text:
We're Not Meant to Bounce Back After Baby
I'm sure by now you've seen the photos of the beautiful Kate Middleton showing the world her beautiful baby less than eight hours after giving birth. Not only did she show the world her baby, but she also showed the world what only an angel must look like after just giving birth. Beautiful makeup, wavy hair, a slim figure that hardly shows any signs of postpartum pudge and the ability to stand in heels like a true goddess without her giant maxi pad falling out from under her.
I read a quote somewhere recently about how as women we are not meant to bounce back after a baby. That quote kept sticking with me as I shoved yet another cookie into my 11 month postpartum body that still holds quite the bit of pudge. I pull up numerous photos that show me days after having my baby and I look nothing close to what Kate Middleton did. I, like so many others, was swollen, tired and slap ass worn out. *I'm not even a fan of the way I look in the photo up above. How sad and critical is that when I should cherish the photo? We have to stop.
We are surrounded by the concept of "bouncing back after baby" everywhere from Kate Middleton's beautiful appearance to all of the magazine covers showing which celebrity has bounced back to a bikini six weeks after having a baby. We even come across fitness accounts where moms who had abs before their pregnancy are showing their stellar abs just three weeks after giving birth. Meanwhile I am over here wondering if I accidentally pushed my abs out alongside the baby during childbirth. #theywereneveractuallythere
All us non celebs are just shoving a cookie in our mouth because #momlife is all about survival and survival means grabbing crap food sometimes to make up for the things you don't get like 8 hours of sleep, a shower, a team of makeup artists and a hot coffee. Meanwhile we are having a mental war with ourselves over these two (okay four) cookies simply because we know we haven't "bounced back" yet. We don't look like the beautiful princess or the photoshopped magazine covers. Sigh.
Speaking of mental war, have we even begun to talk about the emotional side of bouncing back as well? Our minds are consumed with the desire to have a healthy baby while we are pregnant, that the flood of happy emotions you feel after having your child is then flooded with fear and anxiety to care for this child and give them the best. All of a sudden this human is yours to take care of and turn into a decent, law abiding citizen. Add in tons of hormonal changes and some of us are barely hanging on by a thread to mentally and emotionally "bounce back."
But to be quite honest, do we ever truly bounce back?
Do we ever truly have the exact body we had before or the exact mentality and range of emotions as we did prior to motherhood? I'd like to give that a big fat no. Probably not. Maybe so. But more than likely something, somewhere will be different.
You will never truly bounce back.
Whether it's physical changes or emotional changes that stick with you after baby, you'll never be quite the same. You'll never truly bounce back to the person you were before because now you're a mother. Your body has done the tremendous thing of growing and nourishing a human, of pushing out a human or having a major surgery for this human. Your body may still be nourishing this life well after childbirth and your hormones are all over the place. Your sleep will never be the same, your ability to just get up and go to the gym will never be the same and those cookies will likely become more precious over the years as you hide in the pantry from your toddlers to indulge and have seven minutes of heaven.
You my dear friend, will never be the same. You will forever be changed because you are a mother and it should forever be something that you fully embrace and carry on with your head held up high. You will love something more than you ever imagined and your self care will come last as you make sure that your children are well fed, healthy, warm and loved. There's even a really good chance your children will dress better than you on most days.
Take care of yourself and be healthy, but don't hold yourself to the standards of a princess or celebrity who has so many people hidden in the background. And don't think that underneath that beautiful red dress that the princess doesn't look a bloody hot mess like the rest of us.
Love yourself for who you are - a mother. Love yourself for what you've done, for what you do daily and for what you still have to do for the many, long days ahead.
Don't set yourself up for expectations of bouncing back when the reality of it is that we never truly fully bounce back, whether it is physically or emotionally. Embrace who you are now and work as you can on the parts that you want to improve. But don't improve them because society says you need a six pack and size four jeans, improve it to be just the best version of you that you can be so that you can be healthy and happy.
Bouncing is for kangaroos, and you're no kangaroo.
You're a mother. Embrace, grow and just be.


text:
Our team are highly experienced and attuned to the financial sectors in which they specialise.
Our team come from diverse backgrounds with a broad range of complementary skills.
Lisa Harris
Lisa joined the Affinity Accounting team as a supervisor in 2017 and brings expertise in the superannuation compliance area.
Lisa has a Master of Professional Accounting and delights in solving complex issues for our clients.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The future of freeride is here. A revolutionary fusion of backcountry, freestyle, and freeride performance, the all-new Soul 7 is the most versatile freeride ski we've ever designed. Powder Turn Rocker's been redesigned, virtually eliminating "tip flap" while retaining effortless floatation, fatigue-free maneuverability and instant speed control. New athlete-driven innovation, including patented Air Tip technology and a lightweight paulownia core reduces weight by 20% for easier touring, enhanced agility, and ultra-light swing weight. At 106mm underfoot, the Soul 7 is a backcountry and freeride "quiver-killer" whether charging all-mountain, attacking long ascents, or poaching backcountry pow.
80% Powder / 20% All-Mountain
Recommended Binding: Axial² 120 XXL
Additional Information
Available Sizes


text:
Page 4: Ethical responses
Vodafone's ethical approach drives its response to changes in the environment. Whilst described above in self-contained sections, many issues crossover, e.g. the advent of 3G technology and video content is related to society's concern about adult material reaching under 18s.
Vodafone UK's research has revealed that parents do not know the types of content available via mobile phones. A survey of all adults showed, however, that they believed restricting access to adult content on mobile phones was very important. Together with other UK mobile phone operators, in July 2004 Vodafone UK launched a joint Code of Practice for self-regulation. The Code requires operators to stop under 18s from accessing commercial content classified as being unsuitable for them. Operators must also offer parents the opportunity to apply a filter to Internet access services. When developing this Code of Practice for content, Vodafone gave phones to researchers working for children's charities. The charities could see the sort of content available. They could also check that the restrictions were effective.
Vodafone was the first company in the UK to introduce a network bar that effectively blocks access to all forms of content that has been rated as 18. This bar, called Content Control, was introduced in 2004. This prevents access to 18 rated content for children and young people. It is automatic and the bar is lifted only if customers can demonstrate they are 18 or over.
Vodafone led the UK mobile industry in ensuring that proper restrictions and controls are in place for its customers to prevent access to adult content by under 18s.
While working on the Code of Practice, which is self-regulatory, Vodafone had the opportunity to consider what its ethical stance should be. It could interpret the requirement to block access as having either an:
- opt in policy - i.e. everyone would be barred from accessing over 18 material and would have to make a conscious choice to receive this content or
- opt out policy - everyone could access the material and request to have the bar applied to 18 rated content.
Vodafone, through its work with the children's charities determined that an opt in policy was the more appropriate and responsible position to take in the UK. Vodafone seeks to reduce spam text messages by locating their source. Its customers can help by sending these messages to Vodafone on the company's VSpam service. Vodafone also watches network traffic for the sources of unwanted messages. The efforts in this area have led to a very significant fall in customer complaints.
In the UK Vodafone works in partnership with the government, police and others in the industry to help combat mobile phone crime. It also advises customers and the broader community on how to protect their phones and prevent fraudulent use. Actions taken include setting up a register of equipment to block stolen phones. For a number of years, prior to the ban on holding a phone while driving, Vodafone UK has strongly discouraged this practice. The company devised practical actions to help its customers, which included discounts on car kits to allow them to use their phones legally and clear advice on the research relating to the use of mobile phones in cars.


text:
2114 Aspen Road is a spacious and light-filled ranch home located on a quiet tree-lined street. The main level features a large living area and eat-in kitchen which opens onto a screened porch overlooking a large backyard. All bedrooms are on main floor. Wood burning fireplace and a wall of built-in cabinets allow for tons of storage. Lower level is perfect for entertaining with vintage bar, bar stools another fireplace and more storage. 2 car attached garage. Close to schools, shopping and bus-line
- 3 BR,1 full bath and 2 half bathrooms
- 1,850 Sq. Ft.
- Spacious lot
- Attached 2 car garage
- For current price and more photos of 2114 Aspen Road
2114 Aspen Road Property Features & Updates
- Screened Porch
- Huge Backyard
- All Appliances Including Washer and Dryer
- Lower Level with Fireplace and Vintage Bar
- 2 Car Attached Garage
- Wood Burning Fireplace in Living Room
- Plenty of Storage
Meadowood Neighborhood Features
Close to Elver Park, many restaurants, shopping and local attractions Visit the Meadowridge library Minutes from Downtown, UW Campus, Capitol and Beltline
Madison School District Information for 2114 Aspen Road
Orchard Ridge Elementary School Toki Middle School Memorial High School
This home is marketed by Susan Stoehr, Real Estate Consultant - The Alvarado Real Estate Group. For a showing of this home or to discuss selling your home, please contact Susan at 608.212.2326 or email@example.com.


text:
In my conversation with Erin, she and I talk about friendships in eating disorder recovery, eating disorders in college athletes, raising a child with food allergies, recovery tips and goals, and more.Read More
Erin struggled with an eating disorder as a star soccer player and has a unique perspective on eating disorders in college athletes. She is also the author of a children's book based on her son Austin who has severe food allergies. In her story Erin sheds some light on how to work your recovery even when there are very real food limitations involved.Read More
In the interview portion of Jen's episode, we go deeper into the topics of rehab, pregnancy, and motherhood. We also talk about depression, blind weights, intuitive eating, and the DBT skill of opposite action.Read More
In this episode Jen tells a detailed account of her struggle with and recovery from bulimia. Her story consists of what her life was like during her illness, her positive experiences in residential treatment, and what it was like to be in recovery from an eating disorder while pregnant and with a newborn. We also talk about depression, blind weights, intuitive eating, and the DBT skill of opposite action.Read More


text:
At the July pastoral discernment meeting, there was strong interest in looking at hiring an interim pastor. The August meeting will examine this idea in more detail by looking at items such as key job tasks, full-time versus part-time employment, and interim length. Depending on the ideas and issues raised during this meeting, a recommendation will be brought forward to the business meeting.
There were other important discussions at the July threshing meeting. If you missed it, notes from recent threshing meetings are available on the back counter in the pastoral discernment notebook. That notebook also has space where you can share your thoughts about pastoral discernment items or our process. We appreciate your feedback.
Threshing meetings give us an opportunity to discuss ideas in detail without the pressure of making a decision. Business meetings are the place where we listen collectively to God and each other to work toward a decision aligned with God's leading. All are welcome at threshing and business meetings whether you have attended for years or are new.


text:
abcdefgRead More
Is Black the color you own the most in your closet? Do you have a few simple and unconventional white pieces? Then you have in your wardrobe an effortless outfit awaiting you...Congrats! While some people try bright colors and statement prints to create an outfit, others combine simple but neutral pieces to make a statement. Here is my Black & White outfit (with a pop of color).
This outfit is perfect if you don't like wearing too much color. You can also style this outfit with an interesting white top and ankle boots.
Can you wear black and white on an everyday basis? Comment Below!
Texas Native.Latina Roots. Masters Graduate. Newlywed. Sharing Classy& Sophisticated Fashion & Tips. Discovering City living in Style!


text:
Using other people's youtube videos to help make sells?Is it ever a good idea to use someone else's youtube video to help make a sale? I have found a couple of educational and informative videos on youtube on my topic, and I think that if people could see those videos it would answer a lot of their questions and move them in the direction of buying the product I am promoting.
This topic was started on Jul 17, 2012 and has been closed due to inactivity. If you want to discuss this topic further, please create a new forum topic.


text:
Our projects
Practical examples of business plans
The same business plan in principle, does not happen. Every business plan is a unique document because it talked about the individual project from the perspective of time, his entourage, products or services of the project, the place of supply, markets, sales strategies, use of investment resources, and so on. However, there are certain typical features of business plans.
How to write a business plan? Continue reading
The role of assessment business planning in the area of banking supervision needs to be dramatically changed. // Mikhail Sukhov, a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank, Bank review, No. 10, October 2009
Over the past year, we have seen that together we can rebuild the legislation and regulatory environment for the solution of many problems of the banking sector. At the same time, the crisis pointed to some still unresolved problems.
In particular, and in international and Russian systems of banking supervision disproportionately little attention is paid to the aspect of business planning in banks. For example, we found that almost all troubled banks huge amounts of money consistently invested in industries that were severely affected by the crisis. In this case, the supervisor had the opportunity to operate only when the external signs of crisis in the Bank. Continue reading
join in the discussion
In our age, a clear pattern of action is at all. even the painting of eyelashes. And only love remains unpredictable. Inna Unit decided: get rid of the uncertainty. provide a win-win strategy! And developed a business plan relations.
Our generation grew up in an era of change: something crunched. was falling apart. were privatized and reconstructed. From a planned economy cabin turned to market. from school uniform — to green losina. from the "Pioneer zorki" as the series about a Mexican donah. The world stood before us, a celebration of unpredictability. It seems. it made our worldview few fatal: we believe. that happiness must either fall from the sky. either come up from the corner and make a dark. and the area of love and family harmony — it's a surprise with a bow: let inside it's ticking. packaging away from sin better not to open. It is not surprising. that in Russia. according to VTsIOM. every second marriage breaks up. Continue reading
The creation of a Business Model ( calculation of the enterprise )
Reliable, stable and profitable business starts with planning.
The business model or the calculation of the enterprise is created for literate and mathematically precise planning of revenues and costs, the optimization of the company is to increase profits by minimizing costs, including tax. The calculation is made in different versions for different systems of taxation, with the aim of choosing the optimal. In the calculation can be taken into account and optimized costs for PAYROLL accruals, acquisition and delivery of materials, use of materials in the production cycle, the cost of lending and third party services and much more depending on the activity of the Customer. Continue reading
Without lyrics and equivocation. We all know what she stood for, what people died for, what we want from this country. I'm sure all the issues we now need to solve quickly, can be divided into two categories: political, managerial. Several economic issues will simultaneously lie in two planes because of the existing polarity of our environment. Because Russia and the EU.
Now, if we talk about political issues, they are:
– Language
Ukrainian culture and the Ukrainian national idea
– Balanced policy towards the countries of the Eurasian cooperation Continue reading
Or leave a request on the website, after that You will contact our Manager:
Hairdressing services belong to this kind of services for which demand will always exist. That's why this is just destined to be successful. However, for the first time opening a barbershop, you may experience some difficulties to overcome which will help the business plan Barber shop. Continue reading


text:
Best Practice Supporting Casing Mental Health Addictions Addiction of any kind is bad for health and it generally does not require a genius to comprehend and trust this http://www.priligy-sverige.com/ . But what goes on when this addiction gets uncontrollable and starts going for a toll on one's health insurance and daily activities? The very best practice is normally – supportive casing. Mental health addictions however, would make the individual even weaker and even more susceptible to staying addicted instead of getting away from the trap. It is very easy to fall in to the trap and subsequently ruin life, however when it involves reversing the procedure, it becomes a complicated task for everybody involved.
Take an suffice and orange in two and apply in on your own skin specifically knees and elbows. It will help in soften your skin and tough patches. It'll certainly offer us a nice and excellent aroma Additionally. Body Scrub. A soft and dependable body scrub could be ready utilizing a mixture of ocean salt and essential olive oil in the ratio of 2 to at least one 1. This physical body scrub will take away the dead cells present in your body. It will soften your skin and help to make it brighter certainly. This is in fact a far more affordable and a good way of natural skincare technique. Coconut essential oil shaving cream. There is absolutely no requirement of you worry if you lacked your shaving cream. There are several other organic non poisonous aspects easily available which can be utilized as shaving cream.


text:
- Ongoing
- St Albans
- Disabled Access
Play in the Parks, St Albans City and District ParksView on map...
FREE activities for children in the local parks and open spaces in the City and District Parks of St Albans. Lots of different activities including arts & crafts, physical activity, drama and much more! Play is integral to children's enjoyment where they can develop their abilities and explore their creativity. Join the team in one of our 16 parks within the City and District of St Albans. The sessions provide children with the opportunity to experience play within a safe and stimulating environment!
- Ongoing
- Watford
- Disabled Access
Watford Adventure PlaygroundsView on map...
Watford Borough Council has spent £1.4 million on the construction of state-of-the-art play structures for Harwoods and Harebreaks Adventure Playgrounds. These playgrounds can be accessed 365 days a year with open access activities running during school holidays. They're a free and fun place for every 5 - 15 year old in Watford to enjoy!
- Ongoing
- South Mymms
- Disabled Access
South Mymms Youth ClubView on map...
Bored on Friday nights?....Come to South Mymms Youth Club to liven it up!
- Ongoing
- Hertford
Company Of Players - Youth TheatreView on map...
This is a theatre group for young people aged 11 to 18 years. New members are always welcome
- Ongoing
- Hatfield
St Johns Community Centre, HatfieldView on map...
Come along to our youth club and get involved in all kinds of activities


text:
9681 4
MILFs / Public / Blowjob / Gifs / Porn Stars / cashcamel.info
Top rated Recommended
Oh and yes, this list contains pornography, blood and gore, rape, and an assortment of very offensive material. Amateur Feet Pool Tentacle. Actually, anime is very much a part of me now for I have extended my reach beyond just watching them. That may be a disappointment, but considering its length and its focus on the story, one scene is just enough. Cartoon Petite Tentacle Tits. A group of girls led by Takashiro Hiroko are conducting fortune telling for fun and research on the occult.


text:
I'm going to be spending somewhere between eight and ten hours on a train this coming weekend so I thought I'd setup a development environment on my Powerbook. I didn't particularly want to download all the sources and complie them up so I tried Darwinports. It didn't quite work and to be honest I wasn't surprised – I've put so many different things on the laptop since I've had it that it's in a bit of a mess.
So I looked for something else and came across Apache Friends. Currently they've got a beta version of XAMPP that installs Apache, MySQL, PHP & PEAR, SQLite, Perl, ProFTPD, phpMyAdmin, OpenSSL, GD, Freetype2, libjpeg, libpng, zlib, Ming, Webalizer, mod_perl, eAccelerator, phpSQLiteAdmin. Sounded too good to be true.
The installer has a .sitx extension which needed StuffIt to decompress. The first time I tried to open it, it fired up Excel – see point above about machine being b0rked! Installed Stuffit and it installed like a dream. There's a little website included that acts like a control panel, allowing you to view the phpinfo(), access the mysql php admin screen and try out a couple of demos.
I'm impressed 🙂


text:
Wansdyke Primary School - 'Learning side by side, Rising from strength to strength'.
Mission Statement: "We believe that, in learning side by side, each member of our community will be united in our common purpose so that through commitment, enthusiasm and determination we will rise from strength to strength together."
By working closely together with parents and carers, together we can provide the best possible education for each child in our school. Part of this process involves committing to our home school agreement.
Click here to download a printable version of our home school agreement.
A vital element of the home-school partnership is homework and reading. Click here to download our homework policy.


text:
As one of our Specialist Nurse Advisors, Claire Davidson offers support and advice to our oncology members as a Dedicated Nurse, and worked as a breast care nurse within the NHS before joining our team. In our live chat, Claire was more than happy to address your queries on everything from checking for signs of breast cancer, to finding the right bra after a mastectomy...and everything in between, in a welcoming open discussion on breast care.
Here's what Claire had to say:
Fiona asked:Hi Claire - what is the best way to check for signs of breast cancer, I recently saw a poster saying it wasn't just lumps and that there are 5 symptoms...but I'm unsure as to what
Claire Davidson:Hi Fiona, you would be looking for breast changes as well as breast lumps. Signs to look out for are discharge from the nipple, inverted nipples a change in shape of the areola and orange peel skin. Other signs can be itchy sore breasts and redness.
A Twitter follower asked:I want to know whether you get many cases of male breast cancer? If so, are the symptoms any different to female breast cancer.
Claire Davidson:Hi AXA PPP, As yet I have not had any men suffering with breast cancer there are currently around 370 men diagnosed each year in the UK. Many of the symptoms and treatment are very similar to the female symptoms.
If a gentleman has concerns he should check his chest in the same way a woman would checking for lumps, skin changes and discharge from the nipple.
AXAPPPhealthcare:Thank you Claire One of our members has recently had one of her regular breast scans. She wants to know how reliable these are? There have been stories about these scans sometimes not showing up a cancer but is this the case in your experience?
Claire Davidson:Hi AXA PPP, mammograms are usually very reliable at detecting cancer which is why they are offered as a screening scan. In my experience they are normally very successful at detecting cancer. However, if the lady is concerned that something has been missed an ultra sound can also be performed. As well as a FNA (fine needle aspiration) if there is a palpable lump.
Jen asked:Hi there - my friend has been told there may be a gene in her family that means she will have an 80% chance of getting cancer. She's only 23 and is reluctant to get tested, but says if she does have it she will want to have kids straight away so she can get a mastectomy/hysterectomy
Is this the case or does she have a few years before she needs to get this done?
Claire Davidson:Hi Jen, If your friend has been told she has a high chance of getting cancer she really should get tested. She should speak to her GP to get referred to a one stop breast clinic where they do genetic testing. She should get tested now
Your friend may not have the cancer gene but she should get tested if her mother and maternal Grandmother has a diagnosis of cancer.
Jen asked:Thanks - if she does have the gene will it be likely that she will develop cancer very young? Or does she have some time before she needs to get operations (mastectomy/hysterectomy) so she can start a family?
Claire Davidson:She would need to discuss the outcome with a specialist surgeon/oncologist. At the moment if it were discovered she were at a high risk of getting cancer surgery would be classed as preventative. So by doing this she would be greatly reducing her chances of developing cancer.
Jen:Thanks - I'll let her know and hopefully she will get tested
Claire Davidson:Jen, you are welcome your friend is very young and at present if it were discovered she did carry a high risk of cancer she should have time to start a family.
AXA PPP healthcare:Claire, what can someone expect when they have chemotherapy to treat breast cancer? I know it can vary from person to person, but for example, would you always lose your hair? Are you likely to feel nauseous?
Claire Davidson:Hi AXA PPP, Everyone is different and reacts different to treatment, the hair may thin instead of fall out there are cold caps that can help with hair loss. The patient would be given anti sickness drugs to combat sickness. Patients can also suffer with fatigue, mouth ulcers and pins and needles in the hands and feet.
AXA PPP healthcare:Thanks Claire:What exactly is a cold cap?
Claire Davidson:A cold cap that acts to cool the scalp and therefore restrict blood circulating in that area and reaching the follicles. The cap is put on fifteen minutes before chemotherapy to start restricting blood flow, and kept on during and up to 1-2 hours after your chemotherapy. This does mean that your time in the unit is longer.
Although this cap has been shown to reduce hair loss some patients can still lose their hair so it is not always successful. There are two widely available methods of scalp cooling. One method uses a hat known as a 'cold cap', which is filled with a gel that can be chilled. The hat must be fitted snugly around the head to work properly. The other method of scalp cooling uses a small refrigerated cooling system to pump a liquid coolant through a cap that is attached to a specially designed refrigerator
AXA PPP healthcare:Thank you Claire - we've just had a question about mastectomies. Is there anyone who can advise on the correct clothing to wear, to ensure you look as normal and confident as possible after a mastectomy?
Claire Davidson:When someone has had a mastectomy they will get a soft prosthesis and will be given advice on a good fitting bra. They will then be invited back by their breast care nurse to have a permanent bra prosthesis you can even get ones that you can wear to go swimming. The best place to get bras would be Marks and Spencer. They have a range specifically for women who have had mastectomies. When they have the bra prosthesis they can usually wear the same clothes they did before the surgery.
Linda asked:Yes I do. Claire I have a friend who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. I am finding it very difficult to talk to her about it. I don't want to avoid the subject but I don't know what to say. It is difficult when it is your friend. You try to be as normal as possible but things aren't normal are they? What should I do?
Claire Davidson:Hi Linda, my best advice would be to treat your friend the way you normally would. At the moment she has had to go through so much change so having her friend there the way she normally is will help more than you know.
Linda asked:I know you are right Claire and although it is difficult I will just have to try.
Claire Davidson:It will be difficult for you Linda you can let your friend know that you are there for her if and when she wants to talk about what she is going through. Keep up communications with her as you normally would. Continue to ask her out invite her round to your for dinner or offer to go over to her house.
Linda asked:One more thing Claire - will she loose her appetite when she starts her treatment. Is there anything that will help?
Claire Davidson:Hi Linda, she may feel nauseated which will decrease her appetite. Her Doctor will prescribe anti sickness medications to combat this. She should concentrate on eating food that she enjoys. Pineapple chunks will stimulate her taste buds as will other citrus fruits. She may also be given steroids to help boost her appetite.
A Twitter follower asked:What is the most common question you have been asked by people undergoing or due to undergo a mastectomy? What are their concerns?
Claire Davidson:Again everyone has different concerns. Some people are concerned about the size of the scar and how it will feel post op. The appearance seems to be a big concern for most of the patients I have nursed. Some women just want to look straight away where as other women want to wait and build up to looking in the mirror.


text:
I often ask people, "what is your story?"
Today, I am going to tell you a story that may surprise you.
It is a story that illustrates some of the absolute worst workplace behaviour I have ever gained knowledge of.
It involves deceit, bullying, negligence, and cowardice.
And while these alone may not be enough to cause you to shake your head, perhaps this will:
It was perpetrated by HR...
In one of the most egregious examples of breaching the trust and respect of an employee I have come across.
You will notice that the story I am about to tell you may be vague in places, lacking specific details you will want to know and containing intrigue where it is not intended.
I apologize for this...however it is necessary.
You see, it is my belief that the antagonist in the story I am about to outline monitors this blog...
And, if in any way is identified, will exact their revenge on the victim (who still works for the company) in a most harsh and harmful way.
However, as with any bully, this one relies on the silence of their victim to retain their position of power.
And, in the only way I can without causing further harm to the victim, I will deny this person the silence they desire, if only slightly to bring a sliver of light to the events that have transpired.
Am I being unnecessarily dramatic?
Because the bully I mentioned is the company's HR Manager...
The very person who wrote the company's policies on workplace harassment...
The one person who knows better than anyone else how to get around these policies and get away with wreaking havoc on the lives of employees.
17 years ago, Ned watched his father and grandfather go off to work.
He recalls how, even as a boy, all he wanted to was follow in their footsteps.
So, Ned trained hard.
He eventually gets hired.
He had his dream job...
...A dream that would become a nightmare (ok..THAT was overly dramatic...)
Ned is a hard worker with the utmost respect for the job.
It was this respect that would prove to be his downfall.
Ned's respect for the job meant that he believed all of the rules, policies, and procedures that made up the job were sanctified.
When he saw others break these rules and ignore these procedures, he interpreted their actions as a sign of disrespect.
And this got under his skin.
Unfortunately, Ned lacked the human skills to address his concerns with others in a non-confrontational way.
He didn't discuss, he blamed.
And he took issue with even the smallest of infractions.
Seeing few other options, Ned took his concerns to his managers.
This led to him being targeted at work by the 2%ers who were the most guilty of thumbing their nose at the rules...
So Ned started to make notes to document incidents and gather proof.
Eventually, Ned gathered his notes and presented them to his manager with the expectation that his manager would fix the problem.
This didn't result in the outcome Ned had expected.
His managers saw Ned as the problem.
The response to his concerns was Ned being told to "suck it up" and to let it go.
Ned didn't.
Ned's manager started telling other managers and workers about Ned, reportedly spreading the rumour that Ned was "crazy" and "unstable".
Ned, who (again) lacked the human skills to neutralize this behaviour from the outset, fueled these rumours by losing his temper.
As the situations grew, it eventually landed on the desk of the HR Manager to deal with.
Ned met with the company's HR Manager, bringing with him his file of documented evidence.
He wanted to tell his story and believed HR would help him fix the problem.
It was HR after all...
Ned was greeted by the HR Manager, who (according to Ned) held an interrogating gaze and sly smile.
You know the look...it is that look people give you when they feel they hold a position of superior moral, professional, or intellectual authority over you.
The HR Manager, spoke calmly and eloquently, and their smile never left their face.
Ned told his story, discussed his documented evidence, and made his case.
He believed that...finally...the wrong would be righted.
Once Ned had finished, the HR manager, began to immediately disappoint.
They resorted to the use of "HR speak*"...and quoted company policies while never directly addressing Ned's allegation.
(*HR speak: the excessive use of HR-related buzzwords or phrases meant to convey a superior sense of knowledge or wisdom to the listener but that, in reality, have little substance.)
The HR manager made numerous statements but didn't to ask Ned a single question about his claims.
As the HR Manager continued, Ned noticed their expression was all but completely void of any compassion for the harassment Ned had been enduring.
The meeting ended with the HR manager telling Ned that they would investigate and take care of it.
Or so Ned was led to believe.
As would be expected, HR "conducted" an investigation into the matter.
The HR Manager spoke only with Ned's coworkers who were targeting him.
They, of course, denied they were doing anything wrong.
Instead, they turned the tables around and accused Ned of being "nuts".
Unlike Ned, though, they had no documented evidence.
Never-the-less, the HR Manager concluded the investigation there...
Ignoring the numerous red flags that should have been obvious to an experienced HR Manager...
At least one conducting an unbiased, thorough investigation, HR chose to believe the words of the coworkers over Ned's documented evidence.
The HR Manager concluded that Ned indeed was the problem, and dismisses the issue.
When approached by Ned once again, the HR Manager chose to deceive him.
Rather than tell Ned they had dismissed the issue, the HR Manager told Ned that they believed the coworkers were lying but there was nothing that HR could do to help.
Instead, the HR Manager told Ned that he had to let it go...that he needed to just go back and do his job and keep his head down, because there was nothing that could be done to improve his situation.
It is no wonder that others we have spoken to in this company have zero respect for HR.
This is all on the record.
Ned wasn't satisfied with this.
He intended to stand up for what he believed was right.
So next, the HR Director gets involved.
The HR Director (the Manager's boss) advised Ned that "the solution was being worked on..." but provided no insight into what this may be.
However, the Director assured him, they had a plan.
In the meantime Ned continued to be harassed at work and his safety threatened.
All while the 2-headed snakes continued to tell Ned, both verbally and through email, that he should "take time off", "take care of himself", "get better", and "get fixed".
Again, blaming him. Treating Ned like the problem that needed to change.
They continued to reassure Ned that they would fix the problem.
All the while, they actively worked to paint Ned as an insubordinate disruptor who they needed to go away...
Even go so far as to participate in the perpetuation of the rumours that Ned was "crazy".
They knew that, with Ned's evidence, they couldn't simply fire him without significant scrutiny being placed on their own activities and involvement.
This went on for years.
This means that Ned has been waiting for HR to end the workplace bullying, threats, and harassment from his coworkers for years.
There is still no evidence of the problem being dealt with directly.
Over the years, HR has conducted respectful workplace seminars hoping those they know are guilty of the harassment will change their ways.
HR has hired consultants to conduct other forms of training for all of the workers...yet has never directly addressed those small number of workers who have actually caused the problem.
Whether they lack the necessary competencies or they simply don't want to draw attention to how ineptly they have handled Ned's situation, they continue to ignore the elephant in the room.
When questioned, they still say all of these years later that they have a plan. When asked what this plan is, the refuse to answer, citing "confidentiality".
As in many companies, word travels fast.
All of the workers have watched this happen over the years and understand the underlying message interpreted from HR's actions...
That you better not create waves or question HR because it is easier for them to intimidate and force out the isolated victim than it is to stand up to those workers causing the bullying.
Ask others in this company about HR and the words and phrases used to describe them are:
- Cowards
- Weak
- Untrustworthy
- Without integrity
Of course, they won't say this on record at work because they know what will happen to them if they do.
As an outsider, I try to remain neutral until I gather the facts.
This case, however, disgusts me.
An employee reached out to HR for help.
To that employee, they offered reassurance and promises.
These, it turned out, were disingenuous and empty.
How can one engage in this behaviour and then tell others how important respect in the workplace is?
Is this neglect? I am no authority on the legalities surrounding this word so I can't say.
If you are in HR, however, would you have handled this differently?
I hope so.
Are you an employee? It's time you realize the TRUTH. YOU control your career performance. NOT your boss. NOT HR. YOU. Learn how to take back control with Personal Mastery.


text:
Finding My Place by Anne Aly
The life story of Anne Aly to date is extraordinary. This autobiography traces the life of a young Muslim girl born in Egypt and emigrating to grow up in Australia. The crux of the story centres on her family and the different values they held as they survived in an Australia not always kind to immigrants.
Anne Aly is determined. She is determined to have an education, to make her own choices and determined to find her own voice. She does this despite the stringent rules and regulations forced on her by her family and makes her own way to become a professor a politician and her own woman.
Aly's story is fascinating, particularly her return to Egypt where her parents seek to marry her off to the best partner they can find. Instead, Aly continues to seek out education and chooses her own partner.
Told in clear and precise language, the text reveals many nuances relating to cultural differences and how these can impact on an individual's life choices. Finding My Place is certainly relevant today, especially for politicians. It also taps into every individual's need to recognise who they are and where they belong. As such, this autobiography is an important read as it explores those avenues with sensitivity and humour.
Find this novel in store at Planet Books. Ask the friendly staff for guidance too, and they'll be more than happy to order you in a copy if it's already sold out.


text:
Finally, A Vertical Reality here at The Barn at Smugglers' Notch!
We are very happy to announce that after a long and ardous year and a half, we have our permits and we have started to go Vertical!!!! We have on site an amazing crew of local craftsmen who will be working throughout the winter until the construction of The Barn at Smugglers' Notch is complete. We are now targeting our opening for June 2016.


text:
Fagus grandifolia. Reddish-brown heartwood with thin white sapwood and straight-grained pattern. A hard, strong, close-grained wood that is easy to paint, stain or bleach.
Colour/Appearance: Beech wood is typically a pale cream colour, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Veneer tends to be slightly dark coloured, as slicing the veneer usually requires the wood to be prepared with steam, which gives the wood a more golden tone.
Beech timber and logs suppliers, exporters and manufacturers. Hardwood logs and lumber prices in Germany, France, USA, Canada, Russia, Poland, Romania
Beech Hardwood Lumber Pricing: As a species, Basswood lumber is considered to have a moderate lumber price point. For a quote email us at This email address is being protected from spambots.
Beech Lumber manufacturers, service companies and distributors are listed in this trusted and comprehensive vertical portal. The comprehensive directory provides access to full contact and ability information for sourcing professionals, engineers and researchers wishing to get information on Beech Lumber.
Exporters and suppliers of Beech Hardwood Lumber. We export every grade and size of Lumber of Beech. We are currently supplying shiploads and containers to China, India, Middle East and Indonesia.
While the wood only rates "fair" for nailing and screwing due to potential for splitting, it holds nails well once installed. Beech can be bent very well using steam, and is often stained and finished to match other s.
Its hardness, wear-resistance, strength, and excellent bending capabilities—coupled with its low price—make this a mainstay for woodworkers. Some common uses for European Beech include flooring, boat-building, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, plywood, veneers and turned objects.
Hardwood lumber supplier Woodworkers Source has all your exotic and domestic needs. Locations About Us Email Us (800) 423-2450 (Call a ... Beechwood, European Beech, English Beech, Carpathian Beech, Spanish Beech, French Beech, Romanian Beech, Japanese Beech.
Beech wood has good workability, and is commonly used for inexpensive furniture, flooring, lumber and veneer, among other things. It is often considered as a good alternative for hard maple woods. American Beech Characteristics
beech lumber trade offers directory and beech lumber business offers list. Trade leads from beech lumber Suppliers and beech lumber buyers provided by weiku.com.
Relying upon our highly developed infrastructure unit, we are engaged in providing a wide gamut of quality tested Beech Lumber .In accordance of industry norms, this lumber is cut from steamed timber & finished under the guidance of dexterous professionals with help of progressive cutting machine.
Beech Lumber. Beech (Fagus Grandifolia) is a medium to large size tree that originated in North America.Beech wood has sapwood with a pale brown color and heartwood with adark brown to reddish-brown tint. Another characteristic of Beech lumber is that Beech has small pores, which allow for a fine finish to be achieved.
Beech Lumber, Beech Lumber Suppliers Directory - Find variety Beech Lumber Suppliers, Manufacturers, Companies from around the World at beech wood lumber ,beech wood ,red beech boards, Solid Wood Boards
American Beech (unsteamed) has very good strength properties, with pale pinkish to light-brown color tones. The grain is smooth to medium, making our American Beech an ideal choice for mid-range, highly-visible applications such as kitchen cabinets, furniture and even counter-tops.
Beech wood is primarily reddish-brown in color and slightly coarse with conspicuous rays and tiny pores. The grain is straight with a fine, even texture. Weight is about 46lbs per cu. ft.
Beech wood lumber in its raw sawn shape has a smooth texture and is considered as one of the most effective woods among all s for the industry because he is very convenient for processing and it responds well to bends and various labels to create multilayer wood.


text:
Get along to the Joondalup Growers Market for best of the best local grown or made products from WA.
Fresh fruits and veggies, honey, cheese, morning baked bread and many more.
Grab a coffee or freshly made juice and relax in the park after a walk through the market in the beautiful Central Park in Joondalup.
WHEN: Saturday, October 14, 8am – 12pm
WHERE: Central Park, Joondalup
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1246680302119548/


text:
Not everyone has a stable financial situation, and there are many who are looking for ways to alleviate their circumstance. They try to find ways to cope with rising financial obligations including payments for mortgage, debts, monthly bills, household needs, and a host of other payables. Perhaps you have tried borrowing from people and thinking up other ways of finding money to pay, but borrowing increases your debts and is not a great solution and you might now be thinking of just selling your house for cash fast.
Selling your house in a short period of time can be difficult. Read more about Real Estate at why should I sell my house in Phoenix. If your house is already facing repossession then you have an urgent need to sell your house fast in order not to lose it. Selling your house through a realtor can take months before a potential buyer gets interested and by that time, it will be too late. And the greatest problem is how to sell your house with all the structural issues that it has. You don't even have enough resources to have your house repaired so how can anyone be interested in it?
The good thing is that there a real estate investors today who buy house for cash fast. These companies are looking for houses that they can renovated and sell for a profit. These companies buy houses 'as is' and this means in whatever condition it is in. If you sell your house to them, then they can take care of all the structural and regulatory issues that needs to be take care of.
Perhaps you don't know where to begin to sell your house to them. It is easy to find these companies online by searching for cash house buyers in your area. If you go to the site, you will be asked for information and all you need to do is to fill up their online forms. When they have received your information, you will receive a call and a visit from one of their representatives who will make a quick inspection. A cash offer will then be given to you after a few hours or days and it is something that is surprising really.
This cash offer is based on the value of your house as it stands. These companies offer you a price based on how they assess your property. Get more info about Real Estate at https://www.phoenixhomebuyersgroup.com/. These companies also need to make profit but they will buy your house in a way that you will properly be compensated for it. There is nothing else to do but accept the offer. Everything will then be finalized by their team of lawyers. In a few days you will receive cash for your house. With this money, you can now pay all your obligations and have some left to start with your life anew. Learn more from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate.


text:
Never buy Glass Cleaner Again!/
They're back in stock. The incredible Anytime Shine is one of a kind in cleaning with WATER ONLY!! Simply wet it, wring it out (like a chammy), wipe, and watch it shine! One leap for eco-friendly cleaning with a plethora of toxic cleaning chemicals kicked to the curb. Use this cloth everyday on:
- Glass (windows, windshields, and sliding glass doors!)
- Mirrors
- Electronics
- Wood
- Stainless Steel
- Chrome (simply rub and it shines it up like nothing else can do!)
Want more? It's GREY and shows no dirt! Pretty enough to leave out on the counter. To clean the Anytime Shine simply wash in delicate, cold water cycle and hang to dry. Lasts A LONG time.


text:
A brilliant mini doc series. I love all of the challenges, tears,and triumphs!
Mastercrafts, A great admirer of British crafts, Monty Don presents a new series celebrating the nation's craftsmanship and the recent renaissance in traditional crafts.
and yes one of those featured is Weaving!!!!!
Under Monty Don's watchful eye, three hopefuls who want to learn how to weave are put through their paces by the country's leading practitioners. The trainees are immersed in the world of weaving, attempting to sell their woven wares to the general public. Their final test is to both design and weave three-metre lengths of fabric — to be judged by Michelle Bowen from the Arts Council and Angela Swan from the Worshipful Company of Weavers.
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
Blacksmith, Thatch, Wood Craft, Stained Glass and Stone masonry; you can find out more about the rest of the series here.
There needs to be more celebration of hand crafting on this side of the ocean as well don't you think?
Wouldn't you rather watch this than trailer parks, gypsies, and pawnbrokers?


text:
Even if you can't go, please let people who live in the area know about this: there's a public meeting tonight to discuss the proposed expansion of a natural gas pipeline in Tiverton, Little Compton and Fall River.
Thursday, 9/25
5:30-7:30 pm
Little Compton Town Hall (40 Commons Rd, Little Compton RI, call (401) 635-4400 for directions)
The first meeting was apparently poorly advertised: here's more information about it, and about the pipeline proposal and the objections to it. It's part of this pipeline expansion, and public comment on the project is open until September 29th, so if you can't go to the meetings, leave a comment: it takes a couple of minutes.
UPDATE: If you want to comment at the FERC, it will ask for the docket number for the project. It is CP14-96-000.
I left this comment, which you can grab if you want: "I am a Rhode Island resident writing to oppose the Algonquin Incremental Market Project's proposed expansion of a natural gas pipeline running through Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I am concerned about on-site environmental damage, an increase in pollution in already-polluted areas, and the increased potential for burning greenhouse gases."


text:
After mourning the loss of the Greek national team against Costa Rica in what some might consider the best game of the world cup so far, we gathered ourselves and bade good bye to Sorrento. We arrived at the airport and bought lunch. Ryan bought a Big Mac and did not finish it.
We then caught a plane to Athens airport and made our way to the Hotel Stanley. After settling into our rooms we ate dinner on level 9 and Mr Chambers gave us a short explanation of Athenian history.
We then raced up to the top floor where we all jumped into the pool with a beautiful view of the Parthenon.
In conclusion today was mainly a day of travel and rest.


text:
How To Choose A Vacuum Cleaner
There are a ton of choices when it comes to deciding which vacuum cleaner to use. So many options, too wide ranging reviews that will leave your head spinning, and lots of different applications. So how do you choose the best vacuum cleaner for you?
Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a New Vacuum Cleaner:
- Is this a vacuum cleaner for home or business?
- What's your carpeting and bare floor like?
- What features are important to you?
- Do you have pets or allergies?
- What's your favorite color?...OK, that's a joke but some folks have decided based on that alone.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Home or Business
At Everett Vacuum most of our household models can and do receive commercial use because of their high quality and durability. Models from SEBO and Oreck are constantly used by hotels and commercial cleaners because the work so well. However if you need a machine that is UL Certified and and verified by the CRI for commercial use, we have some great machines to choose from...Sanitaire, Proteam and Mosquito to name a few.
What your carpeting and bareflooring is like is vital in selecting your next vacuum cleaner. High pile or super dense carpets from Mohawk and Shaw require specific features from a vacuum in order to properly clean. Brands like Shark or Dyson don't work on thick carpets because they have no height adjustment, where as a SEBO Felix has adjustable height settings and variable suction. Lots of bare floor, hardwoods and tile? Consider a canister vacuum. Models such as Miele's C3 HomeCare not only have a power nozzle for carpeting, but a bare floor bush to sweep the floors while it is suctioning.
Figure Out What Features Your Really Want Your Vacuum to Have
If being the lightest weight possible is #1, be prepared to give up some options. The Riccar Supralite is indeed super lightweight but it doesn't have a hose attachment. Options like hose & attachments, switch location, height adjustment, lifetime belts, variable suction, noise, filtration and chiefly quality of components are all great things to consider. Often you can find lots of features on a Hoover, but as my workbench can attest to, they are over engineered and under developed.
If you have pets or suffer from allergies, filtration is key. Most all vacuums today have a "hepa" filter. But not every vacuum sporting a filter is a true sealed HEPA filtration. Most bagless vacuums that come in are leaking so much dust from their seals that it looks as if more went out of the vacuum then stayed in. For vacuums to suck in air they have to blow it back out. Models such as the Miele Cat & Dog or the SEBO Automatic X4 have a sealed housing, HEPA Bagged, HEPA or S-Class Filtration and Filtered exhaust. The Miele Cat & Dog even has a Charcoal filter standard to absorb dander smells from your animals. The way a vacuum filters is also crucial to its longevity. If the pre-motor filter is being packed out by fine dust and dander the motor can burn up in no time. German and American made vacuum cleaners collect debris and dust before it gets to the pre-motor filter allowing it to last year after year.
Now that you settled on the SEBO Automatic X4, what color would you like it in? Just kidding.
Stop in and let us help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your home and needs. We have over 40 different models in stock that you can try out before you buy. You and your home are unique, and Everett Vacuum Sales & Service understands this. Talk to a pro today! Call us now.


text:
The Art of Linking: How Link Structure is a PageRank Booster
Link structure is everything when it comes to PageRank. One of the metrics Google use to rank pages in search results is by measuring their relevance to the query. According to the philosophy of its founders, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the most important webpages on the Internet are the


text:
Uniquely illustrated, hand painted porcelain magnets.
Each magnet in this listing is unique. If you want a specific magnet please take a screen shot and e-mail it to me once you have placed your order.
If you can't make up your mind, just place the order, and write "surprise me" in the note section. Please note, I can't issue refunds if you change your mind after receiving it.


text:
At Kid & Hub all of our 'messy play' components are non toxic. This means while your little ones can't make a meal from our sensory tubs, if they do happen to take a bite here and there they won't ingest any nasties. A crowd favourite is our very own Kid & Hub play dough, and as with all our sensory creations we are always happy to share the recipe.
Play dough recipe
3 cups plain flour
1 cup cooking salt
2 tablespoons of cream of tartar
2 tablespoons of oil
1 teaspoon of food colouring
3 cups of boiling water
Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil in a large bowl
Add food colouring to a cup and fill with boiling water. Add flour mixture and 2 more cups of boiling water
Roughly mix the play dough and let it stand for 5 minutes. It will appear lumpy as the heat from the water is cooking the dough
After 5 minutes knead the mixture. The lumps with disappear.
Have Fun!


text:
Sherlock fans might have panicked at the thought of their beloved show coming to an end after series four.
Benedict Cumberbatch ruffled some feathers recently when he said shooting the fourth series felt like a chapter was closing.
He told GQ: 'The idea of never playing him again is really galling. It might be the end of an era. It feels like the end of an era, to be honest.'
Now the actor has dismissed fans' fears that Sherlock could be over, putting the furore down to 'irresponsible journalism'.
Benedict added that series four is 'the last one – for now'.
In an interview with AP he said: 'We love doing the show and all I'll say about it is that we're all very busy, we're all doing other things now and you'll have to see the fourth season to realise why, for now, it's not going to happen again at the same regularity that it has been happening.
'But we'll see, we'll never say never and when it's right, if it's right, we'll do more.'
From the sounds of things it seems like future installments of Sherlock will be 'as and when' instead of every year – although the show is hardly regular at the moment.
And with Benedict heading up his very own Marvel movie Doctor Strange, we imagine he'll be a busy boy for a while yet.
MORE: Benedict Cumberbatch shows off his skills as a magician
MORE: WATCH: Benedict Cumberbatch duetted with David Gilmour and everyone lost their minds


text:
Just found out that the roof of the Grand Theater in Williamstown, NJ has collapsed. The Grand is the home of the Road Company, one of the oldest and busiest community theaters in south Jersey. According to their web site, the building had been undergoing emergency repairs at the time of the collapse. There are conflicting reports about injuries. Hopefully if there are any, they are minor.
Can't help but wonder if a similar fate awaits the Westmont theater.


text:
CRCC's Covenant Life Class is our new member's course lasting 9 weeks. These classes are held once per year immediately after Consecration in January. To join CRCC, begin by completing the New Member Application and one of our staff members will contact you shortly.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: April 9Brotherhood Men's Fellowship
Later Event: April 16Sisters In the Spirit Women's Fellowship


text:
Frank and Sue Borg have been in love since their teens. And even Frank's increasing problems with dementia have not changed that. So when he was asked what his dream day would look like, he straight away knew that he would like to repeat the best day of his life.
When Frank and Sue said their wedding vows way back in the 1960s, they could not have known what life would bring. But more than 50 years later, one thing had stayed sure for the couple. They had lived their lives together, and their love was still strong at the turn of 2019.
Sue shared her feelings about their wedding. She told local news station WEAU, "We were younger. It was a very small wedding at our church in Rochester, Minnesota." And as we will see, it was an occasion that stayed fresh in the mind of Frank too, despite problems that had afflicted him as he had gotten older.


text:
2018 Best of Houzz
Normandy Earns "Best of Houzz" for Seventh Consecutive Year
It's safe to assume that if you've been prepping for a remodel, you've been on Houzz. This popular website and online community offers inspiration, advice and connects homeowners with professionals all around the world. Each year, they present "Best of Houzz" awards for design and customer service. This is the seventh year running that Normandy has earned badges for both categories.
The design category is based upon popularity and it's safe to say our page is definitely a hit with the Houzz crowd. In fact, our top four projects alone were saved to more than 500,000 idea books. We also qualified for the customer service award with an abundance of positive reviews – many of which you can see here.
"It's so exciting that the design side of our work is influencing hundreds of thousands of projects across the country, well beyond the projects we complete in the Chicagoland area" said Normandy President Andy Wells.
"To win these awards takes a team effort. Normandy Designers developed functional layouts and beautiful designs, and the Project Superintendents ensured that everything ran smoothly," said Andy. "Together, they created a great remodeling experience for our customers and a beautiful home for them to enjoy."
Have you checked out Houzz yet? Hop on and visit the Normandy profile page to see these two shiny new badges. You can also visit the Normandy photo gallery or follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more design ideas and inspiration.


text:
Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon - Live Music Sessions (8 th July 2012)
Next week: 15th July Acoustica will be playing
Why not enjoy the "enchanted" Glenwhan Gardens and let LLive music serenade you with those classic sounds from through the ages! Amicable Ambient sounds to entertain you in these unique surrounds. The Glenwhan Garden team look forward to seeing you.
A ideal occasion for the family.
Dave McCrae - Cafe Sensio Studios Manager at the Glenwhan Gardens with kind permission of
Tessa Knott.


text:
Add your dates to get prices and search
So, they love the outdoors and they love adventure but you can't quite think of the perfect gift for them? Well, look no further than a Glamping Hub gift card. Give them an experience of a lifetime that they can enjoy not only with their friends and family but with their pets too. From stunning treehouses, luxury cabins, and spectacular yurts, these cool pet-friendly things near Chicago will give that special someone, and special furry friend, an adventure they'll never forget.
Glamping Hub is designed for modern browsers. Unfortunately, your browser is outdated. We recommend you to update it for security reasons and to be able to use the site.


text:
I Hate Entrepreneurs
I have a friend who's an entrepreneur. I mean he's hard core, to the bone, preneurey. He often gives me books, articles and links to e-books that he wants to "share with me". At the very least, I check them out. Sometimes I read all of the content, sometimes I get about five pages into it. In all of the material that I have read the theme is always one of incredible positive thinking. It's so positive in fact that it makes me sick. It's creepy to be so go get'em, gung-ho, and don't let anything stop you. These people are like robot, cult leader, windup dolls.
Here is an excerpt from, 'I'm Going To Get Rich Even If I Have To Funking Kill You' by Roy Hammondbergski, a book that I was reading earlier. "If someone tells you they're going to kill you, simply say no thank you and keep going. The important thing is to not let the bullets slow you down. If you do lose a limb, merely pick it up and place it in your leather satchel (as discussed in Chapter 32: Buying a Professional Shoulder Bag). Medical science has come a long way and they can attach it later. If nothing else you can have it replaced with a prosthetic one. That will certainly open the door to some new clients, (see Chapter 46: Using Anything to Market Yourself – Everything Is An Ice Breaker)."
"Keanu Reeves is an excellent actor". I don't know who in the world believes this to be true, but if you find her, tell I said she's stupid. Truth is, it doesn't really matter if he is or isn't, because he's made a career of being in movies and his resume is quite extensive. I use to wonder how people I thought weren't up to snuff could get to the places they were at. Now I know, from reading all this entrepreneur propaganda, that is was all just a state of mind.
I now realize the reason I sit in a cubicle and look out the window at the rain, (even when it's sunny outside) is because I'm not an entrepreneur. I don't think I ever will be. Truth is I'm just jealous of anyone that can persevere the trials of life to obtain the goals they're after. I have a hard time standing by the microwave wave "waiting for two seconds between pops".
I was always too afraid to "go for it". I was too comfortable in the miniature empire of security I had built in my head and house. Like a child hiding behind his couch pillow fort, I was content on going nowhere. At the same time I was frustrated that I wasn't going anywhere. Talk about the beginning stage of insanity.
I don't know if it's a case of "greener grass" or if I have gravely misjudged my own existence, but walking down the center of a metaphorical set of railroad tracks is taxing at the least. One rail is for people doing what it is they want to do. They are happy and driven to get out of bed in the morning to greet the day. The other rail is for people content with the void, the nothingness and the sound of life passing them by. They don't care about what it is they're doing or what's going on. This is quite evident by the mustard stain on their shirt. In the middle is me, wishing for something different, complaining about the stain on my shirt.
What's a rooster to do? If I don't get out of the middle I won't be able to dodge the oncoming train and believe me you that train is bearing down the tracks at a blinding speed. You can't stop a train, but a train can't leave the tracks. Thanks to my preneurist friend and $60,000 dollars worth of literature, I've learned this: The future is still underwritten as long as you are the writer.
Beware the editor.
Egg On!
Ramblin' Rooster
10 Responses
Question: Why does thinking that Keanu is an excellent actor make one a stupid person? Isn't this a matter of opinion rather than intelligence?
Unless of course you would say the same of someone who thinks that he's a terrible actor.
If you choose your destination and focus on it long and hard enough, you'll get there no matter what storms rise up along the way. The problem is most people don't know where they want to go.
Ah Keanu….. I wouldn't say he's a great actor and I wouldn't say he's bad. I will say that The Matrix rocks this world!!!!
Found your article because it popped up in the Google News Alerts for Keanu, so that's how I got here.
Mostly I just take issue with people who consider a person's opinion on a subjective manner to be representative of their intelligence, not just regarding Keanu but just about anything else. It usually tends to come across as 'If you don't agree with me, then you're dumb'. So that bit just bugged me.
Wouldn't consider myself the biggest Keanu fan, but thank you anyway. I'm just the founder of the Keanu SWAT Team, an online group dedicated to defending Mr. Reeves against people who insist on slamming his acting and everything else about him.
There are about 20 of us, and so far I don't think – depending on your definition of 'young' and 'crush' and 'girl' – any are young girls with a crush. Most are fully functional adults, male and female of varying sexual orientations including straight guys and lesbians, who do honestly think that Keanu is at least an average actor, if not better.
And yes, The Matrix rocks this world.
There is no Matrix 4. It's like a spoon… there is no spoon…
Yeah, Keanu is awesome. He's constantly touted as Hollywood's most reluctant star and appears to be allergic to the limelight. While his peers went out partying and making tabloid news, he would sit in his hotel room (didn't have a house until recently; he moved from hotel to hotel living out of a single suitcase) and read books.
And so far he's the only actor I know who does things like this:
"After one take, he gives Diaz a bear hug and pulls her into an impromptu flamenco dance, waving his arms in the air like a goofy shaman; she responds by giving him a playful kick in the ass. A few minutes later, he yells, "Oh, my God!" Several people turn around, startled. He shrugs cheerfully: "It's part of my acting exercise." This particular exercise also includes shouting "Let us perform!" and then answering himself in a Yiddish accent: "Lettuce? You vant lettuce?" "Keanu's a lettuce," says the writer/director, Steven Baigelman, nonsensically, to which Reeves replies, "Iceberg!"
Meanwhile the tragedies in his life spread far beyond the last decade:
– His parents broke up when he was a kid; mother remarried three or four times;
– In 1993 his best friend River Phoenix died
– In 1994 his estranged father was arrested for leading a drug smuggling ring, just as Speed was making it big in the box office and Keanu was getting his first real taste of fame, only to have journalists constantly hounding him about his dad;
– In 1999 his daughter was born stillborn days before the delivery date;
– Four months later, his girlfriend died in a car crash;
– And the coroner's report revealed that she had been pregnant again.
– Meanwhile, his sister – the person whom he claims to be his best friend in the world – has cancer.
Pretty miserable life. A year or so ago he went into therapy.


text:
Rubbish removal for Darlinghurst residents
Living in inner suburbs of Sydney such as Darlinghurst can be very convenient – until it comes to removing large volumes of household waste. Public tips are a fair hike out of town, and with increased tipping costs it simply isn't worth hitching up that 4×4 trailer. With limited space, skip bins can be a real hassle on the inner city streets, and the need for a permit only makes matters worse. When you are stuck with a large amount of garbage, the best thing to do is contact the team here at Heaps Cheap Rubbish Removal.
For a very reasonable rate, we can drop by your home and remove your waste for you, saving you time and money. We offer the collection capacity of a skip bin without the need for a permit, as we simply load your rubbish and leave. Our tireless workers will shift all the refuse for you, meaning you do not have to lift a finger. With such a convenient service, how are we able to keep our costs so low? As an environmentally friendly company, we recycle where we can, saving money on tipping costs and then passing these savings on to you.
If you are looking for a company that offers rubbish removal in Darlinghurst, contact us today on 1300 88 73 74.


text:
This program is available both campus and online.
The Master of Engineering in Mining, Geological, and Geophysical Engineering is one of the only programs of its kind, examining fundamental concepts supported by groundbreaking research in the field. You'll gain an advanced understanding of core technical principles while also pursuing coursework in finance and management, legal issues, and other administrative concerns specific to the emphasis area that is chosen. Armed with this focused skill-set, you'll be well-prepared to pursue mining and geological engineering roles and other enhanced opportunities in the field.
The program is comprised of an entirely flexible curriculum, allowing you to choose from a number of emphasis areas, including (but not limited to):
- Geomechanics
- My Information and Production Technology
- My Health and Safety
- Mineral Processing
- Sustainable Resource Development
With flexible requirements and these specialized areas of focus, you'll be able to build a program that suits your goals. Each course is led by expert faculty members, with a curriculum that blends live instruction with a convenient, asynchronous online format. Online learning is a perfect fit for working professionals looking to enhance their career prospects, with most part-time students completing the program in 18-24 months.
The structure of the courses offered through the Master of Engineering in Mining, Geological and Geophysical Engineering varies, with some offered in a live, interactive format and others offered in an asynchronous, on-demand structure. Additionally, some courses will run for the entire duration of a semester and other intensive, shorter courses will consist of anything from 2-3 days to 2 weeks of class time. This makes the program both flexible and dynamic.
The Master of Engineering (ME) program is designed to be flexible and to accommodate practicing engineers. The program consists of the following requirements:
Required Courses
Core Courses: 17 units
- At least 9 units in an emphasis area
- 5-8 units of electives (including up to 6 units of one-unit short courses)
- 0-3 units of independent study or report
Ideal candidates for the graduate programs in engineering offered by the University of Arizona will meet the following admissions standards:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in previous academic coursework
- Graduated from an accredited engineering bachelor's program or have earned a degree in a related discipline (math, physics)
- Some courses may also require that students have completed specific prerequisites
- Specific or additional prerequisites will be required for Mining and Geological Engineering candidates dependent upon their backgrounds in the STEM or other disciplines, such as those with an undergraduate degree in geology. Please contact an Admissions Counselor for details.
- Additionally, courses are available for students who need to strengthen their math skills.
Program taught in:
- English
See 4 more programs offered by University of Arizona »


text:
Spring Berry Éclairs
I'm writing the first official post for this blog on the first day of spring and it feels like perfect timing to start something new. For the first day of a change in seasons, the weather has certainly risen to the occasion. When I woke up this morning I was surprised to feel something I haven't felt in a long, long time - warm! Don't get me wrong, I love winter. I think it's the most romantic season of the year and the perfect time to stay inside all day to cook braised meats and then drink lots of red wine at night with your friends, or maybe a date. Today however I was so excited to put on a flowing floral outfit, get on my bike and ride around in the sunshine. I'm looking forward to drinking beers with friends, going on picnics, sparkling wine and dinner parties under the stars.
Lately I've been cooking a lot of éclairs. They're something I haven't really made since leaving culinary school as not many places I've worked at have sold them. In the last few weeks however I kept seeing beautiful pictures of pastel-coloured, gazed éclairs with candied nuts and fruits on top. I got so inspired by how pretty they were that I made a batch. When I mentioned this to my boyfriend he was wild with enthusiasm as apparently they are one of his favourite treats. Every time I get a chance now I've been playing around with different flavour combinations and packing up little boxes of these pretty treats and dropping them off at his house.
This week I thought I should make something to go with this lovely sunny weather, so I've made some strawberry custard filled éclairs with fresh berries on top. They really aren't too hard to make, but there are a few little tips and tricks to help you out along the way. Hope you enjoy them and the sunshine!
Spring Berry Éclairs
Choux Dough:
- 75g milk
- 75g water
- 75g butter
- 5g salt
- 10g sugar
- 100g plain flour
- 150g eggs (it's best to weigh them for an exact measurement, but this is about three eggs)
- In a small pot place the milk, water, butter, salt and sugar.
- Bring to the boil.
- As soon as the mix has boiled take it off the heat and add the flour. Stir vigorously.
- Once a dough has formed, return to the heat and continue to cook on medium heat for about two minutes.
A skin may form on the bottom of the pot but don't panic - this is a good sign!
- Remove the dough from the pot and place it in a KitchenAid with a paddle attachment.
If you don't have one of these, a hand held electric beater is fine.
- Mix on a low speed for several minutes until steam stops rising from the bowl.
- Hand-whisk the eggs until combined and then slowly add them to the mix.
- Continue mixing for another minute.
- Scrape dough into a piping bag with star nozzle. A piping nozzle with a lot of teeth is best for this job as it helps prevents the éclair from cracking into an ugly shape.
- Pipe the dough in 8 or 9 logs.
- Bake at 180 degrees for forty minutes. If they look as though they are getting too brown towards the end reduce the oven to 160.
- As soon as you take the éclairs from the oven cut a few little holes into the bottom of them. This lets the steam escape and stops them from going soft. These holes can also be used later to fill the éclairs with the custard.
Strawberry Custard
- 2 cups of cream
- 1 vanilla bean
- ¼ cup of caster sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1tsp of plain flour
- 1tsp of corn flour
- 5 strawberries
- Scrape the vanilla bean into the cream and add the pod. Bring to the boil.
- Remove the cream from the heat and set aside.
- Whisk together the yolks, sugar and both flours.
- Slowly add the hot cream, a little at a time, whisking between additions.
- Strain and then pour the mix into a clean pot and return to medium heat.
- Cook while constantly stirring until the mix starts to bubble.
- Remove from the heat, pour into a bowl and cover with cling wrap.
- Chill the custard in the fridge until cold and set.
- Finely cut the strawberries and stir through the custard.
Glaze, Garnish and fill
- 250g dark chocolate
- 50 ml vegetable oil
- Mixed berries
- Melt chocolate in the microwave and stir until smooth.
- Mix though the oil.
- Fill a piping bag with the custard. Poke nozzle into the hole in the base of the éclair and fill.
- Place the chocolate glaze is a bowl and dip the top of the filled éclair in and move it around a little to ensure all the top is covered. Remove from the glaze and remove any excess with your finger.
- While the glaze is still wet, arrange the berries on top so that they stick.
- Let the éclairs set and then feast.


text:
Search found 3 matches
Search found 3 matches • Page 1 of 1
- Mon May 17, 2010 10:49 pm UTC
- Forum: School
- Topic: Does the college you go to actually matter?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3285
Re: Does the college you go to actually matter?
Here's a couple more data points: 1. Mid-career it doesn't even matter what your degree is in much less the institution. We have a random assortment of degrees in our IT department. Once you have experience, skills, connections and references it just matters that you have a degree. 2. A master's deg...
- Wed May 05, 2010 3:25 pm UTC
- Forum: School
- Topic: Awesome Teacher Quotes
- Replies: 1764
- Views: 404282
Re: Awesome Teacher Quotes
College Wind Ensemble conductor after one of the trumpet players admitted to a sour note:
She would make a good Chinese communist; willing to confess her sins with alacrity before the community
- Tue May 04, 2010 10:30 pm UTC
- Forum: School
- Topic: improving your work ethic?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 15557
Re: improving your work ethic?
Here's a couple things that worked for me: 1. Find a space to study and only study. If you are not studying leave this space and only return when you are ready to study. Once you build this habit, being in the space will help your focus. 2. Reward yourself while studying. I use beer, coffee, or choc...
Search found 3 matches • Page 1 of 1


text:
From the Monomoy All-Sports Booster Club:
Second Annual Monomoy Golf Tournament
Join us for a round of golf at Cranberry Valley Golf Course to benefit the Monomoy All-Sports Booster Club
The Monomoy All-Sports Booster Club is committed to providing supplementary financial support for the various athletic activities at Monomoy Regional High School. The Monomoy All-Sports Booster Club believes that students develop a strong sense of pride in themselves and their schools by participating in athletics. Student athletes enhance their physical and mental well-being while developing life skills such as leadership, team work, appreciation of different abilities, social interaction skills, a sense of belonging as well as many other skills. All of the proceeds from this event will benefit the student athletes at Monomoy Regional High School.
The objectives of the Monomoy All-Sports Booster Club are:
1. Develop an organization with an active and involved membership that is concerned with the total athletic program and all of its participants regardless of sex, race, socio-economic status or chosen sports activity.
2. Promote school spirit and sportsmanship and encourage attendance at all Monomoy Regional School District (MRSD) athletic events.
3. Encourage and support MRSD student athletes.
4. Raise funds to provide supplementary financial support for the various athletic activities at MRSD.
5. To lend support to the MRSD Athletic Department and the MRSD Athletic Director.
We appreciate your support and participation in our mission. We look forward to seeing you October 8th for golf, food and fun, all to benefit the student athletes of Monomoy Regional High School. Remember that your entry fee may be tax-deductible: Tax ID 81-4866447
The Monomoy All-Sports Booster Club
CapeCodToday.com welcomes thoughtful comments and the varied opinions of our readers. We are in no way obligated to post or allow comments that our moderators deem inappropriate. We reserve the right to delete comments we perceive as profane, vulgar, threatening, offensive, racially-biased, homophobic, slanderous, hateful or just plain rude. Commenters may not attack or insult other commenters, readers or writers. Commenters who persist in posting inappropriate comments will be banned from commenting on CapeCodToday.com.


text:
Each year, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources hosts The North Carolina Awards, which aim to promote interest in the literary arts all across the Tar Heel State. We thought you might be interested in four awards in particular, all of which have deadlines of July 15. The Sir Walter Raleigh Award […]
Tag Archives: terry roberts
NC Literary Awards Deadline Looms
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Filed in Uncategorized | Also tagged aauw award for young people's literature, american association of university women, karin zipf, lsu press, NC Arts Council, nc department of natural and cultural resources, ragan old north state award for nonfiction, roanoke-chowan award for poetry, Sam Ragan, sheila turnage, Shelby Stephenson, sir walter raleigh award for fiction | Comments Off on NC Literary Awards Deadline Looms
Festival to Honor Wilma Dykeman
Friday, May 4, 2018
This year's Laughing Heart Literary Festival will honor NC Literary Hall of Fame inductee Wilma Dykeman: In partnership with Malaprop's Bookstore, The Laughing Heart Literary Festival is an annual literary festival that brings together writers and readers from the Appalachian region, providing an intimate setting for all to share the experience of books. The festival […]
Filed in Uncategorized | Also tagged amy greene, appalachia, Appalachian literature, jim stokely, laughing heart literary festival, Wiley Cash, wilma dykeman | Comments Off on Festival to Honor Wilma Dykeman


text:
UVM and Transportation: Great potential but stalled progress
UVM faces a parking and transportation crunch, due to several factors, increasing use of parking by commuters, new buildings squeezing parking, replacement costs on an aging bus fleet and budget deficits. To make way for a renovated Gutterson and a new building in the Given Lot, UVM may have to eliminate 400 spots, close to 10% of the available spots. At the same time people feel that parking is a right that comes with a job and parents and others push for their kids to be able to bring cars to campuses.
UVM's Parking and Transportation Department is besieged by complaints about inadequate parking from staff, faculty and students and visitors. In fact, a recent Board of Trustees meeting started with a Trustee asking the University to deal with the parking "problem." When framed this way the solution is usually about increasing supply, rather than reducing demand. UVM has a choice between creating more supply or going all in on reducing demand. In an email to the Director of Parking and Transportation Jim Barr we list some ideas.
Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 10:36 AM
To: Jim Barr <email@example.com>
Subject: Increase parking revenue AND do good for the environment!
Hi Jim:
I'm writing to offer some specific, research-based ideas to reduce the demand for parking at UVM, increase transportation revenues for T&PS and directly address the environmental impacts of UVM's transportation footprint. Ideas that would showcase UVM''s environmental leadership while providing real options for faculty, staff and students.
First of all, as you know the most effective solution to the "parking problem" is to reduce demand, not increase supply. While UVM has had some success switching some trips out of cars, that success seems to have stalled. So for example, the number of faculty and staff that drive alone to campus has not changed in ten years, 53 percent in the most recent CATMA survey.
At the same time we have some excellent policies in place, from progressive parking fees to the unlimited access program. It is simply time to take those policies the next step. I am sure you are thinking about and working on many of these, but based on the research, and surveys with faculty, students and staff here at UVM, here are some ideas that could have immediate impacts:
We'll start with the toughest and the most effective, increasing the cost of parking permits will reduce parking utilization. Rates have not increased in more than ten years. And most faculty and staff (according to surveys we have conducted) do not know how much they pay. Unbundling parking from a 'line item' benefit and increasing the cost to park would incentivize those with options to seek alternatives. (Note also that the T&PS external reviewer told us that parking is underpriced at UVM. And, of course, as with all of these recommendations, they must be implemented in a thoughtful way that does not penalize those without options).
Secondly, we should consider raising the cap on those who make more than $100,000. If the highest paid people on campus start thinking seriously about and asking for real alternatives to driving alone it will have an important ripple effect across campus. For example, the research shows that when leaders use the transit system they can become strong advocates for improvements to the system.
Thirdly, each department and unit needs to be empowered to offer some very modest flexible time options to employees. Simply changing work times by 15 minutes can enable more employees to meet bus schedules.
Fourth, we need a comprehensive marketing campaign (with resources) that raises awareness of the TDM policies and transit options. This could include a better website, better placement of the TDM information on the website, regular promotions on social media platforms and a slew of other approaches.
Fifth, and coupled with the above, we need to use the data we have. Imagine a marketing campaign targeted at those within 1 mile of regular bus service that delivers 10 free one-day parking passes along with bus schedule and location. Or simply diving deeply in the CATMA survey data to find particular obstacles and solutions, rather than the general macro level detail provided. We could also move towards additional choice questions, standard in TDM work, to understand how to further incentivize behavior change.
Sixth, the TDM programs could be enhanced and more clearly promoted. It needs to be very easy to sign up in one place for everything. And we should consider enhancing certain parts of the program, such as the guaranteed ride home, which seems to be infrequently used. As an aside, some of the benefits only work if all the carpoolers work at one organization. If there's a carpool of both UVM and UVM MC Employees, they may not be eligible for the maximum benefits. Can we collaborate more with UVM MC?
Seventh, we may want to consider working directly with Green Mountain Transit to optimize bus routes that UVM affiliates take to campus. We are a large chunk of GMT income. We know where UVM affiliates live, and could work with GMT to increase headways and optimize routes so more people actually have a choice and a realistic option to take transit to and from work. At the same time, perhaps accelerate the implementation of the Active Transportation Plan to foster transportation alternatives and increase pedestrian and cyclist safety (i.e. the intersection at University Heights).
If we can reduce SOV use and increase other modes, including transit ridership, that creates a positive feedback loop — e.g. the more people that ride the bus, the more routes there are and the more people that ride the bus. At the same time, we know that land is limited around campus – freeing any possible parking demand can open up other opportunities for greater land utilization.
UVM has a chance for great leadership in this area, leadership that will benefit the environment, our staff, faculty and students, Vermont AND the University's bottom line.
Thanks for the consideration and please let me know how we can support your work!.
Richard Watts
Richard Watts teaches policy and media studies at the University of Vermont and is a regular bike commuter, transit rider and pedestrian from his home in Hinesburg.


text:
Loading Map...
Written on: Wednesday August 27th, 2008
A journal entry from: Around The World Without A Plane
The other major tourist stop-off in this otherwise bare expanse of Australia is Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. A half days drive took us to the camp-site where Coco and I went at it 1-on-1 at their basketball court, before Loz and I were dragged up on stage to make fools of ourselves by a an aged couple who seemed like they'd been in the entertainment business for as long as Europeans have been in Australia later on that evening. The canyon itself is either a worthwhile warm-up act for Uluru and Kata Tjuta or as it was for us, a sweet dessert. However, unlike delving into a huge chocolate fudge cake, we were made to work off the excess pounds with a steep climb up to the canyon rim, then a 6km walk around its sheer cliffs. After our very worthwhile stroll we began the drive back towards Alice Springs and were surprisingly met by what seemed like half the kangaroo population of this huge continent. Generally speaking you don't see a lot of these marsupials during the daylight hours. They normally begin to cause you problems around dawn or dusk, but here in the intense heat of the mid-afternoon sun we met good on 40 of them all just standing in the middle of the road staring back at us. The roos had been lured on to the tarmac by the recent unusual downpour of rain that had overnight passed over us. With the desert ground, the valuable water had quickly been soaked up by the ground, but the road surface had provided the perfect facilitator to stop the rainwater from immediately disappearing and thus we were met by an army of kangaroos slurping away with their big plasticy tongues. We would literally slow right down to a crawl in the car and pull up directly in front of them. Only then would these stupid creatures decide to bounce themselves off the road. No wonder travelling in this part of the country you see so many of them lying dead at the side of the road, especially with the gigantic road-trains speeding up and down the highways.


text:
Remuneration Committee
Dr Shaid Mahmood - Chair of Governors
A former governor at local primary and high schools and with over 15 years' of governance experience in further education in Leeds, more recently as Chair of the Board since October 2014, Dr Shaid Mahmood has worked in a diverse range of senior roles in the business and public sectors.
Committed to making a positive difference to the lives of others, he has worked nationally and regionally, led the integration of public services and worked closely with the commercial and third sectors and with local politicians. Shaid is also a serving board member of a housing association and a senior officer at Leeds City Council.
Becky Hewitt - Co-optee
Becky is a commercially focused HR professional with a successful track record in financial services and legal services sectors, operating across all business functions.
She has extensive experience in developing and implementing HR strategy to deliver business objectives and strategic change programmes. She has several years' experience as a non-executive director in the learning sector. Becky is Director of People at Leeds Building Society.
John Toon - Governor
John is a Partner with international legal services business DWF LLP. He has lived and worked in and around Leeds for over 40 years and first became involved with FE and HE governance in 2006 with Doncaster College. A passionate believer in the transformative power of education, John is also a lay trustee of Leeds Beckett Students' Union.
Remuneration Committee Terms of Reference


text:
It is fundamental to keep a pulse on the latest developments and changes across South Africa's regulatory business environment. Balance HR facilitated by our qualified consultants do just that and have custom designed short courses, workshops, in-house training programmes and support services to transfer the practical skills and knowledge required by staff to implement your organisations B-BBEE, social responsibility and socio-economic requirements successfully. See an overview of our training programmes on offer.
Pillar 1
Growing People
Seminars/Short Courses
- Personal and Professional Development
- Work Readiness Programs
- Effective Induction
- Living the Brand
- Leadership and Management Development
- Customer service
- The Challenge of change
- Re-directing Conflict
- Motivating your staff
- Employee Assist Programs
- Employment Equity Awareness
- HIV Awareness
- Cultural Diversity
- Safety Training
- First Aid Training
- HACCP Training
- Project Management
- 123 of Marketing and advertising
Learnership Qualifications
- Leadership and Management
- Generic Management
- Business Practice
- Business Administration
- Understanding your reporting requirements
- SETA Submissions
- Implementing Employment Equity
- 123 of Labour
- Disability Awareness and Sensitisation
Pillar 2
Gap analysis and Company Strategy Development
Silent generation of ideas
All participate and all ideas are heard and are objectively assessed.
Evaluating of ideas is democratic which results in buy-in to the conclusions.
The process is stimulating and fun and takes approximately 50% of normal meeting time.
The process is focused and follows a clear agenda – results are assured.
The real costs of a meeting are the opportunity costs of the people in the room so generating an ROI is relatively easy to achieve through the efficiency of the process.
Pillar 3
Products and Services
HR Consulting
Permanent and Temporary placements
Job Profiling
Development of Policies and Procedures
Plan and prepare for HR Workplace,SABS,
NCCA Audits Specialised Projects- Planning & Implementation, Communication and Roll-out
Internal Skills Analysis
Disability Management and Placement
Workforce Disability Audits and Feedback
Corporate Cultural Surveys
Delivering on the Brand Promise – employee engagement workshop
Consulting and Advisory Services
- BBBEE Advisory, Forward Planning and Pre-assessment Scorecard development
- Employment Equity Process and Reporting
- Skills Development and WSP/ATR Reporting
- Preferential Procurement Management