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What's the best way to set up a consultation or an appointment with a general contractor during the COVID-19 pandemic?
To set up a consultation or appointment with a general contractor during the COVID-19 pandemic, start by performing an online search for local professionals near you.
Message the contractor, and see if they are willing to set up a video consultation call instead of an in-person site visit. With video chat, the contractor may be able to assess the scale of the project, give you better information on what needs to be done and perhaps provide an estimate. Be sure to discuss virtual payments, as well as general strategies for staying safe.
How can I find out if a general contractor is considered an essential COVID-19 service provider?
To find out whether a general contractor is considered essential in your area during the current coronavirus pandemic, visit your city or state's government website, which will have information on essential services.
Find information on national recommendations by visiting CISA's Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19 webpage. However, not all jurisdictions follow CISA's definitions of critical infrastructure.
Are there ways to be safe if I hire a general contractor when social distancing?
If you decide to hire a general contractor, avoid any physical contact, don't shake hands, keep 6 feet of distance between you and the pro and sanitize all involved surfaces. Also, use digital platforms to communicate and make payments.
Can I use digital payments to pay for general contractor services?
Currently, many general contractors are using common digital payment services like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, Zelle, Google Pay and more. And more will likely adopt these and similar platforms as coronavirus continues to force companies to take on digital capabilities.
Contact general contractors beforehand to discuss whether they accept digital payments, and take all necessary measures to meet social distancing recommendations. You can also compare general contractors side-by-side online to see which ones accept digital payments.
Does a general contractor need to enter my home?
Provided the project is located inside your home, completing the job would require a general contractor to enter your home. But if your project is located outdoors, a general contractor will likely not need to enter your home. Discuss your options with general contractors in your area before hiring.
Do general contractors offer remote or virtual services?
General contractors perform manual work and typically need to be present to complete their projects. However, if you come across a profile that states the contractor is offering remote services, ask what those services include. You can also ask if they can perform a consultation via video call and if they can do the job while following guidelines from the CDC and local agencies.
How do I remodel my bathroom?
Bathroom remodeling is made up of three general phases. The first phase is the planning and permitting phase, in which you determine exactly what you want, what materials and finishes will be used, and what the end product will look like. If you're competent with design you can handle the planning yourself, or you may hire an interior designer to guide you. During this phase you'll also hire a general contractor who can help execute your remodel vision, coordinating and overseeing all the subcontractors required to do the bathroom remodeling (plumbers, flooring pros, etc.). When your plan is finalized, your contractor should obtain permits for the work you want done. During this time you'll work together to order all the materials so they'll be ready and waiting when it's time to start construction.
The second phase is construction. Bathroom remodeling typically starts with demolition, removing the old floors, shower and vanity to make way for the new. Delays in delivery of materials, or changing your mind and ordering different materials halfway into the project, will mean that construction has to pause until the new materials arrive. Each subcontractor is dependent on the next to do their work, and the general contractor should keep things moving along at the proper timeline, ensuring that the right materials are available and dealing promptly with any unexpected repairs, such as damage discovered behind the walls or under the floor. The general contractor will also coordinate inspections from the necessary officials if you've moved load-bearing walls or done electrical or plumbing work. After construction is complete, the final phase of bathroom remodeling is addressing your punch list. These are all the items that need to be corrected before final payment is handed over to the contractor.
For more on how to remodel a bathroom check out The Complete Thumbtack Bathroom Remodel Guide.
Why should you hire a contractor?
Hiring a general contractor is a good idea for many remodeling projects. Home renovation contractors have a broad range of skills to manage, coordinate and complete a project. They should help make sure your project comes in on time and within your budget as they hire and supervise all the necessary subcontractors, including electricians and plumbers. They also handle procuring all the materials required for your job. Some homeowners look to save money by acting as their own contractor, but an experienced home renovation contractor is worth the cost. They should know local building codes, be able to pull all necessary permits, and work with inspectors to make sure the construction meets local codes. Also, because they get professional discounts, they can typically buy materials at a better price than you can; better prices on materials and labor save you money, and make up for at least a percentage of the cost of the contractor.
How do you choose a commercial general contractor?
A commercial contractor provides similar services as a residential general contractor but specializes in working with large-scale projects for businesses, schools, nonprofits, governments and development firms. When researching commercial general contractors, review their portfolio of work and confirm they have ample experience working in the area you need. For example, if you are building a small strip mall, ask if the contractors have experience successfully incorporating all the needed elements such as a parking lot, meeting ADA requirements, accessing the proper permits, and completing work on time.
Once you've identified several qualified candidates, request bids for your project and then compare the scope of work with your needs and budget. Your commercial general contractor should oversee design, permitting, construction, materials purchase, and adherence to building code and zoning regulations, as well as sticking to an agreed-upon budget and schedule. It's important to establish clear communication with your future commercial general contractor, as this will mean a smoother process for everyone. For all these reasons, it's also especially important to follow a few smart hiring practices when it comes to finding a general contractor.
What do general contractors charge?
If you're doing a home remodel, building a new home or embarking on a commercial building project, you'll hire a general contractor. A general contractor is a professional who is qualified to oversee and execute construction projects. Each construction project is unique; even two duplicate homes built on lots next door to each other could have different construction costs due to factors like different excavation costs when building the foundation. Since each project is unique, many general contractors make bids on potential construction projects. These bids can then break down to a per square foot cost that encompasses the labor of all the workers needed for the job, materials, the scope of work, and any equipment needed. Materials and finishes make a major difference in your cost per square foot. For example, choosing standard kitchen tiles at $3 per square foot will result in a lower total project cost than imported marble tiles that cost $63 per square foot. Where you live will also affect how much general contractors charge, as labor and the cost to do business can cost less in many regions than in high-cost areas like New York or San Francisco. Here are some examples of average costs general contractors typically charge in various regions:
- Home addition in San Francisco: $250-$270 per square foot.
- New home construction in Knoxville, Tennessee: $100-$200 per square foot.
- Kitchen remodel in Tennessee: $40-$80 per square foot, depending on finishes.
- Bathroom remodel in Vancouver, Washington: $110-$170 per square foot.
Be sure to check out our smart hiring practices when it comes to finding a general contractor.


text:
Hi Ben,
It would appear that you are using the app_item_id (from the URL). You need to use the item_id for the value. Go to the item you want to reference and click the little cloud icon in the right side of the grey bar at the top of the item to get the ID.

subset: commoncrawl


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|115a, rue Emile Mark, Differdange
|(+352) 26 58 06 03
Come and discover our agency!
Design is ubiquitous: in railway stations, airports, on a restaurant menu, in a hotel room, on a packet of cake or a tube of toothpaste.
It influences the way we perceive things, the way we consume, the way we touch or interact with: it is so much more than just the way something looks. In the crowded market we live in, brands strive to stand out, express themselves to emerge and attract the eye to arouse consumer's appetence. In a society becoming everyday more digital, blurring the lines between real and virtual, we stand for immediateness and tailor-made. Ultimately, design defines so much of our experience.
A good design is the fundamental basis for the success of an app. Too much complexity will irremediably loose a user, a customer.
Our idea of design incorporates the notion of "beauty" but attaches an utmost importance to usability while leveraging technology and innovation.
Our environment gives birth to our ideas, our creativity is stimulated by the many different channels Digital offers us.
For us, design is about making simplicity outstanding so that anyone can make his own the intrinsic value of a brand.
Over the years, neopixl has established itself as a visionary company and a reference on digital transformation through mobile.
Ahead of the competition it has focused on a user centric approach, successfully and skillfully combining unmatched disciplines to bring the best value to end users: graphic design, UX design and technology are equally balanced to satisfy the customers, make technology simple and intuitive and, moreover, ease everyday life.
You are looking for a job that makes you Smile?
Contrary to what you might believe, Luxembourg isn't just populated by banks.
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the country is multilingual, but the most commonly spoken language remains French. If, however, you want to become better integrated, you can always take classes in Luxembourgeois, a mix of French, German and Dutch. Our agency is located in an old steel industry building that has been converted into a creative hub.
Everyday we work alongside painters, photographers, film-makers, graffiti artists, and even tattoo artists. The atmosphere is a clever blend of relaxation and concentration.
If you want to improve your quality of life and to work in a clean, safe country and be a part of a close-knit, talented team, then its time to pack your bags to come and join us!
We are always looking for people who are talented in UX, graphic design, mobile development or in project management. We'll see you soon :)
"By sharing, we create an exchange, by exchanging, we grow".


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Prima D. Studios Hair & Beauty Services provides a full-rounded service catering to womens' hair and beauty needs. We offer pampering services to the young woman who will eventually enter the work force, to the woman who may transition from a working professional to the working mom. We also embrace the mature woman who wants to live life to its fullest.
Prima D. Studios Hair Salon is a proud member of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce.
Meet the women of Prima D. Studios:
Ivory Elder:
As an aspiring young business woman, our goal is to make every young lady and woman feel welcomed, relaxed, and satisfied when they visit the salon. The positive energy before, during, and after their beauty service is something we strive for with every woman that enters our salon doors. We promise to provide outstanding customer service at all times by taking the opportunity to understand your beauty needs and make sure they are met.
Nicole Haskins-Ross:
When the opportunity came along to collaborate with my mother and sister on creating a place a woman can be pampered I was very excited; we have a wonderful staff of ladies with the ability to enhance a woman's beauty and uplift people. Today's professional woman is pulled in so many different directions. Being a wife, mother, sister, aunt and someone your family depends on and balancing a career is a very difficult. I know firsthand what it feels like to try to satisfy everyone else's needs and not have much time for yourself. Our goal is to provide a place where a woman can put her feet up and be catered to, even if it's just for a short while. Every woman deserves to have this experience!
Michele Elder:
As a entrepreneur for several years, I've lived by the words that you can only change the things that need to be changed. But, understand that some things should remain the same, and have the wisdom to know the difference! My daily practice is to be humble and grateful for my life's journey, to give everyone the respect they deserve and to continue to serve humanity and be inspired by the extraordinary people I meet along the way.
Prima D. Studios has given me the opportunity to practice what I believe in and to continue my legacy through the lens of the mature generation. My belief is that everyone should find their inner "Prima Donna" regardless of their age!


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....into the nature of nature, mind, heart, and place:
Writing pointers, course handouts, psych, eco, myth glossaries just a click away...
read more
Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.
-- John Dewey
What if, as depth psychologically-minded cultural workers, we labored against falsely separating the processes of individuation from those of liberation?
-- Mary Watkins and Helene Shulman
"I think it would be a good idea."
-- Gandhi's response to being asked what he thought about civilization
What is Deep Education?
"Deep Education" as I conceive it and attempt to practice it encourages the evolution of our relationship with our animated and reactive planet from one of objectification, alienated consumption, and, at worst, destructive exploitation to that of a loving, responsible conversation in the ongoing human-nonhuman dialogue.
"Deep" also means encouraging the learner to probe through appearances, surfaces, and customary explanations--the "natural attitude" noted by phenomenology--to explore the motifs, images, collective fantasies, and other structural forces moving in the personal and cultural unconscious. These forces shape institutions, works of culture, and technologies alike and constitute the true foundations of our time.
Who are Deep Educators?
Deep educators are world therapists and cultural mentors who work toward just communities that can adaptively reimagine and reinvent themselves through collaborations in which every citizen can be truly free to participate. This, of course, is already happening around the world, but new mentors stand in need of reflective learning (a lifelong necessity) and networking together for common efforts.
Truly transformative education cannot be segregated into separate disciplines, bloated by abstract theory, dissolved in spiritual bypass, or reduced to numbers and measurements, although it includes the latest scientific findings as well as lore from ancient wisdom traditions. A Deep Education might offer content or training, but always in service to evolving deeper, higher, and more flexible modes of consciousness-in-community.
Everyone doing progressive cultural work for a just, aware, and sustainable world is a Deep Educator by virtue of passion, skill, and experience. Some have certificates and degrees, some don't. All work on behalf of these evolutionary goals:
- Integral education of the whole person: body, vital, mental, emotional, spiritual, soulful.
- Delight in conscious, polycultural, worldwide diversity.
- Initiation into emotionally mature, wise, discerning, and loving modes of living.
- Awareness of the foundations of personal and collective consciousness.
- Collaborative leadership. "When the people lead, the leaders will follow." - Gandhi
- Affirmation of our responsibilities toward and relationships with the nonhuman world.
- Creation of safe, fair, and Earth-friendly communities of belonging.
- Networking of deep educational experiments to share best practices and pooled wisdom.
Earthrise education--education for a living, networked planet--cannot remain in the classroom, although aspects of it do start there. It must draw on sources all over our planet to fashion new ideas, visions, and experiments centering on how to fashion just, sustaining, Earth-friendly communities in which world citizens feel truly at home. The global civilization capable of supporting such communities will have to be organized around new stories that frame human experience more interactively than models caught in fantasies of separateness, detachment, domination, or control.
My Path as a Deep Educator
I work actively inside and outside academia in service to an Earthrise era of peaceful human flourishing on a changing planet: Some examples of current work I do:
- Department Chair of East-West Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies.
- Board member of Holos Institute, where psychotherapy interns do therapy "as if Earth mattered."
- Presenter of several slideshows and webinars that link psyche to nature, place, and Earth.
- Author of several books aboutthe deep interconnectivity of self, myth, and world.
- Founder and maintainer of the Deep Educators Network at LinkedIn.
- Administrative Board member of the Depth Psychology Alliance.
- Strong educational supporter of the Earth Charter Initiative.
- Seminar and workshop leader and presenter.
I also maintain the availability to show up almost anywhere to present and discuss topics featured at this site, including a new module I'm putting together on the leadership practices of Abraham Lincoln.
When I think about the just, peaceful, and Earth-conscious civilization we must evolve in order to survive and flourish, the word "Terrania" floats through my mind as the code word and aspirational axis around which all my labors and projects turn, driving me onward to continue my own evolution as a Deep Educator and perpetual beginner.
Courses taught by Craig Chalquist
At LinkedIn: Deep Educators Network
See also "Heartsteading: Forming and Strengthening Circles of Community"


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Our Discovery Holiday Camp
Our Discovery Holiday Camps will provide children the opportunity to enjoy a programme of activities throughout the day, which will include; art and crafts, cooking, creative play and sports.
Our Site and Activity Leaders are experts in the delivery of the activities that will be provided in the camps and will ensure your child has a great time every day.
Our Discovery Holiday Camps will run every school holiday apart from Christmas at a number of our school sites for children in Foundation – Year 6. Discounts are offered for multiple bookings and for siblings.
Next Discovery Holiday Camps
BOOK ALL WEEK AND SAVE MOREEaster Half Term W/C 06/04/2020 - W/E 17/04/2020
Closed Good Friday/Easter Monday
Our holiday clubs are running from:
- Kibworth C of E Primary School (8am - 6pm)
- Farndon Fields (9am - 3pm)
- Parkland Primary (9am - 3pm)
- Merrydale Juniors (10am - 1pm)
- Mowmacre Hill (10am - 1pm)
Standard day- 9.00am – 3.00pm
Extended day- 8.00am – 6.00pm (breakfast and afternoon snack provided)
Frequently Asked Questions
What age children do you accept?
We accept children that are attending school from Foundation to Year 6 for our fun filled activity camps
Do you offer discounts?
Discounts are offered for multiple bookings and for siblings.
How can I book?
You can register your child(ren) by clicking here.
Once your child(ren) has been registered, you can then proceed to book their place through ParentPay.
How can I pay?
Parents/carers can pay via Parent Pay, please click here to access the site.
Parents/carers will need to select which days/sessions they wish their child/ren and then add to the basket. When making the payment parents/carers must put in brackets next to the child's name which Holiday Camp venue they will be attending.
What will my children do in the Discovery Holiday Camp?
Your child/ren will be participating in an action packed day full of planned multi activities that will include arts/crafts, sports, cooking etc Please see an example of the timetable of activities.
What does my child/ren need to bring to the Discovery Holiday Camp?
Please click here to view the kit list
What policies and procedures do you have for the Discovery Holiday Camps?
Please click here to view our policies
Do you accept childcare vouchers as a payment method?
Yes, we accept childcare vouchers.


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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The bunch that inspired a frigid procession through Downtown Feb. 5, 2007 after delivering the Lombardi Trophy to the Circle City returns this weekend.
In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Indianapolis Colts' 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI after the 2006 season, the team will honor its world champions at halftime of Sunday's game with the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. More than 40 players and coaches have RSVP'd they'll attend.
In the days leading up to the reunion, some prominent figures share memories of the organization's first world championship in three decades.
JEFF SATURDAY: The trust factor
Just the way we came together is the thing I appreciate the most. If you remember Jacksonville, we got beat down. They ran all over us and we couldn't score. Everybody had kind of written us off. I remember just coming back in the locker room and the meeting room on Monday, and just getting real. It was 'Hey look, we did a lot of this to ourselves. We're in the wrong spot. We're not being disciplined. We're not doing the things we had done and this is what it shows.'
We played a team we should have beaten and we get blown out. The only way to fix is to self-correct. It wasn't an opponent issue. It was a 'self' issue. I just remember coming back and no one giving us a chance against Kansas City. 'Couldn't stop the run. There's no way they could stop them. They're too physically dominating and we're not going to be able to run it on them.'
And then look at what we did the whole playoffs. Not only did we stop the run, but we ran the ball as efficiently as we had all year. We just imposed our will on teams week-in and week-out, whether it was Kansas City, Baltimore, New England and obviously even against Chicago in the Super Bowl.
Those are the things I look at from that year the most fondly. When no one else believed in us, we came together and found a way. That was the first time people had doubted us. In years past we may have been considered favorites. At that point, people were saying the window was closed, and how sweet it was to kick that thing open.
We had a reputation of being a certain type of team (a finesse style). Everything was a 'check with me' in the run game. We were always going to get the best look. We were always going to do different things. When we got to playoff football, it was 'Let's pin our ears back and go hit 'em in the face.' As you look back, there's a lot of pride in that, especially as an offensive lineman. I love looking back on those games and the group you did it with. I have a picture in my office with Tarik (Glenn), Jake (Scott), myself, Ryan Lilja and (Ryan) Diem sitting on the bench in Baltimore. I think back to watching (the Ravens) giving the (pre-game) introduction. I think they introduced like 17 or 18 players on defense and the place was going nuts. It was like a WWE match. Then we just systematically weren't going to be denied. We ran the ball effectively and controlled both lines of scrimmage. I can't tell you how good that felt. Even though we didn't punch it in the end zone, we got 15 points and Vinny stepped up.
It wasn't pretty, but it felt pretty if that makes sense. We stuck it to them. The thing was, everybody knew what was coming. It wasn't like we're up there checking around. We literally just lined up and ran that ball at 'em. We knew that at some point we just had to make it happen, and that's what we did.
Those are the things you look back on and you go, 'That team came together, and it was a team.' We were arm-and-arm, locked in and depending on each other and trusting each other. How sweet it is when it works out that way.
Whether it was 'Hey, we're going to throw it. We're going to run it. We need our defense to make a stop in the run game or pick off a ball to finish it out,' whatever it was, we knew that the other guy was going to make the play. We had complete confidence. It's rare to have that, where you just know that the guy either beside you or on the other side is going to make the play. You had full confidence it was going to happen. It's that total trust and dependence on each other that super-cedes the individual and goes to the greater cause. That was just awesome.
We're on that field (in South Florida) and grabbing that (Lombardi Trophy) and hoisting it up, it was amazing. Your whole family and everybody is just running around in the rain. Even in the RCA Dome after the (AFC) championship game, people are just going nuts. The hugs and just the complete exhaustion because everybody had put so much into it; just how everybody collectively felt, so involved and so tied in. You knew it was a full team from the front office to the equipment guys, the trainers, the coaches. Everybody played their role and did it to the fullest.
There are few seasons in your life where everything comes together and you get a chance to hoist it, and when you hoist it, it meant something. That team wasn't our best team. There were a few others that were better, maybe two or three. But for that one to be the one, that's what makes it so special. Everybody was willing to lay down their individual goals for the betterment of the team. That's what set us apart.
The rest of the story: Finesse gave way to force as the Colts imposed their will during the four-game playoff run. While Peyton Manning was dealing with inconsistencies – three touchdown passes, seven interceptions, a 70.5 passer rating – the offense leaned heavily running backs rookie Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes, and a dominant offensive line. It averaged 151 rushing yards in the four games, a massive increase over the regular season (110.1).
Addai produced the game-winning TD in the AFC title game against the Patriots with a 3-yard TD through the heart of the defense – and behind Saturday's pancake block of Vince Wilford – while Addai and Rhodes combined to rush for 190 yards and one TD against the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
And who can forget Saturday contributing a fumble recovery to the 38-34 exorcising win over the Patriots in the AFC Championship game? He covered Rhodes' fumble in the end zone, tying the game at 28-all early in the fourth quarter.
"I used to tell the offensive linemen, 'Dude, if I ever score a touchdown, I'm going to take off my pads and I'm going to do the freekin' worm in the end zone. I'm going to do this dance. It's going to be special,"' Saturday said. "I remember all of my teammates coming at me. I just started jumping up and down. I looked like an idiot.
"I get to the sideline and everybody is so fired up. I'm fired up. I'm looking up at the JumboTron, watching myself jumping up and down, and I'm looking at the defense. You could just see it. It was a marked change."
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51


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Are you looking for cute and soft kids & teens onesies? Then we have some exciting news! We have launched our Mini me collection! This onesie collection has the cutest onesies with matching slippers especially for kids and teenagers.
And the good new is the exact same designs are not only designed for kids & teens but are also available in adult sizes! Now you can lounge together with your 'mini me' in these soft and cosy onesies!
A onesie for kids is perfect to wear as PJ. They are made of soft and fluffy materials that are super comfy! The onesies with fleece are extra comfy during the cold winter months. These kids onesies are also perfect to wear as loungewear during the day. And with the matching slippers you can keep your kids' feet warm as well!
The kids onesies of the mini me collection are available in different sizes for kids (size 104-110/4-5 years, 116-122/6-7 years, 128-134/8-9 years) and teens (size 140-146/10-11 years, 152-158/12-13 years). Older (or taller) teens can wear the adult sizes (starting from XS).


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Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Wake Up
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Why I choose to believe the Bible
Monday, July 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Get Real
I love this story about C.H. Spurgeon:
C.H. Spurgeon was greeting parishioners outside the Metropolitan Tabernacle after a certain Sunday worship service. He was accompanied by his elders and a throng of people came by to thank him for the service. However, as the crowd paraded by Spurgeon, an elderly lady approached him with a look of consternation on her face. "Mr. Spurgeon," she sharply began, "you are the most arrogant, obnoxious, annoying man that I have ever heard of. And I wanted to be the one to tell you so." The crowd grew somewhat quiet with embarrassment as the old woman stormed off in a huff. With all eyes on him, Spurgeon turned to the elder standing next to him and said, "Sheesss, she doesn't know the half of it."
What C.H. Spurgeon understood was that (just like me) he was a screw up... but what he also knew was that God loved screw ups. Think about all the people God used in the Bible: Peter - a man who was told that the church would be built upon him, and he goes and denies Christ 3 times. David committed adultery and conspired to commit murder. And yet God said David was a man after His own heart. Jonah was instructed to go to Ninevah, but ran away instead. When he finally did do what God commanded, he did it with a bad attitude. And yet God used him to turn the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people back to Him. And hello.... Paul. Paul devoted his life to persecuting the church. And yet God used him to take the gospel to the gentiles and write the majority of the New Testament.
It is my prayer that when asked the question, "how are you doing spiritually?" that we would make it a little less about us, and a lot more about God's grace.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of My Captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...


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When the firewall process (DFWD) is allocating heap memory, it uses a private memory allocator that writes a special pattern at the end of each allocated segment of heap memory. Later, when de-allocating this memory, DFWD checks for the pattern. If it does not find the previously written pattern, it means the memory was overwritten, which indicates a wild-write in DFWD.
The problem related to this syslog message is described in the following sections:
The DFWD_TRASHED_RED_ZONE message is logged each time the DFWD process detects that a segment of heap memory it has allocated has been overwritten beyond the allocation limit.
When the DFWD process detects a heap memory segment has been overwritten beyond that allocation, it logs the action into the syslog. Below is an example of the message as it would be seen in the syslog:
dfwd[4048]: DFWD_TRASHED_RED_ZONE: Trashed red zone pointer in block 0x8171e00
The cause for such a notification is due to the DFWD process writing more bytes than allocated by malloc for the region length.
The following logs can help determine why the DFWD process is using more of the heap memory than it should:
show log dcd
show log dfwd
show log messages
These logs might show a trigger event, such as a commit, that may have contributed to the behavior of DFWD.
To troubleshoot this issue, it is recommend that a case be opened with your technical support representative to investigate why the DFWD process is writing to more heap memory than is allocated to the process.
show log dcd
show log dfwd
show log messages


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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump says that so-called chain migration provides "a gateway for terrorism." He made the comment as he sat down Thursday with Republican senators to talk about immigration.
Lawmakers have been trying to hammer out a deal on how to extend legal status for hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children after Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program last year.
Trump says any deal would need to include funding for his border wall, more money for immigration enforcement, an overhaul of the family-based immigration system, which he and critics have referred to as "chain migration," and an end to the diversity visa lottery.
Trump says he would "love to take care of DACA, but we're only going to do it under these conditions."
Trump also says he hopes the overhaul will attract Democratic support.
WATCH: DACA revoked, what should the U.S. do for young undocumented immigrants?


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Welcome to Indigo Inklings. This is where I talk about some of my rubber stamping projects and digital graphics. My blog name comes from the fact that I love the color indigo, and I think the notion of inklings covers my introspective side as well as my love for getting inky with my projects. I hope you find something here to interest or inspire you.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
3 comments:
HI Jay,ReplyDelete
Cute card!
Been meaning to and say thank you for the mention of Diana Gabaldon's books. I got the first from the library and was hooked! On the third one now...
Enjoy them, Sandi! Each book in the series is a little different from the others as far as pace or tone, but they're all excellent reads. Great rereads, too! :-)ReplyDelete
Oh..I am enjoying them! Dipped into theReplyDelete
"The Outlandish Companion" too, which was fun but decided to wait to read more of it until I'm deeper into the series.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. :-) Don't be surprised if your comment doesn't show up right away. Because of the amount of spam being posted these days, I've switched things over to moderated. Legitimate comments will be appreciated, approved, and published in a timely fashion.


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You sure have already seen velcro straps on clothing. Aside from zippers and buttons, this material is often used to lock pockets or attach two strips of fabric together. They are usually hidden in clothing, and with good reason. Obviously, if it's freely open, it will lose its stickiness, and therefore, its function.
The pockets of Lagalag pants have velcro locks, maybe to make them aesthetically pleasing, but also to make sure they remain unmoved by evil forces of humanity. Simply put, the velcro keeps thieves away.
Whether you're on local ground or not, you always have to be alert, more so when traveling. Tourists, like you for example, are easy targets of lurking eyes. Why? Thieves know that you're new to the place and probably floating on cloud nine that you won't give much attention to your belongings. So as soon as the opportunity to rob you presents itself to them, they grab it while they can. You have nothing to worry about if you're wearing Lagalag pants because with a velcro strap securing your pocket, unlocking it would be more difficult. For an outside force to rip it open, the person must stand close to you and must apply pressure so logically, it's impossible that he'll be able to do it without alerting your senses.
However, velcro straps are less used than zippers because they easily get worn out. After opening and closing multiple times, they lose their sticky grip. What's great with the velcro locks of Lagalag pants are their durability. They last longer than the extremely fine ones. It will most probably last you until your Lagalag pants don't fit you anymore.


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Final portfolio
So it's nearly 1 am and I'm sitting here mentally and physically exhausted. I know this past week i've spent atleast 12hours a day in front of my computer trying to get all my finals done. I'm not a procrastinator.. not a big one anyway. No I just bit off more than i can chew.
updates for my website:
After quite a bit of going back and forth Jeremy finally point blank told me to stop trying to be something I'm not. I tried really hard to make my website (and my brand) more playful than I actually am. So I stuck to my scheme and tried to make it work the best I could.
where to start? The type I feel is a little stronger. I changed the h1s, h2s, h3s, and h4s so that they all actually worked in the right order. The background color is my "teal" color and Im not sure how i feel about it. It's really bold, which is what I'm going for, but maybe it's TOO in your face? I added more content to all my pages, but the final images are coming over break when I have time to take them. I made a series of icons and buttons that I'm starting to encorporate into my site.
I was able to fix the jquery slider too! It turns out this <no script> code at the end messed EVERYTHING up. weird huh?
I think the main thing is that I've done a crazy amount of work in one day (because this past week I havent had a scrap of time to work on it).
The important thing is that I've established a good base and now over the next 12 weeks (eeeeek!) I will be perfecting it.
Room for improvement:
I very much would like to also add a photography page
I also want to add those icons in where I can.
I want to add a different "portfolio" page, one that actually shows my laid out portfolio from issuu.com and a "download my resume" button.
I have to finish my about page by adding my design heroes and favorite designers etc.
Still not fixed:
that carosel idea didn't work. I really need some hard core one on one time to get that figured out, so in the mean time, I added a "tags" section which will eventually lead to other projects tagged with the same words (oh boy),
my biggest issue is that I STILL can't get my @font face to work on fire fox. I checked on Jeremy's safari and It worked, just not fire fox. If i don't get ANYTHING else fixed, i must get this fixed. The fonts are key to making it all look consistent, without it it looks poorly designed. I plan on bringing screenshots in to show incase my fonts don't show up.


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Tagged: Yesung
Kpop – Oh How I Love Thee
After seeing Crystal's kpop list, I decided to make my own to get ready for my trip to Seoul! I've been a kpop fan since my freshman year of college and let's just say, I can get pretty hardcore when it comes to fangirling. Just ask Mark. He witnessed me at a kpop concert and he was… amazed.
If you're interested in an introduction to kpop, here are few songs from my favorite artists that I love. I tried to find songs from groups I don't fangirl over, but I ended up with this list. If you're not interested in an introduction to kpop, then you may click the 'x' on your tab.
Taeyang – Wedding Dress
This is also my top favorite music video. It's just so heartbreaking. I cried when I read the translation for this song.
2NE1 – I'm the Best
2NE1 is my favorite girl group. I love how their style and songs are unlike any girl group out there. I always listen to this song before I have to do something out of my comfort zone to give me confidence (my JET interview, speeches, etc.). This is such a fierce song.
2NE1 – Ugly
Okay, 2NE1 gets another song on my list because, well I love them and I love this song. The first time I ever heard this song, I cried. It was basically what I was feeling at the time. I think I'm ugly and nobody wants to love me… I'm all alone. I'm always all alone. This was before I met Mark and I was lacking confidence in myself. However, this song has a simple, but powerful underlying message, to be yourself.
CN Blue – Intuition
I love CN Blue. I'd list all their songs if I could. The end.
MBLAQ – Cry
This is definitely near the top on my list of favorite kpop songs. I love how much emotion they put into singing this song, that I can feel how heartbreaking it is. Not to mention, they're dancing in the rain…
Yesung – Waiting for You
Yesung is one of my favorite Korean idols and I just love this song and his voice.
I hope you enjoyed this little introduction to kpop. If you ever have any questions or want any recommendations, just ask! I'll try to be as unbiased as I can, but I can't guarantee it… I really can't believe that I'm leaving in two days! I'm so excited!
Once Upon a Rainy & Hot Summer
I just discovered the Travel Tuesday link up headed by A Compass Rose and Found Love, Now What? and I was excited! I really wanted to take part of this link up because, as you may know, I love to travel. I've traveled a ton since I was young and have so many stories and pictures that I probably will never be able to show. Sad face. Because of this link up, it has inspired me to post more of my past travels! The purpose of this link up is to basically talk about travel. Past, present, future, dream vacations, you name it.
The first trip that popped into my mind when I saw this link up was my Korea trip. This was probably one of the best experiences I've had so far in my life and I love sharing it. It's impossible for me to go through my whole trip since soooo much happened and I have like 50 bajillion pictures, so I chose pictures that show the diversity of my trip.
I studied abroad in Seoul for 2 months at Yonsei University during the summer of 2011 and was able to do a lot of traveling around Seoul and other cities throughout South Korea. Lets just say my trip was probably a lot different than most of your trips will be. I'm a huge fan of kpop, so everything related to that took up a great amount of time. However! That was not the only thing I did there. There were so many palaces, museums, restaurants, shopping areas, and parks to visit. My friends and I were never bored.
Hello North Korea! I technically crossed over into North Korea through that blue building on the left. Half of the building is in SK and the other half is in NK. So yes, I've stepped into North Korea. How many people can say that? This was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and like nothing I've ever done before. It was, honestly, kind of scary.
And I have to add this… OMG IT'S YESUNG!!!!! I saw him at the grand opening of Handel and Gretel and it was amazing. I trekked through a typhoon go to the cafe and was totally not expecting for him to show up. I WAS FROZEN. I couldn't move. He was right there in person. He brushed right past me and it was so magical!! My friend and I were going to leave right after we got our drinks, but he came right after ordered. OMG PERFECT TIMING. This was probably the highlight of my trip. No joke. I will save you all the spazzing, because I already wrote a post about it on my Korea blog. If you have no idea what I'm talking about and you want to know, you should read that post. You'll definitely see a different side of me (pwahaha)!
Do any of you know who Yesung is? Because if you do, we're already best friends :) Also have any of you studied abroad?


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Choosing the Wrong Medical Billing Partner Can Cost You
Choosing the Wrong Medical Billing Partner Can Cost You
If you feel you're finally ready to make the choice to outsource your medical billing, be aware the best choice may not be just around the corner from you. With the security of Internet transmissions, you can use a company across the country and be just as secure as if you were handing your documentation directly to someone across the hall from you.
Making the choice to use a medical billing company for your practice can save plenty of money. However, choosing the wrong medical billing firm can cost millions and in some cases, your practice.
There are numerous benefits to using a medical billing company. One of the biggest is that dedicated individuals will work on your client's medical bills on a day-to-day basis. Average error rate in self-compiled claims is around 30%. That number will drop to less than 1% when you make the choice to outsource your medical billing to a reputable firm.
Another benefit of using a medical billing company is that they lower amount of man-hours needed to run a successful practice. This cuts down on salary costs, vacation pay, and sick days because fewer employees are needed in the office.
After discussing the various benefits of hiring a medical billing consulting firm, it is very important to talk about choosing the right firm. Medical billing companies handle exceptionally sensitive materials and information about your patients. They have access to names, social security numbers, diagnoses, and procedures that were done to these patients. Your practice must be able to trust in the confidentiality of the medical billing firm.
Steer clear of companies that don't spell out what they do for you and the credentials of their employees. Outsourcing your medical billing responsibilities to a consulting firm has several benefits, however, choosing the wrong firm can be devastating to your business – cheaper doesn't always equal better and in the case of medical billing firms, ask for referrals – if a firm refuses to release them to you, that's a red flag.
Outsourcing your medical billing can jumpstart your revenue for your practice if you choose a medical billing partner that is competent, experienced and working for you!


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Microsoft Corp. is buying Nokia Corp.'s line-up of smartphones and a portfolio of patents and services in an attempt to strengthen its fight with Apple Inc. and Google Inc. to capture a slice of the lucrative mobile computing market.
The 5.44 billion euros ($7.2 billion) deal announced late Monday marks a major step in the company's push to transform itself from a software maker focused on making operating systems and applications for desktop and laptop computers into a more versatile and nimble company that delivers services on any kind of Internet-connected gadget.
"It's a bold step into the future — a win-win for employees, shareholders and consumers of both companies," Microsoft CEO Steven Ballmer told reporters at Nokia's headquarters in Finland Tuesday. "It's a signature event."
Microsoft hopes to complete the deal early next year. If that timetable pans out, about 32,000 Nokia employees will transfer to Microsoft, which currently has about 99,000 workers.
The proposed price consists of 3.79 billion euros ($5 billion) for the Nokia unit that makes mobile phones, including its line of Lumia smartphones that run Windows Phone software. Another 1.65 billion euros ($2.2 billion) will be paid for a 10-year license to use Nokia's patents, with the option to extend it indefinitely.
Investors in Nokia welcomed the deal, sending shares in the company up some 40 percent to 4.12 euros in Helsinki.
Microsoft, based in Redmond, Wash., has been racing to catch up with customers who are increasingly pursuing their digital lives on smartphones and tablet computers rather than the traditional PCs. The shift is weakening Microsoft, which has dominated the PC software market for the past 30 years, and empowering Apple, the maker of the trend-setting iPhone and iPad, and Google, which gives away the world's most popular mobile operating system, Android.
Nokia, based in Espoo, near the Finnish capital, and Microsoft have been trying to make inroads in the smartphone market as part of a partnership forged in 2011. Under the alliance, Nokia's Lumia smartphones have run on Microsoft's Windows software, but those devices haven't managed to compete with iPhone or an array of Android-powered devices spearheaded by Samsung Electronics' smartphones and tablets
Microsoft is betting it will have a better chance of narrowing the gap if it seizes complete control over how the mobile devices work with its Windows software.
Despite the dismal performance of Windows phones — 7.4 million units in the second quarter compared to Apple's 31 million and 187 million Android phones, according to research company IDC — Microsoft CEO Steven Ballmer was upbeat about the partnership with Nokia, saying he was encouraged by a growth of 78 percent in Lumia phone sales in a year.
"Now is the time to build on this momentum and accelerate it further," Ballmer said Tuesday. "Finland will become the hub and center for our phone R&D and we are counting very much on the incredible talent of Nokia employees to be a key part of driving and propelling Microsoft forward."
Ballmer said that Microsoft will invest more than $250 million in a new data center to serve European consumers.
Neil Mawston from Strategy Analytics said the move was good for Nokia's shareholders but did not change much for the ailing Finnish firm which has lost significant market share.
"Nokia is still heavily dependent on Microsoft's software capabilities and Microsoft continues to lag the market like it has done in the last few years," Mawston said. "Not much will change whether Nokia is inside or outside the Microsoft portfolio."
The acquisition is being made at the same time that Microsoft is looking for a new leader. Just 10 days ago, Ballmer, 57, announced he will relinquish the CEO reins within the next year in a move that many analysts regarded as Microsoft's tacit admission that the company needed an infusion of fresh blood to revitalize itself.
Nokia said that Stephen Elop will step down as president and CEO of the company with board chairman Risto Siilasmaa taking over his duties as an interim CEO.


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Navy SEALS involved in the Osama bin Laden mission, senior defense official tells @clawrencecnn
"Now back to headquarters for debriefing and cocktails"
Courtesy of Fox News. Yes this is actually what they had displayed.I love the news anchors face.
The assault team was inserted by 3 choppers one of whom crashed due to mechanical failure.No US loss of life. One of OBL's sons was killed as well.
Watched this unfold on the news tonight, was about damn time. Drinks being had to the brave men and women who made his death possible. I am sure I don't need to remind anyone however that this day has come after the death of 155 servicemen/women who will forever be better human beings than the adversary. RIP to the 155
Osamas face


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TBC and SYA are on the list, lets get them in the top 5!
Preferably at 1 & 2 :-)
Last edited by maddkat; 11-02-2013 at 05:20 AM.
Voted and will do so every day! Let's all be sure to vote daily! Thank's Team!
Gosh, I used to watch GAC almost every weekend but now I only watch it when we're voting for a Carrie video. Its sad how both GAC and CMT show more shows that have nothing to do with country music or videos!!!! I STILL miss watching the Opry on Saturday nights!!!!
Voted. Also voted on GAC "Who should be female vocalist on GAC home page. Need votes on The Boot "The best country cheating song". TK's song is leading (I have never heard it before). I have been voting every morning but she needs more than me voting. PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!!! Thanks
Voted for Carrie.
Voted today! If I remember correctly the way to get Carrie in the top 2 or so is to only vote for SYA & TBC.
Voting often for Carrie.
Got my votes in again today! Let's go Team!
Voted again today. Everyone needs to remember to vote daily so that Carrie can be on the countdown once again this year!
Today's friendly reminder to please vote Team!


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I have reprinted all my photos using the adopted lilac Hue style suggested by my Tutor as I like the result and further to his comments, I also re-took the photo of image 5 standing on the soap-box for a better composition and made some Photoshop improvements to some of the other images for example image 3 (please refer to my earlier blogs) . Included in the folder is my Tutor's report, Shaun Mullins – 512659 – Photography 1 Context & Narrative – Assignment 3 (1) My 300 word introduction labeled 1 of 16 300-word-introduction The character descriptions from my friends and family and a printout of the associated anchoring text marked 6 of 16 a-self-portrait-as-regarded-by-others
Tag Archives: composition
Formal Assessment for Assessment II, 9x items, labeled 1 – 8a and 8b
For this assessment, taking on board my Tutor's comments I took two new photos one for image to simply change the composition from portrait to landscape for consistency and I changed the last image for a strong picture. I also reprinted all the images using my Tutor's suggestion of adding a little lilac to the Hue as I was unhappy with the colour cast I appeared to be getting as I couldn't get a perfect black or grey. This intended Hue is very subtle and I like the result.
Included in the folder is my Tutor's report Shaun Mullins – 512659 – Photography 1 Context & Narrative – Assignment 2 a printed copy of the anchoring text for each image marked 8a the-unseen and my 300 word introduction marked 8b redundant-reflections and the photos.
Planning my assignment 5
When researching for my last assignment I read 'One Way Street' a selection of essays by Walter Benjamin and I read an essay about Franz Kafka, an author I had not come across before and I made a mental note to lookout for his work. My Tutor picked-up on my comments in my blog and recommended that I read some of his works a. Therefore I decided to read his works looking for ideas for my next assignment. To get myself started I made notes on the oxford dictionaries meaning for 'context' 'narrative' and the suggested rules. As I read his works, I took notes in order to help me find some mental visions that might be turned in to physical pictures. admittance-to-the-law
I have read through from cover to cover 'The Essential Kafa' and I have been inspired by a parable type story in the novel 'The Trial'. This short story is about a country gentleman who seeks access to the law, but the man is told by the doorman that he can not grant him access. The country gentleman decides to wait until the doorman is given permission to grant him access, he waits all his life only to learn at the moment of death that the door was exclusively for him. However, this story led me to another similar story that I thought might make a stronger narrative in one picture.
A man and his dog a-man-and-his-dog-were-walking-along-a-road
This story was used in a T.V. episode of 'The Twilight Zone', 'The Hunt', first broadcast: January 26, 1962, Created by Rod Serling. I am unable to find a reliable source that can confirm the original author of this story. Some internet sources suggest that it is an old religious tale by an unknown however, Earl Hamner Jr. an American television writer and producer is credited for the story of 'The Hunt' in The Twilight Zone therefore I assume that the story is his. The gist of the story is that a man is on a road to Heaven and he is accompanied by his best friend which is his dog. Along the way he comes to a gate with a man standing by it, the Traveller asks the man where they are and the 'Gateman' informs him he is at the gates of Heaven; but when the man tries to enter with his dog he is told that dogs are not allowed and the Traveller is forced to decide between entering the gates or staying with his best friend.
I believe that this story has a stronger narrative to produce as a single photo. My idea is an image of the Traveller looking down at his dog as the Doorman or Gatekeeper tells him no dogs. Also I can use this scene as a metaphor to modern society and how our capitalist life style sometimes tests our moral metal. The Traveller is faced with a dilemma, should he be selfish and enter the gates alone for the imagined paradise beyond or stay outside keeping company with his best friend and putting his friend first. I believe that we are currently living in a very selfish world and that this test is being applied in one way or another every day; so I think this story is very relevant to our current life-styles.
For the location, I think that my local Anglican Church is perfect.
My first thought were the gates to the church but this would present problems of traffic, pedestrians and a difficult background; so a doorway is a better choice and the arched style ideal for the implied idea of a Holly entrance. Choosing a doorway eliminates the problems of traffic, pedestrians background and allows me to move my camera further away if required. I shall mount the camera to a tripod for better composition control and if I need to resort to Photoshop i can easily merge more images together.
My ideal location is the Choir Vestry doorway, my wife sings in the choir and I have spoken to the Vicar who is happy to allow me to use it as my location. I have a Labrador dog and a friend who has modeled for me before who can play the Traveller and a friend of my wife's is happy to model as 'Lucifer'. My thoughts for the Devil is a very pretty smartly dressed young lady, to represent the metaphor for temptation. She will be lit by a speedlight with an amber gel in a soft-box to give her warmth and another speedlight located directly behind her with a red gel in a large reflector dish to create a red rim-lighting / halo to suggest the source of the heat and a hint of danger. The traveller and dog will be lit by either natural day light or another speedlite (un-gelled) for daylight white balance. The camera will be set to tungsten or similar to trick the camera to create a cold look to the Traveller and dog. The Traveller and dog are between worlds and this region of space I imagine to be cold. Hell on the other hand is hot and should reflect this by using the corrective gel to alter the white balance for my Devil. By taking advantage of the white balance I can create a division between the worlds outside the door and that of inside and this warm contrast to the overall cold image will act as my punctum to the picture.
As you can see, I made sketches and drew a couple of storyboards to help me with ideas.
Working log for assignment 5, my initial thoughts.
9/9/16 – I am beginning my planning by going back to the start of this C&N course and re-reading the introduction and reviewing what I have learned in order to help me focus on what I need to achieve.
Up to now my assignments have been successful and my Tutor is very keen that I produce something that can top my achievements with this final assignment. So I want to produce something that is good and sophisticated enough to work well but at the same time try not to over complicate the work and try to keep the idea simple. Well that's the plan. As I work out the project we will see if I can keep to this.
Keeping in mind my essay for my last assignment – I must be sure that every single element in my picture has a reason to be there and they must in some way contribute to the narrative. The frame / choice of composition must suggest a greater context. Lighting has also been mentioned and I am comfortable with using speedlights soft-boxes, flags etc. I relish the opportunity to create a professional type set-up. I thank my TAOP course and the section on lighting that I had spent extra time working on, I learned so much about both the basics and advanced photography skills on that course.
My plan is to produce one single photo; but it must suggest that it is part of a story. All stories have a beginning, middle and end and my picture must suggest a previous moment that is leading to the next. The picture must be readable and must have both a studium and punctum element on order for this image to really stand-out. All the elements inside this picture must assist this process or they should not be there. If I can meet these goals I am at least half-way there.
But the first half of the journey is to find the subject. I intend to use my past brain-storming techniques and I have yet to do the last exercise of section five which is an interview and perhaps an idea may germinate from this.
Clive, my Tutor has recommended an author Kafka that I came across whilst reading Walter Benjamin and perhaps an idea may present itself from one of Kafka's short-stories.
This last assignment is both exciting and a little scary; but life without a little fear is like a meal without a little herbs and seasoning, plain and dull.
Tutor's feedback for Assignment 3
My Tutor's feedback was very good! He liked my work!
Shaun Mullins – 512659 – Photography 1 Context & Narrative – Assignment 3 (1)
I went on holiday and had to wait until my return before I knew what he thought of my work and if I had to re-do any of it.
I was happy to learn that my assignment had been successful with only advisories that he suggested that I could do to improve the pictures.
I had complained that I could not obtain a true black-and-white with my Canon printer and that Canon was unable to help as they will always use the colours in the mix even for grey-scale only images; so Clive my Tutor has suggested that I deliberately add a colour cast similar in practice to Ansel Adams. Clive suggests using a slight blue purple hint to the images and advised that this could be achieved using the Black-and-White feature in the Layers and ticking tint and clicking on the tint box to bring up the colour menu. Type 257 as the value for Hue and 3% for saturation.
He also suggested some adjustments in Levels to improve the images.
Image 1# for example, Clive suggests that I darken the bottom left corner in order to prevent drawing the eye towards it.
This is my new version which I hope is closer to Clive's idea.
This again needed more work, Clive notice a dark line at the top right of the image that I had missed and I wasn't happy with the cross that I wanted in the image, it was too faint.
This is with the new adjustments made in Photoshop using the cloning tool and the dodge-and-burn tool.
This next image Clive suggested the shadow behind Sarah should be softened for better separation.
He is right of course and I think that this is a better version.
Image 4# was a little too dark.
This is the new adjustment.
This was not my favourite image and I have struggled to improve it as Clive suggests. I need more Photoshop experience.
Image 5# Clive complains that the composition is too tight with the edge of the box too close to the edge.
Unfortunately I do not have anther photo that offers more space and this would require reshooting; so all I can do is add the tint.
Image 6# Clive complained was too dark.
I hope that this is an improvement.
Adjustments made in Photoshop, Layers, Levels.
Image 7# This image Clive felt was okay.
I have just altered the tint.
Image 8# Clive suggested that the background was similar in tone to the hands.
This is my new version.
The last image that Clive critiqued was both for composition and exposure. My hand should be more central and the focus of the picture and my shoulder is too bright, so drawing the eye away from the subject.
My solution was to choose another image and make some adjustments in curves in Lightroom before finishing in Photoshop.
This I hope is better.
Research Point – Gregory Crewdson
Fascinating documentary following the work of Gregory Crewdsen as he prepares and takes the photos of his cinematic scale images using cinematic-lights a film-crew of up to 60, professional actors, cranes, assistance from police and fire departments, closure of streets exactly as a scene from a movie would be organized, staged and shot only instead of a cinematic movie camera Crewdson uses a large-format still camera. He will then take the best examples and merge them together in Photoshop collage them in to one final perfect image.
Do I think there is more to this work than aesthetic beauty?
yes, I find his images both beautiful and disturbing, as I believe, is his intention in order to create an interesting and engaging narrative.
Do I think Crewdson succeeds in making his work 'psychological'? What does this mean?
Yes, I do. His pictures are almost dream like, the scenes are very surreal. They encourage the audience to wonder what is happening? what has just happened? what is about to happen? They are like that moment in a dream that is taking that turn in to the nightmare. This touches on our own imagination, our own fears, our own anxieties.
What is your main goal when making pictures? Do you think there's anything wrong with making beauty your main goal? Why or why not?
My main goal is to make interesting pictures, if the subject matter is beauty then that is what I want to create, if the subject matter is not then I want to make the image suitable for the subject with a choice of composition that holds the audience at least for a little while. I do not think that there is anything wrong in making beautiful pictures; but it can become a little dull and boring if we can not vary the subject matter and produce images that offer some kind of narrative or symbiotic meaning that can engage, challenge and even entertain the audience in some way.
I like Crewdson's pictures they may not be as subtle as Wall or DiCorcia but they are very well made and they can appeal to a public that doesn't have to first have an acquired taste or understanding of art to appreciate the picture that they are viewing.


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- 1 Jus-Rol™ Shortcrust pastry ready rolled sheet thawed
- 1 leeks trimmed and sliced
- 50g butter
- 500g cooked chicken (I pre-cooked the chicken by boiling it in salted garlic water)
- 500ml milk
- 1 Egg
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 400g cooked mixed vegetables such as carrots, peas and corn (I added Broccoli for extra goodness)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Mustard powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic
- Chicken Stock
- Bay Leaf
- Salt & Pepper
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180 Fan assisted/ Gas Mark 6
- Whilst waiting for the pastry to come to room temperature (check packet instructions for timings) On a low heat melt the butter in a large saucepan then a add the leeks and cook gently, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until just beginning to soften. Take off the heat and set the leeks aside.
- In the same pot melt, some butter and a little at a time begin to add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring regularly (I only used 2 tablespoons). Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in the milk and then whisk. Before returning to the heat add the seasoning; Bay leaf, Mustard Powder, Granulated Garlic, Half a chicken stock cube, Salt, and Pepper. Parsley would work well in this recipe too. Whisk and return to the heat for 1 min. If you have lumps ~ no worries. Sieve the mixture and return to the stove.
- Add Leeks, vegetables and the pre-cooked chicken. Returned to the heat for a few more minutes. If you are using cooked vegetables like the recipe calls for then add the chicken and vegetables once you've added your seasoning and removed the pan from the heat. Add a dash of milk if the mixture is too stiff.
- Next Carefully unroll one of the pastry sheets over an enamel pie dish (I ended up only using one sheet of pastry and cutting it in half as my dish was quite small)
- Gently press the pastry into the tin and around the rim. Prick several times with a fork. Brush the pastry on the rim of the dish with beaten egg.
Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into the pie dish (Don't forget to discard the Bay Leaf!) Unroll the second piece of pastry in the same way as the first over the filling. Crimp the edges of the pie on the rim to seal.
- Use a sharp knife to trim the pastry around the edge of the tin. Make a slit in the top of the pie with the knife for steam to escape. Use your fingers to crimp the edge of the pie or alternatively press with a fork. If you're feeling extra fancy like I was, use the leftover pastry to make leaf design for the top of your pie
8. Brush the top of the pie all over with egg and cook the pie in the preheated oven for 20 – 25 minutes or until pastry is crisp and golden. Serve hot!
Trust me when I say this tastes amazing. My pie dish was enough for two people and generous enough to be a single size serving for one hungry person 🙂
The original recipe can be found here on the Jus Rol website.


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The Trillium Art & Music Fair features approximately 50 local artists showcasing their talents, as well as live local music, demonstrations, crafts, food and beverages.
For more information, visit the event's page on the Hamilton County Great Parks website.
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I was contacted by the Quilt in a Day office to see if I would be willing to try out a new ruler that Elenor Burns has produced. I can't resist a new gadget, and said of course! I collected jelly rolls to use, since it is super jelly roll friendly, and had a blast sewing my blocks up!
Fabrics pictured : Joel Dewberry – Bungalow, and Kona Sandcastle Roll up.
I don't always love to sew wonky blocks, preferring to have a plan, and decisions made beforehand, but I really enjoyed this project! The pattern booklet has lots of diagrams to show you exactly how to use the ruler, and all the options for layouts. It's hard to mess this quilt up, and using jelly rolls really takes all the hard work out of the equation – no fabric choices to make, and no yardage to deal with. Of course, this would be great with any group of fabrics, and a perfect stash buster!
Essentially, you construct a log cabin block around the center, but before adding the next round, the block is trimmed to give it a twist. All using the ruler, so there's no guess work!
I opted to make a 16 block baby quilt, without borders, and have enough yardage to bind it with the print I used in the center.
I can't wait to get this quilted up! The different colors in the Kona roll up, add a great bit of dimension to the top with the prints. Now all I need is a new mom to gift it to!
You can learn more about the ruler here, and see more sample quilts as well.
I can't wait to see your twisted quilts – soon!
PS – Did I mention it's fast? Less than 24 hours and I had this quilt top!


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Top 15 of 2017: Lealiifano's comeback
It's been a big year in rugby on many different fronts, so RUGBY.com.au is taking a look back at the 15 biggest storylines of the year, based on the stories you read and reacted to.
#!: Lealiifano's comeback
In a year that has delivered some very grim days for Australian rugby, it can be easy to forget some of the moments that reminded fans of the good parts of the sport.
Christian Lealiifano's Singapore return was one such uplifting moment, that brought those within and outside of the code some positivity.
Lealiifano was diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2016, a moment that had his career, and his health, on tenterhooks, just months after he became a father to son, Jeremih.
The 30-year-old proved an inspiration to every one of his teammates, though, fighting through one of the most difficult challenges any person would have to face.
Before the season began, then-Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said he was hopeful co-captain Lealiifano would return to rugby by the end of the year, but there were no strict timelines in place on that.
Once the flyhalf finished a bout of treatment in Melbourne, he and his family were straight back to Canberra and he was straight back into the club, slowly returning to training, but moreso being an advisor for the new 10 Wharenui Hawera and the rest of the young Brumbies group.
As the season ticked on, a return still seemed unlikely, but Lealiifano pulled off a comeback in a very understated way.
Travelling with the group to Singapore for a game during the June Test series break, the flyhalf told his teammates just before a friendly against the Asia Pacific Dragons that he would be playing.
It didn't take long for the decision to travel around the world, with thousands of messages of support posted on social media.
He didn't go straight back into Super Rugby after that, with some hamstring trouble, but his Canberra Stadium cameo against the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby quarter-final won't soon be forgotten.
Close friend Scott Sio spoke after that match, and throughout much of the season, about the inspiration and perspective Lealiifano had given him, a constant pillar of support even in his most difficult days.
When Lealiifano spoke for the first time publicly since his comeback, he revealed it was the energy of little Jeremih that helped him in his darkest moments.
At the end of the 2017 season, Lealiifano joined Irish club Ulster on a short-term contract to add to his game time in recent months, and ready himself for Super Rugby in 2018 with the Brumbies.
On the final day of 2017, Lealiifano's story might just be the one that Australian rugby needs to hang on to.


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sudo hologram send "{46,3214,-87.31248}" -t "location"
Message sent with topic "location" over Hologram's Global
# Import Hologram Python SDK library
from Hologram.HologramCloud import HologramCloud
# Set Hologram Device credentials
credentials = {'devicekey': device_key}
# Create Hologram class network object
hologram = HologramCloud(credentials, enable_inbound =
False, network='cellular')
# Connect to the Hologram Global Network
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--authtype "sim-totp"
Message sent over Hologram's Global Network with MFA
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text:
Hi guys,
i am into a problem these days and required some feedback on it. I am using linux redhat 9 on the network machines and i want to forbid users to use usb storage device for data copy. The users on the system does not have root access but they can mount the usb device using 'sudo'. I stripped of the SUID bit from the mount command and blocked the 'mount' in 'visudo' but now they are unable to mount cdrom. Is there a way they can mount the cdrom but cannot mount the usb devices. I want to do it using open source tools and tehniques.


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There is nothing more extraordinary in this country than the transition of the seasons. The people of Moscow have no spring. Winter vanishes and summer is/ This is not the work of a week, or a day, but of one instant; and the manner of it exceeds belief. We came from Petersburg to Moscow in sledges. The next day snow was gone. On the eighth of April, at mid-day, snow beat in at our carriage windows. On the same day, at sunset, arriving in Moscow, we had difficulty in being dragged through the mud to the commandant's. The next morning the streets were dry, the double windows had been removed from the houses, the casements thrown open, all the carriages were upon wheels, and the balconies filled with spectators. Another day brought with it twenty-three degrees of heat of Celsius, when the thermometer was placed in the shade at noon.
We arrived at the season of the year when this city is most interesting to strangers. Moscow is in every thing extraordinary; as well in disappointing expectation, as in surpassing it; in causing wonder and derision, pleasure and regret. Let me conduct the reader back with me again to the gate by which we entered, and thence through the streets. Numerous spires, glittering with gold, amidst burnished domes and painted palaces, appear in the midst of an open plain, for several versts before you reach this. gate. Having passed, you look about, and wonder what is become of the city, or where you are; and are ready to ask once more, How far is it to Moscow? They will tell you, " This is Moscow!" and you behold nothing but a wide and scattered suburb, huts, gardens, pig-sties, brick walls, churches, dunghills, palaces, timber-yards, warehouses, and a refuse, as it were, of materials sufficient to stock an empire with miserable towns and miserable villages. One might imagine all the states of Europe and Asia had sent a building, by way of representative, to Moscow; and under this impression the eye is presented with deputies from all countries, holding congress: timber huts from regions beyond the Arctic; plastered palaces from Sweden and Denmark, not whitewashed since their arrival; painted walls from the Tyrol; mosques from Constantinople; Tartar temples from Bucharia; pagodas, pavilions, and virandas, from China; cabarets from Spain; dungeons, prisons, and public offices, from France; architectural ruins from Rome; terraces and trellises from Naples; and warehouses from Wapping.
Having heard accounts of its immense population, you wander through deserted streets. Passing suddenly towards the quarter where the shops are situated, you might walk upon the heads of thousands. The daily throng is there so immense, that, unable to force a passage through it, or assign any motive that might convene such a multitude, you ask the cause; and are told that it is always the same. Nor is the costume less various than the aspect of the buildings: Greeks, Turks, Tartars, Cossacks, Chinese, Muscovites, English, French, Italians, Poles, Germans, all parade in the habits of their respective countries. Dr. Clarke.
In the narrow part of the valley through which the Spey makes its way from the parish of Laggan downwards to that of Kugussie there is some scenery of a very singular character. To the south the Spey is seen making some fine bends round the foot of wooded hills. It is bordered by a narrow stripe of meadow, of the richest verdure, and fringed with an edging of beautiful shrubbery. On the north side rises with precipitate boldness, Craigow, or the Black Rock, the symbol and boundary of the clan who inhabit the valley. It is very black indeed; yet glitters in the sun, from the many little streams which descend from its steep, indeed perpendicular, surface. In the face of this lofty rock are many apertures, occasioned by the rolling down of portions of the stone, from which echoing noises are often heard. This scene of terror overlooks the soft features of a landscape below, that is sufficient, with this association, to remind us of what has been said of " Beauty sleeping in the lap of Horror." An eminence, as you approach towards the entrance of the strait, appears covered with regularly formed hillocks, of a conical form, and of different sizes, clothed with a kind of dwarf birch, extremely light-looking, and fanciful, sighing and trembling to every gale, and breathing odours after a calm evening shower, or rich dewy morning. In the depth of the valley, there is a lochan (the diminutive of loch) of superlative beauty. It is a round, clear, and shallow bason, richly fringed with water lilies, and presenting the clearest mirror to the steep woody banks on the south, and the rugged face of the lofty and solemn rock which frowns darkly to the north. On the summit, scarce approachable by human foot, is the only nest of the gosshawk now known to remain in Scotland; and, in the memory of the author, the nearest farm to this awful precipice was held by the tenure of taking down, every year, one of the young of this rare bird for the lord of the soil.
The screaming of the birds of prey on the summit, the roaring of petty waterfalls down its sides, and the frequent falls of shivered stone from the surface, made a melancholy confusion of sounds, very awful and incomprehensible to the travellers below, who could only proceed on a very narrow path on the edge of the lake, and under the side of this gloomy rock.—It did not require a belief in fairies to look round for them in this romantic scene. If one had merely heard of them, an involuntary operation of fancy would summon them to a place so suited for their habitation. MRS. GRANT.
The exterior of our inn was certainly none of the most inviting. The walls, composed of turf and loose stones, were too low to prevent me from plucking the harebells which grew on the top of them; and the thatch, varied with every hue of moss and lichen, was more to be admired for picturesque effect than for any more useful quality of a roof. The chimney crag seemed composed of the wreck of what had once been a tub; the hoops of which having yielded to the influence of time and the seasons, were rather imperfectly supplied by bands of twisted heath. The hut was, however, distinguished from its fellow hovels by a sashed window on one side of the door, a most incondite picture of a bottle and glass on the other, and a stone lintel, bearing, in characters of no modern shape, the following iuscription :—
10...W. M. T. Pilgrims we be ilk ane, M. M. B...07
Before we could draw up to the door of this superb hotel, it poured forth a swarm of children more numerous than I could have thought it possible for such a place to contain. I was prepared to expect the savage nakedness of legs and feet, which was universal among these little barbarians. For the rest, their attire was rather ludicrous than mean. The boys, even though


text:
Jewish World Review April 15, 2011 / 11 Nissan, 5771
Budget Battle, Budget Prattle
By Jonah Goldberg
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
I cannot remember a more depressing week in
The Republicans boasted a heroic accomplishment: slashing
But the cake was made from sawdust.
Strip away the gimmicks and shine a light on the shadows, and it turns out the real cuts amounted to
America borrows
It is a dismal, dreary, mope-inducing performance that makes one wonder what the point of the 2010 elections were.
If this was the best deal possible, fine. Republicans control only one house of
But as depressing as the Republicans' performance was, at least they're fighting for the right cause, their sails pointed in the right direction.
What can be said of President Obama's speech this week?
Vice President
Just two months ago, Obama introduced a
Entitlements, he admits, are gobbling up the budget; they must be "on the table." But even as he puts the plates on the table with one hand, he removes them with the other, insisting his cooks can save the meal with price controls and rationing.
And if that doesn't work, 12 years and three presidential terms from now, a series of fictional "failsafes" will kick in and some magical commission will genie-blink even more fictional cuts.
Obama prefers this to the Republican approach, which would introduce market forces into health care in order to save a calcified system from collapsing under the weight of state controls. Indeed, he couldn't even acknowledge this is the intent of Republican plan, preferring instead to recycle ancient barbs and insults about conservative cruelty and class warfare.
In a speech billed as being full of specifics, it had precious few save the president's passionate desire to raise taxes on "the wealthy." Rhetorically, Obama defines the "rich" as millionaires like himself or billionaires like Warren Buffet. But in reality he sets his sights considerably lower: households (and small businesses) that make more than
As for shared sacrifice, it is hard to find any in his proposal. Six out of 10 U.S. households receive more from the government than they pay in taxes. If "shared sacrifice" is the standing order of the day, where is theirs? The president suggests that repealing Bush's tax cuts will save the day. But the vast bulk of those cuts go to people making less than
The only good news to come from all of this is that the battle is now joined. The president has staked his banner in the soil of reactionary liberalism. Good. By setting his fortifications so far to the left of the middle ground, he gives the forces of reform room to advance far.
The rank and file are ready for battle, with the tea parties at the forefront. The only question is whether the
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