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The points of trade promotions are to help companies differentiate a product, increase product visibility, and increase the product purchase rate. The food, beverage, brewery and spirits industries are very competitive spaces, and because of this you not only have to have a great product, but you also need to provide sales incentives (a.k.a. dealer loaders) for buyers to pick your brand over your competitors.
Let's take a look at how we have helped some of the top beverage companies in the world create the coolest dealer loaders with custom branded bikes.
COMPANY: High Brew Coffee
PROMOTION: High Brew Coffee runs national promotions and offers their distributors and retailers a custom High Brew branded cruiser bike as a purchasing incentive for 75+ case orders. Pretty sweet, right?
RESULTS: Over $375,000 generated in sales
Brand Benefits:
- High Brew gets front and center floor real estate in grocery stores. Ex: end of aisle shelf placement (the bigger your dealer loader, the more real estate you get!).
- High Brew sells more cases of their amazing coffee, increasing their average order size.
- High Brew attracts consumers who love and ride bikes (this year the number of trips made by bicycle in the US is over 4 billion!).
- High Brew gets a moving advertisement from the end-consumer who rides this branded cruiser, which by the way, will last for decades.
Distributor Benefits:
- Distributors can use the bike as a sales rep incentive. Ex: top performing reps of the month can win the High Brew customer cruiser.
- Distributor is getting a high quality custom cruiser. Studies show that a cash incentive is neither as memorable nor as effective as a physical gift incentive.
- Retailers can run a consumer promotion. Ex: Buy 5 High Brew Coffees and you are entered to win this bike
- The retailer has a beautiful, free display that will attract shoppers and convert them into customers. Think we're lying? Just ask High Brew or call Whole Foods
- Pure Fix Cycles is a leading lifestyle retail brand in North America and consumers naturally remember promotions with brands that they recognize
Now that we've covered all the awesome benefits, it's time for you to get your wheels turning (no pun intended) and drive those sales with a winning dealer loader program. To inquire about our custom and branded bike programs, click on the black box below. If you would like to share some great stories of other successful dealer loader programs, feel free to comment below.


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What Would You Laminate?
Filed Under Life
A few months ago, I was wrapping up my discipleship time with a couple athletes. I wasn't just wrapping up a semester, but wrapping up our time altogether. I am moving next month and we had two more weeks where we would have our face to face, weekly meetings. I had finished all the content I wanted to go over that semester, but we still had two weeks left, so I asked what they wanted to discuss. One gal had a very intriguing suggestion.
She wanted to know what were five things I wasn't able to teach them, but that they needed to know.
The other gal said, "Yeah, like what would you laminate for us?"
I enjoy laminating things. Usually I'll laminate things I stick in my Bible or things other people can stick in their Bibles or hang somewhere in their room. It's not as likely to get damaged.
It lasts longer.
So I took a couple weeks to think through the things I wanted them to know and remember. With so many messages the world is trying to teach us, these were the things I wanted them to hold onto.
Here are the five things I shared with the ladies during our last meeting together. Not all of them are original thoughts, but a few things I've heard and learned on my life's journey. (And yes, I did laminate them!)
1) "The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope." – Tim Keller
We all need to remember the gospel. The gospel isn't just for those who will yet believe, but for those of us who do believe – whether it's been for a short time or a long time. The gospel reminds us God is greater than we will ever be and at the same time, gives us the freedom to be who He created us to be. The gospel keeps us in the sweet spot between humility and grace.
2) There are two things that will last. God's Word and man's soul. Invest in these two things.
There are so many things in the world that demand our attention, but these are the two things that will last into eternity. These are the things we need to prioritize in our lives. We don't ignore our other responsibilities, but we strive to prioritize these things. Obviously, we have different seasons in our lives, so these will look different in each season. Pray through how you can prioritize these things in this current season of your life.
3) You've never locked eyes with someone who doesn't matter to God.
People matter to God and that means they should matter to us. Genesis 1:27 tells us we are all created in God's image. Believer or not, God cares for every living soul. He created them!
I heard at a conference once that we need others to better understand God. I grew up with a very white, suburban view of God. But God is greater than my limited view point. Since each person is made in His image, I need other people – other races, other ages, other people who have completely different life experiences than I do – to get a fuller picture of who God is. Without other people, my knowledge of God is lacking.
4) Our life is like a puzzle and each moment is a piece to our puzzle. Trust God with every piece you've been given, even if it doesn't make sense. God holds the puzzle box and knows this piece is necessary for the bigger picture.
This has been one of my favorite analogies the Lord gave me over the years. I love teaching this and helping others understand that every piece of our life is necessary, despite the blackness or the confusion that goes with it. We may not fully understand it or like it, but since God knows the final picture, we trust that this piece wasn't given to us by mistake.
5) When you face a hard situation, don't ask, "Why?" Instead, ask, "What, Lord are you trying to teach me?"
This goes along with #4. Since each piece of our life is necessary for the bigger picture, we can ask the Lord what He's trying to teach us. What would we never know if we never went through this situation? What part of our character needs molding or shaping? What aspect of His character is He revealing to us through this situation?
(I wrote about these last two in more depth for Athletes's in Action website found here.)
What about you? What would you laminate for someone? What are the things you want people to remember, the things you want to last?
Lesson from the Cherry Blossoms
Filed Under Life
A fun part about living close to DC is all the free things DC has to offer…the museums, monuments and beautiful scenery. Every year around April, loads of people flock to the city to see the cherry blossoms. Last year, Brian was living here and I flew out for Easter, but the cherry blossoms weren't blooming just yet. They had started, but weren't in their full bloom. This year, Brian and I thought it would be a fun (and romantic) idea to catch the sunrise at the Tidal Basin. Apparently we weren't the only ones with this brilliant idea. We woke up at 5:30am on a Thursday morning and by the time we arrived, there was no place left to park. We couldn't believe it. Gratefully we were planning to head to the city in a few days for the Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial so alas, I finally had my chance to see these babies in full bloom.
I'm glad we saw them when we did because shortly after that day, northern Virginia (or NOVA as the locals call it) was bombarded with gusts of raging wind. Petals from the flowers were being ripped from the trees, leaving behind the memory of their beauty and a longing for next year.
The other week at our FCA weekly meeting, one of the staff asked a great question to kick off the evening. He asked the athletes, "How do you want to be remembered?" That was a great question for me to consider. Being married to a military man, our time here in NOVA will not last. Eventually, like the cherry blossom petals, we'll be swept away as the government moves us off to another location. Our time here will be short, but I want to make it a beautiful time. I want to look back on these days and remember the beauty of this time. I want to remember the joys (and pains) of our first year of marriage. I want to remember our church community who have embraced me. I want to remember the Cru staff who have accepted me 100% as a part of their team. Most importantly, I want to look back and see how the athletes at George Mason have grown in their faith and wait for the seeds they begin to sow on campus to take root and bloom (yet unlike the cherry blossoms, never blowing away).
Knowing that you have a short time in one place gives you a sense of urgency to experience everything you can and take advantage of the gifts all around you. Lately, I've had more of an urgency to help others to grow in their faith and be equipped to share their faith with others. Being in full time missions you'd think I would always have that urgency, but there's always been this sense of, "I'll get to that." In all actuality, we really don't know how much time we have. Eventually, our time on earth will end.
Second Corinthians 2:15 says, For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
How do you want to be remembered? What fragrance to you want to leave behind? And what are you doing today to help make that happen?
Stay in Your Lane
Filed Under Devotions
When Peter saw [John], he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me." – John 21:21-22
Last week it snowed pretty hard here in Ohio. I had to drop someone off at the airport in Cincinnati, about an hour and a half drive from where I live. After I dropped him off, I had the feat of driving back home. It was still snowing and it was getting dark. I decided to own the fact that it was going to take me quite awhile to get back home (I had already bought some coffee for that very reason). I've never really used my flashers before, but decided this was the moment to start. I went about 40 miles an hour on the interstate and it took me 2.5 hours to get home.
As semis zoomed past me, all I could think about was staying focused at the lane in front of me (or where I thought it should be, since I couldn't see the lines). When I passed someone, I cheered them on yelling, "You be you! Go as slow as you feel you need to go!" Obviously they couldn't hear me.
When I was focusing on my driving, these verses popped into my head. At the end of the
book of John, Jesus gave Peter instructions for how he was supposed to live the rest of his life and he told him how he would die (John 21:15-19). When Peter saw John, he wondered what would happen to him. I love Jesus' reply: "…what's it to you? You must follow me." I don't believe Jesus is telling Peter not to care about John. I think he was telling Peter that he needed to focus on the assignment Jesus had just given him.
We all have our own assignments from God and they are individually unique. We don't need to get caught up in what other people are doing and we definitely don't need to compare ourselves to others. If I would have allowed myself to get caught up in how the semis were driving, I probably would have ended up in a ditch. We need to stay in our lanes. We need to focus on what God is asking us to do. We need to stay focused on our own personal race.
Lord, don't let me get caught up with the others in the lanes next to me or the fans in the stands. Help me keep my focus on what you've laid before me and the work you have called me to do.
How easy is it for you to get caught up in the comparison game?
What has God uniquely gifted you for this season?
When you get caught up in comparing yourself to someone else, whether it's sport related, ministry related, or personally related, take time to look at what God has given you. Thank Him for the talent He has given you, the mission field all around you and for creating you exactly the way he did.
Valentine's Day
Filed Under Devotions
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
– 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
First Corinthians 13 is known as the love chapter. I know the holiday coming up this weekend is difficult for many, especially for the singles. This day of love has become known as "Singles Awareness Day" or a "Hallmark Holiday." But it's difficult even if you're dating or married. Women can have such high expectations on this glamorized holiday, which can lead to high pressure on the guys to plan the perfect date (I'm totally stereotyping here!) There's so much pressure on this one day to show your love to one special person.
But what about the other 364 days of the year? What about all the other people in your life? I don't want my boyfriend to show his love on one day of the year and forget the rest. I want it every day. And I don't want just his love; I want love from all the people in my life. In order to have good relationships, I need to display love, too. But to love well is hard. Just look at the love chapter. Love is patient, it's kind, not self-seeking and it perseveres. It can be a sacrifice to lay down pride for the sake of someone else. But it's a choice. A choice we have to make daily to love the people around us. Jesus commanded us to love others as He has loved us (John 15:12). That's a high standard, yet it's the calling of a Christian. Love is the mark of a Christian (John 13:35). Because we are not perfect in this area (or any area of our lives), Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to walk with us, to guide us and to help us grow.
Lord, help me to love well today and every day. Help me fight the urge to be selfish and demanding. Let others see Your love through how I love them and serve them. Please Lord, be with those who will have a hard time this February 14th, for various reasons. Help them see they are loved perfectly by You.
How well do you love?
Take a moment to walk through this list in 1 Corinthians 13 and ask yourself how well you're doing with each one. If there is one area your really struggle with, ask the Lord to help you overcome this. Ask someone you trust to join you in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you to love others better.
What's the Purpose of the Bible?
Filed Under Devotions
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12
In light of the Super Bowl, last night, I came across this video. It's endorsing a Bible app, but listen to what these players are saying about the Word of God:
I've been reading a book by Francis Chan titled, "Multiply: disciples making disciples" and there's a chapter about why we should read the Bible. Chan said that people have multiple reasons and motivations for reading the Bible, but here are six reasons he believes God gave us His Word:
- To teach us about him
- To teach us about ourselves and the world we live in
- To enable us to live godly lives
- To facilitate a relationship with God
- To exalt Jesus
- To prepare us for our God-given mission
Chan said, "Though we primarily think of the Bible as something we read in order to gain knowledge, we actually have it backward. The Bible reads us – it penetrates to our core and exposes who we really are" (98). If we have a skewed view of the purpose of the Bible, we'll have a skewed attitude when we approach the Bible.
Lord, thank you for your Word! Thank you for the accessibility I have to hearing from you. Forgive me for the wrong motives I have for reading the Bible – for wanting the Bible to conform my life, not my life to conform to your Word. Help me, Lord, to approach Your Word with reverence and help me to let go of anything that stands in the way of letting Your Word penetrate my soul and change my life.
Question (more than one this week!):
How do you view the Bible?
What are you reading right now? Are you currently following any kind of plan?
How do you make sure you're getting into God's Word daily, especially when you travel?
Do you use any Bible apps? If so, which ones and how do you use them?
Ask yourself your motives when you read the Bible. If the motives are anything outside the six reasons Chan listed, ask the Lord if this is the right motive. If not, ask the Lord to help you change your motivation when you dig into the scriptures.

subset: commoncrawl


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Liberty Bell Pillow
Liberty Bell Pillow
Let your freedom ring with this vintage-inspired Liberty Bell pillow. No waiting in line to see the real deal when you can view this version in the comfort of your own home!
20" x 20"
100% unbleached cotton canvas fabric
Made by The Pillow Works
Add To Cart


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If you have been in the office at all this year, you have met our new doctor. Dr. Rob! We wanted to expand on what his expertise specializes in so that patients can benefit from his knowledge.
Choosing a career in healthcare was easy for me. I grew up in a family where my father was a Chiropractor and my mother a registered nurse. After seeing firsthand the profound impact they made on so many peoples lives, I knew I wanted to do the same. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. A Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees from National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois. I have certifications in Acupuncture, Cox Flexion-Distraction and Nimmo Tonus Receptor techniques. My postgraduate training includes orthopedics, rehabilitation, postural correction, kinesio-taping, gait analysis, whiplash, rehabilitation and nutrition.
You may ask what I look at in regards to posture, gait and how I look to fix these if I find issues.
I will look at your posture from head to toe to check for imbalances that may be affecting how you sit, stand, and move. These abnormalities can lead to not only pain but also a decrease in your body's ability to perform daily activities at work, home, and on the sporting field.
I also analyze your gait which is how you walk and run. I'm looking at patterns when your feet strike the ground both at rest and in motion for improper movement of your lower extremities and how this may affect or be affected by the corresponding musculature. This includes your feet, ankles , knees and hips. Based on your results we recommend exercises and stretches to correct your posture, stretch your tight muscles and strengthen your posture, stretch your tight muscles and strengthen your weakened muscles in order to improve your body's function and stability.
Kinesio-taping is a complimentary technique that aids the body's ability to move through the application of a specialized tape to improperly functioning muscles. This tape supports muscles and joints while allowing full range of motion. It decreases pain, reduces inflammation and provides a stimulus that improves body awareness. Just a few of the things that Kinesio-taping can be used for are plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff, tennis elbow, knee pain and shin splints.
I have owned and operated a family based chiropractic office in Chicago, Illinois for over the last 20 years. I just recently moved into Peachtree City, Georgia and proud to say that I have joined Healthy Life Chiropractic in Newnan. When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially coaching my two son's sports teams.


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Journey through 5 different virtual reality experiences developed exclusively for PlayStation VR. From the depths of the ocean with "Into the Deep" to the gritty gangster thriller "The London Heist" VR Worlds will take you on some truly unique adventures.
Director: Matt Harlock
Producer: Alice Creosole (Territory)
DoP: Marcus Domleo
1st AD: Jai Lusser
Creative director: David Sheldon Hicks (Territory)
Sony Creative director: Nigal Raymond


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Broca's area(redirected from Brocas area)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia.
Related to Brocas area: Broca's aphasia, Wernicke's area
Broca's area(brō′kəz)
An area located in the frontal lobe usually of the left cerebral hemisphere and associated with the motor control of speech. Also called Broca's center.
Broca's area
Etymology: Pierre P. Broca
an area involved in speech production situated on the inferior frontal gyrus of the brain. See also aphasia, Broca's aphasia, motor speech areas, speech centers.


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You never know where there may be an Edventure lurking. Cities, Museums, Universities, after-school programs... build or play, there could be fun waiting in your very neighborhood!
The Challenge
Many informal education spaces like Museums, Cities and after school programs would love to have interactive digital content but their educational needs change constantly. Building digital content and getting a dev team to change it with each new class, exhibit and year's updates is expensive and time-consuming.
The Solution
The Edventure Builder is an easy way for organizations to create custom interactive mobile content and games and update it anytime with our simple text editor. Build scavenger hunts, choose-your-own adventures, interactive stories or responsive tours and make edits anytime. Collect your players' responses to see what's working for them. Green Door Labs' ace game designers will help out with your first game and help at every step along the way.


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Akemi Look stars in The Man From Earth: Holocene, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2007 cult sci-fi film The Man from Earth. Her co-stars include Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty), Michael Dorn (Star Trek), Sterling Knight (So Random!), Brittany Curran (The Magicians) and David Lee Smith (CSI: MIAMI).
Akemi also appears in Disney's A Wrinkle In Time, (directed by Ava Duvernay) alongside Oprah Winfrey, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Gugu Mbatha-raw and Zach Galifianakis.
Akemi made her television debut on HBO's How To Make It In America alongside Bryan Greenberg and Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi.
She studied method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City, received a dance scholarship to The Alvin Ailey Fellowship Program, and competed as a member of the USA Rhythmic Gymnastics national team at the 2002 Rhythmic Gymnastics Group World Championships.
Akemi fierce advocate for increased visibility and representation for women of color and Asian American stories. She is an activist for survivors of sexual assault and trauma, and has appeared on ABC's 20/20 sharing her story and speaking out against abuse as a Nassar survivor. She has spoken at arts and activism events such as WE RISE, INTO ACTION, and THE COSMOS, and is an ambassador of #SurvivorLoveLetter.


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Dearest divine ones,
Happy Winter Solstice and Season of the Light Returning! Last night in our Restorative Yoga class, one of our dear students, Debra C. recorded our session. I hope you enjoy it, when you have a moment, prepare a special place to relax completely and let this journeying session take you to a deep state of Yoga nidra.
Enjoy, be well and reconnect. Let me know how you like it. And thank you Debra!
in great light and love to you,
Denise Kirpal


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Farewell Brunch: Oh yeah, I'm a Mrs. now!
est. 1-15-11
My Koru dears, we have reached the end of my wedding story. For now. You may notice I used TGP's gorgeous, professional photos sparingly & I have my reasons. When I'm ready to share TGP's photos with you, I'll delve into the wedding details like my wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, something blue, bouquets, invitations, etc. Until then, feast your eyes on our wedding photos on TGP's blog HERE & Koru's Facebook album HERE.
I would like to leave you with wisdom & advice gained through my experience as a Bride:
1. This was an absolute shock to me: Some family & friends will not be happy for you, will not support you & will not celebrate with you. They hurt you but I promise, it is okay. In their place, other family & friends (often those you least expect) fiercely love you & stand by you. You quickly learn who your TRUE family & friends are & this is a gift. Accept it humbly & gratefully.
2. Please, please splurge on a good photographer if your budget allows. The TGP team was a gem to work with & their photos of our wedding leave me speechless. Amazing wedding photos are priceless! I look at the fabulous photo of RZ & I during the recessional, freshly married, & it instantly transports me to the exuberant joy & overflowing love of that moment. We will cherish our wedding photos & the accompanying memories forever.
3. Be present at your wedding! Your wedding goes quickly & the best you can do is hang tight & enjoy the incredible ride. Focus on the moment, not the moment that just passed or the moment coming up. Try not to stress about the time, vendors, details, etc. Leave the work, because a wedding is work!!!!, to a fabulous wedding coordinator or a trusted friend. Thanks to Eileen & her crew of An Affair to Remember, RZ & I were able to eat, drink & be merry!
4. Walk down the aisle & marry the love of your life = SUCCESS. Seriously, everything else about your wedding is icing on the cake. If your bridesmaid is sick or your flowers are wrong or the band forgets your First Dance song (I admit, none of these things happened to me but things did go wrong at our wedding), don't sweat it. Your guests will never notice & they will have the time of their life as long as you keep smiling!
5. Record your thoughts & feelings about your wedding. Hey, you have plenty of time on your honeymoon flight, right? Whether you fill a journal or one notebook page, just do it. Your memory will fade & your notes will be precious reminders of that lovely day as your words fill a gap that photos & video can't fill. I happened to share my thoughts & feelings with all of you (read the start HERE) &, luckily, I won't forget one, single thing ever. Share them with your husband on a special anniversary & your future kids someday!
That's all, folks! {For now}


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Bridal Boudoir Photography Sessions
Your Search For The Perfect Wedding Gift Is Over
You've got lots of planning to do and I want make your wedding gift the easiest and most fun! You already found the perfect partner, now you've found the perfect wedding gift.
You deserve to have a boudoir album that will be as beautiful as the love you have for each other. Find out why are brides choosing Boudoir again and again over a watch!
To ensure that every woman gets an amazing and personalized experience, I only take FOUR clients per month!
Make sure you have a chance to create this wedding gift, email me!
Mr. H Says...
"Typically, Jennifer is a little bit on the conservative side. That really struck me. It was jaw dropping. and after getting the boudoir album, I was just like blown away! Because one: It just showed another side of her to be willing to take that bold, daring risk to put herself out there like that. It made me feel really special. To do that for me was a huge compliment. It raised her bar of excellence that much higher, and I'm still trying to catch up."
Not Just a Gift For Him
"I thought this gift was going to be mostly for my Husband, but after the experience I realized how much it was actually a gift for myself.
I always talk myself out of believing compliments, or immediately think about my flaws when someone gives me one. Doing a boudoir shoot showed me that I could truly be myself and take risks, and not worry so much about the result. And once I let go of my fears, I felt nothing short of powerful, elated, and content, not to mention that the result was beautiful. Not because I looked perfect, but because it captured a moment when I was nothing else but myself, and completely free."
Boudoir Is For You!
Some women think that boudoir isn't for them, but it is for everyone, tell me if you've said this...
None of my clients do! Each and every image is created with my direction from your finger tips to your toes, you don't have to do a thing.
Every one of the women on this page said the same thing, asking me to hide their tummy, or if I don't get enough good pictures to make an album it's okay... Every. Single. One. Leaves loving their body, and loving themselves a little bit more than before.
No photos are posted without explicit written permission from you. Privacy is very important to us. If you decide you don't want them shared, no one else will ever see them.
Boudoir isn't about lingerie! It's about falling in love with yourself and for your groom, doing something special. That can be in lingerie, or an off the shoulder sweater. We tailor it to you!
Is it arrogant to look in the mirror? To keep a Journal? to Meditate? Boudoir is no different. It is a symbol of your feminine self. There is nothing self indulgent about that.
I don't know how to pose!
I'm not pretty/skinny enough.
I don't want my pictures on the internet.
I'm not a lingerie kind of girl.
Boudoir is just self indulgent.
Now It's Your Turn!
So what do you get for the person who has everything? A Boudoir Album that is so unique and so personal, you cannot buy it in stores. Let us help you make your wedding even more unforgettable. Fill out the info below and get more information about your amazing boudoir experience.


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Hi! My name's Rachael (rah-shell). My vegan journey started at the beginning of 2015 when I really wanted to do something about my health. As a 20-something, you may ask "what could possibly be wrong with your health at such a young age?" I was diagnosed with lupus at age 16 and on medications to treat it since then. There is no cure for lupus but with the right medications, you can treat it into remission (more on that in a bit). I began watching documentaries on YouTube over the next couple of months.
Then I stumbled onto Earthlings. You probably know how it goes from there. I went vegetarian - for the second time - overnight. I continued to eat eggs and cheese over the next week before I quit it all cold turkey...is that a vegan expression? ;)
I was a poor student in Boston at that time so my only real choice was walking a mile every week to Trader Joe's. My first job was a little closer to home, so I moved back for 10 months before moving again to where I am now - Iowa, or as I like to call it "meat and milk country". Not only is Iowa known for its corn, but also as one of the biggest pork producers in the country.
Due to the nature of my job here, I am somewhat in the public eye. I want to use my platform to show that if I - someone who once cried when Burger King brought back chicken fries - can be a vegan, anyone can. It's healthy, good for the planet and can be good for your wallet, hence the hashtag #brokeblackvegan that I use from time to time.
I'm not one of those girls on YouTube that shed an entire person going vegan. Quite the opposite. I've gained weight trying to figure it out. I'm Caribbean so I love starches and salt (though that may not be the ideal combination for my body), however, its all about finding out what works for you. But something has been working for me as I've received word from my doctor that lupus hasn't been active in my body!
If I can help just one other person heal themselves or feel better about themselves through this way of life, then I feel I have succeeded. Be well. Be vegan.
Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachaelPeartWX/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachaelJPeart
Website: http://www.rachaelpeart.com/
Blog: https://rachaelpeart.wordpress.com/


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An "at a glance" digital display with all the information you need. The remaining time is positioned prominently next to an easy-to-read content bar graph, which is always active, enabling you to use the cylinder down to the minimum.
Flow in litres per minute and condition icons are clearly indicated. Visible and audible alerts appear in critical situations.


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This week's Pin:
An entryway is your first chance to impress your guests, why not make a statement?!
The space itself isn't overly large or grandiose on its own, however the designer used scale perfectly to maximize the space visually. The large console and oversized frame serve to make the entry feel much larger than it actually is. The pattern on the floor not only draws you into the space, but it's an optical illusion, again making the entry seem more spacious.
This entryway is a stellar example of filling a space to make it seem larger. Less isn't always more, interiors-wise.
In addition to all the entryway's amazingness, that drum light is also calling to me. It's telling me that it wants to be in my dining room. I think it's right, don't you?
If you missed my previous "Pin and Tell" posts, check them out here.


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If there's one thing we love more than taking pictures of Seniors, it's taking pictures of Seniors who have great ideas about what they want to see in their portraits. Collin is one of the "great ones" who came with some really cool ideas for shots and things he wanted to shine forth in his pictures. Coupled with his willingness to try whatever we threw at him, he was a perfect client!
It also helps that his amazing mom have giving chair massages on location!
Thanks for the great afternoon, Collin and Beth, you guys are rockstars!


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Bookkeeping & Accounting Services
Sound Business Services offers a broad-range of stellar-quality bookkeeping services. Each of their services are fully-customizable and tailor-fit to the specific industry and needs of the client. Click on each service below to learn more:
- Bank reconciliation
- Accounts Receivable
- Accounts Payable
- Budgeting & Reporting
- QuickBooks Solutions
- Payroll & Taxes


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79-year-old woman visits zoo for first time in 63 years, fulfills dream
ATLANTA - A 79-year-old woman fulfilled one of her dreams Friday by visiting a zoo for the first time in 63 years. Delores Dobson is a long-term bed and chair bound patient with Pruitt Home Health, but she has always loved animals. She had only been to a zoo one time in her life at 16-years-old, until Friday.
""I always wanted to go on a safari or something, which never ever happened," said Dobson. "I never had money for that kind of a thing"
Great story about a woman with chronic illnesses fulfilling her dreams at @ZooATL - @PruittHealth @SecondWindDreamhttps://t.co/QohJwGbXhS— Ben Bolton (@BoltonSports) March 24, 2017
Dobson has suffered from multiple simultaneous chronic diseases for many years. She is also oxygen dependent. The members of nonprofit Second Wind Dreams wanted to make sure she got a chance to see her favorite animals, pandas and elephants.
"Oh gosh it was wonderful. This tops everything," said Dobson.
She has been dreaming of going to Zoo Atlanta for years, but her current condition makes it a taxing effort to get there. The nurses at Pruitt Home Health worked very hard to make sure she had everything she needed for her trip to the zoo to be a success.
"Oh it was breathtaking," said Dobson's nurse, Terri Fain. "Just to get to see her get close to them and feed them and then watching them do all of their hand gestures. It was cool."
Dobson is a special guest of Zoo Atlanta on this day, and they arranged a behind the scenes encounter with the father of the new panda babies.
"It really means a lot," said Dobson. "I don't know how, I couldn't pay them back. I can only say thank you."
She can go home knowing she has new furry friends from safari trip in Atlanta.
Pruitt Home Health is located in Gainesville, Georgia and is a member of Second Wind Dreams. The international non-profit organization is based in Marietta, Georgia. NGMT Inc. also helped make the day a success for Ms. Dobson.


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I am pleased to present the way of the witch - spiritual knowledge and personal transformation.
Here we go beneath the Full Moon in December, known as -- Long Nights Moon with Avril. Tag along. See witches differently, discover guidance from a different level.
Light a candle and incense, and then keep scrolling down...
Go on...follow your curiosity!
Keeping her mind on her craft, Avril had done her research. The Book of Shadows stated that the easiest method to reveal an answer from Spirit is by using the "Stones of Speculation," which meant judgment stones or yes and no stones. The ritual followed the basic Celtic concepts of mystic division of threes, that all learning takes place in threes - past, present, future, - dawn, dusk, midnight, - root, pattern, density. It took Avril the better part of the week to find the three elemental energy properties needed, gold – a nugget, silver – a silver nugget and carbon – coal that were needed. The three minerals had a great deal to do with deciphering the answer. Carbon, the black coal, represents midnight and the energy from beyond and is the indicator. The mineral which landed closest to the coal would indicate the answer. The gold piece symbolized dawn and the male energy and is a positive indication, meaning yes. The silver that symbolizes night, female energy, is the negative indication, no. If the minerals land equal distance apart, one should toss again the gold and silver. The site chosen near the Elder tree, Avril hoped, would add energy to the 'Stone of Speculation.'
In the moonlit night, Avril traveled toward the Elder tree's direction. She stopped walking. The age of the hardwood Elder tree must have taken a hundred years to grow, she thought. The tree would take at least fifty years to decay.
Avril put her gloves on. She stood rubbed her hands together for warmth, and then walked over, and opened her satchel. "So much to do, so little time," she said a loud. She placed the needed basic essential magickal tools upon the snowy ground sun-wise around the Elder tree. At each of the cardinal points, in a wind-protected candle holders the proper colored candle was placed and lit; north - earth, a green candle, east - air, a yellow candle, south - fire, a red candle, west - water, a blue candle and said, "Thrice 'round this place to weave, thrice blessing thy words, thrice cleanse in thy fire. To the left she placed a white candle dedicated to the Goddess and to the right, a matching size red candle to symbolize God, and then lit the wicks. She put a container of rainwater to the east, a small wand to the south, a black handed athame west, and a shiny, gold pentacle north.
Avril thinking about that, she got back to the task at hand. The harsh winter wind whipped up, and banged together the bare branches. Avril tucked her wind-blown hair behind her ears. The flickering flame of the candles burned bright for protection, peace and harmony. Tilting her face upward toward the full moon, she closed her eyes. In her right hand with gloved fingers, she clasped around the gold, silver and coal. Each precious minerals contained within earth and spiritual energy. Avril relaxed her body and mind. The energy of the minerals affected the spiritual part of her then the physical. Avril felt completely mellow and spoke both confidently and formally to the Empress of the Night the Moon Goddess to acknowledge her personal growth. "I am the basic elemental tools – earth, air, fire and water. Without I would not be. I possess inner knowledge to overcome crisis moments that come in life. I'm aware every day lived is a test. To pass I must apply my past experience and the wisdom gained. I will apply my heart, mind, body and soul for the good of all in the midst of turmoil and confusion. I have learned a great deal to guide me through. I can conquer my fears with inner strength. I know who I am as an individual. I know why I am here, at this time, and at this place. I think, therefore I am. I breathe; therefore I live. I discovered my destiny in the Divine power of the wise women. My reward, my birthright, to love and accept myself; to be unique, separate from the rest, yet part of the whole in a magical Divine embrace."
Avril combined breath work and meditation to become more aware of the energy within herself. As she focused on her breath her emotional stimuli changed. Avril took slow diaphragmic breaths that calmed her body and opened her psyche. She felt the oxygen enter her body as it was drawn in through her nostrils, down the nasal passage into the cavity at the back of her mouth, then down the larynx and windpipe which split into a pair of smaller tubes (one for each lung) and then split again into the bronchial tubes. The intercostals muscle between her ribs expanded her ribcage and diaphragm - the layer of muscle under her chest cavity contracted. Avril's body tingled as the air went directly into the left and right lungs then split again into thousands of new tubes which are plugged into millions of air sacs. The carbon dioxide, without effort, left her being.
Avril continued to control her breathing. She could feel her chest move with each breath. She drifted in and out of meditation for about a half hour. A stiff wind blew. Her thoughts changed. She began to think about the deep attachment she had with the females at the Mysticism School for Witches. Most had helped her to understand and develop herself; a network of people who protected and guided her growth. For this she was truly grateful. They would be missed during winter break.
Snowflakes drifting down around her head and clinging to the shoulders of her winter cape Avril thought to herself we are meant to say goodbye to those we love but the break is never forever. Events in life occur for a reason. Situations are meant to happen. The loss of people in our lives allows us to appreciate the time we shared. It can inspire others to be a better person. At the time of departure, there is always a promise of a new day. Yule celebration would give an opportunity for my private and emotional goodbyes. I will meet with my sister-friends again at Dawning Time when classes would resume.
Avril felt the cold wind on her face. She concentrated on her question. The moment was ripe with power. She opened her eyes, stretched out her right hand, and then tossed the coal, gold and silver out onto the blanket of snow. The flickering candlelight was enough for Avril to view where the minerals fell. She saw the gold and coal close together to indicate the yes answer. She glanced up at the star speckled night sky. "Bless this time, and this place, and who I am with you," she said, her voice was slow and centered.
"Yes I do," Avril answered proudly.
The witch apparition floated above Avril and asked, "Why not Lilith? She is a practitioner – the same as you."
Avril felt a tinge of guilt. "We don't work or play well together," she responded quietly.
"Yes, Lilith has some issues. Things have happened to her that were far beyond her control. She could nether understand nor stop. She has been torn down by some individuals with alterative motives. First and foremost, they don't need your help?"
"She makes it difficult to deal with," she answered her eye's fixed on the witch apparition, drifting in the night air.
The apparition looked down at her. "Lilith might say the same about you."
Avril sitting there, looking at the apparition thought Lilith was the direct opposite of her. "I know the definition of right and wrong," she claimed. I'm not like Lilith. There is no good in her!"
"Nothing in nature is one thing or the other; not even good or evil."
Avril frowned. "What should I do then?"
"You have a lot to learn and are still limited by your experiences," the apparition advised.
Avril interrupted. "I'm trying to learn!"
"Don't join in on the negativity. To deal with Lilith in a meaningful way, treat her as you would need to be treated."
Avril hesitated, and then asked, "It is as simple as that?"
"Yes, live out what is within your soul." she said. "It is as easy as that, and you know it. Whether you do it is up to you."
Avril took a deep breath and let the air out. "Very well, so be it," Avril told the apparition.
The cold wind changed and the image was no more, and the voice was gone.
"Thank you for sharing your spiritual advice with me," Avril said a loud. "I am grateful for the time we shared. Go in peace and may peace be with you," she whispered.
Avril brushed her wind-blown hair behind her ears. She was in a rare state of grace. She thought, what a magickal experience it was.
After the long session Avril cleared the site. She rose, picked up the elemental tools and precious minerals from the snowy ground, and put them back into her satchel. The wind swirled the snow up, below and side to side. Avril thanked Guardians of the Four Quarters for attending and their support in her rite. She stood at the North Quarter then slowly moved to West, the South and the East, to return North and snuffed out the elemental candles. She reached down and picked up the black handed athame. With the point of the blade of the magical knife she pierced the magickal circle around her. The energy of the ring surged into the blade and handle as she walked widdershins till the circle was dispersed. She picked up her magickal tools of the trade. She blew the Full Moon a kiss, and then asked the Divine Powers to watch over her. The harsh wind at Avril's back, she quickly walked home to thaw the cold chill from her bones, replaying in her mind the guidance given.
Wishing you holiday cheer with a wink & a smile!
...hear the giggle.


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HP Offers Customers Global Wi-Fi Access on HP Devices
Collaboration With iPass Gives Seamless Wi-Fi Access to HP Customers Around the World
PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 23, 2016) - HP (NYSE: HPQ) today announced it is extending its collaboration with iPass Inc. to bring iPass' global Wi-Fi network to HP customers on select HP notebook and tablet PCs worldwide.
Staying connected with ease is important to HP customers. HP is making it simple and affordable for customers to connect to the internet and stay connected whether they are on the road for work or on the go around town by extending its collaboration with iPass beyond Asia Pacific and Japan to the rest of the world.
Customers who purchase new select HP notebooks, hybrid PCs, phablets and tablets with the iPass option will be able to access millions of hotspots on the iPass global Wi-Fi network for one, two, or three years at no additional cost starting in 2016.* The user experience is simple and easy with one-click activation and single sign on, and more importantly, Last Mile VPN encryption helps make it private and secure.
"We've heard from our customers that as they become increasingly mobile, they need affordable, seamless connectivity no matter where they are located across the globe," said Michael Park, vice president and general manager, Mobility, HP Inc. "We are excited to continue our collaboration with iPass to bring its global Wi-Fi network to our customers, so they can keep doing amazing things and stay connected in more places."
"It is paramount for people to have secure and easy access to Wi-Fi to stay connected to what matters most to them," said Gary Griffiths, CEO, iPass. "We are bringing the iPass global Wi-Fi network to HP customers around the world to enable rich experiences on HP's notebooks and tablets."
To view a hotspot location map and to learn more about how to connect to iPass on a HP device, visit www.ipass.com/hpoffer.
About HP Inc.
HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP is available at http://www.hp.com.
iPass® is a registered trademark of iPass Inc. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.
* Must activate iPass offer within 12 months of device purchase. A one-time registration with iPass is required; 1, 2 or 3 years of service included on select products. Purchase of service required after one year. Unlimited data and usage time. See http://www.ipass.com/hp/termsofuse/ for complete details. The available hotspots within the iPass network are subject to change without notice. Please visit http://hotspotfinder.ipass.com for a listing of iPass hotspots. The iPass/HP Wi-Fi offer does not include GoGo inflight Wi-Fi services.
© 2016 HP Inc. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of HP for future operations, including the separation transaction; the future performance of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and HP Inc. if the separation is completed; any statements concerning expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the need to address the many challenges facing HP's businesses; the competitive pressures faced by HP's businesses; risks associated with executing HP's strategy, including the planned separation transaction, and plans for future operations and investments; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the need to manage third-party suppliers and the distribution of HP's products and services effectively; the protection of HP's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; risks associated with HP's international operations; the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its suppliers, customers, clients and partners; the hiring and retention of key employees; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the execution, timing and results of restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost and the anticipated benefits of implementing those plans; the execution, timing and results of the separation transaction or restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost (including any possible disruption of HP's business) and the anticipated benefits of implementing the separation transaction and restructuring plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
Contact Information
Editorial contacts
Kaitlyn Dierkes
Lewis Goldberg for iPass
KCSA Strategic Communications
Kewal Varia for iPass
Spark Communications


text: "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune". I truly believe in this quote from Jim Rohn - even though I have a Bachelor's degree it will only take you so far. Belief and knowledge of your capabilities far outweighs any formal education in my eyes. Look at Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg to name a few who dropped out of college but became billionaires in their own right. If you don't know yourself than how will you let anyone else know what you're capable of?


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By: Justin Hanes and Caroline Bresler
Luckily, Wednesday's class avoided a major crisis.
Students started class with a presentation of what a crisis is and how it engages with an organization's public. Professor Kelli Matthews stated that its best for organizations to "Tell it first. Tell it fast. Tell them what you're going to do about it." Many students reacted well to this as we discussed how wildfires relate to crisis communications.
It was a very "giffy" day as students found their favorite memes and gifs that related to crisis communication. Mention of Scandal's Olivia Pope surfaced as she works for a crisis management agency that works with high-level government officials like President Fitzgerald Grant and Mellie Grant.
In a reference to a wildfire, Matthews said "social media adds fuel, wind and direction to a crisis," which was also tweeted by student Keely (@keely_od). The class continued the conversation of how to identify what types of crises require certain responses. Often times crisis' are viewed as alligators lurking in the pond. It's important to identify these alligators and think about what impact they could have on the organization.
Then, the class (probably a few students, realistically) was shattered after discussing This Is Us and the crisis that it created for Crock Pot after *spoiler alert* they started a house fire with one, which ultimately kills one of the main characters.
Further discussion continued as the class talked about the Dominos crisis, the mattress store that was insensitive to 9/11 and the United scandal that unfolded last April. Students were highly engaged and had conversations surrounding the "tell it first" mentality, while also encouraging each other to be ethical in responses that are made.
In perhaps one of the more comical tweets of the class, Rita Herbstman posted the highest retweeted post of the class so far this term.
Students were given the chance to respond to other case studies as the class came to an end.
Tweet count: 85
Feature photo courtsey of Wikipedia


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Below are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount
Resellers/Distributors Pricing Available Upon Request
Inquire at: 1-877-272-0215
( or )
For more information click here
Frequently Bought Together
Show your allegiance to Ireland with the Erin Go Braugh necklace from our fun selection of St. Patricks Day beads and neck-wear. Shamrock beads and the historical Erin Go Braugh lettering make this necklace perfect for real Irish descendants and weekend party goers alike.
Wear these colorful St. Patricks Day beads by themselves, or with one of our great Erin Go Bragh Irish tam hats. Whether you're really Irish or not, you'll be compelled to dance a jig when you wear our Erin Go Braugh party beads.
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Shopping | Tracking Your Order
You will receive a confirmation email from Thierry Mugler after your order is received. If you do not receive this email within 24 hours please contact Consumer Relations at 877-843-7968.
You will receive an e-mail when your order is shipped, containing tracking information for your package. If you have a Thierry Mugler registration, you can track the status of your order from your own personal area by clicking on "Order Information" on the "My Account" section. You can view your past purchases by clicking on "Order History". The order history also enables you to shop from a previous order for faster access.
If you wish to cancel or change your order before it has been shipped, please contact immediately our Consumer Relations at 877-843-7968- or by e-mail email@example.com. An order cancellation e-mail will then be sent to you. Your credit card will not be charged.
Please note that as we generally dispatch orders within 1-2 days therefore it may not be possible to cancel prior to dispatch. In this instance you would have to return your order once received in accordance with our Return Policy.


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A blog by one of the Northeast's best tea shops! A blog for those who wish to know how tea should taste, and for those having a similar passion for tea -- one of this life's most affordable luxuries. Also other musings as they may occur while enjoying a cuppa ...
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Through the 17th and 18th centuries, the East India Company, founded in 1600 by Queen Elizabeth I, traded mainly cotton, silk, tea, saltpetre (a naturally occurring mineral source of nitrogen which is the oxidizing component of gunpowder), indigo dye (a distinct blue dye derived from a flowering plant), and opium (a narcotic derived from immature poppy seed pods). During this time, the Company came to essentially rule India. Company rule in India lasted until the Government of India Act 1858, also known as the Act for the Better Government of India. The Act replaced Company rule with a system of direct rule by the British Crown. This government was known as the British Raj.
January 1 holds importance to this topic in two ways. First, the East India Company lasted until its official dissolution on January 1, 1874 (also a Thursday). Also, on January 1 in 1876, Queen Victoria became the first Empress of India.The British Raj lasted until independence was granted to India and Pakistan in 1947.
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Edit // Animation // Sound Design
An extremely involved social media project, i led a team of animators in creating a series of ten engaging, shareable cartoons that blended multiple styles of animation and stories.
Each video posed a question directed at young adults that would challenge them to try and solve it. The unique nature of its presentation yielded some incredibly fun & educational results.


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Aston Martin vehicles have become synonymous with James Bond. The films are as much about the cars as they are about the girls, the chase scenes and the action sequences.
In fact, the cars have played a part in nearly every major scene of every Bond film ever made. Even the original novels featured classic Bentley cars. On the big screen, Aston has played a huge part, as well as guest-starring roles by BMW, Lotus and Toyota.
What are the coolest cars to be seen in Bond films?
Well, I vote for any of the modern Aston Martins, but keep reading for some other choices.
Mercury Cougar – On Her Majesty's Secret Service
My dad had a '67 Cougar when I was a kid. I'm still in love with that car, and for one to star in the ultimate car flick is like seeing your girlfriend in the Pirelli calendar. It's a proud moment.
Lotus Esprit – The Spy Who Loved Me
It leaps off a pier after a chase scene and then goes on an underwater boat chase. Only in a Bond movie!
Toyota 2000GT Roadster – You Only Live Twice
A pretty female agent doing some hot driving in a Toyota roadster that never really existed. Awesome.
BMW Z8 – The World Is Not Enough
If an Aston isn't going to be used, a suitable BMW should replace it. The Z8 is suitable. Well, it was, until it got sliced in two by a helicopter.
Aston Martin DBS – Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace
The greatest Aston ever. I don't even care that the movies were terrible compared with Bond films of the past.
For the newest Bond film, Skyfall, the classic Aston Martin DB5 will star, along with special guests the Jaguar XJ, Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
Sign me up for opening night.
What's your favorite Bond car ever?
Find Used Cars in Your Area at CarGurus
Used Mercury Cougar
Used Lotus Esprit
Used BMW Z8
Used Aston Martin DBS
Used Jaguar XJ-Series
Used Land Rover Defender
Used Land Rover Range Rover Evoque


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The Centre provides high-quality comprehensive eye care services and is equipped with the latest state-of the art equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. It offers world class eye care services – not usually expected in a remote location like Kisii. Our medical experts are highly qualified and esteemed not just in Africa but the world over.
We offer a complete range of eye care services such as screening, surgery, optical, out-patient among others at very reasonable prices. Please pay us a visit for all your eye care needs for services such as:
* Ophthalmologist/ Eye Doctor Consultation
* Out-Patient Clinic
* Eye Operation Theatre
* Inpatient/ Day Care
* Rural & Remote Community Outreach/ Sponsored Corporate Social responsibility Programmes
* World Class Modern Cataract Surgery – Using "Phacoemulsification" Method ( Clear cornea sutureless small incision surgery)
* Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery
* Tele-Ophthalmology
* Eye Glasses/ Spectacles – Our Vision Centre and Optical Shop started in June 2013 in partnership with Brien Holden Vision Institute- Australia. The vision centre offers: Computerized Eye Testing, Durable low cost spectacles, Designer Frames, Contact Lenses
* Modern Eye Disease Diagnostic Facilities such as: – Humphreys Visual Field Analyzer, Ocular Coherent Tomography(OCT), Fundus Photography, Pachymetry
Laser Surgery for; Glaucoma, After Cataract, Diabetic Eye Complications


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Real-time notifications update you immediately when the things that matter most to you occur. Without distracting you from getting your work done. A user can customize notifications in MangoApps company intranet & collaboration software to see what works best for them. We, of course, recommend choosing preferences which help you concentrate on your work, without missing anything important.
Customize Your News Feeds
Classifying your news feeds into primary and secondary is the first step in customizing MangoApps with what content is considered important. The primary vs the less important secondary information.
Users can customize their news feed into primary & secondary and then control real-time notifications on them
Once you have classified the news feed, then you have the control to be selective on how you want to be notified about information that is secondary on your MangoApps enterprise social network. Our internal research shows that once you have made this customization, your engagement in important conversations increases two-fold. Due to the fact you aren't overloaded with information in real-time!
Mobile Notifications
If you are a factory worker on the shop floor or a sales guy on the road you will be notified in real-time of items you consider primary on your MangoApps mobile intranet and collaboration app.
MangoApps Mobile users can decide if they wish to receive real-time secondary notifications only for items they have pinned
For items you consider secondary, you can decide not to be notified at all. Or choose to be notified only on the selections that you have bookmarked/pinned in MangoApps. Our internal research shows that this is an excellent way to increase your engagement on what matters most by another two-fold.
Team Notification Control
Not all projects, groups, and departments that you are a member provide the same collaboration ROI for your time. Furthermore, as the number of projects/groups/departments in your company increases. The real-time notifications and new information a.k.a. Your unread news feeds, start to become a daily overwhelming problem.
Users get greater control to customize their real-time notification preferences on a per team basis (coming in Mar – 2017)
Our internal research shows that this results in a drop of engagement level and you spend lesser time processing the more critical updates. Employees, customers, partners, and suppliers in teams now have a way to control receiving real-time notifications for important items only. What's great is that MangoApps platform will do the work of identifying what is important to you and your work. All without you having to tick a long list of checkboxes. The only step you need to do is tell the system which projects/groups/departments you wish to receive important items only and leave the rest to MangoApps!
Voice Notifications
Users can now setup to receive voice notifications on their MangoApps Desktop client (coming in Mar – 2017)
- Don't have MangoApps open in the browser all the time? No problem.
- Like you listen to your music while working and wish just to be told when something that is important for you comes up? Sure, you got it!
MangoApps desktop & Mac native clients provide voice notifications on items that are important to you while you are working. It is almost like someone talking to you instead of you having to read every notification and figure it out. Check this feature out and let us know what ideas you have on using voice as the way to interact with MangoApps and we will be delighted to listen and implement them.


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Amanda Kessler
Amanda is a slow runner, occasional healthy eater, blogger, event planner and Boston Terrier lover. Against the odds, she runs after 5 knee surgeries, asthma and a heart condition. She is proof that the only barriers you encounter are the ones you place on yourself.
She is not an elite athlete but she is constantly working to make herself a better person through healthy eating and exercise. She struggles with both, but is constantly re-focusing on her health. After running over 50 races over the past 2 years, you can say running is her favorite form of exercise. She also enjoys yoga and biking.
She has an amazingly supportive husband and family. Without them she wouldn't be the person she is today. She aspires to become a certified nutrition and wellness consultant. Follow her at: www.therearetwosides.com


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Football Players to Hit the Streets of State College for Poster Blitz
If you've been looking for some blue and white art to hang up in your man (or woman) cave, your search could be over.
Four buses loaded of Penn State football players will be hitting the streets Wednesday evening. The players will be handing out copies of the 2014 team football poster.
The athletic department announced the poster blitz Wednesday morning in this tweet:
MT @PennStateFball: Hey SC, in need of some new wall art? Look for some friends of ours from 5:30-7. #BlueBusWatch pic.twitter.com/W2SeVOazIJ
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) July 30, 2014
Content Sponsor
Those buses will be leaving the Lasch Building at 5:15 p.m.
Two buses will drop off players on Garner Street in downtown State College.
One bus will be stopping out at Colonnade Plaza, which is where Wegman's, Target and Kohl's is located. Just look for a Penn State bus.
Another bus will drop off players at entrance A of the Nittany Mall. That's on the College Avenue side of the mall between the Sears and Bon Ton stores.
The players are expected to be handing out posters for at least 30 minutes.
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State College School District Planning to Record Audio on School Buses
Steve Bauer was the Managing Editor of StateCollege.com. Steve and his wife Trina are longtime area residents. They reside in State College along with a wacky Golden Retriever named Izzy.
More articles by Steve Bauer →


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New Orleans Day 5: The Final Day
This week has gone by too fast. Thanks to my bride, the time was efficiently planned leaving ample time to relax. Since we haven't seen the New Orleans Historical Society … Continue reading
June 9, 2015 · Leave a comment
New Orleans: Day 2, Part II
After an already edifying day, we took lunch at Dooky Chase's. It was at Dooky's, my bride read, that Civil Rights leaders in the 60's gathered and ate. President Obama … Continue reading
June 5, 2015 · 2 Comments
New Orleans: The First Day
New Orleans' French Quarter in the summer is like NYC in the summer circa 1987. Lots of panhandlers accosting you in friendly or not so friendly ways, the smell of … Continue reading
May 31, 2015 · 12 Comments


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Tips for Home Buyers...!
Location adds value to a home,...However, things may not always be as they seem. If you are considering purchasing in an area that is not hooked up to public utilities, you are going to have to be extra diligent with your inspection process. Septic Tanks, Wells, Zoning Research and land surveys may be necessary to protect your interests.
Posted by Las Vegas Realtor - Hank Lauzon


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Santa Maria Polo Academy offers you the opportunity to develop your skills at one of the world's oldest and fastest team games, in the truly spectacular setting of Santa Maria Polo Club, rated amongst the top Polo clubs in the world. Located in the exclusive resort of Sotogrande in southern Spain, Santa Maria Polo Academy offers the perfect climate and location for year round Polo.
Polo is a demanding and highly skilled sport, requiring outstanding horsemanship, excellent strength & conditioning, coordination and balance. Regular training and familiarity with game rules and technical aspects are key ingredients in advancing your game. The programme focuses not only on the game but on the skills professional sportspeople need to succeed, dedication, determination, desire, and a positive mind-set that will allow them to take advantage of any opportunity.
Choosing the 2 year educational programme at Sotogrande International School means students who are passionate about developing their Polo career can still achieve academic success. This exciting option for 16-18 year olds provides tuition for both International A levels and the American High School Diploma in the afternoons allowing ample time for students to focus their mornings at the outstanding Santa Maria Polo Academy.
Both the American High School Diploma and International A Levels are recognised worldwide as university preparatory courses when achieving the required grades. Furthermore, we have developed strong relationships with both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), both of whom assist students with aspirations of playing sport at university level in America.
SANTIAGO Torreguitar is an outstanding personality in the world of polo, with more than 30 years of experience as a polo player and 16 as Polo Manager of the Santa María Polo Club. He has participated in tournaments throughout Europe , USA, Argentina and Asia.
Under his watchful eye our team of experienced coaches will assess the ability of each player and tailor the training programme to ensure students gain the optimum benefit from their time with us.
09:00 Arrive at Santa María Polo Club
Theoretical Classes
Practical Classes (all about the horse needs and equipment)
Veterinary Science Basic Course and horse care
Practice on the Wooden Horse
Polo Classes with instructors
13:00 h. Bus to Sotogrande International School
Lessons at SILA are delivered from our Sotogrande International Boarding House at San Roque Club where students have the opportunity to learn and practise their new language in beautiful and relaxed surroundings.
Lessons at SILA are delivered from our Sotogrande International Boarding House at San Roque Club where students have the opportunity to learn and practise their new language in beautiful and relaxed surroundings.
For more information about Santa María Polo Academy please conctact us
Please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com and we'll get in touch as soon as possible.


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Danny Gutherie Succeeds
Bottom: The Appraisal (2007). All three images © Danny Guthrie.
A faculty member in photography at Michigan State University, Danny Gutherie, evidently is being swept up in a ruckus about the propriety or otherwise of his work - which includes images like those I've lifted above. Here is part of a statement about the work from Gutherie's web page:
My interests in making these pictures are both political and personal. Certainly subject matter such as this is politically charged. In the last couple of decades many female artists have investigated the personal landscape of their sexuality, as a means to seize control of their own representation within a culture milieu whose imaging of women has a long track record of idealization and exploitation. Taking my cue from this work, through direct and indirect references to classical painting and photography, my intent is to acknowledge these various traditions and debates, twisting and blurring the codes of classical aesthetics, contemporary rhetorically motivated art, and even erotica. In particular, I want the viewer to know I am investigating a history and practice of representation where the roles of viewer and viewed, seducer and object of seduction, are examined and perturbed. In short, I hope to move beyond simplistic notions of viewer and victim, exploring the possibility of a complicated exchange of power that informs the way these pictures come about.This is not work - despite Gutherie's view that it is "edgy" - I find especially interesting or provocative. That said, I don't see why anyone ought to be getting their knickers in a knot about impropriety. According to news reports, these are not students from Gutherie's classes, they have input in the decision as to whether the images are displayed, and the University seems to be on top of the process by which models are solicited and treated. In particular, there apparently have been no complaints from the people who actually appear in the photographrs. A Google search generates a slew of news reports (the confluence of wire services and some slow news days): The headlines all assert that Gutherie's photographs ". . . stir debate," ". . . prompt questions," ". . . draw attention," ". . . stir up controversy," or some such theme. Guthrie, it seems, has been successful. That, I suspect, says less about the work than about the moral anxieties and aesthetic norms of those who are complaining about it.
Labels: Censorship, Gutherie


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The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
—George Bernard Shaw, playwright (1856–1950)
When you read literature about process improvement or quality improvement, you are bound to be confronted with a model of some kind. So many models exist in this business that it wouldn't surprise me if some of them founded their own agency. Most of the models look pretty, in pictures. But when you get to know them directly, I fear that many of them lack some depth.
Five of the best known improvement models are depicted in Figure 15.1, where I distilled from them a basic pattern for an improvement ...
No credit card required


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Mark Mitchell, OK.gov
Justin HySmith, OHSO
Oklahoma Launches New Motorcycle Safety Website
OKLAHOMA CITY – December 18, 2012 – The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) recently launched a new Oklahoma Motorcycle Safety & Education website (http://www.okiemoto.ok.gov). The site provides one convenient location for motorcyclists to find legislation, training opportunities, and other motorcycle safety information.
"Of the almost 130,000 motorcyclists in Oklahoma in 2011, over 1,400 were killed or injured. The need of a single source on motorcycle safety and education was evident," said OHSO Director, Garry Thomas. "I am pleased that this new site can serve as that complete resource. It provides information on motorcycle safety and statistics while giving the public an overview of the state's motorcycle laws."
The new website offers educational videos featured on the homepage, as well as links to other websites that promote motorcycle safety. All content on the Oklahoma Motorcycle Safety & Education website is maintained by the Advisory Committee for Motorcycle Safety and Education, which was formed to address motorcycle safety issues in Oklahoma. The committee serves at the discretion of the Commissioner of Public Safety.
The new website was built using OK.gov's GoGov! Web Management Suite, allowing for easy and quick web development and maintenance, while utilizing a standard state agency web template. The Oklahoma Motorcycle Safety & Education website and services result from a partnership between the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and OK.gov. More information about the new site can be found at http://www.okiemoto.ok.gov.
About the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office
About OK.gov
About NIC
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This light and refreshing salad is a great way to enjoy nutritious vegetables. Served cold with rice noodles, it makes a filling lunch that is easy to pack for work or school.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/4 recipe
Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value*
8%Total Fat 5.4g
4%Saturated Fat 0.8g
Trans Fat 0g
0%Cholesterol 0mg
3%Sodium 79mg
17%Total Carbohydrate 50g
8%Dietary Fiber 2.3g
Sugars 7.2g
Protein 4.8g
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation time: 40 minutes
- 2 small Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled
- 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp dark sesame oil
- ¼ tsp low sodium soy sauce
- Juice of 1 a lime
- 1 (6 ounce) package thin rice noodles
- 6 cups hot water
- ¼ cup chopped unsalted peanuts
- Use a vegetable peeler to cut the cucumbers and carrot into ribbon-like pieces. Combine the cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- In a small dish, stir together the rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and lime juice. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- While the vegetables rest, place the rice noodles in a bowl. Pour the hot water over the noodles. Move the noodles around so that they are all completely submerged. Add more hot water if necessary. Let sit for 15 minutes, until the noodles are softened. Drain and cool.
- Divide the noodles into 4 equal servings, and top each with an equal amount of vegetables. Garnish each bowl with 1 tablespoon of chopped peanuts before serving.


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Update: Day 1-4
First, I would like to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement for this 100 day challenge.Read More
I'm Gonna Fly. New Single Now Available
First, I would like to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement for this 100 day challenge.Read More
Sorry folks, this is a long one! Recently, I have been thinking about my life. I am about to enter a brand new chapter, with new experiences, adventures, high's and hopefully not too many low's. With all of that coming near, I am realizing I want to move forward in other areas of my life....do some inward housekeeping if you will.
That's where this 100 day challenge comes from....100 days to better myself. I wish I could take the credit for this idea, but my twin sister, Aimee-Lee started it. Her and I are doing this together. Imagine yourself as a knife. Constantly cutting through hard things, soft things, good things, bad things....or maybe just sitting there getting rusty. Well this is the time where I sharpen the knife that is my life, rid it of all the dirt, grime and rust and choose to better myself. Not just clean up those sloppy areas, but get RID of them, so I can arise to my full potential.
Before I let you in on my plans for the next 100 days, I just thought I would take a moment to encourage you to possibly think about doing this for yourself. With me, or on your own. It's not easy looking inward at the places that need changing. I legitimately thought I was doing pretty good. But we all have areas, emotionally or habitually that need changing. When I decided to be the bigger person in my own life, own up to the areas that I need to work on, just that made me feel good! NO DOUBT this is going to be a challenge. I probably won't have time to read any Myrtle Clover mysteries (see previous post) or I don't know....do the things that make me less productive. I believe that this will help unlock part of my calling and mandate that the Lord has given me. It's like God is standing outside of my bedroom door, calling me to open it. But I am inside, I hear Him, but am in a room filled with stuff. I can't just clear a path because the door still won't be able to open all the way. I gotta clean it up. SO it's time to clean up.
My Strategy (this is bound to change or advance as time goes on, my goal is to keep you posted with my progress)
Begin: Thursday, June 4th, 2013 End: Saturday, October 5th, 2013
READ (4 books, each must be read in 2.5 weeks) 1."Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend - 17 pages per day
2. "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey - 22 pages per day
3. "Getting things done" by David Allen - 16 pages per day
4. "Radical" by David Platt - 13 pages per day
EATING 1. WELL.....If you know me, you know I have a somewhat secret, somewhat open LOVE of Diet Coke. It is something I actually cherish (I am weird), it's my comfort drink, when I am thirsty, when I am bored, when I am eating, before bed....anytime...I just love it. But aspartame is a slow bullet and I gotta bite it! NO MORE DC FOR ME!
2. Cut out carbs. I know there are healthy carbs and blah blah blah. But I just need to not eat carbs because I love them so much. It's carbs such as pasta, bread, cakes (carbs and sweets)....etc.
3. NO MORE SUGAR. I recently found out that cancer loves sugar....it thrives off of it. That was enough to scare the sour patch kids right out of my hand! SCAREY huh?! Aside from the fact that it is just terrible for me in health kind of way, it just adds pounds....and really, why do I want that?!
Lifestyle/Exercise 1. I recently started running. I actually have begun to really like it. I would like to run 3 times per week for no less than 20 mins.
2. Work out. I would like to work out 5 times per week.
3. CLEAN SLATE. I don't want to have any un-forgiveness or bitterness anywhere in my heart. Sometimes, it hides deep down inside. We don't even realize it's there until we truly look for it. I want to make peace during this time. Love on people and not care about the past. Everyone changes, we all grow up. Mistakes are the lessons that teach us how to be better people. I want to give more people chances and just be okay with it.
4. Say "No" to things.
5. Wake up at 7:30-8am to begin my day, keep the evenings for quality family time.
6. Go to bed at 10pm
ORGANIZATION 1. Get better at scheduling....or not OVER-SCHEDULING myself (hence learning to say "no" ^^^).
2.Get on a more consistent GTD method (getting things done)
3. I want to write 10 songs within the next 14 weeks (I originally said 100, but my sister wisely advised me that I might be a little too excited about this challenge. I agreed.)
4. No procrastinating. YOLO. Do it now.
Sorry this is so lengthy and detailed. It's good for me...keeps me accountable. Even if others don't read it, I know my mom is....and if anyone, she will be asking me about this for the whole 100 days!
Thanks for reading! I hope you join in, and if you do, let me know! I will keep you posted with updates, changes and progress!
Much Love!
I love to read. I kind of love reading everything. History books, motivational books, girly books, books on revival, cook books, biographies....even the label on my shampoo bottle. If it's got letters....I will probably read it (using discretion of course). Although, if you are or have ever been a student, you would know that if you didn't force yourself to read something other than a text book, you would never discover the literary world outside of instruction manuals on how to become rich in your career after spending all of your money to read those books in a classroom setting. I know that if I didn't make an effort, I would probably never read anything except educational requirements, which at my school, wouldn't be so bad.....but you get what I'm saying.
My point in writing this blog was to give you a great and descriptive list with summaries of all the wonderful books I have read. Books about culture, experience, vivid adventures and biographical accounts of wonderful lives. The only problem is, other than the Bible, in the past 3 months I have only read 2 books.
1.New Testament Survey (which I have yet to actually finish...there is an oatmeal stain keeping a mark on where I last ended off).
2.Myrtle Clover Mystery
I don't know if my lack of reading has deceived my mind, but I have enjoyed reading New Testament Survey so much (I'm more shocked because I thought it would be full of timelines and dates....but it's actually awesome). I realized that history played more of a part in the Bible than we realize because the writer of books left out those random wars and what they probably thought was "boring" stuff ;). It was so cool to almost lie a history book on top of a Bible and see the two line up!
Now, the Myrtle Clover Mystery.....I don't even have a good explanation for that. Except it was free on my kindle and it satisfied my love for "MURDER SHE WROTE" which is my favorite show. I recently finished all 12 seasons, much to my sadness and fiance's joy, this was the perfect way to continue my love for that type of "whodunit's".
Myrtle Clover is octogenarian (which I learned means she is in her 80's). She lives in a small town where apparently everyone is being murdered. In my head, she looks like my french Grandmother without the french accent (so it not only satisfied my Angela Landsbury type story line, but she became endearing to my heart). This book takes place in Georgia, where her and her neighbor, Miles, solve mysteries before her son, a police officer does. Sounds so simple, but let me tell you, I have spent many of nights staying up hoping Myrtle Clover doesn't die in the search of the dinner party killer. She always comes close to being attacked by the murderer, but always make it out on top.
SO...that is my glamorous literature.
I am hoping to move on to something a little more.....challenging? Like C.S. Lewis, Ernest Hemingway, Plato....you know. But who am I kidding...Myrtle Clover has an entire series.
Check out my latest blog about STILL REACHING EP. The CD is now available at my online store on this site! MUCH LOVE!


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The kids run wild on their scootys on a gorgeous walkway that oversees a majestic New York City skyline. The photos above and below show the new trade center tower about half done. I wonder - not if - but how different my life would've been if I had grown up seeing that everyday versus what I grew up seeing. Which wasn't bad - just very different.
Do views shape your views?
Week #130/300


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After a VERY busy Spring & Summer wedding season, we are thrilled to officially announce the exciting news! aPp has added a talented new event planner to our permament Polished team. Meet Jess!
Jess has been an event planner in New York City and the Hamptons since 2007. She planned high end corporate events for the luxury men's fashion brand Zegna and large scale social events for Joonbug Productions. She was born and raised in New Jersey, received her degree in fashion merchandising & design from The University of Rhode Island and has now left the city behind to settle into a suburban lifestyle in the town of Darien.
To officially meet Jess, click here to check out her new page on the Polished website.
Jess joins the Polished team with a wealth of vendor resources in the tri-state area, a keen eye for event design, and a breadth of knowledge about planning a variety of events. She will be a tremendous asset to all of our Polished plans and we are so excited to officially welcome her to the team!
And a big thank you to our good friend, Bruce Plotkin, for Jess's beautiful portfolio photos!
Until then….aPp


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Ionic force field optimization based on single-ion and ion-pair solvation properties - Physics > Chemical Physics
Ionic force field optimization based on single-ion and ion-pair solvation properties - Physics > Chemical Physics - Download this document for free, or read online. Document in PDF available to download.
Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations of ionic solutions depend sensitively on theforce fields employed for the ions. To resolve the fine differences betweenions of the same valence and roughly similar size and in particular tocorrectly describe ion-specific effects, it is clear that accurate force fieldsare necessary. In the past, optimization strategies for ionic force fieldseither considered single-ion properties such as the solvation free energy atinfinite dilution or the ion-water structure or ion-pair properties in theform of ion-ion distribution functions. In this paper we investigatestrategies to optimize ionic force fields based on single-ion and ion-pairproperties simultaneously. To that end, we simulate five different saltsolutions, namely CsCl, KCl, NaI, KF, and CsI, at finite ion concentration. Theforce fields of these ions are systematically varied under the constraint thatthe single-ion solvation free energy matches the experimental value, whichreduces the two-dimensional $\{\sigma,\epsilon\}$ parameter space of theLennard Jones interaction to a one dimensional line for each ion. From thefinite-concentration simulations, the pair-potential is extracted and theosmotic coefficient is calculated, which is compared to experimental data. Wefind a strong dependence of the osmotic coefficient on the force field, whichis remarkable as the single-ion solvation free energy and the ion-waterstructure remain invariant under the parameter variation. Optimization of theforce field is achieved for the cations Cs$^+$ and K$^+$, while for the anionsI$^-$ and F$^-$ the experimental osmotic coefficient cannot be reached. Thissuggests that in the long run, additional parameters might have to beintroduced into the modeling, for example by modified mixing rules.
Author: Maria Fyta, Immanuel Kalcher, Joachim Dzubiella, Lubos Vrbka, Roland R. Netz
Source: https://arxiv.org/


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Here Comes the Blog...
In case you missed it, I got married to Collin Ashton DuPree exactly one month ago.
(Weird, I literally am just realizing today is June seventeenth..! Please envision me dorky dancing in my kitchen and texting my husband right now.)
Just warning you: this is going to be as detailed as it gets. (Well, up until we left the venue. Nothing past that! Nunyabinness!)
I don't even know where I could possibly begin with this post. There were so many people involved in every intricate and delicate detail of our special day that to begin naming would take all day. Essentially, Collin and I are SO incredibly blessed to have such loving parents and willing siblings to not only envision but also conjure up such a magical soiree in our honor.
Here's some rehearsal dinner shots.
The day itself was honestly bizarre. My entire family was in town in addition to Collin's, yet I spent the night before my wedding by myself. I didn't want a slumber party, or spend the evening reminiscing on childhood memories with my parents; I wanted to be alone. Honestly, I was sort of terrified I would stay up too late and then have to wake up early, leading to becoming a walking headache all day. Collin stayed until I fell asleep, and I slept through the night.
I woke up calmly and quietly and had yogurt and berries alone.
I had coffee alone.
I did yoga alone.
I took a shower and fixed my hair and makeup. I couldn't help but think, "Uhh...can I do normal makeup? Like, am I allowed? Does it break some sort of unspoken bridal tradition? Aren't you supposed to let some kinda-girlfriend pluck your mustache and pinch your eyelashes? Can't I just save the poor girl a bridezilla moment and do it myself? I'm doing it...."
All the while praising the Lord for this time alone. The last thing I needed was some champagne-toasted, giggle-induced anxiety attack from too many "So are you nervous?!" -s.
(So, I MAY have sneakily texted Collin the morning of...I HAD NO CHOICE! He was going to get ready at our place but I had slept there, so it was like this big cluster of when my ride was picking me up mixed with make sure you eat your lunch mixed with don't be late! mixed with stop texting me omg you're breaking the rules!)
My mom showed up twenty minutes late and I chastised her gently, but couldn't manage to be annoyed. I was getting married in three hours!
The finishing touches were performed at my aunt and uncles house, where I remained relatively quiet aside from replying whenever asked how I was doing. I ate a snack and drank champagne. I was pretending like I didn't notice I was late.
My aunt was running around making sure everything was ready in addition to herself and her children, and she was my ride to the venue. We finally left and sang (and videotaped ourselves singing) No Doubt all the way out of town.
Upon arriving, I texted Weston, Collin's brother to make sure Collin was blindfolded or put in a corner somewhere so that he wouldn't even catch a glimpse of me in my pajama shirt and fancy hair. (Also, I wished Weston a happy birthday because we suck and stole his birthday thunder with our wedding).
My girls were all there getting ready and looking SO stunning. I didn't stop smiling or hugging people for the rest of the day after I opened that door. Christie and Sherri had bought me an iced latte and I sipped it while I scoped out our cute bungalow, it's rustic charm masked by its shabby exterior. Lucy was eating a Starbucks cake thing and watching the iPad while everyone hustled and bustled around her, laughing and crying because they were all practically high on hairspray fumes and excitement.
After hugging everyone I went into one of the bedrooms with my aunt, the videographer, and the photographer to slip into my gown.
It wasn't real! None of it! Where was I?! What was this?! Who am I?! WHAT I'M GETTING MARRIED?! AHH! *dancing, laughing, and crying on the inside*
(I actually didn't cry at all my whole wedding day, I was too nutty and giggly.)
My bridesmaid Addie and our friend Alex Modisette (both of which work at Moss, a beautiful floral shop in Tyler) showed up with my bouquet and my bridesmaids' peonies. They were perfect! I was practically drooling, only drool couldn't come out because my smile was too tight, I guess.
Everything was perfect! Besides everyone in the world coming in to say hello. That, I'll admit in my own bridezilla way, that made me crazy. Literally forty people came and went in the span of like twenty minutes and I just wanted to get my hair resprayed and my pins readjusted! But I do love you all, if you're reading this! I just kinda threw up in my mouth every time someone asked if I was nervous at that point, or wanted to hug my hairpins even looser.
Oh, yeah! It's all coming back now. I didn't know wtf I was supposed to do, by the way. I never asked! Does someone come get me? Do I lead the bridesmaids to the door? Do I wait until they're gone? Did someone already tell me and I completely forgot?
Thankfully, our Aunt Parrish came to the rescue and confidently told me what was up and that everyone would be waiting on me, I could take my time. That sounded so nice. I felt like a badass in a lacy dress. QUEEN KARSYN! Muhahaha!
Only, screw waiting, let me kiss the groom!
Parrish asked if I was ready and she smiled very sweetly. I said yes before I began to panic, but that was all forgotten as soon as we made the trek to the barn door. I could have easily puked. It's kinda what I would imagine being shot while wearing a bullet-proof vest would feel like. Very clear, yet not lethal pain.
My girls were tearing up, I was peeking through cracks in the door, straining to hear the music and if everyone was walking when I envisioned they would. (The song I chose for them to all walk to was "Get it Wrong, Get it Right" by Feist, so please hear that in your head now.)
The girls left me and Parrish told me Collin was literally on the other side of the door I was leaning against. He was right there and he had no idea.
My stepdad, Michael opened the door for me. (Okay, my whole stomach just plummeted even thinking about this moment) My heart was in my throat, my chin was tucked and my eyes found Collin instantly. "Light Up" by Sucre began to play and I began to walk, I guess. Who knows. I just know Collin was crying and I was still going to throw up through my huge smile.
Michael stopped about four steps to the stage and handed me off to my dad, Jeff, to give me away. Shortly after, I was on the stage. Terry, the man who married us, began to speak and I couldn't squeeze Collin's hands tighter. I remember saying, "Hi."
All things were said and then Collin began his vows. No one heard them but me and I know everyone was probably pretty annoyed, but it was perfect. He could hardly say them as he read his perfect little torn card I left him that morning with instructions to write your vows. My vows followed and then the rings, I think? The unity candle thing happened somewhere in there, but you guys, I can't remember where.
It was time for Terry to pronounce us and I leaned back and tucked my chin again, just gearing up to launch myself into wifedom, I suppose!
He could kiss me! And let me tell you, he did. He grabbed my face and held me close for the perfect amount of time. Everyone cheered and "I Will" by Paul McCartney began to play.
We ran down the aisle to the back door and screamed! We smiled and jumped before we kissed and hugged. Being married made us even dorkier.
Once we came back in the hugs and smiles began in full force all over again, and the remainder of the reception was nothing but a hungry, thirsty, sweaty, busy, perfect blur.
We forgot to do our toast and ALMOST forgot the garder/bouquet toss. Good thing other people have brains n stuff, because those things never even crossed my newly-wedded mind.
All the perfect photos were shot by our talented friend Bliss Katherine Braoudakis, and there is a video coming soon shot by our friends Brad and Monica Eggerton.
It takes FOREVER to upload and resize everything, but more pictures will accompany this post ASAP, I just had to put some on while I could.