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Auster speaks out on the decline of American literature
Paul Auster speaks out to The Big Think, and "strenuously" disagrees with Philip Roth's assertion that the novel is a dying art-form, fading from public relevance. He also speculates on the future of internet literature. Full interview with Auster available here. (via Norton Fiction.)
More on A Piece of Monologue:


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We love Fridays at Curator, not only because we enjoy sipping drinks over happy hour as a team, but because it's our opportunity to reflect on wins from the week. Below, we've shared some coverage we secured for our incredible clients, including annual scholarship programs, special events and Valentine's Day fashion. Grab a seat and read through the links below!
Client Coverage:
Some help keeping those New Year's resolutions, Lakewood Sentinel
Stoneridge Shopping Center opens annual scholarship program, Pleasanton Weekly
Daily News HomePage for Friday, Feb. 3, The Mercury News
Simon Youth Foundation seeks applicants for $1 million in scholarships, SoCal City Kids
Pyramid Railroad Avenue Porter, Wine and Beer of Washington State
The Shops at Montebello Chinese New Year 2017 Celebration, Guest of a Guest
Meadowood Mall donates practice area to Galena lacrosse, Reno Gazette-Journal
Meadowood Mall donates space to Galena, Nevada Appeal
Haute Looks for a Hot Valentine's Day, Denver Style Magazine
Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas, KTVA Daybreak

subset: commoncrawl


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Hello sweethearts! Again I have to say sorry for posting so rarely at the moment but sitting quietly at home or being at home at all has become a rare thing. It's either seminar or school or conferences or guided tours or exams or a little bit of everything in one day. And coming home in the evenings, I am often so tired that I have to pay attention to not falling asleep while preparing stuff for the next day.
Apart from all those busy moments, the weather here in the middle part of Germany has become really weird. Leaving the house without an umbrella is like leaving it completely naked . At the same time I do not have that much time to think about picking the perfect outfit. I need something that adapts perfectly to the weather conditions, and my changing, working conditions, looks like summer (at least, it's me looking like summer) and feels fresh, comfortable and elegant at the same time. Even something that I can wear during a whole day as immediately after work I often have to guide tourists.
One of the trends that best meets my needs at the moment is the shirt dress, another reoccuring fashion theme. I am so in love with the versatility of the shirt dress. On colder days I am combining it with skinny jeans or even tight business pants. The straight shirt dress version works best with pants.
But not only the straight version is tempting. I also love the waisted version as it very feminine and elegant and practical at the same time. Plus you can combine wiht almost any kind of shoe trend 2016…sneakers, pointed flats, heels or espadrilles. So, guys, what else do we need to keep cool in hot and busy times? See my selection of my favourite shirt blouse dresses…
Guys, I hope you fell in love with some or at least one of those wonderful shirt dresses. And I hope you being successful in keeping cool when it is really getting hot outside.
Thank you so much for having stopped by. I try to come back as soon as possible. I hope you are having great weekends and a good start into the next week.
Do not forget to enjoy some fashionable moments.
P.S. Here you can find some of my favourite shirt dresses from Farfetch. I am sure you'll love them…


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About Us
globalCom is the single largest Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya satellite service provider in sub-Saharan Africa. We provide voice and high-speed data services to anywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in the air.
Thousands of remote users utilize our global mobile satellite communications solutions on a daily basis to stay connected. We work together with our partners to develop innovative, customised solutions for businesses and organisations all over the world. We sell our services directly to our customers as well as through a worldwide network of distribution partners. globalCom Satellite's in-house expertise and engineering skills led us to become the first Iridium authorized satellite value added reseller (VAR) in sub-Saharan Africa.
globalCom has a broad spectrum of specialized satellite system solutions which includes Iridium's and Inmarsat's full product and service offering. We also design, install and commission fixed satellite communication solutions based on VSAT architectures. Our customers rely on us for mission-critical satellite mobile communications and as such, we are a trusted and integral part of their global operations.
For more information please browse our products and services page or feel free to contact us via the contact us.


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Docker Endeavor – Episode 2 – Liftoff
Estimated reading time: 8 mins
Review of episode 1
In episode one we wrote about the challenges we faced during the last two years of our Docker experiments. Some of the problems we found are still existing today but overall we get a Docker infrastructure up and running. This episode will cover how we do it.
The blog-picture of this post, which you can see at the bottom, shows how we decided to setup our on-premise Docker infrastructure. In the following sections we explain the core components and we will also provide further information where, for example Github issues, are available. Explanation is structured from outside to inside - therefore VMWare is the first thing we will explain.
As we started to build up our Docker environment we started with one single Docker host just to try out how far the Docker progress actually is. We decided to go with Ubuntu hosts because we already had Linux experience for a long time and therefore this seems a convenient way for us. Soon after the first tests the first questions came up. One of them was, how we should power the Docker environment as a whole infrastructure - should we install Docker (based on Ubuntu) bare metal or not? We read about it and we came to the conclusion, that installing Docker on bare metal is a bad idea because of some reasons.
- Bare metal operating system upgrades (not updates) are often a huge pain and the need to reinstall the whole system is common. That is really ugly if you have limited hardware resources. It is much easier to build up a new virtual Docker host and to startup the containers you need freshly on this Docker host.
- Other projects like Rancher prove that it is not unusual to run Docker in Docker to remove the operating system dependency and to build a cloud operating system like CoreOS or RancherOS (but that was too much for us).
- No, you don't like hardware! As simple as this sentence is, hardware, networking, fiber channel connections, and so on are always a real challenge. Therefore a datacenter always needs a lot of persons who are doing this kind of tasks. To avoid this tasks, use a hypervisor of some kind. We have VMWare at work so we choose this one.
One single Docker host is easy to manage, it is like hacking 127.0.0.1. You can use Docker volumes, you can place the data on your local harddisk and all is pretty easy. But you will not be fail-safe. Therefore if you ever plan to use Docker in production you have to have more then one Docker host. And this is where the problems start. After we setup our second Docker host (now we have five) we quickly realized that we have to share data between hosts. Yes we know about data containers and so on, but this solutions are always limited in multi Docker host scenarios. A data container on Docker Host A is and will ever be on this host. If it fails it is gone. Kubernetes therefore provides Docker volume drivers which enables the containers to directly write to external storage, AWS, GCE,… but we are on-premise. OK, they also support NFS but managing Kubernete pod's and Kube-proxy and other stuff is not easy. For this reason we decided to follow the KISS principle (Keep it simple & stupid) and we setup a central NFS server for our shared data.
As we write this we literally can look into the future and we will hear the people screaming in our comments: "Oh my god, NFS! They are using this f**** old crap piece of insecure software with this super-duper perfect Docker software!!!" - yeah, only three words on this… It just works.
The NFS share is organized in multiple sections. On the one hand every Docker host has its own area where host specific Docker container configuration files can reside. For example, this is useful if one of the Docker hosts is holding more than one ip address because some kind of "external ip address" is needed to provide a DNS entry with the correct information. In the bottom picture this is the reason why Docker host A is not in the Docker swarm. As you can see there, there is a container deployed who's role is to be the border-controller. The border-controller will be explained in one of the following blog posts. On the other hand, the NFS share also covers an area where shared data is persisted, for example, if you have a MariaDB running in one of your containers (and logically only one container) then this container may be started on Docker hosts C-E in case of troubles because you deployed it as a Docker Swarm service. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to hold the data of the MariaDB container on a destination that is reachable from any possible Docker host.
Maybe there will be a better solution in the future to achieve this goal, but currently this is a valid setup.
Docker swarm
As you can see in the picture, we are using a Docker swarm setup. For example this is helpful for automatic deployments as a Docker stack service can be updated easily. The swarm makes it also possible to guarantee, that a service with a defined number of replica Containers is always running, regardless if there are only one or many Docker hosts. But currently you have to be careful because the Docker swarm is doing some things that you will not be aware of.
- Docker swarm does not support –net=host configuration. This means, that you will not be able to configure a needed network interface from inside a Docker container on a Docker host the container is running on. For example, an "external" ip address cannot move with the Docker container if the container is started on another Docker host. If you need such a setup, you cannot use Docker swarm at the moment. Now you now why in the picture at the bottom some Docker hosts are not part of the swarm - more information here -> #25873
- Docker swarm uses overlay networks between the Docker hosts, which is an impressive feature. But the Docker swarm mesh network does not support sticky sessions. This means, that a service published as Docker stack, will open up the exposed port on all Docker hosts of the Docker swarm. E.g. if you have five Docker hosts and you are running a Docker stack with a service that starts two Docker containers, then this two containers will be reachable through all five Docker hosts on the published port(s). Furthermore, if you start more Docker containers in a service as you have Docker hosts, e.g. ten Docker containers running on five Docker hosts, you will only have five input ways (trough the five Docker hosts) to the Docker containers. This mesh network will route the incoming traffic to a Docker container inside the Docker stack service randomly and you must not reach the same Docker container on the next request. Therefore some kind of ingress-controller is needed. That is why in the bottom picture a ingress-controller (Traefik based) is shown to manage these requests if stickiness is a must have. In most cases for us it is a must because in most cases the service running in the Docker swarm stack has no session database…
We know that a lot of people are saying "make stateless services" or "your applications have to use a session database" and so on, but this is not the reality of real live applications which have a long history. This is the point where theory (Docker) meets practice (real live). We will show you such an ingress-controller in one of the following posts.
The client in this kind of setup can only connect to a DNS name, e.g. example.com. And of course the user on the client would like to only put in the domain name in the browser. A user will not an will never be comprehensive to learn ip ports like example.com:30001. Now you will say: "Meh, just publish the service on 80 and/or 443!". Ouch, if you do this in a Docker stack service, port 80 and 443 are burned up on all Docker hosts! Starting only one service of this kind will render port 80 and 443 unavailable for any further services. This is why cloud companies like AWS, GCE, Azure and many more provide a service that is able to map a Docker swarm stack that is using a dynamic exposed port to an fixed ip address and which in turn is covered by a DNS server. This is the only way how it is possible to have many services with port 80⁄443 running in parallel. We call this service "border-controller" and now you know why!
But if you are on-premise there is no such service available. You are out of luck and if your users have to access a domain name as usual and if you would like to provide the service/application behind this domain name via the Docker environment, you have to setup a border-controller like you can see it in the bottom picture. But there are some pitfalls. For example, if you use Traefik as ingress-controller and as border-controller you will currently mess up the stickiness of your application -> #1574. We will show, how we managed this in one of the following posts.
This post contains a lot of information about many components of an on-premise Docker environment with Docker swarm stacks/services. Stay tuned, we will provide more insights soon. If you have any questions, don't hesitate and leave a comment, you are welcome!


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Report NEP-MIC-2010-05-22This is the archive for NEP-MIC, a report on new working papers in the area of Microeconomics. Vaishnavi Srivathsan issued this report. It is usually issued weekly.
Subscribe to this report: email, RSS or Twitter.
Other reports in NEP-MIC
The following items were announced in this report:
- Vincenzo Denicolò & Piercarlo Zanchettin, 2010. "Leadership Cycles," Working Papers 2010.35, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
- Martin Grossmann & Markus Lang & Philipp Theiler, 2010. "The Sugar Daddy's Game: How Wealthy Investors Change Competition in Professional Team Sports," Working Papers 0128, University of Zurich, Institute for Strategy and Business Economics (ISU), revised Oct 2010.
- Andrea Mantovani & Alireza Naghavi, 2010. "Parallel Imports and Innovation in an Emerging Economy," Working Papers 2010.40, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
- Martimort, David & Poudou, Jean-Christophe & Sand-Zantman, Wilfried, 2009. "Contracting and Ideas Disclosure in the Innovation Process," TSE Working Papers 09-053, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
- Nathan Miller & Matthew Osborne, 2010. "Competition Among Spatially Differentiated Firms: An Empirical Model with an Application to Cement," EAG Discussions Papers 201002, Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.
- Barbosa, Klenio, 2009. "Free Riding in Procurement Design," TSE Working Papers 09-128, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
- Javier Díaz Giménez & R. AntonBraun, 2010. "Spain, Japan, and the Dangers of Early Fiscal Tightening," Working Papers 2010-14, FEDEA.
- Frank Vöhringer & Alain Haurie & Dabo Guan & Maryse Labriet & Valentina Bosetti & Pryadarshi R. Shukla & Philippe Thalmann, 2010. "Reinforcing the EU Dialogue with Developing Countries on Climate Change Mitigation," Working Papers 2010.43, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
- Höffler, Felix & Kranz, Sebastian, 2010. "Using Forward Contracts to Reduce Regulatory Capture," Discussion Paper Series of SFB/TR 15 Governance and the Efficiency of Economic Systems 320, Free University of Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Bonn, University of Mannheim, University of Munich.
- Cadot, Olivier & Kukenova, Madina & Strauss-Kahn, Vanessa, 2010. "OECD imports : diversification and quality search," Policy Research Working Paper Series 5285, The World Bank.
- Juan D. Barón & Deborah Cobb-Clark, 2010. "Are Young People's Educational Outcomes Linked to their Sense of Control?," BORRADORES DE ECONOMIA 006978, BANCO DE LA REPÚBLICA.
- Bergès, Fabian & Bouamra-Mechemache, Zohra, 2009. "Is Producing a Private Label Counterproductive for a Branded Manufacturer?," TSE Working Papers 09-130, Toulouse School of Economics (TSE).
- Scarborough, Helen, 2010. "Decomposing the social discount rate," 2010 Conference (54th), February 10-12, 2010, Adelaide, Australia 59156, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society.
- Lehmann, Richard J. & Reiche, Robert & Fritz, Melanie & Schiefer, Gerhard, 2009. "Information Modelling for Quality and Sustainability," 2009 International European Forum, February 15-20, 2009, Innsbruck-Igls, Austria 59197, International European Forum on System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks.


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So you are wondering what all the BizBuddyBuzz is all about right? These are some of the questions we get asked all the time.
So what is in it for me?
If you live local, or work local or want to – BizBuddyHub is about creating the connections and relationships that build community and trust and allow us to collaborate. It is also about helping you connect and belong and find your niche market for your services or products, as well as peer support who are in it together. We are all local people supporting local.
Why do we need to collaborate? don't we have networking groups?
Yes, there are many local networking groups and these are an important source of referral for business, and we support them all. But collaboration is a level above and requires a deeper level of commitment and sense of building something bigger than what you can accomplish as a single individual. BizBuddyHub welcomes and supports all local groups and is inclusive rather than exclusive.
What is the BizBuddyHub platform – is it a website?
The BizBuddyHub Collaborative Marketplace is like a collection of mini-websites and tools for local business, spaces, groups, programs and organisations, to list their business or offer, set up their e-commerce products and services, share their events, blogs and deals and collaborate in a member-to-member (peer-2-peer environment) in a supportive virtual space. This is your platform and engine room for your business and your news.
What would be the advantage of being part of the membership/marketplace?
You may have a website and you may have a great strategy that allows you to find your ideal customers, but, for most local people, it is incredibly complex to understand how to ensure your website can be found by your ideal customers and to be able to continue to market what you do effectively. Belonging to a local marketplace ensures you can be found by locality, by product or service as well as by being known as a local as both your business and as a local member of the community. You can do this to back links to your own website and Facebook pages etc or just have a very cost effective presence on BizBuddyHub
How does this work?
This is a lot like how business was done in the old days, you were simply a part of the "local" community, you were Joe, the go to guy for fixing your car, or Mary, the local dressmaker, you were also part of the local cricket team, or fundraising for the local school or hospital etc. This was human based.
Our model matches physical connection through our own Hosted events, BizBuddyHub supported events and our members own events, that may be around coworking, learning, networking, social or particular interest, as well as being able to be found online by locals and to be able to maintain the connection with other members via our collaboration tools. We also have a strong local area marketing function in being able to share your Backstory, Business, Offers, Deals, Events and Blogs via our social and email channels.
Why do you do this?
We believe that community and local is at the heart of everything we do, and our ethos is to build sustainable and inclusive local economy, to do this we must create tools and connection and look for opportunities to find synergy between existing resources and knowledge and skills. We know that we are growing and we believe we should have an eye on the future and ensure our community is able to thrive and this will enable the grassroots community to be able to solve problems from the ground up in ways that were not possible in the past.
Who is BizBuddyHub for?
BizBuddyHub is for all local business, business and community or interest groups and programs, for those looking to connect or start-up a business. Local stakeholders, those who would like to optimise their business, share resources or find like-minded collaborators or simply just have a sense of belonging and being in it together. We work across resources like spaces, meeting rooms, existing serviced offices and those that might want to have a flexible share arrangement for their resources.
What does Collaborate Global mean?
As much as we are about living, working and shopping local – we do not believe that you can build local without being able to collaborate globally, we believe that you should be able to create a funnel of work coming into the local economy and community and to do this you should be able to collaborate globally, sharing and gaining knowledge and information. Local is the idea of living and building community and roots where you live and our focus is centred around the Plan Melbourne 20 minute neighbourhood model
What is Local and can I have this in my community?
Short answer, YES, Local can be your community, this was born in Wyndham but we are very keen to see Ambassadors emerge in their local communities and we are happy to work with you to help you build the same ethos and connection in your 20 minute neighbourhood.
Why is EOFY a good time to join?
Put simply if you purchase an annual membership as a business or individual now you will be able to offset it against your taxable income in the current financial year and it will only be due again at the end of the next financial year. You also make significant savings on our monthly plan.
Where do I Join?
Can I contact you for more information?
Sure, we love connecting – contact us here
We live, work, shop, support local and we collaborate global – we would love you to join us?


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Profiles of the Godless(05 August 09)
Last year the Center for Inquiry asked members to participate in a ground-breaking, first-of-its-kind survey of nonbelievers. Thousands responded and the results are in!
Luke Galen, associate professor of psychology at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, has released the findings of his study and published an article summarizing the results in the most recent issue of Free Inquiry magazine, the flagship publication of CFI's sister organization, the Council for Secular Humanism.
In his article, Galen notes that other researchers have collected mountains of data about the attitudes and characteristics of believers, but there's far less information about nonbelievers. Even worse, what little data does exist has often been collected accidentally.
Galen's study is the first to direct a full range of sociological survey questions specifically at our population of "nones" (as nonbelievers have usually been identified by pollsters).
In addition - and perhaps most significantly - Galen's data calls into question the oft-reported link between strong religious belief and mental health.


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The Ford versus Naish Smackdown
How often have you read an article that takes a piece of scientific research, misinterprets the evidence presented and blows the results way out of proportion? The titles of such articles tend to be the sensationalist types, using explosive statements that are guaranteed to get the general public's attention, aka 'click bait'. This is pretty much what Ford's presentation sounded like - a bunch of decisive, explosive and sensationalist statements that in reality, meant absolutely nothing.
On the 15th March, Conway Hall hosted what was supposed to be a debate between Brian J Ford and Dr Darren Naish. Ford is about to publish a book in which he argues that all dinosaurs were, in fact, aquatic. Yes, you read it right - ALL dinosaurs. Now, to call it a debate would be generous. That implies that both sides had well researched and founded arguments, which wasn't the case. In fact, it felt very much like an argument between a sensible adult and a petulant child throwing a tantrum - which is ironic considering how many times Ford accused palaeontologists (in general) of being childish and simple-minded.
You may think that I am being unfair and that my post isn't objective enough, and you're right, it isn't. In fact, it cannot be. Ford encouraged the palaeontology community to 'embrace a new concept' with absolutely no evidence to back it up - except for a few cartoons. He was unable to accept or discuss real evidence and seemed to imply that the idea that dinosaurs were aquatic was both new and his. Naish addressed this head-on in his first presentation slide, showing that the same idea had originated years ago and been subsequently dismissed.
Ford essentially cherry-picked any data that vaguely supported his argument and ignored any evidence that went against it. If I were to summarise some of my favourite Ford v Naish moments, where Ford tells us how current concepts are wrong and so "his" idea must be correct - apparently by default - they would be as follows:
Ford: Dinosaurs are too big and couldn't possibly cope with their weight - enter big mammals analogy. Also, they had long tails that are not needed if they were terrestrial. Therefore, they must have been aquatic.
Naish: Should we just ignore current anatomical and morphological evidence including the Caudofemoralis longus muscle then?
Ford: No reptile has ever evolved a system for warming themselves up - enter link to how our notions of the climate back then are incorrect. Therefore, they must have been aquatic.
Naish: Huh? So, we're ignoring any mammals or bird descendants of reptiles then? Awesome.
Ford: Some dinosaurs have 'fin-like' structures - enter Spinosaurus data. Therefore, they must ALL have been aquatic.
Naish: Ok, so maybe we finally have a semblem of an argument here (maybe). I'm assuming we're ignoring the significant anatomical differences between a fish's dorsal fins and a Spinosaurus sail? Also, chameleons...no?
Ford: Some dinosaurs were duck-like and so must have lived like ducks in water.
Naish: Hadrosaurids were not actually "duck-billed" and let's not forget that evidence confirms a tree-based diet.
Overall, the debate wasn't much of a debate at all. It was worth it just to hear more about dinosaurs from Darren but all I got from Ford was a big sales pitch. On a positive note, however, Ford's old school PowerPoint animations were pretty spectacular! I haven't seen someone use bouncing green ticks on a slide since I was in Year 7. Forget about dinosaurs and science, Brian. Start a #BringPowerPointAnimationsBack trend!


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Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
We can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
New York, NY
Gold plated brass.
In good condition.
– 22" around– made in NYC
Please Note: All Sample Sale purchases are final. Everything is in AS IS condition. We will try our best to list any major flaws.


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They say scratch the surface of Orkney and it bleeds history and archaeology.
On a windy day, something of a feature on the Orkney Isles, Pauline and I arrived in Stromness, the westerly port of the Orkney mainland. We set up our tents for the night in a campground on a small spit of land jutting out into the sea on the outskirts of the town. The ship we had arrived on was called the Hamnavoe, named after the bay that Stromness is situated on. It is a Norse name, Hamna meaning small island, and Voe meaning inlet.
The narrow main street of Stromness is set back from the sea by a winding row of houses, and it's flagstone-paved road had a ribbon of cobbles running down the centre to prevent horses from slipping on the wet flagstones in days gone by. We cycled east for a few miles to one of Orkney's most famous sites, the Ring of Brodgar. Looking at a postcard or internet image of this stone circle you would be forgiven for thinking it is just a set of standing stones. But when you are there, standing next to ten foot tall slabs of stone, erected some four and a half thousand years ago and lit by the soft glow of the early morning light, there is a real sense of something very special. There are only 23 of the original 60 stones remaining but it was enough to make you wonder how the Neolithic people erected them, let alone got them to the site in the first place. Our timing was perfect as we had the entire site to ourselves and just over an hour later the ubiquitous coach parties started to arrive for their whirlwind visits.
We retraced our route just a mile back down the road to a Neolithic chambered mound, a burial mound to be more precise, Maes Howe. The mound itself is 35m wide and entry is via a low passage way made from giant flagstones. On this occasion we were part of a guided tour, the only way to gain access to the inside. Much like the experience at the standing stones, it was baffling to wonder how on earth, 5,000 years ago, they managed to first of all keep slabs of stone, measuring three foot by 20 foot, upright on their edges, whilst lifting another of the same dimensions, weighing several tons, on top. Inside the main chamber, some five metres square by four metres high, there were three chambers leading off, presumed to be where the deceased were laid. More fascinating for me was ancient graffiti, scratched into the stones by Vikings in the 12th century. It was amusing to learn that they wrote familiar things such as "I was here".
Seven miles to the north west lies probably the most famous of all sites in Orkney, Skara Brae, dating back to 3,500BC. It is Europe's most complete Neolithic settlement, set on the edge of a white-sand beach with aquamarine waters gently lapping onto the shore. In 1850 however, that gentle sea had an altogether different mood. Skara Brae was discovered when a storm in that year washed away the top soil, revealing the outline of the village. 164 years on and it was now swarming with visitors, over 50,000 every year in fact, but that didn't detract from the wonder of such a well preserved piece of history, older than Stonehenge and built before the pyramids in Egypt.
Our camp for the night was on the opposite coast to Skara Brae, not far from the Broch of Gurness, in amongst the sandy dunes of yet another picturesque beach. The wind dropped and I sat in quiet contemplation of the days experiences as the sun set on the horizon.
After a hearty breakfast of eggs on croissants, we set off south east for around 20 miles, to the capital of the Orkney Isles, Kirkwall. The wind gradually picked up through the day, reaching a challenging headwind of 20mph, and we worked up a sweat powering against it for a further seven miles south of Kirkwall to visit two second world war sites, the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel. After a daring U-Boat attack just months into the start of the second world war, it was decided that four of the entrances to Scapa Flow would be permanently closed off with enormous concrete block barriers, to protect the British naval fleet that regularly anchored there. Scapa Flow is of course world famous as a diving site on the wrecks of the German fleet, scuttled there at the end of the first world war. One wreck though cannot be dived upon, that of HMS Royal Oak, the ship sunk by the U-boat with the loss of 800 men in just a few minutes. Every year since, the Royal Navy replace the ship's ensign as a mark of respect.
At the end of the first barrier is the Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners of war in 1943. The prisoners were brought to this spot in the early part of the war to help construct the barriers, and it was decided that a place of worship was needed, so two nissan huts were joined together. What they created is both astonishing and beautiful, and we both felt very moved at the experience.
The following day we travelled by a ferry an hour and a half north to the island of Westray. It was pouring of rain when we arrived on the island, and the harbour crew kindly allowed us to sleep in the small waiting room at the port for the night. But the following day was glorious, and we set off to explore the island. At a lump of isolated cliff on the east coast called Castle Burian, a large number of seabirds nest. It was late in the season but we were pleased to see a few late nesters of puffins and fulmars. The sea lapping at the edges of the cliff face was the North Sea, and just one mile in the opposite direction we found ourselves on a beach called Mae Sand with the Atlantic lapping onto the shore.
At the north end of the island is the main town of Pierowall, beautifully set in its own bay, on this day bathed in warm sunshine. The final stop was Noup Head lighthouse to the north west, atop high cliffs, home to yet more nesting birds. We returned to the mainland that evening and sadly I knew the next day it would be time for me to leave. Pauline was going on to Shetland but I was returning to Edinburgh.
The Orkney Isles are a magical place, almost like a different country entirely from Scotland. I had only scratched the surface of `Orkney, but, as the ferry rumbled into life and set sail into the darkness, I shed a tear of farewell to these astonishing islands and vowed to return some day soon.
Photos on this Flickr link.


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Passing music on with Zo!
As soulful multi-Instrumentalist and producer from Detroit, Zo! has had the pleasure of working with rapper Phonte from Little Brother, The Foreign Exchange, and more recently with singer Sy, who is also a back-up singer for Sheila-E. You'll know him from the breathtaking beautiful track 'If she breaks your heart' which features in The Foreign Exchange album 'Leave it all behind.' I caught with Zo! last year to see what we can expect from his latest project 'Man Made' due to release in spring, the most unusual instrument he has used whilst producing, and why he doesn't want to go to his grave without passing on music. Margaret Tra writes.
Are you just currently on tour, or are you on a break?
We just came off. We just did like a weekend. Three cities, three days, came back yesterday.
How was it?
It was...those joints are tiring! You're driving, you're performing, same day, but it's all, it's all worth it man.
Sounds like one thing after the next. A lot of shows backed up?
Like 3, 4 hours of sleep each night.
What were the shows like? What was the response like?
People were digging it! We went to, let me see, the only place we played solo shows this time... we went to Memphis, we went to St Louis and we went to Indianapolis. St Louis was the only repeat. Memphis was our first one and Indianapolis was our first one. We played in all three spots with Foreign Exchange, but not as a duo.
Is there a significant difference between performing with the Foreign Exchange and with Sy?
When Sy and I perform, it's different from Foreign Exchange; maybe because I guess the show dynamic, you know we're more... we're a lot loose. I guess both entities, we all have fun on stage, so you know we'll definitely take it. We'll take here and then take it here...depending on what the crowd is like. Of course Foreign Exchange has the bigger name so it's going to be a bigger crowd and things like that. But I mean you know, both sides, its dope. We still hop off stage, and go interact with the fans at each show. I'm a fan too, so if I wanted to go see my favourite artist, and they came on stage and interacted, that would be kind of like the price for the admission fee so, it would be worth the ticket.
You don't really see that that often though...
Na you really don't! We definitely want to make sure that we let folks know that we appreciate, you know, that they are spending their money, because they don't have to...
Do you think that you will keep doing that?
You know, folks can stay at home. We make sure we go out there, shake hands or sign things and take pictures and all that.
Well like you, aren't you a homebody?
So you obviously didn't plan out to have a music career, you were quite heavily in sports, what was the pivotal moment for you that made you decide that music was for you?
Not playing sports anymore (laughs). I was drafted out of high school to play baseball and ended up going to Western Kentucky University. Ended up graduating, and playing for 4 years, and then you know what I was 22, and it stopped. I didn't get drafted again and whatever, and so I had all this time, all this idle time, cause I mean, baseball is, if you play baseball in college, it becomes your job, I had all this idle time and it's like, what do I do now besides, you know, go to class. I gained 20 pounds of weight (laughs). You know I call it a transfer of passion, you know the way I was passionate about baseball, I flipped it into music, I had, at the time I had one keyboard, and one sequencer, so I decided to start making music and it seemed to have worked at the time. It wasn't anywhere near what I am doing now, but I mean it was something that seemed to keep me motivated. And it seems to have built up a little since 2000/ 2001.
And what was that moment that made things build up? Who did you work with, do you think, that made you get your name out there?
Um, who did I work with? Um, I don't think it was necessarily who I was working with, I think it was more or less, realising that it could be done! And at the time I was, passing my stuff back and forth to a member of Prophetics, he's a DJ and producer for Prophetics which is a group based out of Atlanta. They were actually the first group to give me my first production credit.
Do you think growing up in Detroit was a big influence on becoming an artist?
I think growing up in that area, but I think most of all growing up in a musical household, more so, the influence. Like my mother and father always played music in the house. Or like whenever we were in the car there was always music around us so, I got you know, more of a soul side from my mum, and more funk from my father. I was always the kid who was mesmerized, looking at the linear notes. I would like try and take some crayons and draw on them. I still have albums to this day that have my old crayon marks on them.
So how did you become part of the Foreign Exchange family?
That was through Phonte. Um, I met Te back in '05. I went to a Little Brother show, and at the time I had the Re:Definition album out, which was the joint I did with the remixes, and two Little Brother remixes on there, and I had heard on Little Brother message boards that he had heard the joint. So you know, I'll finally get to holla at him after the show, tell him respect, you know, whatever, that was my plan. So when he came up, he was walking through, he came up, we said what's up, he was like, "Yo I know you, I know who you are," I was like "word?", and he was like, "I got your album on my iPod", I was like "word!" So pretty much on the spot, we ended up exchanging phone numbers, and we kept in touch, and at the end of the year, we working on steppin' out for the first ...'Just visiting.' Like I had asked him, "Yo I'm working on ...just visiting", he had already heard 'Caught Up in the Rapture' and a couple of other joints, and he was feeling them, so I was like, let me see if he'll sing. I had been thinking about it, and he said "Yea send 'em through." And I was like sh** ok. Sent them through, he ended up knocking it out, we been working ever since. It was after I moved here we started working on 'When Everything Is New' for Little Brother album, and 'If She Breaks Your Heart' for Foreign Exchange album, and once we did that, he was like "Once we take this album on the road, I want you to be a part of it," I was like 'cool' you know, I'm with it. We went out on the road in New York, 2008, been on the road ever since.
So you also teach as well?
Yeah I did, I was in the DC school system teaching Special Ed, High School kids, basically kids who had one foot in the jail, one foot in the classroom. I would teach music to them in a classroom setting. And I did that for 5 years until the school shut down. But yeah I still teach lessons to adults, kids because I think it's important for me I guess as an artist. I don't want to go to my grave not passing on music, I want to be able to take a couple folks under my wing and be like 'that's my student, that's my student.' You know, music is meant to be passed on, it can't just stop with you, whether it's your children, your students, something, you got to pass it on.
And you mentioned Motown is a big influence on your music?
Yea I think so, I definitely think so. You know, my mother is a huge Motown fan. She's actually from this area though, she's from Maryland. She played Motown all the time.
So you are obviously a man of many talents, but you don't sing, well do you sing?
I do not.
No? So how do you decide on the artists that you want to feature on your albums then?
It's basically about fit. I guess the first thing that you decide is do you want a male or a female vocalists on there, then I'll do a joint, I'll send it to Phonte, like me and Phonte pretty much on the phone every other day, it's like, "Who you hear on this?" "I hear such and such" or "I don't know who I hear on it yet." There's a lot of people I want to work with but so far, I haven't worked with them on this album because I don't hear anything that fits them, I don't want to force them into something that I don't think would fit, or something I don't hear them over, it's like throwing somebody in a fire you know what I mean. It has to really mesh well, with no clashes and I we don't want to have a clashing album.
So do you mainly just use live instrumentation when you are producing?
Yeah, and not a lot of people think I'm the one playing the instruments. People don't know I play stuff outside of keys, so I continue to make that known; I play more than one instrument.
What do you play, go, tell us.
Well when I'm in the studio I play keys, I play bass; I play drums, I play guitar, I've only played gigs on three of those four, I've never gigged on guitar I don't think I'm good enough yet. I only play in studio.
Do you ever use any non-traditional instruments or it is just strictly traditional?
I have a little mini xylophone, so I'm trying to put that on something but I don't want make it sound corny. The rain stick, it's a stick and then you turn it over and it makes noises. I've used that before, I've used a set of keys for shakers, I think that's about as far out as I have gone, I pretty much stay pretty normal. Pretty much keep it straight.
Are you working on anything new at the moment?
I'm working on a new album called 'Man Made' coming out in Spring.
And what can we expect from that? Can you say anything?
You can expect some good music.
Good work….
(Laughs) It's going to be good music, its going to be original music. I know a lot of people have asked me for a 90's album to follow up from the 80's album, like I did before. I'm not really feeling the covers right now so just leaping forward.
So more of your own stuff?
That's what we want to push. As far as an artist that's growing, and an artist that wants to solidify some type of legacy, I don't want to solidify my legacy based on what someone else is doing. I want to solidify it based on my own end.
What stimulates your soul?
Good love. Good music. Good Food.
That does sound good.
If you can get all three of those, then you can call it a good day.
To listen to more of Zo!'s work jump onto his Website.


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adventure is out there {i heart makers}
liz lamoreux
Another edition of {i heart makers} for you today! As the days warm up here in the Pacific Northwest, I can't help but start dreaming about little adventures to take with my family. While looking for a collection of goodies to celebrate getting outside, I was struck by how many awesome handmade designs there are the directly celebrate the adventures we experience in our lives. So I focused on that word and discovered all these goodies.
One thing I love about almost all of these is that they'd also make really thoughtful gifts for grads, new parents, and some would even be sweet wedding gifts.
First, the print at the top of this post is from Mae Chevrette, and I love how it celebrates the way we have that deep desire to connect with our bravery and make our way in the world. From big decisions, like moving across the country after college or starting a new business, to smaller ones that feel big ones, like simply moving into a new house, we all know this feeling.
The Adventure Moleskine from The Wild Creatives would be a sweet way to keep track of the adventures you want to take and what you find when you get out in the world.
I'm also a little obsessed with their Breathe Adventure Drink Coffee mug.
The Adventure Awaits globe from Everthine Designs is simply gorgeous. Hand lettering makes me happy and I'm pretty excited that this is a trend that is sticking around. You can customize a globe with your own wording too, which is so much fun!
The "adventure is a family value" sweatshirt from elSage designs delights me. I had the chance to connect with these makers at Urban Craft Uprising and this couple is the real deal. Awesome customer service and just a very sweet, genuine vibe to them.
This "Blessed are the curious" watercolor print from Winsome Easel is breathtaking.
And while curating over on Pinterest, I've seen quite a few prints and other good things that celebrate this idea that "you are our greatest adventure" but I think this one, also from Winsome Easel, might be my favorite. A gorgeous gift for new parents.
You can never have too many bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils, and these Adventure Awaits pencils from Earmark Social Goods make me smile.
Here are two products that celebrate the adventure captured in the movie Up (which is one of my favorites ever...that first 10 minutes or so...hashtag I can't even). First, this sweet print from Wanderlust25 Paper Co.
And then this handmade "Our Adventure Book" journal by Akeidah is the sweetest!
The "life was meant for good friends and grand adventures" t-shirt by ShopAugustInk takes me back to the summer in college that I spent in Jackson, WY with dear friends from the boarding school I went to. Wish we'd had these for the iconic photo we took by the Welcome to Wyoming sign we stopped at during our cross-country drive. Also love their not all who wander are lost tee.
An invitation: Are you a maker? Share a little about you and your shop with a link to your site in the comments so I can visit. Would love to possibly feature you in a future post.
Note that some of these links are affiliates, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase through the link. All photos are copyright to the makers mentioned.
To check out other posts in this ongoing series where I celebrate makers and the good things they create and design, head over here.


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EARTH FIRST Annual Open House was a Blast!
EARTH FIRST Landscapes celebrated our annual open house last month with BBQ, Pie and Putting Greens!
Our customers were all invited over to have lunch provided by Mick's BBQ and some homemade pie from the best pie food truck in Texas! There were margaritas and ice cold beer on tap as well as fresh lemonade- it was a great Texas style picnic!
After lunch , guests had a chance to show off their putting skills on our very own putting green located in front of our office building! Thank you to all of our customers that attended and made our day so special!
We hope to see you all next year!


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DYKON A/S produce high-quality, natural down duvets and pillows. They are the leading manufacturer within their field across the Nordic countries, and they are based in Denmark.
DYKON are always looking to improve their products using the latest technology. To this end, DYKON has built a high-tech laboratory in which they are able to control the environment and measure the effect of a duvet on a thermal manikin. This allows for testing how a human would react to different duvets and environmental settings. The central challenge for DYKON proved to be visualizing the data provided by the manikin.
In collaboration with DYKON, we developed a VR solution to visualize the data from the manikin using heat maps. This allows DYKON to get the most out of their data in an intuitive and easy-to-use solution.
As an additional step in helping DYKON communicate what they had built to their customers, we adapted our VR software into an iPad application. With this app, DYKON have a portable version of their lab to bring with them all around the world as a showcase for their vision and use of technology.
The VR visualizer as well as the iPad application were developed in Unity. In the Dykon Sleep Lab, a HTC Vive was used to power the VR visualizer.


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Dockside caters to all types of private and corporate events and functions such as birthday parties, bridal showers, business luncheons, rehearsal dinners, charity fundraisers and even fantasy football draft gatherings.
Thank you for considering us for your next event. We have both semi-private and private space available to accommodate your needs. Our experienced and friendly staff will provide you with excellent food, drink and service in a comfortable atmosphere.
We offer the flexibility to accommodate your menu and budget needs. With no room charge, it is our goal to make your event affordable and enjoyable.
Please browse our Functions Menu.
We make every attempt to accommodating your needs. To inquire about planning your next function, please fill out the form below.
"I will be back. Everything was excellent!" – Susan J.
"Thanks from the Spaulding Rehab in Medford! The private entrance was nice too." Kim M
"Keep up the good work. We had a great experience & would do it again and recommend to friends." Jean & Jim C
"Everyone had a great time at the event the staff were very friendly and helpful in the planning." Nicole. T.
"Loved everything about the food & setup – will be calling when we have another meeting or event." Ellie T.
"You all did a great job the staff had a great time at our holiday party." Amy O.
"Your staff made our daughter's sweet 16th a memory we all won't forget. We had a blast! The kids are still talking about it. Can't wait for her graduation party in 2016 !" Patricia, Bruce, Barb, and Kathy
"We had a great time. Thank you for helping our family create lasting memories." Laura S.
Our locations in Malden and Wakefield offer a free private function room.


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The Evolution of Tucson City Lights
About this image
These three images taken in 1959, 1980 and 2003 show the evolutionary change and growth of the artificial lights emitted by the greater Tucson area as seen from Kitt Peak National Observatory, about 56 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of the downtown area.
Although the light emission has obviously grown, qualitatively, it appears to have lagged the explosive growth in Tucson's population during this period. Light pollution control ordinances and outstanding public cooperation have limited stray light to the extent that Kitt Peak remains a world-class astronomical site.
The ghost image just slightly visible to the naked eye in the foreground of the image is actually a series of daylight exposures that demonstrate the location of the mountain ranges between Kitt Peak and Tucson.
A much larger image, continuing the panorama to the north and south, is separately available.
More: history page.
Minimum credit line: Bill Schoening, J.C.Golson, Mark Hanna and NOAO/AURA/NSF
Downloadable versions:
600 x 473 43 kb B&W JPEG (on this page)
1200 x 945 140 kb B&W JPEG
2400 x 1890 281 kb B&W JPG
2400 x 1890 4.34 Mb 8-bit B&W TIFF
(see NOAO Conditions of Use)
Comments by e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.com


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The NBA on Thursday announced it fined Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson $15,000 for flipping off fans during a game earlier this week.
Thompson directed his middle finger toward hecklers Monday night immediately after the Cavs' 99-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in New York.
He tallied 19 points and 14 rebounds to power the Cavs and successfully defended against Spencer Dinwiddie's 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have won the game for the Nets.
Thompson made the gesture as he walked off the floor.
--Brandon Ingram will miss the Los Angeles Lakers' next two games because of a sprained ankle he sustained Wednesday night, the team announced.
The third-year wing sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of his team's win against San Antonio when he came down on the foot of the Spurs' LaMarcus Aldridge after taking a jump shot. He reportedly was using crutches after the game but also was able to move without them.
X-rays Wednesday night were negative, but Lakers reporter Mike Trudell tweeted Thursday afternoon that Ingram would undergo an MRI exam later in the evening.
--Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum was due to miss Portland's Thursday game against the Phoenix Suns with a sprained left ankle.
The contest was to be the first McCollum would sit out this season. He is averaging 21.3 points, second on the team behind star guard Damian Lillard (27.3).
It wasn't revealed whether McCollum would be recovered to play Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
--Field Level Media
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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Your Custom Text Here
Commisioned by The City of Melbourne to photograph fifty-five portraits to acknowledge and celebrate the long-term commitment of independent small business proprietors in the City of Melbourne. The portraits were then exhibited for two weeks in the historical Melbourne Town Hall.
Old Parts (right) of eighty-eight year old motorcycle spare parts shop owner Jean Beanham (Owner of Modal Motorcycles) was also a selected finalist in The National Photographic Portrait Prize 2014.
The National Photographic Portrait Prize is an annual event intended to promote the very best in contemporary photographic portraiture by both professional and aspiring Australian photographers.
The Gallery offers a prize of $25,000 for the most outstanding photographic portrait.


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Elizabeth Hoover, Musicology
(513) 529-2054
Elizabeth Hoover is an Associate Teaching Professor in Music in the Department of Music who specializes in twentieth-century music and American experimentalism. Her research interests explore the intersections of sound, image and gesture in multimedia and screen media, including opera, happenings, film, television, and music videos. She has lectured at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, presented papers at various symposiums and conferences, including those held by the Society for American Music and American Musicological Society, and published in Current Musicology, Jazz Perspectives and Notes: The Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association. Her recent work, "Collage and the Feedback Condition of Earle Brown's Calder Piece," was published in Beyond Notation: The Music of Earle Brown (University of Michigan Press, 2017), the first monograph on composer Earle Brown, an American pioneer in open form and indeterminacy.
Dr. Hoover's recurring teaching responsibilities in the Department of Music involve courses for music majors, including the core music history sequence, MUS211 and MUS212, A History of Western Music, and courses for music majors and non-majors alike, such as MUS206, Tracking Sounds: A History of Film Music, and MUS189, Great Ideas in Western Music. She also teaches graduate students in the courses MUS490/590, Special Topics in Music and MUS621, Graduate Research in Music. After participating in the Alumni Teaching Scholars FLC at Miami University (2016-2017), Dr. Hoover began intensely researching music history pedagogy. Her current project applies online learning frameworks, methodologies and technologies to face-to-face delivery methods of university/college-level music appreciation courses.
In 2017, Dr. Hoover started writing as a Digital Media author for W.W. Norton, Inc., for content included in the online resources for the 13th edition of The Enjoyment of Music (Kristine Forney and Andrew Dell'Antonio, 2018). Dr. Hoover holds an MA in Musicology and a PhD in Musicology, both from the University of Pittsburgh.


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RESIMAC offers a wide range of competitive home loans that can help you finance your next property purchase.
RESIMAC Platinum (RESIMAC), formerly known as Finloan, is the lending arm of RESIMAC Financial Services. RESIMAC Platinum offers financial services exclusively through Finsure and LoanKit Finance Brokers, and currently manages more than 15,000 loans.
RESIMAC obtains funding through a securitisation program coupled with support from major banks such as National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac Banking Corporation and Commonwealth Bank. As a publicly unlisted company with an operational corporate governance regime, RESIMAC was the first non-bank issuer to hold an Australian Financial Services License.
Compare RESIMAC Home Loans
Home loans offered by RESIMAC Platinum
SMSF home loan
The Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF) Loan is tailor-made for SMSFs wanting to borrow money for the purchase of a residential property. It offers interest-only repayments for up to 10 years and a split loan facility, and carries no application, monthly or annual fees.
Premium Home Loan
The Premium Loan is a discounted home loan ideal for buying a home or an investment property. It is designed for borrowers who are self-employed and PAYG borrowers. It offers an ongoing competitive interest rate with an annual fee, a Loan Access Card for accessing the available redraw, split loan facilities and dynamic repayment options.
Standard Home Loan
This is a fully-featured home loan suited for purchasing a home or an investment property. The Standard Home Loan is designed for PAYG and self-employed customers. The loan offers interest-only repayments for up to 10 years, a competitive interest rate with no ongoing fees, and offset and split loan facilities.
Quickstart Home Loan
If you lack genuine savings to contribute to a loan, the Quickstart Loan is designed for customers who are unable to contribute 5% genuine savings towards the deposit of their home loan, particularly first home buyers. Some of its attractive features include dynamic repayment options, split loan facilities, redraw facilities, an offset account and a Loan Access Card.
Alt Doc Home Loan
This loan is specifically designed for self-employed borrowers who cannot provide current financials to authenticate their income declaration. It has dynamic repayment options, split loan facilities, redraw facilities and a Loan Access Card. There is the option for borrowing under 80% LVR or above 80% LVR, with alternate interest rates for each option but the same features.
Specialist Full Doc Home Loan
This is a full documentation loan suited for customers with adverse credit or larger sized loan amounts. You can opt for this loan if you want funding for any personal, business or investment purpose.
Specialist Alt Doc Home Loan
The Alt Doc Home Loan is designed for borrowers who are self-employed and can provide an accountant's letter or BAS to substantiate their income declaration. It has redraw facilities, offset, split loan facilities and refinance options.
You can have a clear or adverse credit history but must be able to provide three months of business bank statements to be eligible for this loan. This loan is split into Plus, Assist and Clear home loans that offer various features that are suitable for self-employed borrowers.
About how to compare home loans
How to apply for a RESIMAC Platinum Home Loan?
If you'd like to apply for a home loan from RESIMAC, please speak to a mortgage broker or contact RESIMAC directly.
What do you need when you apply?
Personal information
RESIMAC will require you to provide some personal information that can help to prove your identity. This documentation is required by law and must be provided before your home loan can be finalised.
- Tax File Number. RESIMAC will need your Tax File Number (TFN) on hand to include on the loan paperwork.
- Proof of Identification. You will be required to give RESIMAC the proper identification to meet the 100-point threshold in order to have your loan processed.
Property information
You will also need to provide several pieces of documentation pertaining to the purchase of your home. Each home loan may require different documentation, so be sure to talk with your agent to see what your specific requirements are. However, here is a list of the most common property documentation required:
- Property valuation. When you obtain a loan from RESIMAC, a proper assessment will need to be done on the property to determine its true value. This will ensure that the loan you are obtaining is equal to the value of the home being purchased.
- Proof of title for property. RESIMAC will need to obtain a copy of the title for the property being purchased. This will guarantee that the party selling you the property is the actual owner of the property and has the rights to sell it.
- Property sales contract. Before closing on your loan, RESIMAC will need to have a copy of the sales contract for the property. This will provide all the details about the sale of the property.
Financial information
Although you will provide RESIMAC with your financial information at the initial stages of the application, you will also need to provide proof of that information. RESIMAC will ask for detailed information about your earnings, assets and expenses. You'll need to provide:
- Proof of earnings. You must provide documentation that can prove your annual earnings. If you earn a wage, copies of your payslips should be adequate. If you are self-employed, however, you may need to submit copies of your tax returns.
- Documentation for outstanding debt. If you have any outstanding debt that you listed on your home loan application, you will need to provide RESIMAC with a copy of the latest statement for those accounts.
- Proof of assets. RESIMAC will need documents that can prove the value of any additional assets or income that you disclosed on your initial home loan application.
Always make sure to seek expert advice and compare your options so you find the best loan available for your needs.


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I like watching comedies, but most of them are too banal and typical to be funny. The majority of jokes are devoted to sex, stupidity of teenagers who think only of sex and awkward situations connected with sex or, what it is even worse, with some physiological functions of your body. Original comedies with interesting plot have become a great rarity nowadays. There are only a few movies which I can call humorous in a positive sense.
One of the greatest modern comedies, in my opinion, is "Intouchables". It tells the story of a disabled man and his personal assistant – sounds pretty banal, but the characters presented make this story really unforgettable. The role of assistant is performed by a young guy who has no responsibility, no respect for established rules and no desire to help the others – the qualities which are essential in his profession. However, he possesses great sense of humor which helps him to make friends with a disabled man and return the interest in life to him. The funniest episode occurs when the heroes visit opera together – the sight of singing tree is comical itself but the comment of the hero makes the audience roar with laughter.


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I was extremely excited to learn recently that my Deliscript font family (Alphabet Soup's major font project of 2009) was chosen by the Type Directors Club to receive their prestigious "Certificate of Excellence in Type Design" in the display fonts category for their TDC² 2010 Typeface Design Competition`. Deliscript was one of only 16 designs chosen from the many typefaces entered from 29 countries.
Deliscript will be showcased in TDC² 2010, will be on display in New York City throughout the summer of 2010, and will be published in TDC's Typography 31, the Annual of the Type Directors Club. The exhibition will then go on tour traveling throughout North and South America, Europe, and East Asia.
Once again I'd like to extend my thanks to the very talented Patrick Griffin of CanadaType for his invaluable help with Deliscript's OpenType programming.


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We're please to announce our upcoming UK Risk Roundtable session. Scheduled for Friday, May 17th, the topic is: "What do you need to know to implement "need-to-know" information security."
This briefing will provide a collaborative forum for Risk & Compliance and IT professionals to discuss how emerging information security concerns are forcing law firms to improve their defenses. Attendees will learn best practices for successfully implementing a "hybrid" security model, which restricts access to highly sensitive data within core systems to a need-to-know basis.
- Drivers behind the shift from systems-based to content-based protection models
- Examples of security models employed at law firms around the world
- A stage-by-stage guideline – based on practical steps – for implementing a risk-based, content-centric protection model
For past participants of Roundtable sessions in Canada, we have reserved June 19th for our next meeting in Toronto. Please save the date and watch this space for more information.


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Mandala art print by Allison Trentelman.
Professionally printed on Kodak Endura paper, a premium photographic paper with a lustre surface. Archival and rated to last 100+ years in a home display.
Shipped with care in flat, sturdy packaging so it will arrive in perfect condition.
Frame is not included - this print is unmatted & unframed.
See more prints from this series: new gemstone mandalas.


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Mayor's Office Press Release
Houston Gets Official Hand-off for World Petroleum Conference in 2020
July 13, 2017 -- The countdown has officially begun for the first World Petroleum Congress in more than 30 years to take place in Houston, the Energy Capital of the World. Mayor Sylvester Turner accepted the responsibilities of hosting the 2020 conference on behalf of the City in an official hand-off ceremony in Istanbul Thursday.
The Bayou City campaigned for the prestigious event, which is predicted to pump $60 to $80 million into the local economy. The conference draws as many as 10,000 top-level international oil executives together every three years. The last time Houston was selected as the host city was 1987 – also the last time a U.S. city hosted.
"Our global relationships are phenomenal, and the U.S. bid committee has been amazing," said Mayor Turner. "Houston has changed so much in 30 years since the last WPC in our city and so has the energy industry. We are looking forward to showcasing the rich culture of the most diverse city in the nation along with new energy technologies, platforms and strategies for growth. Now it's our time to pull all the elements together for a one of a kind event."
To land the convention, the federal government, City of Houston, Houston First, Consular Corp, Greater Houston Partnership, industry trade associations, energy company operators and service companies joined together for the common purpose of promoting Houston as the world's energy city leader.
"Houston is the perfect location for the WPC," said Galen Cobb, U.S. WPC Bid Committee Chair. "We are home to more than 4,800 oil and gas companies, including 23 Fortune 500 firms and more than 91,000 engineers. Plus, our petrochemicals and gas products are distributed around the world through the Port of Houston which is the number one U.S. port in foreign tonnage."
"As the acknowledged Energy Capital of the World, Houston is a natural location to convene global leaders intent on shaping the future of one of the world's most important industries," said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership. "Houston is the epicenter of energy innovation, and the World Petroleum Congress will showcase Houston as an energy leader and as a true global knowledge capital. We look forward to welcoming the members of the WPC to Houston in 2020."
Committed to the future of the energy industry, Houston is a vested partner and global hub of leading oil and gas and renewables business, research and development, talent, production, refining and distribution.
"Houston has a history of hosting internationally renowned events such as the OTC Week, CERA Week and the NAPE Expo," says Mike Waterman, executive vice president of Houston First. "WPC will bring thousands of the top minds in this industry to Houston from across the globe who will be able to access advanced facilities in Houston, attend engaging presentations and cutting edge technical tours to gain valuable insight into industry trends and leading technologies."
A Global Legacy Program will also be established with the net profit from the event that will benefit the next generation of energy industry young professionals. The funds will be redistributed around the world by the WPC to select Legacy Projects that align with WPC Legacy Committee initiatives, including educating and developing the future of the energy industry. The young people in school today will be the industry professionals and innovators of tomorrow.
Mayor Turner, the Greater Houston Partnership and members of the U.S. WPC Bid Committee traveled to Istanbul as part of the trade and investment mission to the United Kingdom and Germany, which will wrap up on July 15. The Mayor will also meet with Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbas and hold trade meetings with the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, the Steel Exporters Association of Turkey and the Turkish-American Business Council's Texas Committee.
More information on Houston's winning bid is available at Houston 2020 WPC Bid (link deactivated).
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Managing Remote Teams
Top Level > Bundles and longer Training Sessions
Managing Remote Teams
Being a leader of team that is widely dispersed, or that comprises individuals who are working on many different things brings unique challenges. This 1-day workshop will provide a number of tools and techniques that will allow managers to get the most out of their teams, even when they are not with them for much of the time.
Download a FREE outline of this workshop here.
When you purchase this workshop, you will be sent:
- A 19-page trainers guide
- A detailed 43-page delegate workbook
- 33 Supporting PowerPoint slides
- Additional handouts required to run the course
all in pdf format.


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Sue Meir
Hello my name is Sue, I have a Diploma in Children's Services and I have been fortunate to have spent many years involved in the education and lives of countless children and their families.
I believe all children are unique individuals and that play is of vital importance to their growth and development. Children need time and space to explore, discover, experiment and enjoy their environment.
It is in this time, as an educator, I have the opportunity to support and extend your child's learning, interests and strengths and gain a deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from. All children have a family to which they belong, as an educator I understand and respect that all families differ and that all children have the right to know, understand and practice in their family's culture and beliefs. It is my responsibility as an educator to develop positive relationships and open communications with a child's family, sharing information to ensure the best for their child.
I very much look forward to meeting you and your children at the Hub and making your child's early years of education happy and memorable ones.


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Time for the regime to face the music
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 30/10/2018
» Finally, the return to democracy has begun. It's raw. It's vulgar. It's controversial. It has also unleashed a rush of polarised opinions. Police are gunning to outlaw it as more people flock to view it online, with over 21 million on YouTube for the music video in question as of yesterday mid-afternoon.
'Time' for PM to answer the big question
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 26/06/2018
» Give the military regime some credit. At least it has the sense not to ban the Asia edition of <i>Time</i> magazine with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on the cover.
As poll looms, banish hateful battle cries
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 13/03/2018
» No matter when the next poll is held, the battle lines are already being drawn.
Justice fails test in temple stand-off
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 31/05/2016
» No matter how it turns out, the stand-off between the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and Wat Phra Dhammakaya has underscored a combination of extreme conviction and weak enforcement of the justice system that has underpinned Thailand's many crises.
Gen Prayut stars in own Thai drama
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 22/03/2016
» While Thai fans scream: "I want to be a captain's wife", it is doubtful whether viewers will get past Song Joong-ki love-sickness and see the message of "patriotism" that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha wants them to absorb from the Korean drama series Descendants of the Sun (DOTS).
NCPO risks letting coup go to waste
News, Atiya Achakulwisut, Published on 19/08/2014
» The prevailing feeling among military supporters of Ya Hai Sia Khong, or do not let a coup go to waste, will be the bane of Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha throughout his year-long attempt at national reform.
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Human Pulse - Checking Guidelines
The purpose of information given below is not to teach diagnosis through pulse. Using this information, you may check your pulse and draw your own conclusions but for proper diagnosis, you should consider consulting the expert. Checking the pulse on regular basis may give you an early warning of some troubles brewing underneath. Normal pulse of a healthy person should be smooth, balanced, constantly regular, rhythmic with easily readable beats. The pulse should be found easily, not by exerting undue pressure but at the same time, it should not be too strong.
The pulse is checked mainly for count, location, rhythm, strength, length, width and depth. These aspects make up about twenty-eight different combinations. According to another concept, there are lesser number of combinations. Whatever be the number of combinations of pulse, each has its own diagnostic significance.
The pulse should be checked at radial artery of the wrist. The advantage of checking the pulse at the wrist is that it can be compressed against the wrist bone with required pressure, which can be varied according to the depth of the pulse. Remember that it is not always found at the surface. Electronic instruments can detect and count the beats but are not designed to check other aspects like depth and length of the pulse etc, which are very important for diagnosis through pulse. It is not just counting the beats; it is much more than that. In fact count, location under the checking fingers, rhythm, strength, length, width and depth are all important for diagnosis and depend on many factors and conditions in the body.
It is important that the pulse is checked correctly otherwise the answer might be misleading. Make sure that the fingers are placed correctly at the correct location. Following guidelines can be helpful:
- Pulse should be checked at the wrist with all the four fingers by placing in a way that the index finger is towards the base of the hand. Some practitioners use only three fingers depending upon their own technique.
- The hand being checked should be in normal relaxed position and not tense, held out straight or stretched by force.
- Palm of the hand being checked should face upwards.
- Hands should be kept stationary while checking.
- Pulse of both hands should be checked.
- Initially the fingers should be placed gently. Undue pressure should not be exerted unless it is necessary to find the pulse.
- It should preferably be checked in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
- If it becomes unavoidable to check at a time other than morning, it should not be checked immediately after eating or drinking unless there is no choice.
- Do not check if you are feeling emotionally disturbed. Wait till you calm down.
- Should not be checked when you have been walking and feeling somewhat out of breath. Rest for a while till you feel and breathe as you generally do.
Along with other details, following symptoms also need the attention of your doctor:
- Shortness of breath on little physical exertion or going upstairs.
- Any heaviness, pain or pricking feeling in heart area.
- Any pain in left arm and jaw with or without swelling of veins of the neck.
- Palpitation after taking food containing fats.
- Any heaviness in heart area specially on lying on left side.
- Limbs go to sleep easily.
- Legs swell when hanging down.
- Feeling of weakness without any apparent reason.
- Swelling or cramps in calves.
- Persistent low blood pressure and subnormal body temperature.
Homeopathy does not deny the concept and checking of pulse. If it is found weak, intermittent, irregular, rapid or too slow, it does indicate abnormalities. In case of heart patients, it is always beneficial to check the pulse thoroughly and attentively. It gives a lot of help in reaching a diagnosis and selecting a medicine for homeopathic treatment.
For online patients,
It is not possible to physically check the pulse online but still basic information can be obtained through a special set of questions so that this important tool is as much used for diagnosis as possible.