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- Creating secular
dharma practice
Bhikkhu Bodhi faces a great divide
Prominent U.S. Pali translator contrasts 'Classical' and 'Secular' Buddhisms
A fruitful start for meaningful discussion perhaps?Find it here
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Category Archives for Uncategorized
Disrobing – the challenge of letting go, the courage to come back home
Working as a nurse with terminally ill people, Sophie Boyer discovered meditation. After several long retreats, she became a Buddhist nun but disrobed a couple of years later, finding that disrobing came with more challenges than she expected. Born in France in 1972, Sophie is a student of Martine Batchelor.
Also posted in Interview Tagged Bernat Font, discussion, interview Leave a comment
Some more very good Sam Harris
Killing The Buddha
Killing The Buddha is a recent Sam Harris blog post. I generally agree with what Sam is saying in this post [Buddhism would benefit from taking out the irrational elements] but can't help thinking that criticizing religions is too narrow and somewhat misses the point of the difficulty he is referring to – superstition, blind belief etc.
Tagged article, discussion 6 Comments
Invitation – 108 days of practice
The Zen group I sit with has a retreat (Sesshin) every spring. Last Wednesday, among our discussions after zazen we briefly talked about the idea of making a commitment to sit everyday for 108 days.
Tagged Dunedin, meditation, sitting Leave a comment
Busy life meditation
From Joseph Goldstein:
Meditating with eyes open
This is also in the Sam Harris blog I posted earlier. I'm putting it in separately because I think it's such an important notion to consider.
"People who haven't tried to meditate have very little sense that their minds are noisy at all. And when you tell them that they're thinking every second of the day, it generally doesn't mean anything to them.
Tagged meditation, training 1 Comment
Creating community – OR – Meditation as a contact sport
Have you noticed how we always see Asian Buddha images alone, on its own? Count on your fingers the number of Buddha images in which he's with others. Sidhattha Gotama, the man we now know as the Buddha, was not a solitary practitioner though; for most of his 45 years as a teacher he was in community. So what are the best ways to find other people to sit with, practice in community, and develop your understanding of the Buddha's teachings?
Tagged article, community, Secular Buddhism Leave a comment
Meditation instructions by Franz Kafka
You do not even have to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait. Do not even wait, be still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you and be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.
Tagged meditation Leave a comment
Stillness, & The Moving Image
Doesn't that sound a lot better than a 'Secular Buddhist Film Festival'? A couple of us in Wellington have been talking about putting on a festival of films that people who are interested in mindfulness, meditation and a secular approach to Buddhism and other religious practices might find nourishing.


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Postcard-perfect scenery with lots of explosions: that might be the best way to describe the Far Cry series from Ubisoft. Previous editions have been set in the jungles of Central Africa, in the Himalayas and on Caribbean Islands.
The latest version of the first-person shooter, Far Cry 5, takes place in the US state of Montana. The setting is a beautiful, but dangerous wilderness full of voracious predators and gun-toting cult members.
The game's protagonist is a US Marshal whose goal is to arrest Joseph Eden, the charismatic leader of an apocalyptic cult. The arrest attempt goes badly awry and the player soon finds himself stranded in enemy territory without reinforcements or contact with the outside world.
Far Cry 5 is quite topical with themes such as blind fanaticism, gun lovers and the chasm between the US coasts and its hinterland, but in the end political issues are really only background noise in a game that largely follows the format set by its predecessors.
The essence of the game is, like its predecessors, an open world where the first-person player has to shoot, drive, fly, climb and sneak around while liberating villages and gathering new weapons.

subset: commoncrawl


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10 Visions – Underbelly Arts Pitch Night
10 Visions was a showcase, a celebration and opportunity to discover more about Underbelly Arts, and support experimental Australian practices. Held on 27 April 2017 it featured a live pitch, and exhibited and performance works by; Ivey Wawn, Alice Couttoupes, Make or Break, Jason Phu, Amrita Hepi, Honey Long and Prue Stent, Pony Express, Harriet Gillies and Natalie Abbott, Gwen Taualai, Radha La Bia, Eugene Choi and Marcus Whale.
These ten artists from Underbelly Arts 2017 program gave audiences a glimpse of their ambitious project visions as they embark on their journey towards Underbelly Arts 2017. Thank you to all that joined us at 10 Visions – Underbelly Arts Pitch Night and contributing towards turning our artists' visions into real, bold, experimental artworks at this year's Festival.
Photos by Tim Da-Rin.


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A hooded towel for bath time, beachy days and chilly mornings.
Lovingly sewn by Eleanor of Milk & Honey.
Pretty cuddly, no?
I'm with you, Eleanor. I want one for me.
You, too? Well, we're in luck. Eleanor of Milk & Honey has generously shared this cozy sewing project with us, including links to both pattern and bias tape tutorial. As a Merci, I've offered her readers a coupon code to use at worthygoods textile. Head on over and read about her Sewing Pattern Favorite: Beach Robe.
Then, armed with your fresh coupon, snap up some of that organic cotton terry she used at the shop and get yourself a deal.


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BOWIE, Md. – Feb. 19, 2013 – Inovalon Inc., a leading provider of data-driven healthcare solutions, today announced that National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the organization that maintains the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) has expanded its engagement with Inovalon. This continues Inovalon's support of NCQA's efforts to develop new measures of health care quality commissioned by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Inovalon's Statistical Research Team has been engaged to assist NCQA through the use of its Medical Outcomes Research for Effectiveness and Economics Registry (MORE2 Registry®), a comprehensive database containing more than six billion healthcare events from over 85 million unique de-identified individuals distributed throughout the United States. Inovalon will apply its extensive analytic capabilities to validate and test statistical models that NCQA is developing to evaluate and compare health plan's all-cause hospital readmission rates. Subsequently NCQA and Inovalon will turn their attention to the task of defining and testing a new measure, based on ambulatory care sensitive hospital admissions to identify potentially avoidable hospitalizations.
Many hospital readmissions are costly events that may be associated with breakdowns in the quality of hospital or transitional care and thus are receiving increasing attention as a largely avoidable source of poor quality of care and excessive spending. In 2012, an Inovalon study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found the 30-day readmission rate for Medicare Advantage plans was 14.5% annually during 2006-2008. Therefore, these measures will give purchasers, including CMS, additional insight into the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries.
"Developing meaningful benchmark standards are a key component to controlling the growth in healthcare costs, which is an important issue at the forefront of today's national agenda," said Jon Bumbaugh, Senior Director of Research, Development, and Analytics at Inovalon. "Inovalon is pleased to contribute to this agenda, via our close partnership with NCQA, by helping to evaluate these key performance measures within the Medicare population."
About Inovalon, Inc.
Inovalon, Inc. is a leading technology-enabled healthcare solutions provider focused on the importance of healthcare data and its ability to drive dramatic, objective improvement in clinical and quality outcomes, care management and financial performance throughout the healthcare community. Proprietary healthcare datasets, aggregation and analysis capabilities, combined with a national infrastructure of leading-edge technology, clinical prowess and deep human resources, empower Inovalon's advanced generation of healthcare assessment and improvement through highly informed solutions. Driven by data, Inovalon uniquely identifies gaps in care, quality, data integrity, and financial performance—while also bringing to bear the resources to resolve them. This differentiating combination provides a powerful capability suite, touching more than 540,000 physicians, 220,000 clinical facilities, and more than 120 million Americans, driving high‐value impact, improving the quality and economics for health plans, hospitals, physicians, patients, and researchers. Please visit www.inovalon.com for more information.
Inovalon, Inc.
Jason Z. Rose
4321 Collington Road
Bowie, Maryland 20716
Phone: 301-809-4000
Feinstein Kean Healthcare, on behalf of Inovalon, Inc.
Nicole Cohen
Phone: 202-729-4217
Direct Sales: 877-831-8171
General Inquiries: 301-809-4000
Inovalon is a leading technology company providing an integrated cloud-based platform empowering data-driven healthcare.


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I have gathered some of my favorite spring handbags that I would love to have in my closet. Most of these handbags are on sale from Shopbop and Nordstrom so definitely take advantage of that!
I had to include this GORGEOUS Fendi Leather Shopper!
Aren't all of these bags perfect for spring? Shop away!


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Nori learning how to use scissors? Kim Kardashian exposes thighs in ripped jeans
AS every woman knows, finding the perfect pair of jeans is a very difficult task, so spare a thought for poor Kim Kardashian.
Even with a small army of designers, stylists and assistants at her disposal, finding the right pair of denims to accommodate her Marilyn dimensions must be a near impossible mission.
A fan of figure-hugging skirts and matching crop tops of late, Kanye's bride-to-be changed up her recent uniform in favour of a pair of torn Levi's.
Popping out for a coffee with sister Kourtney, Kimmy's thighs were completely exposed from pelvis to knee.
Usually the star of the show, the mum-of-one's derrière took a back seat, being almost hidden in her casual ensemble.
Ripping off the outfit of an eighties rock star, Kris Jenner's daughter paired her distressed denim with a pink retro suit jacket and matching heels.
Meanwhile, Kourtney opted for an ever so slightly more sophisticated wardrobe selection.
Pairing a fitted shirt with skin-tight leather pencil skirt, Scott Disick's missus ensured her look was more sexy than secretary by flashing some cleavage and toned thighs.
The Dash boutique co-owners picked up some fruity drinks from Starbucks, before Kourt's baby daddy met them for a spot of retail therapy.
Pictured with a hug Saint Laurent bag, perhaps Kim was continuing the quest for the perfect pair of jeans.


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Innovative Business Lab in the British Virgin Islands
BVI pilot project aims to provide the necessary development assistance to persons seeking to develop new innovative ideas or establish innovative businesses thereby creating new niche markets through the establishment of Innovative Business Lab (ILB). Business incubation, as an economic tool, has become increasingly common around the world for stimulating development of the SME sectors. Innovative Business Lab would provide facilities and services to promote innovation driven small-business growth. Small business incubators have proven to be effective economic development tools. In fact, innovation driven businesses having incubation style support have a dramatically higher rate of survival than an average start-up business does.
Propelling innovation in the economic sector and successful economic diversification in the private sector should be principal tasks of the Innovative Business Lab. With this goal partnership of the public sector with the private sector needs to be enhanced around Innovation as key driver for sustainable growth based on permanent consultations and developing the most adequate legislative, financial and fiscal measures to implement systemic innovation in BVI.
The incubation programme will seek relationships within the region and the local economy, as a means of integrating regionally through the establishment of networks. Such networks will be established through the regional virtual incubator, which is now being developed through the COSME programme for connecting Caribbean incubation centers within OCTs.incubator British Virgin Islands EU programme Caribbean SME support news Lizette O. George


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I'm not in high school or college anymore. the word stopped being something I heard all the time. but somehow, it was one of those things that slipped away from me.
plagiarism is one of those things that almost seems surreal. it's the concept of taking the work of someone else and putting it out into the world under your name. in the literary world, it's the taking of words. someone else's words, breathed from their spirit, and putting your name on them.
it's theft.
and then it happened today, right in front of my nose. a post made its way around the internet, a good post, one that felt familiar but it felt good also. I shared it, so did others. we commented and ooh'd and ahh'd and tweeted the link to our corner of the internet. and then today, we understood why it felt so familiar.
|{photo by Jennifer Upton}
someone else had written it, long before it made its way to this new space. the words we were sharing, they didn't belong to this new voice. they were taken. stolen.
it makes me feel like I'm watching The Little Mermaid. a voice stolen, pulled from a throat and swallowed down into someone else's body. it's a deeply personal destruction. if you take someone's television or their wallet, you're taking a piece of earth. something physical, something replaceable.
when you take someone else's words, you're taking a piece of spirit, a piece of themselves. sometimes, it's not replaceable. the words can be repeated, but there is something deeper taken. it's a guttural, visceral violation.
i don't understand why it's ever done.
there's a big lie out there, one that seems to slip in among the writers like poison gas that can kill us while we are completely unaware. it's the lie that you don't have words. it's the lie that you have no story, that you have nothing to say of worth. it's the lie that your words don't exist.
but there's something we've forgotten. there was a Voice in the beginning, speaking words over empty space and watching light and earth and sea and sky and plants and creatures appear from the void. simply through words. His words. His song.
and then, on the sixth day, there came more words: come and let Us make man in Our own image. hands and words joined together, art of a whole different sort began. He spoke, and there was Life.
do you know what that means? do you understand?
|{photo by Jennifer Upton}
your skin. your soul. your wild parts, your sacred parts, your everyday parts. it's all words. they're waiting, lingering just beneath the surface. you have your own words.
you don't need someone else's words to make you a writer.
you have a story. it's pulsing beneath the surface. you have thoughts, points, valid observations about the world around you. you have a voice. and maybe it's a little rusty from lack of use. maybe it's a little skittish because of the way you were treated. maybe it's a little soft because you weren't taught how to raise it up.
but it's there.
you don't need someone else's words to make you a writer because you already have your own.
because you already are your own.


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*I contributed to this report
By FRED OLUOCH
Posted Monday, December 12 2011 at 00:00
With the two-week ultimatum given by Khartoum edging closer and the UN tightening sanctions against Asmara over the latter's support for Al Shabaab, there is a growing feeling that Kenya needs to rethink its foreign policy.
The Kenya government's reaction to strong protests by Sudan following a court ruling ordering the arrest of President Omar al-Bashir if he sets foot in Kenya, has revealed major flaws in that foreign policy.
Attorney-General Githu Muigai has appealed against the ruling, but an adjudication is unlikely to come before the expiry of the two-week ultimatum, raising the prospect that Sudan could sever relations with Kenya.
Historically, Kenya has operated on the principle of non-interference in its neighbours' affairs, and its foreign policy depended largely on the whims of the person in power. Now, Kenya seems to have shifted to a policy of "non-indifference" to events in the region and encouraging its representatives abroad to pursue business-oriented diplomacy.
Kenya appears not to have been fully satisfied with the additional sanctions that the United Nations Security Council imposed on Eritrea on Tuesday. The draft resolution received 13 votes in favour, none against and two abstentions from China and Russia.
"We have no problem with Eritrea. It is Eritrea that has a problem with every country in the region. But I have been communicating with their representative in Kenya and Eritrea maintains that it has no intention of severing links with Kenya since the issues can be solved amicably," he said.
Kenya in November accused Eritrea of flying two planeloads of arms to Al Shabaab-held positions in Somalia, a charge that Asmara vigorously denied. Kenya then hinted it might review diplomatic ties with Eritrea if it turned out the Red sea country was arming the Al Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants who are currently fighting Kenyan forces in the south of Somalia.
On the other hand, Eritrean government officials hinted that Kenya is being influenced by the propaganda of their archenemy Ethiopia, with whom they fought a two-year war over the disputed border region of Badme.
Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, insisted that Eritrea was a prime source of instability for the whole region. Apart from the 1998-200 war, Ethiopia remains uncomfortable with Eritrea over its allegedly close ties with Ethiopian rebel groups like the Oromo Liberation Front and the Ogaden National Liberation Front
Dr Ben Sihanya, a lecturer on international law at the University of Nairobi, argued that Kenya took the right decision by appealing to the UN over Eritrea, but the onus is on Kenya to provide evidence.
He, however, believes that the diplomatic row with Eritrea and Sudan goes to show that Kenya needs a consistent foreign policy regarding it interests in the region.
"This is the time to formulate a new foreign policy based on the new Constitution and international treaties we have signed. We need more detailed and consistent foreign policy because previously our foreign policy has been reactionary," he said.
President Bashir gave Kenya two weeks to resolve the situation in his favour or face punitive measures, which will include cutting trade and diplomatic ties and banning planes leaving or bound for Kenya from over-flying Sudanese airspace. Other measures include throwing out about 1,500 Kenyans working in Sudan.
Since the issuance of his arrest warrant, Sudan's president has visited Chad, Kenya, Djibouti and Malawi —all members of the ICC.
Faisal Mohamed Salih, a writer and human-rights activist in Sudan, believes that Kenya's decision to avoid political confrontation with the Sudanese government is primarily due to the ongoing internal debate on the ICC's intervention in Kenya following its post-election violence.
"Not all sides in Kenya support the ICC's court case against Kenyan officials; also, some Kenyan officials fear being indicted and suffering the same fate as Sudan's president. This explains their attempt to calm down the situation," said Mr Salih. Dr Al Tayeb Zain Al Abdeen who teaches political science at the University of Khartoum, questioned the court's ability to conduct the actual arrest
"The court does not arrest, it collaborates with the police, which in all countries is part of the state," said Dr Al Abdeen who added that in any case, President Bashir should not consider going to Nairobi at this time.
In October 2011, Malawi also came under fire from the international community and rights groups when it hosted President Bashir. In a statement to the ICC, Malawi said that "as a member of the African Union, (it) fully aligns itself with the position adopted by the African Union."
Additional reporting by Reem Abbas


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What Actions Are Greater Means To Me – My Aussie Dream
by Michelle de Vries from MyAussieDream.com My name is Michelle and I am 24 years old. For as long as I can remember I had a dream. A dream to find home. I am Dutch, but for some reason I always had the longing to live somewhere else. I never really knew where or […]Read More »


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How was your long weekend with Malaysia's Independence Day?
|Merdeka theme year 2015 : #sehatisejiwa
Filled with Lissa & Hanie's Sports Day on Saturday (gonna blog about it soon)
Continue with business activities for the whole Sunday, then out for movie date on Monday. Hubby also went for a golf tournament on Sunday, then promised us a movie date on Monday.
There we go, our movie date to MBO Subang Parade, our favorite cinema of all time!
As usual, Lissa & Hanie were all geared up for a movie.
|Tengahari terik pakai baju lengan panjang. hew hew
|Me, terover dressed plak rasanya
|We opt for a 4:30 pm show
|While waiting for the show to begin, Lissa sempat pura2 selfie. kelakar betul la makcik kecik sorang ni dengan cellphone tipu dia :D
Anyway, wuts the movie all about?
It is a film set in a mind of a girl named Riley. Dari baby until she's 12 years old.
So there go the main character of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear.
It is a roller coaster ride of the story, showing how a person formed her character. Being a joyous person, or a disgust girl. It portrayed a portion of EQ in our life. Banyak pengajaran in the movie itself.
I'd like to categorize it as one of a heavy movie. you have to really understand the story line in order to grab the pengajaran.
Overall, I gave the movie 4 stars. Best, tapi for a movie funday with small kids, tak berapa sangat sebab heavy betul. hehehe. It really delivered a message and such it falls under the Important Movie.
Anyway, both lissa and hanie enjoyed the movie. Siap buat memek2 muka for each of the character.
Balik from the movie, it was about 6:30 pm and both of the kiddos flat! sampai rumah je, memang dah tido..


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Recently, we had the privilege of working with the non-profit group, Pathfinders for Autism, and found it truly inspiring. Based in Maryland, Pathfinders for Autism, provides resources for autistic individuals and parents of autistic kids who need critical service providers. The organization conducts awareness campaigns throughout the year advocating for individuals with autism.
One of their biggest events is the annual "Run Wild For Autism" event held at the Maryland Zoo in September. The event has grown 30% from last year and over 1200 participants were expected this year. Since the event is held over a vast area, coordinators require reliable communications. In the past, 2-way radios were used for communications, but they were very expensive and bulky to carry. Since the non-profit could only afford four 2-way radios for staff members, none of the volunteers could communicate with the staff or each other.
With the increased staffing needed for this year's event, the group realized they could not afford to add more 2-way radios and looked for a more affordable option. Luckily, a member of the group was using Zello in his work for a security company, and suggested Zello as an alternative. Instead of investing more money on costly radios, they decided to give Zello a try.
Two weeks before the event, the staff downloaded Zello and created a "Pathfinders for Autism" channel. They purchased low cost Bluetooth headsets so they could hear better during the event. After a successful trial, they decided to abandon their radios and just use Zello on their smartphones. For the first time ever, they were able to connect all the staff and many volunteers on one network. Plus, they didn't have to lug 2 devices around anymore.
"Zello was a huge improvement...It was super accessible, very easy, affordable… I highly recommend it!" exclaimed Jennifer Hobbs, fund development associate. The event was very successful and raised over $52,000!
Couldn't make this event? You can still help by donating through their website. www.pathfindersforautism.org.
Their next event is "An Evening of Celebrity Fashion and Fun 2014". You can register here.
Do you have a non-profit group? Then, contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com! Let's discuss how we can help your next fundraiser.


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There is nothing like a little competition to inspire everyone to design better and greener. At least that is the theory behind the Progressive Automotive X-prize, which aims to create incentives to promote innovative thinking in the different industries. Well, now the X-prize has set their sights on the automotive industry, by announcing a 10 million dollar prize for whoever can design and bring to market a 100mpge vehicle. Doesn't sound like much, but already 60 different teams have signed up for the competition!
+ Progressive Automotive X-prize
+ Motive Industries
(h/t Autobloggreen)


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Jamie Kelso, Apr. 19, 2010
April 19, 2010
Today we commemorate the 235th anniversary of the stand taken by our forefathers at Lexington green and Concord bridge on April 19, 1775. The Jamie Kelso Show today follows the trail from the Boston Tea Party of Dec. 16, 1753 to the Tea Parties of April 15, 2010. The notice posted in Boston by Patriots in Dec. 1753 before the first Tea Party seems to have lasting meaning: "Brethren, and Fellow Citizens! You may depend, that those odious Miscreants and detestable Tools…those Traitors to their Country who are doing every Thing to Murder and destroy all that shall stand in the Way of their private Interest are determined to come and reside again in the Town of Boston. I therefore give you this early Notice, that you may hold yourselves in Readiness, on the shortest Notice, to give them such Reception as such vile Ingrates deserve. Signed, Joyce, jun., Chairman of the Committee for Tarring and Feathering."
26 MB / 32 kbps mono / 1 hour 56 min.


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Sari Kacang Ijo : Delicious Healthy Drink
Well, well, last Friday's snack post wasn't there so in exchange I'll do it now. It's a hot day today in Yogyakarta and one thing that can swoosh it away is cold beverages. Among tons of unique Indonesian specialty beverages, Read Complete Story..


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Seamless Steel Pipe for Casing
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As told by The Inspired Occasion:
The party was held at a beautiful private residence with 20 guests. The Inspired Occasion event managed the party, organising the savoury food, tables, chairs, linen requirements, entertainment and rosette style chocolate mud birthday cake.
The children's table was covered with a white table cloth, matching runner and a bird cage centrepiece. We also provided bench seating and covers for the children.
The children's' table was set with colour coordinated napery with each child receiving a customised pop-top. The entertainer took the children on a traditional party games adventure which included, pass the parcel, piñata, dance, music, and some other classic party games.
All dessert station edibles, stationery and themed items were made and designed in-house with even the canopy materials customised to match the colour theme for this event. White risers, white cake stands, and white platters completed the theme.
The guests were served our savoury package lunch which included sausage rolls, pizza slices and party pies with platters of fruit, fairy bread and crisps on the table. With the adults enjoying our savoury pastries platter, gourmet chicken rolls and assorted finger sandwiches.
Our Dessert Station menu featured: Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes, Owl Sugar Cookies, Lemon Jelly Cups and Decorated Cakepops.
We completed the dessert station with our ever so popular rosette style chocolate mud cake, colour co-ordinated candy jars with decorative dots, customised menu tags and colour coordinated personalised loot box's supplied by Candy Soirees filled with candy.
- What a gorgeous party, I love the colour scheme and the owl cupcakes and cake pops are beautiful! Not to mention the ruffle tabcloth and custom owl fabric canopy!


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I am very happy to see David Cameron elected as the leader of the Conservative Party.
I now look forward to seeing him moving the party forward and winning the next general election to become the next prime minister.
The measure of his victory should now ensure that the Conservative Parliamentary Party unites behind him and fights the Labour Party, not each other.
It is also important that we reach out from the south of England and appeal to voters in seats such as Pendle in the north west and take the message of modern, compassionate Conservatism to every corner of the UK.
David Cameron's views are refreshing and offer a difference between the two main parties.
I also like his themes of trusting people and responsibility.
I think that this will prove to be the turning point for politics in the UK and I think that David Cameron will be able to fight both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats.
What are these?
Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


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My Nutrition Guide
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August 11, 2017
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I started to use Pro Test 180 and carry out my workout routine along with it. Within the couple of weeks, I have noticed that my stamina and endurance level


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- We went to see Grandma and Grandpa Apel, cousin Payton and Aunt Laura in MO. for Thanksgiving.
- It's 6 hours there and 6 hours back.
- Mica asked, "Are we there yet?" I don't know how many times.
- Overall the kids were great.
- Tomorrow I have to prepare some food for Mommy's side of the family. Yes we have yet another Thanksgiving.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
We Just Got Back
Posted by alissa apel at 12:19 AM 0 comments
Labels: thanksgiving
A Super Hero Cape I Like
- Santa ended up getting the boy's capes from Power Capes.
- I also like this T-Shirt with a cape attached to the back:
- You can find this Super Kid T-Shirt at Personal Creations.
- I like how it snaps on, and can be worn without it too. They come in size 2T to 5/6. They have Rompers too for younger babies. The only reason why I didn't go with this T-Shirt is because it's short sleeve. It's perfect for spring and summer!
- Go Graham Go is giving away a $50 gift card to spend at Personal Creations.
Posted by alissa apel at 12:14 AM 0 comments
Labels: personal creations
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wordless Wednesday - Bad Hair Day
Posted by alissa apel at 8:19 AM 11 comments
Labels: bad hair, Wordless Wednesday
Monday, November 22, 2010
We Go From STRESSED to Thankful
- Mica brought home a paper turkey from preschool that said, "I'm Thankful For Mom."
- I love that kid! He made the stress in my day go away.
Posted by alissa apel at 6:43 PM 0 comments
Labels: thankful
- I'm really stressed. I don't mean to be; I just am. My list of to do stuff keeps getting longer due to the time of year it is.
- My stress started when my grandma went to the hospital a few weeks ago because she fell and had to get staples in her forehead. That same night it snowed and something else happened that I don't want to get into.
- Grandma is home now. She's ok.
- There is medical issues with 4 people in my family. A few of which I can't talk about on here. I hate that. Having a blog is sort of like having a journal release.
- Then there's Isaak that's been acting off all weekend.
- Minus all the medical issues work has been crazy too. We have one guy that's getting married and will be gone for a long time. Then another co-worker had the whole backside of his house burn down.
Posted by alissa apel at 9:16 AM 1 comments
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Stranger Anxiety or Something
- We went to Costco today. If you've never been there, they take the cart on one side of the check out, while you pay on the other. Well Isaak didn't like being away from me today while a stranger touched the cart. He had a look of panic in his eye and started crying.
- Then we went to get Isaak's hair cut. He talked about how he wanted it cut because we asked him. We got there and he kept saying, "I don't want a hair cut Mommy!" We sat in the seat together and tears came rolling down his face. I apologized to the lady, and we walked out. I figured it wasn't the day for it. He was fine the last two times we went to get his hair cut.
Posted by alissa apel at 9:11 PM 0 comments
Labels: stranger anxiety
Knock Knock
- Isaak's been telling, "Knock knock..."
- He waits for you to say, "Who's there?"
- Then he utters complete nonsense and laughs.
Posted by alissa apel at 8:42 PM 1 comments
Labels: knock knock joke
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If you have any questions about this blog, or want to get in contact with me please email me at: email@example.com
I am not compensated to provide opinions on a variety of topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. If I claim to show knowledge of certain topic or product I will only endorse products or services that I feel, based on my expertise, are worthy of such endorsement.
If you have any questions about this blog, or want to get in contact with me please email me at: email@example.com


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Calabasas Details
Conveniently located in Calabasas off Ventura Frwy at Parkway Calabasas and Ventura Blvd. Opened in 2014. I-CAR Gold Class recognized.
About Calabasas
Located in Calabasas, CA, Caliber Collision is an auto body repair shop that provides collision repair services including auto glass repair, dent repair, and painting. Our auto body shop will provide you with consistent repairs as we restore you to the rhythm of your life®. Our repairs are backed through a written lifetime warranty and performed with the highest level of customer service and repair care. We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction, and we are certain you will be satisfied with the superior quality of repairs we provide. We treat our customers with respect, and we give each vehicle the customized level of care required to fix its specific repairs. We will keep in contact with you throughout the repair process, and we will give you continual updates on your vehicle's status as we work to repair it back to pre-accident condition.
Caliber Calabasas is conveniently located to serve as the ideal collision repair shop for those in the Calabasas area including Hidden Hills, Los Angeles, West Hills, and Woodland Hills. We want to have you back in your vehicle as soon as possible, and our team is ready to assist you with any repair services your vehicle requires. At our shop, no job is too big or small for our team to repair.
We would be proud to serve as your collision repair shop both today and for years to come. Don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service Center at 1.888.CALIBER (225-4237) to schedule an appointment or to leave your vehicle with us today!


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There are many temptations in the world we live in and each one of us can't resist some of them. Traditional heavy metal is a temptation that I personally can't resist. I always want to listen to more and I am especially happy when I find out a new good band in the genre. TENTATION which by the way in French means temptation were created in 2012 and they have set as their goal to create heavy metal songs that continue the music tradition of the French scene. This is their new release and I am very happy to present it to you….
THE COVER: The cover of the album could easily be a scene from a 70's occult horror movie. It shows the reflection of a half naked woman on a mirror holding a cross and behind her a person or a creature that wears a bull skull. Yep, it is a creepy cover that you can't ignore.
MUSICAL STYLE: Well, if their biography didn't mention that TENTATION were created in 2012 I could easily take them for a band that comes back from the 80's. Their sound is rooted in the 80's heavy metal sound and their lyrics are in the French language. Their sound is a mixture of melody with heavy riffs and above all 100% live attitude in the way that the bands of the past had.
COMPOSITIONS: In this EP you can find 6 compositions which can travel you back to the 80's without though copying that era, but instead they try and give to that sound a fresh air. The element though that makes this release interesting is the deep knowledge of traditional heavy metal and their true passion for it. In my opinion the band has a strong influence from big names like SAXON, DIO and JUDAS PRIEST, but above all you can easily take them for a band that started in the same era with such great French groups like SORTILEGE and NIGHTMARE.
CONCLUSION: It is obvious that we live in the era that the 80's metal sound is reanimated and although we have many N.W.O.B.H.M. sounding bands it is rare to find bands inspired by other metal scenes of that period. TENTATION come to cover this gap and they do it with passion and creativity. I think that people who are into the 80's French metal scene should definitely check them out.
Nick "Verkaim" Parastatidis


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Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride
The Bedford School District Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride program is available to anyone interested! Our program's designated night is Friday, beginning the first Friday after New Years and running for 5 consecutive Fridays. Your passes will be available for pick up in December, just in time for gift giving! For more information, contact Isabelle Grenier at email@example.com.


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Transport & Logistics Apprenticeship at The Army
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About The Army
Over £18k salary
Guaranteed job
Over 40 accredited roles
World class training
Fix a tank. Build a bridge. Stop a cyber-attack. Whatever you want to do with you career, we've got a place for you.
As an Apprentice in the British Army you'll build the kinds of bonds that you simply wouldn't find in civilian life. You'll make friends for life and travel the world with them, all while earning a very competitive wage.
We train thousands of people in roles ranging from IT to engineering to catering and healthcare. Whoever you are and whatever your ambitions, we can help you find where you belong.
Apply today for an Apprenticeship in the Army
Transport & Logistics Apprenticeship
Delivering troops and supplies to locations around the world is a big part of what we do, and we need to train apprentices to help us be prepared for any situation. From driving large and small vehicles, to flying aircraft and working on ships, you'll get to travel far and wide to make sure we've got everything we need in the places it's needed.
Apprenticeship Level 2
Military trade training forms the main part of this level. You'll complete a range of key skills qualifications (including literacy and numeracy), and get a technical certificate. By the end of the apprenticeship, you'll be a skilled Army tradesman, and be rewarded with an NVQ Level 2 – that's equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
How to apply
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Pandora reports strong UK sales growth
Jewellery brand Pandora grew its UK revenue by 49.7% to DKK 979 million in the fourth quarter of its financial year.
The company, which is known for its charm bracelets, said the increase was driven by an increase in the number of concept store and a focus on new product categories such as rings and earrings. Rings now account for 20% of UK turnover.
UK like-for-like sales climbed by 18.8% compared to the same period in the previous year.
Peter Andersen, president of Pandora UK, said: "2015 marked another hugely successful year for Pandora, both for the UK and globally.
"Whilst our early success in the market can be largely attributed to our popular charm bracelet, we have recently placed huge importance on our other product categories, promoting Pandora as a full jewellery brand. Strong Christmas sales were testament to this strategy, with revenue from the rings category increasing by more than 75% compared with Q4 2014."
The company employs over 10,000 skilled craftspeople in its production facilities in Bangkok where the products are hand-finished. A second factory will open in the north of Thailand in Chiang Mai in the summer of this year.
Andersen added: "Whilst we look back on a fantastic year of trading, we now look forward to an exciting 2016. This year will not only see us open new production facilities in Chiang Mai to meet product demand, but will also see us open our 200th store in the UK - an impressive milestone considering we have only been in the market for seven years."
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"First Rate People hire first rate people. Second rate people hire third rate people." -Hermann Weyl
So, here we are, encountering one another on the internet. There's a really good chance that this is because you have some interest in space, science, astronomy, astrophysics, or some related area. Although I am an astrophysicist with a Ph,D. in theoretical physics, my focus over the past decade or so has been on education and public outreach: science communication.
There's an incredible Universe out there that we're exploring, and the more we learn about it, the more effort we need to put into education and outreach if we want a society that's with us on the cutting edge. That understands where we are and what we're doing; that creates valuable opportunities for the next generation of scientists to participate and contribute to the enterprise of science.
So why, then, would we be okay with just eliminating NASA's Office of Education? If we care about America, we won't be. Read on.


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The Cisco Small Business Team visits our friends at Newegg BusinessSmall Business
Our team visits the Sales Team at Newegg Business in the City of Industry.Read More
Why Compromise Your Public Cloud Experience?Cloud
Have you used a public cloud? The experience as a developer is truly fantastic. Enter your credit card information and go. Need more resources? Click. Tear down a server andRead More
Summary: The First 4 Steps to Simplify Your Small Business Information TechnologyPerspectives
Sam O'Daniel (better known as the Startup IT Guy) has put together a short list of steps to take when starting or just simplifying your business information technology. If theRead More
Behind the WiFi Network @ Mobile World Congress 2014: Setting the StageMobility
Every year a new attendance record is set at Mobile World Congress by networkers participating from over 200 countries across the globe. This grand attendance of industry-defining vendors, technology enthusiastsRead More
Not All 802.11ac AP's are Created Equal: Demand the Full StoryMobility
It's always interesting and often entertaining to observe how competitors promote their products and what they choose to focus on—and more importantly, what they choose not to focus on andRead More
HDX Blog Series #3: 802.11ac Beamforming At Its Best: ClientLink 3.0Mobility
Editor's Note: This is the second of a four-part deep dive series into High Density Experience (HDX), Cisco's latest solution suite designed for high density environments and next-generation wireless technologies.Read More
Detecting Payment Card Data Breaches Today to Avoid Becoming Tomorrow's HeadlineSecurity
A few months ago we discussed the various ways that consumer PII is compromised. The recent attacks against Target and Neiman Marcus illustrate the constant threat that payment card acceptingRead More
Integrated Collaboration Highlights and Updates from InfoComm 2013Video
What a great reception at InfoComm 2013! We had the opportunity to share with customers the innovations we are driving around conferencing to deliver better scale, quality and interoperability. TheyRead More
When Is "Good Enough" Video…Well, Good Enough?Video
There's no doubt that video is becoming more pervasive in business. It's no wonder: humans are visually oriented. We've been reading people's faces since we were newborns, so it's naturalRead More
Hardware vs. software: user questions (part 2)High Performance Computing Networking
In my prior blog entry, I answered the first of Durga C.'s questions to me. Here's all three of his questions: What is the role of the hardware in anRead More


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SOURCE: New York Microscope
January 22, 2013 17:28 ET
HICKSVILLE, NY--(Marketwire - Jan 22, 2013) - Representatives from New York Microscope Company Inc. announced the launch of a new, sister website -- www.NYscopes.com -- to work in conjunction with the existing website for NY Microscope. Citing growing demand and business activity as well as an increase in sales and service requests from their customers, many of which have been loyal clients for over 30 years, New York Microscope execs decided that a second website was the best way forward.
The new company website and the original, microscopeinternational.com, will function together as the online presence of New York Microscope and will support their retail clients as well as bids and orders received from the many schools and institutions that rely on them for laboratory equipment, lab supplies, medical equipment and disposables.
"We decided that after a lot of internal study and a detailed examination of client feedback that a second website with new online features was the best option for everyone, especially our clients," said Ossnat Koenig, President of New York Microscope Company Inc. "The new website with its upgraded shopping cart and live customer support center was the way to go. This site also provides our employees with the resources and tools they need to better assist our customers."
New York Microscope Company has been in the laboratory equipment business for over 30 years, shopping on the world markets to find competitively priced, high quality laboratory equipment, microscopes and digital cameras for their clients. From laboratory supplies, medical equipment and human anatomy models to incubators and glassware such as beakers and cylinders, New York Microscope Company knows their clients will always find the finest laboratory equipment in the world on their shelves and online on their websites. They take pride in providing their clients with friendly, professional customer service and their support staff is available 24/7 for any inquiries, concerns or technical issues.
Now their clients have a brand new website to assist them in finding any product they need while also providing them with the quickest, easiest and most secure shopping cart and checkout services in the industry.
About New York Microscope Company Inc.: New York Microscope Company Inc. is an industry leader in microscope sales and service. Their clients are based in U.S. and international government, medical and industrial institutions around the world. In addition their diverse selection of microscopes, digital and video systems, New York Microscopes specializes in laboratory equipment such as disposables, glassware, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, human anatomy models and skeletons, refractometers and more.
The microscope service and repair center at New York Microscope is a core part of their business so every case is handled with the utmost professionalism and integrity. Customer satisfaction is and has always been a number one priority at New York Microscope Company Inc.
For more information about New York Microscope visit their new website at www.NYscopes.com or call 516-801-0313
New York Microscope Company
(877) 877-7274
New York Microscope Company
(877) 877-7274
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2018/2019 Programme
2018/2019 Programme
2018 Programme
March 13 – AGM followed by quiz
April 10 – Celia Cheetham 'Modern Medicine from Garden Plants' – talk and presentation on plants as a remedy for ailments. Members £1.50 Guests £3.50
May 8 – Visit to 'Ivans Nursery' situated at Great Brickhill. (sat nav MK17 9AS) Plenty of roses and perennials. A chance to purchase. Arrive 7.00pm Members and guests FREE
June 12 – An evening at a Members garden. Bring a plate of food or nibbles to share. Arrive 7.00pm Members and guests FREE
July 10 – A guided tour around Howe Park Wood led by Frank Wykes ('Walking for Health' voluntary guide) Arrive 7.00pm Members and guests £3.00
August 14 – Visit to the 'Potash Nursery' just outside of Drayton Parslow village. Arrive 7.00pm. Members FREE guests £2.00
September 11 – Return visit to 'The Virtual Orchard' now relocated at Wakefield Country Courtyard, Pottersbury (sat nav NN12 7FA) A chance to savour their cider with a opportunity to buy their produce. Arrive 7.00pm at destination. Members and guests £5.00
October 9 – An evening with Jan Taylor reliving her experiences on her Nepalese medical expedition. Members FREE guests £2.00
November 13 – An evening with Chris Pullen who will create various floral displays with a raffle of the displays afterwards. Members £1.50 guests 3.50
December 12 – Our usual Christmas Party. Bring a plate of festive food to share. Non alcoholic refreshments available. Fun and games all evening. Members FREE guests £2.00
2019 Programme
January 8 – Our New Year evening out at a local restaurant. Venue to be arranged. Members and guests £tba
February 12 – 'Re-think your rubbish' with Sheila Walker who will show how to transform what you think is rubbish into really nice and probably fun things. Members £1.50 Guests £3.50
March 12 – AGM, followed by competition and quiz. Members FREE guests £2.00


text: Cold Snap Felt Across Rockies, Midwest December 4, 2013 08:35 AM Tweet TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 By Associated Press Email By MATT VOLZ, Associated Press HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A wintry storm pushing through the Rockies and Midwest is bringing bitterly cold temperatures and treacherous driving conditions blamed in at least six deaths as it threatens crops as far south as California. The wind chill could drop to 30 degrees below zero in parts of Montana on Wednesday while wind chills of minus 20 have already been recorded in the Nebraska Panhandle. Low temperatures in the Denver area were expected to drop below zero over the next several days. Watch the AgDay national weather forecast: The jet stream is much farther south than normal, allowing the cold air to push in from the Arctic and drop temperatures by 20 to 40 degrees below normal levels, AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines said. Areas of Montana and the Dakotas were forecast to reach lows in the minus-20s, while Laramie, Wyo. is expected to see a low temperature of 28 below. The icy arctic blast was expected to be followed by another one later in the week, creating an extended period of cold weather that hasn't been seen since the late 1990s, meteorologists said. In California's Central Valley, temperatures dropped into the upper 20s overnight, not enough to cause any damage to citrus crops. Citrus farmers, however, are anticipating colder temperatures overnight Wednesday and Thursday and are continuing to take precaution, said Bob Blakely, of California Citrus Mutual. The unrelenting storm has spread about 2 feet of snow and brought daily activities to a grinding halt in northeastern Minnesota. The heavy snow and ice has contributed to hundreds of traffic accidents around the state and was cited in at least four fatal crashes since Monday. The storm closed the University of Minnesota Duluth and most other schools in the area and canceled holiday parties, Salvation Army bell ringing and a lutefisk dinner in Duluth, where over a foot of snow has fallen over three days. In Colorado, the American Red Cross opened a warming shelter in a church in Black Forest near Colorado Springs, to help people still recovering from a wildfire in June that destroyed nearly 500 homes and killed two people. Meanwhile, the snow and cold sent the Denver Broncos indoors to practice and canceled a men's World Cup downhill training in Beaver Creek. The racers need a clean, slick surface to practice on and will try to squeeze in a training run on Thursday, when the snow should taper off but bitter cold will continue. Officials warned residents to protect themselves against frostbite if they are going to be outside for any length of time. "When it gets this cold, you don't need 30, 40 mile-per-hour winds to get that wind chill down to dangerous levels. All it takes is a little breeze," Kines said. The storm hit the northern Rockies on Monday and Tuesday, dumping up to 2 feet of snow in the mountains and in Yellowstone National Park. A four-vehicle crash in central Montana killed Chelsea Stanfield, 21, of Great Falls. Authorities said Stanfield was driving too quickly for the icy conditions. In North Dakota, Ronald Waters, 59, of Watford City, died when the semitrailer he was driving rolled in a ditch south of the city. In the Dakotas, cattle ranchers who lost thousands of animals in an October blizzard were bracing for the latest wintry weather, with wind chills of 40 degrees below zero expected by week's end. Cattle should be able to withstand the harsh conditions better than they did the Oct. 4 blizzard, said Julie Ellingson, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association. "Cattle are a hardy species; they can endure a lot," she said. "With that October storm, they didn't have their winter hair coat yet. They've acquired some of that extra hair that will help insulate them better." The system was pushing south, and Texans enjoying balmy 80-degree days should be seeing temperatures in the 40s by Thursday, Kines said. The cold air is expected to linger until next week then move east, where it will bring less-drastic temperature changes, he said. Back to news


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New York Metal act Extinction A.D. has debuted an all-new single today exclusively via PUREGRAINAUDIO called "In The Wake of Uprising" with plans to release a brand new record next month.
"This song has an overwhelming sense of urgency musically, so we matched that feeling lyrically," says the band. "The music sets the perfect frenetic backdrop for ideas of revolt and resistance. It's a rallying cry to end the abuse of authoritative power by any means necessary."
Extinction A.D. will release their second full length titled Decimation Treaty on February 16, 2018, via Good Fight Music. The sophomore full length was recorded and mixed by Joe Cincotta (Suffocation, Obituary) and mastered by Brad Boatright (Iron Reagan, Converge, Obituary).
The new track, "In The Wake of Uprising," is now available on all streaming platforms and the iTunes music store.
The band will hit the road this winter in support of Darkest Hour and Whores. All tour dates can be found below.
Long Island metal vets Rick Jimenez, Pieter van den Berg and Mike Sciulara, along with Ian Cimaglia, who is making his first official recording appearance as the bands lead guitar player, are back with another unrelenting and ferocious thrash explosion with Decimation Treaty. The "question everything" approach of the band's lyrics combined with their unmatched raw live energy and 2018 power and precision approach to classic thrash metal has elevated them to a whole new level.
The band formed in 2013 and has been releasing music and touring steadily throughout North America, as seen on tour with Havok, Municipal Waste, Darkest Hour, Testament, D.R.I, Unearth, Exodus, Venom and many more.
Read More News
Tags: Extinction AD, Decimation Treaty, In The Wake of Uprising
Red Baron January 08, 2018
More NewsSLAYER ACTION FIGURE
AFTERMATH is Back with New LP Digital Drop Tomorrow Friday 2/15/2019. "There is Something Wrong"
THE OXFORD COMA Everything Out Of Tune
Chout "Dogwater"
Ashen Horde Fallen Cathedrals - Out March 22, 2019


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I attended my first drum circle last weekend. It was at East West Bookstore on Castro Street. I've gone to quite a few different events at East West over the years, but this was my first experience with a drum. I had never even touched a drum before I sat down to play with 70 other people. The drum circle was actually 2 or 3 people deep and the circle facilitator stood in the center and led the group. His name is David Dilullo and this is a link to his website. It has a good video of him in action. Yes, I took my own video while I was at the event, but the lights were turned down really low and my video is completely black. Check out his website to see what a drum circle looks like and how happy everyone is that participates.
David brought tons of drums for people to borrow for the evening, so it didn't matter that I don't own one. My friends each had their own. They're experience drummers and I'm pretty sure they're trying to get me hooked.
I was surprised that all the drums are so different from each other, tall, short, fat, stand on the floor, hold on your lap, everything. I don't know the names of the different types of drums, I'm sure you could find someone to give you good drum advice if you really wanted to know more. Plenty of loaner drums were available, as well as other percussion instruments for people to experiment with.
It doesn't matter how experienced you are at playing an instrument, or whether or not you think you have any musical ability. It's really fun and everyone around you is having a great time, so there's no way that it doesn't rub off on you. The group included people of all ages. I walked in not knowing what to expect, a little nervous about my lack of experience, and ended up having a great time!
These events at East West Bookstore are very popular and sell out early, so keep an eye on their events calendar if you're interested in attending. Drum Circles only happen once a quarter at East West, although I did notice an upcoming drum concert and a drum workshop. Please check their events calendar. I love Mountain View.


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On 4th June a planning inspector dismissed Lidl's appeal to develop the site of the former Good Companions pub, in Limpsfield Road, Hamsey Green, citing concerns over "highway safety".
The decision brings to apparent close a battle raging since August 2012 when Lidl first revealed its plans for the site.
Media Articles:
United Kingdom51° 19' 8.526" N, 0° 3' 48.312" W
Croydon GB


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John Williams
It's not often you'll find the principal of a PR firm who has also held executive level positions in marketing, business development and product management. It's what separates Scoville's perspective of public relations from that of other firms. It's what allows us to fundamentally understand the role that PR plays within the larger framework of a client's goals. It's what allows us to bring Concentrated Power™ to the practice of public relations.
A senior communications executive, John has nearly 20 years experience in every facet of marketing and public relations both inside agencies and corporations. His publicity strategies and execution continue to result in features on clients in nearly every respected and influential media outlet in the county, if not the world, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Time Magazine, CNN, NPR, USA Today, Washington Post, NY Times, Fortune Small Business, Discovery Channel, PBS, NBC's Today Show, ABC World News Tonight – even the Jay Leno Show. He enjoys personal and professional relationships with key editors and reporters in a wide range of media. In 2006, he was featured in PR Week for his national PR campaign for Flexcar, called "The Low Car Diet."
John is also an accomplished writer, and has been published in numerous newspapers and trade journals under his own or his clients' byline. He has also been the featured speaker at numerous industry events and tradeshows, including Marketing Communications Executives International and the American Marketing Association.
John is active in the Seattle community, having served for more than a decade on the board of trustees for Children's Home Society, the state's oldest and largest non-profit for children and families. He was presented the 2003 Founder's Award for outstanding service during his tenure. He also serves on a communications advisory board for the YMCA of Greater Seattle, the public relations committee for the regional American Cancer Society and the program committee of the MIT Enterprise Forum. He is a past president of the board of Seattle Works, Seattle's pioneering volunteer network for young adults and is a board member of Marketing Communications Executives International.
John holds a bachelor's degree in American Studies from Hamilton College and has completed post-graduate work in Public Relations at the University of Washington. He is married with three children and resides in the View Ridge Neighborhood of Seattle.


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I met Shea a few years ago on SHARE and as we found ourselves moving on from SHARE, we began to stalk each other in Blogville.
Shea's blog is full of witty sarcasm and humorous self- criticism. Don't be fooled by Shea's cuteness. She keeps it real. Shea has a knack for finding humor in any situation. You can't help but laugh as you read some of her stories, because, most likely, you have experienced similar situations yourself. Especially if you're a mom. You can always count on Shea for a pick-me-up on a gloomy day.
And now, my fellow bloggers, please allow me to introduce you to Shea!
1.What's your name?
2.Tell us a little bit about you.
Wow I didn't know this was going to be so hard! Um I grew up in Alberta Canada. Due to teenage drama, I ended up going to school at Brigham Young University in Utah instead of University of Calgary. Karma kicked me in the ass and now I'm stuck in Utah. I've been married to Ryan for 15 years. He is a detective/trooper/sergeant, which is why we are stuck in Utah. I have two beautiful daughters, Hanna and Grace. I have one beautiful daughter in heaven, Evie. I also have 4 angel babies that I never got the pleasure of meeting. So my girls are kind of a miracle. I went back to work this year teaching 27 first graders and I'm just trying to keep my head above water and my eyes open past 7pm.
3.When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging after Evie was born. My therapist told me journal writing would be therapeutic and blogging was kind of a new thingy so I thought I'd try it. I also thought it would help keep family in Canada updated. It has been very good for me and helped keep me off anti-depressants and out of therapy.
4.Tell us a bit about your blog(s).
Well, I like to think of it as a diary or journal. I wish I could write everything I think because I have some funny stuff rolling around in my head but I've learned (you can view snotty blog comments yourself) that you can't write everything you think because people you might never think of could be reading your blog. So it's just about my life, my thoughts, my struggles. I try to not make it all about my family or kids and I try to make it kind of humorous. Self-deprecating maybe.
5.Has blogging changed you or your outlook on life at all?
It has made me feel more confident about my writing. Believe me, I know I'm not a great writer but I like to hear that I made people smile or laugh. Everyone wants to be liked, right? I've also realized that others struggle with the same things I do. It's comforting to know you're not the only crazy one out there. I've also been disturbed by how willing people are to say really horrible things when they are under the cloak of anonymity. I'm trying to learn not to internalize hurtful comments.
6.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite posts from your own blog(s).
Sex Education in the Nordstrom Family Bathroom
7.Link us to 1 - 3 of your favorite fellow bloggers
I have friends who blog but it was too hard to pick. I'm just putting some that I read religiously. Now that I work full-time I don't have as much time to read. I barely have time to write.
8.How did you come to be a follower of mine and why do you follow me?
I met Ter on the SHARE discussion boards. She was always so nice and helped me through a horrible time. Honestly that time of my life is really foggy so all I know is that I somehow started reading her blog. Must have been linked from the SHARE site. (note from Ter: I probably harassed her "doyagottablogdoyadoyadoya?")
9.What, if anything, have you gained from reading from my blog?
I have friends who have found Ter's blog from mine, they don't know her but they always comment on how they are moved by reading her entries. I feel the same way. I've learned not to take life for granted. That you might not have as long with a loved one as you might think. Oh and I love her even more because she's Canadian!
10. Tell me the truth, you're going to brag to all your bloggy friends that you were my follower of the month, aren't you? ;)
Sister, I'm mailing out flyers!
Thank you for being my Follower of the Month, Shea! I hope you enjoyed your time here.
Please go over to The Fascinating Girl and say hello to Shea!
If you are here from Shea's blog, Welcome! Please leave a comment so I know you were here. And should you be so inclined, please become a follower too!
If you would like to be a Follower of the Month, all you have to do is email me! The Follower of the Month is posted the first Saturday of every month.


text: Mead, a United States Army and Vietnam era veteran, serves as the Managing Director for Drexel Hamilton's Municipal Finance department. Mead began his career at Salomon Brothers, where he worked for 20 years becoming Managing Director responsible for municipal sales, trading, and underwriting. Prior to his arrival at Drexel Hamilton, Mead was a Managing Director at Ramirez & Company and President of WR Lazard & Company, where he brought unranked municipal divisions into the top ten of co-managed underwriters while underwriting a wide range of new issues across the country. Additionally, Mead has been financial adviser to the New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority for the last 20 years.


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Mother – madeo – 2009
plot: Hye-ja is a ginseng vendor and an unlicensed acupuncturist in a small town in southern South Korea. She dotes on her son, Do-joon, who is 27, unemployed, and mentally incapacitated on some level, which Hye-ja seems to ignore.A high school girl is found dead on the roof of an abandoned building, and the local detectives arrest Do-joon based on circumstantial evidence. They coerce him to sign a confession and quickly imprison him. Hye-ja, distraught and convinced he is innocent, searches for the real killer, uncovering many secrets from the townspeople.
Hey there! long time no see!
I've been dying to update Zombie Cupcakes for a while now, but work has been so crazy and, and… ok. I have no excuse. also, it's been so long since I last wrote a movie review I almost forgot how to do it!
BUT, and here's how I can make up for the time where I didn't give you all enough attention or information, i am back with one of those perfect 10's that don't need much introduction (also that will make it easier for me to get back into the game of things.. totally selfish, yes). it's been a long time since i didn't bring you a masterpiece.. so here it is: Mother.
Madeo is a 2009 movie directed by Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Memories of Murder) about the strength, the passion, and the unconditional love of all mothers. more specifically, about the relationship of a mother (played by korean superstar Kim Hye-ja, whom the director made the film for) and her mentally impaired 28-year-old son, who all of a sudden is convicted of murder. i really don't want to say much more than that, you're just gonna have to watch it. the journey of a mother pushing every kind of limit, physical, psychological, and most of all moral, to protect her only and beloved son.
this is not the first time Bong Joon-ho brings to the table 80's set police methods and procedures. he did it with Memories of Murder first, which is considered to be one of the best korean dramas of all times. now, if you want me to be absolutely honest, I never got into Memories of Murder (and I tried SO hard), while on the other side I absolutely fucking loved The Host (you can read more about that here), so my expectations for Mother were right in the middle.
and what a pleasant surprise! the movie is deep and wrong and shows exactly how far the love of a mother can go. it pushes boundaries while keeping you interested the whole way through. it reminded me of Sympathy for Mr.Vengeance more than a couple times, which is a HUGE plus..
also, the photography is heartbreakingly beautiful
seriously, hurry up and watch this.
and prepare the tissues, because it will make you cry. i warned you.
Zombie Cupcakes out!


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The Embassy of Finland in Riga is part of the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, whose mission concept is to promote the Finnish national interest abroad and to look after the interests and rights of Finnish citizens. The Embassy in Riga works to promote the development of relations between Finland and Latvia.
The Embassy is an official channel between the Governments of Finland and Latvia and represents also the extended Finnish Government. The Embassy prepares and takes care of contacts in political level and between the authorities of Finland and Latvia and promotes interaction and networking between the societies in different spheres of life. The Embassy follows and reports to Helsinki about Latvia's foreign-, security-, trade- and domestic politics as well as general developments in Latvia.
The Embassy promotes Finnish business interests in Latvia and assists Finnish companies in their connections with Latvian authorities.
The Embassy carries out the policy according to objectives of Finnish foreign policy, i.e. supporting Latvian membership in the EU, Latvian adaptation to the EU integration, social integration and development, consolidation of constitutional state, intensified cooperation among Nordic and Baltic states (NB8), cooperation in the Baltic Sea area, and further supporting the development of democracy, human rights and good governance. By neighbouring area cooperation Finland has assisted for example Latvian language training for non-citizens, development of border control system in accordance with EU standards, water sewage development and the establishment of the corruption prevention and control bureau.
The Embassy promotes the knowledge of Finnish culture in Latvia and supports in different ways cultural exchange, information and connections between the civil society in Finland and Latvia. The Embassy keeps close contact with the Finnish society in Latvia and together with them promotes the knowledge of Finland in Latvia.
With its consular services the Embassy assists Finnish citizens in Latvia in case someone has lost their passport or money. In addition the Embassy provides assistance in other government services like official certificates, compulsory military service, inheritance, notary, etc.
The Embassy visa and work permit services provide assistance for the Latvian citizens and other permanent and temporary residents in Latvia. Latvian citizens do not need a visa to enter Finland, but the Latvian non-citizens and nationals of third countries will need it.
There are permanently four expatriates from Finland working at the Embassy and seven locally hired persons.


text: It's Election Frenzy Day Today, is the day you stand up for what you believe in and vote! If you want to see changes, if you want to make a difference vote, be apart of this 2012 election history by taking the time to cast your ballot for the most qualified candidate for you! #Rockyourvote Related articles How Election Day Will Break Twitter Election polling stations prep for Tuesday A Thinking Electorate SHARE ON: Labels:Election,Election 2012,presidential election,rock your vote,vote,Voting Day Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook 0 comments: Post a Comment


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Over coffee and the most utterly delicious biscotti I think I have ever tasted (made by Vicky), those of us attending the course introduced ourselves and Vicky asked us to share our bread experiences. Despite the course title, none of us were complete bread novices: Tara, the youngest participant had made bread rolls at school, Kate mainly baked soda bread, Jason had perfected a low knead pizza dough which gives awesome results everytime (I'm going to try it!), Marianne bakes bread for the cafe/deli she owns. However, as with any skill, there is always more to learn, a different approach to absorb and we were all keen to get going.
|'Super' seeded soda bread
Vicky is hugely knowledgeable about the bread making process, and shares generously, answering questions and volunteering information - including a top tip for greasing tins using spray oil. The day was well organised and impeccably timed. Not only did we achieve everything the course promised, we had great fun into the bargain. On top of that, the bread we baked was truly fabulous - the mouthwatering smell of it wafted over us from Vicky's magnificent beast of a bread oven from the moment the soda bread went in until it was time to go home - and I can honestly say that I don't think I've baked better bread. As the Husband was going away, I froze the soda bread and the wholemeal loaf, when I got home, but the kids devoured the bread sticks and half of the garlic topped tear and share bread for their tea.The sourdough loaf went into the fridge to prove over night, and I fed my sourdough starter that Vicky sent us all home with.
The following day, as instructed, I baked my sourdough loaf. A little lopsided (still haven't fully got the hang of the oven I'm baking with), but gorgeous. Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside. Delicious with strawberry jam, tasty with tomato soup.
With my starter now happily in the fridge, and renewed confidence from the course, I am eager to get back in the sourdough groove, but I also think my use of more 'conventional' yeast will change - there will always be some sachets of quick yeast in the cupboard, but I will use more fresh yeast too. And finally, what I have learned is that a good loaf takes a little time. Not impossibly so, but I have been perhaps a little too slapdash in my approach to kneading - the benefits of a longer knead were much in evidence in the loaves I produced with Vicky. And as all these things are about sharing, I'm also keen to experiment with the low knead technique that Jason, one of the other participants, described, for pizza dough.
It's a brilliant day, and I think would have suited a novice just as well as someone with a little more experience. Perhaps you think it's a long way to come? Well, this is a beautiful holiday area, so it's perfectly possible to make a weekend or even a week of it. And if you were coming on holiday to the area anyway, this would be a perfect day to fit in. Vicky also runs courses for kids - and as it does tend to rain here, this would be a great thing to have up your sleeve.
Garlic, parmesan & herb tear & share loaf
To get a flavour (a delicious, garlicky cheesey flavour at that) of Vicky's baking, she has kindly agreed to let me pass on her recipe for the 'tear and share' bread. This was baked in a Bundt tin - something I have never got my head around for cakes on the basis that I'd be scared the batter would stick, but I will definitely be getting one because of the awesome results. By baking the bread in a high sided tin, it keeps the resulting bread beautifully soft. And I know sometimes you want crust, but sometimes, you want delicious, soft bread.
For 1 quantity of white bread dough (roughly a loaf's worth)
435g strong white flour
7g sea salt
7g fresh yeast, crumbled
230g tepid water
14g olive oil
For the Garlic Butter with Parmesan and Italian Herb topping:
100g butter, melted
1 egg, beaten
25g Parmesan cheese, grated finely
2 cloves garlic, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried Italian herb
Bundt tin
Spray oil for greasing the tin (a personal favourite!)
Mix and knead one quantity of dough:
- Weigh all the ingredients into a bowl and work together with a bread scraper initially (if you have one).
- Splash the work top with a little water (not flour!), and tip the rough dough out onto the work surface and start kneading.
- Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes by hand until you have a beautiful smooth and stretchy dough.
- Scrape out the mixing bowl then return the ball of dough to the bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave in a warm place to prove for one hour.
Meanwhile prepare the topping - in a small bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, Parmesan, garlic, salt and dried herbs altogether and set aside.
When the dough has doubled in size, roughly after an hour, tip out onto your work surface and divide into 12 equal boules.
Dip each one into the garlicky butter, cover well and pop into the bundt tin.
Drizzle any remaining butter over the nestling boules and then place the tin into a large plastic bag. Seal and place in a warm spot, ready to prove for a good forty minutes, until the dough is voluminous and noticeably increased in size.
Bake at 190C for 30-40 minutes until risen and golden brown. Allow to cool for five minutes before tipping out and placing on a wire rack. You will have a deliciously tender crumb to your bread as the dough has steamed as it's baked, thanks to the high sides of the bundt tin which traps the moisture in as your bread bakes.
You can find out more by visiting Vic North Bakes . If you're local to Cardigan, you can also take the opportunity to eat Vicky's delicious bread on a regular basis by joining her bread club.
I was delighted to accept an invitation from Vicky North to attend 'Crust & Crumb - an introduction to baking'.I was not required to write a blog post, and the opinions expressed are my own.


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Living a healthy lifestyle is a choice that we get to make on a daily basis. The challenges and temptations are rampant in our society but at the end of the day, it all boils down to the choices that we make.
Hence, being able to make an INFORMED decision/choice is one of the key factors in making our diet plan work. Forgetting the basic rules in weight loss is a big no-no. And so, we've compiled these top 50 specific questions raised by our dieters that will serve as a refresher on how the fast metabolism diet plan works.
1. I found myself gaining weight in Phase 3.
Try using starchy vegetables instead of grains. Substitute sweet potato, beans, or winter squash at dinner instead of rice or quinoa.
2. Can I have RAW (no other ingredients added) honey, agave, and maple syrup as my sweetener?
The only allowed sweetener during the fast metabolism diet plan is stevia and xylitol. You can use other raw sweeteners in maintenance.
3. Can I start Phase 1 on any day?
Absolutely. Starting Phase 1 on Monday is only a typical guide for our meal map. You can start at any day you want.
4. I am feeling hungry all the time! What should I do?
You can consume phase-specific vegetables and increase your water intake. Water keeps you full and is great in helping you control that pesky over-eating urges.
5. How to control binge eating and cravings after lunch and dinner?
Divert your attention elsewhere other than eating. Read a book or play an instrument. Here are some great tips on how to control your unhealthy indulgence.
6. Fruit contains sugar. Should I eat it?
Yes, you can eat it raw, fresh, or frozen (not dry). Just don't drink it in the form of juice.
7. Why does kale taste so gross but everyone raves about it?
You have to "massage" it.
8. What's the deal with celebrities cutting dairy and losing so much weight?
Lactose can cause bloating.
9. Smoothies or juices?
Go for smoothies. Juices can spike your blood sugar quickly.
10. Can I eat all types of fish?
No. Avoid eating tilapia, catfish, and swordfish as much as possible. They are farmed and are primarily fed by antibiotics and soy.
11. Is coffee good for me?
No. Avoid coffee as much as possible. Here are healthier coffee alternatives.
12. Is wheat bread always better than white?
No. They still contain gluten. Go for sprouted wheat bread instead.
13. Margarine or butter?
Neither. It is always better to go for olive oil (in Phase 3).
14. What's the first thing I should do when I wake up?
Eat your breakfast or snack 30 minutes within waking up and drink a glass of water.
15. What's the healthiest nut to eat?
16. Should I eat the yolk?
It is recommended to eat the yolks only on Phase 3.
17. Can I eat beans?
Of course! You can substitute beans (or other legumes) for meat, especially if you're a vegetarian.
18. Which is healthier, chicken or turkey?
Turkey. Click here for healthy turkey recipes.
19. Any tricks to get my kids to eat vegetables?
Here are some tips to encourage your kids in eating veggies
20. What can I add to my smoothies to make them healthier?
Healthy fats like avocado, chia seeds, and flax seeds.
21. Which oatmeal should I eat?
Go for steel cut oatmeals. No instant!
22. Cacao or Cocoa? Which is which?
Cocoa is just another term for cacao. They are basically the same!
23. Can I have my cheat day?
If possible, no. But if it's inevitable to attend parties and special events, apply these tips to minimize its effects in your metabolism. Remember that moderation is the key.
24. Should I take my vitamin supplements?
Yes, you can take them while you're on the fast metabolism diet. However, you need to remember that nothing beats a healthy diet. Your supplement intake should go along with healthy diet and exercise.
25. Can I drink an alcoholic beverage?
Like coffee, alcohol is a major metabolism killer. If possible, avoid it. If it's inevitable, your best option would be organic sulfite-free red wine. Here are some tips for dealing with alcoholic drinks
26. I am confused regarding the protein/fat in Phase 3. Do I have to eat either one or both?
27. I messed up! Should I start over?
You don't need to. Move on and get back on track during your next meal/snack.
28. I am a vegetarian/vegan. What can I use as a replacement for meat in Phase 1 and 3?
You can substitute it with legumes. Here are healthy tips for vegetarians.
29. Are veggie chips healthy?
30. True or false: Chocolate is actually healthy?
Only if it's 70%+ cacao. Check out our mouthwatering chocolate recipes.
31. Soup or salad?
Soup. Vegetable soup!
32. What's the deal with BPA?
It's like dosing with estrogen. Go for BPA free water container.
33. Is fresh fruit healthier than frozen?
No. Frozen is usually better.
34. Pinto, navy, kidney: Are all beans the same?
Darker beans mean more nutrition.
35. What's is the condiment that I should keep?
36. What's the single most important healthy resolution I can make?
Eat less sugar.
37. I can lose weight in the summer, but I regain it in the fall. Help!
To get back on track, try to think about how you lost the weight in the first place. "Whatever worked for you then will probably work for you in a maintenance phase," says Jenna A. Bell Wilson, Ph.D., R.D.
38. What kind of water can I drink in Fast Metabolism Diet?
The best choice would be a natural spring water. You can have Seltzer or Perrier water after you've met your water requirement.
39. I am having a severe headache as I started the diet.
You are most likely having a caffeine withdrawal. You can apply these tips to alleviate the pain you're experiencing.
40. How about a few more days?
If you're still having headaches after a few more days, it might be caused by sugar craving. Check out these remedies to fight intense sugar cravings.
41. I am craving for pasta! What can I substitute for pasta?
You can have brown rice pasta and quinoa pasta for Phase 1. Quinoa, Kamut, buckwheat, and spelt or sprouted pasta.
42. Is salmon allowed in each phase? I thought only in phase 3 since it only lists smoked salmon nitrate free in all phases
Only Smoked Salmon is allowed in Phase 2. However, you get to enjoy a little bit of freedom when you reach phase 3 as you can chow on any Salmon dish when you reach this phase. All must be nitrate-free though.
43. Are meat portions measured as raw or cooked?
44. Is v8 juice allowed in the diet? It's not a fruit juice.
Any kind of juice is not allowed in the diet.
45. The recipe I want to cook has ingredients that are not allowed in the diet. What should I do?
You can find a substitute for the ingredients that are allowed in the fast metabolism diet here.
46. What is whipped cream composed of?
Egg whites and almond/coconut/rice milk (depending on your Phase).
47. Is tahini allowed in the diet?
Only in Phase 3.
48. Is there a difference between the various Phase 1s throughout the four weeks? (Same question for other Phases)
No. It is still the same phase. But you can vary your foods and exercise every week as long as it is still phase specific.
49. Is there an android version for the fast metabolism app?
The android app for the fast metabolism diet is now available! Get it on Google play.
50. Where can I get some delectable and healthy recipe ideas?
Browse our Pinterest page for healthy and delectable fast metabolism diet recipes.


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Something yoga inspired obviously....The Lotus Position, in 20g sterling silver wire. I am VERY pleased with how this worked out, although I want to try it in 18g as 20g, which this is, needs to be reinforced as it is. That could be cool too though so we will see. Now to add a jump ring or some such and off we go!
Ohhh, and I got to use the new jig I bought right away! Have I mentioned the new jig? The Beadalon Deluxe Thing-a-ma-jig no less! It is a very handy tool if you do certain types of wire work....and it is just the ticket for making the yoga pendant! Let's see what else I will come up with.


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Fundamental changes have taken place in the western oil painting
Traditional painting art function of narrow and integration system of practical technique has reached its highly saturated, in philosophy, artistic conception change tends to collapse. Oil painting is no longer to mimic nature, nature is artistic creation principle, artist painting artistic image of freedom structure is regarded as a new reality. Artists no longer through the painting form truthfully depicting nature, American painter Fabian perez and form will oil painting as a vehicle for show their mental and emotional world, in imagination, fantasy, such methods as construction work.
11:35 Publié dans art, fabian perez, news, posters, prints, Shopping, Sport, Web | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0)
Oil painting tutorial toning by francis picabia
Add color to the gray neutral tone oil out translucent color, the translucent color, is composed of opaque color in color mixing oil dilution. Put it on the whole body appearance, and make the following color perspective. Will be translucent gray color with the original blend, and participate in bright pure white, integrate the new to the color of the original impression to strengthen the surface effect, higher color and make the original color. Then start painting the veil, painted the highlights with white, gray with the dark and the veil, twisting.
With grey, white dichromatic points apply and light and shade place, with brown, ripe red ochre, mixed color of yellow and gray 4 kinds of color, to express the characters around the item. After efforts to control the brush to make the picture color is thinner, rather than in color mixing oil dilution method.
14:40 Publié dans art, news, posters, prints, Shopping, Sport, Web | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0)
The appearance of the modern oil painting
They are: a painting is the unity of artistic form, the color tone unified body of each local color, local color in the gradient of the transition form a harmonious relationship with each other, there is no isolated color piece; Fabian perez untitled ii brushwork is basically used to shape the image, showing the extent of the limited, and unified in or curved, long or short some kind of orderly orientation; Described the object in the center focus of composition, formation and real horizon isomorphism effects.
14:31 Publié dans art, Christmas, fabian perez, news, Shopping, Sport, Web | Lien permanent | Commentaires (0)


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A quote from Daisy Yellow's blog post today...
" Please don't waste good art time waiting for the art faerie. That's fruitless; she's busy wrapping up a big gallery show in Reykjavík. "
I love the fact that she's buys in Reykjavik!
Head over to Daisy Yellow for LOTS of FREE art journalling, index carding, and colorful fun.
If you're experiencing angst about being judged on your not so perfect art, having art block or just need a swift kick in the art butt, turn to Daisy Yellow for inspiration!


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Quite a profound question to start off the week, don't you think? It's one that I don't talk about much here, since the cartography always seems to take precedence over everything else. I also think this is something that I have avoided talking about because the truth might not be what people are expecting to see, or, more likely, what I expect people are expecting to hear, if that makes any sense.
We've been brought up to think that writers have some form of compulsion to write, that they were born that way, with words struggling to escape their thoughts and that the only way to release those words is by writing.
I suppose that's true for most writers but I don't think that's me. Though I often find myself edging to write when I'm not, I don't think that it's a compulsion or something that I can't live without.
I think I'm a lazy person by nature, and I hate that. I've tried setting up routines where I can force myself into doing a set amount of writing every day, though I have never managed anything that maintains a semblance of regularity. The closest is writing during NaNoWriMo (and no I'm not taking part this year) when I really plan ahead and psych myself up.
I became complacent when I was single, writing when I wanted to, often devoting entire days and weekends to writing. Now I'm no longer single and living with my partner things become more difficult. Working shifts and odd hours makes things even worse. I get to write on mornings when I'm working late or days off when my partner is working, though I find it very difficult to work in the evenings, which is my preferred time, due to wanting to spend time with my family. This has really taken a toll on my hobbies.
Ok, so that answers why I don't write, but not why I write.
I think, after perusing my posts here and elsewhere, it's pretty clear that my focus is mostly on mapmaking, and I don't mind that, really. I enjoy drawing the maps, though I need to work on my productivity (I tend to waste a lot of time doing things in steps that could all be one in one big step at the end, thus wasting lots of time) I spent quite a bit of money on a Photoshop course which got me an ACE degree, which helped with my cartography.
Though even the cartography is ultimately an ends to a mean.
I am creating a world, and that world needs maps, mostly for my own sense of completeness than anything else. One of the reasons my maps take ages to make, compared with other people, is I want to make sure that everything is correct – if I add a city, I want to make sure its correctly catalogued in the ubiquitous Encyclopaedia Elyden so that I can reference it quickly in the future if need be. Sometimes I'll need to edit old entries to match the new ones or update regional histories to match changes made to borders or territories. I also have quite a few large 'work maps' that I use for my writing that need to be updated whenever I add a new place or feature, so I end up spending time updating those. There's a lot more stuff that goes on behind the scenes than you might thing at first.
So, I write as an extension of my worldbuilding. I've created this world, am constantly expanding it, might as well do something with it, right?
Is that reason enough to write? Am I a 'real' writer? Does the fact that I'm not published make a difference? What if I ever was published, would that class me as a real writer even though I'll always consider myself a worldbuilder first?


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When word first emerged of Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway returning to the Broncos with duties that placed him in charge of the football operations, we were skeptical. There was no reason to believe that he had the ability to run an NFL team — or the willingness to put in the time to do the job the way it needs to be done.
We immediately thought of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who took an executive position with the Dolphins several years ago before apparently realizing after three weeks that the gig entailed long hours and a skill set that a guy who can throw a football really well simply may not have.
Though it remains to be seen whether Elways has the skills to turn around the currently bumbling Broncos, he's definitely putting in the time, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post.
"Now that we're in the draft meetings, we get in here about 8 and get out of here about 7, 7:30," Elway said, per Klis. "The thing is I took this job to be successful. And having grown up in a football family, having played football most of my life, I knew what it was going to take before I took the job.
"I've enjoyed it. It's really not work if you love what you're doing."
That love of what he is doing has included studying film of more than 300 prospects in advance of the draft, during which the Broncos hold the second overall pick.
Klis also dusts off the argument that Elway's time with the Colorado Crush of the AFL prepared him for the job he now holds, and Klis says that only "NFL snobs" discount that experience.
Consider us, then, one of the NFL snobs to which Klis is referring. Indeed, what other person has jumped from running an AFL team to running an NFL team? Precisely the same number who have jumped from being head coach of an AFL team to being head coach of an NFL team.
Except for Elway.
Bottom line? Elway got his current job based on what he did as a player and what he means to the Broncos organization. Unlike Marino, however, Elway has embraced the position — and he's working as hard as he would have been if he'd worked his way into the job via years in lower-level NFL positions.
Whether he can pull it all together and make the Broncos competitive again remains to be seen. So far, the signs are encouraging.