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Riviera has arrived in Europe for the
summer, and today she calls on lovely Kotor, Montenegro. As Blogger-at-Large for Oceania Cruises,
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this charming town and have many fond
memories and fantastic photos from my time spent there.
As with many costal towns, the views are among the most
memorable aspects of a visit to this beautiful little city, nestled in a
secluded area of the Gulf of Kotor just off the Adriatic Sea. The inlet on
which the town lies has been called the southernmost fjord in Europe, but technically
it is not a fjord. It is actually a ria, a coastal inlet formed by a submerged
river valley. Regardless of the scientific name, the result of nature's work is
spectacular scenery. When calling on Kotor, you most definitely want to be on
deck as the ship sails into port.
Flanking the ship, forested mountains rise out of the
tranquil sea as you sail the meandering route toward
Kotor. As you approach, you can see two diminutive islands off the coast from
the town of Perast, each island just large enough to support a religious
edifice. The manmade island is home to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks, and
a Benedictine monastery stands on the natural island, known as St. George
Island (pictured below).
Continuing on to the far end of the cove, you are greeted by
the charming coral-tiled roofs of the Old Town of Kotor. The town was settled in ancient Roman times and became
an important center of trade in this region in the Middle Ages. Four
centuries of Venetian rule gave Kotor its Venetian look and feel, including the
fortifications that still surround the Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of
the best-preserved medieval towns in the Adriatic. Several monuments, including
the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and the town walls, were seriously damaged by an
earthquake in 1979, but the town has since been meticulously restored.
Just a short walk from the cruise pier, the Old Town is primarily
pedestrian and thus best appreciated on foot. I had a wonderful time exploring
the narrow, winding lanes with photo opportunities around every corner.
The inscription above the entrance to the walled Old Town
reads, "What
belongs to others we don't want; what is ours we will never surrender." The
10th century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon certainly embodies the "never
surrender" spirit. Badly damaged in two earthquakes, it stands beautifully
preserved today. After the first quake in the 15th century, it took years to
raise the funds and complete the reconstruction, which accounts for the
different styles of the two towers. One of only two Catholic churches in
Montenegro, it was built in honor of Kotor's patron saint and protector.
Behind the Old Town, an ancient stone pathway consisting of
more than 1,300 stairs leads to the old fortress perched on the mountain. Along
the way you pass the lovely 15th century Church of Our Lady of Health, which
offers another fantastic photo opportunity, not to mention an excuse to rest a
bit from climbing. If you have the stamina to reach the Castle of St. John, you
will be rewarded with amazing views of the town, the bay and your ship. The
climb is a challenging one, but it is definitely worth the effort!
As my day in Kotor drew to a close, the wind picked up and
the rain clouds began to roll in. But not even gray skies could diminish the
beauty of the view as we sailed out of the bay.
I am grateful to Oceania Cruises team member Vanessa Cordo
and Oceania Cruises guest Peter Pretty, who also contributed some fabulous
photos from their visits to Kotor. Guests onboard Riviera today are the first of the season to call on this gorgeous
destination. I have no doubt they are enjoying a truly memorable day and
capturing many photos of their own!


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"Yoga Nidra is a systematic method that inspires physical, mental and emotional relaxation. This class begins with gentle movements, then a long period spent reclined on the back, where you are guided through a specific form of meditation. Through bringing awareness throughout the body, Yoga Nidra will leave you with a sense of deep calm, quiet and clarity. All levels are welcome! Kim Humphrey
Why Am I Doing YOGA NIDRA?
As with most classes at Sanctuary Yoga where the emphasis is on building community, there was an invitation to introduce ourselves and state what we hope to experience or receive from participation in the class. This class was just the right speed for my energy level at that time. The word meditation as part of the description was one of the main attraction. My stated intention for attending the Yoga Nidra class was to practice self-care and receive inspiration. Other intentions were to relax, practice meditation, deal with insomnia, pain and more. As I heard others state their intentions, all I could say is "Oh yeah! That too!"
Our teacher, Kim Humphrey, has experience working with special populations as a speech language pathologist and as a trained level One iRest Yoga Nidra Teacher Kim .spoke about being part of a cohort group as she continues her advanced studies. She introduced iRest Yoga Nidra as benefiting anyone wanting to make improvements with whatever was contributing to our suffering. Stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, mental/physical/emotional pain cause suffering.
and so, we begin
Another invitation with some suggestions followed the introduction of Yoga Nidra. The invitation was to move our body in a way that our body wanted to move. There was a suggestion to begin with Child Pose. From there, we listened to our body. I'm not sure what anyone else did, but I did some Cat Cow Pose to relieve tension in my torso; Downward-Facing Dog just because I always want to check to see if it's felling like a restful pose (not yet); Forward Bend to hang my head, stretch my lower back and release tension in my shoulder; and moving hips side to side.
Choice in Posture
We were given a choice in posture to use during the meditation portion of the Yoga Nidra class, along with a recommendation. We could stand, we could sit, we could rest on bolsters, blankets and blocks (recommended). After you took care of placing bolsters, blankets, and blocks for maximum relaxation we than began scanning the body.
I did not listen to the suggestion to use a blanket as a pillow. But I think it's a good suggestion because I had to readjust my body a couple of times
MEDITATION: Scanning and Breathing
Begining with a focus on the left side balanced with a focus on the right side of all body parts. I particularly remember feeling grateful for the attention I gave my gum and mouth. Or, maybe my mouth and gum felt grateful for the attention I gave them during the scan. It's sort of blurry.
There was a sense of accepting whatever I was feeling and sensing. Breathing into the body part added to the sense of loving attention that was given to that body part. Breathing into the body parts added to the physical relaxation.
When there were parts of my body that felt tense. I just adjusted my body for maximum relaxation.
The directions seemed so intricate. I can't think of an example, but I remember thinking "what precise and intricate directions." These directions helped me stay awake and aware of thoughts and feelings that came and went as we scanned the body.
At the end of the Integrated Restoration Yoga Nidra class, it felt the class offered more movement than what's offered in restorative yoga classes. There was less teacher directed movement than what's offered in a regular yoga class. And Yoga Nidra offered more meditation time than what's offered in the other yoga meditation classes. This meditation reminded me of the small group meditation classes I'd been taking with Lynne Silver.
I left the class feeling relaxed, loved and as a practitioner of self-care. My favorite part was scanning the body and breathing into that body part. I saw the class as a great addition under the self-care umbrella.

subset: commoncrawl


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Friday Memorial Library announces fine amnesty in September
September is a great month to welcome you back, not just to the routine of school and work but to the library as well. We hope that you've been utilizing all that the library has to offer year round, but we know that some of our patrons haven't visited us lately. I can think of so many good reasons why you haven't been to the library. For one, there just aren't enough hours in the day. But if you've been avoiding the library due to overdue fines or charges, we would like to welcome you back.
In the spirit of reconnecting patrons with the library and ensuring access for all, Friday Memorial Library is happy to announce a period of fine amnesty for the month of September. During this time, all late fees will be waived on New Richmond materials returned to Friday Memorial Library, no matter how long overdue, as long as they are returned in good condition (according to library standards).
Currently, over 500 local patron accounts are blocked due to billed materials. Our goal is to reinstate library privileges to our patrons and recover overdue materials. Unlike other fine promotions, such as "Food for Fines" or our recent "Back to School Sale," patrons don't have to do anything other than return their overdue items. We will also be offering free replacement library cards to all for Library Card Sign Up Month.
While it will be nice to get our materials back, what we really want is you, our patrons, back!


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The next remarkable story concerning the Walrus comes from Ireland. In 1939 the Irish Air Corps had three Walrus delivered and used them for maritime patrol. One plane, No 18, had a interesting time, whilst being delivered it was forced down in heavy seas in the Irish Sea causing damage to the wings. Unable to fly, it was then towed into port by a local fishing boat and lifeboat. Once in port it was loaded onto a truck and driven to its final destination at Dublin. At Baldonnel Aerodrome it was repaired and put back into service.
No 18 continued to serve with the Irish Air Corps until 1945, then it was sold into civilian use. In 1946 she was put up for sale again, and brought by the Royal Auxiliary Air Force as a runabout, where they used her to fly to the coast with bathing parties. Finally she was retired and left on a dump until she was eventually rescued in 1963. She then ended up at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton.
1942 also saw the last successful air attack by a Walrus. On the 11th of July an Italian submarine was attacked near Cyprus and sunk. From then on the Walrus continued to serve as air sea rescue and patrol aircraft. On 10th of August 1945, a Walrus was sent to rescue a downed New Zealand pilot near Japan. The Walrus searched for hours until it finally saw the pilots life raft. However the long search caused the Walrus to run out of fuel and it had to set down some distance away. What the Walrus crew didn't know was that the New Zealand pilot had already been rescued by a US Submarine. When the submarine saw the shape of the Walrus chugging through the skies they hadn't believed anything that looked like that could be friendly and crashed dived to avoid the supposedly Japanese air craft.
Earlier in the year Pilot Officer Ada had carried out a much more daring rescue. During the battle of Okinawa Sub Lieutenant John Gass was a navigator in an Avenger bomber over Miyako island. His plane was hit by a heavy AA Shell, which struck right under his seat and caused the Avenger to burst into flames.
|Avenger from HMS Victorious
Then Pilot Officer Ada and Sub Lieutenant Marshall appeared in their Walrus. Chugging along at its heady speed of about 130mph they landed about half a mile from the drifting and exhausted Sub-Lt Gass. Pilot Officer Ada then began to slowly taxi through the deadly reefs that littered the area. The Japanese on the shore then began to fire their heavy AA guns at the ponderously moving Walrus. Sub-Lt Marshall was manning one of the Vickers K guns, and started to bombard the shore line. The Walrus eventually made it to the downed flier who was promptly hauled aboard, While Pilot Officer Ada taxied out through the reef Sub-Lt Gass was given first aid and brandy.
"No we threw coral at them."
The message received by Pilot Officer Ada from Rear Admiral Denny, who was the captain of HMS Venerable, the carrier Sub-Lt Gass' Avenger was based upon read slightly different. It said:
"We are most grateful for such a fine rescue"


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Pescadero Creek - July 5, 2009
|Distance: 21.1 miles
|Ascent: 2541 feet
|Moving time: 2:14 hours
Due to conflicting family obligations, I didn't make it to the usual Sunday morning group ride. However, I was able to work in a ride later in the afternoon. I wanted to explore around Old Haul Trail to see if it could be included in a long future ride. I headed over to the Old Haul trailhead at Wurr Road in Pescadero Creek park in San Mateo County.
I started riding southeast on Old Haul. This is a fireroad width route through the forest. It is a former rail bed for a train that was used to haul lumber to the mill, hence the road's name. Since it was a rail route, it means that the grades are not too steep. I was able to maintain a pretty good speed as I zipped through the forest. I noted several side trails as I rode for investigation on the way back. I went past the Iverson Trail junction that leads into Portola Redwoods State Park and rode to the end of Old Haul. The road actually continues, but it is blocked by a gate at a bridge about a mile past the Iverson junction. The construction of the bridge is just being completed (there is still lumber on the ground). A sign on the gate indicates it is owned by the Santa Cruz Lumber Company, but it was interesting that the lumber was on the state park side of the gate while the bridge was beyond the gate.
Not wanting to cause problems, I headed back. I have been through Portola Redwoods before (see the Pescadero Creek description), so I skipped it this time. I took a right onto Bridge Trail and headed down to a bridge that crosses the creek and goes up the other side. I got to a section of a paved road with a sign that it was headed to the jail and that guns, knives, alcohol, drugs, etc. where strictly prohibited (it doesn't sound like they have any fun there!). I decided there were better things to do than visit the jail, so I backtracked slightly and headed up Tarwater Trail (note: this is not the trail to the Tarwater Trail Camp trail that was passed on the left side of Bridge Trail...no bikes permitted there). Tarwater makes a loop, heading up the hill through the forest and into the grass lands before reaching its summit and heading down a delightful single track. Once back on Tarwater, I took the short Snag Trail through the forest back to Old Haul.
I continued back on Old Haul, passing some side trails that prohibit bikes. I veered right at a "Y" intersection and headed down Towne Fire Road. This heads down to a flat spot that crosses Pescadero Creek before heading up the other side. The creek is shallow here, but you may get your feet wet (not a big deal). I headed up to the Shaw Flat Trail Camp which had a nice view across the valley to the forested mountainside opposite me. I continued up until I got to a service road (Pete Town Trail?) with another sign about the jail, where I turned around in the interest of time. I roughly retraced my steps out to Old Haul and back to the trailhead.
This was a very nice ride. I was the only person on the trail the entire time even though this was the July 4 weekend. Old Haul as scenic, smooth and fast. Tarwater and Towne were very nice excursions off of the beaten path. I should have taken more pictures, but I was having too much fun just riding.


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26 Apr 2013
Soliloquium - When Silence Grows Venomous [Demo] (2012, Self-released)
Soliloquium (say it five times fast) started out in Sweden in 2011, and already by 2012 they had released this demo. The band consists of two people, Jonas Bergkvist and Stefan Nordström from the death metal bands Ending Quest and Desolator. For Soliloquium they have kept some of the death metal elements, but chose to mix it up with melancholic and cold doom metal much in the same vein early Katatonia, Swallow the Sun, Ghost Brigade and October Tide. The thing these bands have in common other than the music style is location - All of them are from Northern Europe, and like them Soliloquium has that very destinct melodic and desolate sound.
The demo is rather short with only two songs, but the songs are well-composed and pretty lengthy. Often with doom metal the songs become too long and tedious because the band simply hasn't got enough to offer, and the songs just become bland repetitions of the same two or three parts. With that in mind I was at first reluctant regarding the whole demo, but I quickly found that the two tracks are more than worthwhile getting into. Once you sit down and really listen to Soliloquium their music will grow on you and you will notice the duo's skills in writing.
As with many other doom metal bands Soliloquium has one problem: The music has a tendency to feel unclimactic. Garden of Truculence and Autumn State never really build any momentum and thus you can never really tell how far along in the track you are. Some might argue that momentum and climax has nothing to do in doom metal (especially death/doom metal), but in the end this element is what makes a song come together and gets it from a 9 to a 10.
However, the slowly churning double kick drums in Soliloquium trustily forces the compositions onward, and helped along by the gloomily melodic guitars "When Silence Grows Venomous" isn't a half bad effort. Soliloquium are succesful in creating a truly doom-worthy atmosphere along with perfectly murky production. If there were 20 years earlier they would've been among the most known bands of the genre today. 8/10 guitars.
1. Garden of Truculence
2. Autumn State
SOLILOQUIUM official Facebook
SOLILOQIUM official Bandcamp
Download the demo for free and listen for yourself HERE
You can also download their newest EP "The Concept of Escape" HERE
Spawned by Jakob Goul at 12:15
Body Tags 2012, 8/10, death metal, death/doom metal, demo, doom metal, self-released, sweden
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The hottest online role playing game is about to make its appearance in print.
This weekend, gamers attending BlizzCon, a gaming convention – and the largest gathering of WoW fans – in Anaheim, Calif., will receive news of the upcoming publication, World of Warcraft: The Magazine.
The quarterly magazine, scheduled to launch this fall around WoW's fifth anniversary, will be spearheaded by Future, a games media publisher. Each issue will be 148 pages long, and entirely without ads, which means the magazine will rely solely on subscribers for revenue, according to a press release. The annual subscription fee for US readers will be $40. Those who subscribe at BlizzCon this weekend will receive a green, plush murloc critter. If you can't attend the convention, you can sign up for a subscription on the magazine's site.
The first issue of World of Warcraft: The Magazine will focus on WoW's evolution over the past five years and include an article on the history of the doomhammer weapon, for example. Other issues will feature artwork, news on upcoming game developments, and provide insight on the game's history. It will also be published in English, French, German, and Spanish.
The online role-playing game, World of Warcraft, was created in 2004. Over the past five years, the video game franchise has expanded to some 11.5 million players. Soon, the franchise will appear on the silver screen in a live-action film adaption to be directed by Sam Rami.
Though the magazine publishing industry is struggling, John Gower, international director of FuturePlus, the publisher of the magazine, says "there is an increasing recognition that there is a huge demand among gamers for print products to support their online experience and vice versa. Future's experienced team will create an essential magazine for World of Warcraft enthusiasts around the world."
Some WoW players are intrigued by the new publication. Ron Meiners, a WoW fan, told CNET News he is interested in seeing the magazine's "fantastic" art.
But other WoW players, who already shell out a $15 monthly subscription fee for the game service, aren't interested in purchasing the print product. "It's not for me," Katrina Glerum, a former game company executive and longtime WoW fan, told CNET News. "I don't feel like I'm starved for external information ... I can't get out of the game as it is because I'm playing. I get in trouble with my guild mates for not [reading enough information about the game.]"
But then again, with BlizzCon tickets costing $125, maybe some WoW fans will be willing to pay the $40 subscription fee.
Are you a big WoW fan? Will you purchase the magazine? Talk it up here, or find us on Twitter, @CSMHorizonsblog.


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Saeco created the connecting link between the OCS and Vending ranges: the new IperAutomatica table-top coffee machine. IperAutomatica has the new Heart of Coffee graphic design, developed by the designer Giuliano Galeazzi and that characterises the entire Vending range, with professional components that offer an innovative and versatile solution for small enterprises, offices and Ho.Re.Ca. applications (it can brew up to 8 different beverages, and is ideal for consumption rates of 30-50 products a day). With a height of 550 mm, it is perfect for kitchens; the water tank can be removed from three different directions: from above, from the left and from the right. It is easy to use and maintenance is also very quick, thanks to the modular internal elements.
Dimensions (w x h x d) 346 x 547 x 542 mm
Weight 31.5 kg
Power supply 220-240 V/50-60 Hz
Power pack switching
Power consumption 1550 W
Coffee boiler capacity 300 cc – 1400 W
Water supply with independent water tank (with lock)
Brewing unit 7 gr
Mixer 1
Coffee beans canister 1
Instant products canister 2
Number of selections 8
Number of preselections 1
Water tank capacity 4 l
Coffee grounds tray capacity 25 grounds
Drip tray capacity 1 l
Coffee beans canister capacity 1 kg
The SE 50 professional coffee machine is the perfect solution for locations where low consumption and small space are important. It has a strong, solid stainless steel body, easy to clean, and an always heated brewing unit thanks to the "triple thermoblock" technology: 3 independent boilers for the coffee, water and steam circuits.
Advised for Locations with low consumption and small space
Independently heated stainless steel units
Number of selections 2
Color Silver
Framework Stainless steel
Boiler Stainless steel
Swivel steam spout 1
Swivel hot water dispenser 1
Absorbed power 2600 W
Dimensions w x h x d (mm) 280 x 477 x 425
Weight 20 kg
Chassis stainless steel
Water supply autonomous tank
Power consumption 230-240V/50-60Hz
Boiler and pump pressure gauge
Delivery pressure gauge
Approved CE
The M 50 dosing grinder is the ideal accessory for the SE 50 professional coffee machine: it has a modern design with LED lights, a strong stainless steel frame, and can guarantee high performance in a small space.
Framework Stainless steel
Coffee beans container capacity 450 gr
Conical mills
30 different grinding sizes
Dimensions w x h x d (mm) 150 x 420 x 240
Weight 3.2 kg
Power consumption 220-240 V/50-60 Hz
Approved CE


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Growing the Game – Day 5 – Pulling Together to Get it Done
In the movie A Beautiful Mind, Russel Crowe's character is at the bar with all his other colleagues when they notice a beautiful blond. The group discussion leads to the comment of Adam Smith's "the individual ambition serves the common good." Nash turns and says "Adam Smith needs a revision. If we all go for the blonde, we block each other, and not a single one of us is goin' to get her. So then we go for her friends, but they will all give us the cold shoulder because nobody likes to be second choice. But what if no one goes for the blonde? We don't get in each other's way, and we don't insult the other girls. That's the only way we win. That's the only way we all get laid." Adam Smith said, "the best result comes from everyone in the group doing what's best for himself, right? That's what he said, right? Incomplete. Incomplete! Because the best result would come from everyone in the group doing what's best for himself and the group. "
Dr. Norris gave this example when I mentioned about the groups needing to come together first if this is going to work. All the parties that have a part in the future of the game need to decide whether they are going to work together and grow the game for the greater good, or maintain the dysfunctional status quo. This is why I have been bugging the RCGA and Score and other publications about putting on a summit on the state of the game – it is the best chance to begin the dialogue necessary to bring the parties back to the same table.
The next stage for the LPTD is getting people to take this road map and make the facilities, start the programs, and get everybody involved. If they don't all come together and pull in the same direction then this is just a plan – a very good plan – but a plan all the same. The problem we currently have is the individual egos involved, some hurt feelings generated along the way – and two entities that don't like to sit at the table together.
The key ending this nonsense – at least on this one crucial issue – is to begin a dialogue on the subject. We need to bring all the parties to the same table and begin communication facilitated by someone who will keep the focus only on the future of the game. Dr Norris is definitely the ideal choice. His technique of getting people to first understand what other people at the table would like help break down the barriers and open up a fruitful discussion on what is best for all involved.
Dr Norris said, "passion and feeling make change, otherwise you only get short term change." Right now this guide has great momentum, but this can all stall without a commitment from the golf industry as a whole. The Swedish system works because it is a joint venture between the key bodies that run golf which removes all the fiefdoms and individual egos that ruin sport. The hard work starts now. While I don't expect the two bickering associations to get along, isn't this worth giving an honest effort for the betterment of the game.


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I have NO idea if my Day 306 is correct! I definitely WON't be doing that again, LOL! We have 60 more days left in the year (YIKES!) so that make this Day 305 except that this was leap year, so I added one more! :D
Anyway, Tim and I had a great day of thrifting! We left early and headed to Greensboro with the intentions of eating breakfast at Bob Evans. Well, I got the address off the internet, but when Monica got us to that address, there was NO Bob Evans! RATS!! Well, up the street was IHOP.....not Bob Evans, but it was OK.
After we ate we tackled the list of 10 thrift shops we have for the Greensboro area. One was a pawn shop, so I crossed it off the list as we have no interest in those places. One other place had moved or closed. We hit 6 of the 8 that were left and then headed back towards home. Once there, we went to our 3 regular thrift shops. That put us home somewhere around 2.
We ate leftovers for dinner and then I went to AC Moore and Walmart. So it was a good day. We found a few bargains. Tim got a book and I got a little ironing board made specifically for pressing sleeves.....had never been opened! Tim got a 4 cup coffee maker for his office and I found a plastic container that I'm not sure what it is made for. Tim said it was a bug catcher because of the slits in the lid, LOL! Thot I'd put paint brushes or something like that in it. I also found this thing pictured below. I have no idea what it is. I just liked it. Thought I'd keep knitting needles or something in it! :D
OK, let me share some more layouts with you. This is mainly for Jeanne and some other friends because probably the other family members have seen all of these on facebook. Enjoy and I'll be back tomorrow!
I did all of these using the kits of Angie Young, Aria, Cilenia Curtis and GreenEyedLady Designs at Scrap Art Studio.


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Total ad market growth was recorded at 3.5% year-on-year, with £5.4bn spent during Q3 – the 17th consecutive quarter of market expansion.
The report found that total spend on mobile (including display, search, and other formats such as SMS/MMS) was higher than TV spend for the first time. Yet TV remains the leading display channel.
"The latest data indicate that total mobile ad investment during the quarter was higher than that for TV for the first time – though the two channels serve different roles for advertisers," said WARC's Data Editor, James McDonald.
"While TV remains the largest display medium by some distance, mobile investment is being driven by advertisers looking to reach consumers via search results and social feeds."
New data show that the vast majority of mobile display spend is being directed towards advertising on social media, which rose 44.7% year-on-year. This, coupled with rising spend on paid search, is driving sector growth, as early estimates for the full-year 2017 put total mobile adspend above £5bn.
The latest verified data resulted in an upgrade to 2017 full-year estimates, with total ad market growth now believed to have been +3.4%, 0.3 percentage points higher than the last AA/WARC projections in October 2017. Advertising expenditure is expected to grow by a further 2.8% this year.
Though total TV saw a slight decline (-0.8%) year-on-year during the third quarter, within this, video on demand spend posted healthy growth of 13.3%. TV spend across traditional and digital formats is thought to have returned to growth in the final quarter of last year, culminating in a preliminary estimate of -2.0% for 2017 as a whole, the first annual dip since 2009. However, total TV spending is expected to turn positive this year (+1.5%).
Among the other media channels covered by the report, national newsbrands' digital revenues rose strongly in Q3, up 21.5% year-on-year. While this was not enough to offset print losses during the quarter, the total market contraction of 5.1% was the best performance in three years, suggesting a slight easing of the intense business pressures newsbrands are facing.
Elsewhere, direct mail recorded its strongest quarter in six and a half years, as spend rose 5.9% to reverse a prolonged downturn. Radio (+5.1% year-on-year) also had a strong quarter, though annual dips were seen in out of home (-0.8%), cinema (-8.4%) and magazine (-11.9%) spend."
Source: Data from The Advertising Association and WARC, published 31st January 2018


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Visited Insight/Perspective by Clare Peters & Hannah Gason at the Belconnen Arts Centre today. Fascinated by Clare Peters' sepia and gold text sculptural composites suspended in small glass blocks. Word as object. I like her interest in light as a metaphor for transformation and hope [Peters 2016]. The process described in the catalogue, sounds complex and layered and not unlike making poems.
Hannah Gason's striking glass panels explore self. She also employs a process of layering: 'planes of layered translucent imagery that I then dissect and reconstruct' [Gason 2016]. The segments, markings and colours speak to me of lakes, forests and blood.
Insight/Perspective is part of Permeate a group of exhibitions by artists who were recipients of the Emerging Artists Support Scheme (EASS). You have until June 19 to see it.
I like to catch up with EASS awards and related events when I can. EASS is close to my heart – I was the first Coordinator (1989) back in my public relations days at Canberra School of Art (now ANU) and played a large part in establishing the program.


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The use of herbs in medicine dates back thousands of years. In fact, many of today's medicines were originally derived from botanicals. For example, aspirin once came from the white willow tree, quinine from the bark of the cinchona tree and digitalis from foxglove. Herbs are still the basis for the Chinese medicine and are important constituents of many European natural remedies. As Hippocrates said, 'Let thy food be thy medicine, thy medicine be thy food'. Solgar is committed to bringing you the best herbal supplements available today. They apply the same high standards to their herbs as with the rest of their nutritional supplements. Solgar's herbs are carefully selected from plants growing in the wild (wild-crafted) or meticulously cultivated on special herb farms. They choose the finest, freshest herbs based on a strict set of criteria such as, the correct geographically origin of the raw material, the authentication of the species and the quality of the raw materials. Their herbs enter state of the art quality control in a microbiological laboratory where they are scientifically evaluated for their quality, purity, potency and authenticity.
Full potency herbs is a holistic approach to herbal therapy with traditional herbal extracts mixed with the whole raw herb. For herbs that are not available in a standardised form Solgar have a similar way of processing. The whole herb is concentrated to provide higher levels of the principal constituents of the plant. This traditional extract is then blended with all of the components that occur naturally in the whole herb. The result is a potent, premium-quality traditional herbal extract with all of the synergistic and beneficial qualities found in nature.


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Monday, 15 May 2017
Sunday Riley UFO Clarifying Oil + Mattifying Melting Water Gel Toner
Sunday Riley has slowly become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to skincare. From raving reviews to Cult Beauty featuring this brand for weeks on their website this brand is amazing especially for those with problematic skin, like myself.
I have been using this brand for well over a month and have already finished two thirds of the bottle. The Ultra Clarifying Oil (UFO) boasts of , " exfoliating salicylic acid, ...brightens and reduces post-acne discolouration with the help of hexylresorcinol and liquorice. It also contains antibacterial tea tree and black cumin seed oil to combat spot-causing bacteria, while neroli and chamomile combine to calm any redness. And, to keep your skin clear and contented, the inclusion of cucumber and milk thistle helps to maintain moisture levels so your face feels 'plump' and dewy (never stripped)."
I completely agree with the above description, my acne scarring has reduced, the texture of my skin is much softer and has helped with my constant breakouts I've been suffering with from Christmas. The smell of this oil is the only negative aspect I can complain of; I believe it is the Black cumin seed oil because it has a very strong herbal/ green smell, if that makes sense. Nevertheless, I can easily overlook that because it does what it says and genuinely works.
I would definitely recommend this to those who are left with acne discolouration/ pigmentation and you will see results after the two week mark. It is definitely worth the price tag since I would re purchase this without any hesitation.
The 'Martian Water Melting Toner' is not as remarkable as the oil simply because I did not see any results with this. I used it in conjunction with the oil and without and believe it to not have aided in my skin clearing journey. It has a water like consistency as the name suggests and I am quite disappointed in having spent £48 on a toner to now be sitting in my drawer. I enjoyed the packaging of this product because the pump releases a substantial amount of product and aesthetically, the gold and green packaging looks nice. But I would rather a product be complimented on its ability to work as opposed to having a pretty packaged container.
That being said I would definitely recommed the UFO oil and to purchase click here :)
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Labels: skincare
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Equipment checks, miles-long marches, 5 a.m. roll calls — training has begun for New Year's Day activities in Pasadena, and it's not just the football teams that are being put through the paces.
Five Glendale Unified student musicians this year earned coveted spots in the 82nd Tournament of Roses Honor Band, including Glendale High School junior Trevor Fritz, Hoover High School seniors Gregory Kalfayan and Allen Au and Crescenta Valley High School senior Kevin Velarde and sophomore Madison Artis.
Practices, some in water-filled shoes, are preparing them to weather the unexpected when they hit Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 1.
"We went to the Santa Anita Race Track parking lot and marched continuously in the rain," Trevor said of his first day with the band.
The 240-member group, composed of student musicians from Pasadena City College and southern California high schools, is a mainstay of the New Year's Day celebration. Nearly 500 musicians competed for the 140 spots allotted to high school students, said band director Kyle Luck. Some travel from as far as Riverside and Orange counties to participate.


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Thursday, January 31, 2013
Love Letters by Posh Pink Giraffe
11 comments:
That is such a cute idea! Love this.ReplyDelete
Becky what a great Valentine project and an awesome tutorial! So easy to follow! Love your pics too! Off to visit your blog! Thank you for guest posting here today at the Cafe!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you Danni, Make sure you see today's post I just added, (I left some M&M's for you)!!Delete
I love these! Anything made with felt is a++ in my book!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you Heather! (I left you some M&M's over at my site today, I don't want you to miss them!!)Delete
The cutest Valentines yet! Thanks for sharing at Inspiration Cafe Becky!ReplyDelete
Oh my goodness - so so cute!!! Thank you so much for visiting the Cafe, hope you visit again real soon xx NatReplyDelete
Becky, I love this project - so sweet & fun! ADORABLE! Thank you so much for sharing your Valentine Inspiration at the Cafe!ReplyDelete


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"Money sucks, don't you know that man? Like, we cover ourselves with shit and sit in the sun."
Chris Clark, 1986
|Just another beautiful failure, some might say. The details of the band's genesis were contrived enough, but the atmosphere of the time would never be replicated. It was something called post-punk when groups of individuals would collaborate to form musical art collectives, detached from the corporate fiscal cycles and fast talking henchmen. The recognition required for the artists' egos might come in the form of magazine reviews by other artists or academics, or the opportunity to perform with the like minded. Monetary compensation was just not a part of the aesthetic.
"If you want Hardcore, go out and get some pizza."
Diane Farris, 1985
|Sometime during the mid-to-late eighties an interset in categorizing and marketing the teeming underground became appent to CIAJ. In what could only be described in current terms as "pre-lilith" the group noticed it's live performances were usually organized around the tours of a few other groups at the time that also included female members. This booking tactic baffled CIAJ who were interested in performing with their peers. Other gigs were classified as "hardcore" shows, in which most of the participants had no appreciation for the Duchampian antics of CIAJ. One in particular featured the band performing on chaise lounges handing out packaged sandwiches of two pieces of white bread stapled together. The group was met with obcenities and bottle hurling. Their infrequent live performances were usally frought with disdain or disbelief on the part of the audience. The best example of this being the "Eat My Fuck" Earth Day show at their alma mater in 1986.
discovered my inner clown..."
|Throughout the years 1986 to 1995 the band recorded several songs and practiced hundreds more while trends like neo-sothern rock, concepts like grunge and marketing terms like "alternative" seemed to have destroyed any vestige of artistic expression in the "underground". To admit to being in a band was like admitting to a murder, to be viewed as just one more piece of driftwood waiting to be fashioned into a puppet of the corporate music army. For CIAJ, to not be heard from was like having all the perks of invisibility. It was also seemingly imperative for their collective mental health to stick together.
"Are you still a fucking asshole?"
Anonymous ex-member to Chris Clark, 1990
|"I guess I still am," is the usual response given when a band member of CIAJ is queried as to their participation in the group.


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Welsh beaches & coastline
We're surrounded by sea on three sides, which means that we have a lot of beaches. In 2017 Wales has been awarded a record 50 blue flag status sites, including 45 beaches, two boat tour operators, and three marinas.
2018 we are celebrating the Year of the Sea. Discover our epic shores, our coast, dramatic seascapes, and active inland waterways, all teeming with life, adventure and legend.
The Pembrokeshire coastline is 186 miles (300km) long and would take around two and a half weeks to walk! It also involves more ascent than climbing Everest. However, you don't need your hiking boots to see the dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, Atlantic grey seals and leatherback turtles that often visit our shores.
Tenby is one of our most popular resorts along the coast. It has three Blue Flag Beaches, which stretch for three miles. It's also noted for having one of the most sandcastle friendly sands in Britain.
Gower Peninsula
The Gower has many stunning beaches including Caswell Bay, Port Eynon (pictured) and Langland Bay. Rhossili Bay was voted as the top beach in the UK and Europe's third best beach in a survey of worldwide tourists. It even made the top 10 list of best beaches in the world.
Framed by a pair of limestone headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme. Visit Llandudno and enjoy time on the beach or take a walk along the perfectly preserved Victorian seafront.
Located in South Wales, Porthcawl's beaches are really popular with surfers and other water sports fans. Nearby is the Merthyr Mawr Warren which has some of the largest sand dunes in Europe. The Royal Porthcawl Golf course alongside the beach was the location for the 2014 and 2017 Senior Golf Open Championship.
Pendine Sands
The seven mile stretch of beach at Pendine Sands in Carmarthen Bay was voted one of the best travel discoveries of 2017 by the Guardian.
Wales coast path
There are 870 miles to explore with lots to do and see along the way.
Wales is the only country in the world to have a continuous coastal path stretching its entire length.
Discover castles, villages, wildlife and beautiful countryside. There's a selection of long and short walks to choose from.
All links will open in a popup window.
- Watersports - surfing, kayaking, all sorts of activities to try
- Coasteering - a great way to enjoy the coast!
- Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula
- Cardigan Bay
- The Llŷn Peninsula
- The Isle of Anglesey
- Barmouth Beach
- Barafundle Bay


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Greg Conde needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 212 designs submitted by 64 freelance designers.
OCCO skin studio http://www.occoskinstudio.com
We are currently a small skin studio offering waxing, facials, massage and microdermabrasion. We are building a much larger building that will offer a complete spa experience. We will enlarge our space and offer manicures and pedicures as well as 5 treatment rooms that will offer complete spa treatments to again include facials, waxing, massage, body wraps and microdermbrasion. We love our name and have brand loyalty since we have been in business for almost 2 years. We are trying to figure out how to incorporate the nail studio portion of the business. Should we change our name? keep it the same and just add our services as a tag line or should we try to incorporate the nail services into the OCCO line since it is not just about skin.
High end clients that are looking for great priced, results oriented service. Our interior is very high end but we are looking to bring a large target audience from college students to someone who does not think about the price.
We would like to utilize our current Name OCCO but we are open to anything.
OCCO is all capitalized and comes from my wife's name of O'CONNOR and my name CONDE.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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I like this game. I had fun making it and throughout the endless hours I spent playtesting it, I never really got sick of it. It started a bit over two years ago when I made the first version of this for a class assignment that required us to use GameSalad. Back then, I called the game Shrapman and it got me an A. After that, I started working on what would become Ultra. It wasn't until I finished WiiBuddy that I really focused back on this game.
I strongly considered starting over in Unity3d, but I decided instead to simply see what I had through to the finish. Besides, a lot of the games "magic" would no doubt be lost, had I attempted to start over.
Perhaps I will remake it some day in Unity and/or port it to more platforms. In the mean time though, I'm still trying to figure out how to promote this one and get people to buy it!… YOU!! …BUY IT!


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Outlines of English and American Literature
Moralities and Interludes
Long, William J.
Two dramatic types, the Morality and the Interlude, probably grew out of the religious drama. In one of the old Miracles we find two characters named Truth and Righteousness, who are severe in their denunciation of Adam, while Mercy and Peace plead for his life. Other virtues appear in other Miracles, then Death and the Seven Deadly Sins, until we have a play in which all the characters are personified virtues or vices. Such a play was called a Morality, and it aimed to teach right conduct, as the Miracles had at first aimed to teach right doctrine.
The Interlude was at first a crude sketch, a kind of ancient side show, introduced into the Miracle plays after the latter had been taken up by the guilds. A boy with a trained pig, a quarrel between husband and wife,--any farce was welcome so long as it amused the crowd or enlivened the Miracle. In time, however, the writing of Interludes became a profession; they improved rapidly in character, were separated from the Miracles, and were performed at entertainments or "revels" by trade guilds, by choir boys and by companies of strolling actors or "minstrels." At the close of such entertainments the minstrels would add a prayer for the king (an inheritance from the religious drama), and this impressive English custom still survives in the singing of "God Save the King" at the end of a public assembly.
Terms Defined
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PPINK stunned that SB 404 passed out of Senate Judiciary
For Immediate Release: Feb. 22, 2017
INDIANAPOLIS – In spite of countless questions brought by Senate Judiciary Committee members and testimony of lawyers and health care professionals to the alarming consequences the bill would render, Senate Bill (SB) 404 was moved to second reading after more than three hours of discussion by a 6-4 vote.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) supports child advocates' efforts to stop further consideration of SB 404.
"We encourage all teenagers to have open and honest conversations with their parents, but in the real world, we know that doesn't always work," said Betty Cockrum, President and CEO of PPINK. "This bill undercuts the essential support provided by trusted adults – including clergy, health care professionals, and even other family members – to young girls and women dealing with the challenges of an unintended pregnancy. Young girls and women who, for whatever reason, feel they cannot turn to a parent. It is harmful legislation that would likely cause further harm to the very victims they claim they wish to protect and is fraught with unintended consequences."
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK) provides high-quality health care to more than 51,000 men and women each year at our health centers across two states. Our centers are staffed by skilled clinicians and highly trained health care professionals. 93% of our nonprofit's services are preventive in nature and include Pap tests, breast and testicular cancer screenings, birth control, STD testing and treatment, and annual wellness exams. Through the Sara and Albert Reuben Partners in Health Education initiative, PPINK also provides sexuality and reproductive health education programs, equipping people to make responsible decisions so that families thrive in Indiana and Kentucky.
PPINK's doors are open to all who need care and we provide our services in a confidential, compassionate and non-judgmental manner. We accept Medicaid and insurance.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, Inc.
Ali Slocum
February 22, 2017


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Incidence: Pertussis is a category V infectious disease to be reported by pediatric sentinel clinics under the National Epidemiological Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (NESID) and cases are reported every week from approximately 3,000 sentinels all over the country. The annual cases per sentinel were <1.00 during 2005-2007 as was the case during 2001-2004, approximately 1/10 that during 1982-1983 (Fig. 4). The traces of periodic epidemics can still be seen (Fig. 1). Pertussis epidemics have occurred every 3-5 years, and 1999-2000, 2004 and 2007 correspond to epidemic years. Since the increasing tendency of cases in 2007 beyond those in 2004 (Fig. 4) is still continuing after the year-end (Fig. 1), care must be taken for the trend of incidence in 2008.
In incidence by prefecture, more than 2.00 cases per sentinel were reported only in Tochigi and Chiba Prefectures (Fig. 2). Small epidemics occurred in 2004 and 2007, and prefectures reporting more than 1.00 case per year numbered 13 in 2004 and 2007. In 2003, 2005 and 2006, more than 1.00 cases per sentinel was seen in only 5, 3 and 4 prefectures, respectively, therefore, periodical pertussis epidemics may occur nationwide.
Outbreaks: In Japan, small outbreaks (nosocomial infections) in maternity and children's wards have sporadically occurred (IASR 26: 64-66, 2005), however no large-scale outbreak has been reported. In 2007, outbreaks occurred in universities/colleges and developed into such large scale ones as involving more than 200 cases (see p. 68&70 of this issue). For their control, such measures as antibiotic administration (including prophylaxis) or cancellation of lectures were undertaken. The outbreaks in 2007 occurred in such places as those sharing a small space for a long time (see p. 68, 70&71 of this issue), and it was pointed out that pertussis would easily transmit in such places. It was found that epidemic strains differed in each incident, and B. pertussis strain latent in each locality may have prevailed in respective localities (see p. 67 of this issue).
Adult pertussis: In the United States, patients have increased from latter half of 1980's among adolescents and adults in which vaccine efficacy has been worn out (IASR 26: 69-70, 2005) and adult cases in 2004 accounted for 27% of all cases. A similar tendency was seen also in Japan and adult cases in 2007 more than doubled from those in the preceding year (Fig. 3). Even so, no marked increase in reported cases among 0 to 3-year young children was seen, indicating that immunity attained by vaccination is enough. The age distribution of cases during 1982-2007 indicates that the proportion of adults apparently increased after 2002, and they accounted for 31% of all cases in 2007 (Fig. 4). Pertussis cases in Japan are reported by pediatric sentinels, therefore a considerable number of adult cases may not have been reported.
Clinical features of adult cases: Diagnosis of pertussis in children is dependent upon prolonged cough, staccato, reprise, and increase in the number of peripheral blood lymphocytes as markers. However, adult cases may show only prolonged or paroxysmal cough, which make it difficult to differentiate from other diseases. This causes delay in detection of outbreaks among adults. The study group of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is advancing analysis of clinical features of adults (see p. 75 of this issue).
Laboratory diagnosis of adult pertussis: For laboratory diagnosis of pertussis, B. pertussis isolation, serological test, and gene detection are applicable. Since adult cases contain a small number of organisms, gene detection is effective. However, the generally practiced method is a serological test and the bacterial agglutination titer is principally determined. In children, diagnosis depends on the bacterial agglutination titer. It is not known, however, whether this method is applicable to adults and future investigation seems necessary. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases distributes gene detection kits utilizing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to Pertussis Reference Centers in the whole country (IASR 29: 42, 2008), planning to enhance the laboratory network (see p. 73 of this issue).
Future problems: The immunity on account of pertussis vaccine is estimated to last for about 5-10 years, and even vaccinated adults are susceptible to pertussis. If adults are infected, symptoms are mild and such a severe case as encephalopathy or death is extremely rare. If adults are carrying B. pertussis , however, it must be considered that they will become source of infection to children unconsciously. When unvaccinated children, especially young infants, are infected with B. pertussis , they tend toward seriously ill and fatal cases are still seen in Japan. In the US, as a new pertussis-control strategy, introduction of adult booster tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine (Tdap) was approved in 2005, while in Japan there has been no program for adult booster immunization. At present, the study group of MHLW is accumulating scientific evidences for the propriety of its introduction.
Since pertussis cases are reported from pediatric sentinels, it seems difficult to find the accurate number of adult cases (see p. 74 of this issue). In order to find the accurate pertussis incidence including adult cases, re-categorization toward notification of all cases from sentinel reporting seems necessary. The study group of MHLW is preparing a database management system for pertussis in order to connect to a quick response, compensating the incomplete data from sentinel reporting under the NESID.
Conclusion: The first outbreak of adult pertussis in Japan occurring in 2007 allowed recognition of necessity of a new strategy to control adult pertussis. The direct factor of these outbreaks among adults is unknown and it can not be denied that such would occur in future. For prevention of pertussis outbreaks, early detection of the index case and quick response are effective and enforcement of pertussis surveillance and laboratory examination are important. For drastic measures, it seems necessary to re-evaluate current pertussis immunization program and to study booster immunization of adolescents and adults.


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I got a load of new polishes in the post (yay!) and I'm looking forward to trying them all out.
The best part is the most I paid for any of them was £1.99- they only cost me £16.50 in total, which for 11 polishes isn't half bad I don't think. I got most of them at http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/ which seems to be an awesome site for buying branded polishes for cheapy cheap (all £0.99-£1.50) and then got three of them at my local chemist.
They are:
Top Row L-R: Revlon in Plum Night, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in Going Green, Sally Hansen Insta Grip base coat (because my old one went gloopy), Colour Me in Pure Gold, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Slick Slate
Bottom Row L-R: Sally Hansen Maximum Growth in Real Royal, Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in Brisk Blue, L.A. Colours Art Deco in Black (it's a thin line brush for detailing), Revlon Top Speed in Cloud (which you can't really see the colour of in the photo, it's a gorgeous lavendery grey), Colour Me in Colour Me White, Revlon in Silver Screen
I have to confess I'm a fan of bright colours, so I'm really excited about the Going Green and Brisk Blue, but also think the Cloud is a gorgeous colour too. I'm wearing the Pure Gold on my toes right now and to say it was a cheap polish it went on really nicely and dried really quickly and looks lovely too!
I'm sure you'll see some of them appearing in posts soon.
Until then, then,
~ Nail Art Novice ~


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"Good health benefits encompassing almost all required areas of healthcare."
"Standard Chartered Bank is a Bank Like other Banks but need organization develops ."
"As of April 1st 2017, fully paid maternity leave is now a minimum of 20 calendar weeks (10 weeks paid through Insurance (Short Term Disability) and..."
Looking beyond Standard Chartered Bank?
Check out the latest Executive Director Jobs or see Executive Director Salaries at other companies.
See if they're hiring! Check out the latest Standard Chartered Bank Jobs


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Why Did They Opt For Solar?
Mr. Bansal lives with his wife and kids in a flat in Chandigarh, Punjab. This area experiences infrequent power cuts of about 2 to 3 hours in a day and Bansal had installed a power backup system in his 3BHK flat. And he paid a monthly bill of INR 4000-5000.
One day Mr. Bansal and his wife sat down on their laptop and decided to explore the options of a better power backup system for their home. After much research, Mr. Bansal and his wife then decided that they must try to install a solar plant in their home and run their load on solar power.
He then approached his nearby dealer in solar power, Mr. Amit and asked if they could install a solar power plant in their home. Amit understood his load requirements and suggested a new solar inverter to be installed in his home called 'Brainy Eco'.
Punjab receives ample amount of sunlight. With an average of 12 hours and 14 mins of daylight in this month of April, a solar installation would bring all the right results.
What Is Brainy Eco Solar Inverter And How Does It Work?
This is how the installation of Brainy Eco looks. It is an intelligent off-grid solar system that runs both on solar and mains. In this home, for example, if they want to use mains power whenever it is available, they can select grid priority so that whenever mains is available the load will run on mains and battery will charge by mains. On all other times, it will give priority to solar. The same way one can select solar priority to maximum use solar power at all times.
After a detailed inspection of this home, Amit finally suggested and intalled the following:
Technical Specifications:
- Su-Kam Brainy Eco 1100
- Su-Kam's solar panels – 300W
- Battery – 150AH
Load Running and Units Generated
Each system generates approximately 2 to 2.5 units of electricity every day depending on the weather conditions and runs home load like 1 TV, 3 lights and 4 fans (All the load does not run together).
The installation was a success and Mr. Bansal is pleased with the installation at his home.
Mr. Amit says, 'Mr. Bansal was spending about INR 5000 as electricity expenditures monthly to run his home load. Mr. Bansal is an aware customer who has been watching Su-Kam's YouTube channel and understanding concepts of solar power. We approached him to install a solar power system and he readily agreed talking about the benefits of solar power. His bills will be reduced substantially and the solar system will be able to run his home load.'
To understand how an off-grid solar system works, please watch this video:
To know more about upcoming technologies in solar and Su-Kam's products, please subscribe to Su-Kam's YouTube channel.
For further details, please contact –
Mr. Amit (Authorized dealer – Eshan Enterprises) – 09888758656
Contact the customer on the following address –
Mr. Bansal
Sector 19c House 2253


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Sony Europe Forms Alliance With Front Porch Digital
Sony has formed a strategic alliance with Front Porch Digital, a provider of digital archive management and transcoding systems. The project will be managed by Sony Professional Services, a division of Sony Europe.
The two companies offer combined systems featuring Front Porch Digital DIVArchive (Distributed Intelligent Versatile Archive) software and the Sony SAIT PetaSite tape storage systems.
Rino Petricola, senior vice president of Front Porch Digital International, said the partnership would help expand the companies' global-shared reference sites. Joint Sony and Front Porch customers include ITN in the London; NOB and Ciris in the Netherlands; Orbit in Bahrain, RTL2 in Germany, and RTL TVi in Belgium.


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14 hours ago
Friday, December 11, 2009
A Winter Pot By Master Sel Young Jin
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Any use of tea for medicinal purposes should be done with full consultation with a medical professional. The material on this blog (text and photos) is the intellectual property of the administrator of this blog. If you wish to use any of it, please ask permission. Citations or reference to text from this blog should be done with explicit reference to and/or a link to MattCha's Blog. Peace


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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
That's a pretty good definition for what I have in mind. I quilt because there are designs that inspire me. One of the reasons why I love to attend a class with a designer is because they inspire me. It is not only what I learn in a quilting class, as far as a specific technique is concerned, it is also sharing some time with creative people who make me dream, who make me want to pick up my needle, cut into my fabric and start sewing something. They inspire me.
I am not myself a very creative person. My joy comes from making beautiful things even though I am reproducing a pattern. I am a slow quilter so my production is not impressive, but who cares? I quilt for my pleasure.
Last November, I attended a class with Nathalie Méance from La Fée Pirouette. She was teaching a design that would become a bag. As I had no desire to make a bag, I decided to make a little pannel instead. I wanted this panel to be traditional with a modern twist. Because I love the "newspaper" fabric that Nathalie had used in her latest BOM, I decided to use it as the background of the panel. Nathalie had picked up several fat quarters that she thought would work well and the only creative process from my part was to choose where to place them.
The result is very fresh, spring-like and I love it. I am also happy about the embroidery which I found challenging and about the trapunto which was a new technique I had not tried before.
Moreover, it's nice to start the year with a finish.
I took photos this morning and tonight. Because the impression is very different when taking with daylight and because I could not decide which are better, (yes, I love both) here are those taken this morning...
... and those taken tonight.
I hope it can inspire you as well :-)
Until later,
32 comments:
Il est magnifique. BravoReplyDelete
Congratulations, it's a lovely little quilt, with some nice techniques in it. It's not about the number of quilts you produce, but about the pleasure of making them. And your work is beautiful, so I wish you a lot of inspiration this year.ReplyDelete
Stunning little quilt and beautiful embroidery David! Nice to hear from you. Hoping your New Year goes from good to better! Lorraine.ReplyDelete
It is a very beautiful and unusual little quilt, congratulations with such a great finish :-)ReplyDelete
Beautiful in both morning and evening light! Sending good thoughts for you and your wife.ReplyDelete
Wonderful. Beautiful workmanship.ReplyDelete
It's absolutely lovely, David! I was so pleased to see a post from you. I hope all are well and encouraged in your family. Best wishes to you.ReplyDelete
Quelle belle idée David je le trouve plus beau encore avec cette finition et cette belle harmonie de tissus choisis. Belle année à toi et tes proches.ReplyDelete
C'est Sublimeeeee une petite merveille.ReplyDelete
Good to see you back! That is so beautiful. Your work is lovely, so precise.ReplyDelete
Beautiful little quilt David! It was lovely to find a post in my in box as you and your wife have been on my mind this week. Sending you lots of love and just a little bit of envy for the quilt! Penny L in Dorset U.KxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxReplyDelete
Fabulous little quilt.ReplyDelete
Rempli de finesse, de douceur...il est absolument magnifique !ReplyDelete
Et oui...ce panneau nous inspire !
Merci ! :)
Your work is lovely and I have missed your posts. Sometimes I feel inadequate as a quilter because I use others patterns and designs. I think perhaps your point of view has made me rethink this. Thanks.ReplyDelete
David, it is really beautiful!ReplyDelete
I have a piece of 'newspaper' fabric that I just keep admiring as-is and haven't yet decided what it will do. Your embroidery is stunning and so perfect for the fabric! All your pics are great but I found the first one mesmerizing....Interesting blog here, I'll be back ;-)ReplyDelete
J'adore... tout! D'abord ton retour, puis ton travail... c'est magnifique!!! Et pout finir...c'est vraie... c'est un plaisir de partager de beaux moments avec des gens qui aiment l'aiguille et qui t'inspirent. Merci et félicitations!ReplyDelete
Both of the pictures, in the morning and evening are wonderful!I love the fabric choice!The embroideries look fantastic.ReplyDelete
I wish you and your family all the best.
beautiful insiration! great realisation!ReplyDelete
Thank you for sharing ~ the idea of combining so many varied techniques really does make this inspiring!ReplyDelete
Maravilloso trabajo!!!ReplyDelete
very-very beautiful!ReplyDelete
Your thoughts about the pleasure in the making of things are very supportive. I sometimes think, when I see all the beautiful and original works of art people make, that I'd better stop! But your work is lovely! And it is good to see you back here!ReplyDelete
Very happy to read you again :-) Keep up the good work !ReplyDelete
Very beautiful... Nathalie's projects and classes are excellent! Your work is great!ReplyDelete
Comme je te comprends! Ton dernier ouvrage est merveilleux, l'ambiance du soir lui confère l'ambiance que je préfère! A bientôtReplyDelete
Love your use of the text fabric, the text is not too big or overwhelming and it does add a modern twist to your beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.ReplyDelete
David, te sigo desde que descubrí tu blog y siempre estoy deseando ver tus trabajos, de hecho, hay varios que miro a menudo.ReplyDelete
Este panel es una delicia, no dejes de hacer labores nunca...un enorme abrazo, os deseo lo mejor a tu familia y a tí.
Beautiful embroidery, I can see why you are inspired by this. You have done a fabulous job. Nice to read a post from you David.ReplyDelete
Beautiful! As long as what you make is so lovely, it really does not matter if it is someone else's design. You still put your own personality in it!ReplyDelete
Lovely piece and I was glad to see a post from you, it has been awhile, hope your wife is doing better.ReplyDelete
Gorgeous embroidery, thank you for sharing it with us.ReplyDelete
I hope all is going well with you and yours


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MAG PARTS. RISER TUBE 450MM (98041) to suit MAG pre-rinse units
MAG spare part (98041) 450MM RISER TUBE to suit MAG pre-rinse commercial units.
Due to the size of this part it will be sent via courier with instruction to "LEAVE ON DOORSTEP" if nobody is home. Please contact us if alternative instruction is required. No responsibility can be taken once delivered.


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Charles Dickens' classic holiday novella, A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843. In 2011, the original manuscript was given new life and extensive treatment from New York's Morgan Library and Museum's crew of conservators at the Thaw Center for Conservation. The manuscript restoration was done in anticipation of the bicentenary of the famed author's birthday which is being observed around the globe today.
Each page, written word, and the binding itself were carefully examined before the treatment of the manuscript could begin. The initial steps of this process began with the removal of each page from the book's binding. Each of these separated pages is then bathed in a combination of water and alcohol solution.
Soaking the paper in this solution caused a previously used adhesive to dissolve. According to Morgan conservators, the adhesive coating was probably applied sometime between 1910 and 1920. This now-antiquated technique, called "silking" was once used to strengthen and reinforce paper. The sheer silk coating tends to become brittle over time and loses its effectiveness.
The washing process was completed by a second bath in a combination of calcium carbonate-enriched deionized water and alcohol. This bath has a neutralizing effect on soluble acids and adhesives. Dickens, like many other writers of the age, wrote in black iron-gall ink (iron gall ink test paper), which is water-resistant and adhered permanently to the paper's surface. However, with its high acidity, this ink caused the pages to deteriorate drastically and the ink itself changed to a dark brown tone over time.
After this washing, each page of the manuscript was air-dried and then humidified. To gently flatten each sheet, the pages were placed on blotting paper for several days. Each page was examined further for tears, rips and holes, and those were repaired with Japanese tissue and a diluted wheat starch paste. Thanks in large part to the high quality paper that Dickens used, The Morgan's conservators were pleased to report that the manuscript's pages were in remarkably good condition after the conservation process and have incredibly similar color and flexibility to the original document penned by Dickens.


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Three jailed after Ramsey raid
PUBLISHED: 10:15 06 February 2018
Three men have been jailed for more than 20 years between them after a burglary in Ramsey led to a head on smash as they made off pursued by the police.
One of the men, Daniel Willerton, 41, was injured in the crash and was arrested at the scene. Three other men in the car, including Charlie Edwards, 28, and Jody Stones, 33, fled.
Willerton, Edwards and Stones were all jailed at Cambridge Crown Court after admitting a series of offences.
After the hearing Detective Constable Tom Adams said: "The total disregard to the law and the safety of the public is disturbing and this sentence reflects how seriously we take burglary and driving offences.
"These were prolific offenders, but this result means they won't be on our streets again for a long time and I hope that provides some sense of reassurance to the public."
Stones, of Eastern Avenue, Peterborough, was jailed for nine years after admitting three offences of burglary, including the Ramsey break-in, an offence in Yaxley where keys to a BMW car they were using were taken and another burglary in Peterborough.
Edwards, of Queens Walk, Peterborough, admitted dangerous driving, three offences of handling stolen goods and burglary and was locked up for seven years.
Willerton, of Chesil Walk, Corby, was given three years and four months after admitting burglary.
The court heard that on August 14 the trio, and a fourth man who has not been identified, forced their way in to a house at Oilmills Road, Ramsey Mereside, and stole a safe, valuable coins, a digital camera and a watch.
They made off in a red BMW which had been stolen after a burglary in Yaxley a few days earlier.
A short while later a police officer spotted the stolen BMW and pursued it but it was involved in a head on collision with a Jaguar F Pace.
Willerton was arrested at the scene and was taken to hospital because of his injuries and the three other men fled, leaving the stolen items behind.
Stones was arrested at his home three days later after he was identified from CCTV images and police found property linking him to two other burglaries.
Edwards was arrested in October after his DNA was found in the BMW.


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Expert System for Mixing Zone Analysis of Aqueous Discharges (CORMIX1): Further Developmentsby Gerhard H. Jirka, Cornell Univ, United States,
Robert L. Doneker, Cornell Univ, United States,
Document Type: Proceeding Paper
Part of: Hydraulic Engineering
Two recent publications have reported the development of the Cornell Mixing Zone Expert System (CORMIX) for the analysis, prediction and design of aqueous toxic or conventional pollutant discharges into water courses, with emphasis on the geometry and dilution characteristics of the initial mixing zone. Subsystem CORMIX1 deals with submerged single port discharges into flowing water environments, and also includes the limiting case of stagnant waterbodies, such as lakes or reservoirs. The minimal hardware configuration for CORMIX1 is at the level of an IBM-PC/XT with printer for hardcopy output. A rigorous flow classification forms the core of the expert system CORMIX1. Once an actual discharge has been classified CORMIX1 employs a sequence of simple sub-models (largely based on dimensional analysis) to provide an overall simulation of the discharge plume and prediction of mixing zone properties.
Subject Headings: Expert systems | Computer software | Water flow | Water pollution | Water discharge | Publications | Pollutants | Computer analysis
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Nature journal libel victory prompts libel reform call
Scientific journal Nature has won a libel case over an article that was critical of a scientist .
Physicist Prof Mohamed El Naschie said an article published in November 2008 had damaged his reputation.
However, the publishers argued that the report was fair and honest, and in the public interest.
Libel reform campaigners said the case was the latest example of defamation laws being used to suppress science journalism.
They added that proposed reforms to the libel laws did not go far enough to prevent similar actions in the future.
The November 2008 article alleged that Prof El Naschie self-published many papers, some of which did not appear to have been independently checked by scientists working in the same field of expertise - a process known as peer review.
The article also reported that he listed several affiliations and honorary professorships with international institutions that could not be confirmed.
'Suppress reporting'
Libel reform campaigners have compared the action to a libel case two years ago year that was brought against Simon Singh.
Dr Singh was sued by the British Chiropractic Association over comments he had made about the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments.
He won an appeal that allowed him to use the fair comment defence in the case, which led to the case against him being dropped.
Commenting on the Nature ruling, Dr Singh said the judgement showed that English libel laws were continuing to be used to suppress science reporting.
He added that proposed reforms currently going through Parliament would not prevent similar actions.
"The proposed Defamation Bill still fails to offer protection to anyone who wants to write about medicine or science in the press or in a blog," he said.
"There is no public interest defence and no restriction on the ability of corporations to bully critics into silence.
"The government needs to address these issues or the result will be a semi-impotent Bill."
Nature has had to fight the case for four years and incurred undisclosed costs, which might run into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Niri Shan, head of media law at Taylor Wessing - the solicitors representing Nature - said many smaller publishers did not have the resources to defend libel actions, so did not publish important science stories for fear of being sued.
A libel action can be brought by an individual if they have been named and they can show that it has damaged their reputation.
Proposed reforms would protect people if the claims have been made in a peer reviewed published research paper or at a scientific meeting.
But, according to Mr Shan, they would not protect claims made in news reports.
"All the cases that have triggered the reforms have been problems arising out of news reports," he said.
"Yet these reforms do nothing to protect news reports. What is needed is a US style public interest defence".
A public interest defence would put the onus on the person suing for libel to show that the writer either intended to be malicious or was reckless in writing the article.
Former Liberal Democrat MP and advisor to the Libel Reform Campaign, Dr Evan Harris, said: "It is sad to see parliamentary time being spent on a bill which so far fails to live up to the promises made to deliver effective libel reform made in all three of the party's manifestos."
But Alastair Mullis, a law professor at the University of East Anglia, said that in Nature's case, the existing public interest defence worked.
"It is surely not unfair to expect those who choose to make serious allegations against another either to prove that those allegations are true or, even if not true, that the publication was responsibly researched and written, he told BBC News.
"If the public interest defence contended for by the libel reform campaign becomes law, those seriously and irresponsibly libelled by a defendant will have no remedy."
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Monthly Archives: November 2014
T'is the Season to be Stylish!
Many women find themselves in a funk during the holiday season as they are clueless at to what to wear to Thanksgiving and Christmas events. Some desire a look that is chic and classy, whereas, others want to ensure that they make a bold statement. Regardless of your personal preference, these styles will certainly whet your appetite for holiday style. Also, special tips on what to wear to the Office party. Continue reading
Posted in Your Wardrobe Tagged Christmas, Dress, Fashion, Holiday, Office Party, Thanksgiving 2 Comments


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Bubble Hunting!
This activity is great both indoors and outdoors - and Teemo LOVES bubble hunting. We discovered this on a trip up to Jason's parents for Fourth of July. It's SO cute.
Playing Tug
Both of my pups love to play tug of rope!
Healthy Treats
Lately, instead of eating dog treats, we've been feeding them the really fresh fruit we get. Strawberries and blueberries are a total favorite. It's a low-cal, sweet puppy treat that's easy to access.
Petcurean pet food is the only thing my pups eat now aside from fresh or non-processed treats. The fresh ingredients reflect what we eat ourselves and keep them fit and healthy - seriously.
This post was sponsored by Petcurean as part of their brand ambassador program. This indicates I received a product in exchange for review, although the opinions and ideas expressed are my purely own (or my dogs). For more information - read the disclosure of this blog.


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Chronic pain affects 1.5 billion people world wide. That means that 1.5 Billion people in this world are in constant pain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Many people that suffer from chronic pain are looking for alternative treatments for many reasons. They have exhausted all options in the medical community, the side effects of the options available prove to be more pronounced than the actual condition, or they have made a personal choice not to pump chemicals in their body.
Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger, and while it is best known as one of the ingredients used to make curry, it also gives ballpark mustard its bright yellow color.
Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. Both the ancient Chinese and Indian systems of medicine have recognized curcumin's (Curcumin, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is the most active constituent of turmeric) beneficial properties for thousands of years, and now modern research is showing it may be one of nature's most powerful potential healers.
Most notably, curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. The compound has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.
One of the most comprehensive summaries of turmeric studies to date was published by the respected ethnobotanist James A. Duke, Phd., in the October, 2007 issue of Alternative & Complementary Therapies, and summarized in the July, 2008, issue of the American Botanical Council publication HerbClip.
Reviewing some 700 studies, Duke concluded that turmeric appears to outperform many pharmaceuticals in its effects against several chronic, debilitating diseases, and does so with virtually no adverse side effects. Here are some of the diseases that turmeric has been found to help prevent or alleviate:
* Alzheimer's disease: Duke found more than 50 studies on turmeric's effects in addressing Alzheimer's disease. The reports indicate that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of beta- amyloid, the substance responsible for the plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer's disease.
* Arthritis: Turmeric contains more than two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds, including sixdifferent COX-2-inhibitors (the COX-2 enzyme promotes pain, swelling and inflammation; inhibitors selectively block that enzyme). By itself, writes Duke, curcumin – the component in turmeric most often cited for its healthful effects – is a multifaceted anti-inflammatory agent, and studies of the efficacy of curcumin have demonstrated positive changes in arthritic symptoms.
* Cancer: Duke found more than 200 citations for turmeric and cancer and more than 700 for curcumin and cancer. He noted that in the handbookPhytochemicals: Mechanisms of Action, curcumin and/or turmeric were effective in animal models in prevention and/or treatment of colon cancer, mammary cancer, prostate cancer, murine hepatocarcinogenesis (liver cancer in rats), esophageal cancer, and oral cancer. Duke said that the effectiveness of the herb against these cancers compared favorably with that reported for pharmaceuticals.
"Natural anti-inflammatory herbs, including turmeric, ginger, and boswellia may work as well as aspirin and ibuprofen for treating osteoarthritis. Follow package directions and give it at least two months before deciding if it is working for you." Dr. Weil
How to take Turmeric
Add this spice to your food! I love Turmeric in smoothies, eggs (Tofu or real eggs), Rice, roasted veggies, and soups.
Turmeric Golden Milk
Turmeric is capable of thinning the blood and should only be used under the supervision of a trained health practitioner. Do not combine them with medicines used for thinning the blood, such as coumadin or warfarin. If bleeding occurs while using these herbs, stop taking them immediately and seek medical attention.


text: Esk Valley by Helicopter Take in the breathtaking views of the Hawkes Bay coastline and art deco Napier before landing at Esk Valley Winery where you will sample some of New Zealand's best wines. Take a step back in time, experience a personal tour of the winery and history of the valley. During vintage watch the winery in action! You will then be driven back to base to your vehicle. It is recommended you allow 2 – 3 hours for the experience. Order a gift voucher from Skyline Aviation. Terms and conditions apply*


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Rapport Design and Communications Inc. Branding Training in Toronto
In early 2002 Rapport Communications and Design Inc. was launched accidentally by its founder Faith Seekings when she was suddenly laid off from her 9-to-5. She quickly discovered her natural affinity for business while freelancing and in just a few short years has grown the business to a full graphic design, web development and advertising firm.
A truly eclectic design firm, Rapport offers the same services of a large agency with the feel of a small one. From identity design, collateral material development, brochure and e-commerce web sites and on-going support from concept through to delivery, Rapport Design and Communications delivers excellent work, on time, on budget, and with great service to small businesses in Toronto, western Canada and in the U.S.
Operating from one of downtown Toronto's historical buildings, with a culturally diverse staff of five, one dog and a large network of talented suppliers Rapport has a flexible, welcoming environment that enhances creativity. Visitors are often greeted with a chewy toy and a furious wag of the tail.
Building strong relationships with their clients is extremely important to Rapport, which is why they prefer working with small businesses. They work as a team with their clients so they can get their full input and get to know their passion and to really understand their business.
The company's goals are to double in size (to ten) and maintain the personalized feeling thats unique to a smaller firm, to operate honestly and with integrity.
|Course Name
|Next Date and Location
|Alternate Dates
Rapport Design and Communications Inc.
66 George Street
Toronto Ontario
Canada M5A 4K8


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Season after season of Mad Men I would sit and drool over the hair, and clothes and furniture and cocktails, but we are talking about hair here. Well after watching the new series Masters Of Sex, another 50s based show I could no longer continue without trying to put my hair in pin curls. The main character, Virginia often had her hair in pin curls in the evening so I paused on the relevant scene and attempted to recreate the look.
Below is an image of how my hair looked whilst in pin curls, I don't know about you but I quite liked it as a 'do' in itself. I even attended a mummy and baby group like that.
How to;
Start with slightly damp hair, ever so slightly damp. In fact you could have it completely dry and dampen it with setting lotion if you are truly committed to the 50s vibe. Part your hair how you would like it to be when finished. I pinned the parts of my grown out fringe down as I didn't want to curl them. Section your hair off into sections about 3 fingers thick. Starting from the bottom of your hair make a curl, rolling under towards your head. Once you have finished rolling twist the loop so that it is flat towards your head and secure with pins.
So to give you an idea of time, putting the curls in took me less time than blow drying or straightening my hair. In future I will take a little more time on the back. I left the curls in for 7 hours.
I had 7 pin curls on my head. You may want to change this for yourself depending on how much hair you have and how tight you want the curls to be.
Taking the curls out took less than five minutes. Then with a large flat paddle brush, this tool is vital, I brushed the curls out from the underneath.
I was pleased with the results, especially for a first attempt. The curls were done on a Thursday and my hair was still wavy on Sunday, and all of this was done without any heat damage on my hair so a double bonus. I am still not as good as the Mad Men or Masters Of Sex ladies but hey they have on set stylists so I am letting myself off the hook.


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By Jeam Ruzicka / Enterprise
Members of the Hubbard County 4-H groups stirred audience chuckles with stage performances Saturday in Laporte. "It would have been a Wonderful Life" (if I had joined the 4-H"), above, presented by the Pinecones, took first place and the "Get Green" award for 4-H promotion. "Land of 4-H," staged by the Stony Lake Beavers, took second and the "Funny Bone" award. "Shadow Theater," presented by the Green Valley Live Wires, earned third and "Most Creative." Pinecone performers, from left, are Jeremy Engst, Bethany Kern, Danny Kako and Harmony Trygstad.


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Equine Therapy: Donkeys Have an Important Role
Donkeys have a special place in our history, carrying wounded soldiers in World War I and bearing miners' tools underground in the gold rush.
But for all that laboring, the humble donkey has had little respect and understanding. Australian psychiatrist May Dodd may be the donkey's best human friend.
Dr. Dodd runs Victoria's only donkey hospital and refuge, at her Diamond Creek property and in Tongala. In the days following the Black Saturday bushfires, Dr Dodd evacuated 91 donkeys, on cattle trucks, to safe ground near Echuca. She drove her donkey ambulance through police roadblocks into places such as Kinglake, Chum Creek and Dixons Creek, while the ground was still smouldering.The psychiatrist has cared for more than 300 donkeys in the past 13 years at her home on Ironbark Road, where she also runs her private medical practice full time. The last fire-affected donkey, Moomba, went back home to Humevale just a few months ago, still partially blind from burnt eyes.
Dr Dodd says donkeys and psychiatry may seem an odd match, but they complement each other.
"One is all about the mind and the other is mostly physical work, so it's a great balance," she says. "I have this propensity to protect minority or marginalized groups. Mentally ill patients are often shunned and donkeys are also forgotten by society. But donkeys also have a calm tranquility about them which I, and my patients, enjoy."
"Donkeys are more dog-like than horse-like; they are inquisitive, affectionate and like to follow you around for a pat."
Her father was a horse jockey from age 10 in Newmarket, the headquarters of British racing, but Dr. Dodd was always terrified on a horse, preferring the donkey's slower gait.
But no matter how often he put his only child on a horse, she was always terrified. Instead, she preferred a donkey's slow plod.
Dr Dodd broke with the family horsing tradition when she completed her medical degree at the University of London.
Not long afterwards, in 1981, she responded to an advertisement calling for doctors to come to Australia. She was meant to work for just two months at the Plenty Valley Repatriation Psychiatric Hospital, but never left.
Dr Dodd sees about 26 patients a week in Diamond Creek, where she lives alone, and cares for the donkeys in her spare time. "Initially I took a few donkeys on because I had the space" but she had a difficult time turning any away.
She lends donkeys for work with troubled children and events like Remembrance Day.
The above is excerpted from:
A caring operation that's run for donkeys' years
Marika Dobbin
January 5, 2011


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The regulator of accounting firms in the United States says Deloitte & Touche for two consecutive years had failed to correct deficiencies in its audit procedures to its satisfaction.
The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board said that in 2009 it told Deloitte that evidence from the board's inspection of several of the firm's audits suggested "that important issues may exist" regarding "the sufficiency of the firm's emphasis on the critical need to exercise due care and professional scepticism when performing audits". It pointed to instances where the firm had failed to do enough work to check things it was told by management.
In the year after that, the board said, the firm did not fix the problems to its satisfaction.
But, in an indication that Deloitte has since improved, the board allowed Deloitte to say that criticism in its two subsequent annual reviews, in 2010 and 2011, had been acted upon satisfactorily.
"We believe the PCAOB's determinations concerning our remediation of the quality control criticisms" in the 2009 and 2010 inspection reports "are reflective of the significant progress we have made towards the achievement of our audit quality objectives in more recent years," Deloitte chief executive Joe Echevarria and the head of the firm's audit business, Greg Weaver, said.
They cited the fact that the most recent board review had found problems with fewer audits as evidence that "we are experiencing a positive trajectory".
The tone of that statement was in sharp contrast to the one the firm issued in 2009, when the first part of the report was released. Then, in a statement signed by the firm but not by any individual, it challenged the board's conclusions on several audits, saying Deloitte auditors "made and documented well-reasoned and supported judgments during the audit".
"In our view," the firm said at the time, "such reasonable judgments should be inspected and not second-guessed."
Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which established the board in 2002, the regulator inspects top firms each year and releases a report discussing any deficiencies in the audits it reviewed.
A second part of the report, concerning broader deficiencies at the firms, is kept secret unless the firm fails to correct the problems within 12 months.
In 2011, Deloitte became the first large firm to suffer such a rebuke. Since then, PwC and Ernst & Young also had secret reports released. Of the big four firms, only KPMG has so far not had such a report released.
Regulator again slams Deloitte audits
The regulator of accounting firms in the United States says Deloitte & Touche for two consecutive years had failed to correct deficiencies in its audit procedures to its satisfaction.
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I was all set to write about Pedro Feliciano this morning, specifically about how ineffective he's actually been despite a superfically pretty earned run average. Feliciano's 2.13 ERA is belied by an incredibly high 1.816 WHIP, generally a far more telling statistic for relief pitchers.
ERA for relief pitchers is unreliable, because relievers frequently give up someone else's runs. If a reliever comes into the game with first and second and nobody out and gives up a two-run double before getting out of the inning, he gets credit for pitching a scoreless inning. That's not true, of course, because two runs scored in the inning. However, they are charged to the pitcher who put the runners on base in the first place, subtly rewarding the pitcher who allowed the runs to score but didn't permit anyone else to cross the plate.
Anyway, Feliciano has been allowing nearly two baserunners per appearance, a rate roughly comparable to Jorge Sosa in 2008. Sosa found himself on the business end of the axe on Tuesday and I was going to write that if Feliciano did not get his act together, he may need to be the next to depart the Mets' bullpen.
Then I took a closer look at the numbers and nearly had a change of heart. Apparently Feliciano has stranded 12 of 13 inherited runners in 2008, which is an excellent ratio and would seemingly speak to his ability to get the Mets out of tough situations. I was all set to cleverly note this statistical anomaly and gently lecture my readers about looking deeper into the numbers before making judgments on players.
But here's the thing; Feliciano's "ability" to strand inherited baserunners makes almost no sense considering how many hits he's allowed (17 in 12 2/3 innings). I could think of only one explanation - he must be bearing down when men are on base and getting needed outs, while losing focus when the bases are empty and allowing too many baserunners.
So I checked it out. Feliciano has inherited baserunners in only seven of his twenty appearances this season. In three of those appearances, he didn't even record an out - all within a five-day span in mid-April. The first time this happened was on April 17, when Felicano came on with two outs in the 11th inning to face Nick Johnson with a man on first. Feliciano walked Johnson and gave way to Joe Smith, who retired Lastings Milledge to end the threat. Even though it was Smith who did the heavy lifting by getting the final out, Feliciano got credit for stranding a runner because the man who was on base when he came on did not score while he was pitching.
On April 19, Feliciano replaced Smith in the eighth inning and give up a single and a walk before giving way to Aaron Heilman. Since Feliciano didn't allow Smith's run to score (Heilman did so with the next better), again he gets credit for stranding the runner.
Something similar happened three days later; Feliciano replaced Smith again, this time with two runners on base. He uncorked a wild pitch that advanced the runner on first but did not score a run, then intentionally walked his batter after running up a 2-0 count with first base open. This time Sosa was called upon to save the Mets' bacon and actually did so by retiring the next two hitters. Feliciano throws four pitches - two of them intentional balls and one a wild pitch - and gets credit for stranding two baserunners!
In the other appearances where Feliciano was called upon with men on base, he was reasonably effective. However, the numbers lie on these occasions as well. The first appearance on April 29 saw Feliciano enter the game with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth inning. He induced a pop-up from Adam Laroche to get out of the jam and straned three runners in doing so. Then on May 2, Feliciano came in with a five-run lead in the eighth inning and was asked to retire just one batter, which he did. Two men were on at the time, so Feliciano got credit for them.
So to recap: in those two games, Pedro Feliciano threw five pitches, retired two batters and got credit for stranding five inherited runners!! So much for bearing down when men are on base while losing focus when the bases are empty. Someone better check Feliciano's family tree for Irish ancestry!
Pedro Feliciano has not been good this season. He has been extremely lucky, however. If his luck runs out and he doesn't start pitching better, Feliciano is going to be the next Met reliever on the unemployment line.