text:
When I first became interested in points and miles, the Chase Sapphire Preferred was the one card that I really wanted to get. As a recent college grad, I wanted to travel for as little as possible. The Sapphire Preferred was the only way to get discounted flights and hotel rooms with transfer partners that I was already familiar with. The sleek metal card was also very appealing.
Since then, the card has been eclipsed by the Sapphire Reserve in one of the biggest points and miles frenzies in recent times. Despite the popularity of its bigger sibling, the Sapphire Preferred remains a great alternative for all travelers.
The Sapphire Preferred has a sign-up bonus worth 60,000 Ultimate Rewards (UR) points. This bonus can be earned after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. It also has an annual fee of $95 (NOT waived the first year). This sign-up bonus is the biggest among Chase's personal cards. Even the Sapphire Reserve has a slightly lower bonus.
It earns 2x UR points Travel and Dining and only one point for all other purchases. Chase has a broad list of what includes travel and dining. Some travel purchases that I have made that earned 2x points include airfare, hotel stays, a car rental, and toll road fees. Dining purchases include restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.
The Sapphire Preferred is nice by itself, but its potential can be maximized if you have multiple Chase UR-earning cards. You can earn even more points if you have either of the Freedom cards and/or an Ink Business card. Thereafter, you can transfer them to your Sapphire Preferred account. This feature is arguably the most powerful that Chase has to offer as it's the lifeblood of many people's earning strategies.
Earning points is fantastic, but points earned are useless if you cannot redeem them for anything of value. Chase has multiple options for redemption:
Transfer Partners
Transfer partners are by far Chase's most valuable option. They are the reason why so many points and miles enthusiasts love the Ultimate Rewards family of credit cards so much. With Chase, the name of the game is quality over quantity. Chase has 13 travel partners:
- Marriott
- World of Hyatt
- Aer Lingus
- British Airways
- Emirates
- Iberia
- JetBlue
- KLM Flying Blue / Air France
- Singapore Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
Your mileage may vary. But you should be able to easily redeem your points for at least 1.5 cents per point (CPP) with most partners. For example, I used my Sapphire Preferred (which has since been upgraded) to send my mom to Arizona on Southwest. I redeemed 17,000 points for a $300 round-trip economy flight on Southwest, a 1.75 CPP redemption. Thanks to Chase and Southwest, my mom had a great time visiting our extended family and celebrating a family friend's birthday party. She made many great memories in the process.
Other Options
Chase also provides cardholders the option of booking travel through its own travel portal at a fixed rate of 1.25 CPP. You should use the portal if you cannot redeem your points for more than the fixed rate.
Chase also lets cardholders redeem their points for cash back and gift cards at 1 CPP. Sometimes, Chase discounts some of their gift card options, enabling cardholders to redeem for more than 1 CPP. Neither cash back or gift cards are recommended. Furthermore, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is probably not for you if cash back is more attractive than points.
Chase includes many great benefits to make life easier when away from home. Some of them can even justify the $95 annual fee with enough use.
Primary Car Rental Insurance
This benefit covers the entire loss, damage, or theft of your car rental. You don't have to accept your car rental company's insurance policy if you use your Sapphire Preferred to pay for the rental.
Chase is the only lender to have primary car rental insurance. This perk alone makes Chase's premium cards attractive for many travelers. For comparison, American Express has secondary coverage on only some of their cards.
No Foreign Exchange Fees
While these fees are becoming less common every year, the Sapphire Preferred was one of the first cards to do without them. You will save 3% on all purchases made outside the United States with the card.
Trip Cancellation / Trip Interruption Insurance
This benefit gives you up to $10,000 per trip for non-refundable expenses. It comes in handy If you need to cancel your trip because of an unexpected event. Plane tickets, hotel rooms, and tours are included.
Trip Delay Insurance
This benefit covers you up to $500 per ticket if your plane, train, or other common carrier is delayed at least 12 hours. It also kicks in if you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay. The $500 helps cover un-reimbursed expenses such as meals and lodging.
Baggage Delay Insurance
This benefit gives you $100 per day up to 5 days if your luggage is lost or delayed. If your luggage is delayed for more than 6 hours, you can redeem for toiletries, clothing, and other essentials.
Purchase Protection
This benefit covers new purchases up to 120 days against damage or theft. There is a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per calendar year. Nonetheless, having purchase protection makes using the Sapphire Preferred for major purchases that can break a wise decision.
Extended Warranty
This perk extends the time period of a product's manufacturer's warranty by an additional year. Eligible warranties of three years or less are included.
Rules & Regulations
Chase has two major rules in place to prevent "churners" from scoring their sign-up bonuses too many times. These rules are the 5/24 Rule and the One Sapphire Rule.
The 5/24 rule states that you will not be approved for any UR-earning card if you were approved for five or more new accounts in the last 24-months. Some Chase co-branded cards also fall under this rule as well.
The One Sapphire Rule states that your will not be approved for the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve if you received a sign-up bonus within the last 48 months. It also applies to the discontinued no annual fee Sapphire card.
Similar Cards
What if the Chase Sapphire Preferred is not for you? Here are some alternatives to this card that might suit your needs:
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Sapphire Reserve is the Sapphire Preferred card's "big sibling". It earns UR points in the same bonus categories, but at a higher 3x rate. It also has a $450 annual fee (NOT waived the first year). But the fee is offset by a $300 annual general travel credit. Therefore, you're really paying a "net annual fee" of $150.
For $150 per year, you're also getting slightly better versions of the benefits detailed in the previous section. You also have access to the same travel partners and other redemption options as the Sapphire Preferred.
This card has a sign-up bonus worth 50,000 points. It can be earned after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. Be sure that the Reserve's benefits are worth its increased annual fee before selecting it.
Furthermore, the Sapphire Reserve has a minimum credit limit of $10,000 because its a Visa Infinite. This is not the case for the Sapphire Preferred. It has a minimum limit of $5,000 as a Visa Signature. The Preferred card's lower limit makes for an easier approval than the Reserve.
American Express Green Card
The American Express Green Card earns Membership Rewards (MR) points. You will earn 3x MR points on Travel and Dining and one point per dollar on non-bonus spend. Fortunately, American Express' definition of "travel" has expanded for the Green Card. You can now earn 3x points on hotels, airfare, ride sharing, taxis, subways, tolls, and more.
Furthermore, the Green Card has a $150 annual fee (NOT waived the first year). It also has a sign-up bonus worth 30,000 MR points, which can be earned after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months.
The Green Card also comes with a $100 credit for Lounge Buddy and a $100 credit for CLEAR every year. The former credit might be useful for those who do not have a premium card or membership to Priority Pass.
The Green Card is the better earner, but it has a higher annual fee and a different set of transfer partners. But the Sapphire Preferred has the higher sign-up bonus and access to Chase's Travel Portal and transfer partners.
Citi Premier
This Citi Premier is a great travel card that earns Citi Thank You (TY) points. You earn 3x TY points on General Travel and at Gas Stations. You also earn 2x TY points on Dining and Entertainment. This makes the Citi Premier a stronger earner than the Sapphire Preferred, especially for international travelers. However, domestic flyers and hotel dwellers will like the Sapphire Preferred more.
Like the Sapphire Preferred, this card has a $95 annual fee (NOT waived the first year). It also has a sign-up bonus worth 60,000 TY points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Furthermore, the Sapphire Preferred is the better card for those who want travel benefits and insurances. This is because Citi dropped all the benefits from their cards in September 2019. Unfortunately, the Citi Premier was one of the biggest victims.
Final Draw
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been on the market since 2009. Since its introduction, this card remains a balanced and well thought out stalwart, especially for those with low travel and dining spend, as well as those who are new to points and miles.
The Sapphire Preferred was my first true foray into the points and miles world. It's one of my favorite cards for those who are starting out. I had this card as my main Chase UR-earning card for over a year. But I have since upgraded to the Chase Sapphire Reserve as my dining and travel spend were enough to justify the higher annual fee.
Apply Today: Chase Sapphire Preferred


text:
Hey! What?! No, Really… What?
I wish I could blame this sort of thing on April Fools Day, and perhaps the timing is all-out irony, but it's stuff like this that reminds you how everyone lives under their own rock at times. What am I talking about specifically? Scrunk. That's screamo-crunk. The Guardian already "discovered" scrunk a year ago. That … [Read more…]

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hi there, I'm Gracie. I'm 21 years old, and I've been singing, acting, and writing for the majority of my life. I have over a decade of vocal coaching and a history of community theatre. Writing is my main passion, and I hope to one day publish novels.
Magdalyn Rose Darrow is a 20 year old college student and the central character of this novel. She is introverted, artistic, and has a dry, self-deprecating sense of humor. She is nothing special, and she knows it. Maggie tends to keep to herself, but is able to be immature and silly around those she's formed a bond with. As far as a voice I have in mind, something more in an alto range, like Veronica Sawyer from Heathers. (Update: Especially considering how deep a voice our lovely Kindle has. As the main pair of the project they do a lot of interacting, and it's important that their voices are pleasing to listen to when conversing.) Important to keep in mind: As the main character, Maggie has a disproportionately large amount of lines. You will need to be willing to be on board for all three books, and act thousands of words worth of narration. If I like your audition and am considering you for the role, I will PM you to do a test reading of about half a chapter.
(Narrating) Sometimes I wished I had hair like hers, all shiny and slick and manageable. My natural blonde was such a sandy, dull shade, and the waves made it impossible to deal with in humidity. I wasn't brave enough to dye it, so I settled for being jealous and whiny— I had a lot of practice with that.
(Overdramatic and joking.) "No, you're actually the worst. You have broken my heart. You dangled the string of hope in my face, only to yank it back and look on, uncaring, as I suffer."
(Angry, loud) "Ridiculous? This woman claims to be a mermaid and I'm somehow the ridiculous one?"
Estelle Marie Carter is 19 years old, Maggie's best friend since elementary school, and the second of three lead characters. She's a tech-wiz, Computer Programming major. She's fast talking, sharp-witted, and the source of a majority of the humorous dialogue in the story. She also studies Krav Maga and could murder you with a pen cap. Important to keep in mind: As a main character, Elle has a large amount of lines. You will need to be willing to be on board for all three books, and act thousands of words worth of narration. If I like your audition and am considering you for the role, I will PM you to do a test reading of about half a chapter.
(Narrating) I'm keeping it together, I lied. I need to focus on school, I lied. I don't want to be home right now. That, at least, was true. I needed to stay here and find Mags. If I went home I would absolutely sink into some sort of helpless depression. That would be of no use to anyone.
(Joking... or is she?) "Sick. I've always wanted to fight a government official."
(Angry, sad) "It's fake," I repeated. "It's from a video game. And you're drunk or high or mocking me, and I don't appreciate it."
Kindle is the mysterious male protagonist and Maggie's love interest. He's 23 years old and has been through way more crap than a guy his age should have. He's tired and easily annoyed, and it doesn't help that his best friend has a habit of getting herself into ridiculous situations and needing him to bail her out. He's guarded, but kind at heart, and has an extremely deadpan sense of humor. I have no preferences for what he sounds like, as long as it fits with his look. Important to keep in mind: As a main character, Kindle has a large amount of lines. You will need to be willing to be on board for all three books, and act thousands of words worth of narration. If I like your audition and am considering you for the role, I will PM you to do a test reading of about half a chapter.
(Narrating) The look on Maggie's face reminded me of myself at my lowest point. It's something I didn't particularly want to be reminded of. I considered leaving. Faye could keep her human, I would ensure that Lydia never found out, but I wanted no further involvement.
(Exasperated) "Of course not. Lydia's been looking for an excuse to kill you for years, and now you've got a perfect one sleeping in your bed!"
"I haven't had much interaction with humans who didn't have helmets over their faces."
Lydia Chrisanthus D'Norse is the 17 year old Queen of the Abandoned Order. She is the main villain and a master manipulator. She knows exactly how to twist people to get what she wants, and when that doesn't seem like an option... she has no problem disposing of those who oppose her. Her speech tends to be sickly sweet and over dramatic, and she finds joy in tormenting those who she deems beneath her (that's most people.) She is very short and petite, and though she tries to make up for that by speaking loudly and wearing voluminous ball gowns, her voice is naturally more high pitched and child like. Lydia is a central character to the story and a narrator in the final book, as such she is as big a commitment as Maggie, Elle, and Kindle. Keep that in mind when auditioning.
(Mocking) "Oh, stop being so dramatic, will you?" (sigh) "I only gave you a tiny dose, not nearly enough to kill you. Just enough to remind you who you're dealing with." (giggle) "The only side effects you may suffer are severe pain... from your annoying whimpering I'd say that's already hit... and maybe some hallucinations. No big deal, really."
(Angry, insistent shriek) "There is!" (pause, take a deep breath, continue in a forced gentle tone.) "There is. You have just become a... momentary distraction, that's all. Once you're dealt with, he'll come back to me, and everything will be as it should."
(Lydia as a six year old child in a flashback, try your best to sound like a little girl.) "I want my Daddy! He said he'd come for me when the war ended! He... he promised!"
Faye is 26 years old, but a child at heart. She's the "team mom" so to speak, and sunshine incarnate. One would never guess from her cheerful disposition that Faye had a tragic past which still follows her to this day. She's a little scatterbrained, but she's genuine and well-meaning. She's a mermaid who hasn't seen the ocean in ten years. Faye is Kindle's best friend, and works as a seamstress. She's happy, upbeat, and cheerful in her tone, but with a voice that's still gentle and pleasing to listen to.
(Giggling, excited.) "Aw, she's so cute. And her eyes are green, isn't that interesting? Have you ever seen a human with green eyes?"
(Motherly) "Kindle be careful doing that, I have matches. You shouldn't overwork yourself."
(Concerned) "She's sad, like I said. She cries a lot. And asks for her 'phone' or my 'phone' or a 'phone' in general. She asks what 'state' we're in— and apparently confusion is not a proper answer?" *sigh* "After a while of that, she just rolls over and stares at the wall. She stays like that all day."
Marcellus is 20 years old, flirty, cocky, self-assured... and entirely out of his element. As the younger brother of Seraphim Villiers, King of the Abandoned Order, Marcellus is used to getting everything he wants. Now he's stuck in a world where he doesn't even know how the lighting works (electricity? what is that??), and his only hope of getting home is a crazy girl who introduced herself by kicking him in the gut.
(Scared and confused. He's on the ground and Elle has him pinned with her foot.) "I am Marcellus Villiers, of Samsara in Aeterna. I came here through a door, but the door is gone now, and this world is strange— ah, please remove your foot!—"
"I do not know how to get back, believe me I have tried everything." *pause* "Please, wait! Would you at least teach me how to operate this so-called 'vending machine?' I have not had a meal since my arrival here."
(flirtatious) "If you do not wish me to sleep in that bed... shall I share yours?" *snickers* "I was only joking, of course... but the offer is on the table."
Seraphim is the 25 year old king of the Abandoned Order. The best way to describe him would be a jaded, fallen hero… He sounds tired and bored every time he speaks, and that's because he is. Everything he's worked for and all the good he hoped to do seems further and further from his reach with every passing day. His wife, Lydia, has taken complete control of the Order, and he's powerless under her spell. Seraphim is a minor antagonist for the first book, but then becomes a central hero as the story progresses.
(Maggie: "Kindle trusts me") (Laugh)"I bet he does, fool that he is." (Maggie: "How does that make him a fool?") "Because he is too compassionate. One should never let emotions dictate their judgment."
(Kindle: "Get away from her or so help me I'll--") "You'll what? As the captain of my guard it is your job to defend me, Kindle. If you do anything to the contrary, I could have you executed for treason." (Pressing a knife to Maggie's throat.) "Or I could kill her. Both options, I think, would have the same effect on you."
(A flashback, Seraphim is 18 and ready to lead a revolution.) "It is thanks to the king we are here instead of home with the parents he slaughtered. It is thanks to him our homelands are in ruins!"
Jakoby is 18 years old and literally a snake in human form. And a snake in snake form. It's a shape-shifter thing. He is Lydia's spy, henchman, pet, whatever you want to call him. He kills when she says kill, and gets great joy from causing suffering in others. In snake form, his bite literally sucks the happiness out of others, dementor style. He's a cheerful and sadistic. He's also insane. He has a very light, singsongy voice and a habit of drawing his S's out like a snake. Warning, he's not a good dude. You'll have to say some pretty creepy things as him.
"Faye Faye Faye Faye Faye Faye Faye.... you're in trouble now." (laughing and humming)
(Shocked, amused cackle.) "Ahhh, what's this? A new friend? A human?" (creepy sniffing sound) "Mm your skin is lovely, I'll enjoy bruising it."
(Reverently) "Of course my queen, my goddess, I live only for you. Just give me a name and I will show them the meaning of agony."


text: There is a huge buzz across North America because of the All Blacks vs. USA game to be played at Soldier Field Chicago on Saturday, November 1. Thousands of ex-pat Kiwis from all over North America will descend on Chicago for the game and the weekend. It may be the largest ever gathering of Kiwis in North America! It is clearly too good an opportunity to let pass without a business networking event. We are pleased to announce a Pre-game Business Networking Event hosted by ANZACC Mid-West in conjunction with Kia Ora Canada. Where: The Scout Restaurant & Bar, 301 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago IL 60605 When: Saturday 1st November, 12-2.00pm RSVP: Email email@example.com to register for the event. Please include the following info: Name, Business Name, Industry, Phone, Number of attendees. This is a great opportunity to mix business and pleasure within walking distance of the big game. Kick-off is 3:00 PM and The Scout is about 1 mile from Soldier Field. Bring and share your business cards, success stories and business plans with other ex-pat and local business people. There is no cost to attend and it's a cash bar. Further info here: http://anzaccmidwest.org/events/anzacc-blacks-pre-game-drinks-networking-event/


text:
President Abbas discusses peace with Saudi crown prince, Qatari Emir
RAMALLAH � Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Friday discussed via phone conversations US-led peace efforts with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Abbas briefed both leaders in two separate conversations on the outcome of his meeting the day before with a US delegation working on resuming peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel.
The three leaders agreed on keeping up coordination and consultations in order to push peace process forward.
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency


text:
Melbourne based biotechnology company Biotempus has made a remarkable discovery: cancer patients' [both canine and human] immune systems run on a cycle and thus delivering treatment at the wrong times could be reducing the efficacy. Dr Noam Pik, the general manager at ASAP Laboratory, explained they hypothesised that a seven-day cycle was the key to the efficacy of treatment by building on previous medical research.
"This discovery was made by Martin Ashdown while investigating AIDS with mice after noticing some responded better to the same treatment at different times post inoculation," said Dr Pik. "This lead to the hypothesis that the immune system operates differently in the time domain. That is, at certain times it is more effective at eliminating disease."
ASAP Laboratory has already had success with a pilot program for canines, where treatment of three dogs saw two favourable responses. Veterinarians measure C-reactive protein cycles in canine cancer patients then administer "Cyclophosphamide as an immunotherapeutic agent using its ability to kill rapidly dividing cells. This timed-approach will be targeting t-regulatory lymphocytes at the exact time they are dividing."
Dr Pik announced that the next clinical trial will be open to vets across Australia. "Veterinarians have a real opportunity here to help support and be involved first hand in cancer research in a meaningful way. We can work with real patients and offer a valid alternative to euthanasia that could make a real deference in terms of patient outcomes, but also in terms of understanding the intricate interaction of cancer and the immune system.
"Most cancer research is done in the laboratory by pharmaceutical companies far removed from our day to day life, offering primary care veterinarians a way to be there at the cutting edge is a wonderful thing for our industry, for our clients, patients and for humanity."
If you would like your practice to be considered for the upcoming clinical trial, click here


text:
New initiatives at the University of Arkansas will help set students up with jobs after graduation. Career Hogs, a collaboration of Arkansas Alumni Career Network, Student Alumni Association, the Young Alumni Board and numerous divisions of the university, is a program designed to help students succeed after graduation by networking within the vast U of A alumni network and beyond.
Career Hogs programs provide services to guarantee success in the workplace through workshops, relational developmental strategies and providing opportunities for continued education.
Students can visit the Career Hogs website to view all of the resources provided to help ease the college to workplace transition. While the daunting task of finding a job after graduation may be stressful to some, the Career Hogs tool can help fretful seniors make sense of the future.
The website offers numerous resources like the Razorback Career Link, LinkedIn networking tools, Optimal Resume and Credential Management, and opportunities to job shadow a range of professionals within the U of A alumni network.
The simplified steps that Career Hogs offers makes preparing for life after graduation less of a daunting task and more of an exciting adventure. With this tool, students can make professional connections within the alumni association that may prove to be invaluable to a successful career.
Another invaluable tool, jobshadow.com, a site created by U of A alumnus Aaron Stahl BSBA'06 explores various careers and professions of people across the nation. The site provides in-depth interviews with professionals from all walks of life, from a neurosurgeon to a cargo pilot to a ghost writer and everything in-between.
"I ask the same questions to everyone in an attempt to paint a picture of each person's individual thoughts and experiences within their given job or profession, or in essence, shadow people's careers online," Stahl said on his website.
Interviews pose powerful questions like, "What's a typical work week like? How much money do you make? What do you like and dislike about the job?" These answers help the reader understand the complexities, benefits and withdrawals of each career.
"The questions I've come up with were designed to allow people to talk in depth about their jobs and careers and will hopefully educate, inform and inspire others." Stahl said.
The Arkansas Alumni Association has an individual tab on jobshadow.com called U of A Job Shadow Portal that focuses on the careers of U of A alums.
Interviews are posted with Alex Baldwin of State Farm, Kama Marsh of Luxury Wholesale Liquidator and numerous Northwest Arkansas start-up companies, just to name a few.
Students interested in connecting with alums can read their interviews and search for jobs pertaining to specific majors and colleges within the University of Arkansas.
Invaluable tools and networking provided by jobshadow.com and Career Hogs can be utilized to help fretful seniors effectively tackle the job search as graduation looms on the horizon.


text:
Clockwise from the top; Pink Betsy armchair – DFS | Misty Nest of Tables – DFS | Marble Industrial Table Lamp – Aldi (in store) | Flamingo Print – Sofia Rolfsdotter | Cushions – DFS | Cheeseplant – Etsy | Arden grey sofa bed – DFS
They talk about the 'nesting instinct' which people apparently get when expecting a baby, and seeing as we actually flew our old nest and found an entirely new one within a few months of getting pregnant, I'd say this is particularly true for us.
The thing is that we'd been planning to move out of London and into a new abode ever since we got married, but we seemed to have spent a whole lot of time looking, and planning and researching and viewing, and very little time actually doing. I guess you could say that the pregnancy was the kick up the behind we needed and gave us the impetus to get going with the move sooner rather than later and be settled ahead of the baby's arrival.
I can't say the combination of navigating early pregnancy, and trying to look for, decide upon, and eventually make the move to a new home wasn't stressful and perhaps our timing wasn't ideal, but now that we have this current roof over our heads and are getting set to welcome a new arrival into it, I can look back and say it was definitely the best decision we could have made.
And, as mad as we felt doing it at the time, it seems we're certainly not alone in the 'doing it all at once' method. Whenever I regale the tale of moving house while 4.5 months pregnant to others, I usually get a bunch of resounding nods and knowing smiles and even more tales of people sitting on top of boxes in an empty house while 8 months pregnant getting thrown back at me. This weekend we had our NCT classes and I'd say around 5 out of our group of 7 couples were currently going through some sort of house renovation or re-decoration mission to get their homes 'sorted' before baby. And some, like us, had made the decision to move altogether upon getting pregnant. For many, many couples, a house move/house renovation or at least an overhaul on the current decoration is deemed a necessity ahead of a new baby arriving.
I think expecting a child, and perhaps especially your first child, is such a huge event in anyone's life that you automatically feel like every other part of your life needs to be sorted and organised and arranged just so. For the best part of nine months, you listen while everyone around you tells you – just how much your life is going to change when that baby comes along – and – that there's no way you can possibly imagine the magnitude of what is to come – and honestly, it's rather terrifying. Change is coming, you know that much. But it's change that you can't entirely prepare for and to some extend have no idea how to prepare for. It's totally out of your control. So instead, you try desperately to get a handle on any or all of the other things which you can control, to assert some sort of order and calm and stability around you, so that when that giant change happens, you can concentrate fully on it without worrying about anything else. And so, the nesting instinct occurs, and the desire to sort out everything, even those random boxes which you haven't delved into since the last time you moved house, begins.
Being a creative soul, and having a love for all things interior and styling, I'd like to say this would have occurred no matter when we'd moved house and regardless of whether there had been a baby bump involved. And while I definitely think the Pinterest boards would have been full and the ideas for style and re-decorating brimming, I know that the urgency wouldn't have been there like it has been recently. Before baby is a term that seems to be getting thrown around a lot in our household at the moment – what do we need to buy before baby? We should really get all the painting done before baby, let's make sure we have enough date nights before baby, let's catch up with so and so before baby, I really want to go there before baby, I must wear those shoes at least once before baby and so on.
Of course we jest with some, but aside from wearing fancy shoes, catching up with friends and going on date nights (all of which are apparently NEVER going to happen again once we are parents!!) our main priority between now and the middle of February is to try and get our little house in as liveable and comfortable a set up as we can manage before we welcome a baby into it (and it turns upside down in chaos).
Having spoken to other Mum's to be (and Dad's to be) I know I'm not alone when I say, that this in itself can be a tricky business and perhaps raise more questions and hurdles than if you were decorating without the pitter patter of tiny feet getting ever closer. Certain sacrifices have to be made, compromises considered and styling options re-thought. Questions such as; as chic as it is, is a light coloured sofa really the best idea? Should we put all those pretty yet jagged ornaments on the bottom shelf anymore? Is that colour baby friendly? Can we fit a cot in that room eventually? Is there space to house a Moses basket AND a bouncer AND a play mat in that minimal corner we were planning? are raised, discussed, forgotten about and then raised again.
Suddenly your home needs to be multi functional. It needs to work as a modern creative living space for you as a couple, it needs to operate as a space to house parents and guests when looking after a small human on your own gets too much, it needs to provide enough sanctuary and calm and at least one spot to retreat to when you're surviving on little to no sleep, AND it needs to be a safe and happy environment for a child to thrive in. Somewhere with room for all of the extra paraphernalia that a baby comes with and decor that won't quake at the thought of sick and poop and goo. Suddenly the width of your hallway becomes a major talking point as you consider whether you can easily get a pram in and out. Stairs become yet another hurdle as you imagine carrying a Moses basket up and down them three times a day and storage becomes all the more important.
But despite all of that, having a baby doesn't immediately turn off your creative switch. You're still interested in a stylish home, a home that feels like you and has bags full of personality, and a home which you can inject some creative vision and flair into. Is it possible to create a space that is functional and practical enough to suit your impending new lifestyle, while still being chic, stylish and true to your own sense of style?
Well, I'm really hoping that the answer to that question is YES. Because that's the journey we're currently on, and I am DETERMINED to maintain a stylish edge as well as a practical view with every room we decorate.
Our spare room Project
For us, the biggest compromise we've had to deal with, has been deciding on what each of our upstairs bedrooms will be used for. We have two (smallish) double rooms, and one (tiny) single room in this house, and even though that's more than we've ever had and a huge amount of space for us, it still doesn't feel enough now that a baby has been introduced into the mix. For as long as I've been freelance I have been dreaming of/pining for/talking endlessly about the day I finally get my own home office. Somewhere with a door that I can shut myself away in and be in my own little space. Somewhere I can leave at the end of the night and know that work is done. Somewhere I can indulge my love of pink and rose gold and pretty pictures and shelves of shoes and not have to worry about whether that goes with the decor of the rest of the house. It's been my ultimate goal, and when first considering moving house it seemed like it might finally be happening. It's part of the reason we searched for houses with small third rooms, or conservatories off the kitchen, or renovated cellars, or even studio spaces in the garden – because even though we knew we could only afford a two bed place, I desperately wanted that office, no matter how small or how outdoors.
And then we viewed this house, and it had what we'd been looking for – a small box room as well as two doubles and within our budget – and the home office dream was re-ignited.
Except that it wasn't.
Because by this point I was pregnant and as friends and family came by in those first few weeks to see the new place, nearly everyone walked into that smaller room and said the same thing – 'So this will be the nursery then?'. And as the only room that would probably fit a cot and a changing table without also having to fit a bed, I realised that my dream of a separate home office was probably a luxury that right now we couldn't justify.
So, the small room that would have made the ideal home office, is indeed now set to become a nursery in the new year. BUT I have not given up. And instead I've set myself the challenge of creating as much of a home office/studio space/blogger sanctuary as I can manage in our second bedroom, while still allowing it to act as a spare room for guests when it needs to, AND being conducive to welcoming a sleeping baby and some practical baby storage at the same time.
In short, our second bedroom now needs to become the most multi functional room in the house. Considering the size of the room, it's a big ask. But considering my determination, I'm not about to give up. I've even managed to convince GB to allow me a blush pink statement wall. Hurdle one = complete. My blog friendly sanctuary is on it's way.
I'm going to be working with one of my favourite brands, DFS, on this project. And after visiting them at their factory earlier this year and seeing first hand how all of their furniture is made, I couldn't be more excited to welcome some pieces from the brand into our home, and have naturally already started a giant wishlist on the website.
The Room requirements
Act as a spare room when required
With a new baby, we are expecting to have regular visitors and will probably need a fair bit of help and extra hands in the beginning, so a room for parents/friends etc to stay is very important. A bed of some sort is needed – but a full bed frame would take up WAY too much space and make the office part of the room non existent so that's out. Instead we're looking at day beds or sofa beds which can sit comfortably along one wall and not take up too much floor space
Be as close to a home office as I can manage
I need to be able to fit my desk, chair and some shelves/storage into at least one corner of the room, and allow myself one wall for a pinboard/inspiration wall. When working here it need to feel like the entire room is my own office, and shutting the door on home life is super important for a motivational work space.
Function as a studio space for my photography work, and of course those all important flatlays
As I create content for brands, having a space which is well lit and open to allow me to take photos and create stories is vital. And as blogging is such a huge part of my life, I want the room to be where I can go to plan and create blog posts. I'm already thinking of a blogging rail which can hold outfits I need to photograph, a table or set of tables with which to take flat lays on, a wall of shelving to house all of my shoes, and a cosy rug for maximum hygge.
Be suitable for a baby and allow me to put my Mum hat on when I need to
As lovely and calm as my vision for a chic studio office is, I recognise that as of February I will also have a second and rather important job – being a Mum. The room needs to be cosy, comfortable and baby friendly too. Somewhere relaxed that I can rock a baby to sleep next to me while I get some work done (wishful thinking?), space to fit the Moses Basket in next to my desk. Perhaps an armchair to nurse the baby to sleep on. And most definitely a storage unit of some sort to store extra baby things.
Before Pics and Current Progress
So what needs to be done? As you can see, it's currently a white box but even that needs to go. When we moved in there was some horrendous patterned wallpaper that literally gave me a headache every time I walked into the room, and seeing as I was suffering migraines at that time in pregnancy, one of the first things me and my Mum tackled in those early few weeks was just to GET RID and paint the whole thing white. Unfortunately the wallpaper fought back, and it took so many coats to cover it that the paint was left too thick and gloopy and just wouldn't stick. Blogger sanctuary – 0 Wallpaper – 1.
Anyway the plan is to start from scratch and strip the wallpaper before putting up a simple lining paper and then re-painting in the colours we want. And what better time to do that than the week before Christmas right??
This is our current status – attractive hey? But we're hopeful the wallpapering at least will be done before the Christmas holidays start and then the painting will begin in the new year.
The Colour scheme
In fear of being the ultimate cliche here (I blame Pinterest) I am hoping to style the room with a chic, minimal and slightly blogger friendly palette of white, soft grey and a dusky blush pink. With my current desk and chair being white and me having a lot of grey, pink and rose gold pieces from when I designed my small office corner in the flat, it seemed silly to start from scratch and buy everything new. Plus I love that colour combo! But, in a bid to make it a little less – girly home office – and a little more – grown up studio space/spare room which happens to house an office, I've also decided to introduce a bit of sage green into the mix. Pink and green go so well together in my view, and I'm hoping the almost grey matte colour we've chosen will offset the sweetness of the pink and make it feel more grown up and less Pinterest cliche.
At the moment the ideas are all there, but it's a guessing game with what will actually work in the space, how much we can make fit and just how much pink GB will allow me to get away with (I'll sneak it in slowly). I have a HUGE list of things I've discovered which I reckon would be perfect for the room, but it will probably progress in stages so I'm trying not to get carried away.
I'm really hoping that our spare room makeover can give other parents to-be some inspiration on how to create multi-functional spaces in their own homes, and remind us all that we can still have a stylish home, as well as a home that's ready for a baby!
I'll of course keep you posted on the progress and I'm hoping to be able to do a big reveal before the end of January! In the meantime you can follow my spare room inspiration board on Pinterest and of course get some ideas yourself by browsing the DFS website for your own decoration mission.
Wish us luck!
Any other parents to be out there feeling the nesting instinct set in?
*This post is in collaboration with DFS, who I'm currently working with on this project, but of course all ideas, and words are my own. Since meeting the brand earlier this year, I absolutely rate their products and service and wouldn't recommend something I wasn't happy to advocate and have in my own home!*


text:
Now showing items 1-4 of 4
Engineering Escherichia coli for the production of polyketide-based platform chemicals
The current chemical industry produces a diverse array of industrial chemicals from a handful of highly reduced byproducts (termed "platform chemicals") derived from oil refining. However, petroleum is a non-renewable ...
Novel approaches for the production of fuels and chemicals in Escherichia coli
Volatility of oil prices along with major concerns about climate change, oil supply security and depleting reserves have sparked renewed interest in the production of biofuels and biochemicals. While the carbohydrate portion ...
Paramagnetic particle assemblies as colloidal models for atomic and molecular systems
Colloidal particles are ideal models for studying the behavior of atomic and molecular systems. They resemble their atomic and molecular analogues in that their dynamics are driven by thermal energy and their equilibrium ...
Synthesis mechanism, phase transfer and optical tracking of iron oxide nanoparticles
High temperature synthesis of nanocrystals in non-polar solvents typically produces materials with narrow size distribution and high yields. However, the mechanism leading to the preservation of monodispersity on depletion ...


text:
Monday, October 25, 2010
5 comments:
Not lately, but I did paint the doors in our master bathroom for closet and the two doors' pocket sides that face in the bathroom a cream color and then aged them. About 10 years ago I did a gray marble faux finish on the bathroom walls in the hall/main bathroom. I am not a faux painter by any means but I used a Christopher Lowell technique and I love it still. My hubby actually loved it, too {which was a relief and a satisfying feeling at the same time}! Otherwise, I try not to do too much that might be outrageous {to him. anyway} because I'd like the ole guy to stick around a bit longer! ; )ReplyDelete
I can't wait to see it finished! And the girls get 2 votes to every 1 of the guys!!ReplyDelete
How quaint! I like that look.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 30, 2010 at 1:08 PM
I think it's kinda cool! My husband wouldn't approve of me papering our staircase. I try to stick to paint when I do outrages things. This way, it's easy to fix. ;-)ReplyDelete
How did you put the paper up? It really gives the space character and the feel of age and stories.
Oh I LOVE it! Told you!ReplyDelete
You go girl! Express yourself.


text:
The Firm: Maximum Cardio Burn (BSS2)Allie Del Rio
Year Released: 2003
Categories: Floor Aerobics/Hi-Lo/Dance
This is a 52 minute workout that uses the Fanny Lifter (FL) and Firm Sculpting Stick (SS), you wont need dumbbells for this workout, but you could use them instead of the stick IMO. The workout is mostly cardio but includes a standing leg tune and a long & quite tough ab workout at the end. This is from the 2nd Body Sculpting System released by the Firm (BSS2) and the set is white walls & floors w/ some colored glass in the background. There are 4 background exercisers with Suzanne showing the beginner modifications.
After a warmup and stretch you go into about 25ish minutes of moderate intenisty cardio. Allie does some tall box climbs using the SS for balance. To up the intenisty I use the SS for curls, overhead press, etc. She does some squats and pliets with the SS, you can sub plyos in for the squats to modify up. There are box aerobics, floor aerobics, a kickboxing-esque routine, and some four limb with the twigs (the ends of the stick come off and make 2 lb dumbbells)
After the cardio you do a "standing leg tune" that uses the stick. I usually add ankle weights to this section as the stick only weighs 8 lbs. Then there is some stretching before she moves into a tough ab series that includes lower ab, upper ab, obligue, and some plank work. This is followed by the final stretch
I enjoy this workout though it is definatley not all that challenging. Its good for a lower intenisty day or you can modify up (or down) pretty easily. I would rate this low intermediate as many of the cardio moves are pretty low intensity.
Instructor Comments:
Allie cues very well in this one and I like her as a lead. No babytalk- I think this was before her babytalk days started.


text:
Brand New Jeanneau NC14 with Volvo 2 x IPS 500 with Joystick - 380HP Engines. Available with the "Just In Time" Summer Saving of over £100,000. Get on the water for less this summer! Offered with a high specification including White oak interior, Trim level premiere 2020 - 2 Head Version, Oyster white upholstery, Comfort pack, Electronics pack Bow thruster, Electric sea pump for deck wash, Generator and electric trim tabs.
With a remarkable design by Camillo and Vittorio Garroni, the NC 14 is assertive, with pure lines, sober volumes, and an unforgettable contemporary style. Daytime living spaces, including a dining area and a very attractive galley, are arranged around a very spacious deck salon and feature a floor plan designed on a single level. Accessible by a comfortable corridor, the evening living spaces offer surprising volume in the cabins, the head and shower compartments, and a true walk-in closet. Pure, clean lines lend the NC 14 a contemporary elegance. Comfort on board is enhanced by a perfect distribution of space, the selection of high-quality materials, and innovations in virtually every field.
Burton Waters Marina
Burton Lane End
Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN1 2WN
United Kingdom


text:
Recently, the media in New England reported the "retirement sale" for a company that had been in business for 235 years. Sadly, the firm's owners were closing the business because they could not find someone to buy the company.
"Timing is a key component in the ability to sell a business for maximum value," said Terry Johnson, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer here at Generational Equity.
"A business forced into closing its doors may have had much greater value if it had been positioned for sale by a professional at the right time. Timing is everything, and I've never met a business owner that regretted starting the process too early."
Johnson added, "Too many people wait to begin the exit planning process until they are forced due to failing health, industry upheaval, and a myriad of other unforeseen circumstances. The degree of difficulty increases exponentially in these situations, and the net result is often unfavorable."
What makes an optimal time to sell?
"A business must be buyer ready in order to take advantage of positive timing conditions," noted Johnson. "This means following the multi-step process that Generational Equity directs for all of our clients."
One key step is creating professional documentation that demonstrates the buyer-readiness of the company. Because of this, having an experienced M&A advisor by your side is vital.
"A proper exit plan is not something that is done overnight," said Johnson. "A business owner should initiate the process far in advance of their target exit date."
"For millions of baby boomer business owners now reaching retirement age, selling at the right time may be the difference between long-term financial struggles versus a comfortable retirement. The stakes are high, and my advice to business owners is to start the process early."
If you want to avoid the delays in M&A activity that could cost you the optimal exit from your business, reach out to Generational Equity's experienced advisors today. Through our complimentary executive M&A conferences, you'll understand why selling a business at the ideal time helps ensure that money won't be left on the table when you depart.
Contact our team for more information on attending a conference in your area, or to arrange a meeting with our skilled M&A advisors. Quick, while time is on your side!
Your wisdom and experience were invaluable to me during this once-in-a-lifetime transaction.Ralph Noblin, President of Noblin & Associates
We are very happy with the end result, and are very happy to be able to move forward with all of our future growth plans.Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
We will highly recommend Generational Equity and Musa Jagne to any business owner about to embark on the same process.Karen S. Williams, CFO, BW Manufacturing
I wanted to write you a quick letter to express our appreciation and our delight on the outcome of helping us through the process of our recent sale. We are very happy with the end result, and are very happy to be able to move forward with all of our future growth plans.Terry D. Wickman, President, Keytroller
Thanks again Phil and feel free to have a future client call me if they would like a referral. You are a true professional!Andy Graham, Vice President, Modern Heating & Plumbing
I quickly recognized that Don was working for Sharpe Mixers above all else, and held our interests above others.Jay Dinnison, Owner of Sharpe Mixers
We are extremely pleased with the way Generational Equity handled the sale of our company. Your associates, Tom and Chris, did an outstanding job of getting us (me) through the process.Michael J Polarek, President, Paragon Packaging
Generational Equity's assistance was invaluable in compiling and marketing our business.Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
Thank you again for all your guidance and support. Any company will achieve what they intend, if they have you on their team!Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
The process was much more involved than I expected and your help, experience and advice was a big factor in making the negotiations go as smoothly as possible.Terry D. Wickman, President, Keytroller
We knew it would be a difficult task to have someone really understand our business and our market, prior to researching a possible buyer, so it was imperative that we found someone of your caliber, with definite proven experience in this area.Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
We were happy to see the interest in our company and what we cherished has not just a valuable company but an important company to the communities we served in.Larry Moore, Owner, A Company Portable Restrooms
Michael worked tirelessly, He followed every lead meticulously and urgently to make sure nothing was missed.Robert Evans, President and CEO of Mealtracker Dietary Software
Generational Equity educated and informed us – so that we could be on the upside of a good decision (to sell).Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
I would like to thank you and your firm, Generational Equity, for being our valued advisors in our journey.Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
Bruce and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Generational Equity for assigning Musa Jagne to our transaction. In Bruce's words, "Musa did one hell of a job for us!"Karen S. Williams, CFO, BW Manufacturing
We thank you Eric and Generational Equity making our dream come true.Larry Moore, Owner, A Company Portable Restrooms
I couldn't have asked for a better team than Michael and Deborah. We couldn't have done it without them.Robert Evans, President and CEO of Mealtracker Dietary Software
I must say that I have never worked with a more driven, competent and focused individual as Don Ho.Jay Dinnison, Owner of Sharpe Mixers
Greetings Mike. Thank you for the captivating and compelling presentation you made at the Phoenix presentation last week. Over many years in business yours was the most informative and well-presented presentation, on any subject, that I have ever attended! Your energy and enthusiasm combined with your concise and captivating support of your positions with easily understood examples and data was compelling.Pete L.
Tom Staszak is one of the most professional people I have dealt with in my last forty years of business. You've got a great group of people and you have built a truly professional organization.Michael J Polarek, President, Paragon Packaging
The help you provided us during each step of this process made us feel very comfortable and confident we were selecting the right approach to transition our Company.Andy Graham, Vice President, Modern Heating & Plumbing
it all started with a conference.
start your story today,
or speak directly with one of our senior advisors +1-972-232-1121
These previews only scratch the surface of the high-level business knowledge that can be gained from our seasoned M&A professionals.Watch our videos
You have now successfully requested our latest Generational Legacy M&A news download.Download now
The information we learn from customers helps us personalize and continually improve your experience. Here are the types of information we gather.
We receive and store any information you enter on our Web site or give us in any other way. We do not sell or rent your personal information to others without your consent. We use the information we collect only for the purposes sending promotional information, enhancing the operation of our site, serving advertisements, for statistical purposes and to administer our systems. We DO NOT use third parties to provide customer service, to serve site content, to serve the advertisements you see on our site, to conduct surveys, to help administer promotional emails, or to administer drawings or contests, but reserve the right to do so in the future without advance notice.
Generational Equity, LLC's affiliates are all part of one corporate family, they work with one another and may work together to provide services to you. The sharing of your information among affiliates enables Generational Equity to serve you more efficiently and makes it more convenient for you to do business with Generational Group. Generational Equity is permitted by law to share information with its affiliates. All of our affiliates follow similar privacy policies.
For reasons such as improving personalization of our service, we might receive information about you from other sources and add it to our account information.
Generational Group may license the use of its intellectual property including but not limited to its name, likeness, and logo for the use of affiliated offices. Such affiliated offices may not be owned, controlled, managed, supervised or staffed by employees, officers, or agents of Generational Group. Affiliated offices may be independently owned and operated. For more information about a particular office, please contact Generational Group at its office in Dallas, Texas.
This page may contain other proprietary notices and copyright information, the terms of which must be observed and followed.
Information on this web site may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Information may be changed or updated without notice. Generational Group may also make improvements and/or changes in the products and/or the programs described in this information at any time without notice.
Generational Group does not want to receive confidential or proprietary information from you through our web site. Please note that any information or material sent to Generational Group will be deemed NOT to be confidential. By sending Generational Group any information or material, you grant Generational Group an unrestricted, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, display, perform, modify, transmit and distribute those materials or information, and you also agree that Generational Group is free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how or techniques that you send us for any purpose.
Our computer system protects personal information using advanced firewall technology.
Information Generational Group publishes on the World Wide Web may contain references or cross references to other products, programs and services that are not announced or available in your country. Such references do not imply that Generational Group intends to announce such products, programs or services in your country. Consult a Generational Group representative for information regarding the products, programs and services which may be available to you.
Generational Group makes no representations whatsoever about any other web site which you may access through this one. When you access a non-Generational Group web site, please understand that it is independent from Generational Group, and that Generational Group has no control over the content on that web site. In addition, a link to a non-Generational Group web site does not mean that Generational Group endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content, or the use, of such web site. It is up to you to take precautions to ensure that whatever you select for your use is free of such items as viruses, worms, Trojan horses and other items of a destructive nature.
IN NO EVENT WILL Generational Group BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY OR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR OTHER CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR ANY USE OF THIS WEBSITE, OR ON ANY OTHER HYPERLINKED WEBSITE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF PROGRAMS OR OTHER DATA ON YOUR INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF WE ARE EXPRESSLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Furthermore, all information contained within this website is the property of Generational Group.
Honored to win Investment Banking Firm of the Year 3 years running.
Over 50 awards and counting.
Sign up to receive regular email updates, industry-leading insights and details on complimentary M&A executive conferences in your area from our award-winning team
Success, you have been added to our list.


text:
In the three months after the early withdrawal deadline for early entrants in the NBA draft, we've witnessed developments that have altered the national landscape in college basketball.
Michael Porter Jr. and his younger brother, top 2018 prospect Jontay Porter, picked Missouri, a program now positioned to compete for the SEC title.
Miles Bridges returned to Michigan State, now the undeniable favorite in the Big Ten race. Wichita State point guard Landry Shamet suffered a foot injury last month that could hinder the start of his season.
And the NCAA reaffirmed elite prospect Mohamed Bamba's eligibility at Texas after his brother claimed he'd accepted improper benefits.
But nothing topped Tuesday's announcement on SportsCenter by Marvin Bagley, now the No. 1 recruit in the 2017 class who will play for Duke next season. His reclassification from the 2018 class to 2017 and his decision to attend Duke has changed everything.
1. Duke Blue Devils
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 5
Key losses: Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum, Luke Kennard, Frank Jackson, Amile Jefferson, Matt Jones
Key additions: Trevon Duval, Gary Trent Jr., Wendell Carter, Jordan Tucker, Marvin Bagley III
It's nice to see a college basketball story dominating the headlines in mid-August. Marvin Bagley did that. The last time a guy named Marvin made waves in basketball circles to this degree, singer Marvin Gaye had crushed the national anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. But Duke's elevation to the No. 1 spot over Arizona after Bagley's announcement was not an automatic move. We debated. We looked at the possible lineups. And we decided Duke's six- or seven-man rotation is unrivaled. Gary Trent (No. 7 prospect in the 2017 class, per ESPN) might come off the bench with former five-star prospect Marques Bolden. That's how good Duke is right now. Bagley's breathtaking versatility means a healthy Duke team, guided by coach Mike Krzyzewski, will enter the season as the No. 1 team in the preseason polls and as the favorite to win the national title. But we have questions. Can Trevon Duval bring this squad together? Do we trust Grayson Allen to lead? How will they share the ball? Are the Blue Devils deep enough? But every question comes after you realize the team's special talent pool tops the field by a respectable margin.
2. Arizona Wildcats
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 1
Key losses: Chance Comanche, Kobi Simmons, Lauri Markkanen, Kadeem Allen
Key additions: DeAndre Ayton, Brandon Randolph, Emmanuel Akot
You see that train? The Duke-will-bulldoze-every-team-in-America train? Don't get on it. Not yet. Two weeks ago, Arizona invited ESPN to a practice before its trip to Spain. There, the program offered a preview of the 7-foot-1, 260-pound titan named DeAndre Ayton. He ran the floor like a guard. He soared over the rim. He had a physical presence unlike anything we've seen at Arizona. Ayton was asked where he stands in the conversation about the top freshmen entering the 2017-18 season, a conversation led by Marvin Bagley and Michael Porter Jr., and Ayton simply said, "They know ... they know." You combine his presence with the the return of Pac-12 star Allonzo Trier and rising star Rawle Alkins, and add a fleet of physically capable youngsters, and it's clear Arizona possesses a national title contender. The Wildcats boast the depth Duke lacks. Coach Sean Miller's squad won't lose much when he taps his reserves. But the Wildcats can't match Duke's starting rotation. Who can? And we're still waiting to see how Ayton and Dusan Ristic -- Miller intends to use both in his starting rotation -- will defend together. But greatness is possible. If you think the Wildcats are America's No. 1 team entering the season, we understand. They have a legit case for that spot.
3. Kansas Jayhawks
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 2
Key losses: Frank Mason III, Josh Jackson, Landen Lucas
Key additions: Malik Newman, Billy Preston, Marcus Garrett
Don't forget about Kansas. Svi Mykhailiuk's return means Kansas might possess the top backcourt in the country. Mykhailiuk, Devonte' Graham and Mississippi State transfer Malik Newman, a former top-10 recruit, will merge into a strong unit that can lead Kansas to another Big 12 championship. Mykhailiuk and Newman combined to score 58 points and Graham dropped 10 assists in the team's win over the Italy All-Stars during the finale of Kansas' recent foreign tour. Billy Preston is a 6-10, 230-pound power forward who has the skills to compete in the paint the day he arrives. With a healthy Udoka Azubuike, Kansas will have the frontcourt strength to battle for boards. It's never easy to move forward after losing a Wooden Award winner like Frank Mason or a top-four draft pick like Josh Jackson. But Lagerald Vick (7.4 PPG) is prepped for a big season. He dropped 20 points in KU's win over the Italy All-Stars. Plus, Arizona State transfer Sam Cunliffe (9.5 PPG, 40.5 percent from the 3-point line last season) regains his eligibility after the first semester. Kansas has an intriguing roster with weapons at every spot on the floor.
4. Michigan State Spartans
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 3
Key losses: Eron Harris, Alvin Ellis III
Key additions: Jaren Jackson, Xavier Tillman, Ben Carter
Miles Bridges (16.9 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 39 percent from the 3-point line) is back for his sophomore season after passing up millions (for now) at the next level. His return makes Michigan State the favorite in the Big Ten and a national title contender. Please watch Bridges' highlights on the mixtape from this summer's Moneyball Pro-Am in Lansing, Michigan. It's just not fair. Midgame windmills? Step-back 15-footers on the baseline? Bridges just ruined everything for all the squads in the league that looked at the Big Ten and figured, "Maybe we have a chance." Bridges and five-star recruit Jaren Jackson present a combination of talent few programs in the country can defend. And it doesn't end there. The Spartans return four of their top five scorers from last season, including Nick Ward (13.9 PPG, 6.5 RPG). Ben Carter (8.6 PPG in 2015-16 at UNLV) finally gets a chance to contribute after missing last season with a knee injury. Gavin Schilling and freshman Xavier Tillman will enhance coach Tom Izzo's frontcourt. His squad isn't higher in this poll because it's not clear if the Spartans addressed their challenges with turnovers (20.5 percent of their possessions, 304th) and free throws (67 percent, 285th). But if they're healthy, the Spartans could make a run to the Final Four.
5. Kentucky Wildcats
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 4
Key losses: Malik Monk, De'Aaron Fox, Isaiah Briscoe, Bam Adebayo, Derek Willis
Key additions: Kevin Knox, P.J. Washington, Nick Richards, Jarred Vanderbilt, Quade Green, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jemarl Baker
The haters will look at coach John Calipari's failure to win a gold medal with USA Basketball's under-19 national squad, which featured some of his top incoming players, and say, "Well, how can he win a national title with this group?" But that's an overreaction. Both P.J. Washington and Hamidou Diallo averaged double figures in his team's bronze-medal campaign. That squad failed to shoot well and wrestled with turnovers throughout the tournament. But the class Calipari put together resembles his past assemblies. They're young, gifted and athletic. But he must overcome a pair of significant questions with this group. Can the Wildcats shoot? Calipari did not succeed in his pursuit of Cam Johnson, who picked North Carolina. Wenyen Gabriel is the team's top returning 3-point shooter. He shot 31.7 percent from beyond the arc in 2016-17. The other question for Kentucky: Who will lead this squad? Calipari's best teams featured elite veterans. He had Willie Cauley-Stein on the 38-1 squad in 2014-15. He had Darius Miller on the 2012 national championship squad. Based on experience, Calipari's 2017-18 group looks like the team that failed to make the NCAA tournament the year after that title run. But this season doesn't come with an abundance of guarantees. Question marks decorate this entire top-25 list. Yes, Kentucky lacks experience. But five of its incoming players are top-5 prospects, part of the No. 2 recruiting class on ESPN.com.
6. Louisville Cardinals
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 10
Key losses: Jaylen Johnson, Donovan Mitchell
Key addition: Malik Williams, Brian Bowen
Louisville deserved a bump. Why? This ranking offers a multitude of programs without game-changing players and combos. In years like this, quality coaching matters even more. Rick Pitino loses elite talent most years. But the coach often retains the personnel necessary to play with the offensive-defensive balance he demands. And 2017-18 should follow the same pattern after the Cardinals lost both Jaylen Johnson and top scorer Donovan Mitchell. Pitino told the Courier-Journal that Deng Adel will fill Mitchell's role. Adel needs to add a reliable jumper (35.2 percent on his jump shots inside the arc, per hoop-math.com) in order to make a boatload of cash next summer. He'll join Quentin Snider (12.4 PPG, 4.1 APG) and breakout candidate V.J. King on a roster with ACC title and Final Four aspirations. And five-star center Malik Williams will play with Anas Mahmoud and Ray Spalding in a threatening frontcourt that will snatch a bunch of rebounds while blocking and altering plenty of shots. Guess what? The Cardinals will finish the year as a top-10 defensive team, and if they evolve into a more versatile offensive crew, they could dance their way to the Final Four.
7. Florida Gators
Previous Way-Too-Early Ranking: 8
Key losses: Canyon Barry, Devin Robinson, Kasey Hill
Key additions: Egor Koulechov, Isaiah Stokes, DeAundre Ballard
Coach Michael White followed Billy Donovan, generally regarded as one of America's top collegiate coaches before he jumped to the NBA to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder. In his second season leading the Gators, White led Florida to the 2017 Elite Eight, assuring all Gators fans he's the right man for the job. It gets better. Florida could secure SEC preseason favorite honors with Kentucky. Postseason standouts Chris Chiozza and KeVaughn Allen will return as one of the nation's top backcourt combos. Plus, top-100 big man Isaiah Stokes and elite shooting guard DeAundre Ballard should help White's squad sustain the losses of Canyon Barry, Devin Robinson and Kasey Hill. And their defensive chops -- the Gators held Virginia to 39 points in the second round of the NCAA tournament -- should persist, too. John Egbunu returns after missing a chunk of last season due to an ACL tear, but he's reportedly unavailable until January. Still, Rice grad transfer Egor Koulechov (18.2 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 47 percent from the 3-point line) could emerge as a star for a Florida team chasing its first national title since the back-to-back runs in 2006 and 2007.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 9
Key losses: Teyvon Myers, Tarik Phillip, Nathan Adrian, Elijah Macon
Key additions: None
Last season, the West Virginia Mountaineers forced turnovers on 27.6 percent of their opponents' possessions. They neutralized more than one-quarter, on average, of an opposing team's trips down the floor. That harassment won't stop in 2017-18. Jevon Carter (13.5 PPG, 39 percent from the 3-point line), a candidate for Big 12 Player of the Year, tested the NBA waters but quickly announced his return to Morgantown. Esa Ahmad, Daxter Miles Jr. and a fleet of durable reserves will help West Virginia maintain its identity as a swarming unit that gobbles offensive boards like french fries and makes opponents feel like they're trapped in a hurricane.
9. Villanova Wildcats
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 11
Key losses: Josh Hart, Kris Jenkins, Darryl Reynolds
Key additions: Omari Spellman, Jermaine Samuels
With Josh Hart on the floor last season, Villanova made 37.9 percent of its 3-point attempts (compared to 32.9 percent with him on the bench) and averaged 1.20 points per possession (compared to 1.06 PPP), per hooplens.com. Now he's gone. The Wildcats also lose Kris Jenkins (13.1 PPG) and tough vet Darryl Reynolds. But they should remain atop the Big East standings and fight for another top seed. Jalen Brunson (14.7 PPG, 4.1 APG) will sing lead now. He's ready for this. Mikal Bridges, Eric Paschall and Donte DiVincenzo return to solidify the nucleus of another potent squad for coach Jay Wright. And we haven't even mentioned four-star small forward Jermaine Sanders (49th in the 2017 class, per ESPN.com, and a possible starter), Phil Booth (back after missing most of last year with knee issues) and big man Omari Spellman (ranked 16th in the 2016 class). Spellman is eligible now after missing last season due to academic issues. Nova lost one of the best players in the country, but the Wildcats ain't going anywhere.
10. Wichita State Shockers
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 6
Key losses: None
Key additions: None
Last month, Landry Shamet (24.1 percent assist rate in league play, 44 percent from the 3-point line) suffered a stress fracture in his right foot, an injury that could demand a four-month recovery and threaten his availability for the start of the season. Shamet, the gifted point guard who scored 20 points and did not commit a turnover in his team's second-round NCAA tourney loss to Kentucky in March, redshirted during his freshman season after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot. So this is a scary development for the Shockers who -- if healthy -- can win the American Athletic Conference title in their inaugural season and chase another Final Four berth. Every key player from last season's squad will return in 2017-18. Shaquille Morris announced his return after entering the NBA draft without hiring an agent. Markis McDuffie, who led last season's team with 11.5 PPG, also tested the waters but will join Morris & Co. back in Wichita, Kansas, this year. A backcourt of Conner Frankamp (8.6 PPG, 44 percent from the 3-point line) and Shamet should lead Wichita State to another successful season under coach Gregg Marshall. But we're moving Wichita State down until we know more about Shamet's recovery.
11. Miami Hurricanes
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 12
Key losses: Davon Reed, Kamari Murphy
Key additions: Lonnie Walker, Chris Lykes
Miami fans probably panicked when the school announced that five-star recruit Lonnie Walker suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee last month and would require surgery. But coach Jim Larranaga told ESPN.com that he expects Walker to play in the team's season opener in November. That's great news for the Hurricanes, a program capable of fighting for the ACC crown. Led by young star Bruce Brown (11.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG), the Hurricanes return a group with the personnel to challenge any team in the country. Ja'Quan Newton (13.5 PPG), the top returning scorer on the roster, will anchor one of the most promising squads of Larranaga's tenure at Miami. Walker is an acrobatic, free spirit on fast breaks -- with range -- who might not stay in Miami long enough to enjoy the magic of South Beach. Larranaga told the Palm Beach Post this spring that he expects both Brown and Walker to turn pro next summer after he molds Brown into an NBA-ready point guard. Freshman power forward Deng Gak (91st in the 2017 class, per ESPN.com) and sophomore Dewan Huell comprise a frontcourt that should help Miami maintain its top-50ish offensive rebounding rate. Larranaga has the pieces to make noise in the ACC and beyond.
12. USC Trojans
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 13
Key losses: Charles Buggs
Key additions: Derryck Thornton, Charles O'Bannon, Jr.
Coach Andy Enfield did not get top recruit Marvin Bagley. But he's still coaching a Pac-12 contender with the pieces to advance beyond the first weekend. Right now, USC is the most stable program on the West Coast. Arizona, Gonzaga, Cal, Oregon and UCLA all lost significant contributors from last season's squads. But the Trojans return every key piece of a team that reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. Bennie Boatwright entered the NBA draft without hiring an agent, but he withdrew late last month. With Chimezie Metu, Elijah Stewart and Jordan McLaughlin also returning, USC will enter 2017-18 as a Pac-12 title contender and more. Shaqquan Aaron's return ensures the Trojans will bring back their top eight scorers from last season. Plus, Charles O'Bannon Jr., a five-star forward, and Duke transfer Derryck Thornton round out one of the nation's most impressive, deepest rotations. But the Trojans barely cracked the top-100 in adjusted defensive efficiency last season. That must change if USC intends to consistently compete with the best teams in the country.
13. North Carolina Tar Heels
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 7
Key losses: Kennedy Meeks, Isaiah Hicks, Justin Jackson, Tony Bradley
Key additions: Jalek Felton, Andrew Platek, Cameron Johnson
Listen, we'll admit when we're wrong. And we admit our initial ranking of North Carolina was ambitious. We're still convinced Joel Berry II, the reigning Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament, will enter the season as one of the elite guards in the country. And with Pitt transfer Cameron Johnson (41.5 percent from the 3-point line) in the mix, the Tar Heels will enjoy an incredible backcourt. But the questions surrounding the Luke Maye-led frontcourt generate serious concerns about the team's capabilities in 2017-18. Last year's Tar Heels crushed opponents with a relentless dominance of the offensive glass (first in offensive rebounding rate, per KenPom.com). With Tony Bradley, Kennedy Meeks, Justin Jackson and Isaiah Hicks all gone, we're not sure how this squad will deliver those second-chance opportunities that defined the Tar Heels on their championship run. This is still a good team with a great backcourt that's facing an abundance of questions within its frontcourt. That's the theme on this list, it seems. We like UNC's potential. But the Tar Heels lost far more than we acknowledged in our previous set of rankings. They have shooters, however, and should compete with any team in the league.
14. UCLA Bruins
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 14
Key losses: Lonzo Ball, Ike Anigbogu, Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton, T.J. Leaf
Key additions: Jaylen Hands, Kris Wilkes, Cody Riley, Jalen Hill, LiAngelo Ball
Lonzo Ball is a once-every-10-years brand of point guard. Just ask anyone who saw him in the NBA Summer League. His arrival turned a sub-.500 UCLA squad that missed the NCAA tournament into a Pac-12 and national title contender. With the future lottery pick running the show, the Bruins developed one of the most powerful offenses in the country. So any projection about the Bruins must consider the team they were before Ball arrived because he's gone now. But save the banners, UCLA fans. Aaron Holiday (12.3 PPG, 41 percent), coach Steve Alford's next catalyst, and pick-and-pop all-star Thomas Welsh (59 percent from the field) both withdrew from the NBA draft. Enter Jaylen Hands, a five-star point guard and the gem of a recruiting class ranked fifth by ESPN.com. The incoming group also features talented small forward Kris Wilkes and top-50 big men Cody Riley and Jalen Hill.
15. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 15
Key losses: Akeem Springs
Key additions: Isaiah Washington, Davonte Fitzgerald, Jamir Harris
On a recent recruiting trip to Las Vegas, coach Richard Pitino seemed relaxed and carefree for the first time in his tenure at Minnesota. Makes sense. Last summer, Minnesota prepared for what seemed like a make-or-break year for the young coach, who accepted the challenge and ended up as the Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading the Gophers to the NCAA tournament. Nate Mason (15.2 PPG) earned All-Big Ten first-team honors. Jordan Murphy (11.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG) cracked the third team. Amir Coffey (12.2 PPG) made the league's all-freshman team. Reggie Lynch, who finished second nationally in block percentage on KenPom.com, won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors. And they're all back for Pitino. In all, six of his top-seven scorers from 2016-17 return. Plus, Isaiah Washington, a top-100 point guard, will enhance Minnesota's versatile backcourt. Call Michigan State the favorite in the Big Ten. That makes sense. But don't overlook Minnesota's chance to compete for the Big Ten crown.
16. Cincinnati Bearcats
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 16
Key losses: Troy Caupain, Kevin Johnson
Key additions: Trevor Moore, Keith Williams, Cane Broome
Coach Mick Cronin's Bearcats have finished within the top 25 of KenPom.com's adjusted defensive efficiency rankings for seven consecutive seasons. In that stretch, Cronin has lost an abundance of talent -- players like Octavius Ellis, Sean Kilpatrick and Cashmere Wright. But Cincy's identity as one of America's top defensive teams has not changed. In 2017-18, however, Cronin may field his most balanced team. Kyle Washington (12.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG), who connected on 53 percent of his shots inside the arc and 36 percent of his 3-point attempts, returns to lead Cincinnati in a battle with Wichita State for the AAC championship. With Jacob Evans and Gary Clark in the mix, Cronin will have his top three scorers and critical elements of his defense from last season. Jarron Cumberland made a ridiculous 65 percent of his shots inside the arc last season. Now he moves into a more significant role since both Troy Caupain and Kevin Johnson are gone. This group also adds Sacred Heart transfer Cane Broome, a guard who sat last season after averaging 23.1 PPG in 2015-16. Another strong year for Cincy? Yes, another strong year for Cincy.
17. Xavier Musketeers
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 17
Key losses: Edmond Sumner, Rashid Gaston, Malcolm Bernard
Key additions: Paul Scruggs, Kerem Kanter, Naji Marshall, Jared Ridder, Elias Harden
Xavier reached the Elite Eight last season without Edmond Sumner, who missed every game in February and March due to a season-ending knee injury. Trevon Bluiett (18.5 PPG, 37 percent from the 3-point line), who averaged 21.2 PPG in the NCAA tournament, will return after withdrawing from the NBA draft. J.P. Macura (14.4 PPG) is also back for a Xavier squad that will feature six of its top nine scorers from 2016-17. Oh, and coach Chris Mack's squad also brings in a recruiting class ranked 13th in the country by ESPN.com, anchored by top-100 prospects Paul Scruggs and Naji Marshall. Kerem Kanter (11.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG at UW-Green Bay last season), the brother of NBA standout Enes Kanter, will also join Xavier next season as a grad transfer. You could make a case that Xavier belongs even higher on this list, considering the talent the Musketeers retain and will add.
18. Seton Hall Pirates
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 18
Key losses: Madison Jones
Key additions: Myles Cale
"I am coming back to school for my senior year." With that declaration via Twitter that he withdrew from the NBA draft, Angel Delgado (15.2 PPG, 13.1 RPG) elevated Seton Hall on the national landscape. A native of the Dominican Republic, Delgado strengthens a roster that will return its top four scorers from 2016-17. Delgado finished sixth nationally in offensive rebounding rate, per KenPom.com. Khadeen Carrington made 38 percent of his 3-pointers. Desi Rodriguez averaged 15.7 PPG last year. And Myles Powell connected on 52 percent of his shots inside the arc. They're all back for coach Kevin Willard's squad. Myles Cale, a top-100 wing, can make an early impact, too. Last season, Seton Hall lost to Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament. But the Pirates are built for the second weekend in 2017-18.
19. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 19
Key losses: Przemek Karnowski, Nigel Williams-Goss, Zach Collins, Jordan Mathews
Key additions: Corey Kispert, Joel Ayayi, Jesse Wade, Zach Norvell
Coach Mark Few lost another first-round pick when Zach Collins turned pro after his freshman season. Few also lost his best player when Nigel Williams-Goss declared for the draft and hired an agent, lost his best center when Przemek Karnowski graduated, and lost one of his key veterans when Jordan Mathews departed. And ... Gonzaga will still compete for the West Coast Conference title and an NCAA tournament berth. This program has succeeded for nearly 20 years under Few. Now is not the time to wonder if that will cease. Josh Perkins and Silas Melson will form a tough backcourt. Add Zach Norvell, a top-100 guard who redshirted last season, and Jesse Wade, a sharpshooter and former four-star guard returning from a two-year religious mission. Killian Tillie, who averaged 12.4 PPG for France in the U19 world championships this summer, could evolve into the next Gonzaga big man with NBA aspirations. Rui Hachimura, who played limited minutes last season, was second in the U19 FIBA championships with 20.6 PPG for Japan. And Johnathan Williams (10.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG) is the BMOC on campus after withdrawing from the NBA draft. Gonzaga will still confound most opponents with a diversified attack. Gonzaga's interior defense, without Karnowski and Collins, is probably its most significant concern.
20. Northwestern Wildcats
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 20
Key losses: Nathan Taphorn, Sanjay Lumpkin
Key additions: Anthony Gaines
Coach Chris Collins arrived with dreams of leading Northwestern to the NCAA tournament for the first time in the school's history. After achieving that feat last season, the Wildcats will aim to mold themselves into perennially relevant contenders in the Big Ten and beyond. They beat Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA tournament and gave Gonzaga hell in the second round during a controversial loss. Northwestern will spend next season at AllState Arena while Welsh-Ryan Arena undergoes a yearlong renovation. What won't be renovated is the roster that made history last season. Yes, the Wildcats lose key veteran Sanjay Lumpkin and steely reserve Nathan Taphorn. But Bryant McIntosh (14.8 PPG), Scottie Lindsey (14.1 PPG) and Vic Law (12.3 PPG) are back for a Northwestern squad that held its opponents to a 44 percent clip inside the arc, 16th in the nation. Northwestern will dance again.
21. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 21
Key losses: Matt Ryan, Steve Vasturia, V.J. Beachem
Key additions: D.J. Harvey, Jr.
Bonzie Colson's return didn't just save a Notre Dame squad that had lost double-digit scorers Steve Vasturia and V.J. Beachem. Colson's decision to withdraw from the NBA draft will help the Fighting Irish fight for the ACC crown. Colson (17.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 43.3 percent from the 3-point line) will start 2017-18 on every reputable list of national player of the year contenders. He's 6-5 but plays like he's 7-3. And he won't act alone. Matt Farrell (14.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 42 percent from the 3-point line) is back to complete one of the ACC's most dangerous pairings. D.J. Harvey Jr., a 6-6 four-star small forward, comes to South Bend prepared to contribute, too. Yeah, we think coach Mike Brey can work with this group.
22. Saint Mary's Gaels
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 22
Key losses: Joe Rahon, Dane Pineau
Key additions: Cullen Neal
Can we make Gonzaga-Saint Mary's a seven-game series this season? Just an idea. As Gonzaga regroups without its best players from last season, coach Randy Bennett's crew returns its top three scorers from 2017-18. Jock Landale (16.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG), the favorite to win West Coast Conference Player of the Year honors, and Calvin Hermanson and Emmett Naar will guide a talented Saint Mary's squad that reached the second round of the NCAA tournament. They'll also add Cullen Neal (9.4 PPG for Ole Miss last season), who will finish his career with the Gaels after two previous Division I stops. That's a daunting collection of talent.
23. Missouri Tigers
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 25
Key losses: Russell Woods
Key additions: Michael Porter Jr., Blake Harris, Jeremiah Tilmon, Kassius Robertson, C.J. Roberts, Jontay Porter
A few months ago, Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk did what any campus leader must consider when he wants to clean up a mess. He opened his wallet. The seven-year, $21 million deal for coach Cuonzo Martin -- who left Cal to move closer to his hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois -- led to the formation of a recruiting class now ranked fourth in the country by ESPN.com. Martin has Michael Porter Jr., the No. 1 prospect in the 2017 class along with Marvin Bagley; Porter is the son of assistant coach Michael Porter Sr. Earlier this month, Jontay Porter (previously ranked 11th in the 2018 class) announced he would reclassify and join his older brother and father at Missouri for the 2017-18 season. Martin also has top-100 standouts Blake Harris and Jeremiah Tilmon. C.J. Roberts is a four-star point guard. Canisius grad transfer Kassius Robertson (16.1 PPG) made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts last season. The top three scorers from last year return, too. Name a more intriguing team.
24. Butler Bulldogs
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 23
Key losses: Andrew Chrabascz, Kethan Savage, Avery Woodson, Tyler Lewis
Key additions: Paul Jorgensen, Christian David, Aaron Thompson, Jerald Butler, Cooper Neese
Coach Chris Holtmann led Butler to the Sweet 16 in 2017 with a group of veterans who battled in the Big East and helped the Bulldogs win a pair of games in the NCAA tournament. Then he left for Ohio State in June, taking top-100 prospect Kyle Young with him. Plus, four members of last year's vital rotation are gone, leaving Butler with questions entering 2017-18. But new head coach and former Bulldogs player LaVall Jordan understands the Butler Way. He can win in Indianapolis with this scrappy bunch that just completed a 4-0 trip to Spain. Six-7 forward Kelan Martin (16.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG), Butler's top returning scorer, could win Big East Player of the Year, especially if he spends his summer mixing up his offensive attack. Kamar Baldwin scored 14 points in a lopsided loss to North Carolina in the Sweet 16. George Washington transfer Paul Jorgensen could play point guard for the Bulldogs, although Baldwin handled the bulk of those duties in Spain. Aaron Thompson, a late signee to Butler's top-40 class, will compete for minutes at that position, too. Jordan needs his young players to grow up fast. But he has the pieces to compete in the Big East.
25. Texas Longhorns
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 24
Key losses: Tevin Mack, Jarrett Allen, Kendal Yancy, Shaquille Cleare
Key additions: Mohamed Bamba
Texas dodged a major hurdle earlier this summer when the NCAA reaffirmed the eligibility of Mohamed Bamba after accusations made by his brother, who said Mohamed had accepted improper benefits from a mentor. Now, it's hard to leave Texas out of the mix after coach Shaka Smart secured the services of Bamba (the No. 3 recruit in the 2017 class) and locked up the sixth-ranked class overall on ESPN.com just days before Andrew Jones withdrew from the NBA draft. This group resembles Smart's best VCU squads, but these guys are bigger, faster and more athletic. Bamba's defensive tools and ability to run the floor change this team. Jones is ready to prove he's a certified pro. And Matt Coleman leads a talented young group of newcomers. Plus, Tulane transfer Dylan Osetkowski (11.3 PPG in 2015-16) regains his eligibility in 2017-18. Texas won just 11 games last season. But they're trending in the other direction right now.


text:
The California Educational Technology Professionals Association (CETPA) conference concentrates on professional learning and providing resources to IT professionals working in the California education community. From November 14-17, 2017, thousands of educators and professionals attended this show looking for resources and solutions in order to implement technology into the classroom. We had the pleasure of being alongside our reselling partner, Troxell, in their booth at the show and had great success introducing the Robo C2 and Robo R2 3D printers to more California education professionals. The response was overwhelming and we are excited to get Robo products into more schools around the world!
This year, Braydon Moreno (Robo's Co-Founder) pitched the Robo R2 and Robo EDU solutions in the Technology Product Shootout. Others in competition included Makerbot, Ultimaker, Raise 3D, and New Matter. The audience was around 60 CTOs, Network Engineers, System Engineers and other IT Professionals looking to learn about and compare the latest and greatest in enterprise technology solutions.
Each presenter was given 10 minutes to pitch their products and EDU solution to the audience. Braydon spoke about Robo products, specifically the Robo R2 and all the functionality, ease of use, and benefits it has in education with onboard slicing and Chromebook compatibility. After all the presenters pitched from each company, the audience was polled to determine which solution would work best for them and Robo won 1st place! :)
To learn more about the Robo R2, click here.


text:
Time: January 19, 2020 at 6pm to January 18, 2021 at 7pm
Location: Worldwide
Event Type: ascension
Organized By: Sukhendu Mandal
Latest Activity: Feb 14
This is the latest upgrade to the entire consciousness. Last the Tree of Life has completed and now the Flower has taken full bloom. The Third of Octave of Energies and colors has source level abilities. also the past energies only vibrate but the new octave also creates a high freq sound (as i been feeling during the few days of initiations).
We have almost reached 25% of source level in ascension path. This is through our 12 strands of DNA. Going further needs 12 more strands to merge. Your cosmic half (soul mate) has to merge at energy levels before it goes further.
In session "Integrate 144 Zohars" we were merged to 144 soul extensions of 144 zohar levels (144x144 soul extensions). This allowed +25 scale of energy(25%).
Next, the 144 extensions of your Half will be merging in you. This could be your Twin flame or Soul mate at the Cosmic level. When the cosmic male and cosmic female merges the next multiuniversal portals open up.
To activate this session,call....."288 Integration"...
The 12 strands of DNA for you are already active and now the other 12 has come forth and merge...
to activate the session...call...
............."Twenty four DNA strands"...........
And then the Cosmic coronation for me and my half took place on 12 nov and causing intense energy movements and lethargy. The great cosmic masters and the entire universe showed its presence. The energies taking its tall by evening and then completing the process.
This is just the completion of +60 scale of energy of 60% of cosmic ladder ascension.
The session is shared in the evening...
To activate the latest session...call....
............."Flower of Life".........
Join The City of Shamballa - Reiki Attunement Social Network
Thank you. :)
Thank you Sukhendu for this partage. love
Excellent posts, thanks for sharing!
© 2009-2020 Chris Comish d/b/a The City of Shamballa Social Network Powered by
Badges | Report an Issue | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service


text:
I decided that since Hannah's fifth grade teacher didn't seem interested in having me volunteer in her class, that I would offer to volunteer in her forth grade teacher's class this year. So last week I spent a couple of hours on Tuesday morning doing just that. I am planning on volunteering tomorrow as well, then stay and have lunch with the little munchkin.
The PTA had a membership drive where the class per grade that had the highest number of parents join would win pizza. If a class had 100% they would win a pizza party. No class received a 100% but tomorrow is the day that we will be delivering pizza to the classes that did win. Hannah's 4th grade teacher and her class this year won! Of course, since I am the only non-working parent it is up to me to be there to deliver pizza. I hope I don't eat it all! :0)
Hannah was finally promoted to the next level of swim classes. She actually could have started it the last time, but I decided she needed to repeat it one more time to learn to be more consistent. Sometimes she does really well and then the next week she thinks she is there to play around in the water. She did much better the last session. this class she will start to learn the breast and butterfly stroke. Two of her instructors have commented on her back stroke, that is her strongest so far and she is really good at it.
Friday we dropped JoJo to get groomed… she looks so pretty! She really didn't want to sit for a picture though.
We got Daisy a matching Halloween bandana. It's so big on her we were calling her Underdog because it looks more like a cape.
I didn't get to stitch as much as I had planned this weekend…none on Saturday because I had lunch with my friend then we window shopped downtown. It was a beautiful day. But I did stitch some and I am almost finished with the second page.
today i spent some time cleaning our bedroom and purging some stuff. But you really can't tell. Tomorrow I won't have much time to do stuff but Wednesday and Thursday between Bible study and JoJo's vet appointment to recheck her ear, I have a ToN of stuff do . I need to clean like a mad woman… finish the laundry, purge toys, vacuum, dust, bathrooms and I still need to find the time to pack, get my nails done, bake cookies and take a trip to the Goodwill drop off center. Plus I am sure there are half a dozen things I am forgetting. I had hoped to get my laundry & stitching/office room cleaned out but I don't see that happening.


text:
Resilience Resources
Why is Resilience Important?
On a small scale, being resilient will enable you to raise your hand in class and risk "sounding stupid." On a grander scale, it will allow you to try something really hard whether or not you're sure you'll do well at it. With resilience, you can make the most of Stanford's opportunities to learn. The growth and wisdom that can only be achieved by navigating setbacks should not be considered the consolation prize to success, but rather bona fide revenue through which new perspectives are gained and crucial shifts in thinking are heralded. It's not about how epic your failure is, it's what you learn.


text: Nolewis3 #1 Posted May 17, 2019 Hi we sail out on the joy on the 25 of May and I have to say I am really scared lol based on reviews coming in. I guess as this is only second cruise first was on getaway and we loved it and food was awesome. Seeking reassurance that maybe some of the bugs will have worked out by 4th sailing lol as it sounds like elevators are horrid and no reservations for specialty dining any tips on how to make beat of it lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites