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Guavas keep you hale and hearty
Guava also commonly known as Peru is a tropical fruit that's subtly acidic sweet in taste that intensifies as you eat your way to the center. Its scientific name is Psidium Guajava.
It is available throughout the year but found scarcely in summer season. Being very resilient, it gives a guaranteed crop even with very little care. It requires little amount of fertilizer, little irrigation and plant protection. It grows well in the backyard of home. Further its nutritive value is very high. Therefore, it is an ideal fruit for the nutritional security. In India, the best quality guavas are produced in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Allahabad region.
This somewhat round or pear-shaped, light green, yellow, or maroon in color fruit is very tasty, very yummy. It's appetizing; it has white or maroon flesh and lots of small hard seeds enveloped in very soft, sweet pulp. Eat it raw by sprinkling little salt and chili powder on its pieces. Oh it's mouthwatering.
The health benefits of guavas are unlimited. This popular fruit is a source of power of nutrients. If the traditional adage says that "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" in Europe and Americas, the phrase is probably changed to "A few guavas in the season keeps the doctor away for the whole year". Naturopaths advise eating guavas regularly.
Guava is very helpful for those who want to lose weight without compromising their intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber. It is very high in roughage and rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals, but it has no cholesterol and a low number of digestible carbohydrates. It is a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. In a related benefit to blood pressure mentioned above, an intake of guava can also help those patients who suffer from diabetes. The high level of dietary fiber in guava helps to regulate the absorption of sugar by the body, which decreases the chances of major spikes and drops in insulin and glucose in the body.
Guavas are extremely good sources of vitamin-A, which is well known as a booster for vision health. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and general health of the eyes. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even an improvement in eyesight once it has begun to degrade.
One of the most important benefits of guava is – its ability to inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. There have been numerous studies done in recent years on guava's effects primarily on prostrate cancer, breast cancer and oral cancers. Guava leaf oil is extremely successful as an anti-proliferative substance, and has actually been shown to be more effective than some leading modern medicines in reducing cancerous growth. Guavas are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to be wildly successful in reducing prostate cancer risk.
Guavas have the naturally high levels of vitamin C in them, which are four times higher than the levels found in an orange (the traditional vitamin C powerhouse) which boosts the immune system with its antioxidants. These are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body, which are one of the main causes of serious conditions like cancer and heart disease. Therefore, adding guava to your diet has numerous ways in which it helps you stay health and cancer-free. They are helpful to curb diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, cough, cold, skin care, high blood pressure, and scurvy. It has a good source of copper in it and therefore it helps balancing the thyroids as well. I suggest all of you to eat guavas in raw form to get the maximum benefit of it.
Ripened Guava – 2
Ripened Bananas – 2
1 small spoon mustard (mohari) powder
1 small spoon cumin (jeera) powder
Chopped coriander leaves
Pinch of Salt and 2 spoons of sugar for taste
Cut guavas and bananas into small pieces (after removing skin of bananas) add mustard powder, cumin powder, and little salt and 2 spoons of sugar together. Garnish the raita with coriander leaves and delicious raita is ready.
What are you waiting for? Go, get some guavas and enjoy eating them.


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Please take a moment to sign Anne's guest book and let her know what you think. Simply fill out the fields below (i.e., Author - THAT'S YOU!) to complete your post.
Over the past three days I have been reading through your book, always hungry for the next chapter, and eagar to find out the next stage of the plot. I have to admit there were times I was too fearful to put the book down; when I thought I was prepared to conclude my reading for the evening there was another plot twist and I of course, had to continue reading! (I read Romeo and Juliet much in the same way). I thank you for your work, and many hours of lost sleep! I'm looking forwards to your next book, whenever that may be!
I just finished reading your book Juliet and I have to tell you it is now my favourite book. It is definitely one of those books that I will definitely read again and again. I have to tell you that I usually read ahead in the books I am reading, but I did not with this one (which is a great feat for me) as I did not want to ruin any of your surprises to come. I was a bit sad to come to the end of the book and to put away the characters I came to love. I hope you have another great read ready for us soon!
I am almost done with your book and it is amazing!! You were able to mix history, literature, mystery and romance all into one amazing book. I am a big fan of history and Shakespeare so this book was my kind of book. I was so depressed when I found out that this was your only book. I really hoped that you had others out there!! Well I hope you continue to write because your style and characters are very real and gripping! I can't help, but love them! Thanks so much!!
I just finished reading your book for the second time (back to back !). The first time at a heart stopping pace because I couldn't to find out what happened and the second time to appreciate the significance, in another light, of many things that happened or that were said . It was an absorbing, intensely romantic , witty "thriller". Those words rarely if ever really belong in one sentence let alone aptly describe a book. I look forward to the next book!
Your book was amazing!!! I never wanted to put it down, and was sad when I'd finished and there was no more to read!!! You've got a brilliant way of writing, and I was gripped from the start, and I especially loved the way you're marriaged romance, action, history and a well known and loved story- Genious!!! Are you writing any more books?! I cannot wait to read the next one!!!
I ran across Juliet at Barnes & Noble on Oct 23. The title & story intrigued me. As I'm leary of buying a new book without ever having heard of either the title or the author before, I remembered the title to check at the library. I was very pleased to discover the library had it. I'm almost finished with it now and I have fallen utterly and completely in love with the book.
hi, i loved your book it made me laugh and cry. im a drama student and i have always loved romeo and Juliet and now i will never see the play again in the same way, i loved the romeo you created in the book in 1340 i think you gave him more of a character than Shakespeare did and you made him stronger. i was so sad when there was no pages left for me to read. i think ever girl would love a romeo like the one in your book! x
I have a question that is hunting me. Does Romeo cheat on Juliet with Rosalina. Or was that before he even meat Juliet that they wear together?
Love your book by the way!!!
with Love,
Hi! I really love Juliet. My teacher reccomend it for me and so she let me borrow hers and I'm reading it as my English report and I'm love with it so much!!! To me it's like a mixture of Dan Brown and Shakespeare;). Are you thinking about doing a sequel???!!!
My librarian recomended the advanced reader's edition to me. I loved it so much. I started it and couldn't put it down. I read it in one weekend. It was amazing, true literary genius.
Ciao..this is Gianluca from Milano-Italy
I red you fantastic book about Siena and Romeo and Juliet...since I visited Siena several times,I do know all the locations you explained in the book...I think Siena is the most beautifuk city among Italy...I hope you like Italy
I've really enjoyed reading your book "Juliet" and I found it very entertaining. I have some comments,though. The Siena Palio horse race takes place in the main square of the town only. It is a circular track and does not meander as you said in your book from one street to another. Furthermore, the riders from the various contrade ride bareback not on saddles. Other than these comments, I enjoyed reading the historic portions more than the modern ones.
Hey Anne, just wrote you something via Facebook, but your book was so amazing I can't stop thinking about the beautiful mind it came from so I looked up your homepage ! Again thank you for writing this book and putting so much work in it, I think it was probably the best book I read so far in my life. I'm a huge fan of Italy, especially my favourite city... Siena, and since my name is Julia, Shakespeare's story always fascinated me, so the story really touched my heart ! I hope to read many more stories brought to life by your writing ! Julia
Hej Anne, jeg har lige læst din bog og jeg syntes den er fantastisk! Du ha gjort Shakespear endu mere interessant og mine forfatter-drømme større. Jeg håber, at jeg en dag bliver lige så god som dig.
Kærligst Josefine
Hi! I contacted you before but I think the last I didn't put in my email. Anyway, My teacher allowed me to borrow her copy to read for a book project and I absolutely loved it!! My 17th birthday is coming up next and I was going to buy Juliet as my birthday present:). Will there be a sequel and will there actually be a movie???
I too loved your book! I can't believe that it's a debut novel for you! It was simply outstanding! I loved that it had so much to offer: romance, mystery, and historical fiction! I fell in love with it! Thank you for sharing your vision and for your wonderful world of Romeo Marescotti and Guilietta Tolomei!
Hi! This book was truly the best. I too can't believe that it is your 1st novel as it is really good. I only picked it up as i love Romeo and Juliet so much that i wondered what this book would be like and i have to say i was rather impresed. Well i had only got halfway through it and had half my friends byeing your book so they could read it and they to thought it was FAB. I also would love to know if there will be a sequel and i loved the book i would love to see this on the big screen.
Hello, I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the developping parallel plots written in different tones. I got a version from Harper Collins and what was realling striking me was the old German handwriting scripts on the cover pages. It is actually based on late medieval cursive writing and, I suppose, there are not many people able any more to read it.. I just think that some old Italian version of Shakespeare text would have looked nicer. Apart from that, I loved it and have read some passages at least three times. And I am finally learning Italian .. Thanks for the book! Best regards, Dana
I Loved It! I liked it so much I'm giving it for gifts for my reader friends for Christmas and I know they will love it also. There was enough detail to be interesting and not be overwhelming or boring. I love history and true love stories. Thank you so much for your part of the story. I will be watching out for more books by you. :)
Your book is truly amazing. I could not put it down and it had me gripped from begining to end. You have a real gift and I hope you write many more books. I was so disappointed when I finished your book and saw that it was your first I though I had stumbled upon a hidden gem and had plenty more books to read by you!
I just finished reading Juliet and have to say I think it was one of the best books, if not thee best book I've ever read. I am an avid (if not addictive) reader of a variety of different genres. You writing style drew me in as if I was really there..it was poetic and endearing. Your characters were relatable and lovable (or hatable) and the story flowed smoothly, with twists and turns and of course, which we all desire, a happy ending. I have recommended your book to my friends/family, librarian (who I was shocked had not read it yet) and everyone I could think of.
I am looking forward to your next book. This story would also make a great movie!
Congratulations on your success of Juliet and please - keep writing!
THank you.
Michele Kogan
I want to thank the heavens for the talent they have bestowed on you! This is an incredible novel that I just can't seem to put down. I KNOW once done, I will open it and read it again. You make the characters come alive in a way I haven't read in quite some time. Thank you..thank you...THANK YOU!
It's 2:56 am and I have just finished your book. I could not put it down; it was absolutely amazing. I am a picky reader, and tend to only go for authors I know, or books that have been suggested to me by friends. I am pretty sure this was the first book I have ever picked up in the bookstore where I had never heard of the title or the author, but immediately knew it was one I had to have. I was definitely not disappointed! I look forward to reading more novels by you in the future; congratulations on your success!
Juliet was a great book, it really should become a movie!
hi, i just read juliet and it was the best book i have ever read and i was wondering how much is true?
Your book is what I have been reading for until 5 am insted of studing for my exams!
Thank you for writing something so good!
Jovana Cvetkovic
Journalism student from Serbia
When will you write another book?
Of course, as good as a Juliet.
Have a nice day.
Wow! I am sure you have heard this all before but this book has consumed me ( in a good way). I am a ninth grade student so we are required to read Romeo and Juliet the play. When I first read it I really did not like it, I just could not relate to Romeo or Juliet so I did not under stand their actions. Soon after my friend, who was obsessed with the play recommended this book. At first I was very hesitant to read it, but when I started I could not stop. Because of this amazing book I am going to take another look at the play Romeo and Juliet and I really think I will enjoy it much more. Thank you so much!
Anne Fortier
I can't describe what I felt when I was reading your book, was wonderful.
God bless you for have such a great gift writing.
I realy whant to see Juliet in a Theater soon.
Loved Juliet, it was _so_ much fun, the historical parts as much as (if not more than) the contemporary.
Such a humorous, interesting voice you have. Great use of language!
I have a beef with Umberto for not teaching the girls Italian as they were growing up. I suppose Aunt Rose would not have allowed it, but he should have, anyway, in secret. Lol!
Very much enjoyed the photos, too, but glad I looked at them after reading the book and not before.
Thanks so much--eagerly awaiting your next book!
hi i am the girl melissa grant speaks of. This was the first book i got on my nook. It was amzing! i could not put it down! I love Romeo and Juliet and your book makes shakespeares version awful!
p.s i loved how you named her Guilietta
I read your book at a time where escape was necessary and I fell in love. The story was beautifully told and I greatly anticipate your next novel.
I also wanted to say that your book was part of my inspiration while I attempt to get my own novel through the processes towards publication.
"Juliet" is the best and the most wonderful book, I have ever read!!
Anne, you are the best!!
Thanks a lot from austria,
talvez nao entenda portugues..mas achei seu livro completamente fabuloso..perfeito jamais vira algo tao exitante e viciante me levando a horas dentro do meu quarto para ler julieta..ou deveriamos dizer giulietta ..nossa é o melhor livro..parabens
Hi, I am brasilian and I loved Julieta is perfect!
I could not stop reading... Julieta is in my heart and is at the top of my favorite books , i'm in love!
Thank you for giving us such a wonderful book.
Sorry not write well in English...
Hello Miss Fortier
I'm sorry, I got the wrong button ^^
I just want to say, that i really really enjoyed reading "Juliet". I'm german but I bought the book in english, which i think was a good decision. It's a long time ago that i was so thrilled by a book. I couldn't stop reading it :]
I love how you played with the Shakespears story. It's very brave from you, to rewrite a classic like this.
I hope to read soon some new books of yours.
All the best!
Dear Ms. Fortier,
In my short life so far, I have read many books. I must say, whether it is because I have grown in the past few months in terms of maturity or because I simply adore a good love story anytime, your story "Juliet" has blown my mind away.
This book has the perfect blend of romance, action, spunk, and comedy. Your use of similes and metaphors in addition to wonderful symbolism gives the book the perfect balance. I especially love the informal dialogue of the characters. All in all, this book has a good hook on practically every page.
Very well done!
I have always been fascinated with Italy and your writing brought it to life. I could see it all in my mind. Thank you for a wonderful treasure of a book. Now please go write another one.
I loved your book "Julieta". The best book. Tanks
Dear Ms. Fortier,
There are so many books out right now that delve into "modern interpretations" of the classic "Romeo and Juliet", but your book takes this idea to a whole new level! "Juliet" is beautifully written and I can only hope that a potential movie can live up to your literary brilliance!
Eagerly awaiting future novels from you :)
- Georgia (Australia)
Really enjoyed your book Juliet. I have always loved Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet, and your very original book has been a joy to read. The characters of Juliet/Janice were interesting and so different yet there was a bond undefiable. I liked Alessandro and though he appeared the villian, I felt he was the ultimate Romeo , Thank you again for a great read. I will be recommending it too my friends.
yours sincerely
Tracey Thomas
Kære Anne
TUSINDE tak for en helt fantastisk roman. Jeg elskede den fra start til slut. Den fik mig både til at grine og græde, og selvom jeg kun netop har læst sidste side, savner jeg allerede personerne og hele stemningen. Jeg anser ikke mig selv for at være udpræget romatisk, men hold da op, din historie er simpelthen SÅ romantisk at jeg endnu svæver på en lyserød sky. Tak for en skøn historie, og tak fordi du har lært mig Siena at kende.
Venlige hilsner
Elle, DK
I can't believe this book actually exists. I finished reading it half an hour ago, and I had the feeling that the story itself had been waiting all this time to be written, and there you were, dear Anne, patiently waiting with your quill. Thank you for having written it. The story is the very embodiment of love, with the finest threads of human nature weaved into it. Passion, curse, faith, hope - they're all perfectly intertwined in a perfect mixture of 'pazzia'. You wrote the book, but now it has the life of its ownI hope you will visit Serbia eventually, and I know I speak on behalf of your readers.
Thank you for such a beautiful story! It embodied everything that I look for in a novel. I can't wait to see it someday on the big screen. I also anticipate more of your writing in the future.
Olá,or better hello!
I loved your book and it made me cry twice, do not believe that this book really exists and I would like to see him in cinema. You got to hold my attention and made me want to be Giulietta, and do I want to know Italy. This book contains passion, a love that surpassed the centuries. Let me read a second volume of "Juliet" because you managed to unite the old Romeo and Juliet with present by giving you the final that everyone dreamed of.
I'm your eternal fan of Brazil.
Good luck in your future, and and his next book
This is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. It kept me captivated from the first page through to the end - and it was a great ending! It had every element I enjoy reading in a book and written with such eloquent style and grace. Thank you for a wonderful book! I look forward to whatever your working on in the future.
What a thrill traveling with Julie to Siena through your magical words! I was captured by the scene in Maestro Lippi's workshop where the Maestro tells Julie about Romeo's (Alessandro's) anguished visits.
"It is always late at night…he comes here and sits down to look at her." page 124.
I love this line because… Destiny meant their lives to intertwine, for Alessandro is in love with a Giulietta he thought he would never know, yet in his heart, he is ready for the real Giulietta to walk into his life—to fulfill the legacy faithful through the centuries.
Anne, If we could score the soundtrack for the movie, I found the perfect song for the loggia scene when Giulietta awakens at 3am and Alessandro is gone. The lyrics and music match almost flawlessly with the unfolding action—from the time she sees Alessandro and Umberto, grabs the book and vial, pulls off the ring and scrambles over the balcony, races down the gravel driveway with Alessandro chasing her, to finally when she climbs over the gate and races off on the Ducati. Love it!
I wasn't able to get on Facebook to enter the Juliet contest that way, so I hope my email I just posted to you here may still enter me. Posted 1:45 pm PST. I can't stop rereading Juliet. Thank you!

subset: commoncrawl


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After attaining global recognition as one of the topmost universities, Andhra University continues to shine on. Adding to the list is the recent award from the National Assessment and Accreditation Committee (NAAC). The varsity has been honored with a A Grade, with a score of 3.6.
AU now stands second only after Jadavpur Universities among all the state universities and 4th among the varsities in the country. JNU and HCU continue to the lead in the front.
This is also the third consecutive time that AU has received A -Grade. Seven criteria were taken into consideration in totality for grading purposes. However, it must be pointed out that AU's score did slip a notch in terms of points as it had previously scored 3.65 out of 4.
Celebrating the fete on Saturday, HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao stated that the NAAC committee had also made certain recommendations such as incorporation of travel, tourism and hospital management courses and courses in missile technology. According to the minister, NAAC also suggests that the teachers at AU must be taught to use ICT techniques for teaching, establishment of finishing institute to promote employability skills, strengthening of attached campuses with reference to infrastructure and teaching facilities, and promoting institutional collaboration both at the national and international level.


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Who Are We?
Alex Johnson - Administrative Assistant
Alex is our receptionist here at Blossomtree. She organises appointments, takes care of payments and rebates and will do her best to answer any questions you have for her.
Alex tries her best to make the waiting room a fun place and encourages everyone to draw some pictures, read a book or even challenge kids to a game of UNO if she's not too busy. When she isn't at work, Alex loves to play in music groups around Ballarat.
Michelle Taylor - Clinical Psychologist
Michelle (Chelle) Taylor is a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience working in government departments and community service organisations in remote rural and regional centres in Western Australia and Victoria. Chelle specialises in the provision of therapy to infants, children, adolescents and families who have experienced disruption in the development of attachment in primary care relationship and/or developmental trauma such as abuse and neglect.
Chelle is committed to providing family inclusive, client centred services to her clients. Working with the child in the context of their family or care relationships is an essential approach for Chelle in her work with children and adolescents. Years of working with involuntary clients has given Chelle a real skill in engaging children and young people reluctant to participate in "therapy". Child clients and their families have often commended Chelle on her ability to put clients at ease, establish safe therapeutic space for children to address difficult issues and to support and manage these competently.
The ChildTrauma Academy acknowledges that Chelle has completed Neurosequential Model of Therapeutic NMT Training Certification through the Phase II level. Chelle's practice and interventions are informed by her expertise in neurodevelopment and children. During 2012 and 2013 Chelle, together with Dr Bruce Perry of the ChildTrauma Academy and Annette Jackson Take Two Directory at Berry Street, co facilitated the Australasian NMT Case Based Training Series an online training program in NMT. Between 2010 and 2014 Chelle led Berry Street's Take Two program in its certification and implementation of NMT.
In 2013 Chelle was awarded a Creswick Foundation Fellowship, which enabled her to travel to the United States and Canada during 2014 and explore neurodevelopmentally informed interventions to treat trauma and attachment disruption in infants, children and adolescents. Chelle kept a blog during her time overseas and is yet to complete this so more blogs are to follow. Chelle's blog can be found here https://mycreswickfellowshiptour.wordpress.com/ and the report Chelle tabled to the Creswick Foundation can be downloaded from https://www.childhoodinstitute.org.au/resources/not-isolation-importance-relationships-and-healing-childhood-trauma
If you have trouble downloading Chelle's paper and would like a copy, please email firstname.lastname@example.com and we can email it to you.
Chelle is a trained Narrative Therapist and also uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Therapy, Mindfulness, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, and Solution Focussed Therapy in her work.
Chelle is also an accredited facilitator of the Tuning into Kids Emotion Coaching group therapy based program and the Holyoake Drumbeat Program for social and emotional development in children.
Chelle is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a registered provider with Medicare.
Jess Sewell - Clinical Psychologist
Jess is a registered Clinical Psychologist who has completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Jess has previously been working with infants, children, adolescents, and their families within the child protection system for over six years. Through her previous role as the Therapeutic Specialist within a community service organisation Jess has developed expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a large range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and a comprehensive understanding of complex trauma, attachment and behavioural problems for children of all ages.
Jess is passionate and committed to providing a space where children, parents and families can feel safe, listened to, and supported to work together towards mutually agreed goals. Working from a child-focussed and strengths based perspective with children and their families, Jess helps children to recognise their strengths and develop their skills, while supporting their family to understand their child's needs and support them.
Jess has strong skills in engaging children and adolescents who may be hesitant to seek help or speak to a "therapist". She strongly believes in the importance of providing a personally tailored approach and ensuring that a trusting, supportive and honest relationship is formed between herself and those she works with.
Jess draws on evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Play Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Family therapy in her work, and works from an attachment and trauma informed perspective.
Jess also has significant experience and expertise in training, educating and supporting parents and carers, as well as teachers and other staff who care for, and work with, children who have complex needs.
Jess is a member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a registered provider with Medicare.
Prue Allan - Psychologist
Prue is a registered Psychologist who has completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Prue has always had a keen interest in learning tools that improve people's wellbeing and quality of life. Before becoming a psychologist, Prue taught mindfulness techniques, mediation, relaxation and yoga to children, adolescents and adults for over 16 years.
Over the last two and a half years, Prue has provided psychological treatment and conducted psychological, cognitive, academic and behavioural assessments for children and adolecents within school and community based settings. Prue values working collaboratively with children, adolescents and their families on a range of issues including depression and anxiety, parenting, trauma, attachment, emotional distress, behavioural regulation and coping and adjustment difficulties.
With a calm and practical approach, Prue strives to create a relaxed, supportive environment for children and their caregivers, enabling them to feel comfortable to explore thoughts and emotions in relation to challenges they may be facing. Prue's authentic, down to earth and gentle nature enables her to connect and relate well to children, and helps her establish a good rapport with those she works with. Prue tunes in to the needs of the client and their families making them feel heard, respected and validated.
Prue understands the importance of working together with kids, their families (or care givers) in order to determine which therapeutic approaches may fit their personality, culture, values, goals and strengths. Her treatment approach encompasses creative and developmentally appropriate strategies to foster healthy brain development, emotional connection and self-worth. She aims to promote psychological and emotional understanding and provide tools for families and children to develop life skills, promote healthy and adaptive living behaviours and fulfil emotional and practical needs.
Prue draws on a range of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness and strength focused therapies.
Prue is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and a registered provider with Medicare.
Bonnie Hendriks - Clinical Psychologist
Bonnie is a registered Clinical Psychologist who has completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Registrar program. Bonnie has worked within secondary schools and community based settings for the past 2 and a half years, providing psychological treatment and a range of cognitive, academic and behavioural assessments for children, adolescents and adults. She has gained experience in diagnosis and treatment of a range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, difficult behaviours, complex trauma and disordered attachment.
Bonnie is passionate about integrating innovative ways to engage with children and provide a personalized experience of therapy. By completing training in art and play therapy and Animal Assisted interventions, Bonnie continues to develop skills to provide a tailored experience of therapy. Bonnie completed her training as an Animal Assisted Psychotherapist in February 2017, and provides interventions with her co-therapist, Harlow.
During sessions, Bonnie aims to provide a space of compassion and understanding, in which children of all ages can feel safe to express and process their personal experience, and develop a greater understanding of their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Bonnie understands the importance of providing a holistic approach to working with children, which involves close communication, psychoeducation and skills building with all important members of a child's support system.
Bonnie draws on evidence-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Art and Play Therapy, and works from a trauma informed perspective.
Bonnie is a registered provider with Medicare.
Meriana Kora - Psychologist
Meriana is a registered psychologist who has completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. She has spent the last two years completing her training in university and private clinic settings as well as in a public hospital setting. She has gained experience working with children, adolescents, and their families.
Meriana has provided extensive cognitive and academic assessments to children and adolescents to aide in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of mental health concerns. She has provided therapeutic interventions to children and adolescents to help manage behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and complex trauma backgrounds.
Meriana is passionate about integrating evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness into a trauma informed framework. When working with children and their families, she understands the importance of creating an environment where both can feel comfortable to share how they are feeling and what they are thinking.
Her approach is sympathetic and considerate, ensuring to create an environment that is conducive to building a strong relationship with her clients as the basis of treatment. She believes strongly in collaborating with families and empowering them with the skills to build on the progress made within sessions. Meriana strives to provide a tailored approach to meet individual needs and differences in strengths, values and goals.
Meriana is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and a registered provider with Medicare.
Denver & Cally - Therapy Dogs
Denver and Cally are Chelle's canine co-therapists. In August 2016, Denver became a certified Therapy Dog after a long week of training and having to sit some practical exams.
Denver is a 3 year old chocolate Labrador. Denver has been at the clinic since he was 8 weeks old, and together with Chelle, is trained to an Advanced Level of Animal Assisted Therapy and Canine Interventions with Lead the Way Psychology and Animal Assisted Therapy and Alpha Canine Professionals. Denver loves people, (children especially!) and can be very excitable and he can sometimes forget that he's at work. You can tell when Denver is excited because he wags his whole body! Denver has his favourite spot on the couch and is likely to curl up alongside you and go to sleep while you pat him, sometimes even with his head in your lap.
Cally is a 2 year old black Labrador. She didn't have the best start to life, and people didn't treat her very nicely. In fact like lots of the kids Chelle sees, Cally was in Foster Care, but in 2017 Chelle adopted her and brought love back into her life. Chelle and Cally have worked really hard on learning to trust each other and work together. Cally's favourite things are; pats, playing with her brother Denver, pats, toys and pats. Did we mention she loves pats? Cally hasn't sat her Therapy Dog exam yet, but she is learning fast and will soon do the extra training needed to get her Therapy Dog qualifications and coat like Denver.
Denver and Cally come to work with Chelle most days and when she is at work, they are always in Chelle's office. Sometimes they will come into reception to say hello on their way outside for a break or coming back inside from a break. Denver and Cally have a big crate in the office so they have somewhere to go and have a rest but also somewhere safe to be if you don't want them to be part of your appointment or if you might be scared of them.
If you don't want Denver or Cally to be a part of your sessions with Chelle, be sure to let her know, or get your Mum and Dad to tell them, and they will make sure Denver or Cally are safely in their crate.
Harlow- Therapy Dog
Harlow is Bonnie's canine co-therapist! Harlow is a 2 year old Golden Retriever. He became a certified Therapy Dog in February 2017, when he was just 6 months old, and has been working with Bonnie ever since in both a secondary school and private practice.
Harlow is very gentle and calm (maybe even a little bit lazy)! Harlow really loves going to work with Bonnie so he can spend time with children and adolescents and have lots of pats and cuddles! He is very loving and sensitive to the mood of others, and will curl up close if you need cheering up.
Harlow needs to go for walks regularly and welcomes pats from those he sees in the office! If you don't want to work with Harlow, or don't want him close, let us know and we will let him have some time off in his crate.
If you would like to keep up to date with Harlow, you can find him on his very own Instagram account, harlowthetherapydog.


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|MapTile-Packs Creator (TrekBuddy derivate)
|Written by Nicolas Gramlich
|Friday, 29 May 2009 12:30
Hello Community,
Random303, a member of andnav.org has modified the popular TrekBuddy-AtlasCreator-Tool that it is able to output MapTile-Packs for AndNav2.
You can download both, the executables and the sources from the links below.
Best Regards,
|Last Updated on Friday, 29 May 2009 13:53


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Cree launched the industry's first lighting class LED array this April. It helps in reducing overall system cost by combining superior efficacy, ease of design and manufacture.
Features and USP: Cree XLamp CXA2011 LED array is designed to deliver smooth light output and consistent colour needed for applications such as omni-directional bulbs or directional downlights. It is a plug and play solution with the right combination of brightness, efficacy and colour consistency with real world 85 C specifications. It also helps customers to quickly create a broad range of LED based designs. It is easy to use screw mounts with it, thus simplifying the manufacturing and design process by eliminating the need for complex design specific engineering and reflow soldering. The CXA2011 LED array can deliver up to 4000 lumens at an operating temperature of 85 C (1A, 5000 K) in a single component. It is available in 2-step and 4-step options, delivering the industry's tightest LED to LED colour consistency—reducing system complexity and making light source selection as easy as specifying a colour temperature.
For further details: Shyam Mishra, sales manager, India, Cree HK Ltd, India Branch; Ph: +91-9811800940; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.cree.com


text:
In Part 1 I discussed creating a custom data collector based off of one of the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) canned reports. For Part 2 I will create a SQL Server Reporting Service (SSRS) report that runs off of the Management Data Warehouse (MDW) and queries my custom collector data to build a nice graph of my top tables.
The first thing I needed was a way to connect to my MDW from my reporting server instance. Since I wanted to set up my report to be an email subscription, which means I had to have stored credentials on my SSRS server. I created a new custom sql login on my SQL Server instance where my MDW database lived. I gave it read-only or db_datareader role on that database and then verified it and then started working on the queries I wanted to run.
In the previous post I created a new collector that created a table with stats for all the tables in my database. If I look in my MDW database I now have a new table under the custom_snapshots schema with data from my new collector.
The table now has the basic stats for the database tables being monitored. Including Schema,tablename,row_count,reserved,data,index_size, unused, the collection_time and snapshot_id (this gets incremented every time the collector runs so you can distinctly identify collections).
The following query will give me a snapshot of the top ten tables as of the last collection time.
select top 10 tablename,row_count FROM [MDW].[custom_snapshots].[table_stats] Where
databasename='AdventureWorksDW2008' AND snapshot_id = (select MAX(snapshot_id) from
[MDW].[custom_snapshots].[table_stats] ) order by row_count desc
Switching gears I can now open up BIDS and create a new reporting services project. You can use the wizard if you so choose or add things manually, I won't show that here but there are plenty of sites on how to get started with SSRS. For this example I want a chart, see here for a good tutorial Tutorial: Adding a Bar Chart to a Report (Report Designer).
Next in Business Intelligence Studio (BIDS) create a new project for your MDW Reports.
Whether using the wizard or creating datasource, datasets, and reports separately the key is that I will need all three for this example. (hint: the wizard will step you through creating these three things in case you get confused).
For my datasource I want to use the readonly account I created and granted access to my MDW database earlier.
Next I create a new dataset against that datasource with my query see above.
Now I need a new report (in this case I did not use the wizard). Once I have my report area visible in design view I can add a chart. I chose Bar chart for this example.
Fill in the chart data with the appropriate columns from your data set.
I added enable scale breaks to the horizontal axis since a few tables are much larger than others so it looks nicer.
Lastly I preview the report to make sure it looks right.
Now I can deploy it to my SSRS server if I want. Once there I can setup a subscription to email the report to whomever I want on whatever schedule I want. For my final report in my case I wanted a weekly report that showed table growth over time. So I had to adjust the query and chart accordingly. It now looks like this one except or course mine has numbers and labels on it.


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10 Best Gifts For Her
Under £25
The best gift ideas always come from the heart. Whether you're buying for a friend, your partner, your mother or your daughter, it's important to get her a gift that she'll really treasure.
We've put together a collection of our favourite gifts for her that don't break the bank. From personalised jewellery to a Grow Your Own Cocktail Kit, there's something for everyone at notonthehighstreet.com.
'You Look Lovely Today' Canvas Pouch by Alphabet Bags
Set Of Four Personalised Drinks Coasters by Instajunction
Personalised Pastel Stretch Bead Bracelet by Lily Belle
Personalised Drinks Measure Wine Glass by Becky Broome
Best Friend Advert Poem Print by Bespoke Verse
Personalised Silver Plated Teaspoon by The Cutlery Commission
Butterfly Scarf by Lisa Angel
Grow Your Own Cocktail Garden by Plant Theatre
Triple Letter Disc Necklace by J&S Jewellery
'Gym And Tonic' Tote Bag by The Joy of Ex Foundation
Find more gifts for her on our website now.
Like the plaque about the friend advert very much.
I love buying presents for people that I would like to receive myself! I will be buying from you! But will need to buy two of everything!
Winow shopping for Christmas (dread thought!) and will be back for the friend plaque
Really nice suggestions
The friend plaque is an absolute must for my bestie.
love the triple letter necklaces, perfect gifts. I also adore the customised star necklaces choices choices !


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MAXDATA belongs to the largest hardware producers in Europe. The company has gained this position above all thanks to its clear business model. The business model is based mostly on three principles:

Concentration on the business clientele: The range of products and services MAXDATA offers is exclusively oriented to the requirements of the business clientele. One essential reason for MAXDATA's attractiveness in this market is its leadership in BTO/BTC production. BTO production allows IT systems to be configured to customers' individual needs in best time at standard costs.
Indirect sales structure: MAXDATA sells its products exclusively through a broad network of highly qualified sales partners. Thus, MAXDATA ensures an excellent service and consultation quality, realizes a high market penetration and can quickly adapt its range of products and services to changed market needs.
Two-brand strategy: MAXDATA serves the market with two successful brands which are independent of each other: MAXDATA for servers, notebooks, and PC systems and Belinea for TFT displays and CRT monitors. Both brands represent high quality and products which meet individual needs.

1987 MAXDATA Computer GmbH is founded by Holger Lampatz. With a turnover target of 8 million EUR after five years, the company sells monitors and graphics cards to the trade.
1990 Start of production of personal computers. 40 employees generate a turnover of 22 million EUR.
1991 MAXDATA introduces the monitor brand "Belinea". The business year closes with a turnover of 31 million EUR.
1992 MAXDATA adds own notebooks to its product range. Five years have passed since the company was founded: 70 employees achieve a turnover of 51 million EUR.
1994 MAXDATA is market leader for monitors in Germany only four years after introduction of the monitor brand Belinea.
The company achieves certification according to ISO 9001.
Metro AG indirectly acquires a 51 percent holding in MAXDATA through VOBIS Microcomputer AG: the turnover rises to 99 million EUR.
1995 The first foreign sales company is founded in Austria and marks the begin of sales activities throughout Europe. The turnover rises to 195 million EUR.
1996 MAXDATA starts operating in Switzerland. The total turnover for the group now amounts to 344 million EUR.
1997 MAXDATA acquires Peacock AG and launches sales companies in Great Britain and the Netherlands. Turnover in the 10th year of business now runs at 593 million EUR.
1998 After successful restructuring, Peacock AG is sold to Actebis Holding GmbH at the end of the year. 571 employees achieved a total turnover of 856 million EUR.
Metro AG transfers its indirect investment in MAXDATA to CBA Computer Handels- und Beteiligungs mbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of DIVACO Beteiligungs AG.
1999 As of January 1st, MAXDATA purchases the production and real estate of VOBIS Microcomputer AG in Würselen, near Aachen.
Reorganization of the MAXDATA group, with MAXDATA AG as the group holding. On September 9th, the company is quoted on the "Neuer Markt". The number of employees rises to 1,205 due to the take-over of the VOBIS production. Turnover rises to 1.116 billion EUR in the year of the IPO. A new sales company is established in France.

2000 The reorganization of the group is concluded. The number of employees rises to 1,305. MAXDATA shuts down the OEM business, i.e. the production of hardware for other trademarks. As a result, turnover falls to 952,2 million EUR, in spite of the increase in the core business.
2001 System conversion to SAP/R3 throughout the group helps to slim down procedures and leads to improved throughput times in the BTO/BTO production. Furthermore, the provision of a uniform framework enables decisive progress to be made in the internationalization of the group. 1,222 employees achieved a turnover of 752 million EUR.
2002 National subsidiaries are established in Spain and Poland.
2003 The MAXDATA share is admitted to the "Prime Standard". MAXDATA expands its international sales activities evenfuther: A new sales company starts business in Italy.
2004 Employment pact ensures competitiveness: The employees agree extending the working hours to 41 hours a week for the same salary and are forgoing two vacation days.
2005 MAXDATA achieves the highest sales volume ever with servers, desktops and notebooks as well as Belinea TFT displays. This success is confirmed by the the market research institute GfK: With a 10 percent share of the total monitor market, Belinea is market leader in Germany – and has been already for 10 years!
The hardware manufacturer invests in a new picking facility at the production site Würselen in order to increase its production capacity. Thanks to the new plant, MAXDATA can now produce up to 600 computers per hour.
2006 MAXDATA is expanding abroad: The company focuses on the distribution in order to open new markets in Europe. It is now represented via this distribution channel in Sweden and Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Russia as well as in Turkey. MAXDATA products are now available in 27 countries.
In conjunction with Microsoft, MAXDATA founds the project "IT-Brücke" (viz IT bridge) in order to support social and cultural organizations with hardware and software.


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3/12 at 12:50 p.m. Justin Roger Dall, 36, of Oak Street, was issued a summons by Officer Jason McCarthy on Federal Street on a charge of criminal mischief.
3/12 at 1:22 p.m. Mark Wethli, 62, of Maine Street, was issued a summons by Officer Jason McCarthy on Station Avenue and Union Street on a charge of operating a motor vehicle over 150 days.
3/15 at 11:05 a.m. Bert Herbert Smith IV, 43, of Maquoit Road, was issued a summons by Officer Paul Plummer on Simpsons Point Road and Pennell Way on a charge of harvesting short shellfish.
3/16 at 8:33 a.m. Karen R. Frost, 43, of Shea Street, was issued a summons by Officer Gretchen Paxton on Federal Street on charges of operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
3/18 at 3:46 a.m. Timothy Patrick Fraser, 41, of Heath Street, was issued a summons by Officer Daniel Herbert on Mill Street on charges of burglary and theft by unauthorized taking or transfer.
3/13 at 11:37 a.m. Echo L. Alexander, 27, of Middle Street, Bath, was arrested by Officer Paul Plummer on Gleed Drive on charges of criminal mischief, domestic violence assault, domestic criminal threatening, sale and use of drug paraphernalia and unlawful possession of scheduled drug.
3/14 at 7:12 p.m. Stephen A. Gemme, 41, no address given, was arrested by Officer Julia Gillespie on Cumberland Street on a charge of violating condition of release.
3/15 at 1:08 p.m. David N. Biron, 34, of Grove Street, Lewiston, was arrested by Officer Thomas Garrepy on Bath Road on two warrants.
3/16 at 1:08 p.m. Robert Alan Smith, 42, of Woodland Drive, was arrested by Officer Kenneth Bailey on Federal Street on charges of domestic violence assault and violating condition of release.
3/16 at 1:13 p.m. Stephen Beaulieu, 18, of Harpswell Islands Road, was arrested by Officer Thomas Stanton Jr. on School Street on a warrant.
3/17 at 1:25 a.m. Alex Greenlaw, 26, of Montsweag Road, Woolwich, was arrested by Officer Edward Yurek on Bath Road on a charge of operating under the influence.
3/17 at 8:23 p.m. Kristifer Groves, 19, of Brookward Court, Lisbon Falls, was arrested by Officer Kristian Oberg on Bath Road on a warrant.
3/17 at 8:53 p.m. William S. Deetjen, 68, of Woodford Street, Portland, was arrested by Officer Robert Lane Jr. on Pleasant Street and Church Road on a charge of operating under the influence.
Reefer refuse
3/12 at 5:52 p.m. A Collinsbrook Road resident reported someone had dumped trash bags on his property. The bags were reportedly full of the remnants of marijuana plants.
Pick on someone your own size
3/14 at 1:07 p.m.A Perryman Drive resident reported seeing children allegedly kicking a puppy and picking it up by the neck. A police officer contacted the children's parents and reportedly told them to teach the kids more appropriate ways to play with the puppy.
Gone clubbin'
3/14 at 5:03 p.m. A Harpswell Road resident reported finding a billy club on the property. The resident was advised to bring the club in, but never did.
Robber bikers
3/17 at 11:22 a.m. Someone reported seeing a man with a mask behind Big Top Deli on Maine Street. After donning his mask, the man reportedly put on a motorcycle helmet and got ready to ride his motorcycle, which he had parked behind the deli.
Fire calls
3/13 at 3:31 p.m. Suspicious activity on Bath Road.
3/14 at 11:32 a.m. Vehicle crash on River Road.
3/15at 4:32 p.m.Vehicle crash on James Street.
3/16 at 1:32 p.m. Fire on Main Street, Freeport.
3/18 at 4:17 p.m.Burn permit on Greenwood and Church roads.
Brunswick emergency medical services responded to 45 calls from March 12 – 18.


text:
The Stunning Subaru XV
When designing the stunning Subaru XV, we threw everything at it. From the latest in driving technology to it's innovative safety features. And with a cutting edge SUV design, it looks stylish in any colour. Even mud.
EyeSight® Drive Assist Technology is standard in the all new XV, and of course like all our Subarus, so is the legendary All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engine.
Book a test drive with your local Subaru Authorised Dealer now.
Check out the reviews for the new Subaru XV here and watch how our most stunning Subaru yet even makes mud look good here.
Key features & specifications
Audio controls
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel for drive ease
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
A second pair of eyes that monitors the road ahead for any dangerous situations
Rear Reversing camera
Rear reversing camera with display for safer reversing
Push button
Keyless entry and push button start for convenience
Bluetooth® handsfree calling. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ through USB connection.
Rear reversing camera | Heated front seats (premium)| 60/40 split folding rear seats | Cloth or leather upholstery | Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel | 8" touch screen | LCD Multi-function Display | EyeSight® Preventative Safety Technology | Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning | Electronic Park Brake | Keyless entry with push button start | X-Mode | Apply CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ |
A hue that's you
0d0d0bCrystal Black Silica
ebebeeCrystal White Pearl
152436Dark Blue Pearl
262626Dark Grey Metallic
6993b9Cool Grey
dfdfdfIce Silver Metallic
284586Quartz Blue Pearl
d9722dSunshine Orange
a51528Pure Red
AMI and NZ Autocar 2017 Car of the Year Class Winner


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The Most updated Information on Legal Marijuana & USA Regulation
With the help of the United States Chief Law Officer Jeff Sessions, cannabis supplies went down considerably after increasing 40% in November leaving behind many real estate investors with losses slightly from gains. Earlier this month, A.G. Sessions retracted the Cole Memorandum along with a "goes back to the rule from law" News.
Just What the Sessions Memorandum Claims
In Sessions' memorandum sent to all U.S. legal representatives, Sessions told viewers that when deciding which marijuana tasks to take to court with the limited resources provided to the Compensation Team, there are actually "well-established concepts that control all federal government district attorneys."
He went on to say that those guidelines were created in 1980 by Chief Law Officer Benjamin Civiletti. Gradually, these guidelines have been fine-tuned as well as require federal prosecutors to decide which suits to indict on four main factors to consider:
National police top priorities
The severity of the crime
The preventive impact of prosecution
The cumulative incidence of specific unlawful acts on the neighborhood
He completed by pointing out that specific advice to marijuana administration is needless and as a result rescinded.
This is a prominent secret that Sessions has hated marijuana and also the Cole Notice.
However, along with his inaction his 1st year along with the Trump administration, numerous were waned right into believing that he would probably not transform any existing assistance. As an alternative, he reacted to through rescinding the Cole Memorandum. Or did he?
The Result of Cannabis Supplies
Preceding California's legalization of adult usage marijuana, marijuana sells had been favorable.
In November, inventories climbed 40% with foreseen great sales from adult-use recreational marijuana.
Up until January Fourth, the date when Sessions released his memorandum about the Cole
Amendment, inventories were continuously rising. Nonetheless, once phrase avoided the Sessions memo, stocks began to go down.


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Farmington tax levy slated to increase 2.87 percent
Farmington City Administrator David McKnight provided an update to Farmington City Council on the 2019 proposed general fund budget and preliminary tax levy at the Tuesday, Sept. 4, regular council meeting.
Council members voted to adopt the proposed 2019 general fund budget and preliminary tax levy of $10,795,765 — a 2.87 percent increase. The council is required to set the 2019 preliminary tax levy by Sept. 30. That information is forwarded to Dakota County and Truth-in-Taxation statements are sent out to residents in November.
The city may decide to lower the 2019 proposed tax levy when it is adopted in December, but the preliminary levy cannot be increased.
Factors impacting levy
The city council decided to use $240,000 from the city's general fund balance to reduce the levy increase for 2019.
"These dollars are available because the general fund was above the 40 percent fund balance reserve goal at the end of 2017, and the actual fund balance percentage at the end of 2017 was 44.9 percent," McKnight explained.
Another factor is assumed cost increases in human resources and benefit costs related to four union contracts that will expire Dec. 31, 2018, along with the non-union employee group.
The debt levy represents the amount of tax levy needed to meet the city's debt repayment obligations. The 2019 debt levy is 0.03 percent less than the 2018 debt levy.
The 2019 levy includes the collection of $191,000 for the Westview Acres reconstruction project. The amount collected in 2019 will be used to make the payment due in February 2020.
New city positions
In the proposed budget, there will be funding allowances for changes and additions to city staff.
Two building maintenance positions will replace the current contracted cleaning service. One will be a part-time position to take over city hall cleaning and maintenance at city hall, the Rambling River Center, the police and fire stations and city maintenance facility.
A new position for a community development specialist is proposed to be added to the administrative staff who will work on code enforcement among other duties.
A full-time assistant fire chief and inspector is proposed to be added to the 2019 city budget.
Two proposed administrative support positions include a full-time city hall and a half-time Rambling River Center position.
Fiscal disparities
Fiscal disparities is a metro-wide program cities use to balance development of commercial and industrial growth throughout the region.
"Our financial plan takes the approach of reducing this amount 1 percent each year as a precautionary approach," McKnight said. "The actual amount for 2019 is $2,225,003 which is a 1.74 percent increase over 2018."
In discussion with city staff after they received actual numbers for fiscal disparities last week, the additional $61,570 was placed into two different budgets, McKnight said.
The city hall budget received $10,000 for possible custodial equipment and supplies purchased. The remaining $51,570 was placed in the transfers' budget, trail and sidewalk maintenance line items.
Tax levy impact
The tax impact on the proposed 2019 tax levy for the city portion of the average residential property with property tax is expected to increase by $7.
In 2019, the estimated market value on the average residential home in Farmington increased to $254,492 — an increase of 8.31 percent over 2018.
The public input meeting for the final adoption of the 2019 city budget and tax levy is slated for 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 at Farmington City Hall.


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What a treat – three balmy days in West Wales with an accompaniment of glorious soaring Red Kites for the latter part of the outward journey, in an elegant new minibus driven in turn by three cautious drivers over what was often truly exhilarating terrain. Our first luncheon stop alongside Tregaron Bog (Cors Caron) produced the only rainfall of the weekend but also the explosive flight of three nearby Snipe. The first sea watch began just south of Aberystwyth where two Goosanders could be observed, in the breaking waves, with a Great Crested Grebe. Behind our group, three more drifted down the rushing River Ystwyth, with Stonechat, Song Thrush and Meadow Pipit busy nearby. Below the main town sea front a successful search for Purple Sandpiper, accompanied by Turnstone, was the prelude to a truly spectacular evening build up of Starlings un-numbered. This, together with their eventual descent to roost beneath the pier was absolutely spectacular.
We were now thirteen in number. After a superb supper followed by a most comfortable night in our remote but idyllic Brynarth Country Guest House setting, one member claimed to have added 25 species to his list in just ten minutes before breakfast. Even the later risers ticked one of the many Nuthatches and a Great Spotted Woodpecker from the dining room window during the meal. We travelled back to Cors Caron where two of our target species were soon to cause delight. Firstly a drifting male Hen Harrier, where, with good optics, even his white upper tail coverts could be identified, followed later by a ring-tailed female or juvenile. Next, at least four busy Willow Tits, in nearby leafless bushes and against last year's dried marsh grasses, were a sight to behold. Lunch was taken on the beach at Clarach Bay before walking along the cliff path until close enough to count at least 25 Red-throated Divers wondrously spread and feeding along the Sarn Gynfelyn (a submerged shingle bank). Further north, at Borth, a minor twitch was suggested and behind a café, only yards from the sea front, on an uninviting looking horse paddock, was a very hungry Glossy Ibis. It fed constantly whilst being close enough for everyone to record its ring numbers. Eventually it flew away southwards, presumably to roost. Scanning the Dyfi Estuary revealed Ringed Plover, accompanied by Sanderling, plus Curlew, Wigeon and Shelduck. The final stop of the day was inland alongside the Ystwyth, in full torrent flow, making it both impressive and very noisy. A Grey Wagtail crossed into thick Rhododendron and then an active pair of puffed up Dipper became the final treat of the day.
Sunday morning started with a walk up the hillside to 'greet the sunrise' and be greeted by the end of the dawn chorus. Our 'resident' Mycologist had trained us to identify the aptly named Yellow Brain fungus on Gorse, with many other enquiries kindly satisfied as necessary. The group arrived to spend four wonderful hours at RSPB Ynys-hir Reserve, which mixes Oak woodland with wet grassland and marshes and where a surprisingly obliging Treecreeper allowed for close scrutiny and many photos to be taken. Despite much checking for its territory, reputed to be 'near nest box 39', the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker eluded us. However, not so the Greenland White-fronted Geese, which were eventually spied by our leader at a distance of three extensive fields away with much sedge in the foreground! Then across the Rheidol railway and over the mountains where yet another attempt to find Chough failed but the spectacular range of habitat was fully appreciated. We next passed through the area of Cwmystwyth, which was the last stronghold of the Red Kite, prior to the successful re-introductions in England and the Welsh population happily recovering in parallel. Whilst distracted and hugely impressed by the industrial archaeology of the 18th century Cwmystwyth lead, zinc and silver mine, our youngest, eagle-eyed member called a Peregrine Falcon at the very top of the ridge, hundreds of metres above. Our last stop was at the breathtaking cascade over the dam at Penygarreg Reservoir in the Elan valley. No further birds to be seen and with fading light, the journey back to Bristol was successfully completed. It had been a terrific weekend with 85 species, a variety of good memories and many new experiences to contemplate. We are tremendously grateful to Robin for leading and sharing, to Ken, Sue and Nigel for the safe transport and to Judy for all of the perfect arrangements.
Phyl Dykes
N.B. We have learnt more about the Glossy Ibis seen at Borth, which was carrying a colour ring. Apparently it was ringed as a chick on 7th May 2007 at the Coto Doñana, southern Spain.
Drizzle has accompanied us several times when we've done the February urban walk and this year was no exception. However, it was very light and intermittent and 18 members set off from Millennium Square without any opened umbrellas. Several Cormorants were soon spotted with breeding patches showing. Searching the buddleia and brambles past the new M-Shed museum was at first unrewarding – quite a bit of cutting back had been done and the houses above seemed to be devoid of any feeders. However, patience paid off as we eventually saw Blue and Long-tailed Tits, Robin, Blackbird, Goldfinch and Collared Dove – and the bacon sandwiches at the Buttery did smell good! Leaving the water to cross Cumberland Road, a high altitude Wren was singing on the roof of an abandoned warehouse. We scanned the mud in the New Cut for Redshank and Common Sandpiper and everybody eventually managed to see both as well as plenty of Black-headed Gulls – heads in various stages of colour – and Herring and Lesser Black- backed Gulls. There were more signs of spring with both Greenfinch and Song Thrush heard. Margaret led us on a new bit of path with views across to Rownham Hill and down river before we turned back towards the Centre, adding Pied and Grey Wagtail to our list. Some of the group left us before the climb up Brandon Hill, where we were rewarded with good views of both Redwing and Mistle Thrush, bringing our total to 31 species. Many thanks to Margaret for leading.
Nancy Barrett
Ten members met at 0930 hrs at Monkton Combe car park for the walk to Midford and back. We had a brief stop to see the grave of Harry Patch in the churchyard, where Goldcrest were seen and we also saw five species of Tits at bird feeders nearby. We went on to Tucking Mill and to the fishing lake, viewing stretches of the river on the way and then on to Midford where we stopped by the Mill and looked down from the old viaduct. The return walk gave views of Midford Castle, and we were back at the car park by 12.30 hrs. Birds seen included two Kingfishers and two Dippers, Marsh Tit, Raven, Siskin and Buzzard and birds heard were Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and Song Thrush, making a total of 27 species altogether. We also saw evidence of occupied Badger setts with fresh earth scattered about. We were led by local resident birder Terry Doman who gave us a most interesting informative talk on the history and geology of the area as we went along. Our grateful thanks to him for making the walk so enjoyable.
Roy Curber
On a bright winter's morning 17 members met at the RSPB Greylake reserve in Somerset to view the mixed flock of wintering wildfowl – Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Mallard, Tufted Duck plus Mute Swan, Little Egret, Snipe, Buzzard, Kestrel, Lapwing and a very close view from the hide of a Water Rail. Following a picnic lunch we headed for the nearby village of Stathe to find 31 Common Cranes picking in the fields adjacent to the feeding-station – a first view of this species for most of the party. Spring must be in the air as one of the Cranes was jumping up and down as in displaying. The final part of this trip was spent in the RSPB Swell Wood hide inspecting the heronry but only two Herons put in appearance. A good day with a total count of 38 species.
Peter Holbrook
The forecast encouraged 27 walkers this overcast morning; the light levels rendered LBJs virtually colourless! Before we left the Rose and Crown car park, the Thrushes decorating the tall trees had been identified as both Fieldfare and Redwing, the tail-flicking Sparrow as a Dunnock and the flocks of others as House Sparrow. We headed right towards Parkfield where the grass below the hedge was alive with moving Skylark; one obliged us with a brief lift off and cascade of song. Meadow Pipits were also found within the flock. Turning towards the M4, we had brief views and sounds of a lone Siskin before it got fed up with being stared at and departed westward. As we joined the disused railway track, heading away from the M4, the overhang was lively with various Tit species, Chaffinches, Goldcrest, and a fully flushed male Bullfinch. The fields,obviously heavy with mud, had attracted a mix of gulls-Herring, Lesser Black-backed, Black-headed, and Common, which again were not disposed to stay and be stared at. A pair of Stock Doves flew over the clearing as we approached the remains of the pit-head buildings and the landfill of the abandoned brick clay quarry. Ducking under the road at the Dramway roundabout we headed East and collected a croaking Raven and a dozen cawing Rooks – looking set to nest in the trees on the ridge. Finally, walking past the Tumulus and across more muddy fields we arrived back to the sounds and sights of Jay, Goldfinch and a splendidly bright Greenfinch. A total of 35 species. Special thanks to Duncan for leading.
Nick and Annie Hawkridge


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Hello! Another favourite post! I wanted to do this kind of post every month but I wasn't able to do one in October. So I missed my "October Favourites" but basically, these are all the things that I wanted to feature in the "October Favourites" though.
1. theBalm What's Your Type? Tall, Dark, and Handsome Mascara
This mascara is probably the best mascara in the world. To me, at least. It is so amazing! I have really short and straight lashes but this, really adds a lot of length. I cannot explain how I love this mascara.
2. Sleek i-Divine Ultra Mattes V2 Darks Palette
I just wrote a post about this palette so click here to read it.
3. Daiso Eyelash Curler
I bought this eyelash curler months ago and this curler is kind of amazing. It curls my lashes so naturally. I really love this curler! And it is RM5!
4. theBalm Frat Boy Blush
It is a matte peach blush. It is so perfect for everyday look.
5. NYX Round Lipstick in Thalia
I wrote a blog post on this lipstick previously (click here to read it) and I did not love this lipstick before. So I once used this lipstick as kind of a stain and it looks gorgeous!
6. Maybelline Baby Lips
This lip balm smells really really really good! My first Baby Lips and I'm glad I picked it up.
7. E.L.F. Eyelid Primer
This does the job as eyelid primer really well. I use it everyday when I wear makeup and it does helps my eye shadows to stay longer.
8. L'Oreal Lucent Magique BB Cream
Ah, this stuff is amazing. I'm looking forward to buy it in full size. It really helps brighten my dull skin.
9. Essence Bronzing Compact Powder
I don't have a lot of bronzer so I could not tell this is the best bronzer or whatsoever. But I love this bronzer to lightly contour my face for everyday look. It is not super pigmented so it's easy to use.
Non-beauty favourites
Sunshine & City Lights by Greyson Chance is my favourite song of the month. I've been listening to it a lot. I love it, so freaking much. I love the music, I love the lyrics, I love everything about the song. I think Greyson Chance is really talented, I mean, just listen to this song, and you'll get it.
It's Time by Imagine Dragons is also my favourite. I love this acoustic version of the song. They're so full of passion and I don't know, I just love watching this video.
Jenn Im is my favourite vlogger of the month. She's probably going to be my favourite vlogger for the entire year. This might sound creepy but her voice is so........ addictive.
So that is everything. Thank you so much for reading and stay tuned for more!


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Class 4A semifinal
Kickoff: Saturday, 1 p.m., Dutch Clark Stadium (1050 Abriendo Ave., Pueblo)
Quick hits: The Steel City's Colts welcome the Eagles to the famed Dutch Clark Stadium on Saturday in what could be the first-ever meeting between the two teams, as Broomfield is looking for its eighth state title game appearance overall and Pueblo South its first ... Broomfield's run to this point has been exhilarating, and in fact the Eagles are the lowest-seeded team remaining in the postseason (all classifications) ... BHS had no standout performances from an offensive standpoint last week against Loveland, but Mitchell Gorman had the touchdown in overtime that was followed by Matthew Eich's game-winning PAT kick in a 28-27 thriller ... Gorman has led the team in rushing yards both playoff games, but it has been a team effort that has included several rushing touchdowns by quarterback Steven Croell .
Bottom line: There's something to be said about the experience of being in close games, and Broomfield got a taste of it last week. It's been awhile for Pueblo South to experience any kind of hardship in a game, so don't be surprised if the Eagles prove to be a little more comfortable if in fact they can keep it a one-score game into the fourth quarter.
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/BoCoPreps


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Annie Murphy Paul Column: BRILLIANT: THE SCIENCE OF SMART New research on learning can help us all expand our intelligence.
|Annie Murphy Paul's Links
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Annie Murphy Paul is a book author, magazine journalist, consultant and speaker who helps people understand how we learn and how we can do it better. A contributing writer for Time magazine, she writes a weekly column about learning for Time.com, and also blogs about learning at CNN.com, Forbes.com, MindShift.com, PsychologyToday.com and HuffingtonPost.com. She contributes toThe New York Times Magazine, The New York Times Book Review, Slate, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among many other publications. She is the author of The Cult of Personality, a cultural history and scientific critique of personality tests, and of Origins, a book about the science of prenatal influences. She is now at work on Brilliant: The New Science of Smart, to be published by Crown in 2013.
Find out more at http://anniemurphypaul.com/


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My own educational and research background lies in the fields of folklore, anthropology, and religious studies. My initial research interest in Japan was toward shamanism. This stemmed from my experiences in Okinawa (1988-1992), where my Okinawan friends took me along on a visit to a yuta (a shaman, religious practitioner) and to haunted spots, what I now understand to be Legend Tripping. Entering graduate school in the Religious Studies department at Tohoku University I set about to study shamanism in northern Japan, concentrating on Aomori prefecture. Here I encountered a hitherto unknown way of thinking, a new cosmological outlook for me. I came to understand that the line between this world and the next is not as clear-cut as I had believed. I completed a Master's Thesis in Japanese tracing the life history, personal cosmology, and work of one female shaman living in Hirosaki City, Aomori prefecture. Progressing on into the PhD program, I started fieldwork on religious belief and social relationships in a farming village. What began as a one year, live-in fieldwork, gradually extended in to four years. Reflecting upon my lengthy fieldwork, it was only from the third year that the village started to reveal its secrets so to speak, and I then became able to make some sense of the complicated web of social, political, and religious relationships that the villagers operated within. As the Japanese proverb states, ishi no ue ni mo sannen ("three years on a stone").
I have researched and published on shamanism, house names, folk dance, shrine systems and cosmologies, supernatural retribution, and social conflict. Presently, my research is focused on the religious material culture of Japan. In particular I am examining the ema 絵馬 (wooden prayer tablets) offered by anime and game fans on pilgrimage.
I am also interested in folk beliefs regarding health and curing, as well as black magic.


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In a recent ransack of the parents' attic (I was looking for old Battle Beasts to
sell play with), I came across my war-chest of athletic accolades and trophies from childhood. Locked away for years, these triumphant physical endeavors unfolded like a long-awaited Hall of Fame speech:
So, I'm cruising the streets of Miami- or Biloxi, or maybe Kitty Hawk- you know, somewhere near a beach. Regardless of location, the scene is hot. My boys are in the car with me… something badass like a Pontiac Fiero, and I'm behind the wheel. The mood is raucous; festive. I can only imagine Kenny Loggins' "Playing With the Boys" is blaring on the radio. Somewhere, Pitbull has his hand in the air on a stage, saying something about doing something that involves partying. Hell, Pitbull may be in the car with us. This deal is just that good.
I'm loaded. Like, "I definitely shouldn't be driving right now, but somebody has to handle keeping this mobile fiesta intact." I think of myself as a modern-day Styles, and the Wolf is catching waves up on the roof. No matter how bad the creeping reality of me-behind-the-wheel seems, I'm entrusted with a greater duty to my bros. In this scenario, I'm forced to use the term "bros".
As we approach a T-intersection in the road, I see the beach in front of me. I turn left, but due to lack of motor skills (in all senses of the term), I fumble into the oncoming lane. It's as if I've suddenly lost all ability, experience, and knowledge of how to drive. As I collect myself and complete the errant turn, shock and terror fill my every fiber of being. Blocking my passage are dozens of squad cars, bright lights flashing in the black night.
The crushing weight of reality floods every sense, as I slam on the brakes, jump out of the driver's side, and lay on the ground with my hands behind my head. In my current condition, there is no reasonable defense. As I feel the cold steel of handcuffs clasp around my wrists- muffled echos of conversation and Miranda Rights distantly echoing at the edges of my silent introspection- I keep thinking to myself, "this has got to be a dream, right? No. No, this is definitely not a dream. This is absolutely real. I've really, really messed up."
Suddenly, I find myself in a particularly notorious customer's office. There is nary a distant memory of DUI, Miami nights, or Pitbull.
The mood is tense, but I am confident. We are in the midst of serious negotiation. "I really need to get some shelf space for [product x] and [product y]. Proper exposure next to comparable competitive products is crucial for brand awareness and customer conversion."
My customer- a shrewd and seasoned liquor store owner- pauses. I'm expecting another lecture about brand building. He leans forward and speaks.
"Hell, of course we'll make space for you. In fact, let's take a walk down to the floor and see where we'll put you."
As we exit the upstairs office and head down to the retail space, I sense the ominous presence of many henchmen-types in our wake. This is a big-time shop owner, so I guess he needs his protection. Hand on my shoulder in a fatherly manner, he begins in on me. "You know, we could use a smart young lad like you to work the floor… you know, sell wine and such. All my sales associates are the best in the business. They are the ultimate professionals… all eunuchs are."
"Eunuchs??" It's the only response my flabbergasted lips can muster. We are now standing on the retail floor, which seems to be an odd combination of a liquor store and an old Circuit City. Very uneasy feelings rise within me, as I see sales associates scurrying about to assist the crowds of customers. They all have laser-focus on their work. They all seem like robots.
I can imagine they all have their balls in jars somewhere.
"Of course," the store owner replies, as if I shouldn't be surprised. "Eunuchs are never distracted by sinful and deviant thoughts. They are always on-task," he exclaims with pride.
"So, are you ready to join our team?"
Sensing I'm being made an offer I cannot refuse without consequence, I politely ask if we can look at the shelves first. Somehow, I manage to duck away while they entourage proceeds to the shelf space, and find my family (why is my family on a sales call with me?). I see the shop owner looking around as I duck behind a stack of Peach Chocolate Moscato. He whispers to one of his minions. Suddenly, I'm grabbed by the crotch by one gloved hand, razor-sharp blade in the other…
I twist away in uncharacteristically-athletic fashion, corral my family, and we run out the door. We keep running.
Suddenly, my wife, daughter, and I are eating exotic food in a shack, somewhere far from home. I hear an amalgam of several foreign languages chattering away at other tables, mixed with the sounds of plates clanking and rum drinks being poured. We've gone on the lam, and- for now- we are safe and distant from the castrating liquor store owner. But, in the back of my mind, I know he knows where my family and I are, and we needn't get too comfortable…
This is the best documentation of two of the most vivid dreams I have had in a while. I experienced both of them last night. Needless to say, I was unusually relieved and comforted by the buzzing of an alarm clock at six in the morning.
I'm thinking the daily stresses of life in wine and spirits distribution are starting to manifest themselves a little too close for comfort. But then again, perhaps I'll be drinking Hermitage with Ronnie James Dio in tonight's dream sequence.
Or maybe I just watched too much "Game of Thrones". They're pretty liberal with the eunuch references.
I used this image in place of the descriptors on a presentation sheet for a very important tasting tomorrow (well, at this point, today):
'Twasn't the most verbose year in Suburban Wino history. Those who know what I've been up to the past year understand why I wasn't left with gobs of time to sit in front of the computer and painstakingly craft (mostly) coherent posts. However, that doesn't mean that this year was devoid of exciting and interesting happenings in the world of wine. More accurately, in MY world of wine. Sure, it's less relevant to the general wine-drinking public, but I've got an ego that needs to be stroked, so we're gonna talk about me. Okay, we're not gonna talk about me, per se, but about stuff that I experienced in 2012. Not sure what else to write about. I don't care about what James Suckling or Emilio Estevez experienced, and you shouldn't either. Maybe there's something relevant here after all:
The Wine Business is…
…not at all less glamorous than I expected. I'm not surprised it's tough, because I know the climate and have known the people in it for a while. Now, a grizzled veteran at one year's experience, I have to say that it is (if I may paraphrase Denny Green) "what I thought it was": work. Not a lot of sitting around, drinking wine, visiting exciting locales around the world. More accurately, the wine business is- at least initially- hard, HARD work for very little pay, involving long hours, intense competition, aggression, a parade of disinterested and jaded buyers, and even further disinterested consumers who buy on scores, cute labels, and low prices (the latter, I suspect, perpetuated by the laziness of retailers, distributors, and the consumers themselves). Brushing with a broad stroke here, of course, but wine is held in a much lower regard by so many than one gets swept into believing when dug into the blogging world. In fact, I've had two rather sobering realizations during my short time in the trenches:
There's and ideal vibe: city living, but small-city living, with wine country and plenty of access to wholesome ingredients for cooking. It just seems right.
Downsides: no NFL team. But I could watch the Falcons at 10 AM and consistent get out of going to church. Perhaps the schools are crappy. Taxes might be bad. Oh, and my wife grew up in Phoenix. That'll be a tough sell…
Former (and current) Atlantans make some wine…
Great to see pals Hardy (former Atlantan) and Matt (aka "Rowdy", current Atlantan) release their first wines. Good stuff will silly labels, and I wish them much success. These two have showered extraordinary generosity upon me in many ways over the past few years, so I am eternally in their corner as they grow a business that is damn stinkin' hard to make thrive.
Also excited for buddy Ed Thralls (former Atlantan) to release his first Pinot Noir from his new label, Thralls Family Cellars. I tasted an early bottling (admittedly, while my palate was not its sharpest), and I expect big things. Likewise, the Thralls have been wonderful and generous to me.
Not necessarily making wine (that I know of), but proud to see another friend- Matt Mauldin (former Atlantan)- working with Joe Davis over at Arcadian in Santa Barbara County. Maybe the seemingly even-keeled Matt can keep Joe in line a bit, but it could be tough.
Happiest Place on Earth?
The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival took the proud tradition of the World Showcase Pub Crawl to new levels. Kiosks are set up in the park, featuring food and drink from not only the 13 countries with permanent outposts, but probably 30 others interspersed. I expected clichéd dishes like "shrimp on the barbie" from the Australian kiosk, but was pleasantly surprised with EPCOT going out on a limb a bit: France, for example, was serving escargots. Can't beat snails-to-go.
Beer was represented heavily, and the wine flowed freely (but not "free" as in the sense that it didn't cost a pretty penny). Many of the wines were the widely-distributed, usual suspects, but gems could be found (Selbach-Oster Spätlese Riesling found deep behind German lines).
The festival runs every November. If you need to erase the haunting jingle of "It's a Small World" from your mind, $200 and 40 drinks can do so quickly. Bring in-laws as a quick fix for babysitting the little one(s).
What about 2013?
No idea what to expect. But I feel the path down which life is taking me is starting to clear, and I think- for the first time in a while- I'm getting my feet beneath me. No matter what happens, to all those who have supported and encouraged me to take an easily ill-advised leap of faith, I sincerely thank you.
Now excuse me while I go stalk Emilio Estevez on Twitter.
It's a horribly-outdated pic of my daughter. But this whole blawg is pretty outdated. Unfortunately, my involvement in the wine biz, along with simultaneous forays into both bodybuilding and competitive eating have left me with little time to write. Between trade tastings, blasting my quads, and shoving 50+ hot dogs into my gullet in sub-5 minute intervals, keeping things updated has been priority four.
There aren't many questions I cannot answer confidently when talking wine with a crowd of eager enthusiasts. Not that I'm the alpha-male of wine knowledge. Far from it. In fact, like any obsessive endeavor one jumps into, I've learned only how much I know I don't know, and the rabbit-holes of viticulture and oenology go on and on and on. Like the game of golf, or the world of Pokemon, wine expertise surely takes a lifetime to master.
That said, I think I can hold my own. So, when I really can't answer a question well, a need to investigate the subject-matter is ignited. One such instance occurred when I was presented with this humdinger a couple weeks ago at a tasting event:
"So, when you say this wine has good 'structure', what exactly do you mean?"
I found myself pausing, then coming up with an incongruent rambling, involving mentions of tannin, acidity, and blathering about the wine having "angles" rather than amorphous-ness. Whatever the hell it was, the question was poorly answered, and I probably left a wine lover- yearning for sense in this quagmire- more confused than before.
I guess I just took the concept of Structure in wine for granted. In the lexicon of the wine peddler/blogger/advocate/enthusiast, structure is just something we seem to know. Wines have it, or they don't. While generally regarded as a positive quality, digging into the "why" lends explanation. It wasn't until I came across an article from Wine Spectator's Matt Kramer (who is pretty much the only guy I care to read in that fish-wrapper) that things started to delineate for me.
The easy (and- according the Kramer- false) explanation of structure insinuates that a wine with lots of tannin has "good" structure. However, tannin is only one piece of the puzzle.
Let's think of wines as buildings. A straw hut, a teepee, a sand castle… none of these will hold up over time. However, an edifice built on a good foundation, with good materials and craftsmanship, can stand the test of time. Or huffing, puffing wolves, should you be a little piggy.
So, when considering that angle, a "structured" wine is a wine that tastes as if it has the ability to age. This could mean a wine has ample tannin, but the insinuation that tannin is necessary falls flat when we consider that many white wines are built to age (as tannins come from the skins, seeds, and stems of the vine, and- often to a lesser extent- the wood vessel in which many wines are aged). However, many age-worthy whites (fine German Rieslings comes to mind) spend little-to-no time on the skins, and never see the inside of a barrel. How, then, can they be structured; a concept determined necessary to cellar for long periods of time?
Rather, a combination of grape tannin, wood tannin, acidity (in the case of the aforementioned Riesling), residual sugar, alcohol, and phenolic ripeness comes together to provide the foundation for a wine. Sure, tannins act as preservatives, but so does ample acidity, sugar, and alcohol. When all these elements are in harmony, a wine is said to have good "balance".
To this end, "balanced" wines are "structured" wines, right? Well… not necessarily. With good reason, you probably want to punch me right now.
I've tasted excellently balanced wines that should not be aged. They drink at their peak in youth. Sticking to my guns, I cannot say that those wines are necessarily "structured", but they are "balanced". Good New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, many Beaujolais, and plenty of California wines fall into this category (to my tastes, anyway).
After distilling the information, here is the best way I can explain structure:
With practice (meaning, tasting a lot of wine), one will be able to better understand if a young wine has the elements necessary to age well. This practical application should to a better understanding of structure. Especially since your palate is different from mine, or anyone else's.
Heaven knows that exercise will be more helpful than this sub-par attempt at explanation.
Perhaps in an effort to reinvigorate my writing efforts, I've accepted a challenge from Kate Graham (of Dirty and Rowdy Family Winery) to put pen to paper every day for 40 days. It's a great idea; I do believe that writing is like exercising (neither of which I'm very good at), and repetition and consistent effort strengthens the brain and the writing style. Let's call it training.
Whether well-thought out, or just dribble on the sheet, putting my thoughts to paper is a positive exercise, some I'm looking forward to the challenge. But it's not without conflict: I'll be in situations where I'm not near a computer for days at a time (like this past weekend), so my "writing" could appear negligent on the blawg every day. At the very least, I intend to scrawl things on cocktail napkins or golf score card or something. Such was the case this past weekend. And my writing ended up being things written on golf balls in permanent marker. I wrote "Gangnam Style" on one. Does that count?
|I didn't write on this actual one. But I wouldn't surprise myself if I wrote "poop"
on my golf ball (source: http://imposium.wordpress.com/category/picture-this/)
Anyway, it's not a perfect road, and it does require discipline, but I'm glad to put this exercise into practice, and I hope it gets me back on track.
|source: nbcsports.com
|source: Associated Press


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Another snowy day in Germany and we see Kathy trudging through a blizzard before stopping to take a long standing pee from a staircase. Unfortunately, the camera girl wasted time trying to catch the pee stream as it melted the snow below. It's still worth watching and is priced at only 99 cents.
Previously released in the Members area of the former Projectpee website and now available for the first time in full 1080 HD