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For those Eastman experts out there: if you were going to pick a full depth, single cutaway, single pickup instrument for pretty much chord melody (read 'dark and smokey') use only, what would you choose? Ruled out Peerless because of the scarf joint in the neck, Gibson because of price, and Ibanez because the only one I like is the GB-10 and I can't afford it, and Epiphone because all the necks I've tried have been baseball bats. Seems like Eastman might be the way to go but will have to buy online because there are none anywhere that I can try. I know I'm being picky but I know what I like and don't like. Budget would be in the $1500 range and used is fine but MUST have ebony fingerboard - no rosewood allowed. Other suggestions welcomed, of course
When it comes to value in the Eastman line, I think the AR503CE is difficult to beat. (Laminate back and sides with carved top) Although definitely loud enough for home practice, they are not acoustic cannons like the full depth archtops.
There's quite a few videos on You Tube. You might want to do some listening.
I have an AR503CE winding its way to me as I write. Hopefully it will arrive soon. I had the 371, but feel I'd want the carved top this time round, and the inset humbucker as well. I'll do an NGD when it arrives. They've brought out a new version with a Seth Lover humbucker, but I got the older version with an Asian Kent Armsrtrong as they were selling it off cheaper, and I fancy upgrading to a Charlie Christian pickup at some point.
So I've owned the following Eastman Archtop guitars.
810CE, 805CE, JP 880, 803CE with Humbucking built-in. EL REY 2
None have the Smokey Dark tone you describe looking for. Being carved quite a bit thinner than say Gibson, they tend to have a more modern brightness tonal wise. You might be happier with a thicker laminate like a used Gibson ES-175
The Eastman 175 copy is bright as well.
The only Eastman that might do what you are looking for might be the larger El Rey 3 model. But I have no hands on experience with one. Maybe another member who has tried or owns one can chime in?
Comins GCS 16?
Sorry, I could not find a used one but a used one should be about $1500.
Comins GCS-16 Archtop 2018 Burst | DHR Guitar Experience | Reverb
Fender D'Aquisto Elite?
Fender D'Aquisto Elite 1989 Black gloss | Reverb
Fender D'Aquisto Elite 1988 Black | Toby McWilliams | Reverb
Contact Lou at Guitars N Jazz. He is the largest Eastman dealer in the USA. Tell him your budget and tonal preference and he will advise accordingly.
Here is the link:
Archtop Guitars | Guitars 'n Jazz
Eastman guitars are built to the Benedetto specs. They read the book, and followed it as closely as they could. They sound far more like Benedettos than Gibsons. Dark and smoky does not describe either Benedetto or Eastman. They both sound very good, but are brighter than the typical Gibson. If you want the Gibson sound but cheaper, look at Epiphone. I would not describe Epi necks as baseball bats, not even close. But I haven't played every Epi in existence. The one I have has a very thin neck, thinner than I really like, but our tastes are probably different.
Sending a PM. It's a great guitar, just redundant in my downsizing herd.
Not a expert but I own 2 Eastmans one is a ar610, the other a low end dreadnought. Both are flawless. I haven't tried the 175 clone but would buy one if someone would buy my 1968 Gibson ES175D for what is claimed it is worth.
I did have the first AR605 but it was stolen, recovered and sitting in evidence for the last 3 years.
I love my 2006 Eastman AR810CE for playing solo arrangements, mostly due to its acoustic voice and responsiveness and a neck/fretboard shape that feels like home. I like to play it at volumes where I hear about 1/2 acoustic and 1/2 amplified. I guess it can get "dark and smokey" by turning up the volume and rolling off the treble. But I only go for darker tones in band, and usually choose a smaller bodied laminated guitar and set-in pickup for those situations.
Edit: The AR805CE has a narrower waist and deeper body. It was also offered in a non-cut configuration. The 910 and 905 are basically the same guitars with more flame. I played a 905 non-cut a few years ago that had an especially sweet amplified tone, but the fancy wood pushed the retail price too high for me.
Last edited by KirkP; 08-13-2019 at 08:35 PM.
Agreed with above post, probably the 810CE was the best Eastman I owned out of the lot. But it was a small ensemble low volume purpose instrument.
And again not Dark sounding acoustically. But a great guitar especially used.
Try to buy one of the newer ones used 2010 and later. The earlier models had finish issues.
Scarf joint or not, the Peerless Leela would fill the dark and smokey bill. Any Eastman, in my rather lengthy Eastman ownership experience, not so much. Name an Eastman beyond the El Rey, I've owned them all. But to my ear the word bright is synonymous with every Eastman I've owned. Which is probably why I don't own them any more. The best of the lot was a non cutaway 910. And it moved for a Heritage Golden Eagle.
Peerless Guitars Leela 40 Limited Edition Hollow Body Electric Guitar | eBay
A Peerless Cremona too would fill that darkened smokey room bill too, but they're a tough find used under $1500. Even a Peerless Monarch would work. But then again, that scarf joint feels and sounds pretty awful...I'm joking of course. Personally I'd choose the Peerless over an Eastman any day of the week. Not knocking Eastman's mind you. But a Cremona would run tonality circles around them."You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
Your post made me wonder if you had compared the Peerless guitars referenced to the Eastman AR503CE. Although I have an AR805CE, AR371CE, Frank V guitar, and a Benedetto Bravo, here, I find the AR503CE is the one I play the most. To me it seems well balanced, with consistent attack, has enough volume for home unplugged practice, and still works for me at plugged in at a bar.
As OP mentioned chord melody setting, and I have two Eastmans and also an Epi Joe Pass, so I took a big breath and created my very first YouTube demo. (do not expect too much, I am not a professional musician, just picking as hobby) Still, hopefully the sound of the instruments will came through.
The Epi has upgraded with a Benedetto PAF (just the neck) and tone control and switch completely wired out.
What I noticed after reviewing the video:
- There is a big "darkness" difference, it shocks in either way, so it worth to repeat the very same guitar to allow accommodating its sound, and found it lovable.
- IMHO both Eastmans have some mojo, but Epi lacks of it, despite the Benedetto upgrade.
edit - I've owned so many guitars many get lost in the memory mix. I've owned 2 Eastman Jazz Elites, previously posted here. Somewhat similar to a 503, and great guitars too. But most 16" arch tops are hard compare to a 17", nor would a 17" easily compare to an 18". Although I only own an ES175 and nylon guitars now, there was once a time big boxes were my preference.
But I'll add that when you've sampled/owned as many arch tops in a short time as I have one can develop sound preferences. The only Asian built guitars that I've previously owned, and I'm high on, compared to American built arch tops, are the former Japan built Vestax models, the 70's/80's built Aria PE180's, and the Peerless Cremona and Monarch models.
We each develop sound preferences. I don't wish to offend anyone who owns Eastman's for they're great guitars.
Last edited by 2bornot2bop; 08-15-2019 at 08:10 PM."You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
Gabor ...
To my ear, the two Eastman's had less treble. A very nice "deep" jazz sound certainly.
The Epi had a more balanced tone, more even across the board. And with enough years with guitars and amps, that's easily adjusted to taste.
Three very nice guitars. I'd be happy with any of them I'm sure.
All pretty of course ...
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
I did not realize that until now, because I always hear the acoustic sound together with the amped, and the 810 is more is way more trebly than the other two.
It may or may not related, but the other two is stringed with 12 roundwound (D'Angelico Electrozinc, a must try), but the 810 has TI flatwound, and 14 and 18 on E and B.
However the roundwound vs flatwound still does not explain the more darkness difference on E and B.compared on the 810 to the other two.
I've tried to set the tone pot to the very same on the 371 and 810 (approx 75 % to the dark) but it is hard because 810 has hidden pot. Also the condensers may be different (cheap) and on little movement count a lot on that area.
Maybe it would more wise and useful to set the tone pots to get similar sound instead of similar position. Anyway the Epi even do not have tone pot, so one problem less :-)
Now I plan to do the very same demo in pure acoustic setting with a acceptable mike.
Last edited by Gabor; 08-16-2019 at 03:51 AM.
The Epi was a bit plinky, but after my luthier polished the frets it literally reborn (polished from the "factory 1000" as he said up to 10 000), plinkiness gone, interesting, so I I loved it, until I acquired this used 371...
IME the 'plinkiness' comes from having the action a little too low. Raising the bridge saddle just a bit usually helps with that. It doesn't often take much, perhaps half a turn of the wheel(s), more or less, depending on the setup. Adding a little bit of relief via the truss rod can also help sometimes. It's a complicated interaction situation, and can sometimes require extensive experimentation, changing one thing and then another, back and forth, to find the perfect setup for you.
Nice to read the experiences here. Me wonders if Joe Pass or Kenny Burrell or any of the other greats obsessed over strings, action, bridge relief, pots, neck width, etc. as much as we do here. Or if they just picked a Gibson off the rack and said, "Looks good, how much is it? Can I buy it on credit? (LOL)"
Not that it isn't fun to obsess about these things.
I would guess the lower cost guitar most similar to a classic Gibson is the Epi 175, which I don't think they're making anymore but should be available used. All Epis and in fact all Peerless have a similar neck to me, which I would not describe as a baseball bat. Personally I find them very comfortable.
Wondering if the Cremona and Leela have an Epi Classic '57 pickup like the Sunset? It's not a bad pickup at all and definitely gets that dark, smooth Burrellesque sound.
I won't comment on the Eastmans. The ones I've played were well-built and did seem to have a bright sound."Without music, life would be a mistake"--Friedrich Nietzsche
Current lineup: Gibson ES-135 ('02), Peerless Sunset, Harmony Brilliant Cutaway ('64), Godin 5th Avenue, Alvarez AC60 A/E classical, Kay K37 ('56), Fender Squier VM Jazz bass, several ukes. Amps: Fishman Artist, Fender SCXD, Pignose 7-100.
I am find this thread to be interesting. The Peerless Leela is an instrument I had not been aware of. I am thinking with the maple top that perhaps it would be less acoustic sounding and perhaps have more sustain than an Eastman AR503CE, and perhaps be a better choice for those situations where the ambient room volume levels are higher.
In general I find I am often confused when it comes to comments here on this forum that pertain to sound. I find I am often not quite sure if writers are referencing acoustic unplugged sound or plugged in electric sound. I suppose with a somewhat neutral sounding pickup the are the same, but I am not often not sure what the writer is trying to convey.
I am wondering how string spacing at the bridge compares. (Peerless Leela vs Eastman AR503CE) I saw an earlier thread where someone did not like Peerless spacing at the bridge, but I was not sure what guitar it was or if it was too narrow or too wide.
My 503 arrived this afternoon, and all I can say is "wow". I would rate this above the 371 all day long. I'll get around to a NGD post hopefully this week.
Peerless Cremona - DjangoBooks.com
Here member Doc Dosco who was a long time distributor of Peerless guitars, Doc would know. But it appears his Reverb listing page of jazzguitarzone is no longer operable.
Lou of GnJ would know too. Lou was the first distributor for Peerless in the USA and still has the largest Cremona inventory in the USA.
Jim Soloway owned a Peerless Cremona 16 - here's his review on that guitar
My first clip with the Peerless Cremona 16 (review(s) added)
To the OP, you listed a NGD for a Peerless Monarch 16" with a single humbucker. What was your impression of that guitar?"You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
This reminded me of a couple little things I looked at with my AR503CE. I got mine about the first year they were released.
I put in some card stock between the pickup and the mounting rings to stop pickup mechanical noise.
I have found with that style tailpiece it helps to make sure the ebony cover is tight against the tailpiece. If loose you can get unwanted noise. On mine the screws were not tight and I was able to easily tighten the screws, after taking the tailpiece off.
I often question the soft supports between the pick guard and the guitar top. I did shorten them slightly so that under normal circumstances the supports are not touching the guitar top. I thought that improved the sound. (I do not normally plant my hand on the pick guard. I might touch it just slightly with my pinky on occasion)
Nice guitar but I couldn't get past the scarf joint neck - I know that it really is a non issue for most but it drove me nuts seeing it while I was playing. If they'd just sunburst it or something and cover it up. I love the looks of the Leela and looked at it seriously, but again, that scarf joint turned me off - same with Bob Conti's guitars. My loss, I guess. I'm the same way about rosewood fingerboards - I've got to have ebony.
Hey Skip
sent you note but maybe you missed it.
The local Eastman dealer of us is in St. Petersburg. it's a small family owned shop with several archtops sitting in stock. Short drive for you. Nice small room nothing but acoustics and archtops.
Seven C's music... check it out its nice. Last time I was in the had an Ar503 and an Ar371 and an Ar580.
I sent you a link via dm.
"You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
just doing a bit of an answer about 7C's they are a primarily acoustic store with no Strat etc. last time I was in there.
Mainly a Taylor and Collings Dealer. YMMV
yes I know as I live in the same boondocks as you only a little further south.
I picked up a used 810 several months ago. It was way brighter than my Soloway, but I was able to use the EQ settings on my amps to get a beautiful sound for chord melody. It'll never be as dark as the Loon, but it sounds beautiful. I actually thought of upgrading the pickup to a hand wound KA, but I am very happy with the stock. I also thought it was going to be too big and uncomfortable. But, it's actually quite nice on the lap. I bought it on a whim for quite a bit less that the OP's $1500 budget out the door in great condition. I am thrilled I grabbed it.Best regards,
I listened the other day and stopped myself from replying as I was listening with those cheap little sony headphones (which are actually about 100 times better than my laptop speakers, and 458 times better than my phones 1/8" woofer, but only about 20 times better than my earbuds... the crap people listen with these days).
Now I'm listening with my reference monitors, Kali LP-8's, in the sweet spot listening position of a treated room. My favorite is the 2nd guitar, the red one. That is a beautiful tone. Is that a floater pickup? (I'm not hearing the imbalance that was mentioned).
Also it's my favorite as far as looks go. Reading back now to subsequent posts, I guess this is an Eastman 810?
Skip, that guitar and a black tuxedo, you'll be all set.
Last edited by fep; 08-17-2019 at 05:40 PM.B+
Frank (aka fep)
Guitar Center online has a used Eastman 910 with a single routed hum bucker, priced under market value near your price range. As you probably know the 900 series were Eastman's top of the line at one time.
Guitar Center has a no questions asked 30 day return policy. I purchased a $5k Guild Benedetto signed Johnny Smith from GC some years back.
Used Eastman Ar910 Hollow Body Electric Guitar Natural | Guitar Center
A mislabeled Eastman AR910 priced well below market with an aftermarket Kent Armstrong pickup. That pickup alone costs over $150.
Used Eastman AK910 Solid Body Electric Guitar Sunburst | Guitar Center
An Eastman 905 too priced below market.
Used Eastman AR905CE Hollow Body Electric Guitar Natural | Guitar Center
priced a little less is an Eastman Jazz Elite. These were designed for and distributed exclusively by GnJ in New Jersey.
Used Eastman 2012 Jazz Elite 16 Hollow Body Electric Guitar 2 Color Sunburst | Guitar Center"You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
Further in GC, and assuming it's correctly advertised, this Japanese built Vestax NYL2 is priced way below today's market. I've owned several NYL2's. They play way above their pay grade. The fit and finish of these is well documented on this forum as being a cut above the later built Korean EXL1 models.
Used D'Angelico NYL-2 Hollow Body Electric Guitar Red | Guitar Center"You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
Was looking at the Korean Guilds the other day, they get good reviews. In one of the YouTube demos, the A-150 sounds great. I wonder if they are made by Peerless.
Which factory is making NS guitars?
Per search threads on this forum in 2016 the A150's changed neck widths to 1 11/16th. Something to be aware of if you're considering a used A150."You've got to be in the sun to feel the sun. It's that way with music too." - Sidney Bechet
I would be concerned about that Blonde Eastman with a built in humbucker. Eastman Archtops are fairly thin tops that I'm not sure can support a built in humbucker? I could be wrong since I'm no luthier, but I would definitely get a luthier to check I out before buying it.
I really like the sound of the Eastman Jazz Elite series from Guitars 'n Jazz. Mine in the 17" version. The rim depth is 2.5", but still sounds pretty full. Here's a goofy demo of me playing it:
Note: I put in a Lindy Fralin Pure PAF, but they come with the very decent Lollar Imperial.
- Yes that's the 810
You maybe interested in the very same demo but purely acoustic setting (and use the Kali :-)
Eastman 371 vs 810 vs Epiphone Joe Pass compared acoustically
Lots of Eastmans have set humbuckers. A thin carved top isn't really an issue, as the part where the pickup goes is thicker, and doesn't vibrate much, if at all. I wouldn't worry about that much, but of course there are other possible issues.


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Whilst The Jump isn't as popular as other television celebrity competition shows, such as Strictly Come Dancing or even Celebrity Big Brother, it does have enough of a following to warrant this fourth series, and it also gives bettors an opportunity to try and make a profit by betting on their predicted winner.
- Bradley Wiggins retired from his impressive career as a professional cyclist in 2016, having been world champion, Olympic champion and Tour de France winner, so he should still be in excellent shape to take on the challenges posed by The Jump. Wiggins is known to be a passionate skier, and he has gone on record as saying that he is approaching his involvement in this show as a sporting challenge and wants to win.
- Louis Smith is a British artistic gymnast who followed up his bronze medal win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with a silver medal at London 2012. He picked up another silver at the Olympic Games in Rio last summer, making him the only British gymnast to have won a medal in three Games. Smith has form as a television celebrity contestant, having participated in Strictly Come Dancing – and winning that show – in 2012.
- Jason Robinson is a retired rugby player who played under both codes of the sport in the 1990s and 2000s, notching up a total of 70 caps for England and Great Britain. Robinson earned himself the nickname Billy Whizz (after the character of the same name in the Beano comic) thanks to his speedy performance on the pitch, and the 42-year-old will be keen to demonstrate that he can perform just as well on the white stuff.
- Jade Jones might be just 23-years-old, but the Welsh taekwondo athlete has already won gold medals for Great Britain at both London 2012 and Rio 2016. Jones is scheduled to participate in the taekwondo World Championships later this year, so she will need to be careful to avoid injury here so as not to jeopardise her chances as a professional competitor in South Korea in June.
- Other contenders for The Jump 2017 include retired Welsh professional rugby player Gareth Thomas, Made in Chelsea personality Spencer Matthews and British Paralympian Kadeena Cox.
Sports.net's View
Several competitors in previous seasons of The Jump have had to withdraw from the show after sustaining injuries, which is why Paddy Power are offering even money on there being five or more injury-motivated withdrawals this year. The producers of the show have said that safety measures have been increased in an effort to keep injuries as low as possible, but whether or not those measures do the job remains to be seen.
All of the contestants lined up for this year's series are extremely competitive and will therefore have plenty of desire to win, but success here will require ability as well as hunger. For that reason, we will side with skiing enthusiast Bradley Wiggins, who has plenty of experience on the slopes and looks to be a worthy favourite.
- Sports.net's top tip: Bradley Wiggins to Win – 3/1
*Please note that odds may fluctuate.

subset: commoncrawl


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1,000 balloons were released from a barge on the Thames near London Bridge during Friday morning's rush hour to promote the launch of a new firm offering speedboat excursions.
The biodegradable balloons each carry a voucher offering a free trip on a RIB Tours London high-speed sightseeing tour.
RIB Tours London, based at Festival Pier on the South Bank, is run by Robert Cairns and John Williams.
Both partners have the Thames in their blood: the two men served as apprentices to their fathers before becoming qualified Thames watermen in their own right.
Nine years ago they launched London Party Boats and have now teamed up to form RIB Tours London.
Since London RIB Voyages was founded in 2006 a number of firms have sprung up offering high-speed rides in rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) on the River Thames.
RIB Tours London offers a 50-minute round trip from Festival Pier to Canary Wharf with adult tickets priced at �29.99 – although the route can be varied to suit the group.
• Balloon releases are now discouraged by many organisations because of their impact on wildlife and the environment. The Marine Conservation Society, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Tidy Britain Group and the National Farmers Union are among the organisations that have expressed concern about the practice.
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Business Ethics Essay
(1) Is cost-benefit analysis a legitimate tool? Is it's application to non-economic matters – say to calculating the value of human life – ethically justifiable? What would Immanuel Kant say about placing a monetary value on human life? Is doing so ever morally legitimate? What would an utilitarian say about placing a monetary value on human life? (View the Sandel-video very, very carefully, generate your own notes on Jeremy Bentham's and John Stuart Mill's utilitarian theory and only then answer the question.
(2) The maxim of Ford's action might be stated thus: "When it would cost more to make a safety improvement than not, it's all right not to make it." Can this maxim be universalized? Does it treat humans as ends in themselves? Would manufacturers be willing to abide by it if the positions were reversed and they were in the role of consumers?
(3) Is it wrong for business to sell a product that is not as safe as it could be, given current technology? Is it wrong to sell a vehicle that is less safe than competing products on the market? Are there limits to how far automakers must go in the name of safety? (In answering this set of questions, you have to familiarize yourselves thoroughly with the content of Lee's article.
Only then you will be able to answer the questions in a way that is sensitive to the actual historical context of the Pinto case.)
(4) Assess the decision not to recall the Pinto in connection with Audi's discussion of the social responsibilities of business contained in Chapter 3. Determine what groups might have had a stake (or even a legitimate interest) in Ford's decision? What is meant by astake and a legitimate interest? Did Ford Motor Company violate any given negative or positive right of consumers and society at large?


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The curriculum at Marriotts is extended and personalised to meet the needs of all learners allowing all to make progress throughout their school career. There is flexibility in the curriculum to allow for adaptations to be made that are responsive to the needs of individuals and groups of students as they progress through the school.
There are five key principles underpinning the design of the school's curriculum:
- All pupils have access to a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum that supports learning and allows for a variety of future paths to be followed.
- A strong core ensures that time is given to embedding basic skills at an early stage so that students are able to access the wider curriculum.
- An extended curriculum ensures all students have access to catch-up, extension and enrichment.
- The curriculum is shared with partners in the town, to provide students with the widest possible choice at KS5.
- The curriculum represents value for money to ensure funding is focused on the progress and achievement of students.
The School Timetable Structure:
The school operates a two week timetable with each day split into five one hour lessons. The reasons for this choice are:
- There is greater flexibility in the division of time between subjects.
- Subjects can be given a variety of times in the day for lessons across the fortnight (other constraints permitting.)
- This model allows for some consistency with other Stevenage schools in order to facilitate the KS5 consortium sharing of courses.
- All year groups will have one hour of Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural education once per 10 day cycle in Marriotts' Life Skills. This model will allow for extended assemblies; visiting speakers; individual and group withdrawal to support students learning and embed the ethos of the school within all groups.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7 and 8)
The focus in KS3 is on providing a nurturing learning environment with a specific focus on developing strong basic skills which provide a foundation for good progress in the upper school.
In Year 7 all students follow courses in:
• Art
• Computing
• Dance
• Design and Technology – carousel of Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials
• Drama
• English
• Geography
• History
• Life Skills Programme
• Mathematics
• Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) – carousel of French, German and Spanish
• Music
• Physical Education (PE)
• Religious Education
• Science
In Year 8 students will continue with the subjects detailed above. Instead of the MFL carousel that students experience in Year 7, from Year 8 students will study one language to specialise in towards GCSE. Subjects for KS4 are selected at the end of Year 8.
Key Stage 4 (Years 9, 10 and 11)
In KS4 there is a shift towards preparing students for their BTEC and GCSE examinations. There is a wide choice of possible option subjects alongside the core of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education and Life Skills.
• Art
• Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Business
• Combined Science
• Computing
• Dance
• Drama
• Food Technology
• French
• Geography
• German
• Health and Social Care
• History
• Media Studies
• Music
• Resistant Materials
• Spanish
Key Stage 5 – Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)
The Post-16 curriculum has reflected the considerable expansion of interest in 6th form studies and Post-16. There is also the opportunity to exploit the Stevenage Sixth's (4 school consortium) shared options programme. Courses offered are reviewed each year in light of student interest following discussions with the Year 11 cohort of students.
For more information regarding the Sixth Form, please click on the 'Sixth Form' tab at the top of this page.
"The range and quality of courses, including personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, prepare pupils well for the next stage of their education. Pupils participate enthusiastically in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including a project to build a school in Gambia." Ofsted 2016
For further details about the curriculum offer at Marriotts, please contact:
Mrs J Leach, Assistant Headteacher: email@example.com


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Christmas Pup Up!
We're delighted to be holding a festive pop up at the wonderful Blush & Blow London on November 24th and 25th from 9am till 5pm. Located at 197 New kings Road, London, SW6 4SR we'll be offering lots of our normal pieces alongside some festive inspired toys and dog wear. Please come down - we'd love to see you and whilst you're there why not book in for a blow dry or manicure - they're great!


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Our Mission
Preparing ALL students for success in college, career, and community leadership.
With more than 86,000 students in 83 elementary schools, 29 middle schools and 6th grade centers, 18 high schools and 16 other campuses, Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population and strong community partnerships. Under the leadership of the superintendent and the Board of Education, the District is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform, and revitalize Fort Worth ISD Schools.
Our Mission is "Preparing all students for success in college, career, and community leadership"


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One of the features of DRM is the revocation list concept. This is a list of applications approved to work with DRM-protected material, and the EUL"A" will typically allow this list to be updated in real time as the list's originators see fit.
The idea is that if media playing device X was cracked to subvert DRM protection of content Y, then the ability to use device X would be revoked.
For now, I'll leave aside the obvious questions, such as:
- Who controls the list?
- Who else controls the list, i.e. as associates or legally-mandated?
- Who else controls the list, by hacking into the list updates?
- How well-bounded is the list mechanism to what it is supposed to do?
- Who is accepted as a DRM content provider, and on what basis?
For example, if a media provider was caught dropping open-use rootkits from "audio CDs" (hey, that would never happen, right?) one possible remedy would be to revoke all of that provider's rights over all of their material. In essence, such a provider would be found unfit to exert any sort of control over any users, and be swept off the DRM playing field.
Obviously, this would materially reduce the value of that media provider to the artists who are contracted to it - in effect, the penalty undermines the contract with the artist, because the provider can no longer protect the artist's content. So for a certain period (say, a year) the artist has the right to drop their obligations to the provider and seek a new contract elsewhere. The reverse right does not apply, i.e. the provider cannot drop the artist if the artist chooses to stay.
Further, it has to be accepted that all existing protected material from that provider is now unprotected - so for a similar period, artists can sue the provider for damages, either as a class group or outside of any class action.
If this would seem to tip the scales to the extent that the media provider's business would be smashed, then fine. After all, were the provider to be an individual caught "hacking", they'd likely lose their livelyhood and do jail time - why should larger-scale criminals get off more leniently? Do we really want to leave known exploiters in the provider pool?
I'll bet there's no plans in place to use DRM revocation lists to defend users' rights in this manner, even though it's technically feasable. That speaks volumes on why one should IMO reject this level of real-time DRM intrusion. On the other hand, once you open up DRM revocation for broader use, why not use it to apply global government censorship, etc.? After all, there's nothing to limit it within the borders of any particular jurisdiction.


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sunday secrets
I'm a huge fan of PostSecret! I went to a talk/event in Walnut Creek and own a book. This was pre-social media...postsecret is the original memes, basically it's tumblr: reblogging other people's original art...it's handmade from the heart. Not for likes or reposts but to share, inspire, and connect on such a raw level.
I use to religiously read it every Sunday, it was part of my online routine. Once I moved away for college I slowly stopped reading (it gets a little heavy sometimes) but recently rediscovered it so I wanted to share it with you.
So what is PostSecret?!
PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.
I loved the creativity and honesty behind these secrets. People poured their hearts and soul out to strangers in the community. People set themselves free. No longer tied to the secret. At the event you had the floor on stage to say your secret out loud. I would never forget it.
There was a guy who came up to talk about his brother's suicide attempt off the golden gate bridge and how because of the new nets installed it saved his brothers life....in the same crowd the daughter of the family who donated money to have those nets install should up and spoke about her secret they hugged and at that very moment I realized the importance of this community and how lucky I was to be able to experience this at such a young age (this was 2009).
Life is all about helping your neighbor, it's about community, it's about overcoming struggles and living your most authentic self.
Here are some of my favorite secrets!! Enjoy!! (all images are from PostSecret)
Visit PostSecret every Sunday for new secrets: http://postsecret.com
13345 Cooper Ridge Rd.
Germantown, Maryland 20874


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The elegant Ruby Web Framework built upon the Sinatra web library.
visual identity
Padrino is a free and open-source web framework, and they were looking a new logo and image that would match the outstanding quality of this exciting and versatile framework.
My work for Padrino was the creation of the new logo, from the idea and conceptualisation to the execution.
In the conceptualisation and execution of the Padrino logo the driving force has primarily been "elegance". Allusion to this concept is made in the definition found in the same Padrino website. Likewise, such reference to the Godfather (Padrino in italian and spanish), should also be clear, evoking and with a focus on the positive values (not the negatives :) that have cemented him as one of the most iconic fictional characters of the 20th century.
Parting from that origin, there are two other main factors that have shaped the style and form of this logo. Firstly, you will appreciate the styling features of Art Deco, in allusion to the younger years of Vito Corleone (1920-1940). And second, the relation of Padrino platform with the Ruby language had to be shown in one or other way; the solution was use a triangular shape, evoking the shape of a ruby (see below)
So the outcome is a logo that represents the perfectly the slogan of Padrino: "The Elegant Ruby Web Framework".


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Did you know SEO Inc. offers social media management? It's true. Our service entails a dedicated social media expert who will write and post optimized blogs that speak to your company and draw search traffic. This same person will post these blogs to your social media sites and manage your social profiles. This means responding to customers, creating fun strategic content, and when the time is right, working with your team to run full-scale interactive campaigns. We do everything regarding social media marketing, and we do it right the first time.
So people often ask us, is it better to do social media in-house? Or should we use an agency for our social media? In all honesty, either way, it is going to be a mix if you want to maximize your efforts. The only real factor is that the full-service agency social media management model is significantly less work on your end.
Let's take a minute and look at the three possibilities: no social media agency, social media agency consulting, and full social media agency services including social media management.
No Social Media Agency
So you decide you want to do it all in-house. You pick a person to be in charge, they agree, and you are off to the races.
That person has no other job functions besides social media. They can give it the attention it needs. They write blogs daily, they interact on all the sites you feel are essential, and you pay them a fixed salary.
With no social agency, this person is likely to make mistakes. The social advocate would not be able to reach out to the agency for questions. There is a good chance error will occur. Social growth will be slow. They may not be able to run social media campaigns, as they will not know the legalities or the right applications to use, and your social communities will never reach their full potential. Furthermore, editorial may suffer, and blogs may not be appropriately optimized. The worst part about this model is that the members of your community, your customers, will notice.
Social Media Agency Consulting Model
If an in-house social media marketer can contact an agency for assistance, there is a much better chance your social media will shine. Here is why.
First, imagine the situation from the perspective of the lone social media marketer. You are hired to do social media for a company. You know a little about Facebook and Twitter. Not anything about YouTube or LinkedIn. You are the only person who does social media at the company. You figure, heck, I have a job I will fake it until I make it.
It's tough for this person; there is no one they can reach out to. When they have a question, they research it and try to figure it out, but they are never really sure if they are doing things right.
Having the option to reach out to a social media consultant from an agency makes it possible for that person to do things right the first time and avoid mistakes. Without the necessary experience, an in-house social person may set up everything wrong. Profiles may be named without best practices in mind or set up incorrectly, and certain things may be hidden from search engines. Agency guidance results in giving the social media employee a clear strategic path, allowing the initiative to be successful and ROI to be achieved. It also ensures no backtracking occurs.
Full-Service Social Media Agency Option
Instead of hiring an agency to teach your employee, why not just cut out the middleman? The agency knows exactly what to do and how to do it to make it successful. They are 100% accountable for their actions and can give you feedback on your progress. If you ever want to jump in and play a role in your social, you are encouraged to do so. A social media agency is your strategic marketing partner, they are a part of your company and will get you results much quicker than someone who knows little about it and is learning much of this stuff for the first time. A further benefit is that you always have the option to cancel the marketing initiative or take it back over yourself, and you don't have to set up in-house facilities for a new person at the office.
Summing up Social Media and the Agency Relationship
We are seeing more and more companies move to an agency social media management or consulting model. Companies see the value in social, but they either need the guidance or supervision to execute social media effectively fully, it's just not their full-time business. The biggest issue we see is that companies do not use social media correctly to support their SEO. We also see companies blogging furiously and working hard on social, but not getting anything out of it. There are so many subtleties to this process; it is critical to have support when you need it.


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AshantiThe Declaration | OUT NOW
LloydLesson In Love Out Now
Ja RuleVVV 2010 | coming soon
New Ashanti Interview Talking About Ja Rule
Ashanti talks Ja Rule.
published on January 1 st, 2016
Mossburg Ft.BlackChild - Ball Hard
http://www.dopehood.se/tracks/mossburg-ball-hard-feat-blackchild-download/The Inc. Records PresentsMossburg Ft.BlackChild - Ball HardFrom the upcoming mixtape Hosted by BlackChild...Illegal Search & Seizure.Features from Freeway, BlackChild, Lloyd, Shyne, Trina, Miz Maf & Hommicide!Production byJimi Kendrix & 100 MilezDropping February friday the 13th!Stay on the lookout for Music videos, Singles and more updates soon!
published on February 10 th, 2015
Mpire-Online.com Version 1 Is Now Here
We have moved our news page to www.murderinc-online.com this page will remain live for a few weeks but will not be updated so if you have this bookmarked please update your bookmarks. Thanks Team MIO.
published on March 30 th, 2011
Renaissance project official release date June 7th
Checkin Ja Rule's twitter (www.twitter.com/Ruleyork) we found those tweets below that were posted earlier today...accordin to them the release date of the album titled "Renaissance Project" is June 7.
leave your thoughts on our forum
published on March 13 th, 2011
MIO's favourite engineer/producer Buck3000 has launched his own site Buck3000.com. Which will be updated on a regular basis with videos of his work, news on projects he working on and general shit that interests him, make sure you bookmark it now and support Buck a true legend and a great friend to everyone here at MIO.
published on February 26 th, 2011
Ja Rule European Tour
Ja Rule & Merc Montana will be in Europe from tomorrow check them out if they are coming to a place near you.
Schedule :
18th Feb Eindhoven, Beusgeboor NETHERLANDS
19th Feb Wetzikon, Staff Club (hosting) SWITZERLAND
24th Feb Geneva, Bypass SWITZERLAND 1
25th Feb Luxembourg, Bypass LUXEMBOURG
26th Feb ROMANIA
After that they are heading to Dubai & Beirut dates and venues to be confirmed.
published on February 17 th, 2011
Harry O just released a new freestyle titled 'Lords Of The Underground' on his new website datefacts.com. Check it out below and leave your thoughts on our forum.
published on February 17 th, 2011
Harry-O Feat. Mysonne - Lets Go! Video
Harry-O is back with some more uptown heat with an assist from well respected battle emcee Mysonne titled Let's Go!. Possibly a promotion track for his upcoming mixtape entitled Angels & Demons. Leave your thoughts on the forum.
published on December 27 th, 2010
Harry-O Underdog Video
MIO favourite Harry-O just dropped a street video to a track from his last mixtape titled 'Underdog' personally I'm liking the simplicity of it. Check it out below and as usual leave thoughts on our forum. Also check back later as a new H-O track has just dropped on youtube but is currently unavailable.
published on December 22 nd, 2010
Ja Rule in Russia
Here's a five minute video of Ja Rule's visit to russia last month...the video shows ja in the airport then in the hotel and finaly performing some of his hits as always in a club. Check this video out and leave your thoughts on our forum.
published on December 21 st, 2010
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Stanbic Bank Open for Export Business
Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe has further innovated their offering to support exporters in growing their businesses and earning foreign currency for the country. The financial institution has taken a stance to support and enable exporters to meet their immediate working capital requirements such as wages, purchase of inputs and raw materials to prepare for the next shipments pending receipt of export proceeds.
In an interview held in the capital, the Head of Personal and Business Banking, Patson Mahatchi, explained the reasons behind their flexible innovative solutions. "We are a bank that is established in Zimbabwe for the long run and we see our organization as a business partner to the local business entities. Our efforts in supporting export businesses are meant to assist the Zimbabwean economy as well as to complement the efforts of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe", said Patson.
Zimbabwe has been going through a phase of trade deficit since the dollarization era and major strategies have to be put in place to increase exports over imports.
Patson indicated that "Unlocking working capital for exporters is one of our strategies to promote exports as long as there is a guarantee that the proceeds will be sent to Zimbabwe and we monitor these funds to ensure flow of foreign proceeds."
Stanbic Bank is advancing over 60% working capital to exporters who have been proven as credit worthy on the back of confirmed export invoices for the purpose of supporting immediate working capital requirements pending receipt of proceeds. Players who are into exports such as horticulture, floriculture, citrus, macadamia nuts and oils, hides and skins, manufacturers and services among other sectors can access the facility.
"A few players in industries such as horticulture, hides and skin exporters closed shop as they struggled to acquire the required capital to fund their ventures, yet there is a great market out there. Exporters are free to come and engage us for potential support as we can do more for this niche sector", explained Mahatchi.


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Posts Tagged content is king
Content is King: 4 tips for preparing the meat of your website
Most people recognize that a website is rarely just graphics and text. It really has to say something. It has to reflect the principals of a business, the mission of an organization, and sometimes it even has to convince someone to become a customer. So naturally most business owners cringe at the thought of preparing […]Read more


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Roth IRA's are powerful tax fighting vehicles most physicians can use to save for retirement, yet many doctors haven't the foggiest notion about Roth IRA's and next to none of them understand the "backdoor Roth IRA contribution" that makes a Roth IRA possible. Now you can be the first kid on your block to "get" the Roth IRA thing. Keep reading...
What is a Roth IRA? and why should physicians care?
The Roth IRA is one of the most powerful tax deferral vehicles a physician family has at its disposal. Two features make them great:
Roth IRA's grow tax-free… forever. Unlike Traditional IRA's, you can leave the money in your Roth IRA until the day you die. There are no required minimum distributions that would otherwise begin at age 70 1/2.
Qualified Roth IRA distributions are tax-free. For most physicians, that means you can spend the money after you've reached age 59 1/2 and pay zero income taxes.
Every nickel you cram into a Roth IRA has the potential to grow like a weed and never, ever be taxed. Traditional 401ks, municipal bonds and variable annuities cannot lay that claim.
So why doesn't every physician have a Roth IRA?
It's simple: the average doctor is not allowed to make a direct contribution to a Roth IRA, so they don't contribute. The IRS says that physician families (married, filing jointly) who earn more than $188,000 (in 2013) are NOT ELIGIBLE to make a diret contribution to a Roth IRA. Period.
Don't worry. You can still get money into a Roth IRA using a "backdoor" contribution. Even though this tax planning strategy has been covered by The Wall Street Journal and explained in excruciating detail by The Journal of Accountancy , many financial advisors and tax preparers still overlook it. If it's news to you, you're not alone.
Which doctors should install a backdoor to their Roth IRA's?
You're a good fit for a backdoor Roth IRA contribution if:
you don't qualify to make a direct Roth IRA contribution (as above),
you are covered by a retirement plan at work, and
you have already maxed out your tax-deductible contributions to that plan.
What exactly is a "Backdoor Roth IRA"?
Truth be told, there is no such thing as a "Backdoor Roth IRA". What I'm saying here is that there are still only two kinds of IRA's: Traditional, and Roth. Your Backdoor Roth IRA is nothing more than a regular old Traditional IRA that you yourself earmark as a "backdoor" to get money into your Roth IRA.
How does the backdoor Roth IRA contribution work?
In the simplest case, it goes like this:
Dr. Young and her husband have never saved a dime for retirement, so she has a zero balance in her retirement accounts at the beginning of this example.
She starts work at a clinic making $300,000 per year, where she also maxes out her 401k or 403b plan.
She opens both a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA.
She contributes $5500 to the Traditional IRA and, because she is covered by a retirement plan at work, she cannot deduct this contribution from her taxes and receives no immediate tax benefit.
She then completes a one-page form known as a Roth Conversion Form and submits it to her brokerage.
The brokerage removes or "distributes" the money from her Traditional IRA and plops it into her Roth IRA, thus completing the conversion.
Voila! Dr. Young has pushed cash through her Traditional IRA into her Roth IRA via a Roth conversion, thus making an indirect contribution through the "backdoor".
Early next year, her brokerage sends her a Form 5498 showing that she made the Traditional IRA contribution and a Form 1099-R showing that she made a distribution from that Traditional IRA.
In April of next year, Dr. Young diligently reminds her tax preparer that she made a backdoor Roth IRA contribution so that she will not owe tax on the $5500 that was distributed from her Traditional IRA.
She does the whole thing over again next year.
Is the backdoor Roth IRA really that simple for the average physician?
In a word, the answer is "no". Most physicians already have a Traditional IRA and there is money in that account from either fully deductible contributions, rollover contributions, or both. This matter is more complicated when a self-employed physician owns a SEP-IRA or SIMPLE-IRA, both of which are counted as IRA's for the sake of Roth conversions.
When you do a Roth conversion, you cannot pick and choose which part of the IRA to convert, so physicians in this situation need to exercise great care (or get help from a great financial advisor) to avoid triggering a huge tax bill.
Here's an example of how NOT to do the backdoor Roth IRA contribution:
Dr. Old has a Traditional IRA that holds $44,500 that was rolled over from an old 401k and he also has a $50,000 SEP-IRA that he started last year.
He contributes $5,500 to his Traditional IRA account, bringing the balance up to $50,000.
He then converts $5,500 worth of the Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, thinking he won't owe any taxes on his backdoor contribution.
When April 15 rolls around, Dr. Old is shocked to learn that 94.5% of the $5500 he converted is going to be taxed as ordinary income, since only 5.5% of the conversion is treated as "basis" from his recent non-deductible contribution. (The basis is $5,500, but it's only 5.5% of the overall IRA balance which now stands at $100,000 because the SEP-IRA and all of the rollover amount in the Traditional IRA is included in the calculation).
Roth IRA conversions obey what tax guru Ed Slott refers to as the "cream in the coffee" rule. When you take a "sip" from your Traditional IRA by converting some of it to a Roth IRA, you cannot choose to drink only the cream (the non-deductible portion). You must also drink a lot of the coffee itself (the tax-deductible portion), so be careful as you set up your backdoor Roth IRA contributions if you have a bunch of money in your IRA's already.
How to fix your broken backdoor
Some physicians will be able to avoid the "cream in the coffee" prorata taxation thing I mentioned above by rolling their old Traditional IRA into their 401k or 403b plan at work if their employer's plan allows it. This requires a lot of paperwork and planning but I believe the end result, a fat Roth IRA, is well worth the effort.
And before I go, let me leave you with one more tip. Your Roth 401k is NOT the same as your Roth IRA. Making contributions to aRoth 401k at work is probably a really bad move for the average physician. Most physicians will be better off making contributions to the Traditional sub-account of their 401k/403b since this allows you to defer taxes into retirement when you may be in a lower tax bracket.
Every physician family's backdoor Roth IRA contribution strategy is different and each one seems to have its own cute little twist, so make sure you really know what you're doing before you dive in, or ask your tax guru and your financial advisor to team up to make this easy for you.
Many thanks to Janet Davis, a Certified Public Accountant who works with physician families, for fact checking my post.


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It's time for a sneak peek of what's in store for your talons for next Spring and Summer … I'm seeing a pattern of nudes and brights, with a pleasant twist of dark hues to rock this time next year. Take a look below at what OPI nail polish had prepared for models backstage at New York Fashion Week.
Houghton Spring/Summer 2013 Show
Models are wearing one coat of OPI "Don't Pretzel My Buttons" on nails and toes, topped with a generous coat of the currently unreleased limited edition "The Man with the Golden Gun" 18k gold top coat (available in October).
*The gold is a little hard to see, but it's done in a gradient pattern at the tip of the nail!
Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2013 Show
Models are wearing a deep blue-grey hue of "Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees" on the nails, and kept their toes classic with OPI lacquer in "Samoan Sand."
Jenni Kayne Spring/Summer 2013 Show
Models are wearing a nude nail with bright yellow tips in "Need Sunglasses?" . The shade "Don't Touch My Tutu" was used as a base to provide contrast with the accent hue.
These trends are pretty typical for spring and summer, but I like that OPI is carrying on with the fun nail designs to make things a little more interesting!
Side note: Talk about skin to die for … these faces are flawless!
All photos courtesy of OPI


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The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder closed out their conference semifinal series to set up a Final Four in the NBA filled with teams that are used to being there.
The four teams in the conference finals (Thunder, Pacers, Heat, Spurs) have combined for 37 appearances in the conference finals since 1970, representing 21% of all teams to be one of the last four teams standing in a season.
This will also be the Spurs 13th trip to the conference finals. Only the Celtics (17) and Lakers (22) have more over the last 34 years.


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On your drive (or ride) to work, turn on some soothing music -- or just sit in silence. When you come to a stop, use that moment of stillness to take a few slow, deep breaths. If you travel by public transportation, act as a "human tape recorder" by tuning into all the sounds around you, suggests mind-body expert Kate Hanley. "Because we tend to home in on just one sound, reversing the way we listen can give our brains a break and leave us more refreshed," she explains.
And stop! Ask yourself what's really causing your rant -- do you feel stuck? Resentful? The idea isn't to bury your feelings, but to get at the heart of what's bothering you most, and keep yourself from perpetuating a story rather than a solution to change whatever it is that's bothering you.
Each day this week, eat five or six small meals rich in fruit, vegetables, and other complex carbs. Supplement with organic, hormone-free animal protein if you want. A typical meal might be three ounces of protein (the size of a smartphone), 1/4 to 1/2 cup carbs (whole grains, sweet potatoes, or fruit), and unlimited nonstarchy vegetables like leafy greens. It might also be an apple with almond butter or a smoothie.
Today's Recipe
Try this delicious almond and chicken soup with sweet potato, collards, and ginger.
Today, double up on your stretching and strength training: Make time for both your Yoga Release and Back Strengthening Routines. Finish (or start) the day strong with a 20-minute walk.


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Every now and again, I receive an engagement shoot or a wedding submission that so perfectly fits my mood, that I truly do feel like it's fate that it ended up in my pretty little hands. Enter Kacie and Shaun. Their engagement shoot is super unique and edgy, clearly encapsulating who they are, and I gotta say, it is exactly how I am feeling as of late. Plus, I am heading to Vegas in a few days, and let's just say that when I'm in Vegas, my edgy side definitely shows her face! And, I wanted to leave you brideys with a post that will stay with you while I am dabbling in debauchery at the Bellagio, and I feel strongly that this post will do the trick!
Really look at the opening pic... Got me thinking, and I felt like I needed to know more about Kacie and Shaun, so I had Kacie answer a few Qs for me! Pretty fucking fab!
BB: How did you two meet? I was best friends with Shaun's cousin, Candace, growing up and we used to say that we were cousins; now we almost are. It wasn't until Shaun and I were older, 5 years ago maybe (not sure), that we got to know each other. I was working at a local bar that he frequented often, very often, like his name was everyday guy, and the rest is history. I was even almost fired for dating him in the beginning, but that's another story.
BB: Kacie, have you ever shaved Shaun's head before? No, he doesn't let me! I offer all the time, something about him wanting to live is usually the response I get... He was scared, and still sleeps a bit uneasy.
BB: When and where is your wedding? Our wedding is Halloween! The ceremony is being held at the Newburgh Brewery & reception at F.E.A.S.T. at Round Hill in Washingtonville, NY.
BB: Who proposed and how? This is a complicated story, I'm not even sure if most of our friends and family knows the truth... Long story short... Shaun had an 'experience' while quite intoxicated one night, and woke up the next day a new man. I was terrified and had no idea what this new Shaun did with old Shaun. I went to work at Gleason's, a restaurant in Peekskill NY, an he showed up 15 minutes later just to tell me he loved me. Now, I'm really freaking out, I thought he was going to kill himself or something, this behavior was very unlike him. Later that night he showed up at my job again, sitting at the bar, holding my hand, crying, I knew something was up... He said I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you spend the rest of your life with me, I said I'm In! And that was that.
BB: How many tattoos do you have between you two? I have 3, but it's really over 30 hours. How many is a trick question. The Dragon piece on my back is now finished, what see you was just the start! Shaun has 8, but well over 60 hours!
BB: Are you going to have a signature drink at your wedding? Since we are doing a 1920's Speakeasy theme we're going to stick to the classics, a Bee's Knee's or a variation on a Manhattan.
I really love this shoot! Thank you for sharing with BB!!!
Industry Peep:
Photographer: Lilypad Photo Studio


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Institute for War and Peace Reporting | Giving Voice, Driving Change
Afghan Singers Fall Silent
Afghan musicians at a poetry festival in Farah, western Afghanistan, in May 2010. (Photo: US Air Force Senior Airman Rylan K. Albright/ISAF/Wikimedia Commons)
Outside the Amir Jan market in Jalalabad, a city in eastern Afghanistan, passers-by pause as they hear the strains of music wafting out of a building.
This is the headquarters of the Singers' Union, a centre for singers and musicians with space for performers gather to discuss music or sing together. Young and old musicians chat and drink tea, while others sit and gaze at the street outside.
Pacha Khan was deep in thought, but his face lit up as an IWPR reporter approached him. But when the well-known singer realised he was not about to be booked for a performance, his expression changed to one of disappointment.
"I haven't done any performances in the past two months," he said. "I haven't paid my office rent for the past three months. I borrow groceries for my family from the shopkeeper. He told me the other day that I'd borrowed a lot and that he would not lend me any more. I don't know what to do."
Pacha Khan says the deteriorating security situation in Nangarhar province has stopped him travelling outside Jalalabad city for work.
"Three years ago, we would go out to weddings in the districts. There were many performances – no weddings without music," he recalled. "Nowadays, people living some way away from the city centre can't have music at their weddings because of fears of the Taleban, while out in the districts it's completely out of the question. Our work has come to an absolute halt."
Music has always been an important part of Afghan culture, but the tradition has suffered from lean years because of religious attitudes and the general chaos of war.
Muslim scholars in Afghanistan are divided on the role of music. Some forbid it completely, while others see it as acceptable as long as only men perform and the songs have "modest" lyrics.
Some followers of Sufism include music in their rites, most famously the Chishti branch which originates from western Afghanistan, which uses song as part of its devotional practices.
Music was banned by the Taleban, who harassed musicians and singers and hung their instruments from the lampposts.
After the Taleban were toppled by a US-led invasion in 2001, a number of singers returned from exile and public performances resumed.
But despite the enduring popularity of music in Afghanistan, performers say they are not held in high esteem.
"Our people like the arts," said Kamin Gol, head of the Singers' Union for eastern Afghanistan. "They have TVs, satellite dishes and tape recorders at home. They have music in their mobile phones, yet they do not like singers or artists and they disrespect them."
Many performers say they have experienced this lack of respect.
"I tell people, "We give you happiness. We work hard to make you feel happy. Treat us with respect. Don't let us down. Let us live and do not insult us,'" Khoshal Taji, a singer in Nangarhar province, said.
Taji is originally from Nangarhar's Pachiragam district, but moved into Jalalabad because the insurgents were in control.
"If I had stayed there, I would have already been killed. The Taleban rule there," he said.
In the countryside, the musicians are missed.
"In the past, when district and village areas were safe, people would shoot into the air, play music and hold musical gatherings for joyous events," recalled Nangialay Amarkhel, a resident of Surkhrod district. "But these days, people come to and leave weddings in quiet huddles, the same way they attend mourning ceremonies. It can be hard to tell whether they are celebrating or grieving."
Even in the capital Kabul, musicians say they find it so hard to get work that many are considering emigration.
Barialay Wali, a well-known Pashto singer who currently lives in the capital, told IWPR he was trying to get a visa for a European country, and so were many of his colleagues.
"The arts are being besieged on a daily basis," he said. "I was doing up to 40 performances a month two years ago, but now I have one or two a month. How can I live on that kind of money?"
Competition is fierce because singers from provinces all around Afghanistan have congregated in Kabul because of the insurgent threats in their home areas. Wali said there was just not enough work to go round.
"I used to charge from 1,000 to 3,000 dollars per performance in the past. I go for a smaller amount of money now, but there are no performances," he said.
In Jalalabad, Aziz Gol's performing work has also slowed down, and he has turned to repairing musical instruments. With no funds to rent a shop, he works in a hut he built out of old tarpaulins under a stairway at the Amir Jan market.
Aziz Gol says that two years ago, he was earning up to 400 dollars a month from providing accompaniment to singers, but these days he averages 100-120 dollars monthly from the repair work.
"When singers have no work, I have no work either," he said. "I owe a lot of money."
Some singers are abandoning their craft altogether to seek more viable forms of employment.
"Whenever things deteriorated in Afghanistan in the past, the singers used to go to Peshawar," Pacha Khan recalled. "Now, the situation isn't good there [northwest Pakistan] either. Singers are getting out of there, too," he said. "My only option is to stop singing and brace myself for labouring work."
Brothers Jawed and Wahidullah, from Kabul, used to perform as a musical duo, but for the last two years, they have worked as casual labourers.
"Musical work was good until two years ago," Wahidullah explained. "We two would earn enough every month to solve our problems. In the past year, music has been restricted to the centres of a few provinces. Singers have come to Kabul from the provinces.
"If there is a job available, you won't get it. Very famous singers who used to perform at parties for 2,000 or 3,000 dollars are now available for 500 dollars. We weren't getting work at all so now we dig wells and work as day labourers."
The head of the Afghan information and culture ministry's Nangarhar department, Awrang Samim, said officials were aware of the problems, but were unable to do anything about them.
"Eight years ago, the information and culture directorate in Nangarhar had a music department, but it has since been dissolved," he said. "Besides, a public-sector wage is not enough to support a singer. Our hands are tied."
Samim said one way to boost singers' income would be for private radio and television stations to hire them rather than broadcasting foreign recordings.
The only resource that hard-up musicians in Nangarhar can call upon is their association.
"Singers pay an affordable amount to the union on a monthly basis, and this is used to help the many singers who are in need," its head Kamin Gol said.
"Two things have always been fallen prey to political games in Afghanistan – the Afghan people and their music. You know, a singer earns a living through his art, but when the ground is not prepared for it, how can the artist carry on?"
Hijratullah Ekhtyar is an IWPR-trained reporter in Nangarhar. Mina Habibis an IWPR reporter in Kabul.
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I am an ex employee of Lowe's I worked there for well over a year and put in a lot of time and effort. I took my job seriously and went out of my way to prove that. I came to work sick with the flu or any other illness and waited until i was sent home verses calling in to work.
The time where I had to call and not be at work for a few days was when I had gone to the doctors after acquiring a head injury. I came back to work a few days later with my doctors note that I handed to HR i worked that day and the next day and got fired a few days later for absenteeism. even though I had a doctors note the store manager told me it didnt matter.
I was out with a head injury did they seriously think that I was able to perform my daily tasks when i was constantly dizzy and blacking out ?
horrible treatment to their employees. and If i was so wrong that I got fired how come i am the only one from that store who had fired who was approved for un employment??? no one else got it in that store the hr manager prides herself in fighting unemployment but they knew they were wrong and didnt fight me
Product or Service Mentioned: Lowes Manager.
I just resigned after PT Lowes for 15 months.@ Sandy Springs, Ga. The store manager--openly ***--& cast of managers--senior Stock Boys--tone & attitude toward associates was terrible.
They were arrogant, no help most of the time & talked to you like you were an ***.
The work load has become total Daily Beat Down with gross understaffing & people leaving.
*** barn yard Manager pushing u all the time.
Glad to be gone.
Sounds like my exact story at Lowe's Sandy Springs, GA store. I was PT & resigned in the middle of my shift because I could not take Store Management Attitude & Tone anymore.
Management was no Help.
They displayed a care less attitude to customers & emoloyees. I worked in commercial contract biz for 36 years and was never part of the incompetence level displayed my Lowe's Store Management.
I too was fired from Lowe's because I suffered from foot problems due to the concrete floor I had to walk on all day long in the store and had to take some time off. I mentioned this to the store manager and he stated not to worry about it and just take care of myself.
Well, the store HR lady later advise me that I would terminated for abuse of sick leave. I have retained an attorney and will see them in court soon.
I advise anyone who has been terminated from Lowe's to seek legal help. They do not follow our employment by-laws in California.
They set you up to fail. Was an Appliance Specialist for 9 years and saw this time and again.
Our HR "Manager" was worthless. She was a clerk at best. Sucked up to the Store Mgr. and did was necessary to keep the job.
Requests were usually met with rebuttal.
"Not company policy" was the favorite line.
Praises for good work were rare. Usually followed next day with something you did wrong.
The store has a tremendous pool of talent from older, experienced people and they are treated like nothing.
Always threatening the "Write up".
Working for Lowe's is like living a lie. You have to lie to the customers by pretending it's a good place to work.
Worst of all you have to lie to yourself to drag yourself out of bed and tell yourself it could be worse. Then it gets worse still. They are now considering opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Family values or Profit?
Multiple occupations, several employers, 40 years of employment, worst job, worst company ever. Their executives should be in jail.
I worked Lowes going on 5 year at store 2624 the store.after reading this page I hadn't realize that every store is about the same. I got fired 2 week ago.
At 2624 the stock crew started work at 4am I was the only man on that shift. This shift change didn't start untill February of this year 4 out the 5 years my employment my was to unload the trucks and put up freight. The other employs had to help out when they came in. Now this was a part time job so the hours were no more than 5and a half a day.
Well the department manager complained so much till the store manager finally changed it. She hired 4 new employes to unload at night and we had to stock it from 4am to 10am. Now Thur all this I was the only man in the team of 4.I'm not saying women don't work but the camera don't lie. I worked hard every day "Mr happy go lucky" as some would say.
I was turned down on a full time unloader and full time stocker. My manager knew for shore that I would get the full time position each time I applied. The store manager both times hired some one with no experience. Thur all this I keep my head up high didn't let it bother me until I started noticing the store manager working with the females only.
See at 2624 the manager is ***. I guess I should have nown what I was getting into that day when she hired me.I always figured if u work hard ur get ahead. Well let me get back to my complait I got fired cause of my tardy I amit I was late a often o boy did the mod have a fit when I was late but let one of the females be late it was nothing. I knew then that when I wasn't there things didn't get done.
I was really shock when she terminated me. The hardest worker in receiving.
I always had a good atitude, helped everyone employes & customers I had bills and problems outside work but I lefted that home. My thing is and always be god let me wake up and gave me the ability to go to work firstname.lastname@example.com
I worked for Llowes years ago & had no problems there. Then last year I went to work for one season again & found it had completely changed.
I got sick of all the BS I too went to eork sick with an infected tooth that had one side of my face swollen to the point one eye was swollen shut.
No manger sent me home, just rude remarks. I don't even shope there anymore.
I worked as a vendor at Lowe's for a couple of month's, 'til I couldn't stand it any longer. The managers were all total jerks. When in the break room, no one spoke more than a few words, 'cuz what you said would find its way to the top. Employees would get fired for swearing, so they'd call each other names of store managers, to get the desired effect.
One Saturday, I found some returned, used riding mowers blocking my work area. They had been sent out to a mower shop for repairs, now here they sat in my work area with dead batteries and flat tires. I asked the store manager if he wanted me to shove them outside to get them out of the way. He said fix them, then put them out front to sell at the original price. I told him Huffy's contract forbid me to make repairs on used power outdoor equipment. He blew his cork and said if I didn't have anything else to do, I could go home. No problem.
As I was shutting down my workplace computer. I notice the big man was on his cell as usual. He was over near the the electric material lifts sitting near their charging stations. All hooked up in a safety harness and latched onto the roll cage of one doodlebug, yet he unhooked the freshly charged battery and made ready the doodle bug next to the one he was tethered to. Still blabbing on his store cell, he took off full bore. Well, the cable of the safety tether soon snatched him off hard and slammed him to the concrete floor! I grabbed my sign-out sheet, walked over to the manager as he was still lying on the floor gasping for breath, and laid the paper on his chest and said, "Since you're the 'Manager-On-Deck', would you be so kind to my work-log." Then I just left him there with his wind knocked out. Another employee witnessed the whole incident and stood their in disbelief. I told him he'd better go tend to his boss, he told me he was on break.
The following Tuesday was my next work day. As I tried to make it to my work area, I saw that it was crammed full of all sorts of merchandise and mowers. I grabbed a doodle bug and plowed it into the mess, shoving it 'til I made *** big enough to get to my tools and my phone. I called my boss and told him what had happened and quit my job.
lol, love it
funny story, thanks.
I too was hurt on April of this year. After 2 months, Lowes workers comp denied my claim, saying i was hurt over a year ago.
I was, LIFTING WATER HEATERS FOR LOWES!!!!. I was also refused right to have specialist of my choice examine me. Now as a consumer, after seasonal department manager told me to return and get exchange on pressure washer I purchased, Lowes admin manager at this store refused to honor the decision of the department manager and said it would have to be sent for repairs. IT WORKED ONLY 1 TIME!!!!!!!!
Dont get hurt on the job at Lowes. they wont pay.
Hurt my back at work they lied said not work related. *** holes.
Lowes is totally corporate BS. they play favoritism, ASM's and all managers come and go as they please, but no one else can.
They pile up more work than you can handle. No matter how much you do it is never enough.
They complment you but tell you need to do better and more, raises dont exist and SSEI is never the full amount. Cant wait to leave Lowes....
You got that right!!! I put in 12 years and got the shaft, new store manager brought in one of his yes men from the store he came from.
No matter what you do it is not good enough. I was a loyal hard working department manager for many years never a problem in the 7 store managers before all liked what I was doing then this guy writes me up for poor job performance!!
I left said the *** with them and am better for it.
after 10.5 years with the company and 5 stores, i can say if you got fired, you MESSED UP, i have seen SO MANY PEOPLE that should have gotten fired, but didnt because they didnt officially "break" a lowe's rule. i have been sexually harassed and had friends harassed but because it wasnt on camera and it was my word against his, and THAT dude still works there.... you obviously *** up!!!!!!!!!!!!
I worked for Lowes from 2007 to 2012, like everyone there I worked far and beyond my position. I went from being a loader to being on delivery I personally trained 2 generations of delivery drivers for that store not mention in dealing with some of the most problematic customers they had there with extreme professionalism.
I was always the last one to leave when it came to trying to get all the deliveries done while others tried to get out of work. Lowe's management system is terrible we had a good store manager at one point then we get some egotistical meat-head that only talks to good looking women and will pretty much ignore all other customers. Whenever our team was having problems he would simply compare them to his own without seeing any thought of compromise.I was given a special position in delivery by the previous manager and while I wasn't delivery MGR I it was my job to take over for him when he wasn't around.
Close to the end of july I was riding with one of our drivers when he sideswiped a crepe myrtle and broke the mirror of the truck I told him to report it in which in turn he wrote a note and left it for our supervisor in the morning come to find out next morning our Supervisor is up in arms about him leaving a note even though he had did it before and left a note about it stating his statement on what happened and they happily accepted it. Thanks to that I got put on final notice for being in the truck with him when it happened and then 2 months later I get conveniently fired for a few late-ins that were never addressed before by my store manager right before the 90 day final notice period ended.
I worked for Lowes from 2000 to 2013 on 1/23/2013 I was fired attendance I put in some hard work and made them lots of money I went form being a delivery driver to the department manager 4 51/2 years the store I came from was a good one but the one I transferred to was fup from the day t I started. Theer the reason.
transferred they opened a store not far from my house I went from 86miles to just 36 miles the store they call the 2220 all my friends use to ask me if they were hiring.
I would tell them yes but ones I got to the new store I was like no u don't want to work for Lowes I wish I had never transferred from the one I started at I'm glad that I was fired now I don't have to fill like I'm walking on eggshell anymore and I fell for the ones that are still working there they tell me that they are sorry I tell them don't be sorry be glad I don't have to put up with the *** anymore and. now I can take the vacation with my family always dreamed of ill be getting my 401 from there and ill be good till I find me something else.
i worked at a lowes somewhere in az ..at first it was wondeful the store manager was cool about almost everything i knew i was in the right spot when even he would go out there to get carts or even clean the bathroom..dont know much about how the system works but some how he got fired and then *** rolled down hill,one of the *** asm was left with whatever the *** was going on and i guess it was too much for him cause he was stressing out about everything and he was easily confused by *** stuff i think he is mentally challenged cause *** just stare at you when you asked him something and say "WHAT" with that *** look on his face that only he can do. but everyone there was lazy as *** besides the guy who trained me and one of the co-workers that basically only him and me would carry the whole work load , every one else dragged their lazy *** the whole dam time getting a free paycheck wasting the companys time just showing how much of a *** they were,for the most part there are several sales associates who arent worth a dam for example islg costumer rep. that starts with a "i' now hes in plbf ..every one that worked with him says hes a lazy piece of *** ,and he is sorry excuse for a person...besides him and maybe two other *** every one else handled their ***,i hated working at this sorry excuse for a store and i hope all the scubags get fired and to hire some one who actually wants to work..f#$ck lowes!!!!!!!!!!!
OSHA needs to step in and speak to lowes, employes needs resources to their jobs, we need gloves, back-belts, eye and ear protection, lowes spray paint their beans during the day with customers around inside the building, no mask for the psa, treated lumber needs to be kept outside the store not inside, saw-dust is not contained, employes using power equipment without proper training, corporate was inform about this and they chose to keep quite
Not sure about ur store. But we have always been required to wear all forms of protection, or else risk termination.
Also, as of Dec 2012.
No aerosol as allowed at all.


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While walking the dogs at a beautiful marshy peninsula recently, I was startled by a loud call that sounded a bit like a scream. My first response was fear; it was an unknown sound to me. Could it be a child drowning in the marsh?
The most challenging love to practice daily, in my opinion, is self love. Caregivers of any genre are particularly susceptible to forget about themselves. Loving ourselves is an essential factor in our ability to be fully present and loving with those we serve, and yet, self love is often an illusive fragment of our lives.
In the midst of these dark days as we approach the Winter Solstice, it can be challenging to see the light in others and in ourselves. I believe it is because of the lack of daylight in December (in the Northern Hemisphere) that we have historically celebrated the birth of new life/light. Our ancestors created all manner of ceremonies and rituals to dance the Sun back to them. It does give us a boost of hope and peace, doesn't it…just believing in the return of the Sun and gathering with family while holding fast to our traditions and rituals.
This month, we are featuring a guest blog post by Carrie Bancroft, former student and frequent guest teacher. In addition to being my marketing shaman, she is also a spirit worker and shamanic healer. The following post is about her favorite spirit holiday, the Day of the Dead.
As within/so without! There is no separation.These words describe in simple form the rather complex truth that we are never energetically separate from other living Beings. We live in an envelope and that envelope is called Weather! Our weather is influenced by the amount of sunlight, the temperature of tidal waters, air temperatures, degree of moisture in the air, speed of the wind, the rotation of the Earth on its axis, and the movement of the Earth around the Sun.
Today's chilly Maine morning awakens me to the truth that fall is around the corner. With each passing year my impression is that summer is more and more brief. The consequent sorrow about its departure is at the tip of my heart. With aging comes the realization that there are limitations to life in a body and the experience of precious Maine summers is not infinite. For readers who do not live in the immersion that is a Maine summer, imagine that feeling of emptiness and loss following an intimate and joyful visit with a loved one. That is the good-bye feeling of the waning summer in Maine.


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In which there is a Crisis, and we turn it into a block party
|This is an armored SWAT car.
That black square on the right margin of the photo is our mailbox.
(KING 5 News photo)
|"Road Closed" = major understatement
Huh? Our family was at the county fair, oblivious to the Bad Doings on the road near our home.
|The best place to be during a crisis: the other side of the county, at the Fair
Back in the Olden Days when I studied karate, we learned that the best place to be in a fight was on the other side of town, drinking tea with a friend. When I was working as a teacher, I told my students that the best place to be in a food-fight was in the library, studying for a test. In other words, if you pay close attention to your surroundings, you can almost always figure out how to be somewhere else when something bad goes down.
But I gotta admit that the Crisis on our low-key, non-exciting road caught me by surprise.
|The scene along our road: neighbors evacuated and roadblocked
out of homes and vacation properties by police action. (KOMO 4 News photo)
(The injured neighbor was treated and released at the local hospital. He'll never have to buy his own beer again, because people will buy it for him, just to hear the story. It's that kind of town.)
Gold-star news report from local KOMO News is HERE. They were actually on-site yesterday and returned to follow-up this morning. The initial radio news report from KOMO made our whole community sound like a bunch of gun-totin' yabbos, ready to break out the banjos, but they fixed that in later reports.
Silver-star news report from local KING News is HERE. They hung out until almost midnight last night, and monitored the scanner traffic closely.
Cheap plastic-star report from quasi-local Q-13 Fox is HERE. Although their reports claimed to be on-the-spot reporting, their reporters were clearly still in Seattle listening to the scanner and building their reports by using copy/paste from the work of other agencies. Don't get me started on Faux News reporting....
The sniper is dead. Not sure if it was self-inflicted or a police bullet, but my condolences go out to his family. The neighbors were locked down (if they were in the danger zone) and locked out (if they were away from home when it happened) until nearly midnight last night...
...which resulted in an impromptu block party at the top of our driveway, since we were the edge of the police perimeter. The neighbors gathered here swapped names and stories, shared blankets, beer, and I even found new homes for a few zucchini.
Although this was a pretty strange event, we noted that some of our neighbors were prepared for an emergency when they got stuck with their vehicle away from home. Some folks had a few jugs of water, along with an extra warm layer of clothing, a phone charger, and some other useful stuff. One lady had a battery-operated lantern with fresh batteries. Others were wearing summer togs and had little else to contribute to the party, but we all pitched in and helped them, offering to share what we had.
It made me think about the emergency kit in my truck:
a camp stove.
extra clothing, including a rain coat
a can of soup
a paperback book
a tupperware container of dogfood
a few gallons of water.
Not enough to ensure survival for the recommended "3 Day Kit", but it's a good start. You can be sure I'll be adding stuff to it in the near future.
How about you, Dear Readers? Do you carry emergency supplies in your vehicle? What do you have in there--and when is the last time you checked on it? Have you ever needed it?


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MAKES ABOUT 24 MINI MUFFINS • PREP TIME: 15 minutes • COOK TIME: 15 minutes
Here's a surprising combination. Rosemary tends to be assertive, while pears go mellow; together they make an unbeatable team. This muffin is as Mediterranean as they come. Draw a direct line from Florence to Provence, and this puppy's flavor lands right in the middle.
2 cups almond meal
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 large organic eggs
3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoon Grade A Dark Amber maple syrup
1/2 cup diced ripe Anjou pear
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 1/2 teaspoons finely minced fresh rosemary
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Oil a mini muffin tin or line it with muffin papers.
In a bowl, mix together the almond meal, salt, pepper, and baking soda. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, lemon juice, water, and maple syrup. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir well to combine. Then add in the pears, walnuts, and rosemary. Fill each muffin cup with about 2 tablespoons of batter.Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Reprinted with permission from The Healthy Mind Cookbook Copyright © 2015 by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson, Ten Speed Press, a division of the Crown Publishing Group, Berkeley, CA.


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Date Night Clutch in Cinnamon with MaryLea Harris Artwork
Date Night Clutch in Cinnamon with MaryLea Harris Artwork
A must-have date night accessory, this hand-stitched linen clutch is perfect for carrying everything you need to make it through the day. Printed with a detail from my original painting "The Vulnerability Path." You can carry your belongings in style!
- Dimensions:
- Folded: 9" w x 5" l
- Unfolded: 9" w x 8" l
- Printed on Belgian linen.
- Durable inner lining made from 100% cotton
- Brown, genuine leather detachable wrist strap
- Metal zipper to close
- Magnetic button for secure fold-over
- Hand-made in U.S.A.
Add To Cart


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Nirvana Greeting Cards
Sydney artist Tara Curtis, creator of Nirvana Visions,has been painting ever since she was big enough to wield an artbrush. The aptly named, Nirvana Visions, is her personal vehicle, through which she offers her intensely creative works so that all can share in their magic.
Every painting is a bountiful collage of color, magic, love and crystal healing energies. . . a magical moment that is inspired by the mystery and wonder hiding in everyday life. Each work is created within a specifically tailored crystal healing grid within the artists own workshop. These greeting cards are based on her original works (original paintings available through Tara's website)


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Bonom: graffiti art
Britain has Banksy, Belgium has Bonom! Since 2006, Bonom showcases his own impressive style: going for big, remarkable, sketch-like, fluid lines that end up in animal and skeleton drawings. For these he searches grey and basic buildings in the city centre of Brussels. Hanging from a rope he paints the night away. This gave Bonom the past years the unofficial title of a town legend.
But just like Robin Hood, this town legend got into problems. The police no longer tolerates his graffiti work on buildings. Strange if you know that nobody complained about Bonom, not even the owners of his canvases. Meanwhile Bonom received a Facebook group which disapproves his prosecution. The group has already more than 6,000 members and yes, the I Love Belgium team joined!
A map presenting all his Brussels pieces is now available at Bozar shop and Alice gallery. A great way to follow Bonom's steps and discover Brussels from another perspective. We selected a few, but if you can't get enough, then go to the Bonom Flickr pool. Enjoy!