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Great looking hair is more than just great looking. Keeping your hair well-groomed helps to reduce hair loss and boosts your confidence. Roots are the second most important part of our hair that comes right after the scalp. If you pamper your scalp without paying attention to the hair roots, your hair will never get long, strong and beautiful.
But, despite all the benefits, and the fact that your hair accounts for a huge part of your overall appearance, your approach to your hair's health is probably completely backwards.
It is easy to simply pay attention to the part of your hair that you can see, yet the most neglected part of your hair-care routine may end up to be the most important.
Just like healthy, beautiful flowers bloom bigger and brighter in healthier soil, making your hair look its absolute best means tending to the health of your scalp and roots first. It is the secret to good hair. With only a few simple changes to your routine, you can now take great care of your hair roots without any hassle. Here are just a few things you can do regularly to achieve the healthiest, strongest and best-looking hair by tending to its roots and scalp.
1. Brush your scalp
Gently brushing your hair daily helps to keep it untangled. At the same time, do remember to gently brush your scalp too. When you do that, you help to get rid of dead skin cells that can clog the pores on your scalp and distribute the healthy oils throughout your hair. Brushing your scalp also stimulates blood circulation under your scalp, which brings more nutrients to the roots of your hair.
2. Shampoo only a few times weekly
Since we devote so much time and attention to how our hair looks, it is easy to think that we should also shampoo the hair as frequently as possible. However, it is crucial to understand that when you shampoo your hair every day, you strip away the healthy oils produced by your scalp to strengthen each strand. The scalp will also become dry, which can promote hair loss.
3. Use the right conditioner
While you may have been told to avoid conditioners, the right ones help to return moisture to your scalp after you shampoo. Look for a conditioner that includes plant oils such as rosemary oil, olive oil or tea tree oil, and gently massage all over your scalp as you apply the conditioner. When you take care of your hair from the scalp out, instead of the other way around, not only will it be healthier and younger looking, it will respond better to everything you do to make it look great, including styling and colour.
4. Following a well-balanced diet
When it comes to treating hair roots the best way, the importance of proper diet cannot be ignored. Protein is the building block of our hair and therefore, you need to follow a well-balanced diet stuffed with vitamins, antioxidants and different types of proteins in order to make your hair roots grow. Some of the most beneficial foods that should be included in your diet are milk, fish, egg, soy, fresh fruits and green vegetables, as well as foods rich in omega 3 like salmon, walnuts and spinach.
5. Drinking Lots of Water
Our body is made up of 70% water, so keeping your body hydrated definitely helps a lot in strengthening your hair roots and promoting their growth. Make sure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. It will induce enough moisture into the cells and stimulate their normal functions. As a result, your hair roots will get stronger by the day, which will ultimately give you long and beautiful hair.
Similarly, the right scalp and root treatments can help to break down any build-ups, stimulate circulation, and nourish follicles, giving you the best hair ever. Oriental Hair Solution's Oxygen Hair Root Therapy allows for the delivery of oxygen into the hair follicles, thus promoting increased oxygen levels and stimulate hair growth, resulting in shiny, healthy and restored hair. Enjoy a session of this treatment with a session of the Award-Winning Herbal Scalp Therapy at only $18 (U.P $500)! Book an appointment with us and unlock the key to great looking hair today!


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Our Friday Talkback topic is the search for Australia's most mentally sexy Dad.
Is a man who does his share of the housework more sexually attractive? Does sharing domestic duties reduce resentment
and weariness, those well known libido killers?
Join us to meet some of the competitors and judges in this novel national competition run by Melbourne father of three Clint Creagen.
This is an excerpt from one of the entries received so far:
'I clean the toilet. I have also started making the kids' lunches before we go to bed so that she feels less pressured and more relaxed. I'm going to try some other stuff because it's made a big difference - our 'snookins' time has increased by twenty-five per cent, she touches my butt sometimes as she walks past me and we both seem happier more often. Oh, and she's also started taking photos of me and putting them on her Facebook page.'
- Damon Young
- Philosopher and father of two
- Rachel Power
- Artist
- Clint Greagen
- Reservoir Dad blogger and father of three
Further Information
- Presenter
- Richard Aedy
- Producer
- Amanda Armstrong
- Researcher
- Amanda Armstrong
Comments (22)
belbee :
23 Jun 2010 5:37:00pm
The very fact that a man cares enough to understand how his partner feels means he'll willingly help & participate (not only when asked)in chores & parenting.
If he loves her he'll want to make her life easier.
This will make him a hero in his partners eyes.
And we all know how women feel about super heroes !!!!
He definitely won't need a mask & cloak to feel the love in the bedroom !
C. T. Hunter :
24 Jun 2010 4:27:15pm
I know it has been pointed out before, but it is worth reiterating that the studies show that men who get more sex form their partners do more housework. Resentment and weariness is also a killer of motivation to do chores.
Helen Rodd :
25 Jun 2010 9:08:07am
I reckon the guy you had on recently who spoke so openly about declining libido (forget his name- its his mind I remember!). I absolutely loved his honesty and emotional openness and found the way he thinks immensely appealing. For me its these features that are about being a "MAN". The stuff that indicates they've grown up, they've left that teenage boy stuff behind- as he put it- he's "manned up". Keep challenging other men to man up!
Rose in Brisbane :
25 Jun 2010 9:36:09am
I'd be interested to know if there are any common experiences in the upbringing of these obviously capable and willing husbands. And it shows the need for all mothers of boys to make sure that they have the skills to help in the home when they become husbands and fathers.
Virginia :
25 Jun 2010 9:37:07am
Back in the 70s and 80s the father of my children was the Dad at home while I worked outside. He was a wonderful Dad and stayed intellectually interesting to me through all those wild years. Maybe I exhausted him through his editing of my PhD. maybe its because he's 17 years older than me BUT here's the message. After the kids are gone - stay mentally sexy. stay engaged. Sadly we are separated: I re-activated interests in theatre and community arts as well as income business and some how he just buried in at home. We are now separated because there was nothing to hold us. Once the kids are gone - there's even more need to be mentally sexy with each other.
bill roberts :
25 Jun 2010 9:46:28am
I had a different idea of 'mentally sexy' when I first heard it.
A 22 year old acquaintance told me about the pressure he was under to be mentally sexy. His partner, about the same age, insisted that he tell her erotic stories prior to lovemaking. If the stories were not sufficiently erotic, imaginative and entertaining, she would go for a walk instead. No story could be too close to one that had cleared the bar in the past, and the young man, not particularly creative by nature, was feeling the pinch very keenly.
All creative endeavours should be so motivated! (Hey, maybe they are!)
This story goes back 30 years. A sign of the times, surely, that mentally sexy now relates to housework!
Bill Roberts
S. Park :
25 Jun 2010 9:47:06am
My father was always involved in the family home. I remember him caring for me when I was sick, involving us in his cooking of the evening meals and taking us on one of his many passionate hobby-related outings. I considered this a normal fatherly role. He worked full time and he didn't do everything but I saw very clearly as a child that he shared the work with my mother. This was the 60's and 70's. Luckily I have a husband in his mould.
Sharon in Adelaide :
25 Jun 2010 10:38:51am
I think it's great to read comments (like the previous one) that do not 'exeptionalise' men for playing a sharing role in relationships. Guys aren't doing female partners a 'favour', they aren't 'helping' in the home...they are doing what should be a given in fair & equitable relationships. Having said that, I am filled with great hope for my little (20mth old) man when I see his dad role modelling positive, emotionally intelligent, & respectful behaviours (no matter what that task being undertaken is). This is not an experience that either of us grew up with our own parents (in the 70's). What a feeling to be pioneering this in our own family!
tom :
25 Jun 2010 9:57:11am
I am a primary carer dad who sometimes reflects on the fact that this is the exact opposite of my traditional WASP upbringing. But there must be something in the water though as my brother has also ended up doing the same;we both also work in jobs that allow the needs of the children to take precedence. Put simply the agreement is that dad puts his work second to all of the needs involving the children go to Dad. This leaves mums diary clear to do the career thing.
Kristy :
25 Jun 2010 9:57:13am
Hi Richard, excellent article. I very much agree with the caller who highlighted the fact that men are still doing the majority of the oustide chores, plus helping in the house. I very much agree that men should help in the house, but this must also be taken into consideration when sharing household chores. I dont agree with the idea that enoyed chores should not be counted. I enjoy cooking, however it does take personal time away from me every night. I resent that I spend an hour every night cooking, while my partner is able to work, or watch television.
Tanya :
25 Jun 2010 10:05:00am
My husband works full time, he gets up in the night to change nappies, vacuums, cooks, cleans and entertains. The more my husband does the more respect I have for him and that makes him really attractive to me. I wouldn't feel comfortable being intimate if I didn't respect my husband. I think it's all about R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
deirdre molloy :
25 Jun 2010 10:07:01am
Hi Richard,
I think it's a very positive discussion to have, and I'm happy to hear that men are becoming better husbands and fathers, and getting credit and recognition for doing childcare and household chores. However, I do see an irony that 'sexiness' of men is being measured by involvement in household chores, as sexiness might have been measured for the ideal woman in the 1950's.
People say that men who do domestic chores have to overcome their 'instincts' or 'hardwiring', as if the traditional gender-based division of labour were genetic in origin. The traditional division of labour (man at public work, woman in private domestic work) is not genetic, but social. In a patriarchal society, it suited the dominant party, the men, to exaggerate gender difference, thereby excluding women from all but the domestic roles for much of Western civilization's history. The exaggeration of the differences between women and men can be called 'gender polarization', and works through socialization of children to believe certain stereotypes about gender roles. They learn these from their parents, they are not 'hardwired' but learned.
I think what we saw in the contributions to your show is that these gender stereotypes are being broken down. Men, women and children are benefiting from it, free to contribute what they do best to society and their family, not bound to some narrow fixed role. This It's a real step towards equality. And if you want to call that 'sexy', hooray! Certainly men who know what equality is, and live up to it, are way, way more sexy to me.
25 Jun 2010 10:09:29am
I would like to see the "well known studies" that say man + housework = more sex. I wonder if it was authored by a woman? I get the feeling that there are loads of other agendas at work, and that the "increased sex" is a carrot that is not being dangled at all. In any case, we don't need this quasi-contractual arrangement: just sit down with a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. You do this, I'll do that. And while you're at it, how often are we going to do the deed? One will say a lower number than the other: split the difference. How is this difficult? You may not get the sex you want, but you'll get the housework you deserve.
Marilyn :
25 Jun 2010 10:12:06am
My man is a great dad, but mentally sexy? well, he is such a good dad, his daughters didn't want to leave home, and I (his live out partner) was not made welcome in his home. At last, the 26 year old has bought her own home, and will have to pick up her own knickers off the bathroom floor, pay for her own long showers, and make her own meals. The following week the younger daughter and grand daughter also moved out, leaving the washing machine unoccupied at least 5 days a week. It also means that we can sleep with the door open when I come for a sleepover without one daughter's dog or the other daughter's child jumping into the bed with us! - Sometimes soft is not sexy, but when we now begin to plan making the house suitable for an almost retired couple, discussing it over his home cooked meal with red wine,in his beautifully empty home, yes he is definitely sexy.
John :
25 Jun 2010 10:13:21am
Interesting discussion.
You choose what you do to get what you need and it shapes who you are.
I am 55 - when first married we encountered the extremes of interest rates and both work to get by. We chose our work so that we could each care for our son.
Later when my wife died I was a sole parent of 2,youngest 18 months . This shaped me and I chose to do things in a way that I thought was best for my kids.
This was hard but I remember Jim Kennan a Victorian politician dealing with his department, setting limits. his approach helped me work out how to act on what was important in my life and how to make tough decisions.
Returning to work meant childcare and I was the only dad who dropped and picked up their child - there was a difference in how the mums and kids regarded this.
I did take solace in taking my kids to sport at the weekends and used this as my time too but dads who pay attention to kids and home issues draw attention to themselves, so I became the team coach.
I work fulltime, care for my teenagers and for my partner whose health is patchy and it is still important to act on what is important. People are important, things are less so.
The absence of dirt is nice but far less important than the presence of love and respect.
Michelle :
25 Jun 2010 10:20:06am
Since the birth of our 9 month old daughter, my husband has taken full responsibility for all household tasks. This makes me feel very loved and nurtured and allows me to focus completely on my new role as a mother. His love and devotion is very attractive to me.
Andrew Perth :
25 Jun 2010 10:48:14am
My Father was always doing house work cooking and all the outside stuff as well, he bought my mother a cup of tea in bed every morning. I took it as normal. It bewildered me when females at work saw it as their role to bring me cups of tea,it seemed a very forign concept and I changed the pattern for them.
Still it seems there is an imbalance, perhaps if we considered each other, male or female it doesn't matter. Should a man work all day with major stress while the partner spends up on the credit card and has lunch with the girls complaining he doesn't spend enough time with the kids, should a man expect his partner to work all day then do the dinner, clean the house and deal with the kids as well. All human,all in it together, all share the load.
Mrs Beth Keating :
25 Jun 2010 10:58:24am
I listened to this program this morning an noticed there were a few elements, that I believe are key, which were not addressed??? I a 25 yrs old and am married with two young boys, aged 1 and 3. I was intrigued to here women comment on men being applauded for there work in the home, when most women are applying themselves in the workplace and enjoying the same applications. You only need to turn on the Tv or radio to see the way in which a FEMALE Prime-minister has been glorified by so many. We as a people all work hard to achieve emotional reward, do we not? The issue that concerns me most is the contribution to globalization. As a nation of women are choosing to place the workforce first and men become more effeminate taking on home duties, what will the health implications be for such an act. In an environment where mental health is a worsening epidemic. Are we not physically designed to preform tasks. I do not believe "I'd rather be doing something else more stimulating" a good enough reason to stop mothering your children. I question how the children will cope as a result. They are our future after all. How will this alter our world. And if war breaks out, or the earth can no longer sustain us. Will these women also fight and hunt??? I am not against women achieving in the workforce though I believe the way they prioritize this, should be more thoughtfully considered. I to will attended uni one day, Though it is my hope that it will not be at the detriment of my young children. Hindsight is a view more should try considering. Also my husband has the consideration to help around the house, just as I give my best to network and consult with his colleges when i am needed to attend his work functions. We are best friends with benefits as a result.
Pete :
25 Jun 2010 11:54:40am
I started out well, doing all the laundry, full share of kitchen work, babies, children, transport, garden, cleaning, you name it. But it was never enough, never fast enough, never good enough, always something wrong with it. At some point I gave up and went cycling at 530 am instead, to escape the screeching; I've just left the marriage after 25 years of hoping it would change. A person has to appreciate the efforts their partner makes. Perfection ruins everything.
KG, Adelaide :
26 Jun 2010 1:16:56pm
Thankyou Richard for a though-provoking program. I feel very fortunate that my husband is very capable in the "domestic engineering" and "child-wrangling" departments (2 children, 5 and 3) but this was not always so. I agree with Reservoir Dad's comment on his webpage that mastery comes by practice. It wasn't until I began spending one day each weekend out of the home for respite from child-duty that hubby mastered the juggling act that is the realm of a stay-at-home-parent. The first few times he had complete control of the kids, he really struggled, just as I myself did when he returned to work following the birth of each child. But mastery resulted from practice, and the point I'd like to add to this discussion is that hubby doesn't manage the kids or the house in the same way that I do, but I've learned that this is OK. His confidence with the kids has skyrocketed as a result of a whole day with them, and they of course, adore his undivided attention. And yes, he is way sexier to me since this arrangement of weekend child-minding began! He would agree with me that men who give more, get more.
Sally :
26 Jun 2010 10:31:35pm
The strongest idea I took from this discussion is that partners face a situation together & deal with it. Regardless of how the labour is divided, if you feel that someone has your back & if either are struggling the other will pick up the slack, it would be the essence of an engaged, committed & intimate relationship.
It is something I will aspire to, but a very tall order & hard to get both in the same mind set.
Nadejda Letat :
30 Jun 2010 10:30:52am
When are we going to move on from labelling anything that catches our eye/s, "sexy"?? Cars are sexy,
food is sexy, houses are sexy, dogs/cats are sexy ..... OK .. so I've missed something here all these years .. perhaps "sexy" has nothing at all to do with genitalia/reproductive organs and "sexy" is in reference to something altogether other? I realize all languages morph so couldn't English morph past "sexy"?? I think it's had its day! How about "good; nice; beautiful; lovely" - more mundane terms, as "sexy" most often does not fit the picture! Only joking .. call your cars/bikes, tables/chairs, mums/dads whatever comes to mind!

subset: commoncrawl


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Historic City News has obtained a copy of a letter from Sheriff David Shoar to St Augustine Beach Mayor Gary Snodgrass clarifying the somewhat awkward relationship between the two as the city commission still labors to decide the fate of their beleaguered police department.
Since the city commission tackled the high profile in-fighting, back-biting, and lack of professional standards uncovered at the Beach Police Department, the Sheriff's Office has found itself in an uncomfortable position.
When the St Augustine Beach Commission moved to place its chief, Richard Hedges, on leave and the FDLE was called in to investigate potential criminal misconduct, at the mayor's request, the Sheriff assigned Regional Chief David Messenger to oversee the continued operation of the agency.
The results of the FDLE investigation into the St Augustine Beach Police Department revealed numerous deficiencies and a concurrent investigation by the Sheriff's Office led to a report from Undersheriff Joel Bolante that made evidence handling procedures by Beach officers highly suspect.
Shoar, who was recently re-elected to serve a third four-year term, commands a department that in 1991 became the first in Northeast Florida to receive accredited status with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation granted state accredited status to the Sheriff's Office in 1996 and the county jail received accreditation in 2004 from the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.
The police department operated by the City of St Augustine Beach has no accreditation — the unspoken concern some observers are referring to as "the oversized elephant in the room", is that Shoar cannot afford to become too closely involved with a department that has the potential to jeopardize the sterling reputation of his own agency.
Sitting commissioners at the Beach disagree on the proper course for the small, police department that some in the community feel is more of a liability than an asset. Police officers within the department and sheriff's deputies disagree. Residents, politicians and city employees don't seem to agree, either.
Shoar said that the needs of the beach community were his first concern — but he took the opportunity to draw some lines. First, Shoar reassured Snodgrass that if the size of the police department is reduced, in accordance with the commission's July 16th decision, the resources from the Sheriff's Office devoted to the municipality would increase to ensure adequate law enforcement coverage.
There are ten areas the Sheriff identified that he feels the Beach Police is not adequately proficient to handle on their own and where he will retain oversight:
1. Continue to respond to calls for service and provide "back-up" support for police.
2. Continue to conduct complex investigations that are time and resource intensive.
3. Continue to conduct "internal affairs" investigations when indicated.
4. Continue to provide evidence support to line personnel.
5. Continue to collect, store and manage evidence.
6. Continue to receive calls for police service and dispatch police officers.
7. Continue to provide specialty teams i.e. hostage negotiation, dive, SWAT, etc.
8. Continue to provide "in-service" training for police officers.
9. Continue to provide records management support.
10. Continue to provide information technology support.
Further, the Sheriff said he will continue to provide the ten enumerated services "until such time as your police department is positioned to assume them".
Some vocal supporters of maintaining the cost of a local police department argue that the 1.9-square-mile community is inadequately protected without the approximately 15 sworn officers. According to Shoar, there are some folks who are confused by the use of the term "blended" to describe scenarios the Sheriff has in mind as the Beach works through its problems.
"I want to be very clear about our role in law enforcement efforts in your jurisdiction," Shoar wrote. Shoar observed that when the mayor uses the term "blended" to describe the relationship contemplated, it somehow implies that the City has a choice of whether or not to "blend" the services of the Sheriff's Office with the police department.
To put a fine point on that misconception, Shoar wrote, "This of course is wrong." The Office of Sheriff is constitutionally required to provide law enforcement services to all the citizens of St Johns County — even when a municipality forms their own police department.
However, when it comes to law enforcement, the Sheriff is the chief executive in the county — not a municipal police chief. From the day St Augustine Beach decided to establish their own police department through the exercise of "home rule" rights, there has existed a "blended" approach to law enforcement with augmentation of services from the sheriff.


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Monthly Archives: October 2014
Jane the Virgin vs Cristela (TV Review)
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Sono di California
At La Scala, I shared a box with a couple from Corsica for whom I offered to take a picture, as they were taking selfies. We then got to talking about where we're from and I mentioned that I am from California; the expressions on their faces changed immediately from interest to mesmerized.
There is a marked difference in people's reactions when I say that I am from "California" versus "the US." In Europe (and what I've observed in the Middle East), Californians are adored for their "wild wild west" approach to life. Here are a few romanticisms I've heard: "how liberal, progressive, green, cultural, laid-back, beautiful..." The French, who have a reputation for cultural snobbery at times, could not stop showering California with compliments. California represents the future and magic—Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Napa Valley, San Diego suntans, Highway 1, grass dispensaries, surfing in Big Sur, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so much more.
Am I proud to be an American? It's a lot more of a difficult question for me to answer than answering "am I proud to be Californian." Often times I feel polarized because my heritage is Korean, yet, as my father says, I was "Made in the U.S.A." Without going on too long of an anthro-socio-ethnic identity crisis rant, I will say that it is a bit confusing to call myself American at times when I get treated like a foreigner in America, though in Korea I stick out like any other America (most likely because of my tan skin, which Korean women fear like a vampire does the sun). However, there is without a doubt in my mind that I am Californian. More than nationalistic, perhaps I am statalistic-- "sono di California."
We are a special breed of our own, and I will always keep that with me even when I move to New York. Not so coincidentally some of the awesomest creatures I've met at Fuqua either have CA DNA in them by birth or have been converted. The CA's just naturally somehow find each other... (lots of love to Aster, Chantel, Linda, Rishi, Rachel, and Joakim... and as I continue to proselytize, here are the most recently baptized: Sami, Michelle, Michael, and Sam...)
It served me well to state, "Je suis californienne": Sophie gave me her number and told me to look her and her husband up when I come to Corsica.
Viva la California!


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We were lucky this past weekend, getting a visit from Gordon's parents. They came laden with treats for Lily including some items from Goo Ma (Gordon's Aunt on his Dad's side). One of these was a Tickle-Me Elmo - not the crazy new version, but a more basic one. Now before I go on I have to admit that I am not much of an Elmo fan. There's the basic annoyance factor of course, but I've also formed an aversion influenced by reading Buy, Buy, Baby - a book on how companies target marketing to babies and toddlers. I admit this book has made me slightly crazy. However, I also knew that it was just a matter of time before an Elmo entered Lily's life. And of course we love anything that comes from Goo Ma - she's wonderful and absolutely adores Lily.
Unfortunately Lily was not very taken with Elmo - in fact we all got the impression that he creeped her out somewhat. She was especially unhappy when he did his tickle-me bit. I, of course, was secretly pleased that she was not reacting to Elmo as the "evil marketers" hoped. So we put him in the toy bin and that was that. She didn't really interact with him again all weekend.
Fast forward to this morning. Lily and Gordon are home getting ready for daycare. Gordon sneaks into the bedroom to check email while Lily is playing in the living room. (I'm recounting what Gordon told me here - so it's all second hand!). G hears some commotion from the living room and then Lily comes stomping into the bedroom pointing furiously towards the living room. So G follows her in there. They get to the living room and Lily asks to be picked up. She then directs him to the toy box and points accusingly at the Elmo. G picks Elmo up - Lily yells No! He tries to put him back in the toy box - she says "no no no". Finally, he was able to find a home for Elmo that Lily approved of:
So Elmo will go find a home with cousin Sera (who LOVES Elmo) until Lily is more accepting. The best part of the whole thing is that my smug, "my kid is impervious to this stuff" smile was wiped right off my face tonight during a visit to the potty. Lily loves paging through the Parenting magazine while she sits there. I usually point out stuff as we go along "baby, Mommy, girl, car", etc. Tonight I open to an ad for a video of everyone's favorite purple dinosaur. I say "dinosaur". Lily looks at me, looks at the ad and yells "BARNEY!" Clear as a bell. She then keeps repeating it over and over in case I didn't hear her. Still in denial, I call in Gordon and ask him what she said. He says "uh.. Barney?" We're both dumbfounded since our home is totally Barney-free. hmmmm what happens at day care stays at day care?


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Work & Study
Work, Study and Other Permits(Service)
Before you can enter South Africa, you need to have a visa. At the port of entry, your visa will be replaced with a temporary residence permit which states how long you may stay and for what purpose. You need to apply for specific permits before you come to the country.There are various types of permits, depending on why you want to come to the country:


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Changing Behaviour: New Technology creates New HabitsPublished on 26 Jun 2019
While the principles of behavioural psychology remain constant, consumer habits have been completely reinvented over the past few years.
Workplace robotics & AIPublished on 20 Feb 2019
The use of machines in the workplace is nothing new; however, with the advancements in technology, machines that did simple tasks are now capable of so much more. However be mindful of these challenges when interacting with an AI or intelligent machine in the workplace.
Digital Transformation Mistakes, And How to AvoidPublished on 20 Feb 2019
The most common thing that happens is that people misunderstand digital transformation and then they make various mistakes. To avoid these mistakes, read on…
Low-Cost Social Media Marketing TechniquesPublished on 19 Feb 2019
Not every company or start-up has the budget necessary for paid advertisement. Here is everything you need to know about low-cost 'Social Media Marketing' techniques and why you should implement them today!
Reflecting on 2018Published on 19 Feb 2019
Over the past 12 months, D+TC has been actively engaged in efforts to bring together Australia's digital and technology experts to champion excellence, and facilitate collaboration and innovation. Here are some of our highlights…
Help your customers with their online researchPublished on 10 Sep 2018
Andrew Lane, Head of Sales and Marketing for Salmat delves into the world of search and the importance of making sure your brand is found.
How Virtual Reality is giving the World's Roller Coasters a new TwistPublished on 29 Aug 2018
The digital era has introduced a new spin on roller coasters: incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) into the experience. This marries the real and the virtual.
How Service Design can drive Business InnovationPublished on 29 Aug 2018
At every stage of a business, here's how Service Design can help innovate and grow a service.
6 questions with Matt HuntPublished on 29 Aug 2018
Get to know Geronimo CEO & Founder, Matt Hunt
The Importance of Place in a Digital WorldPublished on 16 Aug 2018
Place – the distribution of a product – is a critical influencer on consumers' purchasing decisions. Despite this and according to research by Salmat, many marketers underestimate the importance of 'Place,' with almost half (46%) not even able to correctly name it as one of the 4 Ps.


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Cooking With Olive Oil Vs. Butter: Is There a Champion?
Are you confused about the difference between cooking with olive oil versus butter? Well, you're not alone. While both are…
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Creaming Butter
Why is this such an important step in baking? And how does it work? (more…)
Coping With Stress
Everyone—adults, teens, and even children—experiences stress at times. Stress can be beneficial by helping people develop the skills they need…
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We spend hours, weeks and months practicing, yet how careful are we to make sure the cake, fondant and icing are…
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You never know how important a single action is until there are consequences. (more…)
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Have you deprived yourself lately of eating Cake because you felt it was unhealthy? Find out how to eat your…


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, NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 31 – 23 Governors are in the next two months expected to appear before the Senate Public Accounts and Investment Committee (PAIC) to explain how they spent public funds amidst revelations of massive wastage at the devolved units.
In a programme released by the watchdog team it lines-up Makueni, Muranga, Mandera and Mombasa to appear before it when it begins its sittings on April 16 to April 19.
"In exercise of its mandate of oversight over county public accounts and investment, he Senate Sessional Committee on County Public Accounts and Investments informs and invites the Chief Executives of the entities listed in Schedule of the Sittings for the months of April, May, June and July 2018," read the Notice published on Friday.
Samburu, Kwale, Embu, Machakos Kakamega, Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia, Homa Bay and Siaya form the second batch of counties that are slated to defend the expenditures for the financial year 2014/2015 before the Senate team.
Nyeri, Garissa, Isiolo, Meru, Taita/Taveta, Marsabit, Nyandurua, Bomet, Wajir, Laikipia, Tharaka-Nithi, Tana River counties are lined up to appear in June.
Nyamira, Baringo, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kitui, West Pokot, Nairobi and Kirinyaga are last batch to appear before the watchdog committee in July.
The Senate Committee has directed all county executives to submit written all response and supporting documents to the specific issues to the relevant Auditor General Regional Hub and Senate Clerk.
"All County Executives are requested to submit written responses and all Report o Financial Operation o the County Executive for the Financial Year 2014/2015 to the relevant Auditor-General, Regional Hub offices, 14 days prior to the schedule date of the appearance and submit the same to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate/Secretary, Parliamentary Service Commission, seven days prior to the scheduled date of appearance," read the Notice signed by Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye.
The Auditor-General expressed concern that this is the financial year that most funds allocated to counties, were misappropriated.


text: Share: Comments Print February 22, 2012 at 1:04 AM Changes to MLS roster rules in 2012 Posted by Joshua Mayers I had meant to get to this earlier, but MLS released its 2012 roster rules last week and there are a few changes from last season. None of the them are major or unexpected, but they're worth noting, I feel. Let's get to it. * * * CHANGES IN 2012 — The salary cap has been raised to $2.81 million, up about five percent from last year's $2.675 million. — The minimum salary for veterans has been upped to $44,000 from $42,000. — The minimum for young players, sometimes referred to as "apprentice salaries," is $33,750, up from $32,600. These players must be under 25. — The summer transfer window will be from June 27 to July 27. The monthlong window closed on Aug. 14 last year, so the league must feel that an earlier window would make it easier to acquire international talent (UPDATE: A fellow journalist has reminded me that transfer windows apply to federations and serve for other American leagues, as well. So the decision was likely made by U.S. Soccer, but I'm guessing MLS probably had an influence). — The primary transfer window closes on April 15. — Designated players now count $350,000 toward the cap (midseason DP signings count $175,000). In Seattle, Fredy Montero, Alvaro Fernandez and almost certainly Mauro Rosales will fall in this category. — DPs from ages 20-23 count $200,000 toward the cap and DPs younger than that count $150,000. The Young DP rule was announced last year and the Sounders have expressed interest in using this mechanism in the future. All DP charges can't be bought down below $150,000. — More on Young DPs: if they join midseason the cap hit is $150,000 and that amount cannot be bought down with allocation money. If a Young DP is going to be a team's third DP, they won't have to pay the $250,000 surcharge (something Seattle has already paid). — After the jump are some more things worth noting: OTHER NOTES/REMINDERS — Only the 20-man senior roster counts toward the salary cap. The rest of the roster is often referred to as "below the line" players, and Generation adidas players, including Seattle's Michael Tetteh, fall here. — Team can leave two "below the line" spots empty on their roster and receive $35,000 in allocation money for each empty slot. — Guaranteed contracts are exactly as they sound, guaranteed, even when cut. Players on non-guaranteed contracts waived before July 1 won't continue to count against the salary cap, but after July 1 they will. — Teams are allowed eight international roster slots at the start of the season, which can be traded and stockpiled. — Teams pay DP salaries over the $350,000 charge. — Roster are frozen from Sept. 15, 2 p.m. PT, through the MLS Cup on Dec. 1 (except in the case of extreme hardship, which is up to the discretion of the league). — There is no salary cap relief when players go on the disabled list, and they must sit out for six games. They can be replaced on the active roster. — Teams can have up to 10 players on their discovery list and can remove/add at any time. Teams can make six discovery signings in one season (expansion teams can make 10). — Allocation money can be received for failure to qualify for the playoffs, the transfer of a player to a club outside of MLS for value (transfer fee), being an expansion team, qualification for the CONCACAF Champions League, trading in up to two "below the line" roster spots (previously mentioned) and when teams pay a third DP surcharge (given to teams without them, I believe). — Allocation money can be used to help sign players who didn't play in MLS the previous season, to re-sign an existing player (subject to league approval), to buy down a player's charge to the salary cap and, in the league's words, "in connection with the exercise of an option to purchase a player's rights or the extension of a player's contract for the second year provided the player was new to MLS in the immediately prior year." * * * I hope some of this was useful. I try to understand all these rules as best I can, so let me know if you see something wrong. If you have questions, I'll try my best to answer, but I'd try to find them on the league website first. Any thoughts? Comments


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ADJ® 46 Combo lighting package
The 46 Combo from American DJ is an all-in-one package that offers all the pieces of equipment needed to setup your lighting display. Includes 4 color gel filters and all that is needed to safely mount the par cans.
If you have ever needed a colorful lighting package that contains all the necessary pieces of equipment, then the 46 Combo Par Can package from American DJ is for you. The aluminum par can and lamp that are included work together to create a powerful light source needed to light up the stage. Use the 4 color gel filters included to create a splash of color that will really shine a spotlight on the stage.
You should have no problem getting enough light with the 200W lamp that is included. The included clamp and safety cable will make it easy to install and secure into your lighting equipment. The gel frame will work to protect your lamp and par can when tearing down your equipment.
This product is perfect for the mobile entertainer, night club, or dance floor. Use the 46 Combo aluminum par can kit at your next event to light up the party.
*Estimated monthly payment; individual circumstances will determine exact monthly payment.
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Health Warning Information


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Hello Europe! Your favourite continental podcast is back with everything from salted snails to middle-fingered salutes on the menu. Dominic's been walking on thin ice, and Katy's been cocooning; there's good news for Angela Merkel and bad news for press freedom in Slovakia. Eckard Helmers is on the line from Germany to explain how why Europe fell in love with diesel cars even though they're poisoning our air. And we're talking English — literally — with Marko Modiano, a linguistics expert in Gävle, Sweden, about how the language is taking on a life of its own in Europe.
Don't forget to review, rate and subscribe!


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The Lights Go Down: Where Do We Start?/
This Friday evening brings back memories from my childhood, when I would sit down with my parents and siblings to enjoy movie night, with our carefully distributed bowls of chips and equally calculated quantities of pop. Those first few years we would watch a lot of family movies, from The Wizard of Oz to Escape to Witch Mountain. As we grew older, however, we graduated to scary movies, but my mother refused to sit with us for these. Poltergeist disturbed her too much. This tradition lasted well into my teens. My father had a great tolerance for horror; he did draw the line in certain situations, but we found ways of watching those movies, whether he approved or not.
Tonight, my wife stands to the side, scowling. She does not approve of what I am about to do.
"We'll be fine," I tell her, "no one will get hurt."
But people will die. And there will be blood. Lots of it.
"People do this kind of thing every day," I tell her, "and besides, he's 15, I won't be scarring him emotionally."
She walks off, telling me she'll be reading in the bedroom. My son, behind me, smiles nervously. In his house, we don't like motherly disapproval. But we'll live with it this time.
This evening is special. I have been looking forward to this ever since our first child was born. My wife had quickly outlined the rules: No exposure to TV and movie violence or negativity of any kind. These days, the kids occasionally express their frustration at having been prevented everything their friends have been allowed to watch. But they also understand and appreciate how we nurtured their minds through books and play.
Normally I would have as little light as possible, to enjoy the movie with a certain ambience, but not tonight. The lights are all on. I'm not doing this to reassure my son. I'm doing this so I can observe him; his interest, his expressions, the way he might jump up in his seat. I won't be laughing; I want to see how he'll react to his first slasher movie. We're starting a tradition after all, and the 80s horror icons await.
Tonight, I'm introducing my son to an old friend who is visiting from Camp Crystal Lake; his mother is very protective of him, but I'm sure they'll both be greeting us with open arms. And machetes.
So many movies, so little time. A look at some of the movies we'll be watching in the future.
Stephane Moisan
Stephane Moisan is a student in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin College. He has been happily married (to the same woman) for the past 25 years and is the father of two teenagers. He enjoys reading and writing, as well as spending time with his family.


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Lavoie honored with Remember ME award for lifetime of community service
MADAWASKA, Maine — The Maine Health Care Association recently presented Martin Lavoie of Madawaska with a Remember ME award for his community service and involvement.
The MHCA presents the award to "pioneering, innovative and interesting residents living in Maine's long term care facilities," according to the organization's website.
Staff at Ridgewood Estates in Madawaska nominated Lavoie, whose story was reviewed by a panel at MHCA before his selection for the award.
"They consider the resident's personal story, and how they overcame adversity," said Paula Gendreau, activity and event coordinator for the residential care facility.
Lavoie was the original owner of Martin's Motel and was one of the first members of the Maine Army National Guard, according to Gendreau. She added that in 1973, Lavoie became the deputy director of the state Bureau of Civil Defense, when he checked the borders and made sure that bomb shelters were stocked with supplies and ready to use if necessary.
Mike Lavoie, Martin Lavoie's son, accepted the award on his father's behalf during a ceremony in April in Augusta.
Each health care facility in Maine has the ability to nominate one resident for the award.
Gendreau said that all of the staffers at Ridgewood Estates nominated Lavoie in a joint effort.
"He's done so much community service," she said, "we thought he'd be a good candidate."


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Proverbs 25:28 — Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (NIV).
Anger is the product of a lack of self-control. There are many talented men and women who don't have self-control. They have charisma, but no character. Their lack of control opens them up to attack and causes them to be prone to outbursts. Show me a person who lacks self-control, and I'll show you a person whose walls are broken down around him. When the walls come down, we become vulnerable.
The walls came crashing down in Moses' life, and he lost all sense of reason. It caused him to react irrationally and say hurtful things. The walls in our lives protect us from physical, emotional, and spiritual attacks. They also keep us from acting out foolishly. Anger is just one of those foolish acts.
Self-control is a learned behavior. It does not just happen, and it cannot be imparted into you by somebody else. Self-control requires daily effort, and that's why many people have a shortage of it. 2 Peter 1:5-8 lists several qualities we are to possess in increasing measure. One of which is self-control.
I used to battle serious anger problems. I was aware of my issue, but I could not get victory over it for some reason. I would continuously lash out and say things that were inappropriate. I never cursed or anything like that, but my words would be hurtful at times. After outbursts, I would feel guilty and want to change, but it was not until I disciplined myself that change began.
Developing self-control is a process. To this day, I continue to endure the process. I have to add to my self-control daily. There are times when I stumble and cracks form in my walls, but I repair them and fight back with the word of God. I encourage you to do the same. If self-control is a quality you lack, start the daily journey toward change today. Don't let anger get the best of you.
James 1:19 — Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (NIV).
*Check out http://www.amazon.com/author/mikejonker for more info and resources.
*Contact us at JMI, P. O. Box 135, Forest Hill 71430.


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Snow Removal Helpers Needed
Sun. & Wed. when there is snowJoin the team! We have teams of two people who commit to one month to clear all sidewalks on our church property. At this time, two people are needed for February and two for March. Please write "snow removal" on your ConnectCard.


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Having a bit of an Arabfest at the minute after having dropped the "Once Upon A Time In Arabia" mix tonight. Tomorrow we drop for free our first ArabTronix EP which features Die Antwoord in an Arabian stylee.
For now, take in this beautiful track from Paris based DKNWN, really gorgeous stuff.


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We all know that Venus Williams's professional career is successful and everyone is quite familiar with her professional career, so is her personal life including her dating life and relationship successful? Scroll down:
For your information; Venus Williams is no more single and is already reserved. According to ta latest 2018 news, Venus Williams is dating a millionaire Nicholas Hammond. According to New York Daily Post, he is a 'wealthy financier.'
Venus was together with her 25-year-old millionaire boyfriend, at Australian Open. Well, the couple has an age difference of 12 years which made fans wonder if he is a 'gold digger.'
However, it has already been proved so because he is already a millionaire himself and there's no reason he would run after money. The 12 years age gap also doesn't seem to have made any impact on their relationship.
Also, read: Steffi Graf is aimed at Serena Williams in French Open
They are often seen hanging out together cuddling up with each other especially on restaurants in New York. They are also often seen sharing hugs and kisses as they wait for the food to be served on the table.
After Williams was spotted with her boyfriend, people are surfing around to know about Venus Williams married life. Well, Venus is not married till date, but might be planning for her wedding. Venus and her boyfriend seem like they are ready to get married as Venus didn't hesitate to take Nicholas to her sister's wedding.
Also read: Garbine Muguruza beats Agnieszka Radwanska - advances to Wimbledon Finals with World No 1 Serena Williams
Well not only Venus took her boyfriend to her sister Serena's wedding, but she actually wore a ring which might have been given by her boyfriend.
However, they haven't publicized about their engagement, so it won't be wrong to claim that she is engaged. But if they are engaged for real, we don't think we'll have to wait long for their wedding.


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Ten Days in Tuscany Who wants a family-friendly itinerary laid out for them?? This is the bare bones version, but if you're planning a trip and would rather not lift a finger, please reach out to me for the over-compulsive hour-by-hour version. Please note that every day should include a pre-dinner Negroni! Day 1 Arrive … Continue reading Tuscany: Full Itinerary
Tag: Florence
Tuscany: Florence
A travel journalist I know once bemoaned her assignment to cover "Secret Florence" -- obviously not because of the free trip to Florence -- but because every inch of Florence has been covered. It's so hard to plan in places like that, because there are a lot of tough choices. We only had 2 days in Florence, … Continue reading Tuscany: Florence


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We had a great time at the Ohio State Fair presenting the robot and exploring around. We were able to reach out to about 3,500 people. Even raising a small amount of money in donations to go towards a new 3D printer. We had the chance to meet a small FLL team and an FRC team as well. Afterwards, we had a team picnic which included fishing. Although no fish were caught we still had a great time out there.
I am the Engineering Director for our team (I am in charge of the Engineering and the Controls departments.). I have been in robotics for 7 years coming up on 8. 3 of which were Lego robotics of those 3, two were FLL, and the other was sumo-bots. I am a Junior in school and plan on majoring in Robotic engineering at MIT. I would also like to minor in Artifical Intelligence.


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(Fairfield, CT )
Lord Jesus Christ, you know what it is in my heart. You know that I have fallen in love with this man and this man's children. I have waited so long to find my soul mate and in him I have found it and a lot more. I have found understanding, acceptance, unconditional love, inspiration and closeness to you God. With your help this man has given me a second chance to feel alive and secure but right now I am feeling weak and scared.
God if this is your will and we are destined to be together and I'm destined to help him raise his children then put your hands over him and allow him to see what I see and feel. I have faith in you that whatever it is you want from me I will accept and I will endure. Please help me get to his heart the way he's gotten to mine..
Return to Prayers for Strength and Guidance


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The planets aligned on the weekend for what has been coming for some time, a new F4 lap record and new PBs across the board!
To see the event results, click here.
Photos above with thanks from Paul Bryne.
We really didn't think the events of the last round could be beaten but here we are. Even with a number of regular riders not present, the club ran out of transponders with stacked grids turning up to battle at the Mt Wellington colosseum. The battle ground was still, warm and dry. Perfect for an unforgettable onslaught.
Aaron came out swinging in A-grade race 1 as usual and skimmed his own lap record (28.806) by a meer 0.005s and put an unprecedented 11 seconds between himself and Nathanael. 4 of his 13 laps were in the 28s with his first lap posted at a respectable 31.077s from a standing start. Fierce. Nathanael was unfortunately riding ill and swung his axe through from 7th on the grid to 2nd place, running deep into the 29s. Chased by Steven, Henk wasn't messing around and posted his first ever 29s lap to take out the strongly contested 3rd place.
It has been said that there's an extra 1% hidden in the best of racers and that it takes a formidable foe to unleash it. Sunday was that day and rising to the challenge, even riding ill, Nathanael took it to Aaron in race 2. In 1 and 1/2 laps, Nathanael sliced his way from 5th to 2nd right behind Aaron. Trading 28 second blow for blow, the two pushed past the previous lap record to reset the bar to an unthinkable 28.483 for Aaron and an equally as impressive 28.502 for Nathanael. After 8 laps, the unusual happened, Nathanael crashed out and proved that even aliens can crash. In the same battle, Henk reposted his PB down at 29.906, joined by Steven who also broke the 29s with a 29.749 to take 2nd place by a half second. Meanwhile 6 riders behind them all posted 30s laps and all across the field, new PBs were set. Heated to say the least.
As if the A-grade melee wasn't tight enough, the pointy end of B-grade didn't disappoint! 6 of the 12 riders lapped right down to the 32 second lap cut off with James proving he could walk the line tightest, followed closely by Evan for second place. You could throw a blanket over Liam, Pete and Daniel who went three deep up to the line to cover half a second and finish in that order. Great racing. Michael unfortunately found that cut off point and had a lap stricken from the battle to place him 9th. Evan played it cool in race 2 and watched as both Michael and James posted laps under 32s to take them to the back of the standings. Daniel and Liam took out 2nd and 3rd.
New PBs continued to be set into C-grade in the solid field of 9. Fabiano showed that consistency is key to take two 1st in the races, closed contested by Scott and Aubrey. Patrick pushed hard and found himself under the time cut off in race 1 before crashing out.
Rick continues to get faster each meeting on the ESE F5 smoker pushing Nathanael along for a Nathanael 1, Rick 2 finish in both races. Mark posted 2 3rds to put him into 2nd place in the championship.
The wheel really fell off the chariot for Rick and Henk who were leading in the sidecar race 1 when... uhh... the wheel actually fell off. 2 wins for Chris Lawrence and swinger who close the gap to put them into 3rd place in the championship. Only 5 points cover the championship podium ensuring the battle continues to the end.
To see the current results of the F4 championship, click here.
To see the current results of the F4 B-Grade championship, click here.
To see the current results of the F4 C-Grade championship, click here.
To see the current results of the F5 championship, click here.
To see the current results of the sidecar championship, click here.


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Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman
Directed by: Antoine Fuqua
Year: 2013
Plot: North Korean terrorists swarm the White House, take the president plus the entire cabinet hostage, and start executing them one-by-one. Morgan Freeman is somewhat bored by the task of orchestrating their rescue, which is, as we understood, entrusted to the one man commando – Gerard Butler.
Pros: At times Olympus reminded us of Hot Shots, Part Deux, but done with a straight face. Apparently Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt, the writers of this piece, committed another script together: The Expendables 3, currently (2013) in post-production. We can't wait.
Cons: Perhaps its not surprising that the new semantics of war bears fruit such as this rare piece of shait. You know what type of movie it's going to be from the establishing shots of the flag, to the closing shot of the flag, if not from the first time the word terrorist is uttered. There is plenty of flag in between: tattered by the bullets, thrown down by the terrorists, splattered by their guts, flag, flag, flag. Here's a hint: the tagline of Olympus reads: 'When our flag falls our nation will rise'. Clearly there is some kinetic equation at work here. But if the flag and the sort of cloying, inch-deep sentimentality mixed with a nauseating conviction of natural supremacy of Americans as human beings and copious amounts of graphic violence are your thing, than the 119 minutes of Olympus will delight you.


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Here we go again. It didn't take long. Gas prices have fallen so Americans again are returning to buying gas guzzling vehicles.
Make no mistake: The auto industry is still reeling from low sales, but those who are buying have the industry scratching their heads trying to figure out customer preferences.
Initial data from around the nation indicate buyers have thrown caution to the wind again and are buying bigger vehicles. These sales have been substantiated at the National Dealers of Automobile Dealers convention in New Orleans.
That trend has reached into Jackson County, especially on auto row in Independence. David Branstetter, the general manager of Landmark Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep says that since gasoline prices have gone down they have sold a lot of trucks.
"It's strange. Customers hardly mention gas prices. They are more concerned with what fits their pocketbook."
Dan Boyer, vice president of Galen Boyer Motors, tells me, "Before the drop in gasoline prices, people where dumping trucks like crazy. Now it's just the opposite. The trend today is so turbulent, so unpredictable."
The executive vice president of Broome Cadillac, David Clutts reports, "We've had a great December in Escalade sales even though sales are down from a year ago."
As for a bigger vehicle, Clutts says customers with large families are faced with the dilemma, "Do I buy two small cars or one big family vehicle?"
Bill Dimitris, the GM at Blue Springs Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, notes that large families and blue-collar workers are definitely returning to bigger SUV's and trucks.
"Last summer you couldn't give a truck away. Now I am outselling small cars three to one with four-wheel drive vehicles. I can't keep up with the demand for some of our larger vehicles."
Meanwhile back at the NADA convention, incoming chairman John McEleney is urging all dealers to alert the public of their contribution to local and state economies by our hiring people, by generating sales taxes and by aiding employees in health care and higher education. Outgoing Chairwomen Annette Sykora said dealers need to hammer home that it's dealers who take the risks that allow manufacturers to distribute their products efficiently and our facilities that service America's cars and trucks.
Meanwhile, has anyone noticed, gas prices are starting to rise again. Here we go again.
I give you President John Adam's toast: Independence forever.
Gas is down, so the SUVs go vroom
Here we go again. It didn't take long. Gas prices have fallen so Americans again are returning to buying gas guzzling vehicles.


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The eight story development is the highest apartment block in Wynnum-Manly and will be a hallmark development for the area.
Alto is a short stroll away from the waterfront, an easy drive to the city, just 200 metres to Wynnum Central Station and 16 minutes to the airport.
All the rooms have well-appointed balconies to incorporate the seaside living with the ease and luxury of apartment living. The premium finishes include stone bench tops, soft luxury carpets and quality European appliances. The rooftop has a private residents Sky Lounge with spa and sauna which is perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Alto is truly a unique lifestyle development you would be proud to call home.
Situated right in the middle of the booming Albion Village precinct, Urbane Albion offers a choice of 12 different design types spread throughout two buildings, Anstey and Frodsham. These different choices also offer different aspects and views to the City or the surrounding leafy neighbourhood.
Urbane has an impressive building façade, street entry and foyer. The modern finishes include porcelain tiles, stone benchtops, soft close timber look & gloss white cabinetry with Bosch appliances.
The liveability has been thoroughly thought with a generous lift ratio (1 per 22 apartments in Anstey and 1 per 11 apartments in Frodsham), and 8 visitor car spaces for just 33 apartments.
Find out more at the Urbane Albion Website.
Albion is situated 4km north of Brisbane CBD and is adjacent to numerous prime suburbs, such as Ascot, Hamilton and Newstead. It is positioned between the CBD and the Brisbane Airport – around a 10 minutes drive to both places.
The Albion median house price saw an increase of 10.8% in the 12months to 31 March 2015 compared to 6.6% in the Brisbane inner city. (Source – Courier Mail liftout May 23, 2015)
3 x 1 Bed, 1 Bath, 1 Car
28 x 2 Bed, 1 or 2 Bath, 1 Car
2 x 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2 Car
Due to complete December 2016


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Caterwauling Summertime Babies
June 16, 2014
PART SIX The Bird That Caged Herself
It seems there must be some monsters in any "Summertime" discussion; they are unavoidable. There are so many masks in the creation, production and interpretation of this lullaby based in lost racial caricature that there will always be distortions to amuse, distract, and not infrequently offend someone. Most disturbing versions in my personal survey are the "Summertime" recordings of Janis Joplin.
http://youtu.be/guKoNCQFAFk .
Since 1968-69 time hasn't been kind to Ms. Joplin, particularly with her two recordings of "Summertime". The lens of fifty years has magnified their flaws and diminished their contextual meaning. That doesn't mean that they are somehow dishonest, but rather that like many recordings from that period of experimentation and excess, they have difficulty escaping being classified only as artifacts. It requires effort to review these recordings. In spite of the fond memories they contain for me personally, if I weren't writing this essay I don't think I would choose to listen to them, as opposed to others I've already discussed.
In 1968, when I was seventeen, I saw Ms. Joplin perform with Big Brother and the Holding Company in a half filled Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. They were touring in support of "Cheap Thrills", the album containing "Summertime". Apart from seeing "The Executioners" at a school dance, I'd never seen a rock and roll act in person. Even today I recall her performance as loud, hypnotic and vaguely desperate. We met her on stage briefly afterwards and she put a string of beads around the neck of my friend Anne. She seemed small, alone and kind. I felt oddly pleased that she had an acne eruption. Janis Joplin represented any shunned teenager's fantasy to become suddenly charismatic, discovered and recognized as the voice their generation's rebellion. In 1968 that was Ms. Joplin's actual reality.
She was both fortunate and fatally inopportune to inhabit a musical era that prized ecstatic improvisation over formal training. That period of popular music was defined by a synergistic combination of burgeoning Boomer/Hippie audiences, the expansion of rock and roll from an intimate club acts to commercialized stadium productions, and the widespread availability and near mandatory use of all manner of dangerous drugs. The Dionysian mood of the times produced, idolized and devoured dozens of artists like Janis Joplin. Even while she was alive she was an artist whose recordings were primarily memorabilia of her performances. What was fundamental to her career was the myth of overpowering genius, that she had magically escaped a restrictive world (and high school in 1960s Port Arthur, Texas was undoubtedly constraining) and been daemonically remade into some kind of elemental voice singing outside the limitations of ordinary lives. It wasn't talent; it was the spectacle of inspiration crowds came to witness. The promise of her show was hip fun, catharsis and relatively safe proximity to unfettered rebellion.
What she presented to me that night in Cleveland was far removed from any record she produced in her career. It was similar to the difference between seeing a tightrope walker in a circus tent, or on television; the value diminishes in relation to the immediate proximity of disaster. Technically she was untrained, and like many of the Blues and Rhythm & Blues singers she emulated, she prematurely ruined her instrument by the demands of over-performance. However "Summertime" was recorded in 1968 and Ms. Joplin largely directed the production of the entire "Cheap Thrills" recording, and at twenty-five, was in her best form. It isn't unreasonable to assume the recording is what she intended. Films of her in the studio during those recording sessions reveal her to be intelligent, determined and a skillful manager of the people and the task and before her.
She released a live version from her performance at the Woodstock Music Festival http://youtu.be/Pg7OGBthGgA and included "Summertime" as a staple of her concerts. Her interpretation was a rock and roll version of blues. Ms. Joplin's emotive rock and roll vocals were genuine in her ability to integrate traditional African American musical forms into the eidetic shapes of the improvisations of acid rock. On the other hand, Big Brother and the Holding Company were (and remained) a terribly inadequate backup band. Even in a time when no guitar solo was too shapeless, too distorted, or was required to adhere to any tempo, they struggled. I charitably assume it was drugs in excess, or the demands of maintaining the psychedelic blues music style.
Blues was a favored as a form because it was fundamentally simple to play, but allowed for improvisation and personalization. Blues also contained an emotional authority that rock and roll didn't; you believed Robert Johnson, you pretended to believe Chuck Berry. Generally white musicians in the sixties employed a musical style that tended to imitate and re-inhabit existing blues forms with combinations of technical virtuosity, improvisation and emotional excess in a quest for a type of "authenticity" that overcame the limitations of not being "black". It was part of the same long, angry conversation that extended from Stephen Foster, minstrelsy and colored "Porgy and Bess" from its initial productions through today. In the late 1960's there were particularly virulent debates about the qualities and degree of "blackness" in popular music and art. Many African American artists like Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), took realistic offense at the historic exploitation of "black music" by "white" artists. In the late sixties and early seventies, that conversation, like much of the heated rhetoric of those days,became virulent, accusatory and simultaneously productive and counter-productive.
In the less than ten years since the last surge of recordings of "Summertime", Louis Armstrong was abused for Uncle Tom-ism, John Coltrane was dead and cannonizied, and the Protean Miles Davis was abandoning post-bop jazz quartets for free form funk ensembles. There was deserved criticism for groups and white musicians who even refused to acknowledge their musical sources. And there was the de facto financial re-segregation of traditional rhythm and blues by British musicians and blue eyed soul singers. Historical accuracy and financial responsibility notwithstanding, that debate was and continues to be genuine in that it struggles with, privilege, integration and identity. Janis Joplin's interpretation of "Summertime" speaks to those issues although somewhat obliquely.
In 1968 "Summertime" appeared on "Cheap Thrills" which was the Billboard number one album for eight weeks, and sold over a million copies in its first month of release. The album cover featured illustrations by the underground comic artist, Art Crumb, who depicted the singer of "Summertime" in an exaggerated racial caricature of a kerchief wearing 'mammy' holding a white baby. It was (and is) a disturbing reference. The only way the image could have been more offensive would for it to have been to be larger. Originally it was intended to be the back liner notes, but Ms. Joplin lobbied to have it become the cover. The iconoclastic Mr. Crumb aside, there is a solipsistic entitlement that pervades this recording. From this vantage nearly fifty years later I could charitably call this expression adolescent, new found powers to shock or contest authority. Adolescent rebellion acting out. Charitably it speaks of the naiveté, rebellion and poor judgment of intoxicated youth. It's same formula that continues to produce unfortunate wardrobe choices, regrettable sexting, sad tattoos, vandalism, and tens of thousands of car wrecks. It's that initial flush of liberty that seems invigorating, irresponsible, and addictive.
But any parent can tell you adolescent acting out isn't without consequences for someone. Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton ten years previously had her R&B hit "Hound Dog" re-recorded by the young, white, Elvis Presley. Ten years later had her hit song, "Ball & Chain", re-recorded by the young, white, Janis Joplin. Both of the re-recordings were so successful that they transformed white trash singers into single name identities, Elvis and Janis. Ms. Thornton wrote "Ball &Chain", but received no royalty payments, only the snide credit buried in the illustration of the "Cheap Thrills" album cover. Although Ms. Thornton wasn't alone as an African-American musician in being cheated out of publishing rights and royalties by predatory record deals, it must have been bitter to have it happen on such a scale twice. It wasn't just the songs, Ms. Thornton had her act appropriated as if it were public property, translated into a "whitened" version delivered by over sexualized delinquents, and had seen both thieves rewarded with unimagined sums of money and international fame. However she did outlive them both.
Artistic rebellion, zeitgeist, countercultural movements, and frozen adolescence aside, Ms. Joplin was addicted to drugs and alcohol. She died of a heroin overdose in October of 1970. Her entire career was a little less than five years long. Without judging her life and personal struggles, it's difficult to overlook the influences of the harsh realities of that lifestyle on her music.
It would also be unfair to characterize Ms. Joplin as "trapped in adolescence" without mentioning that there were seventy-six million other people approximately her age who owned a pair of bell bottomed pants. The entire country was quite literally trapped in adolescence. It was an enormous audience and market for music and fashion, but it was also a collective mirror for the unmodulated hormones, de rigueur creativity, and rebelliousness that marked both that period of life and those moments in time. For a brief time, Ms. Joplin was merely first citizen among millions of women with long frazzled hair, flowing blouses and a tangle of necklaces. At the same time in the background of every dinner conversation was a war drafting and sending home thousands of casualties, riots and assassinations.
Listening to the "Cheap Thrills" rendition of "Summertime" it's difficult for me to imagine to whom this song is directed. There is little of a lullaby sounding in this arrangement, unless it is it is the sound of a trapped woman singing to try to soothe her inner child. (Not an altogether inaccurate definition of rock and roll as an art form.) There's no summer and no musical allusions to the Catfish Row of "Porgy and Bess". Sam Andrew III is credited for having arranged the guitar figures that interpret the song. He employs the stylistic minor key noodling raga that was the beginning of many pop songs from that period and then extends it into searching motif. Ultimately it finds Ms. Joplin's voice imposing the lyric and melody over two guitar parts that ramble around in distortion and distress until converging at a sonic mutual climax, and then trundle off again in what appears to a cyclical repetition,It was a formula used by hundreds of bands forconcert and extended versions of songs. Apart from tribute bands, this "Summertime" doesn't strike me as an interpretation that might want to be repeated. However Ms. Joplin's vocalizing comes across as brutally intimate, and carries the burden through the nebulous guitars, and that amalgam is, in its way, surprisingly honest and beautiful.
What Ms. Joplin required herself to do spiritually and physically to produce those recordings was authentic art in spite of my reservations of taste, racial sensitivity, or the ethics of its cost. The "Cheap Thrills" recording nods faintly to an imagined world of "Porgy and Bess" (Mr. Crumb had seen to that) but primarily it re-imagines the song as a cathartic expression of privileged intimacy with the music of dark summer spirits. The voice of Janis Joplin tears at itself to imitate a séance with the legendary curses, haunts, and superstitions that populate the shadows of classic blues. The seemingly intoxicated guitars might describe the sonic landscape of the Catfish Row Ms. Joplin knew. A street scene also replete with drug dealers, bullies, shade tree picnics, con games, untrustworthy friends and philanderers. Onto that cheap thrill surface she projects her inner doubts and losses with no more protection than a string of beads. She inhabits both the memory of the 1935 song and her Orphic need to sing. In her versions of "Summertime" there is a sense of fracture, of tumbling, and surrounding menace. She creates the appearance of being possessed by a voice that the singer can neither stop, nor escape until the song is over.
The qualities we expect from a performer are ones that the audience generally prefers to have concealed. We don't care to view the practice required to develop those exact notes subtly inflected or extended, we just expect the anticipated sonic image each night in Monterrey, Woodstock, or Cleveland. That kind of consistent vocal presence comes through a lifetime of training and tedious hours of discipline that are generally known only to professional musicians and their families. That training also develops the ability to put on and take off the mask of performance. Ms. Joplin had none of that and what audiences demanded of Ms. Joplin was different and more.
In an age of celebrated for care-free life style, Janis Joplin was expected to suffer, ritually and gracelessly. Her public suffering relieved part of the collective guilt of her intoxicated generation by her willing exhibitions of pain. Within that dynamic the cultura land racial stylistic notions of "authenticity" or "real" become more tragic. That self- immolation comes through in the 1969 live recording of "Summertime" at Woodstock. She is abandoned in the lyrics to trance-like syllabic stammering, a different dialect from the one Abbie Lincoln sang in 1935. Neither is it the world weary complaint of Bessie Smith, or the sly wisdom of Willie Mae Thornton. It was toxic suffering, not blues. Ms. Joplin's "Summertime" had no tight orchestrated revue, or slick showmanship. Her audience, her addiction, wanted to experience how close she would come to dying. Nina Simone (who also recorded "Summertime") discussing Janis Joplin remarked bitterly "…she worked so hard, and she sang for corpses." Those corpses were a young, white, stoned, barely conscious mob screaming and laughing. Her addiction was to same people she could never leave in Port Arthur. They came to watch the show, for the festival, it was summertime.


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Have you ever wondered why photography is so expensive? Do you believe editing in Photoshop is cheating? Asheville wedding photographer Sabrina L. Greene discusses these topics and more in this video chat. She explains the misconceptions people have about photography and debunks common myths. At the end of this video, she also shows you a speed edit of her process. Feel free to message her with questions and more!
© 2019 Sabrina L. Greene


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The CDC has shocked parents and many of the countries child welfare experts with it's release of a disturbing report showing the high number of very young children being prescribed mind-altering drugs. The report states that some 10,000 toddlers across the US are being diagnosed and medicated with psychotropic drugs like Ritalin and Adderall. "It's absolutely shocking, and it shouldn't be happening," said Anita Zervigon-Hakes, a mental health consultant for children from the Carter Center. "People are just feeling around in the dark. We obviously don't have our act together for little children." In interviews with the New York Times and NBC, Dr. Lawrence H. Diller, a behavioral pediatrician in California, thought the news was outrageous: "People prescribing to 2-year-olds are just winging it. It is outside the standard of care, and they should be subject to malpractice if something goes wrong with a kid." "We're giving Adderall to 2-year-olds? I mean, that's nuts," said Diller. "There's no evidence that it works. There's no evidence that it's safe. These are desperate measures." According to Diller the U.S. uses 70 percent of the world's Adderall and Ritalin even though we only make up 4 percent of the word's population.
Read Full Article


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Listing ID: 14306 Last Refreshed: 07/05/2019 Total Views: 32519
位置突出的餐馆, 停车方便,地铁只在楼下。
Prominent location within a central business park
Fully-equipped restaurant with a full kitchen and storeroom for Asian cuisine
Located in Buona Vista/One North area
3,121 sqft and rental at $6.XX/PSF per month with almost 6 years lease till December 2024!
Every item except for personal items will be for takeover ~ view to offer.
Very suitable for:
Fast casual/premium casual restaurant
Business lunch restaurant
Asian-themed restaurant
Family-styled restaurant
Fine dining/ Buffet style
High End Cafe
Currently 150 seated in spacious comfort with private rooms
Customer profile: Senior management business lunches, Office and technology executives, Families
Buyer will have to be approved by the landlord, which we will assist.
Currently still operating, welcome to view but please respect our customers and our staff.


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Stone Crossings, Condo Community with a community pool with a townhome feel!. Great-room floor plan with high ceilings, clerestory windows, Travertine floors downstairs,ceiling fans and open to dining area and kitchen. Kitchen is well appointed with lots of cabinetry, granite counters, all appliances convey. 1/2 bathroom downstairs and 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms upstairs which includes the Master bedroom with private bathroom and walk in closet. 2 car garage! Immaculate like new! Great Central Location close to Tucson Mall, U of A, Downtown, Bus-lines, Heirloom Farmers Market and More! Many more upgrades than the new construction offers at a much more affordable price!
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The War Zone
The War Zone
By Elizabeth Enlow
Excerpt from "God in Every Season"
Available on Amazon November 11, 2017
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8 NIV
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand."
Ephesians 6: 12-13 NKJV
"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.
We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 NLT
A Very Real War—A Very Real Love (Journal Entry)
The terrorist of all terrorists drops bombs when you least expect it. Your heart shreds and the ringing in your ears makes it almost impossible to hear The Still Small Voice. The collateral damage in a very real war is seen all around and with it the lies permeate the scene of destruction—as piercing as a thousand sirens mixed in with the choir of cries for help. This is the way this season began, but it will not end here. It never does because You never change. The only One who can reverse torn lives is right in the midst. None of it surprises You or scares You away. And although I am pierced to my core, it, this, makes me more sure of You, more than I ever have been. All the pain and lies from many years ago fall fresh again, but like all pain, it brings with it a gift. So desperately, I open pain's plainly wrapped package, revealing a wonderful surprise...
Surrender. The joy of surrender. Oh my soul, and strength in surrendering to this terrifying reality of how very little control I have. In a world full of the freedoms and choices and rights of billions of souls each imposing their will upon the rest, I will find my steadfast in the One whose choices matter the most. The One whose choices are launched by love alone and always hit their mark in every heart that dares to hope for more, that dares to hope for Him.
I surrender to Love. To Love that constantly recalculates towards mercy, kindness, and goodness—no matter the obstacles, slow-downs, or twists and turns. Like water that cannot be contained, Your love reaches through the cracks and crevices of every wall of doubt and evil fortress of lies, rushing to the lowest places whether beckoned or not. More relentless than any fear or torment that pursues my soul, is this One, this Love. Love in action—love set into motion as sure as sunrise and sunset, minutes and hours, days and months, years and generations, every single season of my soul. Season after season You awaken me. Season after season, deeper and deeper. Cycles of Your purposes and plans unfolding—all so that I might know You. So that I can know the real You and Your true intentions towards me.
Season after season, that I might know just how loved I am. Season after season, so that I might know Love.
If somehow you haven't realized by now, let me tell you some helpful information. You were born into a war zone. All this craziness just above your head and deep inside your soul is nothing less than a very real battle that's raging between an enemy (who wants you dead in all the wrong ways) and your soul—a soul which can only participate in a very real, already-accomplished victory when it is dead in all the right ways. We experience life lived from victory when our soul is dead to performance and striving. Dead to our rights and our ways. Dead to fear and torment. Dead to lies that would tempt us to think God is less than He really is and His heart towards us is anything less than perfectly good. In order to live within the victory God has secured for you, our soul must become dead to everything that could separate us from the love of God—dead to sin and fully alive to Christ in us.
So what does that look like minute by minute, day by day, and season by season? What do the spiritual concepts we, in theory, believe and embrace look like in the midst of seasons of exhaustion or celebration, in hiddenness or on the front lines, in failures or in successes? We claim to value such things as faith, wisdom, hope, kindness, trust, and covenant, yet it's easy to lose hold of those convictions when we're living from pain and fear, stuck in survival mode. The seasons of life seem to haphazardly toss us from one crisis to the next, with occasional reprieves in between.
The cycles or seasons we go through, literally and figuratively, aren't simply an organizational system put into place by a distant God to help us earthlings keep track of time. The seasons you go through, and the one you are currently in, are the very backdrop on the stage of the greatest love story and romance of all...yours. The various seasons of your soul are your assurance that, not only is your journey with God real, but your story isn't over yet. God Himself escorts you through the changing seasons, makes sure you don't get stuck, and gets the last word on everything that concerns you, because He cares about you. Seasons are an expression of His intimate intentionality to keep you moving forward, progressing, and growing in the knowledge of Him and His true heart for you, beyond the unpredictable challenges and victories that arise.
No matter what season you're in today, know that you're not alone. God Himself is with you and, if you'll invite Him into the midst of whatever it looks like, He'll make sure the process is worth where it's all leading you to.


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Help, just starting...
My Grandfather is Aurelio Martinez Acosta.He married Paula Ponce.I don't have much information, but what i do have, is that they started in Temple OK.Then moved to Visalia CA.If you have any info. that you might like to share, it would be appreciated.
Thanks, Kathy
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Re: Help, just starting...