text: HomeIloilo CityDinagyang Festival The Iloilo Dinagyang Festival is a showcase of the rich heritage, colorful history, passionate devotion, and fun-loving spirit of the Ilonggo people. The festival traces its roots as a thanksgiving celebration in honor of Senyor Santo Niño, the child Jesus. Today, it has grown to be one of the Philippines' most spectacular religious and cultural festivals. Schedule of EventsFestival HighlightsThe festival highlights are scheduled on the fourth weekend of January in addition to many exciting activities happening all throughout the month. The religious highlights include the fluvial procession along the Iloilo River and the Dinagyang Ati cultural parade and competition.Fluvial Procession (Friday)Kasadyahan Cultural Parade (Saturday)Dinagyang Ati Competition (Sunday)Street Dance Parade RouteThe parade route of the Dinagyang Festival passes through the main streets of the Iloilo City Proper. Certain sections of the parade route are designated as performance stages where spectators can watch the choreographed street dance of competing tribes. There are five performance stages, namely: (1) Freedom Grandstand, (2) Iloilo Provincial Capitol, (3) Delgado-Mabini Streets, (4) Quezon-Ledesma Streets., and (5) Iznart Street. Access to the performance stages are limited to visitors with tickets purchased from the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc.Outside the stages, everyone can enjoy the colorful costumes, thundering drum beats, and energetic dances of the performers. The tribes perform streetdance routines along the entire parade route. Vehicles are prohibited to enter the parade route and nearby streets. Walking is the prime mode of transportation within Iloilo City Proper during the festivities. Where to stayMost, if not all, of the hotels within Iloilo City are likely to be fully booked weeks before the Dinagyang Festival. For inquiries, contact the hotel directly. See our list of Hotels in Iloilo.Dinagyang Parade RouteIf you want to stay in a hotel along or within a stone's throw away from the parade route, here's a list of accommodation options that are near the performance areas: City Corporate Inn, Harbor Town Hotel, Amigo Terrace Hotel, Iloilo Midtown Hotel, Days Hotel, Grand Tower Suites, Century21 Hotel, Ong Bun Pension House, One Loudres Dormitel, People's Hotel, EON Plaza Centennial Hotel, Fine Rock Hotel, Iloilo Grand Hotel, Circle Inn IloiloOther hotels within or near Iloilo downtown area: Hotel del Rio, Sarabia Manor Hotel, Highway21, Villa Sagrado, Riverside Inn, Arthur Suites.Smallville / Diversion RoadThe hotels in Smallville or Diversion Road are convenient choices for those who would like to stay near the parties in Smallville Complex and SM City Iloilo or at a convenient location where vehicles are allowed entry. Be advised that this area is noisy at night and experiences standstill traffic during the fireworks competition (friday and saturday night).Hotels in Smallville / Diversion Road: Westown Hotel, Smallville21 Hotel, Iloilo Business Hotel.Iloilo Hotel Search Dinagyang TicketsTicket rates for the Dinagyang Ati performance stages:Stage 1Extension – P1,200Stage 2Reserved for guests of the Iloilo Provincial GovernmentStage 3Main stage – P1,000Extension – P800Stage 4Main stage – P1,200Extension – P1,000Stage 5P1,200Limited number of tickets are available depending on the capacity of the performance stages. Online booking or advanced reservations are not available. Tickets should be purchased at the office of the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival, Inc (IDFI). Contact details are provided at the bottom of this post.Photographer's GuideThe Dinagyang Festival is one of the most photographed festivals in the country. Thousands of professional photographers and hobbyists go on a pilgrimage to Iloilo for the chance to capture the perfect postcard photo of the Dinagyang warriors and other scenes during the festivities. The annual "Iloilo Dinagyang Photo Contest" organized by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) gives recognition to the best photos and photographers. There are spaces allocated for photographers, bloggers, and the media in each performance stage. Interested parties should coordinate with the Dinagyang Foundation to secure a media pass.Dinagyang WinnersDinagyang Ati Grand Champions2014: Tribu Panayanon2013: Tribu Panyanon2012: Tribu Pan-ay2011: Tribu Pan-ay2010: Tribu Paghidaet2009: Tribu Paghidaet2008: Tribu Paghidaet2007: Tribu Ilonganon2006: Tribu Ilonganon2005: Tribu Silak (open category); Tribu Pag-asa (barangay category)2004: Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Atub-atub (barangay)2003: Tribu Paghidaet (open); Tribu Atub-atub (barangay)1999: Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Panaad (barangay)1998: Tribu Bola-bola (open); Tribu Hamili (barangay)1997: Tribu Bola-bola1996: Tribu Bola-bola1995: Tribu Binirayan1994: Tribu Bola-bola1993: Tribu Panaad1992: Tribu Sagasa1991: Tribu Sagasa1990: Tribu Sagasa1989: Tribu Binirayan1988: Tribu Kongo1987: Tribu Guimbal1986: Tribu Kongo1985: Tribu Kongo1984: Tribu Atub-atub1983: Tribu Binirayan1982: Tribu Atub-atub1981: Tribu Molave1980: Tribu Himaya1979: No Specific Winner1978: Tribu Atub-atub1976: Tribu Hamili1975: Tribu Hamili1974: Last Warriors1973: Mamau Tribe1972: Mamau Tribe1971: Mamau Tribe Of Negros Navigation1970: Madjapahit Tribe Of Compania MaritimaKasadyahan Grand Champions2014: PintaFlores of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental2013: Tribu Salakayan from Miagao, Iloilo2012: Tribu Salakayan from Miagao, Iloilo2011: Tribu Pantat from Zarraga, Iloilo"Hala Bira, Iloilo!" Official Theme SongVideoFestival PhotosWhat's Next After the Dinagyang?Living up to Iloilo's title as the festival capital of the Philippines, the fun and merrymaking in Iloilo does not stop with the Dinagyang Festival. The festivities continue during the Jaro District Fiesta (Fiesta de Nuestra Seniora de la Candelaria), Chinese New Year, and the Iloilo Paraw Regatta Festival.Contact DetailsCity Tourism and Development Office (CTDO)Address: Dinagyang Lounge (Freedom Grandstand), JM Basa St., Iloilo City, PhilippinesLandline: (+63)(33) 336 3439Contact: [email protected]Website: http://dinagyangsailoilo.com/ Don't leave yet. There's more!Updates: Guimaras-Iloilo Ferry Terminal &…Comments bamboo saysFebruary 10, 2013 at 10:57 pm Awards and Citations Achievements of Dinagyang FestivalGaling Pook Awards as an Outstanding Program of a Local Government Unit FinalistPlaque of RecognitionAwarded by President Benigno Aquino III on January 30, 2012SILVER AWARD – International Awards for Livable Communities2011 LivCom Awards in SongpaAwarded in Songpa, Seoul, South Korea on October 31, 2011GRAND CHAMPION – Aliwan Fiesta 2012, 2011, 2010, 2004In the Hall of Fame for three (3) consecutive championshipsManila Broadcasting CompanyStreet Dance CompetitionAwarded in Pasay CityHALL OF FAME: BEST TOURISM EVENTAssociation of Tourism Officers of the PhilippinesBest Practice Awards 2009Awarded in General Santos City during its National Convention on October 2009BEST TOURISM EVENT – Association of Tourism Officers of the PhilippinesBest Practice Awards 2008, 2007, 2006BEST PRACTICEAsian Development Bank – For public-private partnership, 2008 United Nations Development Programme Localization of the Millennium Development Goals in Nepal, 2007 Institute for Solidarity in Asia – Good Governance through Responsible Citizenry and Public – Private Cooperation As Iloilo's Representative to the Aliwan Fiesta Street Dance CompetitionFIRST RUNNER-UP: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003SECOND RUNNER-UP: 2005As Philippine Representative to:World Folklore Festival in Portugal – 1998World Expo in Portugal – 1998Chinggay Festival & Parade in Singapore – 1999 & 2000Northeast Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Annual Parade 2007 – State of Minnesota, USABest Parade Crown Pleaser36th Texas Folklife Festival 2007 State of Texas, USASt. Patrick's Day Annual Parade in Ireland – 2009International Dance Congress in Manila – 2009Opening PerformancePhilippine Independence Day Celebration ParadeNew York, USA – 2010 & 2011 South African Embassy – Manila Events2012 Asian Development Bank Board of Governors' Meeting 2012 Guam Liberation Day Paradehttp://dinagyang.ph/about-dinagyang/awards-citations/ bamboo saysFebruary 10, 2013 at 10:47 pm The Musicality, Choreography and Costume of Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and DinagyangHala Bira To Life and Faith! Celebrating Iloilo's Dinagyang Festival 2010 bamboo saysFebruary 10, 2013 at 9:37 pm Nigerian Becomes Miss Dinagyang 2013 In PhillipinesA Nigerian student in far way Philippines recently won a beauty pageant. The second-year college student from Central Philippine University, (CPU) made history by becoming the first Dinagyang with an African heritage.http://leadership.ng/photo_1343143016165-1-0 bamboo saysFebruary 7, 2013 at 7:43 am MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will host the very first International Gongs and Bamboo Music Festival in Dipolog City from February 16 to 22, and Maasin, Iloilo from February 22-26. Dubbed as "Tunogtugan Festival," the seven-day celebration will gather some of the finest gongs and bamboo ensembles and scholars from the Philippines and different parts of Asia.http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/88535/ph-hosts-1st-international-gongs-bamboo-music-fest-in-dipolog-iloilo bong saysFebruary 5, 2013 at 9:14 pm Iloilo, with a population of more than 450,000, was the "textile capital of the Philippines" in the 18th century but now the city serves more as an administrative center, the writer noted."We found it to be beautiful and hospitable, with culture and heritage galore, particularly as we embarked on 'church hopping.' We then came up with the idea for 'restaurant', 'bar' and 'heritage' hopping excursions – and we invite you to follow us on our trail," Fleming stressed.He was charmed by the churches saying "it's about the Godly way that some of them in and around Iloilo have been constructed. The architecture is magnificent. Set against a brilliant blue sky, when the sun hits the church's façade, it's like there really is something otherworldly going on.""Church hopping is already an established activity in Iloilo. There are countless homes to God here, each with their own charm. We recommend starting at the daddy of them all, Jaro Cathedral before moving out to Molo Church. Church hopping takes a full day but we'd recommend it as time heavenly spent," Fleming suggested."Iloilo is proud of its nosh. From the traditional noodles 'n' soup, La Paz Batchoy is best in town to Japanese and Italian, there are plenty of quality restaurants to enjoy as complements to some of the awesome street food available, Fleming further praised in his article."We suggest tapping up restaurants and its divine seafood menu featuring delicious sinigang stew and perfect fish dishes where everything seems to cost half of what it does in HK," Fleming said of Ilonggos' gastronomic treat."So, it's worth getting hopping mad in Iloilo and its surrounding area. Remember: it's friendly, beautiful and so cheap you forget you're paying anything at all. You won't want to leave. That's probably the biggest problem…," quipped Fleming.http://www.philstar.com/lifestyle-features/2013/02/05/905159/iloilo-city-charms-hk-mag-editor bong saysJanuary 30, 2013 at 8:59 pm Pedro Calungsod's story lives on in IloiloA "Calungsod boy went from Iloilo to Mactan Island in Cebu, joined the Jesuit missionaries who left for some island in the Pacific, and was killed with the Fathers," Arevalo's account goes.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/292806/pedro-calungsods-story-lives-on-in-iloilo bong saysJanuary 24, 2013 at 8:31 am Miss Dinagyang 2013, EMILY VICTORIA OKE!http://missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54749This is EMILY VICTORIA OKE, the newly crowned Miss Central Philippine University, and a native of Iloilo City. She is just 16 years old and she is a professional ramp and print model in our city. Her father is Nigerian and her mother is Filipino. During the pageant, she won several special awards, including the best interview.She is now my bet for BB. PILIPINAS 2012 or 2013. Steve A. saysJanuary 20, 2013 at 9:45 am Great article as always! Viva Senor Santo Nino!! Mabuhay Iloilo!! bong saysJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:04 am Edwin Duero observes, though, that the new city mayor, Jed Patrick Mabilog, is better than his predecessors in organizing Dinagyng. .. bong saysJanuary 14, 2013 at 7:25 pm Megaworld's P25B Iloilo business park to be ready by 2015http://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/14/13/megaworlds-p25b-iloilo-business-park-be-ready-2015


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Can You Buy A New Car With Bitcoin?
If you've seen any kind of news feed recently, you've likely read that Bitcoin, a digital currency, has taken off in value. The lucky folks who invested early in the cryptocurrency are facing a good problem to have: How to spend their earnings.
Rather than trading their Bitcoins for cash, some folks might want to use the currency as, well, a currency — something to buy goods with. Maybe even cars.
Places such as The White Company are making this possible. The company is currently offering luxury cars in exchange for Bitcoin — a Lamborghini Huracan LP-610-4 will run you 19.6 Bitcoins, for example. But before you run off to get that Lambo, buyer beware: Bitcoin.com's story includes a disclaimer that it doesn't endorse the service, and that it's not responsible for any losses incurred.
Not in the market for a high-end performance car? If you live near East Greenbush, New York, you may still have the opportunity to purchase a car using the cryptocurrency. As of this publishing, Michael's Auto Plaza was the only auto dealer we could find doing so.
Lastly, when it comes to personal one-on-one deals, like from Craigslist or other classified sites, it is possible to make a deal using Bitcoin. This is assuming the seller already has a Bitcoin wallet and is willing to accept the transaction.
How Did Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Come About?
The idea of cryptocurrencies has been around for decades. One forerunner occurred in the late 1980s in the Netherlands. Back then, petrol stations in remote areas were increasingly falling prey to bandits who were robbing them for their cash. The petrol companies didn't want to spend lots of money posting security at these stations overnight, so they started issuing petrol cards with cash balances. This gave the crooks nothing to rob.
The biggest problem with digital cash in the late 1980s (and all the way into the 2000s) was that the systems supporting the digital money still needed a human gatekeeper — an individual who sat in some office and manually kept track of digital withdrawals, deposits and transactions.
Since humans were in control of this system, of course, mistakes were made and security wasn't great. The entire banking system was developed as a trusted mediator between two people or businesses who wanted to conduct transactions — but with the advent of digital money, that trust became increasingly more difficult to maintain.
There had to be a solution.
Finally, in 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto created the groundbreaking technology called blockchain. This technology uses very complex mathematical algorithms and is ideal for keeping digital currencies, such as Bitcoin secure. Other cryptocurrencies use the technology, as well.
About the Author
John Gower is an automotive expert at RepairPal, the leading online source of auto repair resources and estimates. With many ASE Master certified mechanics on staff who have decades of experience, RepairPal knows all the fine points of car repair.

subset: commoncrawl


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|This page: Photographs from this National Street Rod meeting
Custom cars & street rods in the USA
The largest meet of pre-1949 rat rods, hotrods, classics and customsOver 14,000 rods were expected at this enormous Street Rod meeting, held in Louisville, Kentucky. Shown on this page is just a small selection of the custom cars, street & hot rods, and retro rat rods that were at this meeting.
A big thanks to Gary, who took the photos shown here in 2005 (and ok'd them being featured here), and DM for emailing them over to me - thanks fellas. Also see: hot rod books.
For more photographs showing old cars at shows, please see the main Car show photos page.
Custom Search
|www.oldclassiccar.co.uk (C) R. Jones. Content not to be reproduced elsewhere.
|Website by ableweb.
|Privacy Policy, Cookies & Disclaimers


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For most of you none of this will make any sense, but here is the insight into the REX Regional experience.
Many of you will have heard the number 7 screamed around the gym since we got back, so did the whole hotel when Brian and G went up and down the elevators and the hallways yelling it. Apparently it's our lucky number now. This was the time we were meeting for breakfast Friday morning so we could make it to the Games by 8.30….. Or so we hoped… Due to our limited knowledge of how to get to Olympic Stadium and G's fantastic direction giving, we arrived at the stadium less than 20 minutes before our first workout. You would think this would have put a dampener on our spirits but somehow we were pumped and ready to go.
Now believe it or not, our bus rides actually became one of our favourite parts of the trip, we learnt that Brandon prefers Hungry Jacks over McDonalds because "the burgers are better at Hungry Jacks", that there are shops in Sydney that specialise in removing head lice (apparently the Police frown upon you standing on the road to get a handstand photo in front of it) and that you should never take G and Brian to a club because they will insist on imitating peoples dancing…. While driving. The bus rides led to many drive by handstands and planks (including planks on giant shoes). BUT YOU SHOULD NEVER PLANK BECAUSE "THAT'S HOW PEOPLE DIE" right Brandon! The night's were great with lots of food (including raw fish- sorry Ange) and lots of drinks (BONDIII). But it turns out that, we're not great with directions out of the bus either, we learnt this after an hour or so walk around Parramatta.
There are some things that we just can't explain so for those of you who were there here are some things we'll never forget, Hooters, Rug Lovers, "START THE CAR!!", the sprinkler, "get some nuts", YMCA, getting left in the rain, "that's how we roll", Brandon's cramp and of course our beloved SEVEN!!
A huge thank you to everyone who came over, you guys made the trip what it was! We can't wait for next year and we hope that the trip will be just as good!


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Burning Question: I've noticed many people, including some in our church who are in leadership positions, who are married not wearing their wedding rings for various reasons. What are your thoughts?
I could jokingly say that the men I speak to have told me that they are ashamed to wear them, but that may overload the jewelry stores with husbands scurrying to buy themselves a wedding ring to wear! No, most would say that it gets in the way of their work as they work with their hands or that (clear my throat here), it just doesn't fit anymore!
Wearing a wedding ring is a cultural and not a biblical issue . . . but it is a pretty big cultural issue! The wearing of a wedding ring or choosing not to wear a wedding ring communicates something in today's culture. For one, it screams, "I'm taken!" Or better, it screams, "I'm gladly taken!" It would only be understood that to some, the lack of a wedding ring could possibly suggest, "I'm available." Alright guys, now don't rough me up in the hallway the next time you see me because I insinuated that you are looking for someone despite the fact that you are married. But, is your wife sure of that? Does she wonder why you don't wear your wedding ring? Does she wonder why it seems so insignificant to you to be publicly identified in the most culturally relevant way as a married man . . . and married specifically to her, no less?
We don't read of wedding rings in Scripture and I don't have the energy to find some passage and twist it into an application for why you should wear your ring. But let me share a passage for you to chew on and then apply to your situation. In Song of Solomon 8:6 (now there's a marriage book!), we read of Solomon's bride asking that he make her "like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm." In the Old Testament days, seals were marks of identification and possession. She was asking her husband to make a public display of his love, and their marriage.
So let me just suggest this. Just get the ring (or let your wife pick it out) and wear it proudly. It may not be comfortable and it may get in the way and you may even have to take it off from time to time to get some work done, but just honor her and proudly wear that ring to say to all who see you, "I'm taken!" Better yet, "I'm gladly taken!"


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The first thing that catches your eye as walking into the venue for the Suzaan Heyns A/W 2013 Joburg Fashion Week show, is the corridors spread all over the ramp. This contributing to the A/W 2013 collection of Suzaan Heyns called Doors of Perception.
For the A/W 2013 collection, Suzaan drew inspiration from doors and labyrinth alleyways. Throughout the styling of the models however, you can sense a look and feel from the Arabic culture as the models' hair were draped around their faces and necks as scarfs.
A special soundtrack was also created for this show in particular, by Audio Militia and you found the models being guided through a "seemingly ever-deepening maze filled with mystery and the unknown", as described on the flyer.
For the collection itself, light and filthy pantones were used to design this collection. Colours like washed out hues of Regatta blue, Beeswax yellow, Peony and Russet, Peapod green, Milk White and Browns were the main focus in most garments. The style of the collection was mostly male inspired as there were a lot of suits and blazers evident on the runway. Most outfits had a formal work clothing atmosphere as high waisted skirts with tucked-in shirts also featured in this collection.
Unfortunately, the show itself never wound up to a "wow factor" garment and there were no surprises nor drama in the collection. This made it a bit disappointing to watch and left the audience without awe, making this collection forgettable.


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This is like no other book I have ever read before. Based around Ollie, a boy born with a severe allergic reaction to electricity who lives in a remote forest in America and Moritz a German boy who was born with no eyes and relies on a pacemaker to keep him alive. Both boys begin writing letters to each other and so unfolds an emotional, inspirational and intriguing story.
When I say I've never read anything like this before I mean I'm unsure as to where to place it. It has elements of young adult but also could be enjoyed in adult fiction. In saying this, it doesn't really matter because ultimately this is a book about overcoming obstacles, self discovery, friendships and about believing in yourself.
Ollie has only ever had one friend, Liz who he is also in love with, but the trials of his life as a 'hermit' come between them more often than not. Moritz has never had friends until a bully at his school makes him cross paths with Owen, who he is attracted to and his sister.
Owen also happens to have no tongue so is therefore mute. I know it sounds crazy and a little farfetched at parts but it actually worked really well considering the story itself is centred around 'Superhumans' or people who are different in some way.
When Ollie and Moritz begin their correspondence, what begins as a pen pal friendship results in two lost boys finding themselves. They ultimately help each other begin to live the lives they never imagined possible.
Parts of this book are hard to digest such as the stories about the laboratories and the experiments that were carried out on children there. Also reading about Ollie's mother brings a sadness to the story. How she was dedicated to a life without electricity and gave up everything she knew for her son in order to keep him safe.
I'm assuming by the way it ended that there may be a sequel which would be great in order to pick up the relationship of Ollie and Moritz where it left off. This book is quirky, different, a little crazy and in some ways hard to stomach. However the good bits such as the love between the friends, bittersweet endings and living through life lessons definitely outweighs the bad. This is a fantastic book for anyone with a vivid imagination who wants something a little different from the rest.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley for an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.
Buy it here…


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A complete archive of Pakistan's Education news releases since 2007
Most Pakistani youngsters in search of greener pastures
London, April 11: A wave of nervousness has swept across Pakistanis who are here
on student visa, estimated to be in thousands, following the arrest on Wednesday
of some of their countrymen suspected of being involved in plotting terror
activities in Britain.
Last year alone, 9,300 students entered the UK
from Pakistan.
Most Pakistani youngsters in search of greener pastures
and who can afford use the UK's student visa facility to purchase permanent
passage to Britain.
In all, each one spends about 20,000 pounds (Rs2
million approximately) with more than half going for admission and the first
semester fee plus the visa fees and the rest for one way airfare and boarding
and lodging for about three months - the period within which they hope to land a
job, any job.
They drop out after the first semester but remain on
student visa by using all kinds of deceptions and ruses perfected by their
predecessors over the years with the help of unscrupulous solicitors.
The crass commercialisation of education in the UK and lax monitoring of
dubious paper colleges and non-existent universities whose only concern is the
money that they charge as fees make it easier for job-seeking student visa
'purchasers' from Pakistan to arrive in the UK with no intention of studying.
Only recently British colleges have been told to register with the UK
Border Agency. Last month the agency turned down 460 of the 2,100 colleges which
had applied for licences to admit international students, because they were
bogus establishments sponsoring students as part of an immigration scam.
There are concerns inside government and the security services that the
11 Pakistani nationals being held in the north of England could have gained
entry on student visas in order to form a sleeper cell. Gordon Brown talked of
the police having foiled a "very big terrorist plot".
One Whitehall
source said the police feared attacks were planned for the Easter weekend.
They said the plot indicated Al Qaeda was adopting new tactics to send
clean skins - people not known to security services or the police - in from
abroad, rather than using British-born terrorists to carry out attacks.
Asked if this would become another high-profile raid ending with no one
charged with terror offences, the chief constable of Greater Manchester, Peter
Fahy, said: "There will always be situations where
either we can't achieve the
evidential threshold or as a result of the investigation we find that the threat
was not how it appeared to us at the time."
Fahy urged people in the
region not to let speculation over potential targets affect their Easter plans.
He said he and his family would have "no hesitation" in using shopping locations
such as Manchester's Trafford Centre and Arndale Centre.
Muhammad Adil,
a student swept up in the raids at John Moores University but released after a
couple of hours, said one friend was still being held.
Adil, from
Peshawar, said his friend was an accountancy student from Karachi. Adil had been
studying in the UK for two years and met his friend at his part-time job as a
security guard.
"They asked me if I knew why I was being arrested - as
suspect of terrorism, I was laughing at that. I've been studying for the last
two years," he said.
Students' Visa Regulations
A Home Office spokesman said that student visa regulations had been tightened so that all would-be
students had to have their fingerprints checked against terror and police lists
and had to be sponsored by a legitimate college or university in the UK.
Only last month, Immigration Minister Phil Woolas described how "abuse
of the student visa has been the biggest abuse of the system, the major loophole
in Britain's border controls".
Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistan's high
commissioner to the United Kingdom, said his country could help carry out visa
checks, but was not allowed to. He said: "It is at your end you have to do
something more. Every day we are arresting suspects wherever we find them."
Asked by BBC's Newsnight if there was a problem with the British system
for student visas, he replied: "Yes. If they allow us to make inquiries first,
if they ask us to scrutinise those people who are seeking visas we can help
(According to AFP, Mr Hasan told Sky News from Islamabad that
Pakistan was doing whatever it could to combat terrorism. "We are accused of not
doing enough. We are doing enough, despite our limited resources. We will
continue to do whatever is possible, within our means, to fight them
"We are at the fag end of our resources... What else can
we do? We have been telling our Western friends to provide us assistance,
equipment and training... so that we can put our act together and carry on with
the war.")
Meanwhile, two Whitehall sources indicated the surveillance
operation began a fortnight ago when a foreign intelligence agency passed
information to British security services. Three days ago, the sources said,
further intelligence indicated that any attack the cell was planning was
"imminent", and the decision was made to arrest the alleged network. However, that sequence of events was disputed by other sources.
Search Widened
British anti-terror police were scouring homes and interrogating 11 Pakistanis on Friday.
By midday, police said they
had searched 10 sites around the cities of Liverpool and Manchester. While
police continued to gather evidence, they declined to describe specifics about
the alleged terrorist plot, said the Associated Press. Dawn
50,000 granted UK student visas in five years
Lahore: Around 50,000 Pakistanis have travelled to Britain on student visas during the last five years, according
to The Sun newspaper. Since 2006, 98 percent applications for "extension of
leave to remain in Britain" have been granted.
Rules introduced last
month require that colleges get government approval before students arrive here
and ministers insist there has been a crackdown on visa abuse.
critics claim there has been an "open gateway" over recent years. Sir Andrew
Green of the Migration Watch told the paper, "Not enough checks are being made
on those from countries of concern like Pakistan."
"Everyone coming here
should be given a thorough interview. That is not done at the moment. There is
also a problem with bogus institutions sponsoring students. Security needs
tightening up. We have been calling for this for years."
Shadow home
secretary Chris Grayling also called on the government to "urgently step up"
background checks on students from countries linked to terror. A Home Office
spokesman said all students applying to come to Britain were fingerprinted and
then checked against "a range of immigration, terrorism and crime-watch lists".
Meanwhile, Pakistan's high commissioner to the UK said not enough
security checks were being done.
Wajid Shamsul Hasan said Pakistani
authorities could help carry out background checks on student visa applicants
but were not allowed to. He said, "It is at your end, you have to do something
Post your comments
Foreign schools close down due to terror threats
Rawalpindi/Islamabad: Panic ran through teachers, students and parents on Friday
when international schools closed down, acting upon advice of security agencies
who received threats of attacks from terrorists and told schools to adopt
precautionary measures.
Till Thursday, no announcement of a holiday was
made but the situation turned dramatic when students came to schools on Friday
morning and principals rang their parents to tell them take their children back.
Major schools will reopen on Monday when examinations are starting.
Police and other law enforcers were stationed in patrolling vans outside the
schools to counter any terror bid.
Shocking: "I dropped my son at
school. Half an hour passed and I got a call that school will remain closed for
security reasons so I may pick my son," said Abdul Rehman.
"The news was
shocking. It will have a negative impact on my son. He is in a state of fear,
asking frequently who are terrorists and who wants to destroy his school?" he
"I saw a sticker pasted at school gate reading 'school is close
today' when I came to drop my children at school," said Ali Athar.
Bukari said the school administration did not tell him the reason for school
closure. "They said they will let me know on Monday, when school is reopening,"
he said.
Confusion and chaos: In both cities, strict security
arrangements were made at schools. Even parents were not allowed to enter the
buildings. They, however, lambasted administrations of the schools for this
mess, standing at the gates, where they were stopped. Private security guards
were deployed in, around and on rooftops of schools in large number.
Reporters were also stopped at the gates of the schools. They were told
administration was not present to comment.
Managers are to blame: "The
unusual security in and around educational institutions can harm learning
process of children. The sight of heavily armed security guards everywhere
around the place of learning is not good to look at," said a
She said there could be many ways to protect schools
without instilling fear in students. "Administrations of schools are to be
blamed for creating panic and confusion among students by dealing with the
matter so haphazardly," she said.
"It is hard to imagine that now
terrorists will target schools. Whatever, it is mismanagement on part of well
reputed schools that caused uncertainty among students and parents," said Mrs
Younas, mother of a student.
No direct threat: Saman Imtiaz, official of
a private school in Islamabad, said the administration of her school decided to
close down so that the police could comb the green belts around schools and
clear the area. She said her school had not received threat from terrorists
Ayaz Akbar, a security official at a school, said the school
administration did not receive any direct threat from terrorists.
"Regional office of the school system was informed of terror threat by
security agencies with an advice to enhance security. The advice was then passed
on to all branches of the school system, which decided to close down for a day,"
he said.
He said school administration worked hard to avoid panic. He
said schools would open on Monday. "CCTVs have been installed at entry and exit
points of schools. More than four armed guards, holding metal detectors, will
man main gates of schools," said Akbar.
Another official said school
administration tried hard to inform parents to taken their children back home on
She said security guards had been directed to conduct body search
of visitors with metal detectors.
Madrassas get registration forms
Islamabad: The government has started distributing registration
forms to madrassas across the country, sources said on Friday.
Sources in the Interior Ministry said that the registration forms
included particulars of students, their source of income, their citizenship and
other information. A religious seminary, Al-Markaz Islami, in F-10 Markaz,
confirmed receiving the registration forms.
Workshop on online degree verification held
Islamabad: Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Friday organised a
workshop on 'Online Verification of Degrees/Transcripts' for university
administrators and controllers.
It is the fourth of a series of
workshops to ease students' woes regarding verification of their degrees, while
going abroad for study or employment.
Dr Ayub Alvi, the dean of FAST
National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences, Islamabad, conducted
the workshop, attended by 30 participants from public and private sector
universities. Muhammad Javed Khan, HEC Accreditation and Attestation director
general, explained the importance of online verification of degrees and
transcripts. Daily Times
Court reinstates AIOU director
Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) reinstated a BPS-19 officer
of the Allama Iqbal Open University's (AIOU's) Planning and Development
department here on Friday, 12 years after he was dismissed from service.
Mohammad Siddiqui was sacked by the university administration in 1997
when he was on two-year probation period.
The director filed an appeal
before the Federal Service Tribunal (FST) that was rejected. His appeal before
the Supreme Court was also set aside.
But after President Asif Ali
Zardari on February 14 announced through an ordinance the reinstatement of all
government employees fired in 1990s, Mr Siddiqui furnished a joining report with
the AIOU on February 25.
The AIOU administration informed Mr Siddiqui
that his application would be considered in the next executive meeting. He then
filed a petition before the IHC, seeking his reinstatement. The court gave a
verdict in his favour.
Meanwhile, IHC Chief Justice Mohammad Bilal Khan
rejected the bail plea of a murder convict, ignoring his argument that his
co-accused had been granted bail in the same case. Dawn
FJWU holds faculty colloquium
Rawalpindi: Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) on Friday organised a faculty colloquium.
panelists included Islamic Studies Department In-charge Ms Ayesha Rafique,
Defence and Diplomatic Department In-charge Ms Rabia Akhtar and Gender Studies
Department lecturer Shahla Tabassum.
Ms Rafique briefed the audience
about her participation in "International Conference on Ijtihad and Ifta in the
21st Century: Challenges and Prospects" organised by International Islamic
University, Malaysia. She said the conference focused on challenges and
solutions of Ijtihad and Ifta on women and social issues.
Ms Akhtar
shared her experiences regarding her participation in training on security
sector reform (SSR) held in Manila. She said SSR was a process to make security
institutions accountable to the state and its people. She said SSR acted as a
conflict prevention tool as it provided enhanced security and structural
stability to overcome fragility and violent conflicts. Ms Tabassum briefed the
audience about the "International Conference on Women in Public Sector"
organised by Centre for Women Studies, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta,
Indonesia. Ms Tabassum said she presented a paper on "Representation of Women in
Pakistani Print Media: A Content Analysis". Daily Times
Site contents copyright © 2000 to 2012 Interface, Pakistan's Leading Education Website & Teacher's Provider


text:
Keep your heart open to the whole beauty of the world given to you by the Creator. These quotations are good reminders of God's love and grace. That's why you just can't miss them.
Great Quotes About Trust in God
Are you searching for the purpose in life? Follow your overall dream by trusting God's plan and everything will become possible. You'll see.
- "I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you're grateful, you'll see God open up new doors." – Joel Osteen
- "The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us." – C.S. Lewis
- "Parents are like God because you wanna know they're out there, and you want them to think well of you, but you really only call when you need something." – Chuck Palahniuk
- "We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature – trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… We need silence to be able to touch souls." – Mother Teresa
- "For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God." – Saint Teresa of Avila
- "Never trust anyone completely but God. Love people, but put your full trust only in God." – Lawrence Welk
Wise Quotes Saying 'God Is Good'
God is good, caring, loving and forgiving. That's what these quotes are about.
- "God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.'" – Billy Graham
- "He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less." – C.S. Lewis
- "I really do believe that God is love, one of deep affection and grace and forgiveness and inspiration." – William P. Young
- "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- "The truth is that it doesn't matter who you are or what you have done. Jesus understands all your pain, all your hurt, all your loss, all your temptations, and all your struggles." – Mark J. Musser
- "The worship most acceptable to God comes from a thankful and cheerful heart." – Plutarch
Inspirational Quotes About God
Get your daily portion of inspiration by looking through these fascinating, inspirational quotes about God, love and friendship.
- "God is completely sovereign. God is infinite in wisdom. God is perfect in love. God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom He always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about." – Jerry Bridges
- "God never ends anything on a negative; God always ends on a positive." – Edwin Louis Cole
- "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." – Albert Einstein
- "Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams." – Ben Carson
- "God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile" – Max Lucado
- "Let God's promises shine on your problems." – Corrie ten Boom
Profound God Quotes and Statements About Life
Finding strength, especially when life continues to give you more and more challenges, is a tough task. However, with these profound God quotes about life, it is much easier to overcome any challenge.
- "The very first step toward change is to believe that you can. You don't have to stay the way you are because God is a God of change and transformation. He can bring change to your life and bring the best out of you." – Brian Houston
- "God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars."
– Elbert Hubbard
- "Any fool can count the seeds in an apple. Only God can count all the apples in one seed." – Robert H. Schuller
- "God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go." – Tony Evans
- "Remember who you are. Don't compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth." – Lysa Terkeurst
- "I will thank God for the day and the moment I have.' – Jim Valvano
Motivational, Religious Quotes and Verses from Bible
When it comes to motivation, it can be hard to do due to various reasons. We hope that these religious quotes and verses will give all the necessary motivation.
- "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
- "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
- "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8
- "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13
- "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
- "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:22
Well-aimed Short Quotes About God
Sometimes all you need for motivation is a few well-aimed words. Take a look at these powerful shot quotes about God and may all of your worries disappear.
- "Only God can fully satisfy the hungry heart of man." – Hugh Black
- "…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." – Romans 5:8
- "The Word of God is limitless and infinite." – H.G. Bishop Youannes
- "God has no religion." – Mahatma Gandhi
- "If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!" – D.L. Moody
- "The more we depend on God the more dependable we find He is." – Cliff Richard
Cute Quotes about God's Timing
We have to wait patiently until God's timing comes even though we want it here and now. These cute quotes about God's timing will motivate you to wait long enough.
- "If you know that God loves you, you should never question a directive from Him. It will always be right and best. When He gives you a directive, you are not just to observe it, discuss it, or debate it. You are to obey it." – Henry Blackaby
- "To fall in love with God is the greatest of all romances; to seek him, the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement." – Raphael Simon
- "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" – Ecclesiastes 3:1
- "With God, there's always an appointed time for things, and when you put Him first, trust in His timing, and keep the faith, miracles happen!" – Germany Kent
- "Sometimes we have to let our dreams go in order to allow God to bring them back to us – in his way and his timing." – Melody Carlson
- "God is never late and rarely early. He is always exactly right on time–His time." – Dillon Burroughs
Powerful God's Will Quotes
God's word makes you stronger, braver, more loving and sympathetic. Read these powerful quotes and follow God's will.
- "The darker the night, the brighter the stars,
The deeper the grief, the closer is God!" – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- "When your will is God's will, you will have your will." – Charles Spurgeon
- "God doesn't owe us anything- yet in His grace, He still gives us good things." –Billy Graham
- "There are no 'if's' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety – let us pray that we may always know it!" – Corrie ten Boom
- "I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land." – Martin Luther King, Jr.
- "We must focus on prayer as the main thrust to accomplish God's will and purpose on earth. The forces against us have never been greater, and this is the only way we can release God's power to become victorious" – John C. Maxwell
Deep Sayings About Being a Man of God
Those who serve God, obey His will and live for Him can be called a man of God. Read these deep sayings and learn more.
- "There is no such thing as a great man of God, only weak, pitiful, faithless men of a great and merciful God." – Paul Washer
- "You should be courageous, not because of who you are and what you've done, but because of who God is and what He has done!" – Wayne A. Mack
- "The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil." – Leonard Ravenhill
- "Men of God are those who walk in the fear of the Lord." – Matt Chandler
- "To become effective men of God, then, we must know and acknowledge that every grace and every virtue proceeds from God alone, and that not even a good thought can come from us except it be of Him." – Aiden Wilson Tozer
- "You can be sure you are a man of God if you suffer injustice gladly and in silence." – Josemaria Escriva
Best Motivational Quotes on God
In days of dark, when it seems that there's no way out and motivation to look for it, turn to God and say 'I need you' and He will guide you.
- "When the Bible speaks of God's love for us and the kind of love we are to have for him and for other people, the word is always apage, signifying a commitment to act." – Rick Warren,
- "Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue." –Eugene O'Neill
- "We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God." – St. Francis De Sales
- "You may pray for an hour and still not pray. You may meet God for a moment and then be in touch with Him all day." – Fredrik Wisloff
- "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him." –Jim Elliot
- "There are three stages in the work of God: impossible, difficult, done." – James Hudson Taylor
Uplifting Daily Quotes About God
God is always with you as well as with every living creature in this world. Get your daily portion of inspiration about God and faith by reading these uplifting quotes about God.
- God loves each of us as if there were only one of us – Augustine
- Before God we are all equally wise and equally foolish – Albert Einstein
- We should think of the church as an orchestra in which the different churches play on different instruments while a Divine Conductor calls the tune. — William R. Inge
- I can find God in nature, in animals, in birds and the environment. Pat Buckley
Positive 'Believe in God' Quotes
Looking for some extra encouragement in your life? Then you definitely need to read these positive 'believe in God' quotes.
- "No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. He has not abandoned you." – Franklin Graham
- "Remembering the goodness of God in the past, will help us in seasons where it's harder to see Him." – Esther Fleece
- "God is the only source of hope that'll never disappoint. When we place our faith in him, he provides joy, peace, and hope that overflows." – Rick Warren
- "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." – C.S. Lewis
- "The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays." – Søren Kierkegaard
- "God knows the secret plan of the things he will do for the world, using my hand." – Toyohiko Kagawa
The Best Famous Quotes Saying 'God Is Great'
Follow God at any step you take and you'll see how great He is and that everything is possible with His help. And don't miss the opportunity to look at some of the most famous quotes saying 'God is great'.
- "One who has been touched by grace will no longer look on those who stray as "those evil people" or "those poor people who need our help." Nor must we search for signs of "loveworthiness." Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are." – Philip Yancey
- "Don't be a fool. Recognize your dependence on God. As the days become dark and the nights become dreary, realize that there is a God who rules above." – Martin Luther King Jr.
- "Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart." – Mahatma Gandhi
- "There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with God." – Brother Lawrence
- "God is the source of all power, and prayer is essential to experiencing His power in our lives." – Gwen Smith
- "Where God guides, He provides. No matter how things look, God is still in control. Stay in peace and be hopeful. Your blessing is coming soon." –Germany Kent
The Best 'Give It to God' Phrases
When fear, anxiety or helplessness fill you up from the inside, people say: 'Kneel in a prayer and give it God'. It means that sometimes all you need is to ask Him to take all of your worries away.
- "God will fight your battles if you just keep still. He is able to carry you through. Trust Him. Keep standing, keep believing and keep hoping." – Germany Kent
Spiritual Short Quotes Affirming That 'God Is with You'
Have you found yourself at the crossroads without any clue which way to go? No matter which path you'd choose always remember that God is with you. And these spiritual short quotes will prove you that.
- "I don't stand for black man's side, I don't stand for white man's side, I stand for God's side." – Bob Marley
- "Life is God's novel. Let him write it." – Isaac Bashevis Singer
- "The Bible is very clear that God put you here on Earth to do two things: to learn to love God and to learn to love other people. Life is not about acquisition, accomplishment, or achievement." – Rick Warren
- "When a blind man says, 'God is good,' this should be an eye-opener to those who can see." – Anthony Liccione
- "God is a circle whose center is everywhere and circumference nowhere." – Voltaire
- "Without God there is for mankind no purpose, no goal, no hope, only a wavering future, an eternal dread of every darkness." – Jean Paul
The Most Beautiful God Quotes for Her
Whatever obstacle you face in your life, keep saying to yourself 'God is with me' and you'll be able to come up with the right solution even in a hopeless situation.
- "God waits for you to communicate with Him. You have instant, direct access to God. God loves mankind so much, and in a very special sense His children, that He has made Himself available to you at all times." – Wesley L. Duewel
- "If God had wanted to be a big secret, He would not have created babbling brooks and whispering pines." – Robert Brault
- "If God shuts one door, he opens another." – Irish Proverb
- "Holiness is doing God's will with a smile." – Mother Teresa
- "God's mercy is fresh and new every morning." – Joyce Meyer
- "God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him." – Jim Elliot
Wonderful Quotes About God's Gift for Him
The wisdom of God about family, life and love is inexhaustible. Get a piece of this wisdom by reading these wonderful quotes about God's gift.
- You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. Desmond Tutu
- "Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." –Leo Buscaglia
- "God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well." – Voltaire
- "What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God." –Hans Urs von Balthasar
- "God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." – Elizabeth Barrett Browning
- "I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about." – Henry Ford


text:
The Fantasy Art of Computer Games
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Fantasy Art of Dragon Age: Origins
Hi Everyone,
We have more or less finished our gallery for Dragon Age: Origins --
Check it out!
After playing
Lord of the Rings: War in the North
, we will probably pick up Dragon Age again and continue with the Awakening expansion. Right now, we're a bit fatigued with the game. See our
Review of Dragon Age: Origins
for some insight into why.
Thank you for following this blog and visiting our site. Enjoy!
Posted by
Simon S.
dragon age
fantasy art
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Need some assistance? (+44) 1923 248 531 | [email protected] | Location
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We always endeavour to offer the best value and service available. If you would like a price on any of our products or you have a quote from a competitor please call, we want your business.01923 248 531
Most people use the generic term Ceramic Tiles to describe floor tiles and wall tiles but these days the most common products are actually Porcelain Tiles which are harder and stronger than ceramic. There are through bodied porcelain tiles in matt and polished where the colour goes right through the product and glazed porcelain which has a glazed surface. Click on the links to see details of our stock tiles.
We always have special offers and clearance deals on Wall Tiles. Floor Tiles , Wood flooring and Carpet tiles. If you can not see what you are looking for please phone we are more than happy to help with any query or problem regarding tiles, tiling and wood flooring.
Although not listed here we also have a superb range of Tile Adhesives, Tile Grouts, Tiling accessories and Tiling tools including Rubi Tools.
In stock we have tiles from mosaics up to 1 m x 1 m and most sizes in between. We also stock tile cutters for tiles up to 1.2 m square. If you are a tradesman we keep everything you need for installing BIG tiles.View the Range


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Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A Bright and Shiny Holiday Setting
40 comments:
Nice table setting with the pink. It's different and I like it. Don't forget my wednesday show off.
- December 27, 2011 at 1:04 PM
- LANA said...
I love the floral dinner plate. Your table looks beautiful, and the roses really pick up the colours of the plates! Hope your holiday was wonderful.
- December 27, 2011 at 1:50 PM
- Dawn@MakingHome said...
- December 27, 2011 at 2:27 PM
- Teri said...
Love the pink and green! =)
- December 27, 2011 at 8:44 PM
- KP said...
and a good time was had by all!
- December 27, 2011 at 11:28 PM
- Monica @ Texas Fiesta Ware Fan said...
It looks beautiful. Love the mixing of the dishes. We spent Christmas Eve at my MIL's but I took my dishes to use. Happy New Year!
- December 28, 2011 at 12:53 AM
- mississippi artist said...
Your table was beautiful. I love the mixing and matching!
- December 28, 2011 at 10:03 AM
- Andrea said...
What a beautiful table setting. The dishes are beautiful and I love the centerpiece!
- December 28, 2011 at 11:30 AM
- Mark Norkaitis said...
Love your blog! Im your newest follower!
Have a Happy New Year!
- December 28, 2011 at 5:35 PM
- Kerry Rossow said...
I love all of your pink and white posts! GORGEOUS! Happy Holidays!
Kerry at HouseTalkN
- December 28, 2011 at 9:34 PM
- Olive Cooper said...
Your table is wonderful and matchy-matchy is kind of boring to me. I mix up everything myself-I am not brave enough or patient enough for tablescaping however. hugs♥Olive
- December 28, 2011 at 10:02 PM
- Red Rose Alley said...
Those pink beads and balls look so pretty. Your table setting is just perfect. Happy New Year!
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
- December 28, 2011 at 10:23 PM
- Betsy said...
Beautiful table setting! I'm so glad to have found your blog. I love that you are a mother/daughter team. My daughter and I are pretty new to blogging. She is just getting started and I started my blog in September. We are your two newest followers! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, commenting and following!
Happy New Year!
- December 29, 2011 at 12:05 AM
- Hibiscus House said...
Beautiful! I love the pinks, you know I love dishes...
- December 29, 2011 at 12:11 PM
- Queenie said...
Your table is so pretty...love the mercury glass centerpiece and the pinks and reds :)
Happy New Year!
Big hugs,
- December 29, 2011 at 12:42 PM
- Southwest Arkie said...
The floral plate is just gorgeous and your table is beautiful.
- December 29, 2011 at 12:53 PM
- Meri said...
What a gorgeous table you've set! I love the mix of coordinating patterns and I'd bet the spoon had been carried in to the kitchen for a sneak preview of the luscious menu items. Happy New Year!
- December 29, 2011 at 1:10 PM
- Kim, USA said...
I love your plates!
Tablescape Thursday
- December 29, 2011 at 3:10 PM
- Leovi said...
Nice pictures. I like the dishes and co those wonderful photos glasses. The bouquet of roses is splendid. happy 2012
- December 29, 2011 at 3:32 PM
- Lee said...
Thank you for leaving a comment on my latest post on knitted Interiors.
I absolutely love the photos above, especially the pink beads and mercury glasses. I used mauve and silver beads on my Christmas table Christmas day and a few years ago spread gold and red ones around circular tables for Christmas function I organised for a company. I also scattered little gold stars around the tables at the function.
I will visit again, you have a lovely blog.
- December 29, 2011 at 6:24 PM
- Kathleen said...
It looks very pretty! Nice and bright!
Happy 2012!
- December 29, 2011 at 6:31 PM
- The Polka Dot Closet said...
Wow, what a fabulous table! My son was here from Out of town for Christmas, so I know how fabulous it was for you to have your daughter with you! You had large group for Christmas eve, I bet that was sooo fun!
- December 29, 2011 at 6:35 PM
- GrandmaK said...
What a lovely table setting...makes me want to celebrate with you! Happy day to you!! Cathy
- December 29, 2011 at 6:50 PM
- CJ said...
Love the mix and match transferware! Beautiful for a large group. Lucky them. Thanks for sharing your table. ~CJ
- December 29, 2011 at 8:18 PM
- ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~ said...
Love a mix of patterns on the table as well as in my home decor. It is a little bohemian and I love it. Have a wonderful new year celebration.
~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
- December 30, 2011 at 10:36 AM
- Leslie's Garden said...
Such a lovely table. I love the first picture with the table all dressed up and the pretty Christmas tree in the background. Your pink flowery plates with the crystal are lovely.
- December 30, 2011 at 3:32 PM
- Debra said...
Oh, Laura, what a beautiful tree and table! I felt I was there seeing the mercury glass garland on your table. I hope there was just enough snow at the cottage for Andrea to enjoy. Can't wait to hear all about it.
- December 30, 2011 at 3:57 PM
- Val's alentejo blog said...
A beautiful table. So warm and inviting.
A lovely blog and great photos
Your plates are divine..and the diffrent crystal glasses..
Best wishes for 2012
- December 31, 2011 at 9:39 AM
- Nancy @ A Rural Journal said...
My goodness, what a gorgeous table. The roses are a lovely touch -- one I would never have thought of in winter.
Happy New Year's to you and yours. :)
- December 31, 2011 at 12:25 PM
- Betsy said...
What a gorgeous holiday table! Your dishes are so festive and that center piece is stunning.
A very Happy New Year to you and your family.
- December 31, 2011 at 1:35 PM
- Audrey said...
Love your dishes! I have the Strawberry Fair and mix mine all together...more interesting!
- December 31, 2011 at 3:24 PM
- Burlap Luxe said...
Thank you Laura for stopping by, I love new friends and getting to know what inspires them.
Happy New Year my new friend.
I am off to see all your beauty and some.
Santé Et Une Belle Année Nouveau
(Health and Beautiful New Year)
- December 31, 2011 at 4:32 PM
- Cindy F. Adkins said...
Oh, what a pretty table!! Happy New Year to you and your family!
Hugs, Cindy
- December 31, 2011 at 5:55 PM
- paintedlady89 said...
Your table was so gorgeous! I loved the centerpiece, I know it was beautiful when it was lit!
Hugs and Happy New Year!
- December 31, 2011 at 11:37 PM
- Emilie's daughter said...
Beautiful pics! Found your blog through Val and like it a lot! Happy New Year! Christa
- January 1, 2012 at 7:54 AM
- Emilie's daughter said...
Just read your comment on my blog. So very nice! I'll be trying that hair mask and will add you to my lovely blog list! xx
- January 1, 2012 at 10:41 AM
- Mark Norkaitis said...
I really like your blog, i'm so happy I found it! Happy New Year!
Mark @ room363
- January 2, 2012 at 6:10 PM
- Honey at 2805 said...
What a gorgeous, festive table!
Thank you for for sharing at Potpourri Friday. I wish you a healthy, prosperous and sparkling New Year!
- January 2, 2012 at 11:00 PM
- very merry vintage style said...
Love this--all the pink and sparkle is just gorgeous! Following you back!
- January 5, 2012 at 10:22 PM
- Mel Cole said...
I also have those Rose Schintz plates you got. :) very pretty table setting. Hope to see you in my Pink Saturday entries one and two. Happy New Year!
- January 6, 2012 at 7:53 AM


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Find Joint Pain Relief near Denver, Colorado
Do you have knee pain or hand pain that makes it difficult to carry out your everyday activities?
Most of our patients have experienced the same questions you may have. We are here to help you. At Orthopedic Centers of America, we have helped more than 30,000 patients find relief from debilitating joint pain.
Because we have orthopedic centers located across the country, including a state-of-the-art facility near Denver, Colorado, we can help you find an orthopedic surgeon who has the experience you can trust. Call us now at 1-888-549-0835 so we can match you with a board-certified joint specialist ready to provide the kind of personalized care you need. It's simple and could be the most important call you ever make.
Because our orthopedic surgeons specialize in a wide range of orthopedic conditions and advanced treatments, including minimally invasive surgical procedures and PRP and cell therapy they can minimize your recovery time with proven technologies.
Some of the common orthopedic conditions and diseases we treat include:
Some of the common orthopedic treatments are for:
- Sports Injuries: Dislocations, Fractures, Broken Bones
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Take Back Your Life
Once you've undergone your procedure, you'll understand why Orthopedic Centers of America is different, and you will be ready to enjoy activities again in the Mile High City.
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Get Your FREE MRI Review & Take Back Control of Your Life!
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(305) 403-9711
Towncare Dental of Pinecrest
8353 SW 124th Street, Suite 202, Miami, FL 33156
A local Miami area native, Dr. Amanda Caravia graduated with honors from Florida International University with a major in chemistry. She then went on to Nova Southeastern University where she earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree.
She has a passion for treating patients with the utmost care and chose the field of dentistry as her profession so that she could have the opportunity to interact with patients and help maintain their overall health and smile. Dr. Caravia enjoys treating patients of all ages and is great at developing a rapport with younger patients. "It is my goal to make sure that young patients have a positive first visit with the dentist. It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to be the one to provide them with this experience that will shape their perception of going to the dentist in the future. My goal is to develop a relationship with them that will last." says Dr. Caravia. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, cooking and going to the movies.
Call our office at (305) 403-9711


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1007 565 Smithe Street, Vancouver Listing #: R2323715
*INCREDIBLE VALUE in Downtown award winning building* Welcome to luxurious VITA at Symphony Place by Solterra in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. This bright & open corner residence features 2 bedrooms (separated) + flex room, 2 full baths with preferred 'light' designer colour scheme & custom wallpaper. Luxurious finishings include: Wide plank engineered hardwood, gourmet kitchen w/ gas cook top, high end appliances, quartz countertops, integrated cabinetry & pantry. Sweeping views overlooking out to the common garden atop trees below for a stunning outlook. You will love having building concierge, outdoor hot tub, lounge and fantastic fitness centre. New park going beside w/cafe, walk everywhere. Rentals allowed. 1 XL parking + storage locker.
Taxes (2018): $2,053.58
- Bike Room
- Elevator
- Exercise Centre
- In Suite Laundry
- Storage
- Swirlpool/Hot Tub
- ClthWsh
- Dryr
- Frdg
- Stve
- Drapes
- Window Coverings
- Garage Door Opener
- Hot Tub Spa
- Swirlpool
- Intercom
- Microwave
- Oven-Built In
- Security - RI
- Sprinkler - Fire
Site Influences
- Central Location
- Marina Nearby
- Recreation Nearby
- Shopping Nearby
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Listed By: Engel & Volkers Vancouver
Disclaimer: The data relating to real estate on this web site comes in part from the MLS Reciprocity program of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS Reciprocity logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver or the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.


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An overall methodology should be defined for the exercise early within the design phase. It should be content and results-driven and should also take into account the resources constrains (stakeholders availability, exercise duration, working resources, etc.). The methodology is evolutionary and will be re-defined and refined through the process. It is subject to discussion with the team and stakeholders.
In practical terms it will translate into a set of methods to generate, elicit, structure, synthesise and capture the information at different stages of the process. Finding the appropriate sequence of methods is often one of the most delicate design steps. The methodological framework (i.e. the sequence of methods) needs to evolve and might be re-defined and refined throughout the process depending on your approach to design decisions. It needs to be discussed with the sponsors, the team and other stakeholders.
To adapt to an uncertain and fluctuating environment, a Foresight exercise can be "tailored" or subdivided into specific phases, each focusing on specific objectives.


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Kelsey Johnson worked in the laboratory of Guy Charmantier at the Université de Montpellier, Franc, to study osmoregulatory structures that are involved in ionic regulation in the common copepod Eurytemora affinis.
Carol Lee writes:
During the summer of 2011, an undergraduate student from my laboratory, Kelsey Johnson, worked in the laboratory of Guy Charmantier at the Université de Montpellier, France to perform collaborative research. The goal of this study was to characterize osmoregulatory structures that are involved in ionic regulation. She was able to localize the ion-motive ATPase enzymes that evolve in activity and expression during invasions by the common copepod Eurytemora affinis. She characterized the organs involved in ionic regulation and named novel structures that had not been previously characterized. Her results will allow us to discover exactly how the functions of these structures are altered during saline to freshwater invasions.
Lee CE, Posavi M, Charmantier G. (2012) Rapid evolution of body fluid regulation following independent invasions into freshwater habitats. Journal of Evoluntionary Biology, 25 (2012) 625–633, doi: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2012.02459.x


text: As I sit in the yearbook room, not making the yearbook (should probably get on that…), I look around and see so many lovely faces. Pretty much all of them are seniors, so these days are limited. I'm not sure the exact amount of days they'll still be here, but it's heart wrenching that they'll be gone in a few weeks. These moments with them——laughing, dancing, online shopping, talking——will never be forgotten. The endless laughs and memories will live on forever.


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Lingual Braces (and the Role of Orthodontic Robots)
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Robots. A New Form of Invisible Braces Made Possible by Robotic technology. Firstly, Custom lingual braces are one of the newest forms of braces available today. Similar to Invisalign and clear ceramic braces, they fall into the category of Invisible Braces. They are clearly the most invisible option on the market today. The growth of robotic technology has not overlooked the world of dentistry. Neither has the growth of CAD/CAM imaging technology or 3D printing. The creation of custom lingual braces uses all three.
Lingual braces get their name from the fact that they're placed on the inside surface of the teeth and thus share the same space as the edges of the tongue. They have a low profile, making them smooth and comfortable. Designed to custom fit your specific teeth, they are extremely efficient at creating your perfect smile. Advantages over other type are:
- Superior robotic bending accuracy
- Specific wires for each patient
- Options for both labial and lingual treatments
- Broad selections of compatible wires
The Role of Robots in Invisible Braces
Robots are crucial in creating your custom smile with lingual braces. Robots are used for the precise bending and shaping of the wires according to your doctor's prescription when you opt for lingual braces that ultimately result in your beautiful new smile. This makes lingual braces precise to the fraction of a millimeter, which leads to a faster treatment time and razor-sharp results.
The Role of CAD / CAM Imaging and 3D Printing
When you opt for lingual braces, your Orthodontist will probably scan your teeth using a small wand that takes hundreds of pictures and stitches them together to create a 3D image of your teeth. Thus, with this in hand, your orthodontist has better tools to create your custom smile. Your orthodontist can also quickly send your smile file to the appropriate company for processing, thereby cutting down on production time.
Once your images are received for processing along with the prescription from your doctor for your brand new smile, your braces are ready to be fabricated. The first crucial step is to 3D print your smile file in order to create your custom fitted braces.
Who is a Good Candidate for Lingual Braces?
Every patient is a candidate for lingual braces, no matter how complex your situation may be. As a patient, it is important that you choose your orthodontist wisely. Find a true lingual braces expert if you choose to go with lingual braces. Only a lingual braces expert can understand the challenges of working with braces located on the inside surface of your teeth. Not all orthodontists even offer lingual braces. Ask if your orthodontist has worked with lingual braces before and if so, how frequently.
Finally, find an orthodontist today who has experience with lingual braces, and learn all about the different types of invisible braces on the market today. Accordingly, you can visit us and find out all you need to know to make sure you are in the hands of a lingual expert.
Lingual Braces (and the Role of Orthodontic Robots)
I feel very fortunate to have found a profession as rewarding as the field of Orthodontics! For over ten years, I have enjoyed creating custom, beautiful smiles for our family of patients. You can even find some of our loyal patients across the country and abroad!


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*10 years after the fall of the fire nation*
Quietly stepping into the corridor, stepping down the hall, quietly, very quietly. Aang comes to a corner, he slowly looks around, no-one is there. Staring confused he turns back only to have a seven foot spear swung at his head, the spear hits the wall with great force and is stuck, leaping up-ward Aang attacks swiftly, taking the earth bender down with great stealth. He runs quickly to the next hall, wondering if someone has heard him, they had, he turns the corner quickly.
Dashing tward the door with great speed he slams the door open, taking out 2 Earth benders that had happened to be standing there. Now cornered in the courtyard he turns quickly, he meets the eyes of four battle hardened earth benders, two of them were in green robes with the symbol of Dardoa, the new ruler of the earth kingdom. The other two didn't look right, something was wrong, he had seen them before, quickly exchanging glances one of them happened to wink. Aang had no idea what that meant but he was sure of one thing, they were on his side.
Aang wasn't sure what to do, he had to think quickly, they were coming at him, stepping closer and closer. As soon as he had time to think the two earth benders struck down one of their own in the Dardoa robe, the other managed to dodge it, he quickly took stance but by that time it was too late, we had him surrounded. With quick hands Aang struck him down with a single blow.
"We must leave!" said one of the earth benders
"they have spotted us!" yelled another.
The spotlights were on them now, they would be surrounded any minute if they didn't think of an idea. Quickly dashing for the door The second earth bender lifted his hands in the air swiftly, a huge boulder came swirling out of the ground and slammed into the door, jamming it.
"That should buy us some time but not for long" said one of the earth benders.
Aang didn't have time for a proper introduction, he had to get them all out, he quickly pulled out his bison whistle and blew in it with more power than ever before! Standing there confused the earth benders shrugged their shoulders.
"open up! We have you surrounded!" came a voice from inside the jammed hall door.
The Dardoa earth benders mashed the door with their newly found power of metal bending, they surrounded the three as Aang and the other prepared to fight a white spec in the horizon got closer.
Once it became clear it was appa Aang yelled "Over here buddy!" as Appa landed swinging his mighty tail he blew all the Dardoa away from the scene. Aang and the other quickly got on and yelling "Yip, yip!" the mighty beast soared away with fire balls in sight, but they were already out of range before they could land a single blow.
"I failed." Aang said in a quiet voice.
"Huh what do you mean?" said one of the earth benders, "You were their to help us right"?
Aang replied softly "I didn't save her, i shouldn't have left, she is still in there."
The earth bender replied quite hastily "You wern't there for us! Who then, who is more important! We have been there for so long! Waiting for you! now you say its a accident you came for us? Who did you come for then!"
Aang with a very soft and humbled voice replied "Katara."
The earth benders sat quietly, they felt like fools. They rode off into the horizon, sad and weary.


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Greg Bray
The scribbler behind the 'On a Lighter Note' column.
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Tag Archives: Lab Rat
Lesson of a Lifetime
Going to school was an education, but I also received some lessons I never forgot. Continue reading
Posted in On a Lighter Note... Tagged Lab Rat, Life Lessons, School Leave a comment


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Finding a Good Inbound Marketing Agency
Inbound marketing requires time. It needs much domain knowledge as well. It can be difficult for businesses to allocate crucial time and internal resources to know and implement social media and search engine optimization (to name just a couple) campaigns on their own. In these scenarios, businesses may hire a third-party agency to take care of their inbound marketing projects.
If you're in search of such an agency, below are the five major considerations for you to make:
The Right Fit
You won't get you more visitors by having a firm redesign your website. Many people think web design and inbound marketing agencies are one and the same, and though they are undoubtedly connected, they require two entirely different skills sets. Web design is design-centric, while inbound marketing is content-centric. To invite more traffic and leads, you must hire a company that provides traffic generation services, such as blogging and content creation, social media marketing, and search engine optimization and link building. The idea is to find certain an inbound marketing agency that has the exact capabilities that will help you achieve your marketing goals.
Clarity of Process
Social media case studies and content creation capabilities are valuable to a client, but even more so is the inbound marketing agency 's capacity to tie the inbound pieces together, creating a single comprehensive strategy. More importantly, these agencies must be able to explain their methodology as clearly as possible, to their potential clients. This indicates that the agency has delivered ROI to companies it has worked with in the past, and that it has what it takes to provide the same benefit to your company now.
Scientific Approach
Your potential agency's pitch should peppered with such terms as "benchmarks, "analytics," "metrics," and other similar words. Developments made toward your objectives must be measurable every step of the way, and a good inbound marketing agency will have the capacity to keep track of all campaigns and give you performance updates from time to time. There are things you want to achieve by hiring these professionals. Only scientific data can prove that they're doing their job.
Project Management Prowess
Inbound marketing is powered by the production of superior content intended for your dream prospects. Your inbound agency will be successful only if they can get inside your head to make that content and learn about your ideal leads. They will do things for you and make your life easier.
An Inbound-optimized Website
Finally, does the inbound marketing agency you're planning to hire, post on their blog regularly? How would you describe their own social media presence? Are the landing pages on their site optimized, and do they offer quality content on every page? A great inbound marketing agency must be its own emulation-worthy case study.


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Saturday, October 14, 2017
California becomes first state in U.S. to ban sale of puppy mill dogs in pet stores
Authored by Assembly member Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach), Assembly Bill 485 protects animals and consumers, and sets an important precedent for the rest of nation. The bill passed the CA legislature September 14.
To date, 36 jurisdictions in California – including the cities of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco – have enacted similar ordinances, and the signing of AB 485 makes California the first state in the nation to enact a statewide prohibition on pet store sales of dogs from puppy mills.
"This landmark law breaks the puppy mill supply chain that pushes puppies into California pet stores and has allowed unscrupulous breeders to profit from abusive practices," said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA.
"We're proud to be part of the coalition that worked alongside Assembly member Patrick O'Donnell to pass this critical animal protection bill, and thank the California legislature and Governor Brown for sending the clear message that industries supporting animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our society."
"By signing this groundbreaking bill, California has set an important, humane precedent for other states to follow," said Gregory Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. "We commend Governor Brown's signing of this lifesaving legislation to codify statewide what cities across California have already done to help put an end to the cruelty of pet mills."
"Californians recognize that pet stores enable the work of puppy mills, which cause suffering for dogs and heartbreak for consumers," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. "We are grateful to Governor Brown for putting his stamp of approval on a state policy to dry up funding for this inhumane industry."
"This is a significant milestone in easing the overcrowding of homeless animals in California shelters, relieving county budgets and stopping the abusive puppy mill industry," said Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. "We commend Governor Brown for signing AB 485 so California can continue to lead the country in the protection of animals and helping end the cruelty of commercial puppy mills once and for all."
"This legislation is a big step forward for animals in California," said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, President of the SF SPCA. "By signing AB 485, Governor Brown has helped stop pet mill cruelty and save the lives of rescue animals in San Francisco and across our state. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Governor Brown for his leadership on this issue."
California joins more than 230 cities, towns, and counties across the U.S. that have passed pet store ordinances to take a stand against allowing cruelly-bred animals to be sold in their communities. Despite enticing claims that they only source from licensed, humane or small-scale breeders, pet stores across the country are invariably supplying unsuspecting consumers with animals from puppy and kitten mills.
These facilities are designed to maximize profits at to the expense of the animals in their possession. Those animals are generally kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, or socialization.
Animals bred in these conditions may suffer severe health problems, including contagious and deadly diseases and congenital defects, as well as behavioral problems. AB 485 will help break the supply chain so that mill operations are unable to profit from their abusive practices.
This groundbreaking legislation has the enthusiastic support of a coalition of local and national animal welfare groups including the ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, the Humane Society of the United States, San Diego Humane Society, and San Francisco SPCA.
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Anyways, today I will be reviewing the Royal Honey Hydro Cream in collaboration with ibuybeauti's Beautifan team where we aim to give you our honest opinions on Korean beauty products.
Let's go!
This review was posted after using it religiously for 2 and a half weeks.
A hydrating treatment cream with royal black honey and royal jelly extracts that replenishes moisture and transforms skin into a nice honey-glazed complexion.
Royal Black Honey
Royal Black Honey is natural raw black honey from South Asian forests, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Royal Black Honey enriches with a myriad of nutrients that are amazingly good for the skin. (taken from the skinfood website)
After your essence or emulsion, scoop the desired amount and apply to your skin. Apply more on areas prone to dryness if you prefer. I personally use it after my toner. This moisturiser is also possible to be used as a sleeping pack due to its' "non-sticky" texture.
Net weight:
$26.99 at ibuybeauti
The Skinfood Royal Honey skincare line includes an ample, toner, eye cream, essence, emulsion and cream. If you like using honey as a base of your skincare routine, try looking at the line to find the product best suited to your needs. The Royal Honey makeup base line also exists to express the glowy makeup effect to reflect naturally hydrated skin.
Water, butylene glycol, cyclopentasiloxane, honey extract, glycerine, octydodecyl, myristate, glucose, hydroxyethyl urea, phyosteryubehenyu/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, royal jelly extract, BIS-PEG-18 methyl ether dimethyl silane, dimethiconol, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, beta-glucan, hydrolyzed viola tricolor extract, triethanolamine, yeast extract, carbomer, disodium edta, natto gum, tocopheryl acetate, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cosdium hyaluronate, hydrogenated lecithin, creatine, glycerophosphocholine, mannitol, sucrose laurate, ceramide 3, lyso lecithin, sodium, ascorbyl phosphate, methyparaben, phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI15985, parfum
I know many are very doubtful with parabens so I decided to look at methylparaben. According to CosDNA, it is a preservative with microbacterial properties, not irritating at all! Other ingredients do not appear to be harmful which is good, apart from triethanolamine that has a comedogenic rating of 2. That means it has a tendency to block the pores, forming blackheads. Natto gum is the ingredient that produces the "film" on the skin after application, something that I will talk about further along the review. There are a lot of emollients, normally found in moisturising creams.
For a honey-based cream, it applies incredibly smoothly. It feels extremely light on the skin but is hydrating enough for the winter time, which makes it versatile to use throughout all four seasons! However, this depends on how much you use. If you apply it a lot of the product as a sleeping mask, it will feel extremely sticky and uncomfortable due to the "film/barrier" that is left. It reminds me of the Laneige Sleeping Pack but that absorbs faster than this Royal Honey Hydro Cream. I don't mind the stickiness because you get glowy, moisturised skin the next day. I actually prefer this over the Laneige Sleeping Pack.
|applied as sleeping pack
Skinfood, along with Etude House, has very intricate packaging to match the star ingredient of the product. To symbolise honey, Skinfood has very smartly added an additional bee symbol on the top of the twist off cap.
The entire jar is coloured in yellow/gold, just like the colour of pure honey. The labels are "laminated" to keep them from peeling off upon contact with water, which annoys me when I use my skincare products in the bathroom. The back and bottom labels can be opened to reveal the ingredients list, description and application directions.
|Expires two years after manufacturing date
A cute addition to the otherwise plain jar is a small tag of a bee and information on the product in Korean. It is attached to an elastic band (that looks like a hairband) which you can take off, put on etc.
However, the jar is made of heavy glass making it impractical to bring when you travel because it will be prone to breaking. But that can be easily fixed by transferring product into a small container, which I will do when I fly to Seoul soon! Otherwise, I do enjoy the glass packaging because it gives off the feel of an expensive and high quality product. It also looks pretty on my table.
Some people might complain about the lack of a spatula to keep the product clean from dirty fingers. I usually wash my hands before applying my moisturiser.
Rather than looking like actual honey, the product is an off-white yellow colour.
It feels exactly like soft jelly which allows the product to absorb quickly into the skin, while leaving a moisture barrier to give off the "glowy" after effect.
It is a watery type of cream, but does not quickly absorb fully. Most of the product blends into the skin but a "moisture barrier" is left on top of the skin. The water-based cream applies like a breeze.
Royal honey is characterised to be able to provide immense moisture, trapping nutrients into the skin. It is also said to promote elasticity of the skin, tightening and firming.
Even though it is advertised as "non-sticky", I do not completely agree with it. It isn't entirely uncomfortable on the skin and mostly absorbs well into the skin, but the "glowy" after effect generated by the formula makes it slightly sticky. It will completely absorb within 10 minutes if you apply it lightly. A small 5 cent coin size is enough for my skin.
The best way to describe this would be a floral sweet scent. It does not smell like honey, it definitely smells more "perfumed" than organic honey. However the balance of sweet and floral harmonises well and I really enjoy applying this product.
General comments:
|Cream applied to skin in picture on the right (picture taken after 1 week of use)
In the beginning, I believe this product broke me out. But as I persevered, I discovered that it stopped. Some skincare products might initially result in break outs which is why I stress that you have to keep testing it to discover if it really is not working for your skin.
This cream will be great before you apply your base makeup as it can keep your face glowy like your favourite Korean entertainment star! It creates a lovely moisture barrier, locking in hydration (in turn minimising dry patches) and alternatively allowing your makeup to last longer. The slight stickiness, which gets completely absorbed after a while, can act as a firm to enable your makeup to adhere better to your skin.
Do I recommend it?
It works very well in moisturising my skin and consequently my dry patches have improved immensely. I do recommend this! But not if you want something light like a lotion.
Good for normal, dry, sensitive and combination skin.
This review was posted on Beautifan around two weeks ago and I only got time to post it on my blog now. I apologise for the delay.
What do you think of this cream? Have you tried it before?
Feel free to ask any questions if needed.
Until next time, annyeong~
*review was written as part of beautifan, a venture that gives you honest reviews on korean beauty products