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"I drove past the billboard and saw 'Sleep, Electric Wizard, Boris' … all playing here? I thought it must be a joke."
That's how one Las Vegan described his initial discovery of Psycho Las Vegas, and he had reason to feel skeptical. Many of the bands on the psychedelic-rock festival's mammoth bill had never played here before, so the notion of all 100-plus plunking down for an extended weekend—inside a casino, no less—felt like a pipe dream. Surely, Psycho could continue finding far larger local crowds in Southern California, where it staged its first three editions (in Santa Ana), than in Las Vegas.
Yet to Vegas it came, its organizers trusting in the appeal of Psycho's sonic curation, which ranged from Black Sabbath's end of the metal spectrum (Electric Wizard, Sleep) through classic rock's heavier side (Alice Cooper, Blue Öyster Cult) and fanned out with some hardcore (Converge), noise-rock (A Place to Bury Strangers) and electronic (Zombi) acts. Comic Brian Posehn even told a few jokes Friday night, roughly a third of them about Slipknot.
And that faith paid off. Psycho succeeded not only as a destination—it nearly sold out at $250 a head—and as a worthwhile musical endeavor, but also as a sort of social experiment: What happens when you jam a multi-stage, multi-day musical festival inside a casino?
Okay, so Matador Records did it in 2010, bringing a few dozen bands to the Palms for three nights, but that was a one-off anniversary celebration for a beloved indie label. The rest of Las Vegas' many music festivals take place outdoors, in Downtown bars or in single arenas. Inviting music fans—many of them middle-aged metalheads—to take over your resort for four nights takes some guts, so props to the Hard Rock Hotel for living up to its name by hosting.
The bands played in three venues: 4,000-capacity main hall the Joint, 700-cap club Vinyl and the sprawling Paradise Pool, best known for its sunny Rehab parties. It all took place near the property's south end, which made shifting from stage to stage quite painless.
That went for most everything at Psycho, aside from the Joint's $15 beers. For festival regulars used to frying in the sun while lining up for Porta-Potties, this was not that. Air conditioning, casino bathrooms, free drinking water and free parking made Psycho amazingly comfortable, and those staying at the Hard Rock were never more than an elevator ride from bed. As for food, dinner options included a giant slice of Forte pizza, a club sandwich at Mr. Lucky's or, hell, a quick sushi splurge at Nobu.
The fest kept to its rigorous schedule—most bands played hour-long sets, separated by 20-minute changeovers—and, best of all, sound was routinely excellent everywhere (though more dynamic use of lighting and video screens could have enhanced the Joint experience).
It went so well, Psycho founder and promoter Evan Hagen is already promising a return to the Hard Rock next year, vowing to the Weekly that 2017's fest will be "bigger and better."
Sonically speaking, that's tough to imagine. Hagen built this year's version around two pillars of the stoner-metal scene: Electric Wizard and Sleep, whose most celebrated albums are titled Dopethrone and Dopesmoker, respectively. Both bands lived up to their reputation for extreme heaviness, with the British Wizard's brain-cleansing Saturday-night set—something more like focused ambient noise than what most might think of as traditional "metal"—the high-water mark for the entire weekend, and Sleep's Sunday performance a reaffirmation of the Northern California trio's hypnotic intensity.
Those two bands mostly filled the Joint, and High on Fire (led by Sleep guitarist Matt Pike) played to what looked like the largest crowd of the fest Saturday night. But turnout fluctuated throughout the weekend, as Vegas visitors explored other options in the casino or beyond. Some of Psycho's most veteran acts drew well, like longtime metallers Pentagram (Friday) and Candlemass (Sunday), but freak-rockers The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (Friday) and even Alice Cooper (Sunday)—the latter the fest's highest-billed (and surely priciest) booking—looked out over somewhat undersized audiences.
Even fewer caught the righteously shredding guitars of Friday's top-billed act, post-hardcore foursome Drive Like Jehu, with much of that night's crowd instead lounging by—or in some cases, in—the pool for Detroit proto-punks Death. That pool, which opened with a Thursday-night pre-party capped by the fuzzed-out Mudhoney, remained a popular stop on the Psycho tour all weekend, as did an elongated merch room loaded with black band shirts.
Like every great festival, Psycho offered up plenty of new discoveries, from shoegazey LA outfit Highlands, which opened Vinyl around noon on Saturday, to Scottish space-rockers The Cosmic Dead, who closed out the pool late Sunday night. And the fest featured a stack of expectedly stellar performances, like those by Southern metal quartet Baroness, proggy Boston trio Elder and Japanese experimentalists Boris.
After the final amp had been unplugged, Jeremy Brenton, drummer for Las Vegas doom band Demon Lung—which played for an appreciative and sizable throng Saturday at Vinyl—giddily dubbed the weekend "Heavy Metal Band Camp" on Facebook, and called it "the most professional thing we have ever been part of." It felt pretty pro on this end, too, Psycho. Here's hoping it's the first of many Vegas versions.


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text: Kelly Kei Baird is a nineteen-year-old illustrator living in the East Bay. Formerly a highly fatigued student at UC Berkeley, they are now striving to become the world's happiest and least fatigued freelance artist. Their work has appeared in various chapbooks, the Shade Journal, and now Winter Tangerine! Kelly invites you to explore more of their work at kellykeibaird.com, or on Twitter + Instagram @persephone9000.


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Contradictions and conflicts within urban structures are central to Stijn Van Dorpe's art. The city serves as a field for experiencing and experimenting with social and cultural discrepancies. Van Dorpe uses temporary interventions in particular to reveal the human subject's position within the urban structures he is subjected to and to overcome them with the aid of performative transgressions of limits and restructurings.
During his three-month artist residency Stijn Van Dorpe engaged with the neighborhood and city district of Tarwewijk in south Rotterdam, where he lived and worked for the length of his residency. His film "Shortcut Tarwewijk" documents a performance, for which neighbors and interested others were invited to take part in a walk through the district that is strongly influenced by migrants and largely accommodates the workers of the local docks. Starting from his studio in the port and industrial area, the artist conducts the participants through the district in a straight line—down streets, across squares, and literally through living rooms, schools, churches, youth and cultural centers. His district walk, with glimpses into both private and public spaces, offers a vivid cross section of the area and its social relations. From religion and culture to the personal realm, the performance gives a direct, authentic look into the everyday lives and worldviews of the district and its inhabitants. While "Shortcut Tarwewijk" documents the performance, in the film "Voices" the conversations and interviews with residents that preceded it are recited and recontextualized. Selected passages from the interviews are read by school children in a recording studio during a singing workshop. The contents of the passages and their reproduction by the children reveals the gulf between the views and experiences of the interviewees and the children's worlds of experience. With lightness the children read out or rhythmically sing the sometimes drastic utterances of the Tarwewijk residents-interviewees, playfully integrating them in their musical efforts.


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Your church website through the eyes of a first-time visitor
Websites are one of the most significant forms of outreach today because they offer churches a great way to connect with many new people. They are one of the "welcome mats" of a church. The challenge, however, is that people begin to explore your church and form opinions as unseen guests. Before they set foot inside your church, they will almost certainly have explored all they can find about your church on the internet; through your website, social media, ratings/reviews, and news articles.
Think about it. Before you try a new business or go to an event, this is also likely your approach, if for no other reason than to map directions and determine business hours. It is no different for people considering going to a church. Almost everyone checks online first. According to Forbes, 90% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a business, and two thirds of consumers consider "online search as the most trusted source of information about people and companies".
Your church website is one of the first impressions that you will make on a potential new congregant. What the website looks like, what it says, and how easy it is to navigate all lend to the story of their decision to move closer or farther away from an actual visit to your church; as opposed to visiting another church across town, or scrapping the idea of visiting any church at all.
The good news is that in 2018, simple websites that make a great impression on first-time visitors can be built and maintained by people with very little technical skill, and for very little monthly cost.
Here are my top 10 things to consider in critiquing your current site, or building a new one that better keeps first-time visitors in mind:
1. Websites must now be mobile friendly
Increasingly, people are accessing the web from mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. I bet many of you are reading this article on your phone right now! For many websites, more than half their traffic in 2018 is coming from users on phones, not computers. The way a website looks on mobile devices is a huge factor in that it may determine if a user will try and explore the site, or give up before getting the information they seek.
Does your website work well on phones and tablets? Are there features that are hard to click on or items you can't view without a computer? These should be some of the first things to identify and fix.
2. Use a template
Thankfully, today there are many companies who offer beautiful website templates that are designed to work well on mobile devices, and can be maintained by people who are not particularly skilled technically. Companies like Squarespace and Clover Sites are a good place to start for a cheap, mobile-friendly site that your visitors will love to use.
3. Your website needs great photos of your church life
We live in a very visual culture. Tell the story of the life of your church (i.e. not just the building) through vibrant photos. This will help newcomers feel intuitively more connected and engage them emotionally with what your community is like. They may be asking- are there people like me at this church? What will it be like? What should I wear? Photos also give people a sense of the type of worship you practice. Is it more traditional or contemporary? How many people will be there?
It is very likely that you already have some novice or even professional photographers in your congregation who can help take photos a few times a year because the hobby of photography is now more accessible than ever in the digital age. In my experience at C4 Church, photographers are often looking for an opportunity to serve in this skill. But if you can't find someone, it's worth the investment to spend a few hundred dollars to hire someone who can take photos for the website of Sunday worship services or some of the special events at your church.
4. Accuracy matters
There is nothing worse than a newcomer showing up at church for a service or program based on times and locations posted on the website, only to discover those times have changed and they have missed half the event. And what about the church website that advertises a church picnic that happened 10 months ago? This speaks strongly of a church that doesn't care enough about newcomers. Recruit a trusted volunteer who loves details (perhaps irritatingly so- it's a spiritual gift!). They can regularly update the information and events on your site, or help find the outdated content for a staff member to update. When regularly maintained, website updates can be done by a volunteer in about 15 to 30 minutes a week on a template site like mentioned above.
5. Post your sermons online
For newcomers this is where they can learn more about what you believe and what your pastor is like. It can be recorded simply on a smartphone for audio or video, and uploaded for free to iTunes, SoundCloud, or YouTube. Then you can link to that from your website. There are more and more stories of people all around the world coming to Christian faith through the ministry of online sermons. Websites give us an amazing opportunity to let the hard work that went into a sermon extend beyond Sunday morning, offering truth and encouragement to people every day of the week. Plus, even the most devoted church attenders don't attend every week for various reasons.
6. Filter for "Religious" Language
New people to your website may know very little about the Christian faith. Explain what you mean when you use religious language. What is a "Eucharist"? What is this "diocese" you're inviting me to? Why are they all "washed by the blood of the Lamb"? Is this a cult?! Use common language and phrases to explain activities of your church and your beliefs. Don't assume the person has any idea what you're talking about or what will take place at the event if the attend. Read every page on your site through the lense of someone exploring Christianity. For example, if you're having a Bible study, explain that this is a chance to meet people, have coffee, and discuss a story from the Bible around tables, while asking all sorts of questions about God and faith. If they need to bring something to feel included (like a Bible or pens and notebook), tell them so they are not embarrassed.
7. Create an "I'm New" page
Include everything a first time visitor might need to know all in one place, and make that page really obvious right when they arrive to your website. "New? Click here!"
Include services times and when to arrive for coffee or dropping off children in advance, your location, where to park, what to wear, what is available for children (or explain that children engage with the parents in services), a name and contact for newcomers, and any other FAQ about your church, its history, and beliefs.
8. Introduce the leaders
One of the most visited pages on any church website is the staff page. Use photos of each staff member, add their contact information and a friendly bio about them to introduce them to newcomers. This will make them feel more on the inside of things right away. Many people will choose a church because of their connection to the leader(s).
9. Learn from others
Look at other church websites and gain ideas about what you love and don't love about them. Browsing other church sites as a visitor will help you consider how to present your own information for newcomers, and will also help you stay away from mistakes others have made online. With a quick google search you can find a few experts that offer a list of their favourite church websites and why they were chosen. These are great places to explore and be inspired.
10. Less is more
Your website doesn't need to contain every possible thing a person could want to do or know about your church. Use it more as a welcome mat than a reference library. Offer them a glimpse into what makes you who you are. Then offer more information about ongoing events in person through: email and phone, in printed pamphlets, and on social media. This will make a newcomer feel less overwhelmed as they begin to connect with your amazing congregation! Keep it simple.
(Originally written for "Good Idea" and the Institute of Evangelism)


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Dedicated Business Internet – Why Do You Need It?
Before we answer why you need dedicated business internet we need to first think about why the internet is so important to businesses. The internet has become such a commodity now that its easy for us to take it for granted especially given its broad availability and use in our every day lives.
But when we think about what businesses need to be successful in this day and age, oddly the internet isn't the highest on the agenda for many companies.
Nearly all companies will need the internet for e-mails, sales and marketing activity and HR/payroll as a bare minimum.So when does your internet connection become business critical? The minute your business opens!
You can get standard broadband which many ISP's will advertise as "business broadband" from as little as £20 per month, however the drawbacks of these services compared to dedicated business internet are that you will be sharing with about 50 other home and office users in your area meaning the connection will fluctuate throughout the day and cause the dreaded down time. The other main drawback of this is fix time can be days, weeks, months and the impact of no internet for that period of time for your internet can be devastating, not to mention the time you spend actually getting through to someone to log the fault!
Dedicated business internet can come in many forms and we have can vary hugely on price as all depends on your location. However even just being on actual dedicated business broadband which boasts a 5:1 contention ratio meaning you will only be sharing with a maximum of 4 other users. This would double your existing broadband speeds and give you a more stable connection if the higher end leased lines are out of budget. These services can start from around £130 per month.
At the higher end of the scale you have the option of fibre leased lines for the best dedicated business internet available. This would be fibre delivered to your business that gives you dedicated symmetrical speeds and is a crucial service for internet critical businesses. They will also give you a 4-6 hour fix time and monitor your network 24/7 and can start from around £295.
For either of these or any options in between contact us today for a free quote or find us on social media :


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A Piece of Cloth
Omotesando Fashion Museum
Cooperative work as leader with two members
Duration : 2009.06 - 2009.09
There are various ways and definitions to explain what architecture is. Among them, let's talk mainly about 'space'. Architecture is a process of making a space where people can live. In the same context, clothes we wear can be considered as a kind of space. The clothes are spatial structure tightly formed for human body.
Clothes are architecture and vice versa.
Clothes as space can be investigated from various viewpoints through the change of scale. If we enlarge the conception of clothes, clothes become a house. When we expand the scope more widely, clothes may become a hypermarket or a big city. This project starts from the change of the perspective on architecture through clothes and aims to convert original characteristics of clothes to architectural space.


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New York City. Where you can simultaneously feel connected to the center of the world and completely anonymous. My love affair with this city is fed by way too infrequent trips to visit. But that may be part of the allure for me. Since I never have enough time to do everything on my ever growing list to check out and see everyone that I'm long overdue to catch up with, I always leave feeling slightly haggard from rushing to try to fit as much as possible in (or over celebrating when I do see dear friends). You can lose an afternoon just trying to get across town, so a poorly planned schedule can seriously throw off a visit.
Last week I was in the city to celebrate a girlfriend's upcoming wedding and extended the trip by a few days to visit my brother. I ended up with a blissful day completely to myself. Here's how I spent it:
9AM - Wake up late
Jetlag after travel from the West coast is real. I couldn't pull myself out of bed before 9am.
9:30AM - Walk
After checking a few quick emails, I headed outside and was pleasantly surprised with a gorgeous fall day. I love how much you walk in New York, weather you have a destination or are wandering aimlessly.
10:30AM - Workout at SoulCycle
Would a trip to NYC be complete without a quintessential workout experience? Don't be intimidated, come to work hard and be prepared to sweat. And if you can't take the intensity for 45 solid minutes, the good news is it's nice and dark in the studio.
12PM - Manicure at tenoverten
This salon offers a relaxing, enjoyable experience while focusing on natural products. The bright and airy location in Soho feels like you are in a friend's chic apartment, not at a nail salon. A nice pick-me-up and rejuvenating experience.
1:30PM - Lunch at Jack's Wife Freda
After seeing this place all over instagram, I decided I needed to check it out for myself. If you are lucky enough to snag a spot at the cozy bar at the Soho location, warm up with a cup of tea and their famous avocado toast.
2:30PM - Shop
Because no trip to New York is complete without some shopping. I spent some time wandering down Elizabeth Street in Soho, my new favorite shopping street, and came across some of my favorite brands. Clare V, Cuyana, Steven Alan, Kit & Ace….among many, many others. I also tracked down my new obsession, the workout apparel Outdoor Voices. Their shop in Soho is just so much fun. I basically tried on everything. Their new colors are so good.
6PM - Dinner at The Mercer Kitchen
This cozy spot in the Mercer Hotel is a perfect place for an intimate, yummy dinner. I am still thinking about the Angel Hair Pasta with mushrooms and parmesan.


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8 Life Changing Tips
Prebiotic foods (fermentable fiber) are what feeds your gut flora "the friendly bacteria". Gut flora is the bacteria found in your digestive tract – aka – "the gut". In order to maintain a healthy digestive system which is the root of ALL health, we need a balance of 85 percent friendly bacteria and 15 percent unfriendly bacteria. When we feed ourselves prebiotic foods we are feeding the friendly bacteria in the gut. Great prebiotic foods include but are not limited to: bananas, apples, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and raisins.
Vegetables rich in prebiotic content include artichokes, asparagus, jicama, red and white onions, leeks, garlic, spinach, dandelion greens and tomatoes. My personal favorite are berries I include them in everything I can, I eat them raw, add them to my salad, I cook chicken with cranberries, add them to my smoothies – this works for me.
Richard Martinez
Transformation Expert


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Do you know Warrior Cats- New Prophecy?
I aredly made quiz about first six books about Warrior Cats, but I will make quiz for every 6 books ( Power of Three, Omen of The Starts ) If I write something wrong, I'm sorry because I didnr't read New Prophecy books ( I only played the game ).
published on September 02, 201416 responses 5 4.0★ / 5


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Board of Directors
Achilles Katamba, Chair
Senior Lecturer, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.
Luke Davis
Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases), Yale School of Public Health. Research Director, Walimu.
Shevin Jacob
Acting Assistant Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington. Medical Director, Walimu.
* Achilles and Luke represent the Walimu Technical Advisory Committee.
Sandy Gove, MD, MPH
Executive Director, IMAI-IMCI Alliance.Learn more about the IMAI-IMCI Alliance →
Phil Hopewell, MD
Professor (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine), San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).Learn more about Challenge TB →


text: Now In: All Equipment → Turbo Vac Turbo Vac SKU# Turbo VAc Call for Pricing 800-356-2149 Product Description • Body: Powder‐coated Steel with 10" run‐flat wheels.• Weight: 245 lbs. • Inlet: 6" standard; 4" optional. User can change asdesired.• Outlet: 6".• Motor: Honda GX390 ‐‐12 net horsepower with 3 yearlimited warranty. • Oil Alert system that shuts motor when oil is low toprevent engine damage.• Fuel: 1.6 gallon gas tank provides 2 hour run time. • Large Fan wheel on independent bearing supported shaftwith break‐away coupler – prolongs engine life. • Sacrificial shroud liner for extended life. • 3 year limited warranty.


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The Perfect Black Leather Tote
The search is over. I finally found a commuter bag that meets all of my qualifications: structured black leather; raw edge; flat bottom; longish straps; large enough for my wallet, planner, makeup, heels, scarf, lunch and whatever I happen to buy on my walk to and from work. I was so sick of carrying two bags — my smaller crossbody satchel and a canvas tote. It's been two days now, and I can already tell this puppy is gonna be a staple in my day-to-day life.
This particular style is the 'Dylan' tote by Rebecca Minkoff — it's on sale at Shopbop right now for $206 (I got mine at Nordstrom) and also comes in white, hot pink, bright blue and sunshine yellow (via Zappos).


text: Inspired by jazz, Tsuyoshi and Shu explore improvisational music in ways not too many musicians these days do. Their act is not merely a preservation of the tradition or a revolt against. They go deep into the composers' intentions and interpret them in our current social and cultural context, making an emotional beyond time and place.


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Compare and choose from our collection of cheap hostels in Nottingham. Options range from traditional Nottingham hostels with dormitory rooms, to up-market hostels and guest houses, where you will have your own room, to university halls of residence, which are available in the holidays when the students have vacated their rooms.
Use the form above to browse our availability and prices!
If you can't find what you are looking for, or no availability exists for your dates, please visit our sister website, www.nottinghambedbreakfast.co.uk, where you can see our range of bed and breakfasts and hotels in Nottingham.
Nottingham, on the river Trent, is an old market town that has also played host to both the Victorian lace industry and the Tales of Robin Hood. The market square remains the largest square in England. Although the town dates back to the 1100's and has an ancient castle, the majority of the impressive architecture is in the Victorian and gothic revival styles as this era was when the town was of greatest importance.
Nottingham is home to the re-enactment of 14th century crime and punishment trials at the Galleries of Justice. Pre-dating these trials is Nottingham Castle, a 12th century castle opened to the public and restored in the 17th century. The historic old market square holds annual markets and Wollanton Hall and Park is a Grade one listed Elizabethan house. Greens Mill is a small science centre in Nottingham.
Nottingham is easily accessible from Nottingham East Midlands Airport 13 miles away. Birmingham International and London Luton Airports are two hour train rides to Nottingham. National Express run coaches from all major UK airports to Nottingham (Broadmarsh Bus Station, in the city centre).
There are trains every hour from London St. Pancras to Nottingham. Nottingham train station is adjacent to the city centre and the journey is around 2 hours.
Leave the M1 motorway at Junction 25 to join the A52 to Nottingham.
National Express runs coaches to Nottingham from destinations all over the UK. The main bus operator is NCT- Nottingham City Transport.
Nottingham began in the 6th century as a small Saxon settlement. In the late 9th century the Danes conquered North East and Eastern England. They turned Nottingham into a fortified settlement or burgh.
In 1067 William the Conqueror built a wooden castle to guard Nottingham. (It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century). Nottingham grew rapidly after the Norman Conquest.
In Medieval times the main industry was wool making with some tilers and potters as well as goldsmiths. In the Victorain era the alce industry became very important in Nottingham.
Robin Hood is thought to have lived in Sherwood Forest near Nottingham. The story of Robin Hood is first recorded in the 14th century and it is likely it is based on a real person or possibly several real people.
The following events are occuring in the area


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In this summer that wasn't, we've had some 60 degree mornings. But today, with a little breeze reminding me that Canada is right over there and the first frost is right around the corner, 60 degrees seemed a little cooler than the surprise 60 in the middle of July.
Yesterday I'm out there thinning collard seedlings* that are growing where I should be picking tomatoes, and bringing in handfuls of yellow squash, zucchini, green beans, carrots, radishes and whatnot, thinking, no tomatoes, but not so bad. And then, as if to remind me that the cold is on the way, I get this picture in my email from my Innkeeper friend Cherie, who runs the Hale Hookipa Maui bed and breakfast.
That's quite a haul, all from one day she tells me... Well, put my little pile of squash in perspective, will you! Cherie also runs this volunteer on vacation in Hawaii site, and a great Maui blog. If you like tropical gardening (she also has great flowers), check it out. Or better yet, check in for a week. Maui is a gardener's paradise. But beware, in the depths of winter in upcountry, you might wake up to a cool 55 degree morning!
* Planted from the seeds from the greens I let overwinter last year, in an attempt to make them even more cold hardy. I will let some of these go over winter again, to seed in the spring, for seeds for next fall's crop. I never really learned this technique, it just seems to work well, and my theory is that anything that can stay alive over winter here deserves to be propagated. At least that way, if we keep having summers that weren't, I'll have some cold hardy greens to grow any time of year!
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9 months ago


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Tag Archives: politics
Student Documentary Examines Wooster Reaction to Trayvon Martin Case
The shooting of Trayvon Martin has been a focus of media attention since he was killed by George Zimmerman on February 26th, 2012 in Sanford, Florida. His killing has sparked numerous debates, many of which are continuations of never-ending discussions … Continue reading
Posted in Perspectives Tagged awareness, Civility, conscience and character, diversity, politics, race relations, student voices Leave a comment
National Parks and Diversity
Recent surveys show that national park visitors are overwhelmingly non-Hispanic whites. Stan Austin, the new superintendent of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, in a NPR Radio interview said that he would like to address this issue as priority given the ethnic … Continue reading
Posted in News Tagged activism for inclusion, environment, politics, race Leave a comment


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Better Choice Cleaning have been carrying out March Out cleaning since we began, this stems from our service background.
We are fully conversant with the requirements of the housing officers, and the changing situation of the service person.
We can provide either a partial or full cleaning service, we can also arrange for gardens to be prepared for the inspection. Where a full service clean is booked, we also attend the property at the March Out, giving you total peace of mind.
3,706 total views, 4 views today


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In August 2012, InFiné suggested a collaboration between French musician Don Niño and Mexican electronic musician and producer Cubenx. At the InFiné Workshop (La Carrière du Normandoux) the two musicians revealed a hypnotising first creation, wrapping ancestral sitar riffs into layers of keyboards and minimalist electronics. This first experience encouraged Don Niño and Cubenx to create the project WE:MANTRA in 2013, further enhanced by the addition of installation artist Antoine Schmitt.
WE:MANTRA combines music and video art. Musically it is centered around the Indian sitar and vintage analog keyboards laid out over electronic minimalist rhythms. The nine "Moods" of traditional Indian music are explored by the musicians during the concert (cosmic, heroic, erotic, fightening, wonderful…) within retro-futuristic mantras. Live visuals by Antoine Schmitt accompany the performances, creating a generative world based on ancestral forms.
(C) Ph.Lebruman
Musically, WE:MANTRA is certainly hard to classify. Numerous attempts to crossbreed the Sitar with various genres have been made. Don Niño who has been playing the sitar since his childhood, took the time to select a fistful of tracks that mattered in the shaping of the sound of WE:MANTRA. A journey from Riley to ... Alice Coltrane.
Inspired by this live experience, Antoine developed WE:MANTRA EXPERIENCE out now on the Apple store. WE:MANTRA. A literal translation of the word "mantra" would be "instrument of thought". The music of mantra is particularly well adapted to the concepts of generative music, where music is created on the fly, according to composition rules. The App is available on the Apple Strore ( link !)
WE:MANTRA Experience (Don Nino - Cubenx - Antoine Schmitt) from InFine Music on Vimeo.
Website WE:MANTRA


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Politics & Government
Senate's Cantwell takes tough approach to big banks
WASHINGTON — To hear Sen. Maria Cantwell talk, another economic bubble is building as Wall Street banks — backed by taxpayer bailouts — continue to play the high-risk derivatives markets rather than extend credit to struggling businesses on Main Street.
Cantwell says that Congress and the Obama administration are just watching it happen. The Washington state Democrat is among the most outspoken members of the Senate when it comes to calling for tough new regulations to rein in Wall Street.
She's not looking to pick a fight with the White House, the Federal Reserve or powerful congressional committee chairmen. She was, however, one of 30 senators to vote against the confirmation of Ben Bernanke to a second term as Fed chairman; she temporarily blocked the appointment of the White House nominee to head the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and she's been highly critical of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Larry Summers, the top White House economic adviser.
"We are trying to keep the focus on what needs to be done to get credit flowing and avoid another bubble," Cantwell said in an interview. "Do I wish the White House team was more attuned to these issues? Yes."
Cantwell has also teamed with the 2008 Republican presidential candidate, Arizona Sen. John McCain, to introduce legislation that would restore a Depression-era law that erected a firewall between commercial and investment banks and that could have prevented the type of financial abuses that led to the recession.
"My reason for joining this effort is simple — I want to ensure that never again will we stick the American taxpayer with another $700 billion or even larger tab to bail out the financial industry," McCain said at a December news conference. "If big Wall Street institutions want to take part in risky transactions, fine. But we should not allow them to do that with . . . taxpayer money."
Cantwell said McCain approached her about co-authoring the legislation. Cantwell was on the Senate Commerce Committee when McCain was the chairman.
White House officials have, at least twice, backed off commitments they made to her that they'd push for tougher regulations, Cantwell said.
"Their economic team is not living up to what they said they would," Cantwell said.
Though Cantwell said she's encouraged by White House support for a proposal from former Fed chairman Paul Volcker that would sharply limit the investment risks banks could take, she remains skeptical that the administration will take a leadership role in pushing the "Volcker rule."
"This isn't about poking the White House, it's about getting capital flowing to small businesses," she said.
The White House defended its efforts.
"The president, along with his economic team, has proposed a sweeping financial reform package that would rein in the abuses of Wall Street by imposing real oversight and strict accountability," Adam Abrams, a White House spokesman, said in an e-mail.
Cantwell has focused on regulating the currently unregulated trading in derivatives. Derivatives allow investors to make what amount to side bets on, for example, subprime home mortgages, food commodities and oil or natural gas. Traders in derivatives don't need to have the cash to cover their bets. Some have likened it to buying insurance on your neighbor's home and expecting it to burn down, or on your neighbor's car and expecting it to be totaled in an accident.
Such trading can have an impact not just on credit, but also on consumer costs.
In the first half of 2008, the price of natural gas nearly doubled. Even though domestic production increased 8.6 percent, demand was essentially flat and inventories were at normal levels, according to Industrial Energy Consumers of America, a trade association whose members purchase large amounts of energy.
"Based on supply and demand, prices should have fallen," the group said.
Cantwell is no stranger to these fights. After West Coast energy prices increased 500 percent in a matter of months in 2000 and 2001, Cantwell passed legislation that gave the Securities Exchange Commission and the Federal Trade Commission more authority to rein in market manipulation.
"She has fought this battle before," Michael Masters, the president of Masters Capital Management LLC, an investment fund, said following a Capitol Hill press conference recently. "It takes guts to stand up to these banks."
Michael Greenberger, a University of Maryland law professor who as a member of the Clinton administration unsuccessfully fought for tougher rules, said Cantwell continues to be "ahead of the curve. You can't do this in a halfhearted way."
Greenberger said Cantwell was responsible for convincing Gary Gensler, the chairman of the CFTC, to take a harder stance even though she'd briefly held up his nomination and voted against his confirmation.
"She turned Gensler around, and he has become a force for good," Greenberger said. "He is the only person in the administration sincerely pushing for reform."
Cantwell said she was disappointed in the regulatory reform bill passed by the House of Representatives and hasn't been encouraged by the bill the Senate Banking Committee is writing.
"The House of Representatives has passed legislation riddled with loopholes, which will not result in change," Cantwell said.
Cantwell has been lobbying members of the Senate Agriculture Committee on regulating the derivates market. The panel has jurisdiction over such trading.
If the bills emerging from committees aren't tough enough, Cantwell vowed a floor fight. She said she had support from half a dozen senators, including Democrats Dianne Feinstein of California, Tom Harkin of Iowa, and Carl Levin of Michigan.
"People are going to have to ask themselves what's better — a weak bill or no bill?" she said.
January jobs data upbeat but confounding; stocks open down
Cuomo charges BofA, ex-CEO Lewis with securities fraud
Congress raises debt limit, then votes to curb spending
Bank of America increased lobbying toward end of 2009
Follow the latest politics news at McClatchy's Planet Washington


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IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 20, 2017) - CAPSTONE TECHNOLOGIES GROUP, INC. (
"5G is a wireless connection built specifically to keep up with the proliferation of devices that need a mobile internet connection. It's not just your phone and your computer anymore, either. Home appliances, door locks, security cameras, cars, wearables, dog collars and so many other inert devices are beginning to connect to the web. Gartner predicts that 20.8 billion devices will be connected to the Internet by 2020. By comparison, there are currently an estimated 6.4 billion connected devices in the world. That's a lot more devices asking for a quick connection."1
Wesley Poff, CTO of Capstone, states, "The shortage of fiber and long term plans for installation of networks has created the condition where network providers are negotiating directly with fiber manufacturers in order to secure a long term supply of optical fiber."
Verizon Communications announced on April 18, 2017, that they signed an agreement with Corning for 20 million km of Optical Fiber per year from 2018 through 2020. They stated that they intend to use this fiber in the building of their networks. Having a long-term agreement for the fiber is meant to insure that as the network is being built, there is fiber and cable available.2
The critical component of optical fiber manufacturing is the optical fiber preform. The preform is the precursor to the optical fiber. As the industry has matured, the technology to draw preforms into fiber and to make the fibers into optical fiber cable has become readily available. However, the preform technology and equipment used to make preforms is still difficult to obtain.
Capstone Technologies Group, Inc. and its subsidiary America Fiber Optics Group, Inc. are in the process of bringing additional preform capacity to the market. This additional preform and subsequent fiber manufacturing capability will help serve the tremendous growth in the optical fiber market.
1 https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2016/03/5g-vs-4g-how-the-next-generation-of-networks-will-improve-your-life/
2 http://www.rcrwireless.com/20170418/carriers/verizon-signs-billion-dollar-deal-with-corning-for-37-2m-miles-of-fiber-for-lte-5g-tag2
Capstone Technologies Group is perfectly affixed as the Top Structure of a growing list of visionary technology companies, destined to change the world in which we live by taking up the challenge of making the USA the manufacturing giant it once enjoyed. We believe in the strength and ingenuity of the American manufacturing market and the people that are dedicated to bring the best of new technologies to the marketplace, right here in the place where the manufacturing industry was born. We will take the existing foundation and history of American greatness and integrate that with advances in technology, to bring to worldwide consumers those leading edge products they demand.
Capstone is focused on forward looking entities that have distinguished themselves as leaders in their fields and are looking for investment and leadership to move their vision to fruition. We can bring forth the financial, logistical and outside the box thinking to develop a succinct and streamlined path to market.
Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release may contain forward looking statements and or observations which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues as well as any payment of dividends on our stock, statements related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties include but not limited to information as contained within the Company's most current quarterly reports, annual reports, and or other such filings as may be accessed through the OTCBB website. Furthermore, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our expansion of our existing as well as new product lines noting there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs. Additional product offerings may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s) based upon the variables as associated with the general business channel we are operating in, the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time including risks as associated with our product and recent FDA pronouncements. Additionally, our 1-A registration statement will generate additional free trading shares to the marketplace at a pre-determined price which may impact our share pricing within the OTC marketplace in a manner that we cannot predict.
Contact Information:
Investor Contact:
Capstone Technologies Group, Inc.
(888) 676-4138


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A Foodie Truly Finding Her Groove
It was just ten years ago in January of 2004 when America was introduced to "The Three Divas," on the third season of Fox's "American Idol" who would individually go on to successful careers both in music and theater. Read More
"LaToya I would also give a record contract to straight away. I thought she was impeccable."
- elton john
American Idol Finalist
Oprah Winfrey's The Color Purple
NAACP Theater Award Nominee
Singer / Actress / Songwriter
An undeniable presence whose talent even managed to silence the razor sharp tongue of none-other than American Idol!s most infamous judge, Simon Cowell. Cowell!s silence was only matched by his candor as he coined the term "The Three Divas" when discussing Fantasia Barrio, Jennifer Hudson and La Toya London, and hailed La Toya as the odds-on favorite to win that year's competition. aNever one to rest on her laurels, La Toya expanded her artistry and sought to capture the attention of audiences everywhere. Her delivery of Nettie, the spirited and infectious sister of Celie in Broadwy!s first national tour of Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple musical, was met with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, prompting the NAACP to recognize La Toya as a leading figure in the theater industry.
The immediate fame that reality TV can provide can be overwhelming for some, but La Toya!s star power proved steadfast as a number of record labels, who had fallen under the hypnotic spell of this young Chanteuse', endeavored to have La Toya record for them. Ultimately, Peak Records won the "prize" and signed La Toya to a recording deal. Their collaboration lead to 2005!s debut album, Love & Life, which debuted in the Billboard Top 100. The album spawned 3 successful singles, Appreciate featuring Black Thought from The Roots, Every Part of Me, and the Adult Contemporary Top 40 hit, State of My Heart. It wasn!t long before the talk show circuit too was smitten by the allure of La Toya London as her rounds about town included engaging appearances on Larry King Live, David Letterman, Regis & Kelly, and The Ellen Degeneres Show.
London!s magnetism is obvious and though being honored for her work is rewarding, it is not where she finds her deepest appreciation; her social activism with respect to underprivileged children in the urban community provides not only her greatest challenge, but grandest reward. Armed with philanthropic ideals long before celebrity found her, it wasn!t a surprise when London accepted an invitation to sit on the Board of Directors for The Richmond/Earmet AIDS Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established to raise funds for AIDS service provider agencies through the production of quality entertainment events.
La Toya London is a star, which is obvious to anyone who takes the time to meet her, but it is her humility, her ability to not allow stardom to affect her person that truly allows her star to resonate and shine brightest.
In addition to this LaToya also won:
- An Ovation Award "Featured Actress in a Musical" in 2012 for her role as "Shug Avery" in the Color Purple.
- 2013 Best Ensemble Winner "LA Weekly Theater Award" "Silence!" The Musical
- 2013 "Entertainer of the Year" Winner for the Bay Area Music Awards
- 2013 "Entertainer of the Year" Winner from the Oral Lee Brown Foundation
- Featured Star in Calvin Gilmore's The Carolina Opry 2013
"LaToya, I got two words for you... Power House!" - Quentin Tarantino
"LaToya, you make me proud to be a songwriter. Great... just great." - Barry Manilow
"You are, I think, the best singer in the competition." - Simon Cowell
Please check back soon.
© 2015 LaToya London. All rights reserved. design by amalgamated pixels


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Kentucky community education professionals support their schools and communities by their active participation in the development and coordination of programs such as these:
Family and Community Involvement
School-Community Partnerships
Lifelong Learning Opportunities, e.g., Classes and Activities for Adults and Children
Student and Family Support
Adult Education (academic, job skills)
Extended School Services and Extended Day Programs
Family Resource/Youth Service Centers
Federal Programs
Service-Learning Projects
School Volunteer Organizations
Districtwide Communications and Public Relations
Community Schools
and more...
• Lifelong learning • Community & civic involvement • Volunteers
• Collaboration • Advisory council development • P-12 support
• Efficient use of resources (physical, financial & human)
"The real heart of community education is the coming together of people to create safer, kinder communities, where everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow."
Current Ongoing Classes:
DANCE FITNESS with Jessica Smith Mondays & Thursdays at 6:00pm (Cloverport Cafeteria) $3.00 per class, Punch cards are available $30.00 for 11 classes.
Girl Scouts meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 5:00 pm.
POUND Class with Nancy Lucas is Tuesdays in the Cafeteria from 5:45-6:45pm. $3.00/Session
YOGA with Becky Ruskowski is Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30pm in the Board Room. $5.00/Session
MyPlate with Tasha Tucker is on January 16th at 12:00 noon in the Board Room. Free to community.
Art Club for K-5 Students is on January 31st from 3:00-4:00 pm.
JOIN US and BRING A FRIEND!!
Upcoming courses:
HIIT, MyPlate Nutrition, Crocheting for Beginners, Budget 101, Essential Oils for Mood Management and MORE!
***If you have an idea for an enrichment course or are interested in leading a course, please contact us.***
301 Poplar Street / P.O. Box 37 Cloverport, KY 40111
Phone: (270) 788-3388 ext.121
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-3:00pm*
*Office hours may vary to accomodate programs and activities.
Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/BreckinridgeCommunityEd/


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Listings in Health & Beauty, Womenswear, Green Politics and Confectionery
Sofia Latif
in Facial Skincare, Aromatherapy
Sofia Latif believes oils have the power to create healthy and strong skin. Luxuriate in a skincare routine using precious, waterless blends, which are made with 100% pure plant oils & nothing else – all selected for their nourishing powers.
United Kingdom
Ananda Foods
Ananda Foods is an artisan supplier of gelatine free vegan and vegetarian marshmallows in the UK. They're very delicious and economically priced! You can buy our marshmallows in grab bags, re-sealable tubs and now wonderful gift boxes too!
United Kingdom
in Facial Skincare, Natural Health
Our mission is to provide customers with an effective, 100% natural insect repellent as strong as any other on the market, yet safe enough to use on babies as young as 3 months. Natural insect repellent - repels all insects, there is nothing stronger
Whitchurch Road
Unit 10, Baseline Business Studios
London W11 4AT
United Kingdom
Review this
in Facial Skincare, Natural Health
Hay fever? Dust or pet allergies? HayMax™ allergen barrier balms are drug free, all natural and certified organic. It's suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women, kids, drivers, machine operators and cynics!
Bedford, Bedfordshire
United Kingdom
in Under & Nightwear, Feminine Health
WUKA creates the world's most sustainable and luxurious period underwear. The pants are your complete tampon and pad replacement, and can be worn for up to eight hours depending on your flow.
United Kingdom
Atlantis Skincare
Atlantis Skincare brand is a UK based all natural skincare. We create luxury, freshly handmade face care and body care products that transform your simple everyday beauty rituals into deeply theraputic experiences. 100% natural, vegan products.
United Kingdom
Titanic Spa
in Treatments, Spa, Hair & Beauty, Bodycare
Nestled deep within the natural landscape of Pennine Yorkshire sits the UK's Best Luxury Destination Spa, Titanic Spa; a beautifully restored textile mill offering state-of-the-art health and wellbeing facilities.
Low Westwood Lane
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD7 5UN
United Kingdom
Review this
in Natural Health, Home Accessories
Blushield is an active EMF protection technology designed to protect users from the health effects of man-made electromagnetic fields. It's available in a wide variety of models to suit all lifestyles.
United Kingdom
Madal Bal
Madal Bal is the essential ingredient for making the 'fasting support drink'. The drink provides the body with essential energy and nutrients in liquid form, allowing the digestive system to rest. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
United Kingdom
The Lunette menstrual cup is made in Finland. It is an easy-to-use, safe and hygienic alternative to pads and tampons. Using the cup protects the environment, saves money and gives you peace of mind. It is hypoallergenic and latex-free.
United Kingdom
Review this


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Join millions of players in one of the most competitive football games ever created.
Transporting passengers from place to place can be boring. But it's much more exhilarating when you're flying a rocket-powered ship inside of caverns filled with falling rocks, missile traps and exploding barrels!Help
There are no awards for this game!


text: My drawing collage 'Election Year' is being made into two short run, 24"x22", screen printed editions to coincide with my show at George Mason University. A very limited run on birch veneer and a short run on library board. These will be up on the website soon, so check back in the coming days.


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Product development is rapidly changing.
As product development has become increasingly complex and distributed, conventional design tools and workflows are no longer sufficient to keep up. Every organization now faces the challenge of re-configuring themselves to align with the systems, flows, and exchanges that shape a new era of design and production. We use computational design to address every aspect of product development, from early design concepts and prototypes to production-ready files.
Computational Design Sprints
Our sprint framework combines Computational Thinking (CT) with a Design Sprint to rapidly address complex business challenges. They're fast-paced, data-driven, and catalysts for innovation.
Product Labs
Our Labs provide a platform to support development across digital, physical, and research products. Alongside our partners, we explore the future of product development on the edge of what is creatively possible.
Computational Design Training
We've developed a system of tools and methods to help teams use computational design to tackle all aspects of product creation. Our training programs are hands-on, field-tested, and immediately applicable to real-world design issues.
Mode Lab is an advanced product creation consultancy specializing in computational design.
We are an ambitious team that is designed to be innovative. Every project that we work on aims to transform the capabilities of design teams and the organizations they serve. The products and services we deliver are built as parts of larger design systems, and fundamentally challenge how these systems function, how they interact, and what they can produce.
With services spanning Design Sprints, tools and methods research, product design, full-stack development, and training, we are an end-to-end partner committed to helping your teams thrive in a rapidly changing world.


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From Animal Sheltering Magazine January/February 2014
double tap picture to expand gallery
When their cat Ruben escaped in 2005, Lisa Toth made her husband, Mike, search the shelter every day. Back then, she says, her local facility in Ohio had bad conditions and a high euthanasia rate that were too painful for her to confront. But when Mike left town to attend a seminar, she had to go to the shelter herself. She ended up emptying her wallet and coming home with everyone she could for $90—a dog, an adult cat, and two litters of kittens.
Sadly, the Toths never found Ruben, but Lisa hasn't stopped helping other animals since. She began privately rescuing in the fall of 2004, using her garage to hold animals, and opened One of a Kind (OOAK) Pet Rescue, a small adoption/retail center, in November 2005. Initially, OOAK operated out of a former Krispy Kreme donut shop, but after Toth incorporated as a nonprofit and opened a spay/neuter clinic in Akron, Ohio, in 2008, it was time to grow.
In 2010, the Toths bought and demolished a decrepit bowling alley near the clinic, and in its place, built OOAK Pet Rescue as a standalone adoption center. "My husband wanted the cats out of the bathroom," says Toth. Moving into the new space allowed OOAK to take in more animals and provide grooming and doggy day care services that brought in revenue.
Toth wants people to know as soon as they walk into the shelter that the animals have value. The lobby is large and airy, and the focal point is a floor-to-ceiling spiraling tower with cubbies, platforms, and LED lights in a glass cat room for residents. Fosterers, including Toth, care for hundreds of kittens beyond the shelter's feline capacity of 225.OOAK pulls most of its cats and dogs from Summit County Division of Animal Control (SCDAC) in Akron and accepts strays. OOAK accepts owner surrenders when space is available, but ill or injured strays brought in by Good Samaritans get first priority, since the clinic's medical director oversees the shelter animals' care.
SCDAC has a great working relationship with OOAK, says Craig Stanley, director of administrative services. Six or seven years ago, his shelter was placing around 340 animals a year. Thanks to partners like OOAK, it now places around 2,200, and every year seems to set a new record. In addition to pulling cats and kittens from SCDAC, Toth's organization sponsors heartworm medications and performs many free spay/neuter surgeries. "We're really happy that they're a partner of ours, and that they're in our community, because we have benefited greatly from them," Stanley says.
Although OOAK can't focus on cats elsewhere until Summit County is under control, the group does pull dogs from other counties. There are times when the county's municipal and nonprofit shelters do run out of cats—typically in January—and then, Toth says, OOAK sometimes pulls cats from other counties.
The shelter has about 25 spaces for dogs, and there are 25 additional spaces in the back of the clinic for dog quarantine. When they pass their quarantine period, healthy dogs are moved to another room and exercised in pairs in the yard behind the clinic. They're walked within the clinic, and to and from the yard, on routes that are distinct from those walked by dogs still in quarantine. The clinic has 24 employees, including five part-time veterinarians who perform surgeries four days a week and provide a public vaccination clinic once a month. Many clients find out about the clinic from information on OOAK's website, through social media, and by word-of-mouth. People are also referred by numerous area rescue groups that utilize OOAK for its rescue and foster animals, and county agencies.
The shelter is open seven days a week and has 20 employees, four of whom are full-time. One is Terri Nass Reeder, who was a defense lawyer before coming on board. "You can only make [large businesses and companies] so much money and feel good at the end of the day," Reeder says. She started as a fundraising volunteer at OOAK, and now serves as executive director. She's gratified by the clinic's work, noting that there are many locals who need low-cost or no-cost services to care for their pets. Without OOAK's help, Reeder says, they wouldn't be able to spay or neuter their pets, or properly vaccinate them.
Thanks to her staff's dedication, Toth has cut back from working 50 hours a week to 25 or 30. "I hope we're educating—putting a different look on homeless pets," she says. "We're gonna do a thousand cat adoptions [in 2013]. It's never been done in Summit County."
It's been a great growth spurt for the organization. But how has it affected the Toths' home cattery issues? Lisa admits the truth: "We still have them in every bathroom, of course."
Last summer, feral cat advocate Toby Franks—featured in "Beyond the Dumpster" in the Sep-Oct 2013 issue of Animal Sheltering—was hired as OOAK's spay/neuter clinic manager.


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There is no bigger commitment in our earthly life than marriage. And that terrified Aziz Ansari.
The biggest punchline being when Aziz stated: "[People] are getting married to people they've known for a year and a half…a year and a half? I mean, I've had sweaters for a year and a half and was like what the *bleep* was I doing with this sweater?!"
Aziz comically captures the common fear people have of commitment. Even in my own life, I often can spend more time looking for a show or movie on Netflix than actually committing to watching a whole program. Whether in marriage, a career choice or to a church, our reluctance to commit can be seen all throughout all walks of life. Why is it that we fear commitment so much?
Our fear of losing freedom
The reason why Aziz fears marriage and I spend more time browsing for shows than watching one on Netflix can be pinned to this: the belief in our culture that freedom is the most important good in our life. Tim Keller writes, "Today as a culture we believe freedom is the highest good…Freedom has come to be defined as the absence of any limitations or constraints on us. By this definition, the fewer boundaries we have on our choices and actions, the freer we feel ourselves to be." Our culture has made us believe that to be truly happy and to be truly free, we must rid ourselves of all constraints and commitments to ensure we find our "true" selves. You see this even in Disney movies like "Frozen," in which the climatic song literally tells viewers to, "let it go!" to find true happiness.
We also compound this notion of freedom, now more than ever, with a consumer mentality. When I first discovered my love of sushi, I would always go to an All-You-Can-Eat restaurant. You could order exactly what you wanted, eat as much as you desired, and you never eat what you didn't. You get to order exactly to your comfort level. I only liked salmon and I loved just being able to eat only salmon.
Now, this might be fine for food, but we often adopt this mentality for our life choices. When finding a church or career path, we want it to fit exactly to our needs and desires. And the temptation is when you don't like where you are, you can always find a better church or career choice. As we live in fear of commitment what happens is we begin to become people of FOMO or fear of missing out. We can never fully enjoy what we are committing to because there are so many other choices that you are constantly comparing to your situation. We become easily dissatisfied and will back out the moment a better choice is offered. In essence, our freedom and consumerism paralyze us when making any decision. But when we want to keep all the doors open you'll never find yourself walking through any of them. Whether finding a church, staying in a relationship, or trying to find a career choice, we are left stranded.
Covenant over comfort
Covenant is a weird word for this time. It conveys archaic feelings of suppression and seems too "Biblical" to be pertinent for real life. As Christians, we often forget that we are not only a people of freedom and grace, but also a people of covenant. Moses explains to Israel: "You are standing here in order to enter into a covenant with the Lord your God, a covenant the Lord is making with you this day and sealing with an oath to confirm you today as His people." (Deuteronomy 29:12-13). This agreement represents a relationship that is both extremely intimate and also extremely binding. This covenant allows Israel in relation to God to become "His people" but when they seal an oath to confirm it.
Yet this seems to be at opposition with what our culture tells us. How can we find intimacy and joy in such a cold and legal relationship? Isn't happiness found in how free we can become? But this covenant offers more than just oppression, it offers true freedom and joy.
David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times, put it well: "Our inner nature is formed by that kind of covenant in which the good of the relationship takes place and precedence over the good of the individual. Life doesn't come from how well you keep your options open but how well you close them off and realize a higher freedom." What Brooks is writing is what Moses was trying to convey to Israel. When we begin to commit to things greater than ourselves and our comfort, we are able to find intimacy and joy. It is only when we say yes to God and no to our sinful nature that we are able to truly live our lives the way it was designed.
Committing to freedom
I've had the privilege of visiting Japan a couple of times. And as Paul's eyes were opened on the road to Damascus, my eyes to sushi were opened on the road to Tokyo. I was elated to finally try real sushi but I wanted to do it on my terms - only salmon and none of that weird stuff. I was able to find a small hole-in-the-wall joint, and as I walked in I was met with silence and blank stares from the staff. I was ushered into a small seat on the side and I patiently waited for a menu of some sort. No menu came, but instead I was served surprisingly small dishes of fish. Perplexed, I looked around and some English-speaking customers politely informed me this was an omakase restaurant. Omakase is a type of sushi restaurant in which you leave it completely up to the chef what you eat. Basically, it was my worst nightmare. I tried to somehow make an exit but my shame kept me in my seat. But as I ate with angst and contempt, I became surprised with how good tuna tasted. Plate by plate, I began to realize there were so many types of fish that I had been too fearful to commit to before that I actually realized were delicious. Finally, at the end, I was served fatty tuna (otoro) and was literally crying tears of joy.
I had been too fearful to commit something outside my comfort zone. But when I overcame my fear and trusted a chef with skills greater than what my comfort allowed, I realized there were so many more flavors I was not aware of. In a weird way that stoic sushi chef and I made a bond of trust in that moment - we established a covenant. That trust meant I had to close the door of only eating salmon, but I was finally able to go through doors that I would have never entertained in my comfort mentality. There was a higher freedom in commitment.
I totally understand the skepticism Aziz has on marriage, even as someone who is married. There are moments in our covenant when both of us have questions of, "What did we get ourselves into?" Having to now live your life intertwined with another's schedule, requests, and desires now clashing with yours - to be honest it's a struggle at times. Yet because we are committed in a covenant that doesn't allow us to leave on the whim of our discomforts we are able to experience a deeper intimacy in our relationship than before.
Yes, our fights can be frequent and annoying but the forgiveness and reconciliation we both experience afterwards can't be found anywhere else. Because we commit to stay together no matter what we're feeling, I often see more of my faults and work to fix them. More than realizing I had made the wrong choice like choosing a wrong sweater, my marriage has made me realize that possibly I could have more holes than that old sweater.
I no longer am afraid of having made the wrong choice, unlike Aziz, who feared overcommitting to something as simple as a bad sweater. My marriage has made me realize that I myself have flaws and I might actually be that ugly sweater. But God through his covenant with me has committed to me and loves me for who I am. Therefore I am unafraid and can choose to be free. Whether to the church, a career, or relationships, I believe we must learn to overcome our fears and become people of covenant over comfort.
Eugene Park is a College Pastor at Gospel Life Mission Church in Anaheim, CA. He is a graduate of UC Riverside and is currently pursuing his M. Div. from Talbot School of Theology. He also serves as a Steering Core member of KCM and a campus pastor at UC Riverside KCM.


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Catering equipment can now be found on 247 Catering Supplies, a website owned and managed by FFD Ltd.
Click here to visit 247 Catering Supplies
If you wish to make purchases across FFD and 247 Catering Supplies, buying both commercial refrigeration and catering equipment, get in touch with our sales team and we can combine your orders into one simple transaction.
Who We Are and What We Do
Dedicated to Catering Equipment
Introducing New Catering Equipment Brands
Our Service Promise
Keeping you in the Loop with The Kitchen Think
At FFD, we recognise the importance of investing in quality commercial equipment in every aspect of your business. Each piece needs to be perfectly suited to individual requirements that often vary from operation to operation. Whether looking for commercial refrigeration, catering equipment or grease management, our aim is supply exactly what you need at the right price point.
To enable us to offer a comprehensive choice of commercial cooking equipment and supplies, including fabrications and warewashing, we have moved our catering equipment section to a whole new site, 247 Catering Supplies.
Similarly, we now also offer an ever-expanding range of grease management solutions for the commercial sector at UK Grease Traps Direct. Each site beneath the wider FFD umbrella concentrates on micro-niches within the wider catering and hospitality sector and delivers a complete service to all type of operations. Whether shopping for commercial refrigeration at Fridge Freezer Direct, performance catering equipment with 247 Catering Supplies or grease management at UK Grease Traps Direct, we've got you covered.
Who We Are and What We Do
Continuing to operate as part of the FFD group, 247 Catering Supplies holds the same core beliefs and aims as Fridge Freezer Direct; to deliver an all-encompassing range of products from industry leading brands at competitive prices and all backed by a committed sales and service team. Solely dedicated to commercial equipment and kitchen supplies, 247 Catering Supplies can deliver everything you need for any commercial kitchen or catering operation.
As proud members of CEDA (the Catering Equipment Distributors Association) we have developed strong working links and relationships with leading high-end catering equipment manufacturers ensuring that we are in prime position to offer the most competitive prices to our customers. When coupled with our extensive experience and knowledge of the industry, we are well placed to deliver superior customer satisfaction.
Dedicated to Catering Equipment
Whether setting up a new venture, refurbishing an existing premise or replacing outdated equipment, we can kit out every part of a kitchen. With options to suit all budgets and scales of business, 247 Catering Supplies has got what you need whether you're a small cafe, bar or mobile caterer to large hotel, pub, restaurant or canteen.
Our range houses large cooking appliances such as commercial ovens, fryers, ranges, grills and griddles – the work-horses of the kitchen – as well as other essentials including commercial microwaves, water boilers, toasters and heated storage. The vast choice on offer means that we are well placed to be your one stop shop for commercial catering equipment.
It's not just 'back of house' equipment that we can assist with. Also supplying coffee machines, heated display cabinets and other front of house apparel, we can help to create the best experience for your guests.
Let's not overlook the small utensils that add the finishing touches to dishes. Whether that's producing delicate garnishes in the kitchen or the dressing of tables, at 247 Catering Supplies we can deliver exactly what you're looking for.
Our range doesn't stop at the catering and cooking aspect. We also offer commercial dishwashers and glasswashers complete with catering sinks and tabling options to fully equip any pot wash area.
All equipment is available in varying sizes and capacities with a choice of power types where applicable and differing lengths of warranty. This guarantees that finding the perfect piece of kit is simple regardless of requirements and preferences.
Introducing New Catering Equipment Brands
As well as some of the well-known brands already featured on FFD including Lincat, Rational, Sharp, Synergy, Merrychef, Samsung, Parry, Blue Seal and Pitco, 247 Catering Supplies introduce a host of new brands. All specialising and excelling in the catering equipment sector, equipment from leading names such as Valentine, Vito, Bottene, EKA, Hatco, MKN, Maestrowave and Frima guarantee that quality performance and efficiency can be found in abundance.
Our Service Promise
Committed to providing a personal service, not only with the most competitive prices but also backed by exceptional customer service and after sales support, every customer is guaranteed outstanding value for money.
Just as with FFD, 247 Catering Supplies offer a leasing option when you want to make your money go further. On application, the cost of any orders over £1000 exc. VAT can be spread into manageable monthly repayments. Not only does this free up some ready cash in your business but also allows you to benefit from top of the range equipment without the upfront outlay. With many brands now working towards advanced efficiency, there are numerous pieces of equipment that will effectively pay for themselves just in energy savings alone.
Looking to give every aspect of your business an overhaul? We can help. If you're making purchases across one, two or all three of our sites, we can roll each purchase into a single transaction. Likewise, equipment can all be added to a solitary leasing agreement with just one payment taken every month. No more dealing with multiple businesses for each aspect of your operation; just give us a call and we can sort it all out for you. Simple and stress-free shopping!
Keeping you in the Loop with The Kitchen Think
Don't forget to check out our knowledge base area – The Kitchen Think – dedicated exclusively to the hospitality industry and catering supplies and equipment market. We discuss related hot topics and uncover the truth about different aspects of ordering equipment in the commercial sector.
We also have a wealth of buying guides on hand, offering top tips and guidance to guarantee you make the right decision with regards to catering equipment for your business. If you need additional advice, our knowledgeable sales team have a wealth of experience to help you through the process.


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'Sell more to China'
While Chinese imports far exceed Philippine exports to China, a local business leader believed more should be done to take advantage of the size of the Chinese market.
Melanie Ng, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) president, said local businesses should explore selling more to China.
"We are importing a lot from China. Without a doubt, our imports far exceeds our export to China. But China is a huge market," she said in a text message.
One way of exploring the Chinese market is to participate in trade expos, which the chamber is considering at the moment.
Last Saturday, Jan. 14, CCCI had a meeting with the 14th China Asean Expo (CAEXPO) secretariat, Guangxi International Expositions Bureau director general Wang Lei.
During the meeting, the local chamber was invited to attend the CAEXPO happening in September this year in Nanning, China.
"CCCI is seriously considering organizing a delegation to attend this year's CAEXPO," said Ng.
Ng said the difference between CAEXPO and other expos in China was that the latter doubles as a trade and investment event.
The chamber president said delegates will have a chance to engage participants from other Asean states as well as market their products and services to China.
She added that the chamber is encouraging its members, particularly the exporters, to look at this opportunity to explore what unique product Cebu can offer to the Chinese market.
CCCI presently has a membership of more than 700, composed of big and small firms based in Cebu.
Trade missions
The business leader said CCCI also has several planned trade missions outside the country, including China and Indonesia, as well as a follow-up trip to Hiroshima in Japan, which the group visited toward the end of 2016.
"Years ago, we had several CCCI trips to China. I have an invitation to join an investment forum early (this) year," she said in a previous interview.
PSA stats
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that People's Republic of China was the country's second largest trading partner in 2015 with total trade worth $17.646 billion or 13.6 percent of the total trade.
Export receipts from China stood at $6.675 billion while import payments was valued at $11.471 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $5.296 billion.
Export-wise, the biggest sales came from electronic products at $3.388 billion, followed by other mineral products with total receipts of $683.41 million.
Imported goods purchased from China consisted of electronic products worth $2.418 billion, followed by iron and steel with imports worth $1.823 billion.
According to its website, the CAEXPO highlights China's import and focus on opening the market to Asean, providing an effective bridge for Asean products to enter the market.
The CAEXPO, keeping close pace with the CAFTA Investment Agreement, aims to build a platform for Chinese enterprises to make overseas investment in Asean.
Exports from Asean, which is composed of 10 states, to China stood at $163 billion, which is three times more than its value in 2005.
China's share in the overall Asean exports had reached 12.5 percent in 2014 and since 2011, has become the first destination market for Southeast Asian exports.
Asean member states include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.


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By Kapil Mishra
Manoj Joshi in and as Chanakya
Mumbai, Jan 24 - Chanakya is a great, significant, vibrant and dynamic personality in ancient India. Originally he is a Guru of Economics and Political Science in ancient University of Takshasheela.
Jackie Shroff congratulates Chanakya producer Manoj Barot
Producer Manoj Barot and Charu Joshi started Chanakya the stage play 25 years ago which has become a huge success till date.
eNatya Chaupal presents "Innocence beheaded: Challenges for a play based on real life brutality"
Theater actor Manoj Joshi who has played the character of Chanakya (also known commonly as Kauṭilya and Vishnu Gupta) has always been fascinated by Chanakya and he wanted to do something in this regards.
Manoj Joshi is fortunate enough to be with Chanakya stage play for last 25 years, 300 months and 950 shows throughout the world in Gujrati and Hindi. Chanakya was staged at the Indian Parliament too.
Anees Bazmee congratulating Chanakya producer Manoj Barot
So on this occasion of completion of 25 years of the super-successful theater production many Bollywood big names came forward to congratulate - Rohit Shetty, director Aneez Bazmee, actor Jackie Shroff and many more.
Chanakya: Stage Play Members with Rohit Shetty and Producer Mayur Barot


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Locating Our Office
JourneyWorks is located on the 3rd floor of the Appletree Bay Medical building at 1205 North Avenue. (Just north of the old DMV building). Please park on the north side of the building and enter through the north side entrance, located near the patient drop-off. You will see an elevator on your left; take the elevator to the third floor. Our offices will be to your immediate left. The space is fully disability accessible.
Please note: if there is no elevator evident when you enter the building, you are not at the correct entrance, and you will not be able to access our office. (The building has multiple entrances.)
JourneyWorks office phone number and confidential voice mail is: 802-860-6203
Jennie's e-mail is firstname.lastname@example.com.
Michael's is firstname.lastname@example.com.
We look forward to meeting you!


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Keeping the kicks coming, Vans OTW previews yet another set of renditions to be included in their Fall 2010 collection. The Bedford will be featured in a variety of premium leathers as well as wool that cover the mid-top offering perfectly, just in time for the fall months. (Also note the plaid lining.) Be on the lookout at your local OTW dealer as the line-up is slated to hit in the upcoming weeks.
[via Freshngood]


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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Happy Birthday Claire!
When we went to the hospital to have Sadie & found out that she was breech & that I'd need to have a c-section, that was by far the scariest day of my life up until that point. Nothing could top it, but Dylan & I felt so much closer after coming through that experience together. Little did we know that the delivery of Claire a few years later would completely blow our original "most scary day ever" out of the water. There are many things I can't remember too well, thanks to morphine, but I do remember those few moments of panic from the time we left the delivery room & headed to the operating room. I was in tears. Finally I heard that baby girl cry. She was fine as could be, weighing 7 lbs. 12 0z., smaller than her sister had been, and I knew that dainty name we had been feeling we'd use, would fit her after all.
I often think of that scary day....actually scary day & night as we then had to worry about my condition post-surgery, but that's another story for another time. I think about the way this little one came into the world & how much easier everything has been since that day. She is a joy. And I am thankful for her & how wonderfully she fits into our family. My favorite moments really are when we are all giggling at something cute she's done. We simply adore her. I just cannot resist her soft milky white skin & hair & those deep brown eyes.
A few things about you right now, Claire:
* You are such a good sleeper. I think it's so adorable that you just roll over in your bed & go to sleep.
* You are still a good eater & use your fork really well. You're not that big into milk.
* You play dress up every day.
* You love to go to church.
* You love to watch the birds.
* You make crazy eyes sometimes.
* You love to dance to music & quite often I can sing you a song to cheer you up.
* You are quite the little talker. Lately we like to hear you say "post office" & "delicious"
* When I ask you if you want something to eat, you say "yes" & then "tummy" while rubbing your belly.
* You are starting to count & say some letters in the alphabet. I think that you are starting to memorize the order.
* You LOVE candy. You go nuts when you want some & you keep saying "more" after each piece.
* You say "um hum....yeah"
* You are very possessive of Daddy from the time he gets home from work until bed time.
* You want to do everything that Sadie is doing.
A lot changes in a year, doesn't it? Happy Birthday, Claire. We love you!
8 comments:
- kirsten said...
Yay! Happiest of days, little girl!
- Lori said...
sweetness! happy birthday to your baby! isnt it amazing how a new baby will open up a new part of your heart only they could fill. thats how it is with my second pregnancy. i had my twins first and was so perfectly happy but my Molly found a way to just open a part of me that needed her.
- Erin L said...
I can't believe she is 2 already! Time really has flown since we were in the PP together. I hope we head that direction for med school, and get to see you guys.
- misschris said...
Aw, this is so sweet. Isn't she a dolly??! Happy Birthday Claire!
- Kimberly said...
happy birthday Claire!!
She is too cute!!
- chanel said...
yay! she's so cute! it is amazing she is already two!! i love hearing her in the background when we talk. happy BIRTHday!
- andrea said...
Happy Birthday to Claire! She looks so grown up with her pig tails! I looked at last years post...wow! I can't believe how fast time goes, it's insane.
(Oh and I saw my comment on that post...do you remember that day with the doll! Funny stuff. )
- alexandra said...
Sigh.... what a lovely little list about Claire. She's so adorable and she sounds like a bundle of fun and love.
Sending my very best birthday wishes.
Happy, happy birthday Claire!!!


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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER Roosevelt at Red Hook, 10 a.m. John Jay-East Fishkill 1, Monroe-Woodbury 0 Minisink Valley at Pine Bush, 11 a.m. Rondout Valley at Onteora, 11 a.m. Lansing vs. Goshen, at Oneonta, 11:30 a.m. Burke Catholic at Middletown, 6 p.m. CROSS COUNTRY Minisink Valley, Monroe-Woodbury, Newburgh, Valley Central, »»Read Full Post
Republicans denounce campaign finance panel
Two Republican assemblymen from the mid-Hudson teed off this week on the state panel that is devising a plan for voluntary public financing for political campaigns in New York, a system that could take effect through that body without having to go before the Legislature for a vote. "It's bad »»Read Full Post
NHL Network preseason schedule
Ice hockey starts again this week - wait, didn't the Blues just beat the Bruins for the Stanley Cup? - with the return of preseason action. NHL Network will air 25 live preseason contests, and a host of tape-delayed action over the coming weeks prior to the regular-season openers in »»Read Full Post
8/31: Army news and notes
Quick personal note Friday was my first Army game watching in person and covering, and boy did I get thrown right into the fire. I'll be honest, I expected a lopsided result and sometimes the blowouts are harder to write. There was plenty to write about with this one despite »»Read Full Post


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Green Gold in Zuidas Amsterdam: An Evening with John D. Liu
It was an honour for us to welcome John D. Liu to The Green Living Lab to learn from his experience of witnessing the value of living systems for both people and planet. John is an ambassador of the Commonland Foundation and a Fellow of The Netherlands Institute of Ecology, NIOO-KNAW. He advises governments and multilateral agencies worldwide, including the United Nations, how to restore vitality to degraded landscapes in order to bring prosperity back to the earth, to local people and the local economy.
The Commonland Foundation's restoration projects work on the principles of 4Returns : the return of inspiration by giving local people a sense of purpose, the return of social capital by creating jobs, providing education and social security, the return of natural capital by restoring biodiversity, soil and water quality, and the return of financial capital where sustainable long-term profit is realised.
We heard from John that biodiversity, biomass and accumulated organic matter are the evolutionary factors that regulate the earth's climate, along with soil fertility and a freshwater system (hydrological cycle). This is the case in both rural and urban contexts.
Vegetative cover, accumulated organic matter and biodiversity in the city work in symbiosis to create vital ecosystems that are directly beneficial for the health and well-being of the people based there.
It was inspiring for us to hear that John sees that the nature at The Green Living Lab holds great value for the city and people of Amsterdam. This value will only increase over time as the city is forced to adapt to hotter conditions caused by climate change.
The trees and nature at The Green Living Lab work to cool the local temperature, infiltrate water to make the local area resilient against flooding and work to clean the air from the considerable air pollution in Zuidas Amsterdam. The microbial and fungal communities that have developed at The Green Living Lab location over time, give the people who visit this space the experience of nature in its purest possible form in the city.
We heard from John that when the preservation and restoration of nature is given a central place, a healthy society and economy flows from this. Without a healthy living environment, there can be no vital economy in the long-term.
Integrating with nature to design landscapes where the needs of people have a central role is the way to a prosperous and sustainable future.
It is inspiring to see nature in the city is given a central place in international cities including London ( London National Park City ). Hopefully the city of Amsterdam ( Gemeente Amsterdam ) and the Zuidas financial district will not be far behind in integrating nature into current and future development plans in order to make a liveable city.
John is leading the growing citizen-driven movement, Ecosystem Restoration Camps, which brings people together to restore degraded landscapes worldwide. By volunteering and becoming a member, you can help to realise the greener and healthier world that is our best chance of mitigating the effects of climate change.
If you would like to contribute to the movement to restore the earth and co-create abundance for local people, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com


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A seasoned renovator approached Modify with a clear vision, seeking assistance in preparation of plans for their semi in Bondi. The client wanted to ensure the semi had a number of unique and special features whilst remaining homely, attractive and good for socialising.
This client's clear vision made the process easy and fast, allowing Modify to guide them through the process with an accurate budget, exact time frames, and to a tight deadline.
This successful collaboration was enjoyable for all involved with the client subsequently engaging Modify for more work, whilst referred a steady stream of other clients. This was the perfect example of 'renovation made easy' from beginning to end.