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The following description is from here http://algonquinoutfitters.com/contests/paddle-art-contest
Help us celebrate Algonquin Outfitters 55th anniversary (1961-2016) and Tom Thomson's 100 Anniversary of his death in Algonquin Park (1917-2017).
The Paddle Art Contest connects a couple of things in local culture that we love, paddling and art. We're hoping to have 100 paddles created for Tom Thomson's 100th anniversary (did you know that Tom's paddle was never found?). To enter the contest all you have to do is visit an Algonquin Outfitters store. There's a $25 entry fee and for that we provide the canvas for your masterpiece; either an unfinished paddle blank or a rough paddle blank (for carving). It's your job to create something unique. It's not limited to painting, you could burn an image or design into the paddle, or carve it into something unique it's totally up to you. We can't wait to see what creative designs you come up with.
Store locations are in Muskoka. Deadline is August 31, 2017.


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Independent News and Media (INM), Ireland's largest media group, has undergone a period of strategic transformation over the past few years, trasitioning to online whilst building a "platform-neutral" newsroom.
The publisher operates four market-leading newspapers in Ireland: the Irish Independent, The Herald, The Sunday Independent and Sunday World. Their entire staff has been brought together to form one large newsroom, innovating as a team whilst still working on their individual publications.
Stephen Rae, group editor in chief at INM, explained to delegates of the World Editors Forum yesterday (14 June) that this change was necessary in order for Independent.ie to become the largest and fastest growing news source in Ireland.
"We have come from a position three years ago where we were very much behind the curve – our competitors were the major players in the digital market and we weren't anywhere near," Rae said.
"All newspapers were working in silos. If two guys fom separate Sunday newspapers met each other in the lift, they wouldn't talk to each other, which was a big problem because we knew that if we were to fight in the market as it is now, we needed to fight as one strong company."
Rae then implemented a combined newsroom – one which had all the INM staff working together on one floor, with individual sections for sports, news, business and production.
"All decisions in the newsroom are now made in the 'central hub', an area where content starts out before it is decided which newspaper it will feature in.
Consolidating 4 titles to build a central wire service & maintain distinct editors @RAE_Stephen #editors16 #wmc2016 pic.twitter.com/jia6IlbdYc— Chia Lun Huang (@chialunhuang) June 14, 2016
"We've also set up a special Innovation Hub on a separate floor, where journalists can come up with ideas that we can make happen, one being an agriproduct in the form of an app to launch later this year."
Stories can often float between titles, expecially between independent.ie and the print publications.
"For example, certain types of content, such as celebrity, lifestyle or crime, is produced in the morning by the online team, before it is reverse-published into our evening newspaper, The Herald – so that's free content for the paper."
INM has strategically invested in both new writing talent and new technology, which has contributed to its recent success – climbing from number three to number one in Ireland with 11 million unique visitors per month on independent.ie.
But the publisher is not satisfied with just that, and it is constantly looking for news ways to cover stories that can grow its direct traffic and reach.
INM has put a huge focus on mobile, creating even an internal app for editorial use, which it used to cover the Irish general election in February this year.
"We sent our teams out to 40 different count-centres, where reporters were able to input the results directly into this app, and then directly onto our website – we were able to beat all the broadcasters to publishing the live election results."
The publisher used the elections to experiment with other forms of coverage, creating podcasts with former prime ministers for the older demographic, and vox-pop style soundbites for its younger audience.
We set up an innovation hub; mobile first projects are prioritised - @RAE_Stephen #editors16 pic.twitter.com/YHtF58Bkd6— Federica Cherubini (@fedecherubini) June 14, 2016
INM has also customised the homepage of independent.ie and tried out personalised push notifications.
"We had a very engaged rugby audience, so during the World Cup, we split the homepage into three formats which would change to suit the readers.
"From our data, we knew which sport they consumed, and sent out different types of push notifications based on this – it led to a huge increase in engagement and the open rates of our targeted push alerts increased by 300 per cent.
"This was down to the data science team and the journalists working together.
The publisher has also found success with user-generated content, seeing a huge response from the public when people were asked to send in pictures of themselves celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Irish revolution.
"We filled a special magazine with some of the 14,000 images that were submitted, which gave the publication a lift in circulation of 15,000 copies, a revenue uplift of £25,000 and an increase of £40,000 in sponsorship revenue."
Rae said that even though INM is telling stories on different platforms, the substance of the story itself remains the most important thing.
"INM is looking to continue to innovate, tell our stories, and make our content valuable once again.
"We would have traditionally seen our old competitors in print, TV and radio as the enemy, but I think we've got to increasingly look at them as allies. And we've got to collaborate – we can learn broadcast skills from them and they can learn the agility and nimbleness from us," Rae said.
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subset: commoncrawl


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You are taking a shower? That's OK, Fido will barge into your bathroom and stare at your naked butt. Trying to watch GoT season finale? Not a problem, he'll climb onto you and sit on your face, respectively.
It doesn't matter if you are a cat person or a dog person, personal space seems to be a completely human concept as our fluffy and furry buddies have no grasp of it whatsoever. And you know what? We're actually totally fine with it.
(RELATED: Tom Hardy's Perfect Explanation About Why Dogs Are THE BEST)
Watch the AFV's "Dogs Don't Get Personal Space" video that came out recently:
So, as one can see, it doesn't matter if you are trying to sleep; if you are just an unsuspecting baby; if you have a deadline so you have to work on your computer; if you are trying to watch your favorite TV show; or if you are simply trying to snap a selfie – your pooch will always be there, trying to get as close to you as possible.
(ALSO CHECK OUT: Hilarious Bernese Dog's Reaction Upon Meeting His New Friend The Hamster)


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Conflict coaching supports the early resolution or management of conflict and restoration of working relationships. It is a confidential process that can help you clarify your conflict management goals and develop insight into the dynamics that maintain your conflict.
A CLE Conflict coach can help you to understand the perspective of all parties involved and explore options for managing your conflict. They can also help you to develop the practical skills essential for effectively implement conflict strategies
Conflict coaching reduces the human and organisational costs of conflict and can be applied to specific disputes, internal conflicts or more general patterns of dealing with conflict. CINERGY® Conflict Coaching develops organisational capability whilst addressing workplace conflicts, without the need to escalate conflicts to the level of a dispute.


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Lifelike Skin Tone Paint
Luminaire Colormate colors are color matched to your favorite heat set paint colors. You can use any heat set paint tutorial and paint right along with Luminaire quality acrylics, but without heat setting and without the health risks.Comes with instructions. Includes 7 (0.25 ounce) colors. Flesh colors 2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Custom item


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Thank you Liz Steele for suggesting this version and organizing us. It has been Fun and I do believe I have become a stronger artist through the Forced daily effort. Now what??
May 31, 2010
EDin May 31 2010 Collection
Yes, you saw the little one a few challenges ago, I added his companions for this Every Day in May " Collection" challenge. The brown jug got a bit out of control as it sits in the middle of my journal spread's gutter. A fitting challenge for this completed 'Collection' of the 2010 Every Day in May Challenge.
May 30, 2010
EDin May #30 2010 Chair
Wow, with fresh eyes I see how WONKY that far arm is!!!
I bought this hand made chair years ago. This bent willow chair is very comfortable and sturdy.
May 28, 2010
EDin May #28 2010 Appliance
I seem to be obsessed with coffee lately - but I drink more tea than coffee! This is just the newest toy. Appliances are boring.
May 27, 2010
EDin May #27 2010 Book
May 26, 2010
EDin May #26 2010 Veg
May 25, 2010
EDin May #25 2010 Glass
Could not decide how to portray the humble water glass, so I fooled around with negative space. Quick and fun and done.
May 24, 2010
EDin May #24 2010 Fruit
Fruit is always fun to sketch - I do not eat enough of it - but it is always in the house in some form.
Today marks the beginning of the last week for the 2010 Every Day in May challenge! So far I'm on track but this last weekend will be a real challenge.
May 23, 2010
EDin May #23 foot
May 22, 2010
ED in May #22 Clothing
May 20, 2010
EDin May #21 2010 Antique
I have quite a few large old crocks, I love the old glazes and imperfections - each is totally unique. Not sure if this is truly antique (100+ years old) but it was before the rubber gasket jars used for preserving, it has an iron clamp gizmo that does close it securely.
EDin May #20 2010
May 18, 2010
EDin May #19 2010
EDin May #18 2010
Our back yard has evolved over the years with lots of dreams and hard work . As I paid my house bills, I noticed the lush green behind the pool area and instantly decided this would be the "view out my window" submission. Almost made paying bills enjoyable (almost).
May 17, 2010
EDin May #17 2010
Over the years, there used to be a piano, flute, guitar and drum set in the house but alas now this is the only "instrument" left to draw.
May 16, 2010
EDinMay #16 2010
May 15, 2010
May 14, 2010
First thing in the Morning
May 13, 2010
EDin May #13 2010
May 12, 2010
EDM 272 Favorite Song
Illustrate my favorite song (one of them anyway) I AM A ROCK Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel A winter's day - In a deep and dark December; I am alone, Gazing from my window to the streets below On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow. I am a rock, I am an island. I've built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It's laughter and it's loving I disdain. I am a rock, I am an island. Don't talk of love, But I've heard the words before; It's sleeping in my memory. I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died. If I never loved I never would have cried. I am a rock, I am an island. I have my books And my poetry to protect me; I am shielded in my armor, Hiding in my room, safe within my womb. I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock, I am an island. And a rock feels no pain; And an island never cries.
EDin May #12 2010
Not a lot of planning on this spread, first the pan of enchiladas then I just sort of ran amuck - I do that a lot . I find I do not like the reds in my box either - but Hey, dinner was great! 12 down 19 to go!
May 11, 2010
May 10, 2010
May 9, 2010
EDin May #9 2010
May 8, 2010
EDin May #8 2010
Watch or Jewelry - That was the 8th EDM challenge. I thought I would go simple on this one and it was a joy to do.
May 7, 2010
May 6, 2010
EDin May #6 2010
Challenge #6 was a "well loved toy" for me - One of the only Christmas gifts I can remember from my childhood. This one was very special and brings back memories of great fun.
May 5, 2010
EDin May #5 Bed
May 4, 2010
EDinMay #4 2010
I love a nice mug, use them for everything from coffee/tea to soup on occasion. Therefore I have quite a selection - these are just a few that would cooperate into a stack.
ED in May #3
May 1, 2010
EDinMay #1 Shoe
Every Day In May ala 2010 - to revisit the first 31 EDM challenges, one per day. I submit my favorite little hot red ruby slippers. They look good with a pair of jeans- I always prefer flats FYI.
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Guideline for site diagnosis reports
Reporting methodologies for use for the site diagnosis activity
April 2001
par Web Team
According to the TORs, each specialist will follow a certain reporting guideline, depending on the specialisation in question (Flora and Fauna, Human activities and space utilization, Wetlands - Biodiversity, Hydrology)
A synthesis sheets per site and per country (Annex 2) have also been proposed in the TORs and should be followed by each country. This synthesis sheet is based on those proposed in some countries (ZNIEFF in France , ZICO and Natura 2000 in Europe , SIBE in Morocco ), but are not exactly the same.
Each country should make sure to conform to the national regulations for reporting about each site, if they exist, for example, SIBE in Morocco, adoption of European regulation in Albania. However, if such national regulations don't exist, the site diagnosis reporting should be limited to the guidelines proposed in the TORs (which are very comprehensive to start with).
Web Team


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Throughout this year, Allen & Shariff is taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate the foundational business relationships that we have developed during our first 25 years. As we pause to spend time with our valued friends and partners, we are taking the time to share a little about who they are, the work we've done together, and why we're proud to know them.
Read about how we're celebrating our 25th anniversary all year long at www.allenshariff.com/25years.
Desmone Architects, founded in 1958, has grown from a small, family-owned business into one of Pittsburgh's premier design firms. The team of architecture and interior design claims their dedication to service as their greatest strength, listening intently to the needs and desires of their clients in order to help them design, develop, and realize their vision. It's a strength Allen & Shariff tries to emulate, and also claims as a core value.
Both Desmone and Allen & Shariff are committed to solving the difficult issues of a project. Offering a cost-conscious approach and innovative, collaborative solutions, Desmone and Allen & Shariff provide unique design solutions for every client. The partnership between the two firms has lasted as long as it has because both firms are committed to meeting client needs on time and on budget.
"The qualities that Allen & Shariff exhibits in our business relationship are flexibility, speed, and accuracy," said principal Chip Desmone. These factors contribute to successful projects that use resources wisely and create a lasting sense of place that people call their own for years to come.
Here are some projects the two firms have completed together over the years.
California University of Pennsylvania Coover Hall
Allen & Shariff provided MEP, FP, technology, and security engineering design services for this Pennsylvania Department of General Services project. The building is a life cycle renovation of a 39,000 square foot space to meet current building codes and enable students and personnel to work in an environment conducive to learning.
Pittsburgh International Airport Airside Information Kiosk
Allen & Shariff provided electrical engineering design and technology coordination for the replacement of the existing information desk with a curvilinear information desk set in a field of triangular glass towers. The project included electrical power distribution design and technology pathways for an information ribbon comprising a continuous arc of moving electronic message panels.
Wendell August Forge Corporate Headquarters
Allen & Shariff provided MEP and FP engineering design services for a 57,424 square foot design/build project for the new Wendell August Forge manufacturing, warehouse, retail, and corporate office facility. Wendell August Forge, which produces ornaments and giftware, is American's oldest and largest metal forge. In 2010, a fire destroyed the previous facility, and the forge now operates out of this new corporate headquarters. The project was awarded a 2014 National Award of Merit from the Design Build Institute of America.


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Wall Street investors are still hot for music technology – at least that was the message Sonos Inc broadcast this week after its stock SONO surged 33% above its IPO price in its market debut.
Shrugging off lacklustre opening trading, the maker of popular, high-end wireless and voice recognition speakers, closed out the day at over $19 a share on Thursday, giving the 16-year-old Californian company an implied market value of $1.95bn .
If it holds, Sonos flotation could end a curse that's been hanging over commodity technology since companies like Fitbit and GoPro surged at IPO and then crashed. What makes Sonos different, company executives argued last week, is that unlike, say, smartphones and headphones, their speakers aren't locked into updating cycles.
"People are used to buying commodity tech that needs to be replaced, but we're differentiated because our product persists," Mike Groeninger, Sonos' vice president of finance, told Marketwatch.
With Sonos, the argument goes, consumers perceive brand loyalty because the Sonos systems are of high quality and will simply add to existing systems when they move or add music-streaming to new areas of the homes.
Sonos backs up that argument with data showing that said 27% of Sonos households own four or more products, and more than 61% of its households have registered more than one device.
Where Sonos products need to be replaced, Groeninger continued, it's because its hardware can't support advances in streaming technology. "We're not forcing obsolescence," he pointed out.
But if that were all true, and Sonos was uniquely blessed with longterm customer loyalty, then stock analysts could reasonably expect Sonos' first day numbers to come in more robustly.
One potential problem is that Sonos' greatest asset in partnering with streaming services Amazon, Apple, Google and Spotify is also its most glaring consumer tech weakness: those companies could decide to move into the hardware business.
Jordan Hiscott, chief trader at Ayondo markets, commented that despite Sonos' opening day performance his main concern is that Sonos will experience a negative share price performance similar to Fitbit.
"Fitbit is another well-run company with popular products, yet its future profitability can be heavily affected when tech conglomerates, like Apple or Google, decide to produce and manufacture similar, niche devices themselves, which consequently undermines market share."
The company's vulnerability to Amazon, for instance, was revealed earlier this month when it was revealed in an SEC filing that the e-shopping giant could disable its Alexa voice recognition technology on Sonos' speakers on "limited notice".
In its filing, Sonos also acknowledged that not only could Amazon disable Alexa integration but "Amazon could also begin charging us for this integration which would harm our operating results".
"In the filing, we've just been very upfront about the fact that we could turn off people's service, they could turn them off. We're transparent by nature, so that's in there," Sonos CEO Patrick Spence told CNBC on Thursday.
Morgan Stanley recently estimated that more than 70% of US households will own a smart speaker with voice commerce capabilities by 2022 and half of all web searches will be voice activated.
The category will become so important to the data tech giants, the report recommended, that Google should give away a free Home Mini smart speaker to every US household.
The $3.3bn this would cost Google parent Alphabet to execute would be a "small price to pay" for the opportunity, it added, since the potential to make money off the trend will likely go to Amazon and Google because of their dominance in their voice recognition technologies and smart speaker technology.
For Sonos, then, perhaps the best policy would be to remain on good terms. The company's sales have been increasing, albeit modestly from a loyal customer base that drove sales to nearly $1bn last year. The company, still based in Santa Barbara, Californi, where it was founded, has posted annual losses in its three most recent fiscal years.


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From first dates to marriage proposals to Valentine's Day dinner, Ruth's Chris Steak House is one of the top romantic restaurants in the Kennesaw area. Located on Chastain Road in Kennesaw, Ruth's Chris Steak House of Kennesaw offers a memorable fine dining experience for people in Atlanta, Kennesaw, Marietta, Acworth and surrounding areas. With exquisite food, impeccable service and an overall inviting atmosphere, Ruth's Chris Steak House is sure to become your favorite romantic restaurant.
A Kennesaw Restaurant with an Ultra Romantic Atmosphere
When searching for the perfect location for your date night, the first item to consider is the atmosphere. Is it warm and inviting? Is the lighting just right? Can you sit close to your loved one as you enjoy dinner together? Is the noise level low so you can easily talk, laugh and enjoy the other's company?
Ruth's Chris Steak House has all these attributions and more, making it a romantic restaurant destination for people in Kennesaw, Marietta and beyond.
Enjoy a Romantic Meal at Ruth's Chris Steak House of Kennesaw
At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we believe the meal contributes just as much romance as the overall ambiance. When you're dining out with a loved one, you want to truly enjoy your meal, usually through several courses that allow you to share and taste a variety of dishes.
Below are our suggestions for a delicious romantic meal to make your night go from great to undeniably amazing.
Start With Appetizers You Can Share
There's no better way to start off a romantic meal than with several share-worthy appetizers. Our favorites include:
- If you're both seafood lovers: Try the Crab Stack or Seafood Tower. They are easy to share and bursting with flavor.
- If you're craving something fried: Give in and order the Fried Calamari, served with a sweet and spicy sauce.
- If you want just a hint of Italy: Start your meal off with the Veal Osso Buco Ravioli, infused with saffron and bursting with flavor.
Steak or Seafood for the Perfect Main Course
When it comes to your entrée, if you are looking for the classic Ruth's Chris flavor for your date night meal, look no further than the ever-classic Sizzling Steak. Ruth's Chris specializes in the finest custom-aged Midwestern beef that is broiled exactly how you like it—at 1,800 degrees. Why is this important? When the steak is cooked at this temperature, it locks in the corn-fed flavor, meaning you get more flavor that packs a punch during your meal. Leaving you satisfied, our steaks are the perfect choice for your romantic night on the town.
If you're more in the mood for seafood, try the oh-so-healthy salmon fillet. Filled to the brim with healthy omegas to keep you in your tip-top shape, it's no wonder why this item is such a popular date night choice.
Indulge in Dessert
Are you looking for a way to woo your partner? Try one of our delicious desserts to end your romantic evening on a high note. Our favorites include:
- Chocolate Sin Cake: it's all in the name with this one—this cake is absolutely sinful! Chocolate is known as the "love dessert." Order this cake during your date night and you'll feel all the love.
- Crème Brulee: This lighter dessert is not too filling, and the perfect way to end a meal at Ruth's Chris. Topped with fresh berries, this classic vanilla custard will melt in your mouth as you savor the last moments of your meal.
- Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce: This dessert is fun to share, and is sure to please both you and your loved one as you end the night with a taste of New Orleans.
Amazing Service at Ruth's Chris Steak House of Kennesaw
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Kennesaw takes pride in its attentive service. It's our job to make sure that you are having an enjoyable experience at Ruth's Chris, one that will provide memories for years to come. Our staff is exceptionally trained to make sure that you are getting exactly what you want during your meal with us, offering everything from the best wine pairings to the best sides to complement your entrée.
Reserve a Table at the Most Romantic Restaurant in Kennesaw
Plan ahead for a memorable date night by reserving your table at Ruth's Chris Steak House. Use the online reservation form or give us a call at (770) 420-1985. We can't wait to be your romantic restaurant of choice in the Kennesaw and Marietta area.


text: August 1, 2017 Spinal Health at the Gym—Form Matters! By Chiropractic Solutions | General Wellness, Spine Issues | No Comments Whether you are an athlete training for competition or someone who visits the gym regularly just to keep fit, protecting your back and spine from injuries during workouts is important…. Read More


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CanBequipped consults for businesses of each and every dimension in corporate and business, academics, and federal environments. All services are individualized to target your challenges, and meet your goals and objectives.
Do you need the level of organizational culture and outcomes that come to be achievable when individuals have optimistic thinking, ask effective questions, communicate clearly, and work together efficiently?
Should your response to this is "Yes!" your business can benefit from CanBequipped's programs on Communication, Leadership, Change, and Conflict Resolution We offer day and multi-day plans which can be individualized to attain your specific objectives.
Training and workshops are provided employees from organizations in corporate, academic, and government environments. Training services are available in-house and can be customized to meet your business needs
For more details, contact Inquiry Institute by email or call 800.251.9787