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Empowered Video Series with Stephanie
Part 4: Inner Peace, Pathway to Thriving
How do we use meditation and energy tools to cultivate inner peace & thrive?
Over the past 4 weeks Stephanie has shared meditation and energy management tools to help you thrive. This week she shares how these tools come together to help us create inner peace and stability in our life. She also shares her intention of deepening these practices with an upcoming group program.
Watch Video Here.
"I believe that to have world peace we must first have inner peace. Those who are naturally serene, at peace with themselves, will be open towards others. I think this is where the very foundation of universal peace lies." -His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Note: This post also appears on Stephanie's Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary website.
What Makes You Come Alive?
Last week I spoke about how we are entrusted with this body- it's a gift and we are entitled to nothing.
This week as some of you are embarking on the 3 Day Refresh with me, I want to remind you to pay attention. To what?
Pay attention to what makes you come alive!!! Meaning, what makes you feel good, peaceful, grateful?
Yes, sometimes it's getting on a plane and going on a sweet retreat (PS: 2018 Tulum Retreat dates have been set!).
However, most often it's much simpler. When we stop and pay attention often we realize that feeling good results from choosing to see and fully experience "the good".
Make a gratitude list.
Take 5 minutes to feel the sun on your face while you inhale and exhale.
Plan that breakfast/lunch/dinner/movie/comedy show/musical/massage.
When we "do" things we enjoy - and remain present - it makes us feel ALIVE. Feeling alive results in feeling good. When we feel good, our state of being is enhanced and we make better choices. As we repeat this cycle, we "need" less and less to feel good. Each moment becomes an opportunity to say, "yes, thank you". And we realize it's not so much what we are "doing"...it's how we are "being" in the doing.
Ahhhh...being and doing is what I speak about in my book, Reclaiming Joy. For most of us it's a lifetime practice...
Life Is How You See It
Last week I spoke about spiritual mindfulness and why it's important if we want to thrive.
This week I am still singing a sweet song from our retreat in Tulum. So, I want to keep it simple by helping us remember that life is how we see it.
Life is either a miracle or not. Life is either an opportunity to thrive, open, go higher or not. Life is either a magic carpet ride full of experiences that make us say "WOW, how sweet it is", or not. Get the idea?
Life, and therefore our experience of being alive, comes down to what we choose to see. Yes, that choice word again. Isn't it empowering? Maybe frightening too once we understand the responsibility we have to live the life of our dreams.
An example of what we choose to see and how it impacts our experience happened divinely in Tulum while we were on retreat.
Picture it: Our group was scrumptious: loving, kind, peaceful and so positive!! Very high vibe, cool and fun. So...
Enter another yoga group who was there at the same time who were behaving "not quite as scrumptious" as us. By the 2nd day, our group was getting triggered by these people and starting to lose its high vibe...or as I say, we began colluding with the negative.
Then what?
I used our experience of the "other" group as a divinely timed teaching moment to bring us back to the idea that life, and therefore our experience of life, is how we choose to see it.
In this case, we could continue to focus our attention on how the other group was behaving...and therefore bring down our energy and vibe. Or, we could accept the fact we disliked the other groups behavior, and seek to understand them. Meaning, the other group was there to enjoy as well, and perhaps the way they were going about it was not how we do...and yet, we are all one. We chose to send them love and to continue focusing our energy on our group.
Guess what happened?
We learned the value of staying vibrant and positive even in the midst of negativity. We released judgment and sent them love instead. We felt better...empowered...moved from negative, low vibe back to positive, high vibe.
Remember, when we are in control of our attention, we are in control of our choice. Where our attention goes, our energy flows. We must choose wisely based on how we wish to live --- because life, and our experience of life is how we see it.
A quote:
"You can see the glass half empty, or you can see it half full. You can focus on what's wrong in your life, or you can focus on what's right. But whatever you focus on, you are going to get more of. Creation is an extension of thought. Think lack, and you get lack. Think abundance and you get more." - Marianne Williamson
The Gift of Frustration
Is the battle in here...or out there...?
Last week I encouraged you to stay true to what matters to you, especially when faced with challenges. I invited you to lean in to these challenges in order to reclaim your power.
I am fascinated by power. I love playing with power and studying it. In my shamanic practice I have learned to respect power immensely. Power is neutral. It becomes "charged" when we decide how to use it. Meaning, we are either using our power to help/heal or harm/hurt.
The interesting thing about power: some of us don't even know how powerful we are; others of us feel so powerful (ego) that we are oblivious... and still others think we are using our power to help, when in fact we are actually causing harm.
One example of being unaware of our power is when we get stuck for long periods of time in the frustration of how things "are". Perhaps we are frustrated with the outer world...or maybe it's our inner world...or some combination. Whatever the case, when we use our power for prolonged periods of time at the energetic of "frustration", we are doing harm.
Instead of focusing on why we are frustrated, we lose/leak energy to the lower vibrations that come with frustration: sadness, depression, anger, hopelessness, etc. Over time, these emotions cause harm to us and to those we touch.
When we focus on the frustration itself rather than the "root" of the frustration, we miss the gifts our frustration has to teach us.
What to do?
Get to the root!! Dig deeper by using reflection practices such as writing and meditation and/or get support by engaging in shamanic practices . When we commit to getting to the root, in the process we usually notice we are stuck/slowed down for a reason. And that reason is our teacher to help move us forward. In essence, the frustration is an invitation to lean in.
To be clear: I am not saying it's bad/wrong to have emotions. Quite the contrary. What I am saying is to live for prolonged periods of time in the lower/negative emotions is a misuse of our power as human beings.
If we want to use our power to help, we must first help our self (think airplane oxygen mask). By helping our self, we learn how to come into Ayni (right relationship) with power and we free up energy to help others. Isn't that the point?
In the process we learn one of the greatest gifts of our frustration is our freedom.
We begin to realize we are powerful human beings who are free to act in the direction of that which brings peace, love, joy and expansion...or not.
"Of this I am certain: something happens every time I stop fighting with the way things are." -- Geneen Roth
Lean In
Last week I spoke about rising up and how our perspective influences our life by telling you the story of the 2 wolves.
This week I want to continue encouraging you to stay true to what matters to you especially when faced with challenges. More specifically, I invite you to lean in to these challenges or that which seems to have "power" over you.
My shamanic practice has taught me to respect power. We all have it- power that is. How we use power (to harm or heal) results in our experience of life. And-- so often, we unknowingly give away our power and therefore the direction of our life.
One way is by avoiding/minimizing the sometimes chaotic/highly emotional energy that comes from the uncertainty that arises when faced with big life choices/changes. And blaming others is also a form of avoidance/minimizing :)
Avoiding/minimizing happens because we are afraid to engage honestly with the feelings that arise from uncertainty: confusion, fear, anger, sadness, etc.
What to do instead?
Lean In and become masterful at managing your emotional energy!!!
1. Accept what you are feeling with compassion (you don't have to like it)
2. Ask yourself what is at the root of the feeling (i.e. anger from feeling taken advantage of)
3. Action- do something about it!! (i.e. speak up, say no, set boundaries, get support)
Life is short. What we can't be with, won't allow us to be. The path to peace comes from owning our power and leaning into that which is trying to get our attention so it can be "healed". And yes, often it comes in the form of a "challenge" we are facing.
Try it! Let me know what you notice.
Do You Know Who You Are
Last week invited you to play with another concept: do what makes you feel good!
How is it going? Do you know what makes you feel good?
This week I encourage exploration into YOU, also known as self-discovery with the question: do you know who you are?
In my coaching practice, this question is one of the first things I ask clients. Do you know what I usually hear as the reply? Prolonged silence. Then, " I don't know" which leads to, "I am a parent, spouse, worker", etc.
These replies lead to my next series of questions that do not include our roles and responsibilities. Those questions lead to replies such as, "I am a lover, peace maker..." See where I am going? It's beyond what we do in the world.
So, why do I ask you this question? In my experience, knowing who we are beyond what we do gives us peace when our roles change and shift. Who are we when our children grow up and no longer "need" us the way they use to? Are we able to let them go or do we hold them too tight because of our neediness? This can also happen in intimate relationships when one person is growing and healing and the other is seemingly "not". What then? Do we stay? Or go? Or learn new ways of being? Hmmm....
And, who are we when we retire, change jobs, move, get divorced, experience loss of any kind?
These are deeply powerful life transitions that naturally shape the foundation of who we "think" we are. It's not a bad thing. It's simply something to be aware of so when we find ourselves lost in the fog of doing life, we are able to return being life.
How do we return to being life? By asking "Who Am I" without all the labels.
And by taking the class, reading the book, getting the support we need to navigate the new territory.
In exploring who we are, and perhaps more importantly, who we are becoming, we must allow our defenses to ease a bit. We must stop fighting with our self!!!
Fighting our way back to who we have been is depressing, dis-empowering and won't work. Instead, the empowering path forward is the one where we accept who we are.
The past several months have been a time of major transition for me on all levels so I am having lots of practice at this!! When I accept who I am, and who I am becoming: a change maker, instigator, provoker of truth, passionate lover, peace maker, risk taker, intellect, inspired action oriented person, then peace prevails. And yes, I also accept the challenging/shadow parts of my personality which also make me who I am: impatient, controlling, complicated, judging, highly sensitive. These shadow parts create the polarity that makes me be me. I can't "delete" them. I can only be aware of them and balance them out. Many of you are nodding :)
When I resist who I am because I am afraid to be myself or I am afraid of making someone else uncomfortable, I feel depressed and dis-empowered. Trying to fit into someone else's idea of me, quite frankly, has not ever worked. Yet at times I have lapsed and fallen into that dance since I am human too. Sometimes reality bites and yes, loss hurts. Bad. And yet...
In the dizziness that comes with big change, having the courage to be who we are ultimately puts us exactly where we need to "be" in order to "do" that which we were born for. It's freeing my friends!!
We step into the fog and eventually move through it...until the next phase of self-discovery returns and the fog rolls in yet again. It's a cycle we experience often when we accept.
A final note in case my writing isn't (yet) clear enough. A movie, "The Last Word" with Shirley MacLaine speaks so beautifully to this idea of how much of our life we spend fighting who we are to realize at the end, it is exactly who we are that was the most blessed gift to those around us and to our selves.
Perhaps the key is to realize this before "the end", you know? Or perhaps not? Some of us, perhaps myself at times, thrive on the polarity and the dance of dark and light. Meaning, my challenging traits of wanting to be in control enable me create massive movement in the direction I desire. Not good or bad. Simply is...and I am aware of it.
Know thyself. Be true to you.
Upcoming Events to Explore YOU!
Em-Path Workshop, Bronxville, NY on THIS Saturday, Sept 16th 2017
Sweet Retreat: Tulum, Mexico, October 31st-November 5th, 2017
Are You Free?
Last week I invited you to consider the concept stop driving start thriving. I shared that many of us spend our life so busy doing - the endless to do lists- and non-stop thinking - we neglect to notice how we are being. And it costs us....
We end up losing sight of why we are here, what's important to our well-being, and ultimately what brings us joy. We are repressed and depressed, anxious and stressed.
What are you noticing? Tell me here.
This week as we celebrate the 4th of July...freedom, independence I've been asking myself what it means to be free.
Am I free? Are you free?
Here are some tidbits I came up with...
1. Does freedom exist inside of us or outside of us?
2. Is it really our circumstances that bind us - make us feel trapped - or is it our mind?
3. Why do some people thrive in the most unbearable of circumstances and others collapse?
4. Is the ultimate experience of freedom the ability to choose our mental perspective?
5. Does being free mean being unafraid?
As you consider the above I encourage you to stay open and willing to see all angles.
If you wish to know what I believe...
1. Inside
2. Mind
3. Perspective
4. Yes
5. No
Stop Driving Start Thriving
Last week I talked about engaging with your council, meaning what is your method and frequency of communication.
How is it going? Feel free to email me and share.
As you continue to develop and engage with your council, I invite you to take pause. We are half way through 2017 and it's a great time to stop and reflect. Or as I say in my book Reclaiming Joy, it's time to Stop Driving and Start Thriving.
What do I mean?
Many of us spend our life so busy doing - the endless to do lists- we neglect to notice how we are being. In fact we invest next to nothing in being because we are spending so much on doing. My friends there's a cost to excessive spending on doing without investing in being.
What's the cost?
We end up losing sight of why we are here, what's important to our well-being, and ultimately what brings us joy. We go through the motions. We end up broke and depleted physically, energetically and sometimes emotionally, financially and spiritually. Our health, relationships, bank accounts and work suffer. We live in "should'. We give up.
Is this how we are meant to live?
No way. What I am noticing more than ever is that many people don't realize excessive thinking is part of the "excessive doing". In fact it's the thinking that puts us in this endless cycle of doing (should's).
Really? Tell me more.
As you many of you know, I meditate daily. And yes, I still "suffer" the afflictions of the mind. I am human. Yet, because I have made meditation a daily practice now for almost 20 years, I have developed a powerful habit.
The Habit?
The ability to discipline my mind and thereby redirect my attention from the negative (seeming obstacle ) to opportunity (positive possibility).
It's such a sweeter place to live. And at 41, this is how I choose to live.
Why Am I Sharing This With You?
Part of it is selfish. It's not fun interacting with anxious, stressed, negative people.
More than ever humanity is suffering, mostly by their own hand because there is no mental discipline. Stress, anxiety, anger and fear are at an all time high. And yet we still engage in the habit of turning on the TV to watch the news.
Part of it is self-less. I believe we are all meant to thrive. It saddens me to see so much suffering and I feel the need to do my part by helping people wake up!!!!
Unfortunately, many people still do not have a daily meditation practice and yet they want life to be better, different. You know the saying- we are what we repeatedly do? Well, here it is. It is unrealistic to expect our life to change when we won't change our habits.
Why Invest in The Habit?
Gaining control of your mind is the one habit I suggest you invest heavily in.
I see this trend of stress, anxiety and fear increasing. For such an advanced society, we surely have failed at what I feel is the most important aspect of living well- the ability to control our mind.
When we allow our mind to take control, the stress, anxiety, and fear separate us from others. We become a society of me versus you. It shows up globally, in our boardrooms, classrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and everywhere in between. Living this way is anything but thriving babes.
And so..
This week my invitation for you is to: Stop Driving Start Thriving:
1. Stop. Notice how much you spend doing by allowing your mind to create drama, story, separation, negativity...obstacles
2. Stop. When you notice your mind engaging in the above, invest in being...re-frame it to how this experience is one of: learning/growth, connection, positivity...opportunity
3. Stop. Observe the results...how do you feel...are you being peace?
4. STOP making excuses and commit to a daily meditation practice
5. Stop. Celebrate as you cultivate your new habit of mental discipline...
There is no magic pill to ease the mind. You must make meditation practice part of your daily routine to help you cultivate the habit of mental discipline. In this way, when the stress, anxiety, anger, or fear hits, your habit will kick in and re-direct your mind from obstacle to opportunity. In a word: Thriving. It's all a mind game this life. Those of us who get this, thrive...laughing all the way home to our grave.
A quote for you:
"To develop a reliable routine, a golfer has to decide to follow it and practice it time after time until it becomes an ingrained habit that will show up no matter how much pressure he or she is under. You can be sure that under pressure, you will find out what your dominant habit is." -Dr. Bob Rotella, Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect
Practicing Peace
Last week I introduced the idea that nothing is wasted, encouraging you to see all experience as teachers. Why? To empower you!!!
How is it going? Tell me here.
This week I want to keep it soft and simple by reminding you that living is an endless opportunity to practice peace. If you are reading this, it is likely you are more sensitive than the average person. As such, in addition to the challenges you may be facing in your own life, you are perhaps also feeling the collective depression/anxiety that is occurring on the planet. It's real. So, this week my invitation is for you to practice peace as you live your life...until it becomes a way of life...
What do I mean by peace?
May you find this "definition" practical and workable:
Peace isn't the absence of noise, challenge, hard work...
Peace is being in the midst of all of this while having a calm mind, open heart and absolute faith...in a word...LOVE
Love is THE way, the only way...
As I've shared in my book, when we choose LOVE as the path, it also becomes the practice and the fruit.
PS: I am talking LOVE without condition.
Practice living peace by choosing love...
Love your mind to calm with meditation, love your heart open with possibility, love your life by walking in faith. Respond with love, no matter who/what. Try it. See what happens. I'll check back with you next week :)
Your Habits Define You
Last week I shared with you a brilliant short video about mindfulness and how it empowers us. I reminded you that where our attention goes...our energy flows.
Staying with this theme of paying attention, I want to talk about habits.
In a recent conversation with a friend, she told me for Lent she gave up Facebook.
She admitted it was very hard. She wasn't 100% "successful" yet she learned a valuable lesson about habits.
Specifically she learned that her habit of incessantly checking Facebook was both an energy/time drain, and an emotional roller coaster. In giving up FB, while she may have felt more disconnected at times, she also felt more at peace. Interesting huh?
She noticed that each time she checked FB, she was emotionally triggered - either positively or negatively. This habit of checking FB was something she created and therefore was something she could change. The realization of this habit gave her a new interest in bringing greater awareness to her habits in general.
In the space of disconnecting (with discipline) from FB, she realized other habits in her life (the positive ones too!) that she engaged in. This recognition felt empowering for her. Why? It reminded her she is always in choice about how/where she is investing her energy/time.
Naturally this conversation got me thinking about my habits and how they define me. Meaning, if I am unaware of certain habits, I am living in somewhat of an asleep/unconscious state. I may be moving from one thing to the next because it's what I "always" do. This automatic behavior - habits - may be causing me to miss out on a more enjoyable and easier path!!!
AHA: The ability to step back and notice our habits gives us the awareness to choose consciously. Think of it as another form of meditation-- an active one!
Below are some examples of how my habits have dictated my thoughts, words and actions...and therefore have defined my life.
Thought Example: When I see a person being unkind, my habit is to think, "wow, that person is mean".
Habit Breaking Idea: Perhaps this person is having an awful day and they need my positive thoughts with a smile...and if I give my positive vibe, I feel better too!
Word Example: When someone accuses me of being unkind, my habit is to rush and defend myself...ME!? Unkind!?
Habit Breaking Idea: Perhaps I am having a bad day!! And I am being unkind in that moment. And my being "unkind" is a sign I need to be still, rest...nourish myself in some way.
Action Example: When someone I love doesn't acknowledge me when I do something generous for them, my habit is to withdraw emotionally.
Habit Breaking Idea: Perhaps it's about me learning (again and again!) to be generous without expecting something in return. Or about honoring that perhaps I need to do something for myself or ask someone I love to do something for me :)
Oh the wisdom to be learned in noticing our habits!!! The invitation is for you to notice your habits. Be gentle with yourself. Have fun with it :)
November 2018
|Thriving Life
Stephanie's Blog
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Hal Shockey and Len Johann Memorial Scholarship
Jim Shockey center with Hal Shockey and Len Johann
"The future of wildlife and hunting is in our hands Please join the Shockey family to make sure it is on good footing " Jim Shockey
First of its kind – Shockey Scholarship
This scholarship is being established by SCI Foundation Education Sables to encourage and promote education and research in wildlife conservation. Once implemented, it will be the first SCI Foundation endowed scholarship in Canada. Eligible recipients for this scholarship will be Master and PhD students at the University of Saskatchewan carrying out vital research related to how hunting has a role in the management and conservation of "huntable" wildlife. This scholarship is being established to honor the Jim Shockey Family patriarchs Hal Shockey and Len Johann and their contributions of passing on Canada's Hunting Heritage. SCI members, supporters of SCI Foundation and friends of the Shockey's can help us raise the $100,000 needed to fully implement this endowed scholarship and ensure huntable wildlife research continues.
Watch this short video which shares the passion for hunting and family enjoyed by these amazing gentleman.
Help us secure the future of hunting through research by making a meaningful gift today!
For more information, contact Kimberly Byers at email@example.com or 520-798-4891

subset: commoncrawl


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Arcosanti Cafe provides wholesome meals to the residents and guests.[Photo & Text: T]
Visitors are welcome to experience informal dining in spacious atmosphere with a spectacular view.[Photo & Text: T]
Three-storied high atrium in the Crafts III building gives the visitors opportunities to see multi-layered activities from each vantage point.[Photo & Text: T]


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Believe it or not, Christmas doesn't need to be incredibly expensive. It is possible to have a superb season without having to drain your savings dry or enter debt. With a little bit of research, you could plan the perfect holiday for all the family.
If you want to avoid being stuck in the red come January, you must look at the following affordable ways to have a great Christmas.
Find Discount Codes to Slash Your Expenditure
Many retailers are happy to provide discount codes to encourage you to shop with them over their competitors during Christmas. Rather than paying the full RRP on an item, browse the best discount code websites to find a coupon that can help you to secure the same product for a fraction of the price.
Sign Up to Retailers' Email Newsletters
Some brands are also more than happy to present new subscribers with between 10-20% offers, so it's worthwhile signing up to different retailers' email newsletters. They'll also inform you when they are holding a flash sale or might provide exclusive offers or discount codes for subscribers, which they'll send straight into your inbox.
Buy Cheap Theater Tickets
Do you want to attend a festive show this Christmas but don't have the cash to spare? Rather than paying full price at the box office, simply do your homework to find a more affordable alternative. For instance, Encore Tickets provide their customers with cheap theatre tickets for superb shows, so you can secure great seats for all the family without blowing your budget.
Start Secret Santa with Your Family
Do you struggle to buy the whole clan gifts for Christmas? If so, suggest starting secret Santa for the adults. For example, rather than spending a considerable amount of cash on every single family member, you'll simply pick one name out of a hat and buy a present for them for a set price. The cash saved can then be spent on festive food, decorations or activities.
Look for Free Festive Things to Do
Festive fun doesn't need to cost a small fortune. All you need to do is look for free and fun festive things to do near you. Most communities will often provide activities for everyone, such as a Christmas parade, a free Santa's grotto, or a Christmas carol concert.
Spend with Used Gift Cards
Do you know exactly where you need to shop for your holiday gifts? Save yourself a little cash by buying used gift cards for your chosen stores. For example, you can purchase gift cards people no longer want, so they'll receive a cash amount for the card, and you could save possibly 10% or more on a purchase.
Master the Web
The web should be your best friend this Christmas. Rather than paying full price for items in-store, make your way to the internet to purchase gifts for all the family. However, don't simply type in a website and buy an item from a retailer. Instead, visit Google Shopping, which could help you to find an item for the lowest price online.


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Eisen spent three days with 30 "amazing kids" from the York Catholic District School Board last summer as they toured Poland and examined the history of the Holocaust. As a 15-year-old boy who lived in Auschwitz for nine months before liberation (the fifth of the five camps he survived) and a man who has only two cousins left out of 55 members of his extended family, Eisen was something more than a tour guide to the students.
At the May 19 launch of his new book, By Chance Alone, the kids were anxious to catch up with one of Canada's few remaining living survivors of the planned, organized murder of six million European Jews — the Nazis' "final solution."
The kids' interest in Eisen is more than matched by Eisen's interest in them. Most of them are graduating this year and the old man wants to know about their plans for the future. Though his book recalls events that are now more than 70 years old, Eisen's most ardent interest is in the future. His family today includes three great-grandchildren aged eight, six and three. They are the first subject of conversation he brings up.
As students ask him again how he found the will to survive even after his father and uncle had been gassed and he was living alone in the camp, Eisen again talks about family.
"We were living in a place where life was not worth a plug nickel. My father tried to instill in me the will to go on," he said. "You needed to be very resilient and you needed a lot of luck."
Luck came in the form of a Polish doctor in the camp who treated Eisen for a serious head wound that resulted from a run-in with one of the SS guards. He was still weak and woozy after his treatment, so the guards put Eisen on a stretcher to carry him to the gas chambers. The doctor pulled him off the stretcher, gave him a lab coat and made him his cleaner and general dogsbody.
Dr. Tadeusz Orzesko also survived Auschwitz and 50 years later Eisen met the doctor's children and grandchildren in Rome. He still gets a call every March 15 from Orzesko's son. One of Orzesko's grandchildren has named her son Max, after Eisen.
The Catholic school board north of Toronto began organizing trips to Auschwitz for students after deciding to name one of its schools after St. Maximillian Kolbe, a priest who died in Auschwitz.
After the initial 2012 trip, the last three have been offered as credit courses. York Catholic superintendent of education Michael Nasello has organized the annual trips, but will take a break this summer and instead make a presentation at an educational conference on his experience introducing high school students to the history of the Holocaust.
No one knows more than Eisen how remote the Holocaust can seem to a Canadian teenager.
"This is such a far stretch from that time. We live in a country of such plenty," he told the students. "Be thankful for what you have here. Tell your parents that you love them."
Eisen's memoir of life in the Nazi camp system is published by Harper Collins and is available on amazon.ca in paperback for $13.62.


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I remember when I first opened my brand new Sony A7iii. With so many customization options, it has so much to offer that sometimes it can be a little overwhelming. When I was first getting started as a videographer I learned some hard lessons. One of the harder aspects of shooting video is when what you're recording isn't in a controlled environment, such as outdoors.
I want to share with you two things that I learned that drastically improved not only the look but the overall quality of my videos when shooting outside.
Understand that ISO is only part of it
I've consulted countless articles and videos and opinions varied. Some said to keep ISO on a certain setting and others said to keep on auto. I say, it depends on what you're shooting outdoors.
Interview? Certain setting. A situation when you're moving? Keep it on auto.
It's more important that you find the right shutter speed and aperture setting, then leaving those alone for the most part. I say for the most part because only in some situations would those need to be adjusted mid-shoot.
Understanding how white balance affects what you shoot.
You'll hear many different opinions on this subject. In my experience, leaving the white balance on the auto setting is not a good idea.
What's even more noticeable than a sudden ISO change mid-shoot is a white balance change. Cameras such as the Sony A7iii have great default options to choose from, as well as some different picture profiles — but I'll leave that for another article.
Learning how to use a new camera, or video production in general, can seem overwhelming.
The most important thing to keep in mind with these two suggestions is to just get out there and make some videos. I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but hopefully, this article will help you to avoid these mistakes and skip straight to making amazing looking content.


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In the battle between Microsoft's underdog smartphone and the Apple juggernaut, the result is far from a knockout. Even iPhone lovers have to agree.
Let's state it right up front, so there's no confusion: The iPhone is fantastic. The iPhone 4 rocks like a combination of U2 and Led Zeppelin. Add to that the 325,000-plus apps available, and it's a lethal combination.
Does that mean that there's no reason to consider a Windows Phone 7 device? Absolutely not. With this phone, Microsoft has thrown out the "me too" development philosophy of which it's often accused, and given potential customers a clear choice.
To start with, Redmond created a much different UI, forgoing the "tile" motif used by the iPhone and Android. Instead, it uses a brilliant hub motif, grouping functionality by category. It means that you can get to your stuff easier and more quickly. The UI feels less boxed in and more free-flowing.
The Windows Phone 7 OS is also quite responsive to touch input, rivaling the quickness of the iPhone. And the integration with things like Office and other business apps can't be replicated on other platforms.
Still, the iOS is significantly more polished than Windows Phone 7. That's to be expected, as the iOS is on its fourth iteration. For a first try, however, Windows Phone 7 is remarkably stable and functional. It's not the iOS yet -- but remember, there was no cut-and-paste in the first version. (Note to Microsoft developers: Get more things displaying in landscape mode soon -- and make this a priority.)
Another significant advantage of Windows Phone 7 offerings is that, by and large, they're much cheaper than the iPhone -- even free. That can make a difference if you're buying them for a whole department.
On the whole, most people probably wouldn't ditch their iPhone for one of these contenders yet. But when their commitment period is up, Microsoft has given them an alternative to strongly consider. That's always a good thing.
Related Articles:
From the next major update to Windows 10 to the next generations of .NET and PowerShell, here's what's on tap from Microsoft this year.
Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss. (Now updated with COVID-19-related event changes.)
Microsoft is promising to enable new edge computing scenarios for partners and developers with Azure Edge Zones, which became available as a preview this week.
In response to concerns about the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Microsoft is transitioning all of its big conferences in 2020 to be online only.
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Affordable Parts Specials in Aurora, CO
Have you been looking in the Denver, CO, area for a particular part or replacement for your Volkswagen? When you choose to search for your next part with us, you will discover a new sense of convenience and assurance. We carry authentic Volkswagen parts to maintain the integrity of your vehicle, while our parts specials make it even easier to afford what you need.
Find out why so many from the Centennial, CO, choose to take advantage of our part deals.
What's So Special About Our Parts Specials?
Replacement parts are necessary every now and then to ensure that your vehicle stays in the best possible condition. When it's time for new windshield wipers or brake pads, instead of ordering on your own or going to a mechanic in the Littleton, CO, area, you may discover the parts that you need at an affordable price by exploring our parts specials.
We regularly update our parts specials to reflect our current stock and to anticipate the needs of Greenwood Village, CO, drivers. This way, you can find a part that comes with the quality and price that works best for you. While we are excited to share our parts specials, keep in mind they don't last forever. If you see a special that meets your needs, we encourage you to act before it expires.
High-Quality, Genuine Volkswagen Parts
When it's time for a replacement, you don't want to place your trust in just anyone. All too often, mechanics and shoppers in the Lakewood, CO, area buy their parts from third parties only to discover the part doesn't fit or has issues. Instead of rolling the dice, you can count on our factory-quality parts. Our genuine Volkswagen parts have met the high standards of Volkswagen and will fit your vehicle perfectly.
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If you see a parts special that works for you, reach out to our parts team to take advantage of the deal. We look forward to hearing from you!


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TRIFECTA: Gold Rising On Recession Worries, Trade Tensions & A Dovish Fed
The price of gold has already crossed $1,330, within spitting distance of the 2019 record highs of $1,344. What's happening? Here's what…
by Arkadiusz Sieron of Sunshine Profits
President Trump announced a 5% tariff on Mexican goods. It added to the concerns about the state of the U.S. economy and prompted the Fed officials to soften their language. With no end to the U.S. – China trade dispute in sight, gold jumped above $1,330 in response. Can it move higher still?
Gold Rises on Trade Tensions
Good news for the gold bulls! As the chart below shows, the price of the yellow metal has already crossed the level of $1,330, within spitting distance of the 2019 record high of $1,344. What is happening?
Chart 1: Gold prices from June 4 to June 6, 2019
Well, one reason is trade wars. Dashing the hopes of many, the United States and China have not signed a trade deal. Instead, the trade tensions have escalated recently. And the world economy feels the pinch. According to the International Monetary Fund, the fresh tariffs announced in 2018-19 would cut global GDP by 0.5 percent next year. That's $455bn – larger than the size of South Africa's economy.
However, Donald Trump seems unimpressed. With unshakable perseverance, the trade wars roll on. Last week, Trump has surprisingly threatened action against Mexico, the biggest U.S. trade partner for goods, unless its government curbs the immigration into the U.S. The President is to place a 5% tariff on all Mexican goods from June 10 and it would increase the tariff steadily to 25 percent by October, until illegal immigration across the southern border was stopped.
Gold Rises on Recessionary Worries, Too
Trump's more aggressive stance toward China and Mexico have added to already existing concerns about the health and prospects of the global economy. Factory activity slowed in the United States, Europe and Asia last month. And the current American expansion already goes on for 120 months, equaling with the longest boom in the U.S. history that lasted from March 1991 to March 2001. The worries are thus understandable. And although expansions do not die of old age, we have recently seen certain disturbing signs. On Tuesday, we have examined the alarming inversion of the yield curve, which deepened in May.
Moreover, yesterday, the ADP announced that the private-sector employers hired only 27,000 people in May, a huge miss from the expected 175,000 job gains. It means that ADP private-sector job growth tumbled to a 9-year low, which suggests that the Friday's official employment report from the Labor Department will be also disappointing. In particular, if the unemployment rate increases, it might be a reason to worry. After all, the yield curve and the unemployment rate are the two most reliable recession indicators. So far, only the former is blinking red. But if the latter also starts sending warnings, then it might be a time for ringing a bell. And what do you do when you hear an alarm? You escape. You switch from risky assets into the risk-off mode and safe havens such as gold.
Gold Rises on Dovish Fed, as well
So the Fed could not remain silent. The US central bank has already soften its tone. On Monday, James Bullard, St. Louis Fed President, said that a rate cut may be "warranted soon". One day later, Jerome Powell, the Fed Chairman, said that the central bank was prepared to support the economy:
We do not know how or when these issues will be resolved… We are closely monitoring the implications of these developments for the U.S. economic outlook and, as always, we will act as appropriate to sustain the expansion, with a strong labor market and inflation near our symmetric 2 percent objective.
Hence, the recent rally in gold prices has been reflecting a more dovish Fed and a speculation on the federal funds rate cut. The future markets ascribe a 94-percent probability of the interest ratescut by September. Although we still are not fully convinced that the cut is needed and coming, it might be difficult for the Fed officials to disregard markets' expectations, especially if May's nonfarm payrollsfall short of expectations, while Trump's trade wars go on.
Similarly, the recession is not inevitable. It's possible that Trump will end its aggressive stance in the near future to goose the economy just in time before the elections in 2020. Or, does he want to be a one-term president? The temperature is rising and gold prices are on the move. Stay tuned – Tuesday we'll discuss Friday's employment report in detail!
If you enjoyed the above analysis, we invite you to check out our other services. We provide detailed fundamental analyses of the gold market in our monthly Market Overview reports and we provide daily Gold & Silver Trading Alerts with clear buy and sell signals. If you're not ready to subscribe yet and are not on our gold mailing list yet, we urge you to sign up. It's free and if you don't like it, you can easily unsubscribe. Sign up today!
Disclaimer: Please note that the aim of the above analysis is to discuss the likely long-term impact of the featured phenomenon on the price of gold and this analysis does not indicate (nor does it aim to do so) whether gold is likely to move higher or lower in the short- or medium term. In order to determine the latter, many additional factors need to be considered (i.e. sentiment, chart patterns, cycles, indicators, ratios, self-similar patterns and more) and we are taking them into account (and discussing the short- and medium-term outlook) in our trading alerts.
Thank you.
Arkadiusz Sieron
Sunshine Profits' Gold News Monitor and Market Overview Editor


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We know coconut water is chock full of vitamins and minerals, but did you know how beneficial it is for extreme exercise such as the top athletes practice? Here is a testimonial of a sports figure who swears by coconut water to not only get him through the most grueling workouts but also for recovery after sports matches.
What exactly is coconut water? It is the juice from a young green coconut. If you were to open this type of coconut you would find it full of liquid. You could also spoon out the coconut pulp which will soon turn into the coconut meat. It's the consistency of pudding and just as delicious. The clear coconut water should not be confused with coconut meat or coconut oil. It has more potassium than 3 bananas, low in calories, fat and cholesterol.
Here's what tennis star, John Isner had to say about using coconut water after his 11-hour marathon Wimbledon win. "It is super hydrating and has kept me going in long matches and prevented me from cramping even in the hottest and most humid conditions," Isner says. He mixed it with protein powder for his post-match recovery.
A number of studies have found that while coconut water is adequate for recreational athletes, professional athletes and those who sweat excessively need still more carbohydrates and sodium, and it is necessary for these athletes to supplement coconut water by adding more salt and eating snacks such as raisins or pretzels. Even John Isner drank coconut water with added salt the night before his matches.
Another benefit of coconut water is that it causes less nausea, bloating or stomach upsets for athletes who are under extreme pressure to preform. It is easier to digest than the usual sports drinks. I can attest to this remedy as I once found myself suffering from stomach upset in a third world country without good medical care nearby. Coconut water was what got me through it.
Remember that not all brands of coconut water are created equal. Be sure to find one that is processed with little or no heat and does not contain additives or sugar. Also, coconut trees can be sprayed just as any other crop, so search for one that is organic. CocosPure meets all of these criteria, so why not try it today and taste the difference? Better yet, take some with you next time you hit the gym or the trail.


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Get our free book (in Spanish or English) on rainwater now - To Catch the Rain.
My name is Adrian Feral. I am was born and raised in San Diego, California with a family background in Armenian and French culture. I currently am attending Humboldt State University Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. I am a Sophomore and am studying Environmental Resources Engineering. My minor focus is in Chinese Studies and Business. I plan to graduate in a seven year time period, in which I will be able to learn the things that interest me most as well as my degree path of ERE. I plan on studying abroad in the ERE field in China for a minimum of one year. This is my primary goal in the next two years.
My hobbies are in computer software, design, construction, sailing, skiing and traveling. My travels have taken me to all of Western Europe, the United States, and China.
Current Work
- Appropedia Intern
- HSU ERE Homepage
- My past project - WaterPod Coopatron 5000


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New Save the Date Card Designs
Posted on
A new range of save the date cards are available on the website. The new designs are sold in packs of 10 and are simple but pretty designs to announce your wedding day. The new designs were a follow up from feedback received from our Brides and Grooms to be. An affordable new printed range of save the dates. The save the dates are modern and chic and perfect for couples looking for an affordable way to let their guests know about the wedding day.
The cards are all personalised with your wedding dates and names and also supplied with envelopes. Your guests names can also be printed on the envelopes for a small charge.


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BMW R1200GS Adventure
Perfectly proportioned for larger riders, the huge Tonka toy of the motorcycle world is comfortable whatever the terrain. While ideal for the long of limb, it's actually a very manageable machine for riders of average height thanks to weight distribution that also makes it incredibly competent off-road and surprisingly agile on tarmac, too.
Fans of The Long Way Round will need little convincing of its capabilities — the R1200GS Adventure really is the number one bike for taller riders seeking a do-it-all machine.
Aprilia RSV1000R Mille
Later models of this classic V-twin are still fairly roomy by modern standards though that all changed when the Italian marque launched the V4-engined RSV4, an all-together more compact motorcycle.
The early versions are definitely the best for the taller guy or girl. The 60° V-twin engine architecture pretty much dictated a tall saddle height while the narrow waist allows a relatively low footrest height without compromising ground clearance. Take your time to find a minter and you'll have the perfect sports bike for your size.
Honda Africa Twin
Lauded for being both lower and narrower than most large capacity adventure bikes, but without compromising its ability off-road, Honda has pulled off its usual one-size-fits-all trick by making this bike work for almost everyone. Riders of 5'9" and over can easily manage this bike while six-footers and above can dominate it and feel comfortable with the roomy riding position.
Ergonomics have been considered right down to the saddle so whether you're standing up to tackle a tricky ravine, or hunkering down to keep out of the wind, this bike will just fit.
KTM Adventure
Pick any capacity or model over the years and the KTM won't disappoint. With a hugely successful background in off-road sport in just about every discipline, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Adventure models are all very capable when the going gets rough.
The tall seat height and wide bar make it ideal for tall riders and with a wide range to choose from, you can pick the perfect specification to fit in with the type of riding you do.
Harley-Davidson Breakout
Recently revised for 2018, the Harley-Davidson Breakout is a real head turner with a huge rear tyre and the most amazing soundtrack. If you're after a laidback cruiser with bags of attitude then look no further.
The latest model keeps its traditional looks but adds plenty of hidden technology to keep it current (and, more boringly, meet emissions regs). The showman of the Softail range, the heavily chromed Breakout gives a stretched out riding position that really suits the taller cruiser rider. Open face helmet isn't compulsory but certainly adds cool points.
Ducati Multistrada
We would usually say opt for the big Multi but the truth is any of the range from the early 620 models all the way up to the current 1200 are all a decent choice for those who need a roomy perch.
All models handle well and the early models belie their quirky oddball looks. Later models take things up a notch and with all the rider aids you could ever need, different power modes, adjustable screens and that trademark Ducati V-twin rumble, the Multistrada is very hard to beat.
Triumph Rocket III
The bike that shouts: "more is more!" was a bold move for the Hinckley-based manufacturer. Back in 2004 it launched the Rocket III cruiser, a 2,294cc triple that produced a whopping 221nm of torque — that's a similar figure to quite a few decent family diesel cars…
Riding position is roomy enough for the biggest of bikers and you can choose whether or not you need the screen for the journey — though we'd have to say it looks way cooler without. Configuration and personalisation at the point of sale mean you can have it exactly how you want it.
Kawasaki ZZR1400
The first bike to really take the fight to Suzuki for top speed supremacy, just like the Hayabusa, the ZZR1400 only needs a few mods to take it into 200mph territory.
Unlike the slightly cramped Suzuki, however, the ZZR has plenty of room for a six-footer to stretch out and get behind the bars of this ballistic bike. Indeed, the ZZR is no one-trick pony with the ability to tackle track days, two-up touring or even the commute at a push. A real all-rounder, the ZZR should definitely be on the list of bikes to try.
Ducati Diavel
The Italian manufacturer's first stab at the cruiser market was as outlandish as expected, though few anticipated its brilliance.
Universally lauded by the world's press, the Diavel uses a similar 1200cc motor to the Multistrada, so it's certainly no slouch. Neutral, easy handling defies a huge rear tyre and raked out forks. It's kind of a cross between a traditional cruiser and a big naked, and it's no exaggeration to call this bike a 'game changer' — one that works brilliantly for taller riders who want performance, handling and looks that will always receive admiring glances. Kudos to the Bolognese brand, the Diavel rocks.
You could also opt for the four-cylinder K-series touring machines but there's just something about the character of the R1200RT that gives it an edge. The motor is similar to the one used in the GS and has bags of torque with a super-smooth delivery that makes for relaxed yet brisk touring.
The riding position is roomy and the screen is high enough to keep long riders cossetted on long journeys. Superb braking with ABS and assured handling make this one of the best touring bikes available — whatever your height.
Honda Fury
One of the best-looking cruisers on the market and the rider triangle will allow taller riders to stretch out more. The seat is higher off the ground than it looks.
The Fury's handlebar sits higher and the forward controls are directly under the grips making this motorbike a top competitor for keeping the rider comfortable all day long.
"6'2" and I ride a Honda Transalp – I have a 36" inside leg so I am probably at the extreme of tall. I do find my wrists get a little sore on longer rides but hey my feet touch the ground." Evie Harley
Victory Judge
This bike has a forward handlebar placement and a 25.9 inch seat, allowing the rider to stretch out. The floorboards are larger than average providing room for the rider to put their feet up. This bike is ideal for a rider with long arms and legs.
Triumph Bonneville
The Bonneville isn't as recommended as some others on this list but it still qualifies because it has a long flat seat allowing riders to sit further back on the saddle, keeping their legs straight and their arms extended.
"Triumph Tiger 995i the most comfortable bike I have ever ridden, I was too short for it but a tall person around 6ft 6 or so, they are great!" Chris Sarson
Suzuki C50 Boulevard B.O.S.S
This new 2014 model is the smallest of the B.O.S.S. models and is one of the 3 new blacked-out versions of the Suzuki Boulevard line.
It has higher bigger handlebars and bigger floorboards to stretch the legs making it a far better ride than its predecessor. This motorbike is ideal for tall riders who don't need or want a heavy, high-cc cruiser.
Harley Davidson Breakout
This American-made cruiser is a comfortable ride for tall riders with a 119 degree knee-bend. The forward controls and drag bar are within easy reach and the Breakout's large rider triangle is ideal for the lanky biker.
"6ft 3 and ride a GSXR K1, not too bad comfortable wise after a long days ride though it weren't my legs but my clutch wrist that was giving me grief, apart from that good bike for taller riders." Dan Cox
Yamaha Star Raider
This Raider is another American-made cruiser that is a high competitor with the Harley-Davidson Breakout. It has a knee bend angle of 132 degrees that requires a long straight foot stretch and a vast rider triangle with high reach handlebars.
The deep dish seat that comes as standard may cause some problems as it gives limited manoeuvrability but there are 4 other seats to accessories with to find the best match. Ideally this motorbike is best suited to riders 6' and taller.
"I'm 6ft2, my old Goldwing was awesome. I now ride a VN900 Kawasaki, and renovating an old GT3 1000." John Pegg
Indian Chief Classic
This motorbike has plenty of room to move with long, wide handlebars and floorboards and has added comfort with a large plush seat. Although this seat is low at only 26 inches.
The low seat and high handlebar means the riders knees are unlikely to get knocked with a knee-bend of 101 degrees.
Harley Davidson Night Rod Special
Ideal for lanky bikers, this cruiser has a long reach to the handlebars and foot pegs and the riders are practically straight with a 130 degree knee angle.
These bikes are the future of Harley-Davidson with 125 horse power, performance and attitude allowing the rider to ride in style.
Vulcan 900 Custom
Designed by Kawasaki, this mid-sized cruiser is a good motorbike for tall riders who aren't ready for a huge motorbike.
The foot pegs are forward mounted enabling the rider to stretch out and a long seat provides lots of room to move around.
"I ride a Harley Davidson Road King. Hired one in the US and it had a tall boy seat fitted along with highway pegs – nearly 3,000 miles later and I was still happy. So I have just bought one – so far so good. I'll get a tall boy seat fitted to it as I could do with that extra stretch for longer journeys." Evie Harley
Harley Davidson Wide Glide
Commonly regarded as one of the most comfortable cruisers, it's no surprise it's suitable for taller bikers. It has a wide flat seat (enabling the rider to sit high compared to other chopper-style cruisers), forward controls and drag bar and a 135 degree knee angle making it the ideal bike for riders 6' and taller.
Other style of motorbikes, not mentioned here, may be suitable for tall riders and it all comes down to the personal preference of the rider. Shopping around and doing lots of research will enable tall riders to find the style of bike they desire along with the best rider triangle for their physique.


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ALERT: All Ecology offices are closed to walk-in service through at least April 8. For more information please visit our COVID-19 response page. See also the Washington state COVID-19 page.
Smoke from outdoor burning, wildfires, and the use of wood stoves contributes to poor air quality that can harm your health. Consider other methods of home heating and yard waste disposal.
PM10 and PM2.5 found in smoke are smaller than a grain of sand and a human hair and can harm your health.
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing health conditions and those who are particularly sensitive to air pollution. If you are in one of the groups below pay close attention to your condition and seek medical attention if necessary.
Smoke from wildfires can cause a number of problems even if you are healthy, such as:
High levels of smoke may irritate your animal's eyes and respiratory tract. Strategies to reduce animals' exposure to smoke are also similar to those for humans:
If your pet or livestock is coughing or having difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian.
Business and school closures are the decision of the individual company and school district, usually in consultation with the local health department. Consideration should be given to adults in health sensitive groups and children to protect their health.
Check the Washington Air Monitoring Network then refer to The Department of Health's recommendations for air pollution and school activities.
When air pollution from wood smoke threatens public health, Ecology or local clean air agencies issue air quality burn bans.
People in homes that burn wood for heat have more respiratory problems. To protect your health, consider switching to natural gas or electric for home heating, or make sure you are using a Washington-certified wood burning device.
Follow the tips below to dispose of yard waste without burning and contributing to air pollution.


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text: Tonight we return to posterchild mid-engined supercar territory, while having the smallest engine featured here so far: a tiny little 2.2-litre turbo-four. It's hard to believe that was in the supercar league back then, especially if you take into account it had 215 hp. Anyway, remember: it's all about the power-to-weight ratio.


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Party Catering Eatons Hill QLD
8 Insider Tips For Choosing the Right Caterer In Eatons Hill
When it concerns the important things that can make or break an occasion, few are as important as the quality, taste and appearance of the food and drinks you serve. A lot is riding on your choice which caterer to work with, and if you believe this choice really isn't really that important, take a look at it by doing this, fantastic catering can rescue an event that's on the rocks, but bad catering will generally send guests to the doors.
In addition, because catering is frequently the # 1 or # 2 line-item cost for the majority of events, the caterer you pick is also a significant monetary decision and can affect how much money you have left over to spend on other areas depending upon food expenses and quantities.
Include the fact that catering services can vary dramatically in their rates and the kinds of meals and services they provide, and the process of picking a caterer can figuratively and literally seem like you are comparing apples to oranges.
# 1 Responsiveness And Individual Interest In Your Needs
Of all the event and catering professionals we talked with, this came up over and over and over again, generally because how responsive and interested a catering service is throughout your preliminary conversations is a sign of how they will carry out throughout the length of their contract with you (and more on agreements later).
A prospective catering service needs to be finding out as much as they can about you in your first couple of conversations with them, so you ought to expect them to be talking and asking concerns about 20% of the time and you providing responses and detailing your requirements about 80% of the time.
# 2 Capability To Manage Your Particular Type of Event In Eatons Hill 4037
Not every caterer is perfect or every kind of occasion, and many catering services themselves freely confess this.
So when interviewing your Eatons Hill catering services (and you need to speak with at least 3 caterers for any event with a reasonable budget plan), you need to be specific about the kind of occasion you are planning and the kind of food and/or presentation you are expecting. Otherwise, you may wind up choosing a caterer who just isn't really a great suitable for the type or style of your event.
Practically every caterer has a basic menu or menus to pick from, and many do offer some level of built-in flexibility to adapt these menus to your specific requirements by replacing particular items and/or personalizing others.
Nevertheless, the standout caterers will exceed standardized menu options and want to produce amazing fare that matches even more particular style and dietary needs.
# 3 Willingness To Provide Tastings
How will you ever know what a caterer can do unless you sample their goods? And more particularly, how will you understand exactly what the menu items you are considering will taste like unless you particularly attempt them?
Some people shy away from asking to sample the specific items they desire for their occasion since it seems like a trouble for the catering service, however it is standard to request for a tasting of what you are planning to order prior to you sign on the dotted line.
In addition, you can request wine parings for these tastings if they are appropriate for your occasion (once again, be prepared to pay a fee, it's a small price to pay to guarantee you choose the right caterer). And when you are tasting the food, also attend to how it is presented, as any caterer who makes the effort to effectively display a sample will probably be more likely to make that kind of effort on your event day.
Are you an event supervisor who has to handle catering information, spending plans and tasks?
Or are you a caterer who has to track proposals, invoices, meal selections, stock and other customer details?
# 4 Familiarity With The Location
You might remain in for a surprise if you hire a BBQ take-out joint to cater a formal ballroom fundraiser. Or if you choose a high-end business occasion catering service to serve a barn wedding. Why? Because these catering services may not be accustomed to preparing and serving food in such a setting.
This can get back at more particular depending on restrictions of the venue itself, like in the case of museums and historical sites.
A lot more traditional venues can likewise have constraints that catering services should follow, like particular setup standards or disposal restrictions for waste food and water, so having a catering service that is familiar with a location's rules can potentially save you great deals of inconvenience on occasion day.
# 5 Complete Explanation Of Services/Goods Promised In The Contract
The caterer's contract need to clearly define precisely what food, drinks and services the catering service will be supplying on the designated day( s). Moreover, it should secure you from non-performance as much as it safeguards the caterer from non-payment/default, so you might want to think about having a lawyer} look at it before you sign it.
Every detail ought to be consisted of in the contract, included chosen menus, variety of portions and/or people to be served, beverage/bar service details (if applicable) and all prices and additional services.
No catering service in Eatons Hill with a shred of dignity and scruples participates in a contract with plans to bail at the last minute, however you need to make sure there is a cancellation clause in your contract simply in case your caterer needs to cancel.
You do not want to be left without recourse with only days or hours before your occasion, so simply ensure cancellation procedures and penalties are in place so you do have a backup plan.
# 6 References You Can Call and Speak To
Obviously you will have to look into the catering services you are considering, and it's always good to start online and check out sites.
Nevertheless, don't stop there, as online reviews are not always reliable (or perhaps authentic); for instance, a good catering service may have had a few nightmare/hater customers who skew their rankings, while a really mediocre caterer might have padded their online reviews. So see if you can find some previous customers of the catering services you are thinking about and reach out to them.
# 7 Insurance Coverage
Every catering service we spoke with called insurance coverage "a given" for caterers, and you definitely don't wish to lawfully be on the hook for some oversight or mishap that was the fault of your caterer.
# 8 A Knowledgeable Chef and Kitchen Personnel
Remarkably, for how long a catering business in Eatons Hill has been around might not be as critical in choosing an excellent caterer as you might think.
So make certain to inquire about the chef's bona fides and CV since he/she will most likely be the one most responsible for the outcome of the meal and whether your visitors enjoy it or not.
Call Us Now Of Fill In The Form To The Right For All Private Catering, Wedding Events, Birthdays And Barbeque's.


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SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — The gunman who killed 26 people at a small-town Texas church had a history of domestic violence and sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law, a member of First Baptist, before the attack in which he fired at least 450 rounds at helpless worshippers, authorities said Monday.
A day after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, the military acknowledged that it did not submit the shooter's criminal history to the FBI, as required by the Pentagon. If his past offenses had been properly shared, they would have prevented him from buying a gun.
Investigators also revealed that sheriff's deputies had responded to a domestic violence call in 2014 at Devin Patrick Kelley's home involving a girlfriend who became his second wife. Later that year, he was formally ousted from the Air Force for a 2012 assault on his ex-wife in which he choked her and struck her son hard enough to fracture his skull.
In the tiny town of Sutherland Springs, population 400, grieving townspeople were reeling from their losses. The dead ranged from 18 months to 77 years old and included multiple members of some families.
"Our church was not comprised of members or parishioners. We were a very close family," said Sherri Pomeroy, the wife of the church pastor, who was out of town with her husband when the attack happened. "Now most of our church family is gone."
The couple's 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy, was among those killed.
One of the greatest losses among so many involved John Holcombe who regularly posted upcoming Sunday school lessons on his Facebook page for fellow members of the church.
Kelley's rampage spared Holcombe's life — but not those of his pregnant wife, three of her children, his parents, his brother and a toddler niece. They were among the 26 who were fatally shot.
Holcombe and his wife, Crystal, who was a widow, had recently married, said Julius Kepper, who lives about two blocks from the church.
"She was starting her life all over again," he told The Associated Press. "That's a crying shame."
The massacre appeared to stem from a domestic situation and was not racially or religiously motivated, Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Freeman Martin said. He did not elaborate. Kelley's mother-in-law sometimes attended services there, but officials said she was not at church on Sunday.
Based on evidence at the scene, investigators believe Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was chased by bystanders, one of whom was armed, and crashed his car.
The 26-year-old shooter also used his cellphone to tell his father he had been shot and did not think he would survive, authorities said.
While in the military, Kelley served in logistics readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his 2014 discharge, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.
He was discharged for the assault involving his previous wife and her child and had served a year of confinement after a court-martial. Under Pentagon rules, information about convictions of military personnel for crimes such as assault should be submitted to the FBI's Criminal Justice Investigation Services Division.
Stefanek said the service is launching a review of its handling of the case and taking a comprehensive look at its databases to ensure other cases have been reported correctly.
A few months before he received the bad-conduct discharge, sheriff's deputies went to his home to check out the domestic violence complaint involving him and his then-girlfriend. People in the house said there was no problem, and no arrests were made. Kelley married the girlfriend two months later.
Once the shooting started, there was probably "no way" for congregants to escape, Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. said.
The gunman, dressed in black tactical gear, fired an assault rifle as he walked down the center aisle during worship services. He turned around and continued shooting on his way out of the building, Tackitt said.
About 20 other people were wounded. Ten of them were still hospitalized Monday in critical condition.
Investigators collected hundreds of shell casings from the scene, along with at least 15 empty magazines that held 30 rounds each.
Kelley lived in New Braunfels, about 35 miles north of the church, authorities said. Investigators were reviewing social media posts he made in the days before the attack, including one that appeared to show an AR-15 semi-automatic weapon.
Less than two months ago, Kelley had started a job as an unarmed security guard at a nearby resort.
On Sunday, the attacker pulled into a gas station across from the church, about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio. He crossed the street and started firing the rifle at the church, then continued firing after entering the white wood-frame building, Martin said.
As he left, Kelley was confronted by an armed resident who had grabbed his own rifle and exchanged fire with him.
Stephen Willeford, 55, a former National Rifle Association instructor ran barefoot across the street to open fire on the gunman. He was at his Sutherland Springs home Sunday when his daughter alerted him that she'd heard gunfire at the First Baptist Church nearby. Willeford said he immediately retrieved his rifle from his weapon safe.
Willeford had help from another local resident, Johnnie Langendorff, who said he was driving past the church as the shooting happened. He asked to get in Langendorff's truck, and the pair followed as the gunman drove away.
"He jumped in my truck and said, 'He just shot up the church. We need to go get him.' And I said 'Let's go,'" Langendorff said.
The pursuit reached speeds up to 90 mph. The gunman eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. The armed man walked up to the vehicle with his gun drawn, and the attacker did not move. Police arrived about five minutes later, Langendorff said.
The assailant was dead in his vehicle. He had three gunshot wounds — two from where the armed man hit him in the leg and the torso and the third self-inflicted wound to the head, authorities said.
"There was no thinking about it. There was just doing. That was the key to all this. Act now. Ask questions later," Langendorff said.


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I have read on multiple blogs that with October and the fall season upon us, this is the time when many of us renew our websites and make changes for the upcoming year. Today, I'd like to tackle one specific area that should definitely get some attention: website indexing.
Why Is Indexing for SEO Important?
There are many reasons why indexing is so important, but it all funnels down into one. If your site is not properly indexed, you are not as visible as possible in search engines. If your best customers can't find you, they'll miss the opportunity to do business with you and you will miss the rewards of offering something of value to people who need it.
When your site is properly indexed, it is instantly visible to hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands more eyes than it would be implementing any other online or offline method of driving web traffic. This is why I want to focus on this particular area of SEO right now.
How to Index Your Site for SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a vital element to any successful website. One of the first and most important steps in the SEO process is getting your site indexed. If you do not have a webmaster and, like many freelancers, are doing "everything yourself", here is a step-by-step guide to help you get your website indexed.
There are several steps to getting your site indexed, and it all begins with a properly organized and structured website. Here is a brief sketch of what major search engines like Google expect on your end to be able to discover and index your site:
The first step in the process involves creating a sitemap. A sitemap is an XML document that is placed on your web server. It alerts search engines whenever you add new content and also provides information on how often the search engines should check back to find more. If you are using WordPress, you can download a sitemap plugin for your site.
Once you have a well-developed sitemap, you then need to submit it to various search engines' Webmaster Tools. Google and Bing are your best friends at this stage of the process. Both allow you to submit your site to their search engines via Webmaster Tools applications. A Google account is required for this step.
You will also want to follow up by creating an account with Google Analytics to monitor your sites and gauge the overall effectiveness of your SEO efforts thus far. This can sometimes get a little overwhelming, so I will devote a future blogpost to it.
You prefer a step by step guide? Great! I filmed one
If you know a friend or colleague that is struggling with his / her website, please forward this post. It could really help!


text: Gareth Cox has been producing electronic music since the age of 11. Earning his industry stripes working a Pro Tools engineer with the "Lo-Fidelity Allstars" in Brighton. Here he worked alongside the likes of Will Quantic and Indian Ropeman. A drummer & recording artist in his own right, Gareth has DJ'd and performed live around Europe with his own productions mostly drawing influence from the Techno, Hardcore and IDM genres. He has released music on various labels, from Jalapeño Records and BECAUSE Music, had number 1 ranked mixes on Mixcloud, and appeared in the 'Secret 13' Art Journal. Gareth has remixed work for Rae & Christian, 1210 and Denai Moore and currently releases on his own vinyl imprint 'Zodiac Wax' as Houses of Joy and other aliases.


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'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, Netherlands -- CoCo Vandeweghe's quest for a third Libéma Open title continued unabated on Wednesday, as the American No.1 seed powered past home nation favorite Arantxa Rus, 7-6(4), 6-3, to move into the quarterfinals.
Read More: Vandeweghe edges past Sasnovich in 's-Hertogenbosch
Vandeweghe, who won the title in 's-Hertogenbosch in 2014 and 2016, needed to fend off a solid performance by Rus before overcoming the Dutchwoman in 93 minutes. The American prevailed by firing 26 winners, including 11 aces, outpacing her 23 unforced errors.
Absolutely crazy point from @CocoVandeweghe! 😲 #LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/IIwbr2kFC6
— WTA (@WTA) June 13, 2018
Vandeweghe reeled off the first seven points of the match before Rus was able to get her feet under her. However, the Dutch left-hander rebounded from an early break down to level the set at 2-2 after a slice backhand by the American found the net.
Rus then faced two break points at 3-3, but long service returns by the American on each of those chances cost Vandeweghe. Those would be the only break points to be had by either player during the final eight games of the opening set, as the big-hitting players inexorably moved into the tiebreak.
In the breaker, the American claimed a critical mini-break when Rus double faulted at 4-3. Two points later, an excellent serve by Vandeweghe forced a wide reply by Rus, giving the top seed two set points at 6-4. On the next point, Vandeweghe's seventh ace of the set closed out the opener.
.@CoCoVandey gets the win over Rus 7-6(4), 6-3!
Advances to @LibemaOpen quarterfinals! pic.twitter.com/WKrW2ppvbu
— WTA (@WTA) June 13, 2018
The second set began in the same manner as the first, with Vandweghe going up an early break for 2-0 before Rus quickly leveled the set at 2-2. Vandeweghe, who had been struggling with an ailment between sets, faced another break point at 3-3, but the American's powerful serve got her out of trouble, extricating herself from the predicament with an ace before holding for 4-3.
Rus was not as lucky in the following game, after numerous errors from her forehand gave Vandeweghe triple break point. A wide backhand error by Rus allowed the American to break at love for 5-3, and serve for the match. Vandeweghe rolled through the final game with no fuss, ending the encounter with one final ace.
In the lead-off match on Centre Court, Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia became the first player to reach the quarterfinals of the 2018 Libéma Open with a 7-5, 6-2 victory in 98 minutes over another Dutch player, wild card Bibiane Schoofs.
Additionally, Russian qualifier Veronika Kudermetova reached the first WTA quarterfinal of her career with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory over former Top 10 player Belinda Bencic of Switzerland. Also, Slovakia's Viktoria Kuzmova upset No.6 seed Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2.


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CLBlast is a modern, lightweight, performant and tunable OpenCL BLAS library written in C++11. It is designed to leverage the full performance potential of a wide variety of OpenCL devices from different vendors, including desktop and laptop GPUs, embedded GPUs, and other accelerators. CLBlast implements BLAS routines: basic linear algebra subprograms operating on vectors and matrices.
The library is not tuned for all possible OpenCL devices: if out-of-the-box performance is poor, please run the tuners first. See the README on GitHub for a list of already tuned devices and instructions on how to tune yourself and contribute to future releases of the CLBlast library.
View on CLBlast on GitHub.