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Officials at the event
Microsoft demonstrates power of AI at Bahrain forum
MANAMA, October 8, 2018
Microsoft Bahrain recently highlighted the importance and benefits of artificial intelligence in the establishment of smart societies, mirroring the ambitions demonstrated by Bahrain Vision 2030, at an event which was held in the kingdom.
Microsoft Bahrain participated as the Gold Sponsor of the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum & IT Expo 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in Manama.
The two-day event, organised by Bahrain's Information & Government Authority (iGA), is operating under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, chairman of the Supreme Committee for Information and Communication Technology, said a statement.
Now in its ninth edition, the Bahrain International eGovernment Forum has become a signature event in Bahrain's business calendar. It is also the main platform for information exchange and collaboration for IT decision-makers and professionals from around the world.
Mohammed Ali AlQaed, chief executive, iGA, said: "The long cooperation between us and Microsoft Bahrain can be seen through the joint partnerships in IT programs and initiatives which support the strategic direction of Bahrain specifically during a period in which the country is anticipating advanced stages in the development and infrastructure agenda based on the strategic objectives of the Economic Vision 2030."
"The forum reflects the achievements and aspirations of Bahrain in promoting economic infrastructure that is based on the development of an information and data society, as well as enhance future economic plans," continued AlQaed.
The 2018 edition is split between five tracks, designed to encapsulate the hot trends and critical discussion areas extant within the global technology sector: cloud computing, digital transformation, blockchain, data analytics and cybersecurity.
Microsoft experts addressed forum delegates on the power of artificial intelligence and related technologies, and their ability to engage, empower, optimise and transform. Simon Bradford, Public Sector Industry Director, Microsoft Middle East and Africa, talked about how migration to the intelligent cloud – and the range of advanced technologies it hosts – can be advantageous to public-sector entities in pursuit of digital transformation and modernisation. Alessio Bagnaresi, Artificial Intelligence Director, Microsoft Europe Middle East and Africa, covered the more specific applications of AI and how its implementation can have a significant impact on the government sector's ability to innovate.
Microsoft also showcased its broad range of AI solutions at the company's booth. Visitors gained the opportunity to get hands-on exposure to some of the most cutting-edge solutions in the industry. Microsoft also demonstrated the cognitive-reasoning and machine-learning capabilities hosted on its Azure platform, using industry-specific use cases such as face recognition, chatbots, emotion detection and object analysis.
Microsoft's partner Brainware demonstrated Pulses, its artificial intelligence platform that provides government decision-makers with multiple business-critical dashboards, detailing the satisfaction and happiness of citizens, and providing in-depth reports about the quality of services provided by employees. Pulse incorporates cutting-edge system design and combines it with deep-learning algorithms to analyse the full customer experience at service centres.
Saif Hilal Al Hosni, general manager, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman, said: "This platform offers the greatest of opportunities for us, and our partners, to demonstrate the power of artificial intelligence to government decision-makers."
"AI is playing an increasing role in digital transformation journeys – delivering the power to engage citizens, empower public servants, optimise operations, and reinvent the way governments deliver key services to the public," he added.
Bahrain is positioned 26th globally and fifth in Asia in the UN's latest eGovernment Report, and is ranked fourth worldwide in the Telecoms Infrastructure index – a leap of seven places from the previous year's rankings, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service


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Little Mo pic of the week V
13 comments:
I found the most awesome cat picture last night:ReplyDelete
I keep leaving it open on my laptop so I get a nice surprise when I switch it on :)
I know some people frown upon cat pictures, but I think I'm going to take more...
look at that concentration.ReplyDelete
my cat used to do that before she pounced.
oh, and that little bather photo in your last post... i so hope i can take a photo like that. so cute i would frame it for my wall!
Beautiful cat, beautiful photograph!ReplyDelete
I love all your posts :-)
Stunning fotos - across the board!ReplyDelete
But what about the special look -
do you edit a lot? And which camera you use?
Hi hi, I like the Jedi mind trick idea! Lovely Little Mo. We are enjoying the sun here too. Hope it will last here and there!ReplyDelete
hahaha! I hope the jedi are on your side!ReplyDelete
hi little mo! I miss you! You look so sweet here!
gary: that's such a sweet cat! there can't ever be too many cat pictures (I think anyway)!ReplyDelete
world of sekimachihato: I think she was just staring off to the distance dreaming about food again ;)
not long now until your little one arrives! you won't be able to stop taking baby pictures, I've been trying so hard to curb them on here and not go too overboard :0)
amy marsh: thank you!!
lola: I did minimal editing on this particular pic, just put a bit more contrast in and de-saturated it a bit. if I think a picture might benefit from being played around with a bit more I adjust the RGB curves in photoshop. as for cameras - check my profile or my flickr photos, it'll say which camera I used there!
for this one I used my canon 400D.
flora: yes. I'll be practicing my jedi-skills on everyone. ;0)
celine: I miss little mo too, well I obviously see her every day but I miss taking pictures of her!
that is a beautiful picture. he looks so contemplative! hah I just did a cat post in honor of my love for feline friends.ReplyDelete
And I'll trade you some Alabama humidity for an England summer any day.
i'm happy to see little mo here ! that picture is gorgeous !ReplyDelete
Vacker bild!ReplyDelete
Samma harliga sommar(?)vader i Bryssel men som jag sa till en belgisk kompis igar nar han sa att det skulle bli kallare och regn till helgen - det kunde ju inte vara for evigt tyvarr, det ar ju trots allt Belgien :-)
no, no, stop it!ReplyDelete
otherwise the jedi mind trick I'm doing at this very mo (so that the sun keeps shining in the netherlands) and yours will collide and counter each other :)
Dang. Little Mo sure is a cutie. Take advantage of the warmth. Here in Sweden I haven't even been able to wear shoes without socks yet...ReplyDelete
Excuse me but you shine wrong. Up, up, up. Sweden really needs some sun.ReplyDelete
The cat photo - amazing.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I, for long, thought
That life was not reduced
To earning money
That my life was dedicated
To a higher value
To a greater mission
When parents shouted at each other
When young women paid the price
Of getting retributed for what is free
When disabled persons never were understood
When children for non-natural reasons
Were raised to the status of orphanage
When the elders walked alone
When the unaccounted victims remained forgotten
When Drug was the great Appeal of the poor Souls
When the Street as a Holly Threat
In the background of our lives
Played its vital role of a Shadow Institution
When my inner world was crumbling.
But the routine makers
As reinforced Saviours
Cut me off neatly from my daydreams
They made me rally
Their non-noble shopkeepers' gambles
Arguing to promote me
To the utmost responsible development
A human being can meet
Only at that precise hour
From a child I truly became an adult
When instead of, in me,
Seeking for the hero,
I accepted, in vain,
To survive a day after another.
Couver picture : Rate of change of Gross domestic product, world and OECD, since 1961 (text : Wikipedia)
source : By Alex1011 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons


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Mercy's Second Birthday
Here is our little birthday girl! We had a joyful party with family members including photos amongst the flowers, a butterfly cake, present opening, prayers for birthday girl, and writing in the birthday book.
It has been a lovely opportunity to reflect on what God has done for us in the past two years of Mercy's life and to keep trusting Him as we leave her baby days behind. Amongst other things, this year we are thankful that Mercy has . . .
- Developed great language skills, talking in whole sentences, praying, telling stories and pretending with toys.
- Loved to sing, and surprised us with her ability to pick up songs quickly, including "Jesus Loves Me" and "Twinkle Twinkle".
- Delighted in having a brother to chase and wrestle and join in play.
- Got all but six of her teeth meaning that surely the end of all the teething pain is in sight?!
- Been very affectionate and generous with her hugs and kisses.
- Learned polite phrases and to greet people.
- Learned her colours and enjoyed practicing counting.


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The SXSW conference in the US became a hotbed of debate over privacy around 'big data' collection, while the problem is set to get worse with a flurry of new apps debuting at the show based entirely around knowing and sharing your location. Cue the security and privacy issues that come from dumping untold amounts of personal information into online services.
App privacy is generating so much concern – even among users who are, ironically, happy to share every detail of their lives on Facebook – that the US government wants Apple to brief them on the privacy controls of iOS apps. Yet location information is only the beginning: the FBI has regularly issued Google with search warrants for user data, with 361 requests received in Australia alone between January and June 2011; this week, uncharacteristically, one curious punter has stumbled upon the details of the information requested. Yet the FBI is taking a far more legally appropriate method than News International – whose security chief was arrested as the fallout from its phone-hacking scandal continues.
Google's efforts to block Flash exploits within its Chrome browser had unexpected collateral, with certain games and applications being blocked inadvertently. Yet Google isn't the only one dealing with security issues around Flash: Adobe has had a long and significant history working to maintain the security of its Reader and Acrobat products, and we chatted with the Adobe executive whose job it was to keep attackers at bay. Or, keep up with them, depending on how you look at it.
If you're not au fait with the idea of advanced persistent threats (APT), you may want to have the concept explained for you; CSO took a clear-eyed look at the threat and walked through a real-life example of such a breach. We also offered a gallery of Web-based tools to keep up with the latest APT and other cyber-security threats.
There were certainly threats aplenty as always. One of the latest had criminals using fraudulent SIM cards to bypass online-banking protections, while others are cold-calling antivirus customers or using one-time mobile-phone passwords to perpetrate their scams. And a potentially major hole in Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) had many worried about widespread exploitation.
Turns out the Ukraine is becoming a 'haven' for hackers, who are increasingly taking to the world stage with their exploits. Even as the Vatican was hacked– apparently by Anonymous – some wondered whether the LulzSec bust was part of a broader play against Julian Assange. Others have foreseen the increasingly aggressive attacks by many hackers as a harbinger of an intense cyber-warfare front that will continue throughout the year.
Closer to home, IT security managers are split on emerging bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies and sceptical of devices running Google's operating system – but are stopping short of banning the devices on security grounds altogether. This leaves them in a perilous sort of limbo; ditto adoption of cloud computing, which works well – until it doesn't. Are you prepared for the latter?
We heard that public-safety organisations are suffering shrinking budgets that are forcing IT managers to get creative in their problem solving. Solutions such as Auraya's cloud-delivered voice authentication system reflect their own creativity, while a government-backed cyber-security competition will give the government its own injection of creativity by tapping into the natural inquisitiveness of university students.
CSO Announcement
Register Today.Hear from Rob Livingstone, Michael Barnes, Steve Quane and Dave Asprey amongst others on the Evolution, Trends, Solutions and the Future of Cloud Security, limited seats register today through CSO.


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Hey everyone, today I have a little giveaway as a thank you for reaching 400 blog lovin followers. I am so grateful for every single one who reads my blog and I thought I would run a little giveaway.
I have picked two make-up items to get you ready for spring/ summer. The first is the NYC Palette in Best of Boardway that has been compared to last Christmas Chanel Palette, I actually have this palette and the quality is amazing, very buttery, great pigmentation and perfect for everyday use. The other product is a blush from Essence that is ombre effect (how awesome) and when I seen this I instantly thought about the new MAC Ombre blush that is being released. I did swatch this in store and the colour is gorgeous. Perfect for a hot summers day.
So all you have to do to win is enter through the rafflecopter below and it is open internationally. So I will ship anywhere in the world.
Good luck everyone.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


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HOLDEN THOSE HILLS: A bank snafu temporarily halted the town's deal with Mt. Pleasant LLC to give the developer a break on the special permit's over-55 requirement for the Residences at Holden Hills in return for a permanent protection of 100 acres of the nearby golf course. The bank that holds the mortgage on the golf course, a separate parcel, balked at a conservation restriction, but last week the deal was back on the table after developer Roger Kane, and his attorney, David Philbin of Clinton, said they believed they had come to an agreement the bank would accept. Planning board members heard a request from Philbin to vote on a conditional acceptance of the plan, but members held off, pending review of the conservation restriction by town counsel. Kane is seeking relief from the over-55 restriction on his special permit because he has said the units have not been selling. The development is nearly finished, and some units in the 48-unit complex that replaced Holden Hills Country Club have been on the market.
WELCOME: The select board honored with a certificate of recognition longtime town accountant Helen Graf, who has spent 24 years serving the town, as accounting clerk from 1983 to 1988, and as town accountant since 1988. Graf is retiring this summer, but will remain on board to help new town accountant Lori Rose get acclimated. Rose was formerly employed by R. E. Brown.
STAR QUALITY: Nearly 200 Holden residents took advantage of a promotion that gave a rebate to those who bought Energy Star appliances at Percy's on June 2. The rebate is a credit to the customer's bill. Energy Star is an independent rating system that gives high marks to appliances that find a way to use less energy than their counterparts. To encourage conservation, light departments sometimes offer rebates to customers who purchase such appliances. The appliances have the added benefit of saving customers money on their electric bill.
CHIPPING AWAY: The town DPW will hold brush chipping and composting on four Saturdays this summer, June 23, July 21, August 18 and September 22 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the former landfill on River Street for Holden residents only. Proof of residency will be required. No commercial loads. Acceptable items include leaves, grass clippings and brush (diameter greater than one inch and less than six inches). Brush must be separated from leaves and grass clippings and be brought to the chipping area. No roots, stumps, bushes, briars will be accepted. Bags or containers for the material must be removed from the site by residents. DPW personnel may request removal of items from the site.
SUMMERTIME: Selectman approved a summer meeting schedule that includes two meetings, one a month in July and August. The board will meet next on July 9 and again on August 13.
Call Melissa McKeon at (508) 829- 5981, ext. 14 or e-mail at mmckeon@ holdenlandmark.com with any news for The Holden Roundup.


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Make a Donation
LEAF is dedicated to cultural preservation through the arts. Please join us and invest in this cause. Your financial support is needed in order to continue our quality programs and to make
our future vision a reality.
Please send your gift to:
Little Eagle Arts Foundation
PO Box 523
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Thank you!!!!
LEAF is also successful due to the commitment of our volunteers. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact us at email@example.com
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) as a Section 501(c)(3) public charity. Gifts to LEAF are tax deductible in the USA. Our Federal Tax ID # is 46-2999453.
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Jim Terry to Teach Children's Art Workshop
Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk), contemporary graphic novel illustrator and featured artist at Comic-Cons across the country will provide a children's art workshop at the Kilbourn Library, 620 Elm Street, on August 8 from 1 - 4pm. This free workshop is part of a summer workshop series sponsored by the Wisconsin Dells Art Association, the Bank of Wisconsin Dells, the Friends of the Kilbourn Library, and Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF). Children ages 12 - 15 will view some of Terry's work, learn the basics of illustration, and work with supplies and tools introduced by the instructor. Space is limited; participants can drop by or call the Kilbourn Library to reserve their spot: (608) 254-2146. Terry's art work can be seen at his website: www.jimterrycomics.com
more info...
Appraisal Day to Benefit Little Eagle Arts Foundation
Are you a collector of Ho-Chunk baskets or vintage Wisconsin Dells memorabilia? If so, this is the event for you! Bring your cherished heirlooms to our Native Presence Gallery for appraisal and support a great cause at the same time. Mike Schmudlach, Ho-Chunk basket collector and expert will be joined by Phil Helley, antique collector and authority on Wisconsin Dells memorability will be on hand to appraise objects. Fee is $10 for the first object, and $5 for additional objects up to 10 per person. Proceeds from this fundraiser support LEAF's River Road property improvement fund.
more info...
Ho-Chunk basketry on display in Dells exhibition
The art and functionality of Ho-Chunk basketry will come to the fore this month in Wisconsin Dells.
Starting July 15, "The Art of Ho-Chunk Basket Making" will celebrate the age-old, local and regional tradition of basket making by people of the Ho-Chunk Nation. The exhibit will take place at Native Presence Gallery in the downtown Dells' Chalet Building, at 412 Broadway.
The exhibition will feature an array of historic and contemporary baskets from the collections of JoAnn and Tom Jones and Michael Schmudlach, who lent their collections for an exhibit that took place at Edgewood College a year ago and came to the attention of Native Presence and Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) Executive Director Melanie Tallmadge Sainz.
"We're so excited because (the exhibition) is going to be the highlight of our summer," Sainz said.
The exhibit will kick off with a special event the evening of July 15 at the gallery. Author Charles Van Schaick will be on hand to sign copies of his book "People of the Big Voice: Photographs of Ho-Chunk Families, 1879-1942" between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and an opening reception also will take place, Sainz said. The reception also will feature the music by Ho-Chunk violinist Brenna Two Bears.
Basketry as a symbol of art and commerce for the Ho-Chunk stretches back for more than a century in Wisconsin Dells.
more info...
Keeping Ho-Chunk tradition alive through the arts
more info...
Peter Greenberg of CBS interviews LEAF Director
LEAF Director promotes cultural tourism with CBS Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg
more info...
Native and Local Art Market Series
Buy Native - Buy Local
more info...
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text:
System configuration checks, access codes, login, support issues and more. We strive to reply to all requests within 48 hours Monday – Friday.
To report a problem with our website, please email us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
For access to password-protected sites, please fill out the Request Access Form to determine if you are eligible.
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Reviewers are a valuable resource in our efforts to improve our teaching and learning resources. Submit this form to be considered as a Product Reviewer.


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Sal's California Central Coast Road Trip in KSOs and Classics
By Justin on Sep 1, 2009 | In User Stories | Leave a comment »
Sal Rodriguez recently took a road trip along the California Central Coast. Along the way, he saw seals and pelicans among other things, which he photographed through the lens of his fivefingers KSOs and Classics.
Here's Sal:
Hello BirthdayShoes.com; I love and appreciate your site. My name is "Barefoot Sal" Rodriguez of North Hollywood, CA. Although completely barefooted is my prime choice, Vibram Five Fingers are the close second. Here are a few photos submitted for your consideration. These were taken on a recent road trip up and down the California Central Coast - Big Sur, Morrow Bay, Cambria, San Simean, Pfeiffer Beach, Avila Beach, Shell Beach. The first few show the KSO; the last few show the Classic. ...
This trip was my "coming out" party for my VFFs. Before that, I had worn them to work and around town a few times (Costco, drycleaners, etc.) On the trip, I walked on cement, asphalt, wooden boardwalks, dirt, sand, rock, tile, and grass...oh and carpet - and loved every minute of it!
The pelican photo is my favorite—surprised the bird didn't mind the blue camo VFFs being so close. Then again, maybe it was confused and thought they were pelican feet.


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So far, the EPA has opened the door for only allowing hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants in small refrigeration and HVAC systems.
Small systems obviously hold less of it, so they remain less hazardous if they happen to develop a leak. That makes sense.
The EPA further stipulates that those systems shall only be NEW equipment that's designed and manufactured specifically for its use. Only SNAP approved refrigerants are allowed. Therefore – R12a, R22a and others that have been produced and marketed as alternate replacement refrigerants for existing systems (conversions) that are not designed to use HC refrigerants…will remain illegal.
Little by little, we WILL see more acceptance of the LEGAL variations of hydrocarbon refrigerants for use in larger HVAC systems (such as residential CENTRAL HVAC units) here in the U.S. Before you saw it coming, that time will be here.
Not for drop-ins or a conversions, though. That's not gonna happen. That will sill REMAIN illegal.
The use of HC refrigerants in larger HVAC systems will only be NEW ones – from the factory, and with specific INSTALLATION requirements as per standards (yet) to set forth by our U.S. government.
So, the companies installing these systems must be on-board as well.
Like I'd said before, Australia and Europe are already using it for for larger HVAC systems – but with restrictions spelled out by THEIR regulatory organizations. So, I was inspired to take a look at what those restrictions are. I took a look at the British Refrigeration Association's Guide to Flammable Refrigerants, which appears to be the standards they must abide by.
Australia's guide is v-e-r-y similar.
Here's what I found. This is a VERY generalized, not-all-inclusive summary:
Installation Design Factors:
Employment of acceptable hydrocarbon refrigeration/HVAC systems is based upon certain preliminary usage factors. The intended use of the conditioned-space, the size of that space, the system design's (remote vs integral), the refrigerant charge quantity…and other factors. Some scenarios simply aren't suitable for using a system employing a flammable refrigerant. For those applications that ARE suitable, these specified design features are incorporated to minimize flammability hazards –
- Systems must adhere to prescribed limits to the quantity of refrigerant charge that employ a class A3 refrigerant, with limiting factors based upon installation location of equipment (above ground vs below ground), square footage of conditioned area and type of space usage (based on occupancy classifications: i.e., are people living & sleeping there, or is it just storage rooms).
- Ignition sources are to be minimized by using electrical switch/component isolation boxes and specially engineered electrical components designed to be spark-proof.
- The HVAC units are required to be located in a room that's free of open flame-heated units such as boilers, furnaces and water heaters.
- Refrigerant piping is to be installed so that it's encapsulated by sheathing or dedicated pipe ducting for proper containment, routing and ventilation of any flammable refrigerant leaks to the outdoors or back to the machine room. The containment medium is to be sealed to any walls it passes through to prevent leakage/fire into an occupied space.
- A machine room containing a system must have a low level ventilation system that maintains a static atmospheric pressure at a LOWER level than the pressure within adjoining living spaces to prevent the flammable refrigerant vapor from migrating into neighboring living spaces.
- Should a flammable refrigerant leak occur, combustible gas sensors must be in place to provide notice to occupants through an alarm system and to also activate high level, emergency mechanical ventilation of the machine room containing the HVAC unit.
Tools and equipment used for maintenance/repairs:
- Tools should be rated for use or have been suitably tested for use with flammable refrigerants.
- Flammable gas detector – for monitoring the air in the work area.
- Electronic leak detector – one which must be safe and sensitive to the flammable refrigerant.
- Recovery machines – most standard HFC types have not been assessed for use with flammable refrigerants, so approval must be sought from the manufacturer before using a standard HFC recovery machine with any flammable refrigerant – they may be safe to use with flammable HFCs but not HCs.
- More accurate scales – necessary when charging small, critically charged systems with some flammable refrigerants such as HCs. An accuracy of ±5 g (0.18 oz) is often necessary.
- A dry powder or CO2fire extinguisher – must be available at the location.
- .A suitable ventilation fan – should be used when working inside if there is insufficient natural ventilation.
So THERE you have it…


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This week I was fortunate enough to be able to share some of my data visualisation tools ... and more importantly .. to listen to feedback and suggestions about how they might be useful in teaching and learning.
Enjoyable and productive session ....
Documenting the building of an Island (& community) in Second Life, started on 9 Sept 2007 designed to support educators worldwide (with an emphasis on S.E. Asia)
Open 5th Feb 2008 http://slurl.com/secondlife/International%20Schools/64/90/24
Second Life details (3D online virtual environment), related to teaching and learning, at www.shambles.net/secondlife


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One of our favourite times of the year in the luxury wedding industry, the WedLuxe Wedding Show, is less than a month away!!! Fancy Face Inc. will be exhibiting there and we cannot be more excited to meet all the bride-to-bes! WedLuxe is the bridal show of the year to indulge, pamper, delight and inspire your luxury wedding. This year's theme is "Springtime in Paris".
We have two entry tickets to give to two lucky brides (valued at $45 each). In order to enter, follow the steps below:
– Follow Fancy Face Inc. on Instagram
– Follow Fancy Face Inc. on Twitter
– Follow Fancy Face Inc. on Facebook
– Follow Fancy Face Inc. on Pinterest
– Email email@example.com with your social media usernames
The contest runs until December 31st. Winners will be notified immediately by email. Good luck!!
(Images from last year's show taken from the WedLuxe Facebook page)


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The amazing Nick Knox would have to be a highlight of Music Month Gig Night at the Dunedin Public Library. The Library has other clips from the month on their YouTube channel. The YouTube link in the screen above should take you to one of their pages.
I understand that performing at one of these venues can be terrifying for performers. It's well-lit. You can see everyone. No one is drunk in the library. They are all sober and their focus is on you.
Not everything worked for me. I found the simplest things worked best and kept me from thinking about wandering off to browse. Often this was an acoustic performance, like Robin and Penelope from the Grawlixes who being as sexy as white acoustic music can be; or the three guys with two guitars from Kings College who sang their own stuff. I don't remember the name of their line-up. There was Paul Cathro from Alizarin Lizard who seemed to be singing the same themes in six different songs. He didn't create a repartee with the audience like others managed but I still enjoyed listening. The rap artist Arcee put on a London accent and pulled no punches with her profanity. She made me blink several times.
Maddy Parkins-Craig from Some Other Creature may have got the best line with about a broken-down relationship: "The American Congress is gonna make more progress than us". Graeme Downes had some great working titles: "Too Old To Grow Up", from a mutual interview with Shane Carter, and "The Fascist Boys Are The Snappiest Dressers". Kira Hundleby got in before the Library to thank them for having us all in their place. Applause all around.
Back again next year?


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Do you or anyone you know find scented products such as perfume, cologne, air fresheners, laundry detergents or fabric softeners irritating? Does the smell of fresh paint or cleaning supplies cause headaches or other physiological symptoms? Based on national statistics, one in three people have chemical sensitivities and experience adverse health effects from synthetic fragrance exposure.[i] It is estimated 6% of the population are diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a severe form of chemical sensitivity. For these highly sensitive individuals, the over 3,000 chemicals used in many personal care products cause debilitating symptoms from migraines to nausea to anaphylaxis.[ii]
Why go Fragrance-Free in the workplace?
15% of employees have lost workdays or a job due to fragrance exposure. 20% of American consumers will leave a business if they smell air fresheners or other fragranced product.[iii] Employees who experience adverse health effects from synthetic fragrance exposure will almost always avoid other individuals and spaces where the possibility of fragrance exists leading to inefficient communication among team members. Employees and individuals with chemical sensitivities have difficulty focusing and performing their best when exposed to fragranced products. This affects overall productivity for a business. Fragrance policies in the workplace are among the top five inquiries the Society for Human Resource Management receives.[iv] Employee visits to health care professionals may decrease with a fragrance-free initiative as respiratory symptoms from synthetic fragranced products and resulting trips to health care professionals have a strong correlation.[v] Implementing a fragrance-free initiative creates an inclusive environment for all by encouraging employees and visitors to minimize their use of products containing fragrance before entering and while in a building.
Why go Fragrance-Free as an individual?
If you are someone who is not bothered by the smell of chemical fragrance, why go fragrance-free? Our bodies are exposed throughout each day to toxins in the environment. The skin, which is our largest organ, absorbs many of these toxins and the body can only handle so much before serious health issues arise. We have worked with individuals who after 6 months of ceasing the use of fragranced products reported having more energy and feeling better. The overwhelming majority of chemicals used in fragrance have never been independently tested for safety as there is no regulation required for the ingredients in "fragrance". Some of the chemicals found in fragranced products are on the EPA hazardous waste list. Fragranced personal care products often contain phthalates, a family of chemicals used to help a product adhere to a particular surface. Phthalates in dryer sheets, for example, helps the scent cling to clothes and your skin long after having left the dryer. The concern is many are identified as endocrine disrupters.[vi] There is evidence children's exposure to chemicals and toxins affects brain development and potentially leads to learning disabilities and behavioral problems.[vii] Your body is already working hard enough to handle the everyday pressures of life so why not reduce the chemicals you expose yourself, your family and your friends to by going fragrance-free?
Frequently Asked Questions about Fragrance-Free
As an employee, I don't want to be told what I can and cannot wear. Isn't a fragrance-free policy in the workplace intrusive on my right to wear whatever I want?
It may seem at first that asking for cooperation to move away from fragranced products is a personal and private matter but when the fragrances from these products affect the health and productivity of others it goes beyond just a private concern. Most businesses with fragrance-free policies do not mandate but instead encourage employees to minimize the use of products with fragrance so as to create a comfortable work environment for all.
Will body odor become an issue?
Creating a fragrance-free work-space in a business or going fragrance-free as an individual does not mean stopping the use of all personal care products resulting in poor hygiene and strong body odor. It simply means switching to products without "fragrance" in the ingredient list. Luckily, many of the most common brands on the marketplace make "fragrance-free" or "perfume or dye-free" alternatives. Check out our alternative products page for more tips for shoppers.
Is it expensive and time consuming to look for fragrance-free products?
Going fragrance-free does not mean spending lots of time and money looking for fragrance-free products. Not only are fragrance-free alternatives available in most local stores, many of the brand name personal care items you are used to have a fragrance-free version.
Are some products worse than others?
From a fragrance perspective, some products are more offensive than others. A list of products from most to least offensive is available on our offenders and alternatives page.
Be Educated. Be Changed. Be Thriving.
[i] Steinemann, A. C. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposure and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, 9(8), 861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z
[ii] Environmental Working Group. (2010). Not So Sexy. The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance. Washington, D.C.: Breast Cancer Fund, Commonweal and Environmental Working Group. Retrieved August 2016, from http://www.ewg.org/sites/default/files/report/SafeCosmetics_FragranceRpt.pdf
[iii] Steinemann, A. (2016). Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions. Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, 9(8), 861-866. doi:10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z
[iv] Noguchi, Y. (2015, September 22). What's that smell?! When workplaces try fragrance bans. Retrieved from National Public Radio: http://www.npr.org/2015/09/22/442189543/what-s-that-smell-when-workplaces-try-fragrance-bans
[v] Elberling, J., Linneberg, A., Dirksen, A., Johansen, J., Frolund, L., Madsen, F., . . . Mosbech, H. (2005, January 13). Mucosal symptoms elicited by fragrance products in a population-based sample in relation to atopy and bronchial hyper-reactivity. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 35, 75-81.
[vi] Kristof, Nicholas (2012, May). How Chemicals Affect Us. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/opinion/kristof-how-chemicals-change-us.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
[vii] Schettler, T. Stein, J., Reich,. F., Valenti, M. (2000, May). In Harm's Way: Toxic Threats to Child Development. Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility. Retrieved from http://www.psr.org/chapters/boston/resources/in-harms-way-report-download.html


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Stonehenge pads offer the convenience of portability, while maintaining the same quality characteristics offered in the large Stonehenge sheets and rolls. Stonehenge was created in 1972 specifically as a 100% cotton deckled paper for the printmaking community, made to rival the more expensive European mouldmade papers. It was quickly adopted not just by printmakers, but by artists working in a broad spectrum of media. The paper of choice of many members by the Colored Pencil Society of America. Suitable for all drawing techniques.
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Can an amulet make the person your in love with come back into your life? even if you guys live far and don't see each other? how long does the process take?
NOTE: This question was asked specifically about Kabbalah Amulets that can be found HERE
This is a very interesting question - thank you for asking.
The short answer is: it depends.
Allow me to explain: The underlying assumption is that we create our own lives. That is true for everybody, not just yourself, which means that we can't really control or change other people, only ourselves. You may be able to temporarily attract and hold somebody close to you (like you pull on a rubber band), but you'll have to continually maintain the stress, otherwise that person (and the rubber band) will fly away from you. Also, maintaining a relationship in this way is exhausting, counter-productive and will lead to either resentment, resignation or explosion.
So why did I say "it depends"? Because very often opportunities, people and things are aligned with who we really are, and are simply waiting for us to realize that. The perfect partner can be right there, but you still need to evolve, expand or otherwise change yourself in order to be able to manifest this possiblity effortlessly. The most common reason that causes people miss out on such possibilites (which are constantly around us) is fear: fear of failing, fear of being rejected, even fear of succedding (because if you have something there is a chance you'll end up losing it). Low self esteem, depression and dependency on others are indications for such a situation.
So my advice to you is to focus on yourself and only on yourself. Observe your thoughts, emotions and actions, and ask yourself this: Am I being who I want to be? Am I being who I know I am? And also: am I being somebody that can be loved by the person with whom I'm in love? If the answer is no, get busy on it!
I don't know if this person you're talking about will come back into your life. Some people have the potential of becoming our friends, partners, teachers and students for the rest of our lives. Others just walk on by and offer us an opportunity to see something about ourselves we couldn't otherwise see. Both are important to our spiritual and personal development and it's important to remember that letting go at the right time is as beneficial as persisting and insisting, and it's the wisdon to tell them apart that makes the difference.
In addition to that, if you somehow get that person back into your life WITHOUT changing yourself first, the same reason that made them go away the first time and will make them go away again, and this time it'll be much more painful for both you.
The Kabbalah Amulets are for personal use. They can only change the world around you by changing you from within, which is the only way to change anything anyway.
Take some time to reflect - meditate, take a weekend off or take a long bath. Keep asking yourself the question - how am I being such that that person is not a part of my life anymore? If you ask yourself this question long enough, and really wish to find the answer, it will come to you. And when it does, you'll realize that the answer to this question is much more important than actually getting that person back. And at this point, whether you choose to re-connect with them or not, you'll learn to appreciate and be grateful for the valuable experience and growth opportunity they made available for you.


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I am the type of person that needs to have a physical day planner to survive life. Not only do I need a physical book to log and look at, everything within it is color-coded, so that at a glance, I know exactly what is happening and what the priority is. Blue is for school, green is for work, yellow is for due-dates, purple is for pay days, and pink is for extracurricular. My book is mostly blue, followed closely by green. And pink and purple feel almost non existent, while the yellow is always surprising (my rent is due today? what?)
I'm not complaining though, because seeing all that blue means most of my time is spent hanging around – quite literally. Out of curiosity, I counted how many weeks we have left in the program – this epic 9 month adventure we undertook. The quickly dwindling number was bittersweet. Nine months is not a long time at all, yet the days have all blurred into one and I feel like I have been here for ages, so having a blank schedule again sounds rather appealing. On the other hand, aerial dance gives me so much inspiration and appreciation, I cannot imagine doing anything else. The completion of this program results in our mama bird coaches pushes us out of the nest and telling us to fly with our own two wings, yet I still feel like a baby aerialist. I have started putting together my promo material, updating my CV, and tentatively stretching and spreading my baby bird wings in hopes of landing a summer contract.
While I am currently in the process of creating work (a chains routine and a static trapeze routine), I feel like I spend a lot of my time actually doing this – hanging off of my equipment comfortably as I socialize and contemplate what I'm doing. I filmed one of my practices a week or so ago, and laughed myself silly at how I spent more time casually sitting on the bar than doing the conditioning I had come for, as well as how much more comfortable I am hanging out up there than on the ground.


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Just days after Governor O'Malley locked down a date for this fall's Special Session for redistricting, Democrats in the General Assembly are making it abundantly clear of what else is on the agenda: more taxes!
After all, it really was no secret. Only a week after the 2011 Session ended, the Chairman of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Senator Ed Kasemeyer stated his intentions as bluntly as possible: "We've got to tax more things." This was after a session where the sales tax on alcohol was increased 50%, and they passed a budget that was laden with tax and fee increases. With an attitude like that dominating the Democratic side of the aisle, there is little doubt what the taxpayers are in for coming this fall.
Like Yogi Berra said, "It's déjà vu all over again"! It was just four years ago that the General Assembly increased taxes by $1.3 billion during the 2007 Special Session, under the guise of eliminating Maryland's constant structural deficits. They increased the sales tax, as well as personal and corporate income taxes, then turned around and increased spending by $1.3 billion just a few months later! It is the same spend and tax mentality that we're dealing with today. However, in 2007 the economic decline was warned of but it had not completely materialized. Today we're in the heart of what could be a double dip recession, with record unemployment that is high and steady. Another round of massive tax increases could be devastating to Maryland's hardworking taxpayers.
But, the struggle of Maryland's taxpayers in this economy makes no difference to the Governor and Democratic leadership in the General Assembly. They are addicted to spending and will let nothing get in the way of their next tax fix. Even with gas prices on the rise again, many are still eyeing a gas tax increase. If not the gas tax, then maybe another attempt at expanding the sales tax to services, or taxing internet sales. The Senate Budget and Taxation committee has suddenly realized the state is facing a $1.1 billion deficit next year – a fact they were oblivious to when they increased spending $1.4 billion just a few months ago. To deal with this problem the Committee has asked the Department of Legislative Services to compile a list of things that are currently not taxed that could be. The list includes necessities like food and both prescription and non-prescription medication. It is amazing how the same people who scream about affordable health care are considering adding a tax to your Grandmother's heart medication.
"They want to know: What could we tax
that we don't tax now?"
-Warren Deschenaux, Department of Legislative Services
Washington Examiner, July 11, 2011
Even the real purpose of the special session – congressional redistricting – is also cause for concern. In addition to the obvious problems of gerrymandering, it looks like Speaker of the House Mike Busch and Senate President Mike Miller are planning to hold only 8 or 9 public hearings on the subject, in contrast with the 12 held in previous redistricting years. After the procrastination of our globe-trotting Governor in appointing a redistricting commission, it looks to us like he's trying to get his redistricting plan through with as little public input as possible.
Some Good News
But it's not all bad! The petition drive to put in-state tuition on the ballot has been a historic success! The Board of Elections certified enough signatures from the second batch to officially put SB 167 on the ballot for the voters to decide in 2012. SB 167 gives in-state tuition benefits to illegal immigrants and would have gone into effect on July 1 of this year had the petition drive not turned in enough signatures by the May 31 deadline. Since enough signatures have been turned in and validated, the bill does not go into effect until after the November 2012 election and possibly not even then if the bill fails in the ballot box. This petition drive was unlike others that have been organized in Maryland. It was entirely a grassroots effort! All the hundreds of people around the state who gave their time and their energy to help collect signatures are to be congratulated on their hard work and dedication to conservative principles!


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Palm is launching its new Treo smartphone in Europe on 12 September, Palm has confirmed to Tech.co.uk today.
The new Palm Treo, which is rumoured to be launched as the Palm Centro, is a Windows Mobile 6-powered device that Palm is aiming at the younger user. The focus of the device is very much on messaging - text, email and instant messaging - and the mobile internet. As usual with Palm Treo devices, the new smartphone will have a Qwerty keypad under a large display.
Palm has been rumoured to be working closely with internet services, including Google and Yahoo, to enhance the new device's internet functionality. A new page on Palm's website is trialling the smartphone ahead of its launch, and offering visitors the chance to win one.
Tech.co.uk has been invited to the Palm launch event in London on 12 September, and will be reporting directly on the new device.


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WOMENS HOCKEY League round two preview
- Details
- Created on Friday, 21 September 2012 08:44
- Last Updated on Friday, 21 September 2012 13:48
- Published on Thursday, 20 September 2012 08:44
Clifton bid to build on their winning national league start when they host Olton & West Warwickshire in the second round of the Women's Premier Division tomorrow (Coombe Dingle, 1300).
Fleur Horner's blues – who finished fourth in the top flight last term - opened with a 3-1 win at Slough while Olton & West Warwicks lost 2-1 at home to last season's runners-up Leicester.
Defending Women's Conference West champions Buckingham host Isca University (1200) with both sides eager to build on winning starts.
Fellow opening round winners Gloucester City host newly promoted 2012 West Clubs Women's Hockey League champions Taunton Vale (St Peters High School 1200).
Women's Conference West fixtures, all start at 1200 BHE v Staines, Buckingham v Isca University, Gloucester City v Taunton Vale, Swansea City v Stourport (King George V Playing Fields, Sketty) Trojans v Firebrands (Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh).
• more about Clifton Ladies in our Your Club section
• The new 2012-13 West Clubs Women's Hockey League season starts tomorrow with matches in Premier One and St Petroc's 2.
Exe and Team Bath Buccaneers will be seeking hasty returns to the national league following relegation at the end of last season.
The other new team in the regional top flight are Lydney, last season's Premier 2 champions.
• West Clubs Women's Hockey League website


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You are here
Oral Vaccine Could Prevent Breast Cancer
A new oral vaccine that produces a two-pronged immune-system attack on cancer cells could be effective in preventing the recurrence of breast cancer, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
This is the first scientific report of using oral delivery of a unique virus — recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) — as a cancer vaccine. The new findings were reported in Molecular Therapy.
Although other oral breast vaccines have been studied in animal models, these vaccines raised human safety concerns because they used bacteria known to have potential harm to human health.
The researchers sought to develop a vaccine using AAV, a virus that has been shown to have minimal negative effects on human health and that is currently being investigated as a gene-therapy platform for treating inherited genetic disorders.
"AAV is special because the virus survives in the stomach," said lead author Jason Steel, PhD. "Normally, you introduce a virus by mouth and it is broken down in the stomach. This virus is resistant to breakdown, which opened up the possibility of administering it orally as a cancer vaccine."
In a preclinical animal study, the researchers tested two strains of AAV — one that was able to escape the stomach and move into the bloodstream, and the other staying in the stomach. Studies were conducted to show both the short-term and long-term effects on the reduction of breast cancer tumors. The investigators also evaluated which delivery method was more effective — oral versus the traditional intramuscular injection.
"The strain that remained in the stomach was more effective at preventing breast cancer tumors than the strain that traveled systemically — 100% of study subjects had no tumors for over a year following the treatment," Steel said. "Additionally, we showed that oral delivery (versus intramuscular injection) was more effective, resulting in a stronger immune response with greater than a 100% increase in anti-tumor antibodies at the lower doses and increased survival."
The researchers say that the AAV-based oral cancer vaccine holds potential as a human breast cancer prevention tool in individuals who have been treated for a certain type of breast cancer or in those judged to be at increased risk for the disease.
"We have done similar studies with different virus strains that have produced an antibody response," Steel added. "With this virus, we get both an antibody and a tumor-killer T-cell response. By combining the two mechanisms of action in one vaccine, we are creating a two-pronged immune-system attack on the cancer cells that appears to be more effective."
Source: University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute; January 17, 2013.


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hen most people think of osteopathy, they think of bad backs and sports injuries but actually it's a much more comprehensive approach to healthcare. We are interested in the mechanical component of illness and disease. Asthma is a good example of the kind of condition we can help with [see footnote].
In asthma, the ability to breathe is restricted by the accumulation of mucus in the airways. Both of these are triggered by inflammation. Asthma medications mostly work by relaxing the airways or inhibiting the inflammation, but osteopathy has another approach. The expansion and contraction of the chest with breathing is like a pump which draws air into the lungs. It also helps in stimulating the drainage that clears the lungs of mucus, inflammation and irritants like dust particles and viruses. When this pumping mechanism isn't working, these substances accumulate, exacerbating the condition.
I use my hands to try to find and work on any tensions or misalignments that might be compromising normal motion. In asthma I may use gentle stretches to release the ribs and the soft tissues that are restricting them, or I might use gentle oscillatory movements, using the patient's arm as a lever to promote drainage.
In the development of pneumonia, where the lungs end up secreting more fluid than they can clear, we use a similar approach. One study showed that elderly patients who received osteopathic treatment after being admitted to hospital with pneumonia needed less antibiotics and recovered more quickly compared with those who didn't receive this extra treatment. These kinds of results could save the health service a great deal of money.
Ben Katz is The London Osteopath: thelondonosteopath.com
• This article was amended on 29 June 2011 and 1 July 2011 to include the following clarification: A short column in the Inside track series featured an osteopath who said: "Asthma is a good example of the kind of condition we can help with". Several people with asthma and others have contacted us to point out that there is no evidence to show that osteopathy can treat asthma. Martin Robbins, who writes the Guardian's lay scientist blog, says that a comprehensive meta-study conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, an international network of medical experts, noted that "the few adequate trials to have taken place were poorly reported or too small to draw conclusions from, and concluded that 'there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of manual therapy for patients with asthma'." He also states that the trial among pneumonia patients referred to in the article was insufficiently rigorous to show that osteopathy is an effective treatment for this respiratory disease.


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Graphic design started as a hobby of mine in the form of uniform design. I drew up new baseball uniforms when I was only 10, and they became a reality at 14. I have always been a huge fan of designing wrestling singlets as well, some of which have turned from idea into reality by now.
From uniform designs, and upon taking on role of Director of Social Media for Lockport Wrestling, I've branched out into further design work in an effort to enhance my skills and our online presence. This has included making promotional images, posters, flyers, logos, and continuing with some clothing and uniform designs. The slideshow/gallery below features both concept art, concept designs, and actual items that have come to exist.
Need something designed? Great! Let me know and I'll see what I can do. While I've listed my areas of experience above, I'm also up for a new challenge. If what you need is beyond my abilities, I will let you know upfront so that your time is not wasted.
Rates: Rates for graphic design are ENTIRELY based on the final product, NOT on time to completion. I choose this route because if it requires me to learn something I've never learned, you shouldn't pay more because I have to learn the new skill. That said, there is no flat rate - contact me for any quote. Rates are based on the type of design work needed and complexity of design. All designs come with two free revisions, because I know that what you have in your head isn't always what the final product is. Further revisions cost 20% of the initial rate.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Lockport Wrestling Fight Shorts


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There is a new high-protein energy bar on the market thanks to a pair of Miamians. Shanti Bar, a handheld snack packed with power and flavor, is now available on shelves across South Florida Whole Foods Markets as well as Bed, Bath & Beyond nationwide.
Even U.S. soccer star Hope Solo gives it a thumbs-up.
"Eating nutrient-rich, raw ingredients is essential in order for me to perform at the highest level," Solo says. "I love the energy, strength, and natural beauty of the Shanti brand and how they represent passion, energy, grit, and determination."
Invented by sports fitness guru Lauren Feingold and culinary enthusiast Ashanty Williams, Shanti Bar is a nutritious protein bar dreamed up in the Magic City. Now it's available for purchase locally, and the founders plan to expand its reach across the nation.
Williams, who befriended Feingold at a local gym, wanted to create a protein-packed snack rich in flavor. She created a few recipes and asked Feingold for some input. The athlete transformed the bar from a homemade snack into a product ready for supermarket shelves.
"I was basically her guinea pig," Feingold laughs. "Ashanty would get her hands dirty, and I'd adjust it as she went along."
The result was a mouthful: a raw, organic, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, plant-based, superfood-packed energy and protein bar named Shanti.
It's been about a year since the two taste-tested the bars in their home kitchens. Shanti Bar now comes in eight flavors, each highlighting a superfood such as turmeric, coconut, cocoa, or açaí. Williams and Feingold wanted to make sure they didn't sacrifice nutrition for flavor.
"The problem was there wasn't a product we personally could rely on," Feingold says. "So we made a solution, and now we want to share it."
Feingold says the bars aren't just for athletes. Those too busy to whip up a meal during the day can nosh on a Shanti Bar instead, according to Feingold.
"This isn't only for the gymgoer," she says, "and that's important to know. If you're sedentary, you still need good food and brain fuel. People need to eat, and they should eat well."
Though it's still a small company, the brand recently signed Solo as its first brand ambassador. Feingold says it's just the beginning.
"The market is saturated with bad-quality stuff," she says. "We're in this to change that and become a leader."
For now, Shanti Bar is available at Whole Foods Market locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, as well as on the Gulf Coast in Naples outposts.
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"Miami is a great place to have a product like this," Feingold says. "There's a very active lifestyle here. Whether you're on the go or in traffic, you need food."
"But this definitely isn't a local phenomenon," she adds. "We want to expand across the country and the world."
For more information, visit shanti.bar.


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From: KFFL.com
Bengals QB Ryan Fitzpatrick vs. Jets pass defense
The Jets are susceptible in the passing game; witness their ranking (31st, 265 yards allowed per game). They are allowing a 68.2 percent completion rate. Cornerback Darrelle Revis is playing well and has three interceptions. The rest of the secondary has been poor, though, and offenses are picking on rookie cornerback Dwight Lowery. New York is getting a solid pass rush, with 13 sacks in four games. Linebacker Bryan Thomas has four, and defensive end Shaun Ellis, three.
Bengals WRs T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson vs. Jets CB Dwight Lowery
With the rookie Lowery learning on the job, he has been very inconsistent, and Housh could put up big numbers against him Sunday. In the last few games, opposing quarterbacks have picked on Lowery and stayed away from Revis. Expect that to continue. This game could also be the one in which the Bengals get the ball to Ocho Cinco, who has just 14 receptions and one touchdown in five games.
Bengals TE Ben Utecht vs. Jets linebackers
Jets linebackers haven't covered opposing tight ends very well this year. The San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates and the Miami Dolphins' Anthony Fasano both did some damage against the Jets. There is a good chance that Utecht has a breakout game against Gang Green. Utecht is an underrated receiving tight end, and the stars are aligned for him to have a big game in the Meadowlands.
Jets RB Thomas Jones vs. Bengals run defense
New York is faring only a little better than the Bengals in the rush game. It is ranked 26th and is gaining 3.8 yards a carry, compared to 3.3 for the Bengals. Thomas Jones is the workhorse, running 67 times for 254 yards (3.8-yard average) with a long of 16 yards and one touchdown. Though the Bengals run defense is better, they have allowed 229, 177 and 198 yards rushing in three of their five losses. The Bengals are 27th in rush defense at 167.6 yards a game.
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You never know what kind of bold, bizarre and humanity-benefitting concepts the Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI) will yield.
After all, the LAGI is the force behind a biannual design competition — motto: "Renewable Energy Can Be Beautiful" — that in 2014 introduced the world to Energy Duck, a semi-terrifying, solar panel-clad bird-monster roughly the size of a tugboat.
Like in years past, LAGI 2016 aims to solicit "human-centered solutions" that marry site-specific public art with sustainable energy infrastructure. Bringing together the creative and scientific communities, LAGI fosters boundary-pushing Franken-projects that function as objects of beauty and awe while simultaneously providing cities with a source of clean energy.
To keep things fresh, LAGI functions as a transient competition, focusing on a different city or cities every other year. The inaugural 2010 competition revolved around a trio of sites in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In 2012, the LAGI set its sights on the Big Apple, specifically on Staten Island's Freshkills Park, formerly home to the world's largest landfill. In 2014, a ripe-for-redevelopment shipyard in Copenhagen — at the time, the Danish city was the reigning European Green Capital — played host to the international competition. (The aforementioned solar duck, by the way, tied for fourth place in that year's competition).
The Los Angeles County beach town of Santa Monica is home to LAGI 2016. More specifically, the coastal waters around Santa Monica's iconic amusement pier have been selected as the competition's design site. As the LAGI explains: "Without a doubt, the LAGI 2016 design site offered the most versatile and amazing opportunity yet. Adjacent to one of the world's historic cultural landmarks, and with the full power of the Southern California sun, the coastal winds, and the Pacific Ocean waves and tides, there is nothing to limit the imagination."
One part artwork, one part solar-powered desalination plant, The Pipe would supply Santa Monica with over a billion gallons of drinkable water per year. (Rendering: Land Art Generator Initiative)
And on the topic of waves, one finalist in this year's competition has been making plenty of them: a tubular sculpture-cum-power plant floating off the 107-year-old Santa Monica Pier that would harness the power of the sun to produce an annual 1.5 billion gallons of clean drinking water via electromagnetic desalination. In total, the offshore installation, dubbed "The Pipe," would generate 10,000 megawatt-hours of solar power per year.
Here's the thing: for the first time, the LAGI has tweaked competition guidelines to allow for artistic proposals that don't just produce renewable electricity. Given the ongoing drought in California and the threat of statewide water shortages, the 2016 competition also welcomed design proposals that generate drinking water — or, ideally, drinking water and renewable energy.
Now, more than ever, energy and water are intertwined. As California faces severe water shortages in the coming years, the amount of energy required for water production and transmission is sure to increase.
For this reason we expanded our definition of sustainable infrastructure artwork to include proposals in 2016 that produce drinking water — either in addition to, or in place of — clean electricity.
Submitted by the Vancouver, British Columbia-based consultancy Khalili Engineers, The Pipe — "a testament to our time that reminds us about our dependence on water and about our need to appreciate and value this vital gift" — fits this definition and then some.
As a solar-powered desalination plant, The Pipe speaks directly to sustainability-minded Santa Monica's quest to become water-independent by 2020. (Rendering: Land Art Generator Initiative)
A bit on the nuts and bolts of the proposal, which wouldn't simply look spectacular from afar — a glittering, glistening cannoli afloat in the Santa Monica Bay — but also be accessible to the public as a sort of offshore spa and education center:
Multiple pools of hot and cold, crystal-clear saltwater invite visitors to experience a ritual that takes them away from the stress of daily life. Relaxing on the pool deck, listening to the sound of the waves, and looking out to the ocean, visitors can be blissfully unaware of the seamless technology at work all around them.
Above, solar panels provide power to pump seawater through an electromagnetic filtration process below the pool deck, quietly providing the salt bath with its healing water and the city with clean drinking water. The Pipe represents a change in the future of water. Water never leaves our planet. Rather it is simply displaced.
Fresh water finds impurities and becomes temporarily unfit for consumption. These impurities can be visible or invisible. The visible particles can be filtered with basic procedures. It is the invisible impurities (dissolved solids) that make filtration complicated and costly.
Conventional desalination technology such as reverse osmosis uses excessive electricity, generates unwanted industrial waste and polluted water, and requires very expensive machinery.
Ninety-seven percent of seawater is pure water and only three percent is dissolved solids. All dissolved solids in water become ionized and can therefore be controlled through electromagnetic energy. Electromagnetic filtration uses an isolated electromagnetic field on pipes circulating seawater, separating the salts and impurities. The process is rapid and energy efficient.
The proposal goes on to explain that salt water with 12 percent salinity produced by The Pipe is used in its thermal baths before being pumped back into the Santa Monica Bay via a "smart release system." The proposal notes that the system "mitigates most of the usual problems associated with returning brine water to the sea."
The team behind The Pipe explain that the design concept 'teaches us that water is plenty and nature provides. We just need to learn to work with it, keep it clean, and appreciate it.' (Rendering: Land Art Generator Initiative)
The billion-plus gallons of drinkable water produced at the offshore art installation each year would be distributed directly into Santa Monica's municipal water supply.
Bounded by the Pacific Ocean and several different Los Angeles neighborhoods, the environmentally progressive and laidback-ish city best known for its bustling commercial promenade and "Baywatch" associations is striving to achieve complete water independence by the year 2020. While a sizable amount of Santa Monica's water supply currently comes from groundwater wells within city limits, the rest is piped in from elsewhere. City leaders want to halt all water importation by further tapping into its existing groundwater supply — a supply compromised in the 1990s by underground gas storage leaks but since mitigated during an extensive cleanup effort — along with embracing aggressive wastewater recycling and rainwater harvesting efforts.
The Pipe would see an innovative form of desalination, the process of removing minerals from saltwater so that it's rendered fit for irrigation or human consumption, enter the picture as well.
Currently, there are numerous desalination plants scattered up and down the California coastline including a $1 billion facility located in San Diego County that's billed as "the nation's largest, most technologically advanced and energy-efficient seawater desalination plant." That plant, located adjacent to the massive Encina Power Station in Carlsbad, went online in December 2015.
Of course, none of California's existing desalination plants, however, would look — or function — like The Pipe.
A particularly imaginative (and only slightly unsettling) LAGI 2016 proposal involves wave energy-harnessing 'salt swans.' (Rendering: Land Art Generator Initiative)
Other Santa Monica-centric proposals submitted to LAGI 2016 LAGI include "Ring Garden," a colossal algae bioreactor that would serve as a dramatic counterpart to Santa Monica Pier's solar-powered Ferris wheel. Another, titled "Big Beach Balloon," envisions a massive helium balloon wrapped in thin-film photovoltaic panels that would be tethered to the Santa Monica Pier and, yep, allow for passenger rides. Gulp. As the proposal explains: "By connecting the pier's amusement park character below with spectacular panoramic aerial views above, the design aims to celebrate Santa Monica's glorious location, while seamlessly harnessing one of its most abundant resources, the sun."
And because it just wouldn't be a Land Art Generator Initiative competition without clean energy-producing water fowl, a Philadelphia-based team's proposal, titled "Wake Up," involves converting a fleet of retired swan boats into a robust network of wave energy converters that would help power Santa Monica Pier's electricity-guzzling amusement park rides.
The winning proposal in the 2016 Land Art Generator Initiative competition will be announced in October with the first-place team receiving a $15,000 cash prize. You can read the competition brief in full here.


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North Charleston, SC– Last night's game between the South Carolina Stingrays and Atlanta Gladiators was brought to you by the word "scrum." Each period seemed to have at least one major fracas between the two teams. In the end, 106 penalty minutes had been amassed overall. Despite finishing the game with just four defensemen, the Rays would pick up the 4-2 win.
The pace was noticeably quicker than Saturday when the teams last saw each other. Derek DeBlois, who had just been returned from Lake Erie, made an immediate impact at the 12:21 mark, scoring his sixth goal of the season. Vitek Vanecek was once again solid in the period stopping all seven shots. Austin Fyten and Joe Stejskal got in to it and dropped the gloves at the end of the first period. The penalty parade was on from there.
South Carolina would take advantage of Gladiator penalties in the second period. DeBlois would record his second point of the night setting up a Kelly Zajac one-timer to put the Rays up 2-0 on the power play. Team goal-scoring leader Stephan Vigier would deflect a shot from Spencer Humphries past Atlanta goalie Matt Ginn for the 3-0 lead for his 24th goal of the season. Things got messy at 19:42 when a Atlanta's Eric Neiley took out Vitek Vanecek. Joey Leach and the rest of the Rays understandably took exception. Four players received roughing minors from the fracas that lasted about a minute.
Things escalated in the third period as the Rays continued to look for revenge for the running of Vanecek. More fights broke out at the 3:33 mark of the third period. Two players from each side fought and South Carolina Defenseman Bobby Shea was ejected for third man in. Thomas Frazee and Jacob Bolton kept Atlanta within striking distance but Vanecek and the Rays would hold on despite being outshot 12-4 in the period.
South Carolina is now 8-3-1 in the season series against the Atlanta. The teams will face each other one last time on April 6th.
The Rays improved to 40-18-6-3 with 89 points on the season. First place in the Eastern Conference is within reach as they sit two points back of Toledo. South Carolina is also three points ahead of Florida.
Goalie Vitek Vancek made 27 saves on 29 shots. He has not lost in regulation since January 23rd.
Mark Dekanich was returned from AHL Hershey and should see a couple games before the end of the season. With Caleb Herbert and Derek DeBlois returning from their AHL stints, there are six players on the roster who played in last season's Kelly Cup Finals with the Rays.
South Carolina's final two home games come this Friday and Saturday against Orlando.
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Did you see it? Were you worried about it? Did you duck or take shelter?
*What the hell is he talking about?*
What I'm talking about is the Armageddon-like headline I saw earlier this week: Mystery object to whizz by Earth Wednesday.
Yikes! Are you kidding me? The story described a 33 to 50 foot object that was going to come within 80,000 miles of Earth.
33 to 50 feet? 80,000 miles? Okay, not exactly Armageddon. We can stop humming Leaving On A Jet Plane anytime soon.
But the disturbing thing about this is scientists were unable to figure out what the heck this object was. Was it an asteroid? Piece of space junk? Iran's first nuclear missile?
I've got a pretty good idea. In a related story this week it was reported that NASA was having problems with the space station's water recycler. You know the thing that processes astronaut's urine into drinking water? It seems the urine was clogging up the recycler. Well, duh.
Intergalactic plumber needed?
And you know what? I think the NASA engineers got so frustrated they just pitched it. How else do you explain a headline about an object "whizzing" near Earth. Aw, c'mon. Didn't you see that one coming?


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Multiple choice checklist styled questions are used to check one or more items that apply. Furthermore this style of question often ends with an 'other' option and prompts the user to specify as depicted below
A reference directly to the checklist question would return 'Golf|Tennis|Other', an accurate but not readable result. The following formula could be used to present the text as Golf, Tennis and Cycling.
joinand(chr(44), " and ", replace([Q1], "Other", [Q2]))
The formula works by first detecting if the "other" was checked and replacing it with the actual value specified in the text box. Then it used the joinand() function to manipulate the values in to a comma separated sentence.
Trouble logging in? Simply enter your email address OR username in order to reset your password.
For faster and more reliable delivery, add firstname.lastname@example.com to your trusted senders list in your email software.


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Regarding the post below: – On each day of last weekend, his lunch was a yoghurt, spooned a bit of a time by me onto the white porcelain of the toilet rim. His hands were bound behind his back while he licked it up.
I did allow him to clean the toilet first but of course that did also mean cleaning a toilet every morning!


text:
SittinΓÇÖ PrettyΓäó Bimini Blue Gel-Foam Cushion
- Water-based gel lowers interface pressure and cools to minimize perspiration.
- High-density foam prevents bottoming-out.
- Vinyl inner cover wipes clean for easy care and prevents urine from entering cushion.
- Tie straps to affix cushion to chair.
- Attractive blue swirl design.
- Size: 18″ x 16″ x 2.5″.
Additional information
|1 g
|Option One


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May retail sales for Australia are out and it is a terrible number.
Sales fell 0.5% month-on-month, seasonally adjusted. Earlier this week the market expected 0.1% growth.
The fall follows a collapse in consumer sentiment that started in April, triggered by leaks around the severity of the government spending cuts in the federal budget.
The warm winter is no doubt impacting on the seasonal factors and explains some of the big 0.5% fall in total retail with Clothing down 2% and Footwear and other personal accessory retailing off 2.9%. But the key point about this data is that May's decline in sales comes on top of a 0.1% fall in April and a flat result in March.
This means that economic momentum was already slowing and as RBA Governor Stevens said in Tuesday's statement after the Board meeting and again in his speech today – Q1 economic strength was, or is, an apparition.
So the budget hit sentiment and now spending it seems at a very fragile time.
Indeed the data shows that the 12 month rate of change on retail sales has clearly slowed and the 3 month rate is sharply lower also.
Given this data is now a month old and given consumer sentiment has not rebounded in any significant way the risk is that the retail sales sector is faced with more weakness in the months ahead.
Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn


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Greetings from Miami Swim, darlings! We're taking in all the action of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim's chicest shows and bashes, and dishing it up in our trio of issues this season. Talk about essential front row reading fodder, non? Meet the brands willing to bare it all on the runways of Miami Swim.
DOLORES CORTES: Dolores Cortés, designer
Where does your swim history begin?
Sixty years ago, my mother created the first elastic swimsuits in Spain!
What's the strangest place you've ever worn a bikini?
In my own office, during the workday.
Which celeb would you love to wear your designs?
Olivia Palermo would make a perfect model.
What's your beach snack?
Rosquilletas, which are slim salt-bread bars with oil, usually from Valencia, Spain.
What's your beach body regime?
A ton of vegetables, fruit juices, and getting a lot of sleep. Also, forgetting about my problems and enjoying the summer is very important!
Showing Friday, July 18th at 6 p.m. at Cabana Grande.
MIKOH: Oleema Miller, designer
Beach or pool?
Beach, all day, every day.
Which mods would you like to walk in a Mikoh show?
Classic swim models like Heidi Klum or Tyra Banks would be amazing. They revolutionized the industry and set a new standard for what is sexy.
What are your Miami haunts?
The Webster for curated late-night shopping, Soho Beach House for a Moscow Mule, and Cecconi's for the most delicious Italian food.
How many bikinis do you own?
Too many too count, but still not enough.
Where's your favorite beach in the world?
Tavarua Island in the South Pacific.
What's your SPF number?
The higher, the better, so SPF 60 is perfect!
What's your new collection all about?
Our 2015 Collection is inspired by the culture and landscapes of the tiny islands strewn across the South Pacific. The prints, textures, textiles, and details are all a nod to the South Pacific lifestyle and the life that they lead.
Showing Saturday, July 19th at 7 p.m. at Oasis
POKO PANO: Paola Robba, founder and designer
What's going on in your latest collection?
It's a representation of my passion for Brazil. I express it throughout with the use of tropical fruits, historic symbols, and hand-painted prints.
What's your SPF number?
I use SPF 30 on my face and SPF 15 on my body.
What's your swim stroke?
Breast stroke.
Beach or pool?
The perfect day would be the beach in the morning and pool in the afternoon.
Who is the most iconic bikini wearer?
Ursula Andress.
What is your favorite beach in the world?
My backyard in Brazil.
Showing Friday, July 18th at 5 p.m. at The Raleigh's pool
MARA HOFFMAN: Mara Hoffman, founder and designer
What were you thinking for Resort 2015?
The collection is all about color, brightness, and the evolution of the brand. It was inspired by my trip to Guatemala.
What's your SPF number?
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 for my face and 30 for my body.
Beach or pool?
I'm definitely a beach girl.
South Beach or the Design District?
I can't choose—I love both.
Who is the most iconic bikini wearer?
Marisa Berenson.
Where is your favorite beach in the world?
I love the beaches in Turks and Caicos, and Mexico is always beautiful. But for a quick getaway, my go-to is always Miami!
Favorite Miami activity?
I absolutely love lounging on the beach and eating Cuban food. But I also love to check out Pérez Art Museum Miami.
Showing Saturday, July 19th at 8 p.m. at Cabana Grande
RIPCURL: Mary Miller, VP of design and merchandising for girls
Who's the Rip Curl girl?
The Rip Curl girl is always active. She's an adventurer and enjoys travelling to the world's most idyllic beach and surf destinations in her latest bikini.
What's your next beach getaway?
I'll be on a sailboat in Paxos, Greece.
What's in the works for your first time at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim?
July is already an extremely busy time for us, and this adds a lot more to our plate, but it will be worth it to wow everyone with our most lust-worthy line of swim yet!
Which celeb would you love to wear your designs?
Cameron Diaz.
Do you have any memorable bathing suits from your past?
Back in the '80s I had a peach mono-kini. It was everything!
What is your beach beauty regime?
Just throw on a trucker hat and get down there.
Showing Saturday, July 19th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Penthouse
BELUSSO: Kirsten Ehrig-Sarkisian, designer and creative director
What's your SPF?
SPF 4 for the perfect Bain de Soleil tan. Along with a Belusso rash guard, of course!
What's your swim stroke?
You're more likely to find me at the edge of the pool relaxing.
How do you keep track of all your bikinis?
I have an entire section in my closet devoted to my favorite styles, organized by silhouette and color.
Who's the most iconic bikini wearer?
The beautiful Brigitte Bardot, especially in the film And God Created Woman. She could do no wrong!
What's your favorite pool in the world?
The infinity pool at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes. It's so elegant and historic.
Showing Sunday, July 20th at 7 p.m. at Oasis
SINESIA KAROL: Sinesia Karol, creative director
Where's your favorite beach destination?
Praia da Costa, in Brazil, where I come from.
Where's the strangest place you've ever worn a bikini?
Dubai in 1999!
Hardest part about Miami Swim Week?
I've found myself exhausted after casting over the past few years.
Which celeb would you love to wear your designs?
Sofia Vergara and Eva Longoria.
What's your beach beauty regime?
I wear plenty of La Mer sunscreen, along with a little bit of lip gloss, and a ponytail!
Showing Friday, July 18th at 9:30 p.m. at Oasis
MEEGAN ELIZABETH HAWAII: Meegan Elizabeth, owner and designer
How did you become a swimsuit designer?
One morning I was lying in bed, and I had the most amazing daydream about becoming a swimwear designer. Everything flashed before my eyes as if it were all laid out for me, so I set out to make my dream a reality.
How will you spend the plane ride from Hawaii to Miami?
It's my first trip to Miami, so I will most likely buy the whole plane a glass of champagne and toast to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim!
What's your tropical getaway strategy?
I've been island-hopping a lot this last year; Kauai, Fiji, Maui, and the Big Island. My next island hop will either be to Molokai or Lanai.
Strangest place you've ever worn a bikini?
A nightclub!
What is the weirdest bathing suit you've ever owned?
It was a onesie that had large, realistic-looking fruit all over it. It was a little scary.
Showing Sunday, July 20th at 7:30 p.m. at the Penthouse
SUBOO: Sue Di Chio, creative director
What's your SPF number?
I actually have a special sunscreen cosmetic case that I take with me wherever I go, so I'm always prepared! For my face I use zinc, for shoulders and chest it's SPF 30, and for the rest of my body I use SPF 15.
What's your swim stroke?
Does snorkeling count?
Beach or pool?
Beach! Give me a paddleboard and I'm good to go.
Which model would you love to walk in your show?
I'm obsessed with Izabel Goulart.
How many bikinis do you own?
I've lost count, so now I'm starting to collect one-pieces.
Who is the most iconic bikini wearer?
For us Aussies, it has to be Elle Macpherson!
Showing Sunday, July 20th, at 9 p.m. at Oasis
LULI FAMA: Luli and Augusto Hanimian, designers
Tell us about your most recent collection!
Augusto Hanimian: Our 2015 collection is entitled "Miami Nice," which is a tribute to our city.
Aside from swimsuits, what else does Luli Fama offer?
Augusto: Over the last four seasons our collection has included resort wear, and in 2015 we're taking it a step further. We're adding dresses, pants, and caftans in every group of the collection!
Where's your next beach getaway?
Luli Hanimian: I would love to go back to the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas.
Strangest place you've ever worn a bikini?
Luli: In my office. I'm constantly trying on new styles!
What's the hardest part about prep for Swim Week?
Luli: Having everything ready in time and putting a hold on the creative side, since we love to add new pieces up until the very last minute!
How do you approach beach beauty?
Luli: I wear a sunscreen with high SPF on my face and chest, and a tanning lotion with bronzer on my body.
Showing Sunday, July 20th at 8 p.m. at Cabana Grande
MAAJI: Juliana Londoño, head designer
How do you get fit for bikini season?
I'm a Crossfit newbie, but I'm loving it!
What's your must-have beach accessory?
A camera! We're addicted to capturing summer moments.
Would you ever wear Birkenstocks or Tevas to the beach?
Definitely Birks. They're a classic and still really rad.
Which piece in the collection are you coveting for yourself?
One of my favorites is an underwire trikini with lingerie-inspired elastics in acid orange and equestrian prints. Its silhouette is really friendly for any body type.
What's going on in the latest collection?
We're certain our mermaids are going to love this one—it will be full of magical animals and characters, new types of fabrics, and new shapes and prints, called Royal Riders.
Showing Saturday, July 19th at 9 p.m. at Oasis