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Equal Opportunities Policy
Wolverham Primary School is situated in Ellesmere Port. A higher than average proportion of pupils are in receipt of pupil premium (previously known as free school meals) within our school. At Wolverham, we recognise the need to celebrate and value the diversity of society as we prepare our children to contribute to life now and in the future.
Equality of opportunity for all our children and the staff, who work within our school community, is an essential principle. Every person matters at Wolverham and will be given every opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
We seek to ensure that our school respects the individuality of all pupils, employees, governors and visitors irrespective of ethnicity, religion, attainment, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or background, thus upholding the Authority's commitment to provide a service which ensures equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination for all.
Our Legal Duties Legislation relating to equality and discrimination is laid out in the Equality Act 2010.
Age - A person of a particular age or a range of ages. Age discrimination does not apply to the provision of education, but it does apply to work. The admission of pupils out of their chronological age is considered on an individual basis and we would work alongside the admissions teams and other external agencies as appropriate.
Disability - A person has a disability if s/he has, or has had, a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities (see accessibility plan and SEN local offer on the website). It includes discrimination arising from something connected with their disability such as use of aids or medical conditions. Long-term illnesses such as HIV and cancer are all considered as disabilities, regardless of their effect.
Gender reassignment - A person (usually with 'gender dysphoria') who is proposing to undergo, is undergoing or has undergone gender reassignment (the process of changing physiological or other attributes of sex, therefore changing from male to female, or female to male). 'Trans' is an umbrella term to describe people with this 'Gender Identity'. 'Intersex' or 'Third Sex' is not covered by the Act but the school will treat Intersex children with the same degree of equality as children with gender dysphoria. Children as young as five may begin to show signs of gender dysphoria and therefore it is relevant in any school environment (see gender equality policy and action plan).
Marriage and civil partnership – Marriage and civil partnership discrimination does not apply to the provision of education, but it does apply to work.
Pregnancy and maternity - Maternity refers to the period of 26 weeks after the birth (including still births), which reflects the period of a woman's Ordinary Maternity Leave entitlement in the employment context. In employment, it also covers (where eligible) the period up to the end of her Additional Maternity Leave.
Race - A person's colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. It includes Travellers and Gypsies as well as White British people.
Religion and belief - Religious and philosophical beliefs including lack of belief. Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition. Religion and belief discrimination does not prevent a school from carrying out collective worship or other curriculum-based activities, but pupils may withdraw from acts of collective worship. 2
Sex - A man or a woman.
Sexual orientation - A person's sexual orientation towards the same sex (lesbian or gay), the opposite sex (heterosexual) or to both sexes (bisexual). Although children may not identify as gay or lesbian when very young, promotion of sexual orientation equality is as relevant in a primary school environment as it is in a secondary school. For example, a child may have an older sibling or parent who is gay. Children may experience friends 'questioning' or 'coming out' when they are in secondary school or college. Schools with a particular religious ethos cannot discriminate against lesbian, gay or bisexual pupils.
Aims & Objectives
We promote the principles of fairness and justice for all through the education we provide in our school.
We ensure that all our children have equal access to the full range of educational opportunities provided by the school.
We constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination or prohibited conduct that may form barriers to learning.
We ensure that all recruitment, employment, promotion and training systems are fair to all, and provide opportunities for everyone to achieve.
We challenge stereotyping and prejudice whenever it occurs.
We celebrate the cultural diversity of our wider community and show respect for all minority groups.
We are aware that prejudice and stereotyping is caused by low self-image and ignorance. Through positive educational experiences and support for each individual's point of view, we aim to promote positive social attitudes and respect for all.
Racial Equality
We strive to eliminate all forms of racism and racial discrimination. Should an alleged racist incident occur it is investigated in line with our school Racial Equality policy, acting immediately to prevent any repetition of the incident. We also do all we can to support the victim, and if necessary their families too, in overcoming any difficulties they may have. All racial incidents will be reported on the Local Authority proforma and will be submitted when requested.
Sexual Orientation and gender equality
At Wolverham, we follow the Christopher Winter sex and relationships programme in all year groups from year 1upwards. Parents and carers are informed before each session about the content and have the opportunity to discuss the content of the lesson with the class teacher or senior leadership team (see SRE policy and plan).
We investigate appropriate relationships with children and seek to address misconceptions that children may have. We are aware of different religious beliefs and sensitively approach this subject. This links directly to our citizenship overview where children work annually with the NSPCC to identify how to keep themselves safe and what to do if they are concerned or have worries.
Through our PSCHE and citizenship teaching (overview on school website) we provide learning opportunities that enable all pupils to make progress. We do this by setting suitable learning challenges and responding to each child's different needs.
Assessment against the National Curriculum using the symphony assessment system allows us to consider each child's attainment and progress against expected levels. 3
Religious Beliefs
At Wolverham, we recognise that people can face discrimination because of attitudes in society towards the faith communities to which they belong. In Britain, we acknowledge that faith-based hate crime has been on the increase in recent years; in our local area, this has not been an issue. Our RE scheme of work is available on the school website and follows the local agreed syllabus for RE.
The school also recognises that a person's religious (or similar) beliefs may mean that they have different needs, demands and expectations, which require flexibility.
Disability – to be read in conjunction with the school local offer and accessibility plan
Reasonable adjustments:
The school is required to improve access to the curriculum, our buildings and our other services to disabled people. This also means that we need to take a proactive stance and anticipate what we may need in the future for disabled users. To enable all children to access the curriculum:
• School visits are planned accordingly and individual children's needs are risk assessed.
• If necessary, staff allow for the additional time required by some disabled pupils to access tasks e.g. use equipment in practical work
• Staff provide alternative ways of giving access to experience or understanding for disabled pupils who cannot engage in particular activities, for example some forms of exercise in physical education • Teachers and teaching assistants have the necessary training to teach and support disabled pupils
• Staff seek to remove all barriers to learning and participation
• Accessibility plan.
• 1:1 teaching assistants work with a range of children with complex needs and seek advice from the SENDCO and external agencies to support them appropriately.
Our building is maintained by Eric Wright and adjustments to the building are made in conjunction with them. Some adjustments that have been undertaken are:
• Areas to which pupils, staff and visitors have access are well lit and the new extension is accessible from the main school and external doors.
• Emergency and evacuation systems are set up to inform ALL pupils, including pupils with
SEN and disability.
Alarms with both visual and auditory components would be considered if a child was admitted with such needs.
Within our school we reflect the attitudes, values and respect that we have for all minority ethnic communities.
Tracking and monitoring of vulnerable pupils
At Wolverham we work hard to ensure that all pupils, no matter what their additional or special needs, have the opportunity to progress and develop academically and socially. Children on the SEN register receive individual targets written in conjunction with parents and any other agencies e.g. SALT and SENIC. The SENDCO closely monitors the delivery of intervention programmes across the whole school and liaises with class teachers and parents to ensure a high standard of provision. Provision and support is tailored to support the requirements of the pupils and the provision is closely monitored by the governing body and leadership team.
We also provide challenging targets for children identified as being able and talented. Children also have access to regional events taking place out of school hours.
Children with English as an additional language are welcomed into our school and our EAL co-ordinator works closely with all teachers and other local schools to provide opportunities to achieve in their home and native language. Pupils in receipt of pupil premium are tracked and provided with additional support including specialist intervention to enable them to reach their full potential. 4
The Role of Governors
The Governing Body has set out its commitment to equal opportunities in this policy statement, and it will continue to do all it can to ensure that all members of the school community are treated fairly and with equality.
Seek to ensure that people with disabilities are not discriminated against when applying for jobs at our school. The governors take all reasonable steps to ensure that the school environment gives access to people with disabilities.
The governors welcome all applications to join the school, whatever background or special needs that a child may have.
To take all reasonable steps to ensure that no child or adult is discriminated against whilst in our school on account of their sex, religion, sexual orientation or race.
The Role of the Head Teacher
To implement the school's Equal Opportunities and Racial Equality policies supported by the Governing Body.
To ensure all staff are aware of the school policy on Equal Opportunities, and that the staff apply these guidelines fairly in all situations.
To ensure that all appointments panels give due regard to this policy so that no one is discriminated against when it comes to employment or training opportunities.
To promote the principle of equal opportunity when developing the curriculum.
To promote respect for other people in all aspects of school life, eg through assemblies and displays around school.
To treat all incidents of unfair treatment and any racist incidents with due seriousness.
The Role of the Class Teacher
To ensure that all pupils are treated fairly and with respect.
To pay due regard, when selecting teaching materials, to sensitivities of all members of the class and not to provide material which is racist or sexist in nature.
Strive to provide material that gives positive images of all ethnic minorities and that challenge stereotypical images of minority groups.
When planning and delivering the curriculum, to use this policy to guide them, both in the choice of study themes and in how to approach sensitive issues.
Actively support all support staff in challenging incidents of prejudice or racism, encouraging them to intervene in a positive way against any occurrence of discrimination.
Report any incidents to the Head immediately informing her of actions taken and she will decide if any further action needs to be taken.
Monitoring and Review
It is the responsibility of the Headteacher and Governing Body to monitor the effectiveness of this Equal Opportunities policy by:
Monitoring the progress of children from minority groups, comparing them with the progress made by other children.
Monitoring the staff appointment process, so that no-one applying for a post at the school is discriminated against.
Taking into serious consideration any complaints regarding equal opportunity issues from parents, staff, children or visitors to the school.
Monitoring the behaviour policy so that children from minority groups are not being unfairly treated.
The Governing Body and Headteacher will review this policy every three years, or earlier if considered necessary.
Policy Reviewed November 2016 Next review Nov 2019


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Financial reporting aims to satisfy the information needs of a wide range of stakeholders and users. Additionally examples of major corporate collapses such as Refco who concealed millions in debts through related party transactions, had drawn up accounts in the presence of accounting rules and the conceptual framework, which goes some way in reinforcing the fact that many loopholes still exist and are still being exploited. Accounting is a life on iself in terms of referrences in both past and present and even in future,therefore accounting is unavoidable in man'slife. It is really educational and I would recommend to for all financial professionals.
The application of accounting techniques to provide information designed to assist all levels of management in planning and controlling the activities of the firm and in decision making. It involves compiling and interpreting accounting and statistical information in order to assist the management in its functions of maximizing efficiency, and achieving corporate goal. A cost accounting system requires five parts that include: 1) an input measurement basis, 2) an inventory valuation method, 3) a cost accumulation method, 4) a cost flow assumption, and 5) a capability of recording inventory cost flows at certain intervals.
Management Accountants have far advanced from their tradition role of preparation of financial and non-financial statements. Managerial Accounting makes its contribution towards providing necessary information either directly or through MIS. The primary accounting professional association in the U.S. is the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
However, both offer the same financial functions, such as TVM, NPV, IRR, cash flows, amortization, depreciation and those relating to bonds such as bond price and yield to maturity. Many small businesses utilize an accounting system that recognizes revenue and expenses on a cash basis, meaning that neither revenue nor expenses are recognized until the cash associated with them actually is received. These four financial statements are the final product of the accountant's analysis of the transactions of a business. Using this statement, you can see if a business has income or loss during the financial period.
Under accrual accounting, even though employees may be paid in the next accounting period for work performed near the end of the present accounting period, the expense still is recorded in the current period since the current period is when the expense was incurred. During this time, the suite has built a reputation as the industry standard in financial reporting".

subset: commoncrawl


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I don't know. Because I lied to them. Because I have a funny name.
Weiner is the wonderful new documentary that explores the downfall of New York Mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner. The documentary covers the early parts of the story in quick cuts and broad strokes; Weiner's rise to notoriety as a firebrand in Congress & his resignation as a laughing stock in the aftermath of a scandal involving texted pictures of his genitals. The filmmaker get access to the candidate as he preps for his triumphant return to politics in the NYC mayoral race in 2013 and they're there for the every cringe-inducing, hilarious, painful moment of the collapse as more pictures surface. This film certainly humanizes the people at its center, not least of all Weiner, but it never really makes them sympathetic. You'll see Weiner as a more complicated, decidedly troubled human being when this film is over, but you still won't really understand him. Sometimes this can be a problem with documentaries, ie. Alex Gibney's Lance Armstrong documentary or Errol Morris' Donald Rumsfield picture. But it really works here beautifully. You see Weiner as a charismatic politician and as a controlling husband; a frustrated ideologue and an arrogant asshole; an empathetic crusader & a self-absorbed narcissist. And then you're left to pick up the pieces and puzzle over the man and his decisions. The portrait of Weiner's wife, Huma Abedin, is no less compelling; to the degree there's an audience surrogate, she's it, constantly baffled, angered and saddened by her husband's failings and poor decisions, but even she is often ambiguous in her actions. Sydney Leathers, the young woman that torpedoes the mayoral campaign, gets a fair amount of screen time and she somehow manages to be even more loathsome and psychologically damaged than Weiner himself. The film is thought-provoking in the way that it explores the nature of political campaigns and scandals. It's painful and cringe-inducing when it looks at Weiner's unselfawareness or the strained marriage to Abedin. And it's often hilariously funny in dark and twisted ways as you watch Weiner's campaign staffers struggling to deal with the horrible ramifications of the revelations. It's a documentary you'll watch on the edge of your seat, grimacing with discomfort and laughing, sometimes at the same time. And the final scene . . . it's a moment that's absolutely perfect; it left me sitting in my chair absolutely gobsmacked, with my mouth hanging open. Weiner the man is a strange, fascinating, complicated figure; this movie about him is all of those things too and a must see. 4 stars.
tl;dr – behind the scenes look at political sex scandal is compelling drama, edge of your seat suspense, painfully funny cringe comedy and a thought-provoking psychological study; a must see. 4 stars.


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Stock #: 6
Vin: 1G1PC5SH1B7307606
Year: 2011
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Cruze
Trim: 2LS
Mileage: 91,000
Fuel: Gasoline
Engine: I4
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Train: FWD
Body Type: Sedan
Color: Gray
Interior Color: Black
Interior Type: Cloth
All That Runs
22298 W Veterans Memorial Pkwy
I hereby consent to receive text messages from or on behalf of dealer at the mobile phone number I provided above. I understand that I am opting in to receive text messages from dealer or their employees. I include consent to receive phone calls at the mobile phone number I provided. I understand that message and data rates may apply.


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It seems eBay always has a coupon going these days. Probably does not bode well for their business (paying for growth) but great for us as customers and sellers!
Let's use this thread to post new promotions so others can be aware of them.
7/17/18 Promotion - PRIMO119, $25 off any order over $119. I had a $300 PWCC auction win sitting since Sunday and I was able to apply the coupon.


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Jamaica Teachers Association Co-op Credit Union has been serving the financial need of educators in Jamaica since 1959.Today, we are Jamaica's leading Credit Union in terms of assets, savings and loans.
We operate out of 12 locations island wide and our membership is open to all educators and administrative workers in the educational sector, who are members of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA).
Our sound business practices and consistent record of growth have made us one of the safest places in which our members can invest!
Our Mission and Vision
To Improve the lives of our members through the provision of financial and other services by employing sound and safe management practices.
Company Profile
Membership at the JTA Co-op Credit Union Ltd is open to all teachers and other workers in the education sector who are members of the Jamaica Teachers Association.
From time to time our members ask us specific questions about the Credit Union and how membership can benefit them. Here are some of the most pertinent questions that our members ask.
Our History
In July 1959, the Credit Union began preliminary operations, and in October of the same year, the Jamaica Teachers' Association Co-operative Credit Union Limited was registered as a Credit Union under the Co-operative Society Act.


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Ninh explains the Rules of Tennis, a popular racquet sport played worldwide.
A beginner's explanation of Olympic and International Tennis Rules.
Watch this short video tutorial guide on how to play Tennis under Olympic, International and ITF rules.
Learn about singles, doubles, serve, advantage, deuce, rally, point, game, set, match, volley, faults and more!
Also discuss on Reddit!
Video: Copyright IOC, ITF (I do not own any video footage).
Images: Google, Andy Murray
Music: 'Light and Tuneful' by Keith Mansfield
Narrated, Directed and Produced by Ninh Ly
Copyright Ninh Ly 2015 – http://www.ninh.co.uk
Find me on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/ninh.ly.31
Follow me on Twitter – http://twitter.com/NinhLyUK
Google plus me – https://plus.google.com/+NinhLyUK


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|Arabian American Center
|Training & Development
- Program Title:
- Pump Technology, Selection & System Matching
- Location:
- شرم الشيخ
- Date:
- 05.05.2019 - 09.05.2019
- Fees:
- $ 3200
Course Objective
This program will provide the participants with:
• The skills and practical knowledge to identify the pumps and compressors in general service
• The various maintenance methods
• The practical fault finding techniques available
• The main problems associated with wear and tear and minimizing down times along with
lubrication requirements
• Latest design and constructional techniques to improve reliability
Who Should Attend?
• Engineers and Technicians involved with maintenance programs and are responsible for day to
day servicing and operational efficiency.
• Also plant and maintenance engineers, process engineers and maintenance managers.
• May also be valuable to supervisors who are involved in pumps and compressor maintenance
Course Contents:
• Pumps: Types, functions, design and operation
• Dynamic: Axial, Regenerative, High Speed, etc.…
• Positive Displacement, Rotary and Reciprocating Pumps
• Operating Characteristics: Performance curves - change of performance
• Common applications of various types of pumps
• Pump operations practical assessments
• Hydraulic Balance: Bearing Types, Thrust Bearings, Radial, Axial Thrust
• Hydraulic Disturbance of Pumps due to casing configuration and systems
• Material Selection.
• Installing: Conditions, Leveling techniques, Piping systems, Horizontal, Vertical , In Line Pumps
• Trouble Shooting and Fault Finding and correct procedures
• Pump Selection
• Fault Diagnosis Etc
• Loss of Capacity identification, Cavitations, Recirculation
• Tools and Instruments: Type and Care, Usage
• Alignment - Various Alignment Techniques, Tolerances consequences
• Vibration Diagnosis, monitoring
• Predictive Maintenance: Problem Identification, Scheduling Maintenance Programs,
Condition Monitoring - Reliability System - Mist lubrication
• Failures and Analysis
• Lubrication & Systems - Oils & Greases & Mist Lubrication
• Preventative Maintenance: Methods, Prevention programs
• Mechanical Seals: Types, Selection Replacing Seals: Techniques and methods, Packed Glands,
Selection, Replacement etc
• Mechanical Checks: Procedures and Controlled
• Overhauls and Repairs: Preparing, Inspecting and Assembling Components Replacement:
Broken, Defective or Worn Components
• Compressors: Identification and Functions
• Centrifugal, Axial, Reciprocating, Helical, Screw
• Applications, Usage and Limitations
• Design and Technical: Compressor rotors, Impellers, Casings
• Alignment Techniques and Support: Dial Indicator Methods, Laser Optic Cold Alignment,
On stream, Hot Alignment Verification Techniques
• Compressor Parameters: Thermodynamics, Capacity, Power, Efficiencies
• Selection of Centrifugal Process Compressors: Calculation methods, Characteristic
Curves, Stability
• Selection of Centrifugal Process Compressors: Calculation Methods, Volumetric Efficiency,
Multi-staging, Frame Loads, Characteristic Curves
• Basic Trouble Shooting: Failures, Defects, Design Problems
• Selection of Screw Compressors: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Overall Troubleshooting and maintenance techniques
• Maintenance skills: Development and Implementing, Manuals and Information sources
• Maintaining Records: Maintenance, Repairs and Decisions
• Case studies, discussions based on scenarios
30 Sobbhy Fahmey St. - Ard El-Golf - Heliopolis - Cairo - Egypt
Tel: +201001029959/+201066687900/+202 24199019 – Fax: +202 24170419
www.aactd.net E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
ISO 9001:2008 Certificate No. 01 100 105040 - TUV Rheinland - Germany – WWW.TUV.COM


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LDN chats with her first female emcee feature YAYA FLAWLESS.
During our chat YAYA expressed being new to the rap game and how she will dominate once her EP drops during the summer!
We spoke on her image, how she is perceived by others, and more importantly why she is and will continue to be relevant.
To get further insight on YAYA FLAWLESS do not hesitate to press play!
Don't miss out!


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Review: The New British Constitution by Vernon Bogdanor/
Professor Vernon Bogdanor's latest treatise on constitutional reform could not have come at a more opportune moment. Popular interest in constitutional reform has been aroused from its usual stolid indifference by the recent revelations of inappropriate Parliamentary expense claims. The result of this crisis of legitimacy currently being suffered by Parliament is a general consensus of the need for constitutional reform. In The New British Constitution (Hart Publishing, 2009) (ISBN 978-1841136714, £17.95, sbk, 334pp) Bogdanor attempts to define the quieter revolution of constitutional change which has taken place in the last 30 years. He describes this seismic shift as nothing less than "the replacement of one constitutional order by another" (p. xi).
Bogdanor focuses on the changes which took place following Britain's entry into the European Economic Community in 1973. This process of reform accelerated markedly after the general election of 1997. Labour's election manifesto had painted a stark picture of the sclerotic state of politics, whilst promising wholesale reform: "There is unquestionably a national crisis of confidence in our political system, to which Labour will respond in a measured and sensible way". But after centuries of organic change, recent reforms have been introduced in piecemeal fashion, often with little care for the coherence of the edifice as a whole. Bogdanor sets out 15 key developments, which, he argues, have been central to the creation of a new constitutional settlement. These range from the devolutionary settlements in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland (and, to an extent, London), to the passing of both the Human Rights Act 1998 and Freedom of Information Act 2000, and to the holding of referenda on various constitutional issues.
The Old Constitution
The New British Constitution is divided into three broad sections. The first undertakes a descriptive analysis of what is labelled "the Old Constitution", best described by the twin pillars of constitutional scholarship supplied in the nineteenth century by Walter Bagehot in The English Constitution,1 and by Professor AV Dicey in his Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution.2 Bogdanor makes such comparisons explicit in his argument right from the outset. The overarching theme of The New British Constitution is his repudiation of the Diceyan model of Parliamentary sovereignty which was "from a legal point of view the dominant characteristic of our political institutions".3 This is no small task given the influence of Dicey's arguments, which are still frequently cited in judicial decisions.4
Under his analysis, Dicey's model of Parliamentary sovereignty has been eroded, not by a genuine transfer of power, but by a diffusion of responsibility amongst the ruling class. Despite the flurry of reforming zeal since 1997, there has been a manifest failure to engage with voters. In a recent article in the New Statesman , Bogdanor attributed this failure to a government which "redistributed power not between government and the people, but between elites, between politicians in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, and between politicians and judges. The next stage of reform must be to distribute downwards, not sideways. That will involve much more direct democracy to supplement, though not to replace, our representative system".5
Whilst this argument is sound enough in itself, it begs the question of what can be done to overcome the popular disengagement with the political process. Bogdanor's analysis fails to deal with the "chicken and egg" issue it creates. Will devolving power to the citizen raise the level of political consciousness, or is it a necessary condition which must be present to prevent that power being hijacked by various interest groups? This is a difficult question and raises a number of normative issues. To an extent, it is a question which will always arise when constitutional reform is imposed on a top-down basis. The inadequacy of employing traditional mechanisms of implementing policy is highlighted by one example from the Government's 2007 Green Paper, entitled The Governance of Britain.6 This was introduced shortly after Gordon Brown became Prime Minister, and set out his reform agenda, including a proposal to change the rules governing exactly how many days the Union Flag may be flown over government buildings. Hardly the sort of stuff likely to grip a disengaged voter with democratic fervour.
There are also instances of such top-down "devolving" legislation having been taken over by pressure groups and individuals. One such example involves the Freedom of Information Act 2000, a piece of legislation cited by Bogdanor as one of his 15 constitutionally important changes. At the end of 2006, the Ministry of Justice looked into the question of how effective the freedom of information legislation had been. In its consultation into the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees Regulations) 2007, the Ministry of Justice discovered that a disproportionate number of requests had been made by a small number of individuals. It estimated that these requests counted for 26 per cent of requests made by value. In the case of the Freedom of Information Act, many of the requests will have been made by journalists and opposition political parties, with the intention of placing the information in the public domain. However, it does illustrate the point that, when passing such legislation with the intent of devolving power to the citizen, there is a very real possibility that it will be taken over and used as a campaigning tool by a relatively small number of individuals and groups.
The New Constitution
The second section of the book deals with what Bogdanor has labelled "the New Constitution". The cornerstone of this arrangement is formed by the Human Rights Act 1998. It is true that the formal incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into UK law was a watershed moment in constitutional reform. In one of the early cases involving the Act, Sedley LJ, in Redmond-Bate v Director of Public Prosecutions (1999) 163 JP 789 at [795], described it as representing a "constitutional shift". Since then it has become so embedded into the legal fabric that it has been described as part of the pantheon of constitutional statutes. Laws LJ noted in Thoburn v Sunderland City Council [2002] EWHC 195 (Admin) at [62] that:
"We should recognise a hierarchy of Acts of Parliament: as it were 'ordinary' statutes and 'constitutional' statutes. The two categories must be distinguished on a principled basis. In my opinion a constitutional statute is one which (a) conditions the legal relationship between citizen and State in some general, overarching manner, or (b) enlarges or diminishes the scope of what we would now regard as fundamental constitutional rights. (a) and (b) are of necessity closely related: it is difficult to think of an instance of (a) that is not also an instance of (b). The special status of constitutional statutes follows the special status of constitutional rights. Examples are the Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights 1689, the Act of Union, the Reform Acts which distributed and enlarged the franchise, the HRA, the Scotland Act 1998 and the Government of Wales Act 1998."
Professor Sir Bernard Crick noted astutely that enshrining rights in a domestically enforceable statute would not just change the way the law was applied, but would change the way our judges judge.7 To some extent this prediction has come to pass, and judges are certainly more conscious of the balance between rights and responsibilities, even if the media might not like to admit it.
Nevertheless, it is ironic for Bogdanor, that "human rights", the cornerstone of his new constitution, has passed into the lexicon of pejorative terms employed by the British media, alongside "political correctness", as shorthand for something that runs contrary to a deeply ingrained British sense of fair play. Dominic Grieve, the Conservative shadow home secretary, has highlighted one popular criticism: "The Act has attracted a huge amount of public hostility and helped to create a rights culture which has been seen by many people as forcing the state to make concessions to the undeserving...public bodies routinely hide behind the Act to hide their own incompetence".8 As a result of this popular perception, and despite their early enthusiasm for the legislation, Labour ministers have been quick to distance themselves from it.
Nonetheless, all sides of the political debate have proved keen to "decontaminate the brand", and there is a widespread consensus on the need for a Bill of Rights. On taking office as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown argued in his first detailed policy statement that the country is at a constitutional crossroads. In July 2007 the Green Paper, The Governance of Britain, was published, detailing proposals to introduce a "Bill of Rights and Duties [to] give people . . . a framework for giving effect to our common values".9 It was proposed that this document would sit on top of the existing Human Rights Act and extend the rights contained within it, while protecting existing Convention rights, a position known as "ECHR plus". Similar proposals mooted by the main opposition parties seem virtually indistinguishable. David Cameron has stated the Conservative Party's desire for a "modern British Bill of Rights to define the core values which give us our identity as a free nation".10 Against this, the Liberal Democrats have argued for a "new Bill of Rights" to "entrench the rights presently enshrined in the ECHR in the British constitutional framework".11
However, all three parties have shied away from the project of mapping out the nature of British "core values" in precise juridical terms. Within this "ECHR plus" model, various additional rights have been suggested, such as enshrining the right to vote, a right to jury trials in criminal cases, or a clarification of a householder's right to self-defence. One central theme running through the proposals is the need to balance rights against responsibilities. This is largely in response to widespread criticism of anti-terror and human rights legislation which failed to distinguish between rights granted to those inside the state and those outside it. This may well create a tension between existing human rights law and future legislation. Cross-party commitment to an "ECHR plus" model would mean that all the parties were committed to a doctrine of human rights based on universal "core" rights, with a periphery of rights predicated on citizenship. Resolving this tension will be the key to advancing a multi-party platform for the introduction of a Bill of Rights. However, the difficulties involved in the level of political co-operation this would require are formidable.
The future
The third and final section of the book takes a rather tentative look at what lies in store for the future of this settlement, particularly in the increasingly politically fashionable areas of "New Localism" and citizen participation in the democratic process. Both are touted as potential solutions for the lack of popular interest in democratic participation. Localism has long been seen as the fashionable solution in progressive politics, championed by think-tanks such as Policy Exchange on the right and the Institute for Public Policy Research and Demos on the left.12 In his pamphlet for Policy Exchange entitled Big Bang Localism, Simon Jenkins urged the Government to "go for localism, and with a bang".13
However, the Government has a mixed record when it comes to local government reform. Since the Local Government Act 2000 gave the power to local communities to hold a referendum on whether or not to introduce an elected mayor, only 12 have been created outside of London. Proposals to create elected regional assemblies were voted down in a 2004 referendum by a huge margin. As it currently stands, regional assemblies will be abolished in 2010 under plans to transfer their functions to the various regional development agencies. Outside London, confusion over repeated changes to local government have largely failed to ensure increased transparency and accountability.
It is in his examination of the quasi-devolutionary arrangement reached to accommodate the unique position occupied by London where Bogdanor is at his most forceful and persuasive. Attempts to regulate London are almost as old as the city itself. The post of mayor was created in the twelfth century in exchange for Richard I levying taxes on London's merchants to pay for the Crusades.14 Since then, the many attempts to reorganise London government have been so chaotic that Tony Travers, of the London School of Economics, has questioned whether it is "an ungovernable city".15 With an annual budget of £12 billion and the largest directly elected mandate in Britain, the Mayor of London has one of the most powerful political offices outside central government. The Greater London Authority Act 1999 established the elected office, which was to be kept in check by an elected London Assembly. With 425 sections and 34 schedules, the Act was the longest piece of legislation passed by Parliament since the Government of India Act in 1935. It granted a wide range of powers from transport and policing to housing and culture.
In the hierarchy of government, the mayor sits between Whitehall and London's 32 local boroughs. This position has been a source of tension, with former mayor Ken Livingstone enjoying an openly fractious relationship with both sides. During his eight years as mayor, he both brought and defended actions for judicial review, with his attempt to prevent the Government's decision to close post offices, and Porsche's challenge to the increase in the congestion charge. Recent powers granted to the mayor by the Greater London Authority Act 2007 over housing, planning and education may well prove to be the source of even greater friction. As Bodganor notes, London has always been particularly susceptible to partisan political forces: "The Left has generally sought a strong city-wide layer of government, while the Right has tended to champion the rights of the boroughs, and in particular the outer, suburban boroughs" (p. 198).
Bogdanor ends his discussion of London government with the observation from Tony Travers that "Londoners continue to survive despite their government rather than because of it".16 As an observation, this echoes the issue raised earlier of whether engagement should precede power or vice versa. As such, Travers' remark applies just as much to central government as much as it does to devolved administrations.
It is in this final section of the book that its primary shortcoming is most apparent. Bogdanor has a frustrating habit of surrounding his most interesting conclusions with unnecessary caveats as to their applicability. The limitations of enquiry are set out from the start, with his proviso in the introduction that his description "cannot be complete because the new constitution is not yet complete . . . the time is not yet ripe for a final analysis" (p. xi). This reluctance carries shades of Zhou Enlai, the former Chinese Premier, in his assessment of the French Revolution. Asked in 1960 about its effect, he replied, "it is too early to say". For a political observer of Bogdanor's stature, there is little need for such reticence, and his concluding chapters on the future effects of recent constitutional change suffer greatly as a result of it.
However, the success of The New British Constitution ultimately comes down to how successful Bogdanor is at persuading the reader that Dicey's analysis is flawed. Whilst there is no doubt that the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty has come under considerable pressure in the last 30 years, the point remains that all of the reforms which Bogdanor describes have come about as a result of government initiative, and not from popular pressure. After all, even Laws LJ in Thoburn v Sunderland City Council (above), whilst extolling the sanctity of constitutional statutes, was careful (para. 64) not to restrict the doctrine of Parliamentary sovereignty, arguing that his decision "preserves the sovereignty of the legislature and the flexibility of our uncodified constitution. It accepts [that] the relation between legislative supremacy and fundamental rights is not fixed or brittle".
The New British Constitution is written with the rare combination of erudition and elegance that places it firmly in the tradition of Dicey and Bagehot. Despite its inexplicable timidity in places, it represents the culmination of Bogdanor's engagement with the constitutional reform debate. After four decades of observing and writing about constitutional affairs, Bogdanor has become part of the constitutional furniture. Baroness Helena Kennedy QC once noted that "laws are the autobiography of the nation". If so, then they have a fine biographer in Professor Bogdanor. Hopefully his next foray into the constitutional debate will be less restrained in its conclusions.
Judicial Review, 2009, (14)4, 399-404
1 W Bagehot, The English Constitution (Oxford University Press, 2001).
2 AV Dicey, Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution, 10th edn (Macmillan, 1959).
3 Dicey, ibid., p. 39.
4 For example, see the discussion of Lord Bingham in R (Laporte) v Chief Constable of Gloucestershire [2006] UKHL 55 [2007] 2 AC 105, in T Dyke, "Focus on Article 11" [2009] JR 185, para. 6.
5 V Bogdanor, "End of the Party", New Statesman, 28 May 2009.
6 Ministry of Justice, The Governance of Britain, Cm. 7170 (2007), pp. 57–58.
7 As reported in Helena Kennedy QC, Just Law: The Changing Face of Justice – and Why It Matters To Us All (Vintage, 2004), p. 307.
8 Conversation with the author, 15 October 2007.
9 Ministry of Justice, n. 6 above, p. 61.
10 David Cameron, "Balancing freedom and security: A modern British Bill of Rights", speech to the Centre for Policy Studies, 26 June 2006.
11 Liberal Democrat Policy Paper 83, "For the People, By the People" (2007), para. 4.2.4; available at http://www.libdems.org.uk/party/policy/paperlist.html.
12 See, e.g. R Muir, The Power of Belonging (ippr, 2007); and T Bentley (ed.), The Adaptive State (Demos, 2003).
13 S Jenkins, Big Bang Localism: A Rescue Plan for British Democracy (Policy Exchange/Localis, 2004), p. 133.
14 T Dyke, "Is London really able to govern itself or is it simply too chaotic?", The Times, 21 August 2008.
15 T Travers, The Politics of London: Governing an Ungovernable City (Palgrave Macmillan, 2004).
16 Travers, ibid., p.210.


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A Beginners Guide To Cards
How To Get Unique Avon Business Cards. Every entrepreneur has a business card that they hand to people they wish to do business with. The card handed out to potential business partners. It is important to have unique business cards that will not be misleading and on point to get clients good services. Using the guide below, people will develop cards that make their organizations stand out. A business card should stand out and be noticeable from a far distance to attract the person who was given the card. Being creative with the colors, text and the company logos will make a card have an attractive appeal. A well-organized card with the details aligned properly will be a good presentation of the company. A card with the details mixed up will mean a company is not well organized and hence discouraging potential customers from reaching out for the company's services. A good business card has a company's signature service that makes the company preferred over other companies. There are offers companies have and if they are placed on the business card as a slogan can encourage people to seek the company services.
The Best Advice on Prints I've found
Creativity in business cards can attract good business opportunities if the company involved deals with services that require unique product production. A good example is having company details engraved in wood or placed on useful equipment like nail cutters. With the contact information on a coffee mug that people use daily, people will definitely be convinced to call when in need of the company services.
A Quick Overlook of Prints – Your Cheatsheet
A good business card has enough contact details that one can use to get in touch with an organization. Contacts like numbers should be more than one such that a customer can use the most efficient and in case the lines are down the customer can call using the second number. Including website links and social media contact information of a company will be useful to the current market since a lot of people are connected to the internet. Since most of the population is connected to the internet, having social media account will enable a large number of users to relate to a company and make them seek the services of the company. Customer care line should be operational during the working hours and there should be a person to pick up the calls and reply to the messages. A company with many customers reaching out for services means that it has it business card in an attractive manner and the team that reacts to the customers is the best customer care team. Growing companies should ensure there products are reachable affordable and satisfactory for more customers. The above pointers are suitable especially for start up businesses. Start up businesses should be keen to observe the discussed point. If you are in an upcoming venture, do well to observe the points discussed above.


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Have we lost the last of a kind?
This week's sad news of Professor Stephen Hawking's passing did not just rock the science world, it was major world news. He was one of the few to achieve mainstream popularity whilst producing the kind of scientific ideas that will be remembered long after his death. In many ways, he became an icon; the image that many people imagine when they think of a scientist. Much has already been written about his remarkable life, the theories he propounded, his disability, his sense of humour and his ability to communicate cutting edge cosmology to the public, and I will have nothing new to say on these, but they have got me thinking about the nature of iconic status in science, whether we can expect to ever have an icon like him again, and whether we even need one.
Whether we like it or not, humans are designed to be drawn to celebrity; most probably an evolutionary quirk that helps us align ourselves to the most able and powerful in society. Our celebrities mostly fit with a usual understanding of evolutionary fitness; beautiful women or muscular men. Yet despite not being able to move, Professor Hawking managed to achieve as much celebrity as any other human on Earth. If you were to ask a child to name a living scientist most would have thought of Hawking first, and whilst his disability helped him to be distinctive, it takes more than brains and a distinctive look to become an icon of science.
Perhaps the only other person to have ever embodied the public image of the scientist as completely was Einstein and both he and Hawking had much in common. Both were theoretical physicists and their work told us about the universe in the widest sense. Einstein's concept of spacetime changed our understanding of the fabric of the universe itself and forced us to reconsider how space and time worked on the deepest level. Hawking's work built on this and used general relativity to show not only how the universe may have begun but through his work on the entropy of black holes, shed light on how the universe may end too. By thinking about the universe in the most expansive way possible they expanded the boundaries of our existence and our minds in turn. We couldn't expect the same reaction to theoretical chemistry. Chemical reactions just don't inspire the same level of awe and awe is a powerful emotion.
As awe inspiring as their thinking was, not every theoretical physicist becomes an icon. They were also unusually prodigious, overturning prevailing theories at a young age. Einstein ushered in the era of modern physics at the age of 25 with his papers on special relativity and the photoelectric effect and Hawking famously destroyed Fred Hoyle's paper on steady state theory during his PhD. When Cambridge University published Hawking's PhD online last year, it was downloaded so many times that the website crashed. It was not just because Hawking wrote it, it was also because it was important and fascinating research. Most of us cannot fathom having that level of natural talent. As such, we elevate those who do to legendary status.
There are, of course, many prodigious talents who will never become such popular figures. Unlike many other scientists of their stature, Einstein and Hawking both had a very human side. They both had a mischievous sense of humour and cared little for appearances. Einstein was synonymous with unkempt hair and Hawking with his oft ridiculed computer voice but neither made any effort to change them. They wore their idiosyncrasies with pride. Without these traits they would have been intimidating and unapproachable. Nobody likes a know-it-all, but a know-it-all that can laugh at themselves and, perhaps more importantly, laugh at others for revering them, is human. It was not just their harmless quirks that were endearing, both characters were outspoken on humanitarian issues and the dangers of pursuing technological advances unquestioningly. They were not inward facing. They embraced the needs of humanity and this only added to their public adoration.
When we look at this remarkable collection of attributes I cannot help but wonder if we will ever see the likes of a Hawking or an Einstein again. Any original contributions that lone theorists can make nowadays are highly abstracted and describe phenomena so far removed from everyday experience that it is hard to imagine them resonating with the general populous. Furthermore, much new science is produced by large teams. It gets harder and harder to point to someone and label them as scientist worthy of fame over and above anyone else. Science is an increasingly team effort and making a ground-breaking discovery no longer means that the public will be interested in what you have to say.
Science is also being increasingly popularised by dedicated science communicators. The celebrity scientists that are coming through today are those that use their time to engage with the media. They are as immersed in the communication of their subject, as they are in the knowledge creation of their subject if not more so. In many ways, this is a move in the right direction. Communicating science is a very different skill to being able to do it. Whilst Hawking was a great populariser of his research I felt there was much in A Brief History of Time, that was poorly explained, and we now recognise the need for more specialised communication skills to bring science alive.
The prevailing wisdom on how we pick our scientific role models suggests that we want to make them as far removed from a Hawking or an Einstein as possible. Young people are less likely to follow a scientific path because their image of a scientist is impossibly intelligent, often male, white and middle class. They are seen as having a narrow range of skills and more interested in the mysteries of the universe than human flourishing. If a young Hawking was starting his career now, he would probably be more interested in pursuing his research than spending his time communicating it through the media. If he did make the decision to court the public eye, then he would struggle to be as accepted as the face of science as it would already be an over-represented type of a face and one that we are trying to move away from.
I welcome these changes. We want our scientists to be representative. We want our communicators to be first-rate dedicated communicators, and having science viewed as a team effort is not only good for making it seem like a more attainable career goal, it is also good for science itself, as it removes the need for a researcher to massage their findings to gain acceptance. It improves the integrity of the whole scientific endeavour. Hawking led a truly amazing life. He inspired thousands not just to pursue science but to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity. We have lost a truly unique and precious mind and it is a sad farewell, but we may also finally be able to say farewell to the romanticised trope of the iconic scientist as an eccentric genius with a beautiful mind lost in cosmic wonder.


text: Oh Johnathan Taylor Thomas. Your legs are so short, but your list of failures is so long. The North Hole welcomes Dylan Fowler, pop culture expert and brilliant human, to discuss I'll Be Home for Christmas, JTT's 1998 attempt to break out of the shadow of Home Improvement. I'll tell you what, IT DIDN'T WORK! This lil' guy couldn't carry a big Disney Christmas movie. But it's ok, baby. I couldn't either!


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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Rating: PG
Released: 2009
Run Time: 153 minutes
Directed By: David Yates
In addition to positive messages regarding friendship and teamwork this film engages with gender by having strong male and female characters.
Harry learns more about Voldemort's past during his sixth year at Hogwarts.
- Demeaning language- "tosser," "barmy," "coward," "barking," "lunatic," "vile," "git," "loser"
- Mild swearing- "bloody hell"
- Fantasy violence- spells, wand fighting, some blood
- Harry's nose breaks when Malfoy kicks him in the face- some blood
- Ron chokes on a poisoned tonic
- Major character death-no gore
- Hand-holding
- Kissing
- Slughorn appears to be slightly drunk on beer.
- Harry, Ron, and Hermione drink butterbeer.
- Ron is served a "tonic" to calm his nerves.
- Hagrid and Slughorn drink at Hagrid's and appear drunk.
Cultural Analysis
- Hermione is a very intelligent female character.
- Professor McGonagall challenges traditional gender stereotypes regarding femininity as she is a strong, respected female character and holds a high position at Hogwarts.
- Lily Potter is remembered as intelligent and a great student.
- Luna challenges traditional gender stereotypes regarding femininity as she saves Harry after a spell has been put on him and fixes his broken nose.
- Minor characters appear to be of a number of marginalized races/ethnicities.
- A biracial relationship is depicted between Ginny (who appears to be white) and Dean (who appears to be black).
- Flirting occurs between Harry (who appears to be white) and a minor character of color. Dumbledore describes the same girl as "very pretty." This is important because oftentimes the black female body is overly sexualized or depicted as "Other" and undesirable.
Sexual Orientation: N/A
Disability: N/A
- There is one fat-bodied character in a minor role.
- Professor Flitwick is a little person and is depicted in a positive manner as he is a respectable professor at Hogwarts.
- Hagrid is half-giant and is depicted as kind, caring, and helpful.
- Harry Potter, the lead character in the film, has a lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead. Rather than constructing the scar as something that needs to be hidden or something that is ugly, Harry's scar represents his parents' love and Voldemort's failure to kill Harry as a baby.
- Stereotypical gender roles are reinforced throughout the film as women are interested in love potions, Cormac aggressively pursues Hermione, Lavender is very clingy and is depicted as a "bimbo," and Ginny is saved by Harry.
- Dumbledore's interest in knitting, a stereotypically feminine activity, is considered comical.
- The majority of the characters appear to be white.
Sexual Orientation:
- There are no variations of sexual orientation.
- There are no characters with visible disabilities.
- As Harry, Ron, and Hermione walk through the "scary" part of Hogsmeade they pass by a man talking to a wall in an alleyway. This can be understood as a common stereotype surrounding mental illnesses in the media as people with mental illnesses are often depicted as "crazy" or "bad" people.
- The word "lunatic" is used as an insult.
- Professor Slughorn is a fat-bodied professor and is depicted as absent-minded.
Suggested talking points
- A common theme in films is romantic love between a man and a woman. This can be problematic on two levels as romantic love is depicted as necessary for happiness and as heterosexuality is a prerequisite for romantic love.
- A common theme in films is that a hero is male, muscular, and usually stereotypically attractive. The film challenges the traditional male hero stereotype as Harry has glasses, is not exceptionally muscular, and isn't friends with the "cool" kids. It is important to remember that heroes come in all shapes and sizes (and genders).
- When Harry thanks Luna for saving him she says, "That's all right, it was like being with a friend," to which Harry replies, "I am your friend, Luna." When choosing friends, Harry considers moral character rather than "popularity."
Keywords: harry potter, based off book, harry potter and the half-blood prince, half-blood prince, fantasy, movie, adventure, action, gender, family


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A day at Efteling
Once upon a time, in a Kingdom not so far away, there was a place called Efteling in which fairy tales came to life... At first this theme park might come across as reserved for children, but with its restaurants, shops and roller coasters it has something for people of all ages. And besides, don't we all want to go back to the stories of our childhood every once in a while? Open 365 days a year, Efteling makes for a magical getaway!
The stories of Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault are at the heart of the Efteling project. What started in the 50s with a forest in which 10 fairytales were depicted has flourished into a genuine theme park for the entire family. The Fairytale Forest still serves as the centerpiece of the park with about 30 fairytale sceneries, but there's so much more. Enough to make you lose an overview. That's when the Efteling app comes in handy, making sure you always find your way and truly make the best of your day (the app features an interactive map and the waiting times at the attractions for example).
Hereunder you may find my favorites:
- The Fairytale Forest, an enchanted forest in which you come across Snow white, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel & Gretel
- Droomvlucht, a magical journey into a world of fairies and trolls
- Diorama, a miniature world
- The Carrousel Bar, the perfect place for a hot chocolate
- All of the roller coasters concentrated in the East part of the park
- Het Witte Paard, for lunch or dinner in a tea room setting
- Aquanura, a spectacular aquatic show that marks the end of every day at Efteling (check the exact starting time on the app)
How to get there:
Located North of Tilburg, Efteling is at 1h30 from Brussels by car. Before planning your visit, I recommend you check the daily affluence on the online calendar. And in order to avoid you have a stroke at the entrance desk be warned that the fee is €36,50 per person (plus €10,00 parking fee).


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Rent to Own in Taylor Ridge! Find your dream home in Taylor Ridge, IL at RentOwn.net. A Taylor Ridge rent to own house is a terrific approach to build a deposit and get away from paying dead rent money. RentOwn.net frequently adds new Taylor Ridge homes allowing you to see the most properties possible.
RentOwn.net's full access database facilitates direct communication with Taylor Ridge property sellers making your rent to own experience that much easier. Secure the ideal rent to own home in Taylor Ridge and start tenancy in your dream property now. Gain access to hundreds of Taylor Ridge rent to own homes for just $1 during our special 7 day trial period. We hope you benefited from your visit to RentOwn.net and contact us with any suggestions you have to help make us even better. Thank you for using RentOwn the leading site for Taylor Ridge property.


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Sign up and become a Hidden Northumberland member to access exclusive discounts and invitations to special events throughout the year – including:
Free workshops for:
- Introduction to photography
- Landscape photography
- Night photography
- Image processing
Free access to events:
- Stargazing
- Aurora hunting
- Guided walks (for all levels)
- Social outings
A series of weekends at highly discounted rates, with the emphasis on photography, walking and stargazing. These will be at a remote venue deep in the heart of Northumberland.
Discount with Hidden Northumberland partners
Full list in the member's section which will be updated weekly
Clothing, gifts, accessories
Competitions and prize draws
A monthly draw for members will take place with a variety of prizes.
A quarterly photography competition will run with prizes such as weekend breaks, meals, accommodation, cash, photographic accessories etc.
Special Offers
We will feature special offers to members on a regular basis.
Membership costs £15 per year, but for a limited time only you can sign up and receive your first year's membership for just £10. You can sign up for membership instantly online here.


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2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat New Interior
2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat Concept
The 2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat will get a new exterior shade, Satin Steel Gray Metallic. Additionally, hatchback models are now accessible with the diesel engine. The 2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat received a five-star overall security score from the NHTSA (out of a potential five stars). In IIHS evaluations, the 2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat New Interior has solely been tested in aspect and moderate entrance overlap impression exams where it received a Good rating (Good is the very best possible rating). It also acquired a Primary rating on the IIHS' entrance crash prevention check for having an accessible ahead collision warning system (Superior is the highest score for the entrance crash prevention test).
That is the story of the new 2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat, actually. It's filled with features and demonstrates a sophisticated mechanical prowess, but it's particular about things. It's medical and precise, in some ways to a fault, however balanced with apparent value and options. Like the hit man, the 2019 Ram 1500 Hellcat is no nonsense up front, however there's an underlying warmth and want to please once you get to know it.
Good ride and handling steadiness.
Excellent fuel .economic system.
Person-pleasant infotainment system.
Larger alloy wheels harm .experience quality.
Inconsistent interior construct high quality.
Obscure manual transmission operation.


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UK Government Reveals Draft Law on Microbeads Ban
Neville Prior 15 September 2017 05:54:09 PM
The UK government has published a draft of a law that will ban the manufacture of rinse-off cosmetics containing microbeads by the end of the year. The draft follows a public consultation on the government's proposed ban, which closed on 28 February. Some respondents had called for its scope to be broadened and cover all products that result in microbeads being washed down the drain. This would include leave-on makeup and sunscreen. Others called for inclusion of some polymers and cleaning products. The draft law has kept to the scope originally proposed. But the UK environment ministry, Defra, has now also committed to working with the Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee (HSAC) to assess the case for addressing further categories of products.
NGOs have already started discussing the scope and timeline for this work with Defra and the HSAC, according to the Microbeads Coalition, a campaign umbrella group made up of the Environmental Investigation Agency, Greenpeace, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and the Marine Conservation Society. The coalition is "particularly pleased that the ban will not include a limit on the lower size, shape or function of the plastic ingredients covered by the legislation or an exemption for so-called "biodegradable" plastics," FFI said. And it welcomes the inclusion in the draft of definitions for 'microbead', 'plastic' and 'rinse-off'. This makes it potentially stricter than the original proposal, FFI said.
Meanwhile, UK cosmetics trade association, CTPA, says it is scrutinising the draft legislation "to ensure it covers those solid plastic microbeads which have been identified as a possible, though minor, contributor to marine litter". The cosmetics industry has already acted voluntarily to remove those microbeads from rinse-off cosmetics, it said. Use of microbeads by its member companies had fallen by 80% by the middle of 2016 and will be zero by the end of 2018, even without the ban, it said.
CTPA adds that only rinse-off cleansing and exfoliating cosmetic products have been associated with marine litter because only those products had contained solid plastic microbeads. "It is important that the ban does not inadvertently cover ingredients that are not solid plastic microbeads and for which there is no sound scientific evidence to support legislative action," said CTPA director general, Chris Flower.
Referencing a report by environmental consultants Eunomia that identified the sources of primary and secondary plastic, Dr Flower said, the CTPA looks forward to seeing what action the government will take over "the major sources of marine litter, since more than 99% of the problem still remains to be addressed."
Defra is accepting comments on the draft legislation until 15 October.
- Comments [0]


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ownerIQ Integrates with Adobe Analytics Cloud allowing Branded and Discoverable Retail Audiences in Adobe Audience Manager
ownerIQ Integrates with Adobe Analytics Cloud allowing Branded and Discoverable Retail Audiences in Adobe Audience Manager
Integration allows retailers' first-party data to be visible and accessible outside the ownerIQ platform for the first time
BOSTON, MA – August 9, 2018 — ownerIQ, a leader in second-party data, announces it is now integrated with Adobe Audience Manager, part of Adobe Analytics Cloud. Branded ownerIQ retail audiences are now available in Audience Marketplace. Adobe Audience Manager is a data management platform (DMP) that helps brands build unique audience profiles so they can identify the most valuable segments and use them across any digital channel.
As part of ownerIQ's second-party data everywhere initiative, the company is now a Community-level partner in the Adobe Exchange Partner program. Second-party data is defined as access to a brand's first-party data and in this case, refers to branded retail partners. While ownerIQ has pushed data to advertisers via other DMPs, this is the first time that ownerIQ retailer partners are allowing their first-party data to be visible and accessible outside the ownerIQ platform.
Greg Loeffelholz, VP of Platform at ownerIQ, says Adobe Audience Manager's approach to data ownership is what made this relationship a great fit. "Giving data owners' governance over data usage is a key tenant to second-party data. This is often a challenge when the buyer wants to access retail data on alternative platforms," says Mr. Loeffelholz. "Adobe Audience Manager's data request infrastructure aligns well with our own and allows us to maintain the integrity of our governance process."
To learn more and see ownerIQ's retail audiences available in Adobe, visit Adobe Audience Manager here: https://www.adobeexchange.com/experiencecloud.details.100528.html
About ownerIQ
ownerIQ is driven by the idea that retailers, brands and all marketers should operate in a transparent data economy. We created a thriving second-party data marketplace to provide this transparency to our partners and to make their data more relevant and effective. Today, over 800+ Retailer and Product Brand marketers use the ownerIQ platform to maximize their data asset. As a result, these partners contribute over 3 billion shopping behaviors and $1 B e-commerce transactions per month to our data cloud, which marketers and programmatic advertisers use to power media activations (online advertising campaigns). ownerIQ was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Boston, MA with offices in NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. For more information, visit www.ownerIQ.com.
About Adobe Analytics Cloud
Adobe Analytics Cloud, part of Adobe Experience Cloud, is the core system of intelligence for the experience business. Adobe Analytics Cloud combines Adobe Audience Manager, the leading data and audience management platform, and Adobe Analytics, the industry-leading solution for applying real-time analytics and detailed audience segmentation across all marketing channels. Adobe Analytics Cloud enables modern-intelligence teams to instantly create value from data by collecting and connecting a variety of customer engagement points, applying a customer journey lens to contextualize customer experiences, and utilizing modern measurement tools that enable self-service data science for the masses. Insights surfaced through Adobe Analytics can immediately be activated in Adobe Audience Manager for action in customer-touching technologies to deliver compelling experiences in the moments that matter.
PR Contact:
Aidan Bradley
Categories:Posts from 2014


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Play at the Groves
In this majestic wooded site with miles of tempting trails, it's easy to get back to the basics and become inspired by the outdoors. Madera Creek runs the length of the community, situated within endless open space, dedicated parks and natural reserves.
Amenities at The Groves:
- Lifestyle Center Park featuring the Great Lawn, splash pad, fire pit, walking trails and scenic views of the woods.
- Nature Playground, which incorporates recycled wood from our trees.
- Lifestyle Director plans year-round events and 3-4 events per month.
- Fish Camp, including a stocked fishing pond for catch-and-release fishing, a dock with covered lounge space and trails
- Opened May 2018, The Hearth Amenity Center features resort-style pool, pavilion, lawn amphitheater, hammocks, fireplace and a creek overlook.


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Lake or ocean? Beach or pool? No matter your preferences, there's an issue of much greater importance: Finding the right beach towel. No longer a design afterthought, beach towels now make a strong style statement. So, they look great stacked up next to the pool, and you won't mind seeing them hanging out to dry. And when our favorite fashion designers dabble in home goods, we can only hope they're testing the waters (no pun intended) for a larger push into home decor.
Pendleton 'National Park' Beach Towel
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park system, so what better way to pay homage than with a Pendleton beach towel? The image above is of Pendleton's iconic "Glacier" design, and it also offers versions in "Badlands," "Grand Canyon," and "Yellowstone."
Nordstrom, $50
Lulu DK for Matouk Pineapple Beach Towel
Pineapple motifs have regained popularity in home decor, so it only makes sense that this cheery, summery design would end up on a beach towel. The style comes in four vibrant color combinations, which would make for an eclectic look draped across a set of lounge chairs .
Bloomingdale's, $95
T-Tile Beach Towel
Thick and plush with fringed edges, this oversize jacquard pattern beach towel is sure to delight.
Tory Burch, $118
Tile Beach Towel
If standard beach towels are never quite cozy enough for you, this tile-print version should be just right. It's a foot and a half longer and 10 inches wider than the typical size, so this oversized beach towel is big enough for stretching out and drying off.
Lands' End, $39
Mara Hoffman Terry Towel
Mara Hoffman's name is synonymous with bright colors, trippy patterns, and coveted swimwear, so we're relieved that her beach towel designs don't disappoint. The mix of geometric prints is a little crazy, but in a good way.
Shopbop, $78
Totême Blue Biarritz Beach Towel
If tropical motifs and eye-popping color combinations aren't your thing, don't worry. This crisp navy and white towel has a definite Art Deco vibe, and given that it's inspired by Biarritz, France, we're not surprised that it's more sophisticated than the average beach towel.
The Line via Lyst, $150
Slowtide Beach Towel in Lucidity
This psychedelic beach towel looks like a piece of modern art or a geothermal map, and its fast-drying fabric makes it as functional as it is cool.
Missoni Beach Towel
If a beach towel can be fashion forward, this version featuring Missoni's signature multicolored slub design will fit in at the chicest of pool parties.
Missoni, $234
Fouta Beach Towel
Smooth cotton on one side and terry cloth on the other, this tasseled Turkish-style beach towel is available in six striped patterns.
Serena & Lily, $48
Printed Palm Perfect Beach Towel
A fun twist on the traditional tropical-style towel, this palm print version comes in a pair of cheery color combinations.
Urban Outfitters, $19
Cabana Stripe Beach Towel
Nothing can replace a classic like this oversized cabana stripe beach towel, which comes in eight colors, so everyone can get their own color, or you can go for a sleek uniform look.
Grandin Road, $63


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architects_ muoto
program_Construction of 35 single family housing units, a 66 cradle nursery and a 59 space emergency shelter, 32 parking spaces
location_ paris, france
area _5 180 m²
budget_11 000 000 €
consultants_Fabrice Bougon, Bollinger & Grohmann, Espace-Temps, Nobatek
certification _Bbc rt 2012
from the architects_
Sitting on a hill, the building stands in dialogue with the large horizon of the East Paris landscape. Its volumes are designed to maximize energy efficiency and user comfort. The courtyard, balconies and dwellings are oriented to achieve the best sun angles all year round. Each volume preserves distant views to neighbouring condominiums, and aims to blend cohesively into the skyline of the neighbourhood and eastern Paris. The inward facing elevation opens up to the linear garden at the rear of the building which brings light and fresh air into the dwellings and the kindergarten. The project responds to the challenge of combining three different programs along Rue Stendhal : social housing, nursery and emergency centre. The organization of the building allows all three programs to coexist peacefully and take advantage of the unique features of the site such as : privacy, natural lighting in the nursery, independence, and large exterior spaces for the dwellings. The emergency shelter is arranged to be compact and provides multiple views and orientations.


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The Water Rescue Advanced Technical Skills course enables students who hold Water Rescue One Technician qualifications to move on to the application of high line systems, search methods and advanced boat rigging.
Students will learn to set up and operate rope rescue rigging especially adapted for use in water dominated environments.
Advanced rope work is used to enable rescuers to evacuate causalities from the water using casualty strops and stretchers. Rope systems for use with non powered craft are also introduced and developed to increase the range of rescue options available. The search element includes night work enabling personnel to experience all the potential issues associated with work in this environment.
The core skills are assessed practically and through a written paper at the end of the course.
> Download datasheet
Required Skills
Although you will be taught various skills on the course, some pre-course practice of simple skills to refresh your own capability will help you get the most out of the course. You should be able to tie the following knots:
Clove Hitch
Figure of Eight on the Bight
A number of web sites provide information about these knots. Please note that the final presentation of the knots shown on websites may differ slightly from those taught on course.
Further information on this is available in the Fire Service Vol 2 Safe Work at Height (2006) (Pages 46-50).
Course Certification
& Coventry University
There are options on successful completion of this course to register it towards a Coventry University Diploma / Certificate in Specialist Rescue or contribution towards other higher education awards.
Further information will be provided at commencement of the course.
To obtain a full module descriptor in advance visit the below website and navigate to: CU Portal » Module Information Directory » Business, Environment and Society » Geography, Environmental Science and Disaster Management » Get Modules. Then click on 262GED for full diploma module information or 270GED for a Certificate module.
For more information Call 01248 601 546
or email email@example.com
Water Rescue Two
Days - 5
Code - YWR2
Course - £970
Course with food and Accommodation - £1210
Dates & prices
Mon 1 - Fri 5 April 2019
More dates available on request


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On the 28 November 2014, Uwingu will beam my online name to Mars by radio — at the speed of light. This is part of a Mars One Project global shout-out from the Earth to Mars. That day marks the 50th anniversary of the very first mission to Mars: NASA's Mariner 4 (launched on the 28th November of 1964). Back then I was a big fan of the TV series "My favorite Martian" — that is, way back then when I still watched television.
Read about the MARS ONE PROJECT!
(All oil paintings are by Adam Donaldson Powell)


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Dreavis needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 48 designs submitted by 12 freelance designers.
Auto Equipment, Inc.
We build and sell tow trucks, rollbacks, wreckers, and other towing equipment. We sell to actual wrecker services and towing companies such as AAA.
I dont like our current logo. I want something more modfern, more easily recognizable and readable.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Dutch Apple & Raisin/
Yes I am having a warm crusty bagel for lunch. I simply love having a bagel from Panera Bread topped with cream cheese spread. Today's bagel is the Dutch Apple & Raisin. This bagel is loaded with chunks of apple, cinnamon, molasses, and raisins baked inside. It is then topped with sweet streusel. It is good.


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People planning to curtail the likelihood of themselves having to make a claim on international health insurance policies may wish to consider taking part in yoga.
Fitness guru Laura Williams recommended it "as an add-on to other forms of exercise", as well as for boosting flexibility.
Although she did not advise people to use it as a "sole means of getting in shape", it could be an add-on for cardiovascular exercises, such as skipping, brisk walking or jogging.
The specialist noted many people engage in yoga to help them relax or as an element of their downtime, pointing out some individuals enjoy the stillness and the "discipline of the breathing", as well as the improved suppleness the pastime can provide.
Yoga was formed more than 5,000 years ago in India but is now commonplace in a wide number of countries, with lessons taking place in buildings such as health clubs, hospitals, surgeries and leisure centres.
Moving abroad? Get a free quote for your international medical insurance online.
© Expatriate Healthcare


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I believe we all have the opportunity to create more freedom in our lives. One of the places freedom can have the biggest impact is in the work we do. That's why I focus on working with Makers, Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners. Some of whom are just getting started, some have been bootstrapping it for years and others who are wondering what the next five years might look like. I'm here to help, to empower with new tools, new ways of thinking and the confidence to take that next step toward creating more freedom in your life and business.
After years of working as a designer for some of the biggest companies in the Pacific Northwest, I started searching for a better understanding of my passions in life. I developed an interest in business and entrepreneurship and set out to learn all that I could. After years of researching and brainstorming new ideas, I sold all my things, quit my job, took a big road trip chasing the sun, and started a beer company. We raised a bunch of money, got lots of love, and were selling our beer up and down the West Coast. I learned a ton from the experience and have now decided to dedicate myself entirely to helping others make the leap that's right for them. Now, in addition to working with clients on their branding and design needs, I coach entrepreneurs on business development, branding, and best practices for their growing companies.
Other projects:
Work Undone Podcast
Personal Art work
My personal definition of success
Justin is a trusted advisor and friend, and has been instrumental in my company's success. He helped me refine ORU through thoughtful design critique, both in branding and product development, and offers consistently practical and valuable feedback regarding production systems, brand positioning, and profitability. (In short, he's awesome.)
- Agnieszka Zoltowski | Oru Jewelry
Justin created a strong identity for Subway Book Review. It fits the style of my blog perfectly. The bookmark-business card speaks to his inventiveness and unique eye for design. Multifunctional, simple, beautiful. People notice it and comment on it all the time. Justin really listens and sees the soul of the project - and he gets things done. I love working with him.
- Uli Beutter Cohen | co-founder of everbliss and the creator of Subway Book Review
Justin encouraged me to take my "someday" ideas and make them happen now. Many people have dreams that stay on the back burner for decades, but having a collaborator and coach like Justin can help you push past the doubt to the next level.
- Xylia Buros | Freelance PR/Communications consultant & location-independent digital nomad
How can I hELP you?
Branding, Logo & Wordmark, Brand Guidelines, Brand Strategy, Brand Positioning, Art Direction, Photography Direction, Video Direction, Retail Brand Alignment, Office or Workspace Brand Alignment, Squarespace Site Design & Build, Package Design.


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Lately, I've been realizing more and more the importance of a good table lamp. I used to think as long as a lamp was remotely attractive and you know...gave off light, I was A-OK. Now, I've stumbled upon a whole new world of table lamps and there's no hope for return. Lately, I'm falling in love with lamps that have a little something extra that make them more of a statement piece than just a functional source of light. Here's a round up of some of my favorites.
1. West Elm
2. One Kings Lane
3. Arteriors Home
4. Bunny Williams
5. Christopher Spitzmiller
6. Arteriors Home
7. Stray Dog Designs
8. Circa Lighting
9. One Kings Lane


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Color Glo Cares
At Color Glo, our reputation is built on our legacy of service – service to our franchisees, service to our customers, and service to our community. As one of the world's largest leather, vinyl, cloth, velour and plastic repair companies, our giving includes the time, talent and expertise of Color Glo leaders and franchisees.
Color Glo franchisees and employees donate thousands of volunteer hours to countless community projects across the world throughout the year - changing lives, one person at a time.
CGI Cares South Africa
CGI Cares South Africa was launched in 2002. We contribute a % of our revenue to various NPO's including feeding programs, wheel chairs, vehicles and cash donations. We are very passionate about giving back to those in need with a particular affection to children.
Visit them here: www.colorglo.co.za
Color Glo Cares proudly support numerous instrumental charity organizations that work to make change in people's lives.
Joe Foerster, Minneapolis
"In a moving tribute, thousands of flags were placed at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota for Memorial Day. For the first time in 35 years, a flag waved at every single grave. Each one was placed with care as a small symbol of respect and appreciation for the veterans who served the United States of America. On the Friday after Memorial Day volunteers removed and stored all the flags. Our franchisee, Joe Foerster, was one of the volunteers who helped remove the 200,000 flags. ."Memorial Day 2018
Stop Oregon Litter & Vandalism
Greg Martsolf (Clark County CGI Franchisee Owner) and his son volunteered with SOLVE (Stop Oregon Litter And Vandalism). It was litter clean up day for the Salmon River headwaters on Mt Hood in Washington state.2018
Kirk & Whitney Meadows of Boerne, Texas
"When I am not performing my "magic" on a customer's leather/vinyl, I (along with my wife) am a volunteer firefighter at Bergheim Volunteer Fire Dept. It is a good feeling knowing that I am doing my part to help protect my community and neighbors. It is also a great way to learn life-saving skills that can be used in any situation."August, 2017
Fresh Flint Festival: Brenda Poe-Finkbeiner
Founder and Chairperson for a festival responding to lead tainted water in Flint, Michigan. Using professional and collegiate athletes to attract families to the Fresh Flint Festival attendees participated in basketball, football and other physical activities lead by the athletes. Local businesses and non-profits offering services in the wake of the water crisis were on hand to offer information to residents. My church, First Presbyterian Church of Flint, of which I currently serve as a Trustee, joined forces with Flint Athletes for Better Education to host the event in 2016 and 2017.April 22, 2017
Color Glo Corporate
Color Glo jailbirds, Amy and Mandi, stayed locked up behind bars and raised over $1,000 for the Muscular Dystropohy Association.June 08, 2016
CGI Cares South Africa
Sponsored an evening gala event to fundraise money for The Sunflower Fund - an organization which supports children with education, housing and food, to name a few.Feb 02, 2016
Color Glo USA
Served breakfast to homeless women and their children at People Serving People Organization. Also supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by attending an "Light The Night" Event and collecting donations for the cause.Winter 2015
Color Glo Corporate Walks
To support Hammer Residences, an organiztion which supports disabled adults. .May 19, 2015
Color Glo Corporate
Employees teamed up to collect needed supplies to ship to the troops.Jan 04, 2015
CGI Cares South Africa
Donates a new minivan to "Little Kids" organization to assist in the transport of children and their families.Nov 03, 2014
CGI South Africa
Adopted "Little Kids", a non-profit charity organisation that cares for paraplegic children. Ruben Moodley nominated as guest of honour as being their main sponsor.Sept 16, 2014
Color Glo SA
has recently adopted the care of 10 disabled babies. We have donated all their food requirements for the next 12 months, this is in addition to the 200 disabled children we sponsor on an annual basis at Little Kids Org.Sept 16, 2014
CGI South Africa
and the local provincial municipality of KZN have embarked on a joint charity program to treat 200 disabled children from Little Kids to a day at U Shaka Marine World. The municipality has donated the entrance fee to the facility and Color Glo has donated +200 Kentucky Streetwize meals for the kids & families to enjoy for lunch.May 10, 2013
Color Glo International
teams up for Red Cross, Lukemia & Lymphoma Society, Zimmer Spine, Little Kids, Give2Troops Inc., Hammer Foundation & South Africa.2012 - 2011
And So Much More...2011 and Past
What We've Done.
At Color Glo corporate, we've spent countless hours and time contributing to several causes. While we still have many more to support, we're humbled by the gratitude of those whom we've been able to inspire to work harder for the future.
Our corporate office came together, and not only raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, but we each climbed 30 flights of stairs in honor of this cause. While the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society works diligently to find a cure, we are proud to assist in any venture, big or small.
Two members of our corporate office came together for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and agreed to be a part of the MDA "Lock-up" where each person was asked to raise money in support of MDA.
Once the goal was raised, each person was released. It was a unique and fun event that proudly raised funds for individuals and families living with, and affected by Muscular Dystrophy.
We've made a commitment to make regular contributions to several organizations, including but not limited to:
- The Wounded Warrior Project
- Hope Chest for Breast Cancer
- The Shriners Circus
- The Ronald McDonald House
- Hammer Residences - a home for disabled adults
- Doctors Without Borders
- and more.
We encourage you to join us in our efforts to support our community - one person at a time!


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Tales from the river, road and sea!
If there's one thing that I'm certain of, it's that we are all capable of much more than we realise – all it takes is a little self-belief and a hearty pinch of perseverance. I'm a keen advocate of aiming high and following your inner spark. Having quite literally leapt out of my comfort zone a few years ago whilst cliff-diving in America, I now enthusiastically encourage others through my public talks to think big, be brave and to start now.
My talks are about the importance of mindset when it comes to challenges of any kind. From the planning and logistics that go on behind the scenes, to the endurance capability of the human body and how to deal with the unexpected!
I love connecting with audiences of all sizes and ages! I have years of experience in public speaking, to both adults and children, and I'm able to tailor my talks to your requirements. Topics include motivation, resilience, endurance performance, confidence, nutrition, adventure, mindset and how to make the most out of everyday living.
From public talks, to group workshops and community fitness events - this page is where you find out what I'm up to in between adventures! If you have a fun event idea that you'd like me to get involved with, get in touch!
I believe fitness should be accessible to everyone - I also believe it should be fun! These sessions, led by me, are designed to help provide some ideas on how to turn your urban landscape into a training playground. No equipment is required; the session can be catered to different levels and everyone is welcome. Have fun, get fit and get outside!
From festivals to corporate team building events, if you know a group that could use some fitness encouragement and you're keen to collaborate, please get in touch!
Adventure storytime, for children and adults alike. Here's where you can come and get motivated by tales of endurance, get entertained by humourous retellings of curve balls and get inspired by stories of following your passion.
Workshops focus on personal development and wellness; giving you the tools to unlock your potential & break through personal limitations so you can create the quality of life you want. These jam packed sessions are designed to unleash excellence and can be adapted for different group sizes and various environments.
January 18th - Fulham Cross Girls' School (private event)
January 21st-22nd - Adventure Travel Show
January 23rd - Ellis Brigham, London
January 31st - Ellis Brigham, Bristol
February 19th - Funzing UK: LDN Talks @ O'Neill's Wardour Street-London
February 27th - Ellis Brigham, Chelmsford
March 8th - Ellis Brigham, Bristol
April 7th-8th - George Fisher, Keswick
August 31 - September 3 - Camp Wildfire
September 30th - National #GetOutside Day! Free fitness event at Ellis Brigham, London.
October 5-7 - South West Outdoor Festival
October 18th - "The Heroine's Journey" Event @ The Library, Covent Garden, London
October 19-21 - Yestival
November 6th - Parkstone Grammar School For Girls (private event)
November 17th - F45 Stratford (private event)
November 26th - Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Awards Presentation @ St James's Palace (private event)
December 1st - Globetrotters Club, London
January 29th - Cranleigh Preparatory School (private event)
February 28th - Chobham Academy (Private Event)
March 6th - "Tough Women in Sport & Adventure" Event at The Library, London
March 12th - London Business School (private event)
March 28th - Oxted School DofE Awards Ceremony (private event)
May 9th - Bishops Stortford Scouts Awards Evening (private event)
May 22nd - Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards Presentation @ Buckingham Palace (private event)
July 3rd - KAIROS: Book Launch!
July 17th - Beacon School (Private Event)
July 22nd - Warren Mead School (Private Event)
September 11th - Ellis Brigham, Chelmsford
September 17th - Ellis Brigham, Bristol
September 24th - Ellis Brigham, Covent Garden


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"New York vs. Wisconsin" by Steve Walsh/
Steve Walsh is my husband and the only other person in the world who shared many of the same experiences I had in New York City through Midwestern eyes. He bravely packed his bags and moved halfway across the country with me when we were engaged and I had the opportunity of a lifetime. I thought it would be cool to get his perspective on what it was like to live in New York and what that means to him now that we're back in Wisconsin.
Living in New York for three years and coming back to Wisconsin has taught me how valuable it is to adapt to the opportunities that you get. Life in Wisconsin is so different from New York; I don't think I'll ever forget how different each day can be.
I have moments where I desperately want to get an everything bagel and an iced coffee for $4 from our bodega or walk down a street in the shadow of a skyscraper. I love a blast of wind off the ocean or the Hudson as you turn a corner. While I was in New York though, I missed cheese curds, clean white snow, and the hum of a lawnmower. There are things that you miss that you never think you'd appreciate until they're 900 miles away.
When Sammy told me that she got her dream job offer in New York, I was nervous at the prospect of moving. Sammy had always loved the city and had been there a few times while I only went once and never pictured myself living there. I was the type of person that got very stuck in my everyday routines and didn't try new things that much. One of the first things I learned from living in New York is that the city likes to force new things onto you. Your subway station is shut down and all the sudden you have to walk down a block you've never been down, past shops and restaurants you didn't even know existed.
New experiences come at you slower in Wisconsin. You have to seek them out and find them due to the fact that you're no longer on a tiny island with so much stuff crammed onto every street. I've found that you have more time to enjoy things in Wisconsin, though. From the convenient base camp of your car, you can strike out across the state and take the time to enjoy the sight of the Wisconsin countryside. I didn't know how much I loved the site of a corn field until I didn't see them anymore.
Things in Wisconsin seem easier than New York. Having a car is a big part of that, along with having a house versus a studio apartment. Going to the grocery store no longer requires feats of strength as you see how many bags you can strap to your arms for the ten minute walk home. In Wisconsin, however, we have the responsibility that comes with having a house. I thought I missed winter in New York. I got over that quickly last year when I had to shovel every inch of snow that fell. Nothing does beat setting up your first full-sized Christmas tree, though.
New York taught me to adapt quickly and appreciate the things you love in each moment as you experience them. Little moments like bounding off the subway at the end of the day and telling tourists how to get on the Brooklyn Bridge (keep going that way) will never be reproduced in Wisconsin, but I have a lifetime to appreciate the little moments that happen here everyday.