you have thin single skin walls. Reflectors are installed behind the radiator and help prevent that heat from being lost by reflecting the heat back into the room. You can buy reflectors relatively cheap, and its a DIY job that pretty much anyone can tackle.
6) Roll out the Winter Duvet
Heavier Duvets are a must now that the colder nights are rolling in and there's nothing better than getting into a nice warm bed and snuggling down for a cosy nights sleep. Whilst some of us may simply opt to turn the heating up, that costs money in the long run, and you may be better opting to purchase a new winter duvet instead. Winter Duvets range from 13.5 to around 10 tog, although all seasons duvets (9 tog and a 4.5 clipped together) can be a good in between solution if you want something that you can throw off when it gets warmer again.
7) Cover Your Floors
Rugs don't just add a splash of colour to your room, they can help keep them warm too. Floors account for as much as 10% of heat loss if they're not insulated, so if you have bare floors, rug them up to keep the house warm as well as keeping your toes snuggly.


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I've been wanting to update my blog, but I've just been so busy! Tim has been working a lot which leaves me alone with the little man to entertain him all by my lonesome. 😉
I was getting my blood drawn to check my hormone levels every 2 days for about a week and a half. The numbers needed to double each time in order for us to know little bean was still in there. They DID double each time! The last time they MORE than doubled!!
I could not be HAPPIER!! It was SUCH a relief to hear those last numbers more than doubled. I get to go to the doctor on Wednesday and I have requested an ultrasound to make sure everything is ok with this little one so far.
This whole experience has rocked me in many ways. That's part of the reason I haven't written yet. I don't even feel like I've really processed all of it.
One of the things that I was struck with was where my relationship with God has fallen to. This showed me how much I have drifted away from Him. From Him being my source of strength. The amount of worry I had during this was so huge!
And, honestly, I'm not even sure I'm being totally fair to myself or not. I mean, does God expect me not to worry AT ALL when going through something like this? Matthew says not to worry about anything….but wondering if I'm losing this precious life? Am I REALLY supposed to not worry about that at all?? I honestly don't know. But that is the standard I hold myself to. I just don't know if that is fair.
However, that being said, I realized I have just drifted.
I don't worship God like I was. And I don't mean musically. I mean simply being thankful, finding God and His glory all around me. Being thankful for who He is.
I don't read or crave reading the Bible. I'm not taking anything in. So, what's coming out, it ain't pretty!
Again, I don't know how hard on myself I should be. Hormones, stress, hormones, an almost 4 year old, hormones….it's a dangerous mixture! And, unfortunately, those closest to me are suffering. I'm trying SO hard to keep it under control…but….geeeeez…did I mention HORMONES!?!?!?!?
And the worry hasn't gone away completely. I don't know if does while you're pregnant. In the back of my mind I have this nagging reminder that something could go wrong at any moment. There is no "guarantee" until that baby is healthy and safely in my arms breathing with 10 fingers and toes.
But God has been reminding me that life is HIS creation. And I'm still really trying to pray that He would simply help me deal with whatever He deems BEST. I know that He loves me and wants the best for me AND this little life. I just need Him, so badly, to give me what I need to deal with whatever path that is.
I figured if I posted this on my blog, it would help keep me accountable to getting my butt back in gear and stop slacking off! 😉
In the meantime, I'm trying to enjoy being pregnant and this AMAZING creation experience that I get to be a part of. And trying to be happy, despite the worries. I don't want to miss what God has for us in this!


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Dunsley Highlander 8 Enviro-Burn Solo SG
The Highlander 8 Enviro-burn Solo SG is capable of taking logs up to 460mm in length.
The Solo range is fitted with a single door giving uninterrupted views of the fire area.
The SG range is an extension of the Solo range of stoves and was developed to give a larger window giving a cleaner and more modern look.
Available in two variants, Standard and Log Store.
The Highlander 8 Enviro-burn Solo is a free standing woodburning multifuel stove approved to burn wood logs and smokeless fuel in smoke control areas. This stove is capable of burning logs up to 460mm in length. The appliance is constructed from 4 and 10mm steel and cast iron. It incorporates both rear and top flue outlet. The firebox is lined at the sides and top by extra high density "Refractory boards" and comes with a black metallic finish. Black handles are fitted as standard with hardwood, solid brass or polished steel available on request.
The Solo range is fitted with a single door giving uninterrupted views of the fire area, allowing you to enjoy the flickering flames without any compromise in efficiency or heat output. The SG range of stoves is an extension of the Solo range and was developed to give a larger window to view the fire giving a cleaner and more modern look.
All Highlander models come equipped with two controls, the first of which controls the amount of air for the air wash and is situated above the main door the second control is located towards the bottom of the unit and controls the primary air required for combustion. The most ideal setting will quickly be found moving the slide slowly to find the most suitable position. A riddling grate is standard on all models.
The product is available in two variants, Standard (S) and Log Store (LS).
|630mm (S)/ 900mm (LS)
|Flue Diameter
|Heat Output Wood
|Heat Output Coal
Delivery & Returns
Delivery timescale:
Delivery will take 14 days from the date of your order.
We provide FREE UK delivery on all our items.
Cancellation/ Returns policy
Cancellations/ Returns must be notified within 5 days of placing your order, If the order has already been despatched, it is your responsibility to pay for courier fees to return the item(s) in the same condition as they were delivered, suitably packed. Cancelled orders will be refunded within 20 days, less the delivery fee, which is non-refundable.
If you would like any information on the progress of your order, please feel free to contact us anytime via email here or by calling us on 01535 662 743
Why Buy From Us
All our products are DEFRA, HETAS and Gas Safe approved. All products supplied to current British Standards
Delivery promise
We aim to deliver our products within 14 days.


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Join Dive Georgia for our Annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest!
Come test your pumpkin carving abilities in our underwater pumpkin carving contest. Open to all certified divers. Pumpkins will be voted on and the most unique design, with the most votes, will win!
A select number of pumpkins will be available. Divers need to have their own carving device and unique design!


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Login to Register
At the business session, delegates help shape the future of Kiwanis
Be a delegate in Vancouver. Help shape the future of Kiwanis by voting for officers who will lead the organization in upcoming years, and express your opinion on proposed amendments. Kiwanis clubs in good standing are allowed two representatives in the House of Delegates, along with two alternates. Download the certificate of election of club delegates and alternates to the Kiwanis International convention and fill it out (providing copies as indicated on the form).
Consult the candidates' bio sketches. This booklet will be available in each registrant's package.
To be elected during 2012–13, for terms beginning 2013–14
• ASIA-PACIFIC REGION — One (1) three-year term was filled by Florencio "Poly" Lat, Philippine Luzon District, at the 2013 Asia-Pacific convention in Hiroshima, Japan (March 7–9, 2013) by delegates from Asia-Pacific.
Amendments and resolutions to be announced 30 days prior to the convention.


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The first point that must be explained is the fact that stress is a legitimate diagnosed medical condition. It is not something people "make up" as an excuse for other situations. Once that fact is clarified, it is easier to handle the problem from a patient's point of view.
Stress is what happens when you have more demands placed on you than you can reasonably be expected to cope with. This situation creates stress and can also contribute to other medical problems including: anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, blood pressure, asthma, headaches & migraines, gastrointestinal diseases and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This explains why, if you feel stressed, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. It is important to know that most people face stress during their lives; fortunately, since this is a treatable affliction, there is no point "stressing about getting stressed." To begin with, you should seek treatment for your physical ailments before starting the stress treatment, because it won't be alleviated while you are worrying about the other ailments.
Your doctor is the first person to speak to regarding treatment; he may want to refer you to other specialists, in order to give you the best possible treatment. However, it is vital to keep your doctor in the loop because he is the pivotal person that cares for your overall health. Understanding how stress is caused and works is necessary for proper treatment.
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a collection of stress responses that has to do with your brain and the adrenal and pituitary glands. Your hypothalamus produces a compound known as the corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF). This flows to your pituitary gland and triggers the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).
This ACTH flows into your bloodstream, forcing the adrenal gland's cortex to release stress hormones including cortisol, a corticosteroid. Cortisol makes more energy available to help the body handle stress. However, if levels stay high for long, muscles can break down, the immune system can become suppressed and there is a reduced reaction to inflammation.
The locus coeruleus (a part of the brainstem) and the HPA axis connect through your hypothalamus into the limbic system in the brain. This system controls memory and emotions and the links are critical. For example, if you hear a ferocious dog barking, the locus coeruleus starts your stress response. But if you see that it is actually a friendly, playful dog, your memory of a tame dog will switch off the response to stress.
There are three other systems linked in. They are called the endogenous (in the body), reward (dopamine) and opiate (opium-like) systems. When you feel stress, your pain decreases and you may feel more euphoric. This is a reason why many people like scary movies and roller coasters.
Understanding stress will get you one step closer to managing it properly. Your doctor only sees you for a short time, so the more you know about stress, the better prepared you are for it when it happens. Never let anyone tell you stress isn't real. It exists and your doctor can surely help you get rid of it.


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Fayette County
State terminates workforce contract from Bluegrass ADD
The state will ends its contract with the Bluegrass Area Development District to provide services to unemployed and underemployed workers in a 17-county region June 30 because of ongoing financial issues at the district, state officials said Wednesday.
In a letter sent to the leadership of Bluegrass, Gov. Matt Bevin told the district the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet was already seeking a different provider for services for the area that includes Fayette County.
Bluegrass' current contract ends June 30. It was awarded a new contract in January to continue to provide services until Sept. 30, 2017. That contract was for $11.4 million, which included some carry-over dollars from previous years.
The new provider will oversee services for six months,from July 1 to Dec. 31. Bids to provide services will be solicited during that time, Bevin said.
Bluegrass is barred from bidding. Bluegrass has had the contract to oversee workforce training in the 17-county area for decades.
"At a minimum, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is hereby prohibiting the use of BGADD as a provider of services after June 30, 2016," the letter said.
In the letter, Bevin said the federal regulations governing federal workforce dollars allow states to re-organize if the state believes federal guidelines have not been followed. Those re-organization options include using an alternative provider or prohibiting the use of a provider.
The state's decision can be appealed to the U.S. Department of Labor within 30 days.
"The cabinet is making every effort to ensure that services are not disrupted," said Kim Brannock, a spokeswoman for the cabinet. Unemployment insurance is overseen by the state and not Bluegrass and will not be effected by the switch to a new provider, Brannock said.
David Duttlinger, the executive director of Bluegrass, did not respond to an email asking for comment.
The move to yank the contract from Bluegrass comes after the cabinet ordered Bluegrass on March 31 to repay the state $898,525 —money the state says was misspent from 2010 and 2013. Some of those questioned costs include excessive travel and rent for Bluegrass's Perimeter Drive building. The money was paid to a nonprofit started by the founding director of Bluegrass.
The Bluegrass board voted to appeal the final determination and maintained problems cited in the state's final determination letter had been corrected.
In his letter, Bevin said questions about spending at the district continue.
Cabinet staff conducted a review of spending for 2015 and has preliminarily identified other areas of concern including "excessive travel expenses and questionable documentary support for use of program funds on authorized activities. Moreover, it appears there is a lack of independent verification of training completion and employment outcomes for participants in the programs."
Brannock said the state could not release additional information about the 2015 questioned costs because that report has not yet been completed.
Brannock said Bluegrass has not yet paid the $898,525. It has until June 30 to do so.
The Bluegrass board recently authorized using federal workforce dollars to pay its lawyers for work done during the state examination. State workforce officials told Bluegrass it couldn't use federal workforce money to pay lawyers to appeal or work on the state examination of questioned costs. Bluegrass has maintained it can use that money to pay legal fees if they are not fighting federal authorities.
The state could move the contract to two other providers that bid on the workforce contract last year. Community Action of Kentucky and National Able — based in Chicago — also bid on the contract that was ultimately awarded to Bluegrass. Community Action later filed a bid protest, saying some of the locally elected officials who scored the bid and ultimately awarded the contract to Bluegrass also sit on Bluegrass's executive board.
Community Action of Kentucky was the second highest-scoring bidder.
Lexington Mayor Jim Gray is a member of the Bluegrass board and one of the 17 elected officials that award the federal workforce contracts. Gray was the lone local official to vote against granting the workforce training contract to Bluegrass in January.
In a statement, Gray applauded Education and Workforce Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner, Bevin and others for taking steps to ensure workforce dollars are being spent wisely and benefiting the people who need it most. At one point, Lexington and Fayette County had pushed to create its own workforce area, separate from the Bluegrass district. That bid ultimately failed.
"There have been a lot of 16-1 votes with the Bluegrass ADD Executive Board, and not a lot of progress," Gray said. " I hope now we can turn the page."
Beth Musgrave: 859-231-3205, @HLCityhall