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Harvest Sun Solar strives to make switching to solar, easy, affordable and understandable as well. We hope to give you everything you need in order to have a clear and true understanding of solar energy. Feel free to contact us with any other questions you might have.
Why solar, why now?
Simply put – the sooner you get solar, the sooner you will start to enjoy its benefits! If you wait for some unproven technology down the road, you will have missed the opportunity to enjoy lower energy costs today. Increases in efficiency and decreases in costs have both flattened out in the typical way of "Technology" Bell curve. The cost and economic benefit of a system installed today also benefits from today's incentive structure which will decrease appreciably in a couple years.
Does my roof need to face directly south?
No. The ideal roof orientation is 196 degrees on the magnetic compass (known as 'solar south'), but an installation of +/- 50 degrees (155 -245) is also fine. Within this range, power output stays seven or eight percent of maximum. More easterly and westerly roof installations are viable, especially on shallower roofs. For example, an 8/12 roof that is due east or due west still achieves 72% of a system's potential performance. More important than angle, is shading. We don't want to see any shading on a solar roof from 10 am to 3 pm, year-round. Technological improvements such as micro inverters, and more ideally DC optimizers can compensate for shading issues to great extent. The best way to know for certain if your roof is viable/ optimal for solar is to contact Harvest Sun Solar for a free solar evaluation.
Will the solar system eventually pay for itself?
Absolutely. Many customers feel the pride and peace of mind of solar that 'pays for itself' as soon as the system powers on. From a financial point of view, solar is immediately cash-flow positive if financed, whereas if the money is provided upfront the returns are magnified but reach positive cash flow at about 4 to 5 years. With multi-billion-dollar grid improvement projects already in place one thing for certain is that energy rates will continue increase. Meanwhile, with solar, you will be able to enjoy a significant reduction in the amount of money spent on energy.
What if my roof is shaded?
Shading directly affects solar generation. It is best to minimize the impact of any shading. However, this is where our design team earns its money. Just about everyone has shade, and they usually don't think so! Therefore, we have taken the initiative to become technically proficient and are equipped with the industry leading tools to diagnose, design and quantify production and resultant economics.
How much roof space do I need?
Every kilowatt of solar array equals about 75 square feet.
What is the average number of kWh's produced per month?
Solar production is seasonal by nature. More power generated during the summer months, less power generated during the winter months. Production is typically evaluated on an annual basis.
What is a watt?
A watt is a unit of measure that represents electricity in a circuit. A kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. Let's say that there were 100 LED lights and each one was rated at 10 watts. They total 1,000 watts. If all 100 lights are left on for one hour, they will consume 1 kilowatt hour (kWh).
Do I need to worry about solar panels in the snow?
No. Snow and ice are a reality of installing solar arrays in the Northeast and our systems are designed to withstand the toughest weather. The reality is, after a snowstorm, your solar panels will be covered in snow. Usually they 'self-clear' quite well on the next partially sunny day. Furthermore, they will continue to produce electricity, (though at a much lower rate, even when covered with an inch of snow)! On an annual basis, the amount of energy production loss due to snow is minor.
Will the solar arrays put holes in my roof or be too heavy?
No. Solar panels are typically mounted on a purpose-built aluminum or stainless-steel rail system that is fastened about every four feet by penetrations into roof rafters. On a standing seam metal roof, attachments are made directly to the standing seams, with no roof penetrations. On asphalt roofs, each mount is sealed with 50-year sealant to prevent any possible leaks. Roof work is guaranteed by Harvest Sun Solar to be free from leaks. As for the weight of the array, it is less than 4.5 pounds per square foot, so a typical framed roof is more than adequate to carry the weight.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels are warrantied for 25 years but will likely last beyond 35 years, albeit with some performance degradation.
What is net metering?
Net metering is an energy policy that allows solar homeowners and businesses to feed excess power into the grid (effectively spinning the meter backwards) and get a credit off their energy consumed at a future date.
Are there changes coming to net metering?
Yes. Net metering has been under attack across the country because it hurts profit margins for the big utility companies. Some areas have eliminated it. Others are considering changes. Regardless of which changes happen, they will not be in your best interests. Harvest Sun Solar doesn't like being pushy when encouraging homeowners and businesses to act but it is important they understand the sooner they act the more likely they'll get grandfathered in under current regulations. Your ability to be grandfathered in is based on one date, the day your solar power system is turned on. Please contact us Harvest Sun Solar as soon as possible so we can help you save the most money possible.
Can I get rid of the utility company and go "off grid"?
While the idea of cutting ties with the electric company may seem romantic, it is anything but practical except for very specific cases (generally when utility power is not available and prohibitively expensive to install).
Is there a timetable – how long will this take before we can have solar on our roof?
Harvest Sun Solar can work as fast as you will let us work. We typically can provide you with a free and detailed proposal within 24-48 hours after obtaining on site exact shading data and hand measurements.
Does solar work in foggy micro-climates?
Yes. Solar does work in foggy/cloudy locations. An initial proposal by Harvest Sun Solar will evaluate the weather conditions in your area including the impact of fog.
Will the panels be the most efficient available?
Harvest Sun Solar will assess and identify panels with the right mix of optimal efficiency/cost. It's possible to get slightly higher power panels (i.e. SunPower/Panasonic/LG), but the increased production may or may not be cost justified based on the facts and circumstances of the installation.
What solar panels and inverters meet the requirements of Harvest Sun Solar?
Approved PV panel manufactures
Boviet Solar
Canadian Solar
First Solar
Hanwha Q-cells
JA Solar
Junko Solar
Phono Solar
REC Solar
S Energy Sharp
Trina Solar
Approved inverter manufactures
PV Powered
Solar Edge
Does Harvest Sun Solar consider the reduced degradation for solar panels / modules in their design proposal with economic projections?
Yes, within the Design Proposal, Harvest Sun Solar lists a 0.2% degradation regardless of solar panels / modules manufacture.
How does a nonprofit fund the Solar Power Agreement (SPA)?
Funding the Solar Power Agreement (SPA) is flexible. Harvest Sun Solar in partnership with CollectiveSun can facilitate any one or a combination of these options:
- Donations
- Reserves
- PACE solar loan
- Traditional bank loans, Wall Street investors, Program Related Investments (PRIs), Nonprofit Specialty Lenders, and others.
- CollectiveSun's Proprietary CrowdLending Campaign – direct loan from supporters of the nonprofit or tax-exempt organization w/ principal and interest repaid annually using the savings from the solar project. Because it's a direct loan between a nonprofit or the tax-exempt organization and supporters (investors), the interest rate can be set at discretion of the nonprofit or tax-exempt organization (0% - 8%).
Be aware, our experience is banks attach high interest rates to their loans, nonprofits quite often prefer to leave reserves for rainy days and use donations for other needs. Going to the community with the CrowdLending campaign provides a new and vibrant avenue to engage members. Lending doesn't impact other charitable giving because it competes with investment options. For example, savings accounts, CD's and the volatile stock market. The proprietary CrowdLending methodology and dedicated campaign managers will assist you throughout the process to ensure a successful campaign. To date, CollectiveSun is proud that the CrowdLending campaigns have a 100% success rate raising funds needed! This is one of the main reasons Harvest Sun Solar enjoys so much working a combination of this partner and your nonprofit! (Knowing the effort will be rewarded).
What is Interfaith Power and Light?
Interfaith Power and Light is a national nonprofit organization that supports communities of all faith traditions exploring solar and energy efficiency. They partner with CollectiveSun and offer resources for communities of faith who are exploring the theologies related to solar power and climate change. Please visit their website at: http://interfaithpowerandlight.org
What is Creation Care?
Creation Care is a theological response to climate changes that embraces world religions and how their philosophies are applied to caring for the planet.
Do faith-based organizations or houses of worship support solar – Creation Care?
Most definitely. One faith leader, Pope Francis's strongest statements on the environment: 1."We received this world as an inheritance from past generations, but also as a loan from future generations, to whom we will have to return it!"
—Remarks, meeting with political, business and community leaders, Quito, Ecuador, July 7, 2015 2. "God always forgives, we men forgive sometimes, but nature never forgives. If you give her a slap, she will give you one. I believe that we have exploited nature too much."
—Press conference, flight from Sri Lanka to the Philippines, January 15, 2015 3. "As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling."
—Speech, Manila, Philippines, January 18, 2015 4. "A Christian who doesn't safeguard creation, who doesn't make it flourish, is a Christian who isn't concerned with God's work, that work born of God's love for us."
—Meditation, Vatican City, February 9, 2015 5. "May the relationship between man and nature not be driven by greed, to manipulate and exploit, but may the divine harmony between beings and creation be conserved in the logic of respect and care."
—General audience, Vatican City, April 22, 2015 6. "The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. In many parts of the planet, the elderly lament that once beautiful landscapes are now covered with rubbish."
—Papal encyclical, Vatican City, May 24, 2015 7. "Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity. Cowardice in defending it is a grave sin."
Ask A Question
Are you looking into a solar energy system for your home or business?
If you would like to know how Harvest Sun Solar can help you make the switch to solar easy and affordably, please click the button below.


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Earlier this month Hyundai announced to slash the Korean price of their Tucson Fuel Cell by 43% to the equivalent of US$ 77,000. Yesterday Hyundai announced the new price in Europe: € 55,000 (US$ 62,700). In the Netherlands that results in a consumer price of € 66,550 incl. VAT. In Europe the Tucson is called ix35. In comparison the Hyundai Fuel Cell is available in the USA for lease only at a monthly price of $ 499.
The new price is close to being a competitive offer to traditional cars with combustion engines. If Hyundai doesn't lose too much on it, it would mark a significant step towards making fuel cell vehicles competitive, although there still is a long way to go. The ix35 with combustion engine is available in the Netherlands at prices starting at € 27,495 (incl. VAT).
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Hyundai releases new European Tucson/ix35 FCV price
3 comments:
- AnonymousFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:46 AM
Ballard Power perhaps? They mentioned deal with "an unnamed global automotive OEM" this week.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousFebruary 28, 2015 at 12:56 AM
nice, BLDP gonna go skyrocket monday!!!ReplyDelete
So far Hyundai has been building their own fuel cells afaik. If a deal was struck then that's unlikely to immediately affect prices: Ballard currently doesn't offer a 100 kW fuell cell and their technology requires 1.2 barg air inlet pressure. Its 75 kW fuel cell could power a Tucson if it was assisted by a larger battery pack than the Tucson currently has. A deal would only affect the next generation Tucson FCEV.ReplyDelete
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subset: commoncrawl


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In the 1950s, researchers discovered that injecting the botulinum toxin into a muscle will paralyze and weaken it for three to four months. When these muscles are paralyzed, the patient is less likely to develop wrinkles. As a result, this treatment has been used treat wrinkles. Botox® also treats other cosmetic problems, including excessive blinking and squinting.
The Botox® Procedure is an Easy Way for Webster, TX Residents to Prevent Wrinkles
Within a few minutes, the dermatologist can inject a small about of the botulinum toxin into the face with no need for an anesthetic. The patient usually only experiences mild discomfort. Generally, the only side effects of the Botox® treatment are temporary bruising and headaches that do not last longer than a day or two. The effects of the Botox® injection take three to seven days to take effect. The results then last four to six months.
After a Quick Injection, the Patient Can Return to Everyday Life
Clear Lake Dermatology provides Botox® treatments to residents of Webster, TX. Narin "Dr. Joe" Apisarnthanarax, M.D., F.A.A.D., Prapand "Dr. A" Apisarnthanarax, M.D., F.A.C.P., and Dr. David Raimer and Dr. Lindsey Hunter-Ellul and ACGME Fellow are board certified dermatologists specializing in cosmetic procedures.
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Hurricane Chris
Are you ready for the next club-conquering, catchphrase-popularizing, ring-tone-selling, purist-enraging hip-hop hit? No? Too bad. We're living through a golden age of bold and propulsive hip-hop novelty songs; even listeners who claim to hate "This Is Why I'm Hot" or "2 Step" may find themselves feeling nostalgic once those hits become old enough to be considered kitschy relics. But for now, there's Hurricane Chris (myspace.com/hurricane), a Shreveport, La., rapper with a diabolically addictive single called "A Bay Bay." Perhaps he should explain, preferably over that streamlined beat (it consists of almost nothing but a downbeat) and those three pizzicato notes: "You wanna know what we say in the club? A Bay Bay/White folks, gangstas and the thugs? A Bay Bay." It's actually pronounced ay-bay-BAY, which might make the etymology clearer: it's a new twist on an old way of asking for somebody's attention. Or, in this case, everybody's.
Kate Nash
No doubt this emerging British singer is already sick of being called the next Lily Allen. But if that vague compliment helps people discover Ms. Nash, then so much the better. Her first single, "Caroline's a Victim," matched that cryptic phrase to a bare-bones electro beat; it sounded like a meanspirited daydream. The follow-up, "Foundations," is even better, a disarmingly conversational account of a relationship on the rocks: "Thursday night, everything's fine, except you've got that look in your eye/When I'm telling a story and you find it boring, you're thinking of something to say." At partizan.com, you can watch the music video, directed by Kinga Burza, whose cute images (tangling socks, kissing toothbrushes) echo the incongruous cheer of the strummed guitar and peppy drum machine. Everything seems fixable until the end, when Ms. Nash grabs that suitcase.
The Almost
This band is the side project of Aaron Gillespie, who plays drums and sings in the popular Christian screamo band Underoath. And after surviving a turbulent 2006 with Underoath ("old issues" forced the band to drop off the Warped Tour), Mr. Gillespie seems to be having a happier 2007. He played most of the instruments on the Almost's debut album, "Southern Weather" (Tooth & Nail/Virgin), which has spawned a minor (so far) rock hit with "Say This Sooner." It's a memorable little pop-punk tantrum, with guitars that keep cutting out and then storming back in. If that refrain — "All my friends think that I'm gone/But I swear, I swear I'm not" — gets any more popular, the Underoath tour bus might get even more "issues"-oriented.
Ten years ago, John McKeown was a Glaswegian secret: leader of a clever, puckish post-punk band called the Yummy Fur. He never became a rock star, but a couple of his bandmates did, when they formed a group called Franz Ferdinand. Now Mr. McKeown (known these days as Jackie) is getting a second chance. He has a new band, 1990s, and a new approach: instead of delivering lyrics in a thick Scottish burr, he delivers them in his version of an American drawl, which still sounds pretty Scottish (at least in America). The debut 1990s album, "Cookies" (Rough Trade), puts Mr. McKeown and his ultratrebly guitar alongside the bassist Jamie McMorrow (another Fur alumnus) and the singing drummer Michael McGaughrin (formerly of V-Twin), who spend much of their time playing as little as possible. Everything is bare-bones, even the lyrics, and in "Enjoying Myself" Mr. McKeown turns moronic party banter into a perfectly paradoxical couplet: "Some people ask, Am I enjoying myself?/I say, I haven't decided yet — I'm just enjoying myself." American listeners can wait for the July 31 domestic release, find songs online (start at 1990s.tv) or just turn on the television: one song, "You're Supposed to Be My Friend," features prominently in an unusually hummable Nissan commercial.
This bluesy Houston hip-hop star must be one of America's most underrated rappers. Since the late 1990s, Z-Ro has been releasing brilliant albums and mixtapes at an impossible pace, often more than one a year. In November he released one of the best yet, "I'm Still Livin," a surprisingly coherent collection of melancholy protest songs and gospel-inspired rants. He couldn't do much to promote it, though: he was in prison, where he is to remain until July, serving a sentence for possession of a controlled substance. Nevertheless, he's back, sort of, with an unwieldy new billing ("Tha Authentic KOTG: King of tha Ghetto") and a scattershot new CD, "Power" (Rap-A-Lot). The weak beats and throwaway hooks suggest that this is an album of outtakes, but true-blue fans will discover a handful of strong performances, including "Ride All Day," in which Z-Ro's rhyme style changes every few lines. As for everyone else: "I'm Still Livin" is barely six months old, and it sounds better than ever.


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- The Tri-Shade is a roller venetian blind.
- In the lowered end position the vanes of the blind can be opened/adjusted. Opening of the vanes is only possible when the fabric is moved to the lower end position.
- An extensive range of contemporary fabrics are available.
- Tri-Shade blinds are supplied on an aluminium head box which is available in white, silver, black, cream and brown.
- Tri-Shade Blinds are available with a sidewinder control.
- The Tri-Shade Blind can be motorised.
Quick Contact
Units 6 & 7, Five Arches Business Estate
off Maidstone Road, Sidcup,
Kent DA14 5AE
Tel: 020 8269 6400
Fax: 020 8269 6401/2
Company Number: 3184810
VAT number: 324 0532 02


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State of Art Academy / Master Class #10
State of Art Academy MasterClass #10 just finished and here I feature the great work of the students. This time the main theme was the Split View Mountain Lodge by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter.
State of Art Academy / Master Class #10
MasterClass #10 hosted 12 artists from all over the world, working of the the Split View Mountain Lodge by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter as their main theme.
The Photos above were taken by : Photographer Søren Harder Nielsen.
The Students Work
See what the students learn during the 4 weeks of the Architectural Visualization Master Class…
What is even better, is the things you do when you are not learning… San Dona, Venice, Italy!
All the visuals were made using 3dsmax, V-Ray, Forest Pack Pro, RailClone and Photoshop.


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Find Your Doctor
ConnectiCare's Find a Doctor is a comprehensive search tool to locate a participating doctor, hospital or other medical facility. The online directory is updated daily and is the most current source for information. Additionally, the search tool provides a quick and easy way to locate medical providers by distance, specialty, spoken language, hospital affiliation and more!
Providers with wheelchair accessibility are identified by the Handicap Accessible icon
Please Note: The provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.
If you would like a Provider/Pharmacy Directory mailed to you, you may call 1-877-224-2273 (TTY: 711) or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Last Update 10/1/2019


text: How To Make Cute Strawberry Santa Cakes >> More DIY Ideas << Make these strawberry Santa cakes to make your Christmas party unique and fun. These strawberry cakes are super easy to make. Just cut the strawberries and decorate them with sesame seeds. If you need more information, here is the step by step instructions. Fresh From Florida – Strawberry Santa >> More DIY Ideas << >> Low Cost Craft Supplies << Get New Posts Right To Your Inbox!Get captivating new Tutorials, just like this one, delivered right to your inbox each day. Just sign up and we will send you the best new tutorials as they come in. Your email address will NEVER been spammed, sold, or shared. You are welcome to unsubscribe at any time with the link in the email. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Name * Email * Website © 2020 How To Instructions.org Tweet Buffer Share on Tumblr


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Juggling multiple sites over a network? These plugins will make your life so much easier!
Recommended WordPress Multisite Plugins (Network Management, Migrations, Backups)
Recommended WordPress Multisite Plugins (Network Management, Migrations, Backups)
Performing backups and migrations with basic WordPress sites are pretty straightforward nowadays. There are thousands of step-by-step tutorials on the web and plugins which automate the entire process, making it quick and painless. However, when it comes to a WordPress multisite setup, tasks such as backups and migrations are a little more complex.
This is primarily due to the fact that multisite setups share the same WordPress database and installation. Therefore, unless you're migrating or backing up the entire multisite, you have to segment the job down to the subsite level.
Or worse, maybe you're wanting to turn a subsite back into a normal WordPress install.
Today we'll share with you a few WordPress multisite plugins we recommend.
Ready? Let's dive in!
The Challenges of Backing up and Migrating a WordPress Multisite Network
Backing up and migrating a multisite network is complicated by a few factors:
If you want to make separate backups of individual subsites, you won't be able to use the same methods as for backing up a standalone site.
You can migrate subsites into and out of a multisite network, but it isn't as straightforward as migrating
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Retroactively Sign Git Commits
How do you retroactively sign your Git commits? WebDevStudios Backend Engineer, Evan Hildreth, knows. He shows you in six steps.
Retroactively Sign Git Commits
It's a classic situation. You're contributing to a project, filed your pull request, and gotten it approved by your peers. You're all ready to merge your code and add your humble contribution to the project when, out of nowhere, GitHub gives you this: How do you go about doing this, especially when you've already committed your work and pushed it to the server? How do you retroactively sign your Git commits? We'll do this in six steps:
Gather Information
Install GPG
Create or use a key
Set up Git to sign commits using GPG
Rebase your commits
Overwrite your branch with your newly signed commits
There's a lot to unpack, so we're going to need six steps. Also, these instructions are for macOS; Windows and Linux users may have different commands.
Step 1: Gather Information
I'm self-aware enough to know that I'm the kind of person to just skip straight to the doing, but a quick moment here will save you from having to duplicate effort later. In particular, you can avoid this 'gotcha' that has gotten more than one person at the end of this process:
The name and email on your GPG key must match the name and email on the Git
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3 Types of WordPress Product Customers You Should Fire (and 4 Ways to Do It)
Investing time, effort, and money in high quality customer service is undoubtedly a good practice for any business. But, there are cases where giving good service to abusive and aggressive customers can hurt your business. This video will help you identify those customers and give you tools to "fire" them.
3 Types of WordPress Product Customers You Should Fire (and 4 Ways to Do It)
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- 33 votes | Comment this
How to Translate Categories & Custom Taxonomies in WordPress
Learn how to translate taxonomies in WordPress using an intuitive translation interface. Translate categories, custom taxonomies, terms & more.
How to Translate Categories & Custom Taxonomies in WordPress
The ability to translate categories and custom taxonomies in WordPress is essential for any website looking to go multilingual. If you're serious about multilingual SEO, then translating taxonomy slugs is a must as it will help your translated content rank in multiple languages. This however is not always as straight forward as it should be. Different WordPress translation tools have different approaches when it comes to translating slugs for categories, custom taxonomies or terms. It's quite easy to get confused when joggling with multiple translation interfaces for different types of content, while also having to worry about compatibility issues with your theme or favorite page builder.
In this tutorial, we're going to use TranslatePress, a beginner-friendly WordPress translation plugin, that lets you translate all your taxonomy slugs in one place, using a intuitive translation interface that looks like this:
It also works out of the box with any theme or plugin, including WooCommerce or page builders, like Elementor. Using it you can translate every content on you site, page by page, using a visual translation editor.
Let's dive in…
Translating WordPress
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How to Submit Your WordPress Site to Google News and Google Discover
Having your website's content in Google News is a great way to increase traffic. This is a tutorial about how to submit your WordPress site to Google News properly.
How to Submit Your WordPress Site to Google News and Google Discover
The aim of Google News is to filter through the world's news and make timely news accessible to readers in a way that's easy for them to read, understand, and put to use. So what does this mean for your website and your site?
Lots of traffic, credibility, and authority.
If that sounds like something you'd like for your WordPress site (and let's be honest, who wouldn't) then read on to find out everything you need to know about how to submit your site to Google News.
What is Google News?
Google News is a news aggregator that curates a customizable flow of recent news articles and stories from the last 30 days.
Today, it's even more than that as Google News stories can surface in other Google products, such as:
Google News feed (duh)
"Top stories" section in the SERP page
The "News tab" in the SERP page (like the one you have for images, so to speak)
Google Discover, Google's new feed based on improved Knowledge Graph able to provide custom results based on a single user's search history.
Here's what Google News looks like:
Content is organized into categories, depending on your location and language settings.
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- 56 votes | Comment this
What's New in PHP 8 (Features, Improvements, and the JIT Compiler)
PHP 8 is expected to be released on December 03, 2020. It will bring new features, deprecations, and performance boost. Check what's new in PHP 8!
What's New in PHP 8 (Features, Improvements, and the JIT Compiler)
PHP 8 is expected to be released in December 2020 and will bring us a whole bunch of powerful features and great language improvements. While several proposals are still under development, many RFCs have already been approved and implemented, so it's time for us to dive into some of the most exciting additions that should make PHP faster and more reliable.
Please, note that PHP 8 is still under development, and we could see several changes before the final release. Anyway, we'll keep track of these changes and update this post regularly, so make sure you don't miss anything about PHP 8 and check this post again from time to time.
So, what features and improvements should we expect with PHP 8? What's the biggest thing coming with PHP 8, the next major release of the language?
Let's dive in!
PHP JIT (Just in Time Compiler)
The most acclaimed feature coming with PHP 8 is the Just-in-time (JIT) compiler. What is JIT all about?
The RFC proposal describes JIT as follows:
"PHP JIT is implemented as an almost independent part of OPcache. It may be enabled/disabled at PHP compile time and at run-time. When enabled, native code of PHP files is stored in an
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Secure your WordPress login with these easy-to-use plugins
Weak passwords are the most common cause of WordPress hack attacks. So securing the login process of your WordPress website is imperative, especially if you manage a multiuser website, or an eCommerce / membership site.
Secure your WordPress login with these easy-to-use plugins
When it comes to managing your WordPress site, keeping your login secure and working well should be of top priority. Whether you operate an eCommerce store, or a membership site, making sure that your users utilize a strong username and password combination is essential to securing your website against outside threats and hacking attempts. And yet, some of your users may well continue to use weaker passwords and usernames for their WordPress login. Passwords such as password123 or even 1234 leave a gaping hole in your site's defenses. However, by using a couple of plugins, you can secure your WordPress login. With the plugins you can enforce strong passwords and use a more secure authentication mechanism.
This guide will walk you through what those plugins are and how to use them. It also explains why they are so crucial in the battle to keep your WordPress login secure. But first, it's vitally important to understand why you need to take these steps to protect your website.
Why you should secure your WordPress login
A secure WordPress login for your users is essential for several reasons. Firstly, weak username and password combinations are one of the primary methods for
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How Automattic pays its remote employees across different geographies – TechCrunch
There's been a lot of buzz lately about Facebook's proposal to pay remote employees less if they leave Silicon Valley. In this article, Matt Mullenweg explains why it can be difficult to achieve pay equity across different countries (and currencies).
How Automattic pays its remote employees across different geographies – TechCrunch
A growing number of tech companies is telling their employees they can work from anywhere, even after this pandemic has passed. A looming question, however, is how. Last week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees that Facebook will adjust the pay of those who choose to move out of the Bay Area and work in different, presumably less expensive, geographies. But others figuring out their own remote-work strategies might also look to Automattic, the now 15-year-old, heavily venture-backed company that is parent to the publishing platform WordPress; the platform for discovering long-form writing content, Longreads; the comment-filtering service Akismet; and, as of last year, the former social media giant Tumblr; among other businesses.
Automattic, which now employs more than 1,000 employees, has been nearly fully distributed from its founding days, and became entirely so in 2017, when the company shut its San Francisco office and told employees they could work from wherever they choose. At the time, founder and CEO Matt Mullenweg told Quartz that most employees were already opting not to come into the co-working space it was providing, so it reasoned its money could be better spent
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Best Way to Translate a Website in 2020 (Easy Tutorial)
Find out what's the best way (and easiest) to translate a WordPress website in 2020.
Best Way to Translate a Website in 2020 (Easy Tutorial)
What's the best way to translate a website in 2020? This is a popular question among website owners, and especially if it's a business website that you're running! In this tutorial, we take you step by step through the entire process and show you all the stages of translating your website in its entirety – from menus to content, images, and even SEO.
Let's get started:
What's the best way to translate a website?
If your website runs on WordPress then getting it translated is a fairly easy thing to do. However, you still need a translation or multilingual plugin to handle the main task. Here's why:
You might have heard that WordPress is "translation-ready" or "ready for localization," which suggests that all the tools required to get your website translated are already there, built-in.
This is partly true.
WordPress being translation-ready only means that it makes it possible for website translation on the code level. In other words, if you're a web developer, WordPress has some ready-made structures for you in place that add translation capability to your themes or plugins. But this doesn't help the end-user
Current State of WordPress Themes - Analysis and Recommendations
This is my take on the history and current state of WordPress themes. I test some new ones and some popular favorites with Gutenberg. I give some recommendations at the end.
Current State of WordPress Themes - Analysis and Recommendations
I am writing this post on the history and current state of WordPress themes. Since I've been using WordPress there has been a big shift in themes and I think another one is underway. I'm looking at WordPress themes because today, as much as every before, it is important to pick a good theme. In this post I'll look at the evolution of WordPress themes, page builders and Gutenberg. I'll test some of the most popular themes to see how they handle Gutenberg and make some recommendations for the future. The Rise of the General Purpose Theme
Back in the old days, people purchased niche themes appropriate for their site: a restaurant theme, church theme, lawyer theme, dentist theme and so on.
Freelancers and agencies who built lots of sites joined theme clubs that had a large selection of themes available and that regularly released new ones.
It is no coincidence that general purpose themes developed in tandem with page builders. Elegant Themes has released 87 themes over the years, but now only Divi and Extra are featured. Divi was one of the first widely popular general purpose themes. It is a stylish and highly customizable theme coupled with a page builder that
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Staying Healthy While Working From Home
Still struggling with working from home? You're not alone. At the very least, focus on staying healthy while working from home. Doing so will help support your overall remote work endeavors. Try these tips.
Staying Healthy While Working From Home
As many people join the work-from-home revolution due to COVID-19, it is important to remember a few key items to help navigate this new environment. At WebDevStudios (WDS), we are very familiar with remote work since this is our norm; and we love to share what we have learned to help others. Making sure to focus on your physical, as well as mental well-being, is top of the list. Being remote can lead to feelings of isolation and laziness. So, taking time out of your day to do things for yourself is very necessary. Let's go over some things you can do for staying healthy while working from home (WFH). Don't forget
It is paramount that people remember to do the small things, like drinking water and going to the bathroom. It may seem silly, but I remember being a first-time remote worker. I would get so involved in my work (or worried that people wouldn't believe I was actually doing anything) that it would be 1 p.m. when I realized all I had was coffee and I hadn't gotten up to use the bathroom since I woke up.
Working that way can leave you feeling drained very fast and lead to burnout. As part of your staying healthy while working from home routine, I recommend
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How to Build a Website with User Accounts (Step by Step Tutorial)
Step by step guide on building a website with user accounts on top of WordPress, using the Profile Builder Pro user management plugin.
How to Build a Website with User Accounts (Step by Step Tutorial)
In the past, websites consisted of simple static pages with information. These days, website owners are looking for ways on how to build a website with user accounts for a variety of reasons. For example, you can let visitors create user accounts on your website in order to generate user engagement, encourage user-submitted content, or make your website more community-oriented. It's also a great way to manage the information that different users are able to see on your website and provide exclusive content to paying members.
Profile Builder Pro is an all-in-one user registration and management plugin for WordPress, that makes it easy to create a website with user accounts. You can integrate it with other plugins, add-ons, and tools to add advanced features to your site. For example, you might consider creating a member directory or user listing. This way, members can connect with one another and set up their own public profile. Users can easily create their own account.
In this article, we'll show you how to build a website with user accounts in WordPress using the Profile Builder Pro plugin. We'll also explain how you can integrate it with Paid Member Subscriptions
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Spice Up Your WordPress Site with These Built-In Gutenberg Content Block Recipes
The goal of this blog post, by WebDevStudios Frontend Engineer, Marty O'Connor, is to dive into Gutenberg content blocks and document some useful examples for all skill levels.
Spice Up Your WordPress Site with These Built-In Gutenberg Content Block Recipes
Goal The goal of this blog post is to dive into the existing Gutenberg content blocks and document some useful examples for all skill levels. Let's see what's possible by simply configuring existing blocks to make clean, quick, functional layouts and spicing up your WordPress site with Gutenberg content block recipes. No code required.
Who benefits from Gutenberg Content Block Recipes?
Chances are, if you're a WordPress developer, you've experimented with Gutenberg content blocks to some degree. However, if you're like me, you've spent a good amount of time rolling your own custom blocks via JavaScript or ACF's Gutenberg block-building features.
Anyone with a basic understanding of WordPress can build the following examples now. I hope that everyone from non-coders to engineers will appreciate how easy it is to build clean, simple layouts with these exciting features. Seasoned developers may come to realize that they can save time by opting for a solution that's already baked in, or at least glean some inspiration for making your own custom block that functions in a similar fashion.
The Details
I'm using the Twenty Twenty theme for
How to Create Great Podcast Artwork
Creating artwork for your podcast can be tough. In this free preview of the Podcast Liftoff course you'll get some great advice for designing podcast artwork.
How to Create Great Podcast Artwork
This is a free lesson from my Podcast Liftoff: Launch course. If you like it, enroll. Use the code BUILD for 10% off! Enroll here: https://podcastliftoff.com
Most people will judge your show by your artwork, so you'll want to make it look good. There are a few good guidelines for creating your show's art that will help it stand out.
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WordPress Form Builder Plugin for User Registration (Step by Step Tutorial)
Having a WordPress form builder for user registration on your WordPress site saves you from having to create user accounts manually. Profile Builder Pro is a WordPress form builder plugin that helps you add front-end user registration, profile, and login forms to your website. It's incredibly easy to use and requires no technical knowledge to get started with.
WordPress Form Builder Plugin for User Registration (Step by Step Tutorial)
Having a WordPress form builder for user registration on your WordPress site saves you from having to create user accounts manually. In other words, you can give prospective students, members, or customers the option to create their own user account. This way, they don't have to get in touch with you using a contact form to create their accounts. In addition to this, a good WordPress form builder is fully customizable which means it delivers better user experience. Plus, using a WordPress form builder plugin saves you a lot of time (and effort) as compared to creating a form from scratch.
Profile Builder Pro is a WordPress form builder plugin that helps you add front-end user registration, profile, and login forms to your website. It's incredibly easy to use and requires no technical knowledge to get started with.
Using the Profile Builder Pro WordPress form plugin, you can fully customize your user registration form. You can also leverage advanced form building features including the option to add extra fields, create multiple forms, configure conditional logic, leverage repeater fields, and add reCAPTCHA. In addition to this, you can create different forms for different
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How Do WordPress Plugin Developers Make Money?
WordPress plugin development is an essential skill set in the WordPress ecosystem, and there are many ways in which you can make money leveraging your knowledge. Here are 4 ways to make money as a WordPress plugin developer.
How Do WordPress Plugin Developers Make Money?
More than a third of the websites on the internet are built with WordPress, and more and more developers are realizing the great opportunity that lies in the growing demand for different functionalities based on this open-source platform. WordPress offers many amazing business opportunities, and some companies have built a six-figure monthly income building new plugins. The question on everyone's minds? How to create a profitable and sustainable business out of developing awesome plugins for WordPress!
This is where Freemius steps in to show you 4 approaches you can take to leverage your coding and development skills and create your own online business.
****____What is Freemius? ____****
90 Sec explainer video - https://youtu.be/l-164n9fDLo/
Check us out @ https://freemius.com/
Subscribe to the blog - https://freemius.com/blog/
****____More Great Videos!
How to Create a Business Strategy Map
This post is a walkthrough on how to create a strategy map for your business.
How to Create a Business Strategy Map
In my last post, we talked about how you can rethink your approach to your business management strategy. I covered how to fine tune each element of your strategy discussion, refine your company goals, and get buy-in from your team. It has been a minute since we posted that article (a lot has happened since then) so refresh your business strategy knowledge before forging ahead. Once you've done that, it's time to dive in with the next step: how to create a strategy map! Why create a strategy map at all?
A strategy map is a very useful tool for jumpstarting your strategic thinking. While strategy maps do not enjoy the same popularity as the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) tool, I believe they can be even more powerful.
Here's what creating a strategy map will do for you:
Clarify how you intend to be unique in the market you've selected to serve.
Discover if you have the resources to be successful.
Uncover conflicts or inconsistencies in your strategy that can cause it to fail in implementation.
Collaboratively discover and communicate a strategy so that those that need to execute on it are aligned.
How to create a strategy map
Just as you
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How to Configure Cloudflare Settings for WordPress
Want to improve site performance and reduce bots and hackers? These Cloudflare settings are perfect for WordPress users!
How to Configure Cloudflare Settings for WordPress
By acting as a reverse proxy in front of your site, Cloudflare is an all-in-one security and performance product that is used by over 12% of websites around the world. As a WordPress user, adding Cloudflare to your site can help boost site performance and reduce the impact of malicious bots and hackers. How?
Once configured properly, all requests to your site will hit a Cloudflare server first which will then determine whether the request should be forwarded to the origin server, served from cache, blocked, or processed with custom rules.
In this guide, we'll dig deeper into the optimal Cloudflare settings for WordPress, highlight the difference between Kinsta DNS and Cloudflare DNS, talk about caching and security setups, and show you how to configure Cloudflare for WordPress Multisite installations.
Kinsta DNS vs Cloudflare DNS
Before we dive into Cloudflare settings and how to tweak them properly for your WordPress site, let's go over the differences between Kinsta DNS and Cloudflare DNS. Kinsta DNS, the premium DNS service included in all of our plans, is powered by Amazon's Route53. Route53 is an enterprise-grade DNS service that offers fast and reliable resolution.
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Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers
Working from home is new to so many people who are not used to managing the security of their computer. Here are some cybersecurity tips for remote workers.
Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Workers
There's no question we live in interesting times. The recent global pandemic has had everyone scrambling to try and meet customer demand and keep employees working. For the lucky ones who get to continue working during this crisis that means making changes to how we work, largely doing everything remotely. With millions of people working from home, who may have never had to manage their cybersecurity, this new way of working brings with it some potentially serious security concerns. That's why we're taking this time to offer you some cybersecurity tips for remote workers. I'm lucky enough to work for WebDevStudios as a Support Engineer. We are a fully distributed company. That means we all work from home. WebDevStudios has been 100% remote for over a decade, and we've all learned some important lessons and acquired expert knowledge.
Before we jump in, though, what exactly is cybersecurity? To over simply it a bit for the purposes of this article, it's basically best practices for defending your computers, servers, corporate assets, and electronic systems or data from malicious actors who try to take advantage of vulnerable systems. With even more
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3 tips for creating a virtual WordPress meetup
We take a look at some tips from a number or WordPress meetup organizers on how they're keeping their events running virtually.
3 tips for creating a virtual WordPress meetup
In these unprecedented times as we continue to stay and work at home as much as possible, we believe it's still vitally important to continue working with the numerous community events we've been so honored to participate and support over the last few years. And, whilst it's no longer possible to meet in person, we've been truly impressed by the number of WordPress meetups that have moved to virtual events instead, helping to continue the sharing of information, knowledge and ideas. It's never been more important to keep this going – especially when the world can feel so unconnected right now.
The next few months are uncertain for many businesses around the world but one thing is for certain, maintaining personal connections and interactions among the communities we work in will continue to be a valued resource for many.
Whether you're a solo worker, freelancer or part of an agency, the work the various WordPress community leaders are doing to keep the meetups going is what makes this community so amazing! So let's take a look at some tips from a number or WordPress meetup organizers on how they're keeping their events running –
How to manage a WordPress site migration without breaking your SEO
One of the best excuses for not changing your website is that it might "break your SEO". Unfortunately, it happens. Many hard-earned rankings and traffic have been lost to a poorly managed site migration. We thought it would be useful to give you some advice to help you through the process and avoid the worse happening.
How to manage a WordPress site migration without breaking your SEO
One of the best excuses for not changing your website is that it might "break your SEO". Unfortunately, it happens. Many hard-earned rankings and traffic have been lost to a poorly managed site migration. We thought it would be useful to give you some advice to help you through the process and avoid the worse happening. In part 1 of the article we'll look at getting ready for the migration. In part 2 we'll move onto the things to do on the day of the migration itself and shortly after.
1st piece of advice: include SEOPress in your new WordPress site installation
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Why I Created the Podcast Liftoff Course- Joe Casabona
Now is the perfect time to start a podcast - but there are a lot of steps and it's difficult to know where to start. My new course, Podcast Liftoff: Launch, will show you everything you need to know, from planning to publishing.
Why I Created the Podcast Liftoff Course- Joe Casabona
Back in 2018 I attended a conference called Podcast Movement. Thousands of people coming together to talk podcasting. On the very first day – in fact, the vert first session – I talked to a couple of people who were having trouble with their websites. It was a podcast convention but they were way more interested in the fact that I was a web developer. They were surrounded by podcasters. After that conversation, I got a crazy idea that there should be a course on how to launch a podcast website. My rationale was there was already [one] podcasting course I knew about, so the market was saturated. I set off to make that course, and a few months later, I launched it….to crickets.
TL;DR: My podcast course, Podcast Liftoff: Launch, is out now. I'm super excited about it because it's been in the works for a long time (keep reading for how long). But if you're ready to get it now, it"s 34% off for launch week – until June 3rd. Enroll Today.
Bad Research = Bad Launch
I made a fatal mistake: I talked to a small number of people, asked, "do you think this is a good idea," and got a chorus of yeses. That was the only research I did. I
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When To Redesign A WebSite [Read Before You Start]
When was the last time you updated your website? It's very crucial. Here are the best tips on when you should redesign a website. Read it now.
When To Redesign A WebSite [Read Before You Start]
Nowadays in the vast world of the internet, great designed and user-friendly websites get more traffic and keep visitors engaged. The target of every e-commerce website is to convert visitors into customers but it is only possible if your website design and structure are proper with the latest features. On the other hand, if your website is not living up to the mark then it may hurt you. When was the last time you had redesigned your website? If you can not answer this question so this is the time to start thinking about it.
It is important to know that websites are changeable. WordPress website is always involved in fulfilling the requirements of your audience and your business as well.
Why you should redesign your website? Here is the reason.
Before purchasing a product, subscribe to any channel, or visit a website for buying things people do Google your business or company. Indeed, approximately 87% of buyers do their product analysis before they purchase things.
Visitors will leave your website in a few seconds. If Your website does not demonstrate the services or products you offer, they are not able to find what they want as well as the website is taking a long time to load.
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The New Normal - How COVID19 is affecting consumer behaviours
The change in consumer behaviour we are currently witnessing may not just exist in the short term, rather what we may see is an evolution of behaviours and see the establishment of a new set of norms – redefining our global commercial landscape.
The New Normal - How COVID19 is affecting consumer behaviours
While the impact of the COVID19 pandemic continues to reverberate through global economies, it remains difficult to discern when we might return to a semblance of ''normality''. Yet, whether it's in six months or two years down the line, there will come a day when restaurants, nightclubs, and brick and mortar retailers can reopen. However, while on the surface things might appear as they were, the change in consumer behaviour we are currently witnessing may not just exist in the short term, rather what we may see is an evolution of behaviours and see the establishment of a new set of norms – redefining our global commercial landscape.
In order to grasp an understanding of what these long term implications might be, we need to look at early signs of shifts in behaviour, understand what consumer behaviour is impacted by, and whether these trends are likely to continue into the future.
What's for sure is that a change is coming, and businesses ought to be aware of this and adapt their commercial approach accordingly.
What impacts consumer behaviour?
Bringing things back to basics, consumer behaviour is essentially the actions that consumers take
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text:
Today, as expected, was a long day. We have finally checked into an overpriced guesthouse in south Colombo, a converted former embassy building that has still retained its large verandah, heavy wooden furniture and high-ceilinged colonial character; tucked away in the quiet, leafy embassy district of town, it is a welcome respite from the manic streets of the Galle strip. I am relived to be laid in a comfortable bed but still in a minor state of shock at the thick, humid heat that hit us like a wall as we stepped off the plane. Above me, the much-needed ceiling-fan wobbles dangerously as it spins. It is my first experience of the nightly act of faith that is required to bed down underneath the heavy spinning blades that are plastered to a cracking ceiling.
It is quite an experience to arrive in Colombo after a ten hour direct flight from Heathrow and I am keen to experience our new surroundings. However, our extended wait in the empty marble arrivals hall for our bags to come through had given nothing away, and beyond the duty-free electrical goods store and the handful of bored looking soldiers at customs, we were still yet to clap eyes on Sri Lanka until we were dropped right in the middle of it.
We had been sold our tickets into town by a drunk kid who had poached us right from the door of the terminal and had ushered us into a deserted bus yard where his friends were all lazing about, viewing our oversized bags and still-white skin like we were catch of the day. And we probably were. Even at this very earliest stage in our trip I felt instantly uneasy when being told to make ourselves comfortable and offered a drink in the back of this empty bus- not because of any real safety concerns, you understand, but more because I felt like we were about to be sold an insurance plan or a new house. All the curtains were closed and, away from other bus-owners willing to step in and undercut his 'friend-price' offers, the negotiations for our tickets started. Two thousand Rupees each was his opening shot- he was really going for in for the kill with us. Flat refusal on our part gradually dropped this down to an eventual one thousand each, at which point he offered us included services with anything we wanted:
"Food", he offered in his shaky and slurring English, "driiink, alcoohol…"
He quieted down to an almost whisper as he leaned it with a naughty-schoolboy grin.
These enticements were wasted on us. Alec and I had instantly decided, speaking as quickly as we could to evade his moderate English, that this guy was taking the piss. Two thousand Rupee was, at the time, about ten pounds; almost as much as my train ticket to London had cost me the day before. It was time to pull the old 'walk-away' tactic, a trick that is probably as old-hat as trying to mug ignorant tourists like he was doing.
It works in a London market. It also works in Sri Lanka.
The fare settled at five hundred each, and the money handed over, he instantly lost interest in playing the accommodating host and duly took a snooze in the passenger seat with his feet out the window. As the fuzzy, less-than-polished Bollywood sounds struggled out the dusty speakers by our feet, the bus began to fill up with podgy women in sarees and skinny men in short-sleeved shirts and with pens in their breast-pockets.
The very first thing that struck me about Colombo was how chaotic it felt. Getting out of the bus station alone seemed to offer a crash-course in how not to get mown down or piled into another bus to some other destination by the seriously enthusiastic fixers that lean out the bus doors. Coercing with any English available and animatedly chanting the name of their destination in quick-fire Sinhala babble, these guys are unsurprisingly drawn to white, foreign skin for exactly the same reason as our earlier friend was. As a result, it's very hard not to feel like the entire bus station is yelling at you and only you. My initial attempts to extend my best foot forward and politely decline every offer that tugged at my sleeve lasted most of the way to the main road, but not much further. As a re-occurring theme over the next five months, I noted with great interest which of my western, British habits of personal conduct were shed, and how long they took to be dispensed with. 'Pleases' and 'thank-you's', putting my litter in bins, replying to spontaneous introductions from strangers, wearing pants, using bed sheets, applying sun-cream and carrying any more than three items of clothing would all cease in time. How long these would take to be jettisoned, I was yet to find out.
For now, though, we were in the thick of it and reeling in this new brand of manic that we were experiencing. The main road was a slow-moving, four-lane jumble of tuk-tuks, motorbikes and push-bikes, interspersed with the occasional minibus, police-car and hand-pulled cart, creating an almighty hum of rattley engines, multi-tone honking, dust and exhaust. At times the traffic would slow to such a crawl that tuk-tuk drivers would lean out of their open vehicles and talk to their colleagues across lanes, reaching out to snatch handshakes and exchange a few words, their bare feet dangling out the side of the cars while their fares sat behind them, clutching hankies and sarees to their mouths against the choking exhaust fumes. Weaving and wobbling in and out of these encounters, the stripped-thin push-bikes tinkled their bells over the cacophony like a triangle over an orchestra.
The pavements are only slightly less of a jumble. The rush-hour commuters squeeze and barge past each other like an ebbing and flowing river of white shirts as they flood to and from the train-station, edging between the street hawkers perched on the roadside railings selling bags of nuts wrapped in old homework papers and the man selling sandals against the wall. We push through the swell with our heavy bags being knocked and dragged around behind us, eventually making it through to a side street and away from the main artery of people. We continue south towards what we think is a guesthouse in the gathering orange and pink dusk, and down the Galle road.
As we were beginning to learn, Colombo seems to be full of cars and tuk-tuk drivers out to swindle you if you have somewhere specific to be and no idea how to get there. Our attempts to walk down to a less central location and bed up for the night were marred by a spectacular willingness of almost everybody we talked to take us down there themselves for some ridiculous fee rather than save us the bother of doing it ourselves. Upon pressing repeatedly the fact that we just wanted to know where this place was and not a tuk-tuk down there, the conversation was almost universally terminated with a south-ward wave and a swift exit. This wouldn't have actually been a problem, had we had a half-decent map to reply on. However, as it was, there was only the Lonely Planet small-scale map of the entire city, which was something akin to having a map that lists Paddington Station as only a couple of blocks from the Millennium Dome. Travel lesson number one learned- Avoid relying on Lonely Planet maps.
An hour and a half, after many changed destinations, hopelessly overcharged tuk-tuk rides and lost street-wanderings, we met a nice shirt-and-shoed lad called Sanjith who was sat, minding his own business under a tree on a side-street in the dark. He went well out of his way to take us to our latest destination and showed us to our guest house, in which we are now sat.
'I like to walk, you see'.


text:
My childhood was not perfect, nor were the holiday seasons I experienced growing up in the rural community I still find myself calling �home.� Though not perfect, I did grow up with loving parents and two brothers I could get along with one day and then secretly hope would disappear like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies the next. Pretty normal, for the most part, I would say.
Halloween mischief, celebrating Thanksgiving with family, and the days of Advent leading to Christmas morning all bring about warm memories. However, there was one Christmas that will always stand out as the exception to the norm. I won�t get into the details, but it was the Christmas I returned home during my freshman year in college with a broken heart, messed up head, and a temporary construction job that required me to get up at 4 a.m. each day.
I traveled to this out-of-town job site and worked all day in a future mall department store that might as well have been an iceberg. Each day concluded with me dragging my butt into bed too tired to even care how numb I was � physically and emotionally. Needless to say, the return drive to begin my second semester at university was the high point of that holiday season.
I remember trying to make that holiday season as normal as any other. I finally convinced my older brother to amble out to the woods with me to cut down the annual Christmas tree. That didn�t go well. I got together with high school friends � which was OK, but I was still rather lonely. Enough sharing of my pitiful holiday that year. My point today is that I tried to keep the days merry and delightful as I remembered as a child when they simply were not. I lost the fight miserably.
Perhaps you have a child or teen facing a similar time in his life. Parents recently separated or divorced, a death of a family member, serious illness, betrayal from a best friend � the list could go on and on. If your child is facing emotional distress this Christmas season, take heed to the following.
It�s OK to acknowledge that this holiday doesn�t look all candlelit and smell like hot cocoa. Unless your child is very young, he knows this, so don�t try to carry on as if all is merry and festive. Having said this, you can certainly work toward a nice holiday as best you can. The key is to keep a balance and be aware of your child�s emotions and how he is dealing with it all.
For example, have you always baked cookies together? That�s fine, but don�t force the issue if your child or teen resists. No, I�m not saying allow his entire time off from school to be a pity party, but don�t push happy traditions if it only upsets your child or teen. Be available to listen and support, but try to help your youngster move forward. Avoid trying to overbook the season with the hopes of keeping your child too busy to be sad. It won�t work, and may simply add to his distress.
Bryan Greeson is a nationally certified School Psychologist and serves as the Director of Special Services in York School District One.


text:
Welcome to visciera.com
I'm a musician, composer, producer, recording artist and accidental experimental filmmaker based in Berlin.
Some of my work is licensed under a Creative Commons license. If you have questions about the free usage my work or if you are interested in using my work with a different license (e.g. for commercial purposes), please don't hesitate to contact me:
contact [at] visciera.com
In 2015, I've founded Rageroom Records to publish my own music. For now, please send all inquires concerning label issues to the email address mentioned above. Releasing other artists is not intended at the moment.
I'm a member and supporter of the Cultural Commons Collecting Society (C3S).
Visciera 2019


text:
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Neat and Tangled October Release Day Four: Big hugs
29 comments:
Loveeeeeeeeeeee that bear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ReplyDelete
That is so cute! Love the bear and his little snowman buddy, and love how you used the large sentiment die! <3ReplyDelete
Awwww, how sweet is this? Love that the bear is holding a little snowman! Just precious!ReplyDelete
Awwww, how sweet is this? Love that the bear is holding a little snowman! Just precious!ReplyDelete
Adorable card! Love the sentiment paired with those stamped images (That bear is my fave!)!ReplyDelete
How sweet! This sentiment pairs perfectly with the bear. I also LOVE this color combo :)ReplyDelete
So beary cute! 🐻 🐻🐻ReplyDelete
Super cute! Still lovin' that bear and really like how you used the negative 'Big Hugs' die cut. It's always a good reminder use both the positive and negatives. TFS!ReplyDelete
Super cute. Love the bear and that sentiment paired together.ReplyDelete
Love the card and how you used the negative space from the sentiment!ReplyDelete
Love the die.ReplyDelete
The little bear really fits with the
sentiment. fun to see him holding
the little doll.
thanks for sharing.
Everyone needs big ol' hugs...bears, snowmen and, of course, us! Super sweet!ReplyDelete
Your card is too adorbs! Love the little snowman being snuggled by Mr. Bear.ReplyDelete
The curved mat really brings emphasis to the sentiment.ReplyDelete
Aww, Amy - this is just so adorable!!! I love the little snowman that the bear is holding - so SWEET!! The colors of your card bring lots of cheer and warmth.ReplyDelete
I love your card it's so adorable! The Big Hugs die really suits Beary Merry. Great design!ReplyDelete
Adorable card! Love the sweet bear holding that cute snowman, and your use of the negative Big Hugs die cut! Pretty color combo!ReplyDelete
Oh Amy!! This card is totally adorable!! I love the little snowman snuggling with the bear!!ReplyDelete
What a gorgeous card! Lovely colours and I really like the partial circle!ReplyDelete
What a cute card! Love the bear.ReplyDelete
Very cute design and I like the colors.ReplyDelete
Oh, how cute is this?! Love the colors and that bear!ReplyDelete
Love that BIG hugs and the bear hugging a snowman is just too cute!!ReplyDelete
OMG!!! I love this baby bear!!! Too sweet and cute!!!ReplyDelete
Such a super cute card Amy!!!ReplyDelete
That is one sweet bear! Certainly a big bear hug is high on the cuteness meter!ReplyDelete
I love the curve with the big hugs and how you paired it with the bear, this is such a cute card!ReplyDelete
omg love the die and the bear!!ReplyDelete


text:
You are currently browsing the tag archive for the 'funny photos' tag.
Here's the time when I post a bunch of stupid pictures I've had hanging around in various desktop folders. So screw your eyeballs in and enjoy.
Oh, and no sources. Like I remember where I pick all these things up from.
Snoop Dogg and Snoop Seall invite you in. Read the rest of this entry »
Okay, I'm procrastinating a bit on my research paper right now, so I decided to unload some of the dumb pictures I have laying around the ol' desktop. It's certainly not the first time I've done it, and it won't be the last. Enjoy (and, FYI, some of these are from webcomics, and I'll be citing/linking to them somewhere in the post).
These ladies just love it when I post stupid pictures on my blog.
Steve Jobs is probably really sick of this "lol, iPad = maxi pad" joke, but I'm not.
Gyllenhaal photo bomb. Read the rest of this entry »
Full o' memes, head swaps, demotivational posters, celebrity portraits, and a birthday cake that looks like Lil Wayne.
I wish I knew why this was so funny to me, but I am failing to come up with an explanation.
More ridiculosity after the jump.
I misspelled that on purpose.
I have a compulsion to swipe funny pictures that I see on the Internet. I thought I might allow my blog viewers a peek into my prestigious collection.
Some of them I swipe from ONTD posts and comments, but others I've found through my own picture hunting Internet safaris. Enjoy.
That is a real baby, with a real weave. There's a company that makes them.
Click on the "Keep Reading" link if you want to keep reading. Or looking. Common sense, y'all.


text: Everyone at Woodland hopes you have had a lovely summer. We have had a great first few weeks back at school and the children are enjoying being in their new classes and seeing all of their friends. Our new starters have settled in well and are already getting used to the school day.


text:
Have Fun On The Water But Designate A Sober Skipper [AUDIO]
Tomorrow is July 4th and the nation's leading on-water assistance provider is urging everyone to play it safe when out on a boat all summer long.
The Sea Tow Foundation wants everyone to designate a sober skipper at all times while on any type of water craft. While many people like to have fun and indulge in a cocktail or two, if you're manning the controls, you should be drinking water, juice or tea. Everyone on board the boat should make the decision before getting on that it's a responsible way of keeping safe, very similar to designating a driver in a car.
According to figures from the United States Coast Guard, alcohol was a contributing factor in 16 percent of boating fatalities last year. Boating is a great pastime but everyone should enjoy it responsibly. It's against the law for a person to operate any type of vehicle, including boats, under the influence. Sea Tow Services International along with the Sea Tow Foundation are supporting the sober skipper rule all year round, summer or not.
According to Foundation Executive Director Gail Kulp, "We recommend limiting the use of alcohol by other passengers on the boat. Boaters typically are exposed to sun and wind, which can be dehydrating and accelerate the effects of even small amounts of alcohol. Everyone will be safer if they switch to other beverages."
Kulp adds, "We continue to promote this message that the man or woman behind the wheel at the boat should always be the designated boater. There are no exceptions. Most states, including New Jersey, set the threshold of a blood alcohol level of .08. Any higher than that, you can end up in jail, paying a huge fine and maybe losing your driving and boating privileges."
In addition, Kulp hopes everyone remembers to wear a life jacket when they operate or even ride on a water craft.
For more information, visit seatow.com


text:
[image via ABC]
On How I Met Your Mother, main character Ted Mosby Architect is competing against "Swedish architecture collective" Sven for a Manhattan high rise commission. In a perfect parody of hipper-than-thou über architects, the three architects named Sven made their pitch like we imagine every European architect must — by shouting and gesturing aggressively over a custom techno soundtrack (you better be taking notes Herzog). Their proposal? A building shaped like a T-Rex pierced by a lighting bolt that breaths fire (seriously… somebody better be taking notes). And yes, there is a video after the jump.
[image via ABC]
· Ted Mosby, Architect [Life Without Buildings]


text:
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Creating Art with Trash and Shadows
An old high schoolmate of mine just posted this on facebook and I just had to share. Being an artist as well as a designer and creator of Junk Mail Gems, I especially love to see ways that people turn trash into art. This is a particularly unique method that I have not seen before...using light against carefully crafted piles of trash that cast intricate, recognizable shadows on the wall. This work is done by Tim Noble and Sue Webster...fantastic stuff!
Posted by Gretchen Fleener at 10:59 AM
Labels: art, recycled art, trash
2 comments:
- Sue said...
that is great! sue
- August 2, 2009 at 8:38 AM
- Sue said...
please check out my idea for a purse on http://craftypalooza.blogspot.com/.and give me honest feedback please sue
- August 7, 2009 at 4:00 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
What's going on in the world of Junk Mail Gems, along with other cool, hand-made "green" products, DIY projects, and more!


text:
Dear Tuxedo Manufacturers,
For so long you have been the staple of men's formal wear. As the bread and butter of the industry, you played it safe in this economic downturn and saw no need for innovation with your fashions, marketing, and business strategies.
Instead, you relied on societal traditions to bring forth desperate grooms, prom dates, and other customers in need of tuxedos, despite the old and outdated selections they encountered.
Yet your complacency is catching up with you. You're no longer the bread and butter; you're becoming a moldy old loaf in danger of being tossed out. You face becoming not only unneeded, but unwanted.
With no new styles and no new merchandise, you are being replaced. While girls still covet the latest trends in formal dresses, guys now opt for a more casual and stylish approach. As Alex P., a high school Senior from California, put it, "Tuxedos are boring. I prefer the look from my own closet – black jeans, cool looking shirt, tie and black jacket – the perfect 'tuxedo'."
We hope you take this criticism as constructive because that is its intention. We are not trying to beat you down. We are merely attempting to motivate you because barring some Christmas miracle, it is up to you to save your withering industry.
We consumers still feel that nothing is more handsome than a man in a tuxedo, but only when it is modern and stylish. Please listen to the needs of your changing consumers and adapt to the new market and new economy. Try responding to our preferences with a new 'casual' tuxedo. Partner with hip designers such as Vans, Zoo York, and Quicksilver. And most importantly, provide retailers with high quality, visually stimulating images for advertising.
Please take these suggestions to heart because the status quo just won't do. We can get along without you, but we'd hate to see you go.
Note: This letter was prompted by the discovery that tuxedo manufacturers are releasing no new styles and trying no new business strategies for 2010, even though many face closings, mergers, and acquisitions. If you would like answers from an industry expert, please contact Paul Pannone from 1800MyTuxes.com.
Recent posts in Menswear
6 Comments
Great post. Most of the guys in my highschool don't wear tuxes to events. They don't fit them right since it seems they aren't tailored for individuals but made so that they can make adjustments quickly without consideration for different bodyshapes. I think a guy in a tux looks great… but it has to fit nicely.
As a guy I couldn't agree more with the article and with the post above. I'd rather wear a comfy pair of slacks, dress shirt, and jacket than a tux. I wore a tux to prom last year and even though I was 'fitted' for it it didn't fit right at all, looked like it was old, and just didn't look very 'in'. I complained with the tux company about the look and they just said it was 'formal' and was supposed to be that way. I disagree, a tux could easily be spiced up a bit and made to look more modern yet still look formal and classy. This year I'll stick with my own attire for prom.
I was at a black tie even a little while back for the industry I work in, and interestingly enough, even with a large majority of older men attending, the norm was a nice black suit, not a tuxedo. Personally, I like the look of a tux. Ascots and tuxes need to be revived.
Please visit http://www.jeanyvesprom.com and http://www.jeanyvespreview.com
Tell me what you think. I am certain you will feel this is fresh and exciting.
Great posting and website Queen Bee! I have to agree with much of what you have said. Tuxedo styles have been in "safe" mode again for the last 5 years.
Some manufacturers went out on a limb some years ago and brought in designs from Marc Ecko and others, even going so far as to photograph their model wearing the Ecko design formal trousers and patent leather sneakers and no shirt! It created quite a stir and was heralded by many as the "future" of tuxedos!
Soon after, brightly colored tuxedos and shirts began flooding the market. These looks were purchased by tuxedo rental operators, hoping to provide the look that their customers were going to be clamoring for. Few clamored and these looks now reside in backrooms and thrift stores across the country.
In our store we strive to help our prom customers to create a unique and exciting look for their event. With so many vest and tie colors and patterns available, even a classic tuxedo can look fresh and new! Stripes, polka dots, paisleys and even animal prints!
The industry is certainly not perfect, but there are suppliers out there, like Maurice Silva and the folks with the Jean Yves design team that create exciting looks and outstanding images! John Galante of After Six has designed a line of "Contemporary Classics" that blend classic lines with trimmer fit, narrower stylish lapels and softer shoulders. Younger looks for a younger clientele.
Don't give up on us! Thanks Jen!
The tuxedo are the most boring costume in the history of fashion. They're the reason menwear is always a minor footnote in any red carpet fashion review. "The classic tux looks sharp and stylish!" its defenders would cry. But if it looks so great why doesn't anyone care what the men wear to the Oscars? How can something be both good AND boring? It doesn't make sense!


text:
My crystal ball is cloudy at the moment, but you don't need magic to make predictions, just common sense. Here are 9 predictions that seem inevitable to me. At least they do in the interregnum between Christmas and New Year's Eve, 2015.
The 2016 Mercedes S-Class practically drives itself. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
1. Your next car will drive itself
Not all the time and not with you in the back seat. But it will have features that let you drive hands- and pedal-free under "geo fencing" conditions, i.e., on the highway and in certain traffic jams. This equipment is already on upmarket vehicles, from adaptive cruise control to self-parking and lane keeping. Appearing first on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for instance, traffic-jam assist puts the car in control of steering, braking and accelerating at speeds lower than 37 mph.
Lamborghini will build an SUV off this Urus concept for 2018. (Photo: Lamborghini)
2. Everyone will have an SUV
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The Jaguar F-Pace is the latest in a long line from automakers who never before would contemplated building one. Lamborghini will offer a boxy off-roader in 2018, based on the Urus concept car. Aston Martin's is the DBX. Porsche has a whole range of SUVs now. Are there any companies that won't build an SUV? Ferrari is still saying "No." (though it has the 4WD FF wagon thingy), and so is McLaren.
Brand-new VWs at the Port of San Diego. Expect a 17 million sales year for 2015, and more through 2018. (Photo: Port of San Diego/flickr)
3. 2016 will be a great sales year
The auto industry remains on a big roll. IHS Automotive predicts 2015 will come in at 17.3 million U.S. sales, a number not seen since 2000. And 2016 will be stronger still, at 17.8 million, followed by 18.2 million in 2017. After 2018, the company sees a leveling off, though.
Mark Rosekind, the new NHTSA administrator, is cracking down on car industry safety problems. (Photo: New York City Department of Transportation/flickr)
4. Cars will be safer
I love the direction the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is going in. After decades of wimpiness and lax enforcement, the agency has retained Mark Rosekind as administrator and grown a pair. "There's a new sheriff in town — and he's cracking down on the U.S. auto industry," said the Detroit Free Press. In addition to going after automakers for safety violations (most recently, BMW, hit for $40 million) he also advocates putting seat belts on school buses. What, they're not there now? Cars will also be safer because of advanced technology (like the aforementioned lane keeping), stiffer structures and passenger safety cages.
Apple CarPlay will become ubiquitous in 2016. (Photo: Apple)
5. CD players are out
Tomorrow's infotainment starts with your cellphone. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (which I finally took on a road trip, courtesy of a Honda Civic) will dominate in 2016.
The Porscjhe Mission E, as seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is coming as a Tesla fighter in 2018. (Photo: Jim Motavalli)
6. Tesla will get competition
Elon Musk is soaring right now — even his SpaceX rocket landed safely! But things will get tougher in the next few years, as Faraday Future finally shows us the electric car behind its curtain, Porsche rolls out the Mission E, Audi the Q6 e-tron and a few other high-tech, high-performance EVs come online from startups. The real danger is from the mainstream automakers, because the Tesla formula isn't rocket science — big batteries, big electric motors, cool styling and tech features.
Jay Leno (with Tim Allen) is finally free of that pesky TV show and has more time for cars. (Photo: Alan Light/flickr)
7. Jay Leno will buy more cars
He's Jay Leno. He buys cars. Is there a better collection in America? Check out his CNBC show here.
The early Porsche 911S is in a crazy bubble. (Photo: Jeremy/flickr)
8. Some collector car bubbles will burst
I'm not predicting an overall downturn for classics, but certain cars — the Porsche 911S, many Ferraris — just seem absurdly overvalued right now. The rarity level doesn't justify the huge auction prices (like $189,750 for a '67 911S). C'mon! The 911S was a mass-produced car. I could have bought one for $3,000 once. People are even paying six figures for Porsche 912s. Crazy. They have VW four-cylinder engines.
The Fiat 124 Spider is gorgeous — and probably most of it is reliable, too. (Photo: Jim Motavalli)
9. The 2017 Fiat 124 will sell well, have teething problems
I'm enthused about the return of this lithe Italian sports car, especially because it has reliable Mazda Miata underpinnings. But I bet we'll still see some problems (hopefully minor) with its Italian-made bits. I predict good sales when it debuts in 2017 because a) it's pretty; b) there are few two-seat roadsters on the market now; and c) the idea of an Italian-designed Miata has appeal.
The original, built between 1966 and 1980, was a heartbreaker — a gorgeous car that handled like a miniature Ferrari, but rusted as soon as you turned your back on it. Nearly 200,000 were made, and 75 percent were sent to the U.S. market. My neighbor is certifiably insane; he owns one, and keeps it outside.
Here's my safest prediction: That poor car, shiny now, will succumb to the tinworm.


text:
Agatha Geier of Garden City announces the engagement of her daughter, Monica, to Jerry Strong Jr., the son of Jerry and Trudy Strong of Garden City. The bride-to-be is the daughter of the late Godfrey Geier.
Monica graduated from Garden City High School in 1986 and is employed by the Finney County Sheriff Department.
Jerry graduated from Garden City High School in 1987 and is self-employed.
They plan to marry Nov. 11, 2011, in Garden City.


text:
- Huge Tokyo 2020 boost for SA Paralympians
- Team SA named for African Youth Games
- SASCOC condolences for wrestling fraternity
- SASCOC host breakfast of appreciation for NLC
- Team SA kit unveiled ahead of Commonwealth Games
- Wilson named in Team SA for Winter Olympics
So close for Impey
- Updated: April 5, 2011
Winning back one second in a cycling tour can sometimes be as tough as conquering Mount Everest. The cyclists from MTN/Qhubeka found that out during the last two stages of the Tour du Maroc.
Try as they may they just could not outwit Mouchcine Lahsaini and his Moroccan teammates to gain a second and in doing so insure that Daryl Impey won the tour.
In the ninth stage Impey finished fourth and Lahsaini seventh. The Moroccan then turned the tables on Impey in the last stage finishing sixth with Impey in the seventh place but in both stages there were no time gains.
This meant that Lahsaini beat Impey in the overall competition by a mere second. Johann Rabie (Bonitas) was third, also a mere second off the pace.
Impey insured his overall second place finish by consistently outsprinting Rabie to the line. Despite not being able to pull off an overall victory it was still one of the best performances by the MTN/Qhubeka team this season.
Of the 10 stages MTN/Qhubeka won four. Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Impey and Arran Brown (2) were the stage winners. Impey also finished second in the first stage while Brown was third in the last stage.
Brown insured with his consistent good performances in the bunch sprints that he won the points competition. Impey was second. Janse van Rensburg finished third in the king of the mountains competition while MTN/Qhubeka finished second in the team category.
One cannot help but wonder what the outcome would have been if it was not for factual mistakes in the Tour du Maroc's 'race bible'. Impey's hopes of winning the tour overall were effectively ended by the incorrect information on stage eight which stated that it was to be a stage over 120 kilometers.
According to Brown their whole race strategy was based on racing 120km. So when Lahsaini got away in a break and kept on increasing his lead they were at first not too worried. Especially since he was more than four minutes off the pace.
ÔÇ£Our plan was to go to┬áthe front and do the hard work in the last 30km but then we got caught off guard when we suddenly saw a sign which indicated we are only 20km from the finish. By that time Lahsaini had a lead of nearly five minutes. Even though we paced flat out to the finish it was to no avail since we only managed to get back 90 seconds on Lahsaini.ÔÇØ
Brown is quite philosophical about not being able to win overall. ÔÇ£It is one of those things. When you race in Africa you should always be prepared for the unexpected. That is a basic rule for African cycling.
ÔÇ£The Tour du Maroc has been a tough but enjoyable challenge. What made it interesting is the fact that we had lots of different situations to deal with. It was certainly not easy to race against four Moroccan teams who worked together all the time to try and control the race.
ÔÇ£I am really proud to be a part of this team and I am really happy to see how we have pulled together as a unit. A team that is starting to work together to win races.ÔÇØ