text: Jim Grant – The Fed Has Gone Way Too Far With its Massive Stimulus Program and Today's Other Top StoriesAuthor: Adam GreenLast Updated: May 23, 2020 To get the Best of the Bond Market delivered to your email daily click here. James (Jim) Grant, founder and publisher of Grant's Interest Rate Observer newsletter, one of the most respected financial journalists in the world. Has warned about distortions in the price of junk bonds, the low rated corporate bonds that income starved investors are buying by the bucket load.The "bubble" in asset prices, has been driven by the Fed's Quantitative Easing program. By buying financial assets from commercial banks and other private institutions, the Fed has raised the prices of those assets therefore lowering their yield.With yields being kept artificially low, investors have been forced to throw caution to the wind and delve into the lower ranges of the ratings spectrum. With many not fully understanding, or turning a blind eye to the risks."The Federal Reserve has gone way too far in its massive stimulus program" Grant told Steve Forbes in an interview.Despite the Fed curbing its monthly bond purchases to $45 billion from $85 billion last year, its balance sheet has grown to $4.3 trillion. And the central bank has kept its federal funds rate target at a record low of zero to 0.25 percent since December 2008."It seems the Fed's full-court press on financial markets and pricing thereof has induced a deep complacency with respect to financial assets and has also introduced a sharp degree of optimism or what we might call even inflation in the financial markets.""There has been a succession of interventions since 2007. And they accumulate to immense, improbable, unimaginable amounts of digitized, immaterial money. And they also have given us immense kind of incentives to invest and speculate in new and arguably riskier ways."Fed officials themselves are worried about complacency in financial markets. "Volatility in the markets is unusually low," William Dudley, president of the New York Fed, said after a speech last week, according to The Wall Street Journal."I am a little bit nervous that people are taking too much comfort in this low-volatility period. As a consequence, they'll take more risk than really what's appropriate." Todays Other Top StoriesMunicipal BondsBloomberg: – Muni yields set for biggest weekly jump since February on supply. – Yields in the $3.7 trillion municipal market headed for the biggest weekly increase in four months as investors prepared for rising bond issuance while demand for state and city securities ebbed.Narwhal Capital: – Muni bond inventory is scarce. – We've always had an affinity for municipal bonds. For clients with any tax sensitivity, a tax-free, income-producing investment vehicle makes an awful lot of sense—especially if we can appropriately determine the risk associated with the issue.Vanguard: – Municipal bonds and your portfolio. – Taxes, quality, risk: There are many factors to consider when building your portfolio. Vanguard fixed income experts Daniel Wallick and Chris Alwine describe the important role municipal bonds can play in a diverse investment strategy.NY Muni Blog: – Deadline approaching for municipal bond underwriters to take advantage of SEC initiative. – The deadline is rapidly approaching for issuers and underwriters of municipal bonds to avail themselves of the voluntary reporting provision of the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure co-operation (MCDC) Initiative.ETF Trends: – 7 Reasons to include muni ETFs in your portfolio. – As more people look at options to diversify their investment portfolios, investors should consider including municipal bond exchange traded funds to expand their fixed-income allocations and help manage taxes.TheStreet: – Good luck getting profits in $4 trillion municipal bond market. – It's hard to get solid bid and ask information. The cost of buying or selling is high. The market is not very liquid. But if you focus on bonds in your own state, you can get a tax-free profit as part of a $4 trillion market whose prospects in the near term are good.Bloomberg: – Waking up from fiscal nightmare that's Chicago. – To show how badly public pensions have been short-changed, Securities and Exchange Commissioner Daniel Gallagher mentioned a place where every household owes $88,000 for promises the government made to retirees.Oppenheimer Funds: – New ways to think about muni credit ratings. – To show how badly public pensions have been short-changed, Securities and Exchange Commissioner Daniel Gallagher mentioned a place where every household owes $88,000 for promises the government made to retirees.Bloomberg: – NYC Bond sale gives investors vote on de Blasio budget. – New York City plans to issue $850 million of general-obligation bonds this week, the first debt sale since Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposed budget was called credit negative by Moody's Investor's Service.Cate Long: – A visit with BlackRock's muni managers. – Peter Hayes leads the BlackRock Municipal Bonds Group. He is also a member of the Americas Fixed Income Executive Team and BlackRock's Global Operating Committee. Hayes is muniland's biggest kahuna. When he and his team talk, people listen. EducationMarket Realist: – Key differences between investment-grade and high-yield investments. – Corporate debt is divided into investment-grade and high-yield on the basis of the credit risk associated with the issuer. Credit rating agencies issue ratings to corporations and debt issuance on the basis of associated credit risk. Bond MarketBloomberg TV: – Bond dealers fight for bond sales assignments. – Bloomberg's Lisa Abramowicz reports on bond underwriting and U.S. corporate bond sales on Bloomberg Television's "Bottom Line." Treasury BondsETF.com: – 5 main factors driving Treasury yields. – The bond market hasn't exactly behaved like most people would have thought coming into 2014. Contrary to expectations for higher rates as the Fed tapers its monthly bond purchases, investors have instead been faced with dropping Treasury yields, now flirting with multi-month lows.Bloomberg: – Treasuries fall as Morgan Stanley recommends underweight. – Treasuries fell a second day before data this week that economists said will show improvement in the U.S. labor market and consumer confidence as Morgan Stanley recommended going "maximum underweight" U.S. debt.WSJ: – U.S. Government bonds pull back. – Treasury bonds pull back as looming new debt sales and upbeat data out of China and Japan sapped demand for safe assets.WSJ: – U.S. Debt holds broad appeal. – Investors across the globe are scooping up Treasurys, an asset whose main selling point until recently was safety. Investment Grade BondsInvesting.com: – Worsening risk/reward fundamentals in U.S. corporate credit. – US corporate credit markets, particularly high yield bonds, are becoming quite frothy, as risk/reward dynamics continue to worsen. Here are some key indicators.Markets Media: – Corporate bond liquidity to remain. – The liquidity imbalance in corporate bonds may remain for the foreseeable future according to consultancy Greyspark Partners.BNN: – Hank Cunningham's top corporate bond picks. – Hank Cunningham, Fixed Income Strategist at Odlum Brown picks his top corporate bonds for June. High Yield BondsLearnBonds: – A High-yielding alternative in a low-yielding world. – This high-yield bond fund, which recently surpassed $1 billion in assets under management, focuses on single-B and triple-C rated corporates, with slightly more than half its assets currently in B and B-minus rated bonds.Against Crony Capitalism: – Jim Grant warns about junk bonds. – In the interview with Forbes publisher Steve Forbes, Jim Grant refers to the mess the Fed is making and specifically warns about distortions in the price of junk bonds, the low rated corporate bonds that income starved investors are always tempted to buy. Emerging MarketsIO&C: – Why you shouldn't give up on emerging markets. – There are still opportunities in both emerging market debt and emerging market equities according to portfolio managers at global fund manager Neuberger Berman.Bloomberg: – Investors' next big thing: Emerging market debt. – Bloomberg's Matt Miller and Lisa Abramowicz examine investing in emerging market debt. They speak in "On The Markets" on Bloomberg Television's "In The Loop." Catastrophe BondsPensions and Investments: – Pension funds eye illiquid catastrophe bonds. – Significant demand for insurance-linked securities, in particular catastrophe bonds, has driven down yields and taken some of the luster off the once-shining beacons of uncorrelated assets in a pension fund's investment portfolio. Investment StrategyAllianceBernstein: – We're staying the course in bonds with intermediate-duration portfolios and higher yielding bonds. – Going forward, we expect to see healthy economic growth—one of many catalysts for the resurgence of corporate mergers and acquisitions. Our positive outlook is leading us to maintain a cyclical tilt in stocks, which are overweight in our accounts with Dynamic Asset Allocation.Bloomberg: – Gross's bulls butt heads with bears in great bond debate. – The gulf between bulls and bears has never widened so quickly in the $12 trillion market for U.S. government bonds.SSRN: – How long might an active bond ETF's "best ideas" outperformance window last? – One reason to launch an active bond ETF is a manager's belief that an opportunistic fund might be able to exploit highly attractive pockets of opportunity buried in the recesses of an existing large and successful bond mutual fund. As a result, a "best ideas" focused active bond ETF could outperform its "parent" strategy. However, there is an interesting nuance. Bond FundsFocus on Funds: – Fund flows: What's hot, not. – Emerging market debt funds attracted $2.2 billion in investments in the latest week, the largest figure since January 2013. While that marks the 10th week of inflows as investors search for yield, it's a drop compared to the 10-month, $76 billion emerging-market selloff that began in May.Business Standard: – Bond funds worldwide attract $4.3-bn inflows over week. – Stock mutual funds posted $8 billion in outflows, while stock exchange-traded funds attracted $6 billion in inflows, according to the report, which also cited data from fund-tracker EPFR Global.GROSS: Modern Financial Capitalism depends on positive yield curves – even more when highly levered. The New Neutral will be near 0% real.— PIMCO (@PIMCO) June 9, 2014Blows my mind ppl not buying PR GOs "@DividendMaster: @cate_long if BB rated Portugal 10yr can hit 3.39% today , PR a screaming bargain ! — Cate Long (@cate_long) June 9, 2014$ELD is a pretty reasonable allocation for emerging markets local debt— David Schawel (@DavidSchawel) June 9, 2014


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Dis-Moi: First Impressions of New and Expanded Interests
The performative qualities can be discerned by the director's own presence. By constructing sequences with reverse angle shots, presenting her and the speakers, there lies a clear wish for personalisation. After the first two visits, a camera peers up onto the elderly women's balconies. Cutting down to ground level, outside the apartments, a solemn Akerman stares up with fascination and respect for her subjects. Being the daughter of a lady sent to Auschwitz as a child, its ceremonial nature is unsurprising. As an unspoken fifth member of this story, she comes from a disparate generation of European children who will never truly understand the Nazis Final Solution, but lug its solidly traumatic load.

subset: commoncrawl


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|Violin Player - Flickr - aldenchadwick CC
Late twentieth century psychologists described a "split" between the look and the gaze, describing how looking at a person or object equips you with factual, empirical data about what you see, but gazing involves studying the object with "the eyes of the heart," learning to read the soul of all you behold. All fine artists must perfect their gaze. Their art demands no less. Similarly, psychologists describe radical differences between listening and hearing, valorizing hearing. When you can detect a stone's heartbeat, you have mastered the fine art of hearing. Follow your imagination to the nucleus of your most cherished possession and hear the sub-molecular music the atoms play as they draw their orbits around their common center-little different from drawing your bow across your strings, and certainly rich with vibrato.
In order to master any musical instrument, and especially in order to master the violin, you must learn to hear. And your ability to hear the world all around you will have the most profound effect on your violin vibrato-the sounds of nature and feeling represented on your four strings.
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Romantic composers used their music to recreate and intensify Nature's sublimity-Her overwhelming power and her breathtaking beauty. The greater the sublimity, the most intense the vibrato, because nothing in nature sustains one single and pitch-perfect note. Nature tends to warble, babble, trill, and sigh, all of which require vibrato. How would you ever set the music to the butterfly's wings without vibrato? How would you ever score the sunbeams glancing from the rippling brook without this technique? Lightning's flash demands staccato, and then thunder's gathering roar absolutely requires rolling vibrato from the furthest reaches of the bass clef. No vibrato, no romance.
Fast forward to the early twentieth century and the birth of the "modern" era. In all of the fine arts, "modern" works intend to represent man's domination of his environment and the rise of automation. In music, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue sets the paradigm, because it lives and thrives at the intersection of the urban landscape and human emotion-both of which demand vibrato. A "rhapsody," by definition, recreates a mood or series of emotions. As Rhapsody in Blue moves from serene-little vibrato-to reflective and vaguely melancholy-slow -to manic as traffic around the Eiffel Tower-speedy, the notes and harmonies recreate feelings and sensations, but the changes in vibrato subliminally determine the audience's different moods. Even in its disciplined, precisely noted triumphal passages, Gershwin's masterpiece includes violin and oboe descants that quiver like a nervous lover's "Will you...?" The counterpoint captures the contrast between industrial mechanism and human need. No vibrato, no mood. And the vibrato's speed determines the mood.
Just about everything in the modern world vibrates, and few things perfectly sustain a single note. The water pump in your Land Rover, for example, spins against its belt playing approximately a "high-C" accentuated with an incredibly fast vibrato. With a little practice, you can match your own to your water pump's speed, recreating post-modern nature, matching the mood of your play to the frenzy that drives your life. But make sure you include the tremulous descant set in a minor key and calling for slow, mellifluous vibrato, so that you leave ample room for post-modern human nature, too.


text: Over the weekend, we had a family outing to Govin's Lambing Barn. SO CUTE! I am an animal/zoo lover and so this was right up my alley. There were free wagon rides to boot. I'm not sure what Gwen thought. She was a bit startled by the full grown sheep, but seemed to be quite fascinated by the chicks. Her favorite part of the day was walking around the lawn with Daddy.


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Tag: Sweden Rock
5 Rockitt Rant – A Breakdown of the 2010 Music Festivals
It seems to me that this year, as well as in years past, Europe has been kicking the United States ass when it comes to major music festivals. I decided to breakdown some of major festivals this year and see which ones provided the most bang for your buck.
The Download Festival is quite possibly the biggest music festival anywhere. The promoters for this festival understand that if you want to draw a lot of people, you have to have a major headliner. This year, the Download festival has more than one with AC/DC, Aerosmith, Megadeth on the same bill. Add Motorhead, Rage Against The Machine, and Stone Temple Pilots to the bill, and you have the makings of one incredible rock show. The lineup for this festival is already stout, and they will be adding more bands soon. Will Aerosmith implode before then? Who knows? I imagine the paycheck must be pretty fat for big rock shows. Maybe money has healed all wounds with them. I know that if I lived in Europe, there is no question where I would be that weekend. This festival drew 120,000 in 2009, and will probably exceed that in 2010.
The six festivals I chose are Download, The Stockholm Rockout, The Sweden Rock Festival, Rock on the Range, Rocklahoma, and M3. There are many more that I didn't consider in this including Sonisphere and Hard Rock Hell. Any way you look at it, Europe has the U.S. beat on major rocks festivals.
Why is the United States getting the major shaft on major festivals? What can be done to turn this around? What are your thoughts about this? This rock fan is fed up!
HRH Grade: A
Download Festival June 11 – 13
Donnington Park, Derby, United Kingdom
(196.35 – 244 prices include camping)
Rage Against The Machine
Billy Idol
Them Crooked Vultures
Stone Temple Pilots
Bullet For My Valentine
Thirty Seconds to Mars
Stone Sour
Lamb of God
Five Finger Death Punch
Stockholm Rock Out is a newer festival that is comparable to M3 in Columbia, Maryland. This festival has a solid lineup, although there are no real headliners. There are twenty bands performing over the two days of this festival, many of which you will not see perform in the United States. Is it worth $166 dollars? Probably not.
HRH: Grade C+
Stockholm Rock Out (April 30th – May 1st)
Stockholm Sweden
2 Day ticket $166.07
Great White
Dizzy Reed of Guns n Roses
Pretty Boy Floyd
Vains of Jenna
Nasty Idols
Chris Laney
Killer Clan of F.U.N.
The Sweden Rock Festival has been around since '98, and seems to get bigger and better every year. This multi-day festival has a good mix of hard rock and heavy metal. It would be this metalhead's dream to see some of the band's on this bill play live. With 4 days at $295.00, the price is pretty steep for the average rocker. I am guessing most folks will buy a single day ticket, and catch some of their favorite bands and live with it.
HRH: Grade A-
Sweden Rock Festival (June 9th – 12th)
Sölvesborg, Sweden
4 Days $295.00
1 Day avg $165.38
Guns N' Roses
Gary Moore
Billy Idol
Bachman & Turner
Rick Springfield
Suicidal Tendencies
Aldo Nova
Death Angel
Steel Panther
Big Elf
Blackberry Smoke
The M3 Rock Festival is a hair metal festival in Columbia, Maryland that is celebrating its second year. This is the only music festival that I attended last year, and will probably be the only one in 2010 as well. If you are really low on dough, you can cough up $35.00 for a lawn seat (an pray it doesn't rain). The average price in the pavilion is $75.00. For 14 bands this isn't a bad deal at all, although I admit there are a couple of bands on the bill that I could skip. Seeing the Scorpions on their farewell tour is a must! I am looking forward to this one!
HRH Grade: B+
M3 (1 Day $35 – $175.00) Saturday June 19th
Columbia, MD
Vince Neil
L.A. Guns
Dizzy Reed of G&R
Bang Tango
Black Mambooza
Rock on the Range has become the premiere modern rock festival in the U.S. This is the festival's fourth year, and the festival promoters always manage collect a large amount of radio friendly bands. This year, I believe the festival lineup is a lot weaker than the 2009 bill which had Motley Crue, Slipknot, Alice in Chains, Avenged Sevenfold and Buckcherry but it is still a solid bill nonetheless. No single day tickets are available for this show, which is a complete disappointment to me. Is Godsmack or Rob Zombie a true festival headliner? I don't think so. This festival typically draws about 60,000 over the two day event. My guess is, this year it will be less.
HRH Grade: C+
Rock on the Range (May 22nd & 23rd)
Columbus, Ohio
US $99.50 – US $119.50 (for 2 day ticket)
Rob Zombie
Three Days Grace
Limp Bizkit
Papa Roach
Theory of a Deadman
Killswitch Engage
Bullet For My Valentine
Coheed & Cambria
Puddle of Mudd
Drowning Pool
Escape the Fate
Violent Soho
Shaman's Harvest
Year Long Disaster
Taddy Porter
Like A Storm
Noise Auction
Wow, I understand that the folks at Rocklahoma nearly lost their shirts last year, but this new direction is not a good one. Something had to change, as the attendance was absolutely abysmal in 2009. AEG has taken this hard rockin' hair metal festival and turned it into Rock on the Range part 2. In years past, Rocklahoma was a destination music festival. Now it is a regional one at best. They still haven't figured out that you need a headliner to draw folks to a show. While I like ZZ Top & Godsmack, they really are not headliners. While I love Tesla and Cinderella, having them on the bill isn't enough for me to travel to a multi-day festival. They at least got it right by moving the date to Memorial weekend, when it isn't 105 degrees in Oklahoma. I am betting that they have alienated the majority of the folks who attended (or played) in this festival in the past. M3 will continue to grow as a result of this. Will the attendance be better than last year? Yes. Will it exceed 25,000 for the three days? Highly doubtful.
HRH Grade: C-
Rocklahoma ( May 28th – 30th)
Pryor, Oklahoma
(95 – 749)
Stone Sour
Theory of a Deadman
Saving Abel
Adelitas Way
Burn Halo
Richy Nix
Shaman's Harvest
Taddy Porter
Like A Storm
Taking Dawn
New Medicine
Year Long Disaster
Within Reason
The Glitter Boys
3 Sweden Rock Festival Confirms First 22 Bands, 50 More To Be Named
Sweden Rock Festival – Solvesborg 3-4-5-6 June 2009
22 of 75 bands confirmed – tickets on sale now at www.swedenrock.com!
Saturday evening, during the Sweden Rock Kick Off party in Stockholm, the first 22 bands confirmed for the 2009 edition of the Sweden Rock Festival were announced. At the same time, limited edition 4-day tickets were released. These tickets will only be available until January 31st and the price is the same as last year: 1990 SEK plus advance fee. 1-day, 3-day and regular 4-day tickets will be on sale from February 1st.
In other news for next years festival, is that the Rock Stage sound system will be upgraded to Festival Stage standards, the number of water closets on the festival ground will be increased by 50 percent, and an extended collaboration with Visit Blekinge will provide visitors better service for booking accommodation and ground travel.
Bands confirmed so far:
In Flames (S) – Will bring the biggest stage production in the bands history and perform a "special" setlist. Additional surprises are to be expected. This will be the bands only show in Sweden next summer.
Heaven & Hell (UK/US) – Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio on vocals. The first Black Sabbath studio album in 14 years will be released in March – under the name Heaven & Hell to avoid confusion with the still active Ozzy Osbourne fronted version of the band. This will be their only show in Sweden.
Dream Theater (US) – The prog metal masters have decided to start the European tour at Sweden Rock Festival. This will be their only show in Scandinavia in 2009.
Europe (S) – The most successful rock band in Swedish history. Headlined SRF 2004. Will release a new album in May.
Foreigner (US) – Have sold more than 50 million records but only played in Sweden once before, in 1991. This will be their only show in Sweden in 2009.
Hammerfall (S) – The new line-up featuring original bass player Fredrik Larsson and Poodles/Talisman/Great King Rat axeman Pontus Norgren will bring a super sized stage show, exclusive to Sweden Rock Festival!
Motorhead (UK/S) – The Sweden Rock Festival "house band" are once again bringing their full stage show including the "Bomber" plane ligting rig.
Lita Ford (USA) – She put her career on ice in 1997, but now she is back! This will be her only show in Scandinavia.
Uriah Heep (UK) – Recently released their first studio album in ten years.
Marillion (UK) – The only show in Scandinavia in 2009.
Amon Amarth (S)
Riot (USA) – The "Thundersteel" and "Privilige of Power" line-up reunited, exclusively for Sweden Rock Festival!
Blackfoot (USA) – The only show in Sweden this summer.
Soilwork (S)
Forbidden (US) – The only show in Sweden.
The Outlaws (USA) – The only show in Scandinavia.
The Tubes (USA) – The only show in Scandinavia.
Bullet (S)
Seventh Wonder (S)
Stormzone (Irl)
Torch (S)
Enforcer (S)
Another 50 bands will be added to the line-up!
More information about all bands confirmed so far, about our tickets and the festival in general can be found on our website, www.swedenrock.com.
Source: swedenrock.com


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I got tagged awhile ago by my sister-in-law... but I don't really like gushing about myself [it feels soo informal, like a first date]. So I thought I would just share a couple of blogs that I love right now... I'll Call It My Top 3 Blogs I Can't Live Without [seriously]...
1-Kerflop - This is my MOST favoritist blog right now! It all started when I read this post, where she revisited her yearbooks of past [she scribbled people out, I know we all have!] and shared stories of old, along with looking some of them up now!! Today there was another good one about online dating... For a good time, frequently visit here.
2-A Little Sussy - She is a photographer who takes fabulous pictures, and always posts fun, beautiful things! She teaches photography classes and is currently doing a Garden Swap [never participated before but it sounds kinda fun].
3- Meg's Diary [Meg Cabot] - I don't know how I found this blog, but this blog had me at the excitment of getting one of her books banned from a public school! She is the author of the Princess Diaries and other books. Her most recent post was on "Why Tim Riggins Didn't Ask You Out" [a very educational look at why your crush in High School never asked you out]. Now it just all makes sense!
4 comments:
- Unknown said...
your top 2 are faves of mine, as well! and i can't wait to check out your other pick!
- Friday, January 25, 2008
- Jessica said...
Thanks for the linky love! :o)
- Sunday, January 27, 2008
- sadie said...
Weird that my blog wasn't on there. It must be a given, I guess.
- Monday, January 28, 2008
- The Soffe said...
Tim Riggins is one of the coolest guys around...I hope he can pull it together.
- Monday, January 28, 2008
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The climate change deniers have won."
In the article Cohen points to an usually alarming tone in a warning from the American Association for the Advancement of Science which stated that "human-caused climate risks abrupt, unpredictable and potentially irreversible changes."
The warning from The American Association for the Advancement of Science can be added to a long list of respectable scientific organizations which are calling for urgent action to combat climate change. These groups are the leading voices of scientific enquiry they include The Royal Society, the Royal Institution, Nasa, the US National Academy of Sciences, the US Geological Survey, the IPCC and the national science bodies of 30 or so other countries. All of whom have said unequivocally that human activities are the cause of climate change. As explained by Cohen, "The evidence for man-made global warming is as final as the evidence of Auschwitz."
Despite the certainty of anthropogenic climate change, a surprisingly large number of people have no interest in the facts and we are rapidly running out of time. As we feverishly strive to bring deniers on-board the reality train, it is hard to ignore the possibility that it may already be too late.
The Collapse of Human Civilization and How to Avoid It
The Current Climate Trajectory is "Catastrophic"
It Going to Get Even Hotter than Predicted by Climate Models According to a New Cloud Study
Comprehensive Review of the Science on Anthropogenic Climate Change
AGU: Human-induced Climate Change Requires Urgent Action
World Resources Institute Warning About New Coal Plants
PricewaterhouseCoopers Climate Change Warning
International Renewable Energy Institute Climate Warning
Warning from the International Energy Agency: The World's Ongoing Reliance on Fossil Fuels Crushes
World Meteorological Organization Climate Warning
World Bank Climate Change Warning
UNEP Warning: We are on The Brink of a Climate Catastrophe
World Bank Report Warns of A 4°C Warmer World
Strong Body of Evidence for a Changing Climate
American Meteorological Society Corroborates Anthropogenic Climate Change
More Scientific Support for Anthropogenic Climate Change
Science and Pernicious Ignorance of Climate Change Denial
Climate Change Science


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We've received some truly exclusive bits and pieces from Orion Children's Department about a debut novel coming from them this year.
I've read an early proof of Annabel's book after the publicity person, Nina, put it in my hands and said: read it, it's unlike anything you've come across since maybe The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.
I was hesitant. I KNEW that reading it was going to turn me into a slobbering mess of tears and emotions and I was right. But it turned me into a sniffling girl for all the right reasons. It also made me laugh out loud. It made me want to punch a character in the book, it made me want to punch the air in victory as the story developed and I came to love the characters but most of all, it's made me talk (quietly for now) about it to everyone I've come across.
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher is only out in on 1st March but I'm here to prod you to think about buying it. It is an amazing novel - the story is fabulous and heartwarming and the main character, Jamie, has not left me since I first read it. I've passed it onto Essjay to read because I needed to share it with someone so that I could talk about it. She read it in a sitting and we both just looked at each other and went: dear heavens, this is good.
But, before I waffle on even more, here is a personalised message to MFB readers from Annabel.
We are so very pleased that she's agreed to do this short clip. We'll be hosting the actual book trailer soon as well as a guest post by Annabel in due course in which I've asked her to talk to us about her writing process.
In the meantime, we can share the cover with you and later this week I'll be putting up some photos and such from her launch later today, which I'm lucky enough to be invited to. I may even be able to arrange a book or two (signed) to give away.
Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher
Who wrote this? Liz at 7:27 am
Labels: orion children's books
6 comments:
- ImageNations said...
You made my day, not just with a book you loved but with the insert. I love listening to authors talk about their books. Thanks
- 27 January, 2011 10:29
- George Worboys Wright said...
I keep seeing this reviewed...I'm desperate to read it, can't wait for it to be out!
- 27 January, 2011 11:15
- serendipity_viv said...
Can't wait to read this one too. I mentioned it on my blog on Tuesday. It sounds brilliant. Very current too.
- 27 January, 2011 13:37
- A Social Pastime said...
This book looks so good - thanks for sharing :)
- 27 January, 2011 18:38
- iffath said...
I got a proof for review of this yesterday, can't wait to read it! It looks fantastic, LOVE the trailer!!
- 27 January, 2011 19:04
- bibliophile brouhaha said...
OMG is this coming to the States? This sounds like my type of book - what an amazing review!
-Linds, bibliophile brouhaha
- 31 January, 2011 16:19
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News at Mason
Zingraff Named Interim President of Mason Songdo Campus
June 21, 2013
Provost Peter Stearns tapped Matthew Zingraff to serve as the interim president of George Mason University's upcoming campus in Songdo, Korea.
"I'm really grateful that Dr. Zingraff has taken this on," Stearns says. "He'll oversee crucial steps in the development of our campus there and its coordination with Mason Fairfax. He also can expand work already under way on related research collaborations in Korea."
The Mason Songdo Campus is slated to open in March 2014. Korea's Ministry of Education is expected to give final approval soon. Mason's initial courses of study include management, economics and global affairs.
Songdo is part of Korea's Incheon Free Economic Zone — a 42,000-acre area designed for 850,000 people. It's an hour away from Seoul and a two-hour flight from China and Japan.
"It is an urban mecca for R&D and high-tech work, and George Mason University will be right in the middle of it," says Zingraff, who served as interim vice president of research and economic development for Mason until the recent appointment of Vikas Chandhoke, former College of Science dean.
Mason Korea will be part of the Songdo Global University Campus, joining the University of Utah, Belgium's Ghent University and the State University of New York (SUNY) Stony Brook, which opened last year.
"There's work that needs to be done to ensure we have an appropriate infrastructure in Korea to realize our vision," Zingraff says. "I will oversee our Songdo launch, and in doing so will build upon the foundation created by a host of contributors at Mason Fairfax and in Korea over the last two years of planning. I will position us for future success and be a vocal advocate for Mason and the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Mason is committed to bringing the same academic programs offered on its Virginia campuses to East and Southeast Asians and other students who want a U.S. education that's closer to home, Zingraff says.
Mason Songdo students will spend the first two years in Korea, year three at Mason's Fairfax Campus and return to Korea for the final semesters. Students enrolled at Mason's Virginia campuses can also study at the Songdo campus or participate in internships.
"This is a remarkable opportunity for Mason U.S. students," Zingraff says.
Zingraff also plans to reach out to Mason alumni who live in Korea, as well as Korean companies, to support the new campus and its academic and research programs.
Zingraff earned his PhD from Bowling Green State University. He is associate dean for research in Mason's College of Humanities and Social Sciences and holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society. Prior to joining Mason in 2006, he served as associate dean for research and graduate studies and professor of sociology at North Carolina State University.


text:
JBL Inspire 700 for WomenDetails https://eu.jbl.com/JBL+Inspire+700+for+Women.html?dwvar_JBL%20Inspire%20700%20for%20Women_color=Aqua-GLOBAL-Current
In-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones with charging case
In-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones with charging case
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Providing up to 8 hours of playback, thanks to the charging case, these headphones ensure up to 16 hours of extended battery life. The charging case offers a rugged and secure protection to your headphones while not in use.
TwistLock™ technology
Our patented TwistLock™ technology provides a secure fit, ensuring these headphones never fall out even during the most rigorous physical activities.
Guaranteed never to hurt, these headphones are ergonomically designed to avoid nerve rich areas of the ear for long-lasting comfort. Made with ultra-soft medical-grade, flexible silicone to ensure a comfortable fit for hours on end.
Sweat Proof
Developed for training in any conditions, the Inspire™ 700 endures through rain, water, and sweat.
Microphone with music and track control
The sweat and water resistant 3-button microphone system provides a new level of convenience for the multi-tasker. Through the click of a button, you're able to control phone calls and music tracks without breaking from your work-out. Compatible with most smart phones.
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For over 60 years, JBL has engineered precise, naturally articulated sound found in high-end cinemas, arenas and recording studios around the world.
Created by athletes, the Inspire™ 700 Sport Headphones from JBL® add great sound performance to your active lifestyle. Providing up to 8 hours of playback, thanks to the charging case they ensure up to 16 hours of JBL Signature Sound to keep you going longer and harder. The charging case offers also a rugged and secure protection to your headphones while not in use. No matter how hard you are working out, the secure TwistLock™ technology with ergonomic ear tips specially designed for smaller ears are guaranteed never to hurt or fall out. What's more, there're sweatproof for endurance through rain and sweat. These sport headphones provide a premium audio experience and perfect fit, with the convenience of Bluetooth® wireless.
General Specifications
Control and Connection Specifications
Spec Sheet (English)English 533 KB
- 1 pair of Inspire™ 500 headphones
- 2 sizes
- Sport carry pouch
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- 1 x Warranty / Warning
- 1 x Saftey Sheet / QSG
The latest owner's manuals, quick start guides, and documents.


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Install Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 ROM on Galaxy S2 i9100. After the superb Galaxy S, Samsung did a pretty good job by making its successor a well deserved one. Following the footsteps of its exceedingly popular predecessor, Galaxy S, the new Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 packs in a 4.3 inches of AMOLED touchscreen with 480 x 800 pixels of resolution, a super speedy 1.2 GHz Cortex A9 dual core processor, 1 GB of RAM with 32 GB of internal memory, 8 megapixel primary camera and 2 megapixel of front camera for selfies. Launched with Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread, Samsung later upgraded it to official Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and then to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS.
Even today many Android users use this phone due to its amazing specs and features. After JB, Galaxy S2 users never received any further official updates from Samsung. But thankfully many Android developers started building unofficial third party custom firmwares in order to enjoy as well as experience the newly launched Android version on this beautiful phone. Recently rINanDO, a senior member from the xda community has developed the newly launched Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 unofficial custom ROM especially for Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 smartphone. Thanks to him, the Galaxy S2 i9100 users can now enjoy the breathtaking features of Android Oreo on their phones. This ROM has many new improvement in the overall UI, some performance enhancements and few battery tweaks as well.
Note that this Android 8.0.0 Oreo based lineage OS 15 custom ROM is in its alpha stage and hence consists of few bugs or issues. But don't worry as the developer is constantly working to bring you with a completely bug free custom ROM. So as soon as a new bug free update is rolled out we'll let you know. If you are interested in trying this Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 smartphone then go ahead to our actual guide given below. 👍
The procedure given below for flashing the latest Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 is much risky and may permanently damage your device, if not implemented correctly. The Android users who are quite familiar with this process and have a complete knowledge regarding this stuff can proceed further. But for the newbies who are completely un-aware of this thing, we recommend you to stop right here. If in case your Galaxy S2 gets damaged or bricked by following this article then neither we at droidthunder.com nor the developers of this ROM will be held liable for that. Even though the chances that your mobile will get damaged is least, but still I highly recommend you to follow all the steps mentioned below properly and without attempting anything by your own.
This Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 ROM must be flashed only and only on Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-I9100. Don't try to install this Lineage OS 15 custom ROM on any other device or variant as it might permanently damage or even brick your phone. It is better to verify your phone first before moving ahead.
- Ensure that your device has a proper battery backup before moving to flashing process. Lack of battery may increase the risk of interruption in the process thus leading to further problems. So I highly recommend to charge the battery of your phone at least up to 60%.
- Backup your contacts, applications, messages, call logs, memos, apn settings etc. This is essential as in the last step of this flashing process you need to wipe all your data and cache from the phones internal memory.
- Backup EFS folder which is present in your system directory. This sensitive folder contains all your phones specific information such as the IMEI, wireless devices MAC addresses, product code, and much more. If by mistake the data in it gets wiped, then this will make your phone completely useless & will no longer be recognized by your carrier. Refer our article to backup and restore EFS/IMEI data:
- Make sure that the Mobile specific drivers are installed on your Computer. You can install them by installing Samsung Kies or manually install them from the link given below:
- Your Galaxy S2 must have a root access. Also a custom recovery like Clockworkmod (CWM) or TWRP (Team win recovery project) must be installed. If you haven't done yet, then follow our complete guide given below:
- Also ensure that you've enabled the USB debugging mode on your phone. If not, then do so by following the path Menu->Settings->Developer options ->USB debugging. If you can't see Developer option then go to Settings->About Phone and tap 7 times on the Build number. This will make the Developers option appear in the Settings menu.
Procedure to install Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 ROM on Galaxy S2 i9100:
Step 1: Download both the ROM package and GApps zip files on your computer.
Note: Do not extract these zip files.
Step 2: Using micro USB cable connect your Galaxy S2 i9100 to computer and transfer both these zip files on your phones internal memory. Then safely disconnect your phone from computer.
Note: If you don't have computer, then you can even directly download these zip files on your phone.
Step 3: Next power off your Galaxy S2 i9100 completely until it vibrates.
Step 4: After that, you need to boot your phone into TWRP custom recovery mode. The same can be done by pressing and holding Volume up key + Home button (middle button) + Power button simultaneously until your phone lands into TWRP custom recovery mode. Refer screenshot.
Note: Once you enter the TWRP recovery mode, the first thing you need to do is take a complete backup of your current ROM.
Refer our detailed guide for taking complete Nandroid backup:
Step 5: From the main menu of TWRP recovery, select the Wipe option.
Step 6: Then, from the next screen swipe right to start the factory reset process.
Note: This step will clear the data on your phone memory so make sure you have backed up everything before performing this step.
Step 7: After wiping out everything again go back to the main menu and select Wipe option.
Step 8: Then click on the Advanced Wipe option present there.
Step 9: On the next screen, select the particular partitions to wipe.
Then swipe right to start the wiping process.
Step 10: After the wiping process completes, go back and select the Install option from the main menu. This will show you all the files and folders present on your phones memory.
Step 11: Just find the Android 8.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 ROM which you've copied earlier and select it. On the next screen just swipe right to start the actual Lineage OS 15 ROM flashing process.
Step 12: Wait and be patient until the flashing process completes successfully. It will hardly take few minutes. As soon as it completes, you'll see the successful message on the screen.
Step 13: Now go back and install the Google Apps package (which contains Play Store, Maps, Gmail, Gtalk etc.) in the same way as you've installed the Lineage OS 15 custom ROM.
Step 14: The flashing process completes here. Now you may restart your Galaxy S2 i9100 by selecting the Reboot->System option present on the TWRP recovery mode itself.
Note: The first boot will take more time to start than usual.
Also Read: Install Official Android 4.1.2 XWLST Jelly Bean firmware on Galaxy S2 i9100.
Gotcha! The latest Android 8.0.0 Oreo based Lineage OS 15 custom ROM has been successfully installed on your Samsung Galaxy S2 i9100 smartphone. To confirm the same, navigate to Menu->Settings->About Phone. Enjoy the latest combo features of Lineage OS and the latest Android 8.0 Oreo with this ROM. Also don't forget to share your views and experience after using it. Feel free to contact me if you face any issues while going through the installation guide. I'll be happy to help you guys. Till then Enjoy and Peace out! 😎✌


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Since my daughter likes to listen to my Spotify quite a bit, my most-played songs of 2016 list had plenty of surprises for me, including this one! Have a great week.
Month: January 2017
Monday's Music
This week I'm hoping to finish up my latest book! What are you up to?
Second Edition of Boon Collector Available Today
If you missed the adventures of Bane the demon and Tisha, the mysterious mortal with a past, be sure to check out the second edition of my book The Boon Collector, available from Changeling Press today! You can get it there, read an excerpt or get it for your Reader from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or Kobo.
Monday's Music
We introduced my daughter to Dirty Dancing this weekend and she is smitten!
Monday's Music
Good morning! Here's a song in honor of the book I am working on right now.


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The Chicago Embroidery Company has been in continuous business since 1890 and was one of the first commercial embroidery companies to manufacture patches starting in World War II. We've made a lot of patches since then, easily more than 400 million individual units, and we've learned a thing or two along the way on how to save money for our customers.
1. Think twice about how many patches you need and how many you can use until you need to order again.
a. Making a patch requires creating the digital pattern and setting up the machine to stitch the pattern. This process is essentially the same if you are making one patch or 100,000 patches. The difference is the set-up costs (labor) is spread out over the number of patches ordered so the more you order the set up cost is less per patch. Making one patch means you pay for the entire set up cost. Making 1,000 patches means your set up cost is divided over all the patches and is pretty low.
b. The more patches you order = lower cost per patch
2. What do you want the patches for? Can you simplify the design?
a. The cost of making a patch is tied to the amount of stitches required to make the design. If you can simplify the design so there is more background color and less stitches the lower the cost.
3. Can you get by with a smaller sized patch?
a. Generally speaking the larger the patch is the more stitches needed to make the design. Will a smaller size patch still do the job of a larger one? If so, consider using a smaller size patch instead of a large one.
4. Does your design use metallic "shiny" thread? If so, switch it for normal stock thread. The metallic "shiny" thread is usually mylar or other expensive material. The shiny thread may look nice but it adds cost to your patch.
5. What kind of backing do you have? Do you really need an iron-on back? If so, be prepared to pay a little more. The low-melt PVC plastic typically used for iron-on patches costs more than regular plastic backing. If you are really trying to shave some pennies off the price go with a mesh backing, not plastic.
Call our office 312/664-4232 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com with any questions. We have been in business more more than 100 years and know how to help you save money for your custom patches.


text:
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I need for a 3rd edition, this is compatible?? It's languaje configurable? My phone is in Spanish... Thanks mi mail firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
The Mountain Loop Highway is closed to thru traffic while equipment is making repairs near Skull & Chockwich Creeks which is blocking access to Sloan Creek Road, FSR #49 and associated trailheads. The road will be reopening in this area hopefully by Tuesday, October 31st. You can still drive this scenic road just not all the way from Granite Falls to Darrington.
Announcements >


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Well, someone needs to open for The Who. Ginny Has a Grunge Band is an official selection to the 2017 Las Vegas International Screenwriting Competition, an event that takes place August 11th-13th. See: https://www.lviscreenwritingcompetition.com/2017-results.html
Update 7/31: Ginny Has a Grunge Band is now one of three finalists in the musical category. The others are Band 28 by Victor Michaels and Rock It by Katrina Landis. Rock on!
Update 8/5: GINNY WINS SECOND PLACE! Note to Ginny: Not bad, my sista, to get a win in your 3rd category (musical, drama, LGBTQ). And to walk away from Vegas a winner is a rarity.


text:
Working with some forty businesses in any one year, Tim's speaking and writing is based on the Growth Cycle. He has many dozens of stories from real businesses, suitably disguised, to illustrate the key practical points that delegates can take away and apply as soon as they get back to their businesses.
Direction, Trust and Performance, in this sequence, are eternal truths for both business and personal relationships. It is only time and circumstance that changes:
The Bull's Eye process is the most powerful way to clarify direction. Tim emphasises the need for openness and honesty from all parties. This material always works best where people are genuinely interested in discussing anything and everything that is relevant to the future of the business. The clearer you are about where you would like to be the more likely you are to get there.
In a knowledge world, the most successful organisations over time place a high priority on the way they develop trust between people. Tim shares how to get CLOSER to our colleagues, CLOSER to our staff and stakeholders and ultimately, CLOSER to our customers. The externally facilitated 360 degree appraisal of the CEO is the single most powerful way to start this process.
We enhance performance by finding out what makes people individually and collectively excellent. The synergy between professional competences and human characteristics is what people bring to the party when they come to work each day. When we know what this is, we are then in a strong position to identify development needs, allocate responsibility and resource to the eight crucial areas of the business.
Tim, you are a highly original and dynamic speaker - your keynote address at our Convention provoked: "Tim Kidson was excellent" "Passionate and energetic" and "First class" are typical of the comments made by some of the 140 delegates attending."
Chris Challender - Regional Manager - Chartered Management Institute
Very many thanks for a really excellent presentation. Your personal strap line was fully reflected in our day.
Christopher Ward - Chief Executive - Wales Management Council
Tim is a passionate, engaging and entertaining speaker - with a very real message that is of paramount of importance to every single business - large or small. I can't remember the last time I so enjoyed and felt inspired to action by a speaker - Tim is incredible - you must see him!
Sue Gilkes - Senior Partner - Your Impact (UK)
That was a brilliant keynote Tim. You have an amazing way of painting pictures for your audience.
June Williams - Director of Quality - Investors in people UK
I just wanted to say how much my colleagues and I enjoyed your keynote presentation last Thursday. Great recommendation - thank you. Very appropriate for our business!
Liz Hartstone - Managing Director - PROFILE Global Hospitality Recruitment London
What a powerful and thought provoking presentation. It was a fantastic keynote Tim, you will be inundated by the audience after that.
Paul Surridge - Chief Executive - Sightcare
Thank you so much for your excellent presentation; you really got the room buzzing and the overarching theme of the talk had something for everybody in business
Janette Rawlinson - Chair - Women in Business - Birmingham
You were fabulous, as always, and I know the group took masses from your presentation. Thank you once more for being so warm and generous, I know you made several fans to add to your many more.
Angi Egan - Managing Director - Pure Vision UK Ltd
That was a wonderful keynote Tim. The power and simplicity of your Bull's Eye model has saved our executive countless hours of meetings for this coming year alone.
Peter Amor - Chairman - Society of Independent Brewers
You have captured the essence of a committed relationship between two people, then applied that to organisations. It will work anywhere.
Paul Thandi - Chief Executive Officer - The NEC Group
I found your talk inspiring and can assure you that I will using the information you provided on the day and in your book.
Neil Rossiter - Operations Director- Spectrum Environmental Ltd
It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you so much for doing this event. It was truly inspirational and it's certainly causing a positive stir with our BA's.
Helen Goring - Head of Events, BLWM
© tim kidson 2010


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Service Testimonials
"Diana is a true healer with a humble heart. She has
helped me and other members of my family see through the muddle
and get to the root cause of our issues. With her guidance,
we have been able to heal old wounds and get on with the living
of our lives. Thank you Diana - you gave me my Self back.
The people in my world are very thankful for that gift but
none is more thankful than I. ~
Karen B., New York
"Diana helped me to see past my wounds and face
challenges. Through the years, I had lost my identity and
self worth. She helped me to regain my Purpose, shift my perspective,
but most importantly – Diana taught me about forgiveness.
I feel lighter and walk taller for that. She gently facilitates
the healing process and empowers those that she meets; leaving
a flame of Compassion burning in their hearts long after the
session has ended."- Lauren
J., France
"Diana Harris is a gifted Medium and she is 'the
real deal.' The first time I attended one of her group
sessions, I did not know what to expect. When she spoke my
mother's name and told me her cause of death, I was
in total shock. Years later, I went back to her after my boyfriend
was in a fatal motorcycle accident, only telling her that
I had just lost the man in my life. She told me how he died,
explained the accident in detail and told me his son's
name, who rode on the motorcycle with him the day before the
accident. He said through her that he is still with me, and
then described many specific things that were going on in
my life, including that very morning. He also stated my son's
name and gave specific details about his life including a
major life decision that he made that week.
I've brought many friends to see her since then. She
immediately knew the names of their passed spouses, and even
their nicknames, which were not even known to me. She knew
how exactly how they passed and also gave evidence from their
loved ones in spirit about details in their current life to
let them know they are still with them from the other side.
All of those whom I have recommended Diana to told me afterwards
that there is no doubt in their minds that she is able to
speak to their loved ones who have passed on. Diana is definitely
tapped in to heaven and I find her details to be more than
95% accurate. I can't recommend her highly enough and
I feel as though my loved ones in spirit somehow guided me
to her for messages of love, light and guidance from the other
side." Jayne
Cousins, M. Ed, MA
"Diana Harris a master weaver and a very gifted channel
of Light. Her channeling event was amazing. I look forward
to much more from Diana! My heart was filled & my view
of the world was much broadened. I am most grateful for the
service she renders & the beauty of her humble heart.
God Bless you!" ~ Denise P.,
My meetings with
Diana literally changed my life. Through Diana I believe I
received divine guidance which prompted me to make some major
changes in my life. I am now leading an infinitely more joyful
and fulfilling life because I feel that I am now living my
soul's true purpose. Diana is warm and compassionate and radiates
light and love as she shares her gifts. I will always think
of her as my "guardian angel." I could not recommend
her more highly.
B, Philadelphia, PA
"Diana is so gifted at what she does. I have walked away
from every session and class feeling more enriched and empowered.
Diana's powerful energy makes me feel supported and connected
to my higher self. She speaks the truth without judgement
or ego. Her products are also amazing! I feel so blessed to
have Diana in my life!"
R.J., New York, NY
I first
met Diana years ago at an Expo. The moment I saw her I could
feel her positive energy that emulated the entire room. As
she graced the room and reached souls from the other side
of the rainbow my heart skipped a beat. I prayed my beloved
13 year old brother would reach out to her to give my mom
a message. She approached my mom after being pulled back to
the side of the room we were sitting. She said "Your
son is sitting beside you. He wants you to know that he is
happy and wants you to be happy and live your life."
She had no other way of knowing my young 13 year old brother
had died of leukemia. This was not the only time that she
was remarkable in reaching to the other side. My friend's
son Casey had died unexpectedly. She relayed a message to
me that Casey (not a common name) wanted to let his mom know
he was happy, that his passing was indeed an accident and
that he was rolling on the floor laughing. As I relayed the
message to my friend she began to cry. She and her son would
always laugh so heartily at jokes they would fine themselves
rolling on the floor laughing.
Jacqui, MA
"Diana's messages are always delivered with compassion.
She empowers clients to make positive changes in their lives
when they come seeking guidance on challenging life issues.
Although she sometimes makes people cry during mediumship
sessions, it is always tears of joy from feeling connected
to the loved ones they have lost. The large number of clients
who bring their friends and family members to see Diana is
a "true testimony" to the power of her work in
helping people improve their lives." - Cathy
Levine, owner of Circles of Wisdom, Andover, Ma
"Diana has made guest appearances in my shop in Florida
to educate and enlighten people in the community. She has
touched so many people in such a positive way--too many to
count! She is truly a gift from God, because she is always
looking out for the highest good of all involved. I highly
recommend her!" - Kathleen,
owner, Inner Journeys, Melbourne, FL
"A number of challenges have weighed heavy
on my heart and mind challenging my spirit and hope for a
very long time, including the loss of my son on Mother's
Day. It took a lot of searching and consideration before I
made the first contact with her. Once I did, I was astounded
by what I received. Diana is compassionate, sincere, understanding
and her intuitive abilities were much more than I anticipated.
By working with her, I have been able to connect with my son.
There is no doubt that she connected us. With her guidance,
I have embarked on a journey of learning, healing, acceptance,
love and peace. Diana has inspired me. She made me feel like
a long lost friend from our first connection, which set me
at ease. Each time I have utilized a suggestion she has given
me, positive things have happened. Thank you Diana for your
continued guidance and motivation."
- Dana, Oregon
"I had no expectations for what an evening with Diana
would be like before meeting her. The group of friends who
joined me were unsure also. Within minutes of Diana beginning
her time with us it was apparent that she had connected with
our passed loved ones and was offering us the opportunity
to affirm that we truly are never alone. She delivered messages
without judgment, gently, and with an occasional curiosity
which made me feel that she too is often in awe of her own
gifts. Her peaceful demeanor and sense of humor helped put
me at ease and allowed for a truly inspiring and memorable
session. I am grateful that she shares her talents and gifts
so generously. I would not hesitate to recommend her services
to anyone." - Donna Nichols,
"After several days, I am still processing the events/messages
from an evening of working in a small group with Diana! I
like to compare the experience with a watching a talented
weaver creating a personal tapestry ... Spirit and divine
guidance provide the threads and wisdom and it all comes together
from Diana's graceful loom. We especially were drawn to Diana's
sense of joy, humor and humble heart. I count these experiences
as a wonderful opportunity for affirmation of the Infinite
Love and abundance from beyond; truly a blessed night for
all of us." - Connie Price,
Diana Harris - Intuitive
Counselor, Medium, Author, Speaker, and Educator
Phone: 978-973-6637 - Email: email@example.com
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text:
IT'S April 6, which mean Tartan Day celebrations are taking place in around the world.
The date marks the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 and thousands of people around the world will be sporting their best plaid to honour the history and achievements of Scottish descendants.
While the day is designed to mark Scottish heritage, tartan fashion has really grown in popularity in recent years.
The days of plaid being linked to boring school uniforms are gone, with top celebrities often seen sporting stylish designs and tartan accessories.
So let us prove that tartan can be a lot more stylish than how it was worn back in the 90s.
A classic option, modelled by Taylor Swift above, is a tartan a-line skirt.
We can bet your granny used to wear one of these and that really is proof that tartan fashion transcends time.
After all, everyone is raving about vintage fashion, are they not?
For a more glamorous occasion, we point you to the stunning red carpet looks by tartan's biggest ambassador - Alexander McQueen.
The late designer loved tartan and if it's good enough for style icon Sarah Jessica Parker, then we definitely give it our seal of approval.
Take a look at our gallery above to see how to pull off tartan fashion on this great day.
And check out our gallery below of the Tartan Day Parade and Scotland Week.
Then discover 12 places Scots must visit in New York during Tartan Week.
And celebrate all things Scottish in New York with our what's on guide.


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As the President Prepares to Address the Nation, Congressman Higgins Defends Programs Critical to Western New York
As the House of Representatives Appropriation Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies prepares budgetary decisions for Fiscal Year 2018, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) testified before the panel to make Western New York priorities heard. The subcommittee's jurisdiction includes funding for the arts, historic preservation and environmental protection.
(To access video click above or go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THKinDT-NMU#t=15m08s)
The Congressman, a member of the Great Lakes Task Force, credited the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative with revival of the Buffalo River, saying in part, "Prior to the Clean Water/Clean Air Act of 1972, chemical, steel and grain industry essentially dumped their toxic poison into places like the Great Lakes and the Buffalo River. In 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency declared that the Buffalo River was biologically dead and ecologically destroyed. It (GLRI) has resulted in unleashing the resources and creativity of the private sector which have invested a lot of money for restoration of habitat along the Buffalo River and also residential commercial mixed-use development in those corridors. So it's really created a new economy in Buffalo and it's a very important program."
Higgins also pointed out how projects that use Historic Tax Credits are playing a critical role in the revitalization of local neighborhoods, "One hundred years ago Buffalo was the eighth largest economy in the entire nation and one of the strongest in the entire world. All of the great landscape and building architects came to Buffalo; consequently we had these beautiful buildings but because of economic decline over the last 20 years Buffalo took a major hit and a lot of those buildings were empty. Because of the Historic Tax Credit program, developers undertook the redevelopment of those buildings for commercial, mixed-use and residential development. Now we're seeing Buffalo undergo a major economic renaissance."
In longer, written testimony Congressman Higgins also pointed to programs through the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Heritage Areas, including the Niagara Falls and Erie Canalway Heritage Areas, for their role in both contributing to the region's culture and quality of life as well as driving tourism and economic opportunity.
Congressman Higgins serves as a member of the House of Representatives Committee on the Budget, responsible for developing the annual budget resolution, and the Ways and Means Committee, which oversees tax policy.


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The plant Hire Industry seems to have developed into what it is after the second world war . Bomb damage had devastated vast areas of our cities and there was a desperate shortage of machinery and other quipment to repair it - as a result of this what machines we did have were at a premium - the halcyon days of hire , I would think but things were never that simple. The upshot was that because there was lots of work , construction companies were able to grow into large Corporations fairly easily,picking up work they wanted at prices that made sense , many of them also aquired large holdings or fleets of machines and developed 'Plant Departments' , staffed by skilled people whose job it was to look after the cars,trucks excavators,cranes - anything the company aquired to carry out the jobs . This model worked well until jobs big enough to support these monoliths started to get more difficult to find , then many of the more massive companies needed to look for economies , and for most of them the Plant Department was something they could easily divest themselves of , so , the rationale was to close them down and use outside hire to provide the equipment they needed , thus saving the cost of purchasing kit , maintaining it , employing all the people needed to run the Department . By this time Plant Hire had attracted all sorts of 'Players' into the field , so there were companies ready to take up the challenge and provide a first rate service ( in most cases) .Vehicle hire had also come of age and any type of car , lorry ,truck or van could be aquired from allsorts of enterprising companies using various equally enterprising methods of financing fleets!
For a time there was good business to be had, efficient, well run organisations were able to make good money providing a premium service, but,alas,this would not last. Plant Hire , at first look , is a great business to be in , the essence of it being people borrow the kit,pay you for it and then give it back! , Companies of all sorts had little dabbles in hire,threw money at it,cut rates to get business , then , not liking the reality , sold up and got out. The intervention of ' instant hire ' organisations wasn't the only cause of the plant hire industry woes , the overriding problem is the willingness of people in the industry to cut rates , and hence,cut their own throats! It always amazes me that when you talk to hire people they all decry rate slashing but they all do it!
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Plant Hire - How it got to where it is today!
Posted by Plantman at 10:01
1 comment:
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About Juniper
Juniper is a contemporary group of artisan cafés, striving to serve the best coffee, hot and cold beverages. Our drinks are perfectly complimented by a menu of high quality breakfasts, brunches, salads, lunches and sweet treats.
Our Story
Amin Ammar is the proud owner of Juniper in Bramhall and much like the journey Juniper has been on itself, Amin has come a long way since his humble beginnings in Syria.
Amin has lived in Didsbury since 2007. Shortly before this, he lived in Liverpool where he worked in a restaurant with his cousin, further developing his culinary skills. Amin left Syria in 2005 to live in the U.K. where intensive language courses paid off as his English is now superb.
Amin chose to live near Manchester as it actually reminded him and where he was living in Damascus and he opened his Heaton Moor Juniper in 2011. After the success of Heaton Moor Amin opened his Bramhall branch just over a year ago. Plans to open a third branch down in London are well underway and Amin is thoroughly excited about taking his cafe concepts to the Capital city.
"We've got something different here. We go the extra mile."
Amin sees the difference in his business compared to everyone else as threefold:
Welcoming customer service, cleanliness and excellent food quality; Juniper ensures that these three qualities are always second to none and Amin sees this as the reason that Juniper's success has been so strong.
The food there is very continental, offering the likes of omelettes and eggs benedict as well as traditional English food like chicken salads and their signature full English breakfast which is extremely popular.
Juniper, for those who don't know, is a type of berry, and is used in some of Amin's dishes and smoothies, another delicious, freshly made option on the menu. All smoothie ingredients are sourced locally and blended in-house.
Join Us
We're always interested in hearing from those that share our passion for high quality food and drink, coupled with great customer service.
If you think you could become a valuable member of our teams, simply email your CV to firstname.lastname@example.com
Contact Us
Gift Vouchers
Beautifully designed gift vouchers are available to spend on our fine selection of food and drink.
Available in £10, £15, £20, £25, £35 and £50 values. Ask for more details at your local Juniper café.
Hot drinks loyalty cards
Buy 8 hot drinks, have the 9th on us. As well as coffee, our range of speciality teas & hot chocolates also qualify for our Loyalty Programme.
Did you know that you have the option of enjoying our great Juniper coffee with decaffineated and soya milk options at no extra charge?


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Police are to crack down on bureaux de change and currency transfer businesses in London suspected of being used to launder drugs money – as part of a bid to stem the surge in street violence.
Scotland Yard says it has linked violence in the capital and other parts of the UK to disputes between gangs.
It believes targeting their cash will disrupt activities and reduce attacks.
Police say 12 foreign currency exchange firms will be raided on Tuesday, the first day of the week-long operation.
Another 39 are set to be visited by inspectors to check they are fully complying with the law.
According to investigators, cash from drug deals usually arrives in bags and holdalls before it is processed through the business to make it look as though it has come from a legitimate source.
About £100bn is laundered through the UK every year, but it is not known much goes through money service businesses.
The companies handle tens of billions of pounds each year, with about 9,000 companies in London representing about a fifth of the UK market.
'Cash is king'
Detectives say that while the vast majority of these companies operating are legitimate, a "significant number" are involved in illegal activity.
The crackdown is being carried out by the Metropolitan Police, HM Revenue & Customs and the financial services watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority.
Det Ch Supt Mick Gallagher, who is co-ordinating the operation, said there were a lot of electronic transactions involved in money laundering but that "cash is still king".
"It doesn't take too much of a leap of faith to understand the causal link between what goes on with young men stabbing each other, and some of the bigger serious and organised crime syndicates.
"The cash is the lifeblood of this. What we hope to do, if you choke off the ability to trade effectively, then you disrupt the network."
Following a separate operation in 2011, police described the use of legitimate bureaux de change by money launderers as a "weak point".
A number of people were convicted of offences linked to drug dealing or money laundering in a case that exposed a London firm's links to organised crime networks from all over the UK.


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To really let go of our self-limiting fears we must first go through them — not try to dominate them. Fighting with fear is like trying to deliver a knock-out punch to a scary shadow. All you do is wear yourself out. To flatten your fears once and for all, you must forget about the idea of domination and start thinking about self-illumination — the miracle that happens within us whenever we dare place the wish to understand what is frightening us before our certainty that there is no other choice but to feel afraid. If you dare to go ahead and be just as frightened as you really are, but at the same time agree to meet these fears consciously, you will actually see that what is so shaky is not you!
To let go of our self-limiting fears we must first go through them. @guy_finley (Click to Tweet!)
The seemingly scary condition, whatever it may be, is not the problem. It is your reaction that is fearful.
This is why if you will become conscious of your condition instead of afraid of it, you will change forever your relationship with fear. It is only within this special kind of inner relationship that there is real safety because now you are interacting with fear in an entirely new way. You are no longer letting it dictate to you how to act or what to do. Instead, you are aware of the fear. You are learning to quietly observe and study it. And, each day, as you discover something new about the strange and shaky nature of your own fearful reactions, they begin to lose their power over you.
Why? Because you are at last seeing them for what they have always been: unintelligent mechanical forces. You are slowly becoming stronger than they are, because by seeing them as they are — not as they would have you see them — you have helped yourself to climb above and outside of their influence. This self-insight is the difference between trembling through your life and being in command of it.
To be consciously afraid means that you know you are frightened, but at the same time, you know that these very fears, as real as they may seem, are not you. And no wrong reaction can keep you captive once you begin to see it for what it is. Fear is, and has always been, nothing but a self-limiting reaction that we cling to in the darkness of our present life-level, having mistaken it for a shield of self-protection. But, just as the faintest of early morning sunlight can dispel the night-long darkness, so does the smallest of insights into a persistent fear lead to letting it go.
You can prove this powerful principle to yourself anytime you want. Just dare to proceed even while being afraid.
But remember, your new aim isn't to be courageous or to try and act strong in the face of fear. No. We've seen that this won't work. You simply want to be more curious about your frightened thoughts and feelings than you want to believe in them.
If you will follow this simple but higher instruction, not only will you start to see these habitual reactions that have been keeping you scared and running, you'll actually start seeing through them. This is where the real miracle occurs. Each new insight into the actual nature of these negative reactions removes some of their power over you. And their loss is your gain. You are stronger now, and you know it.
* This article is excerpted from The Secret of Letting Go (pages 13-16).
Guy Finley is the acclaimed author of more than 35 books and audio programs on the subject of self-realization, several of which have become international best sellers. His popular works, published in 17 languages, are widely endorsed by doctors, professionals, and religious leaders of all denominations. Among many others, his popular titles include: The Secret of Letting Go, Design Your Destiny, The Lost Secrets of Prayer, Apprentice of the Heart, and Let Go and Live in the Now. Finley is the founder and director of Life of Learning Foundation, a nonprofit center for self-study located in Southern Oregon where he gives talks four times each week. Visit www.guyfinley.org for a wealth of free helpful information, free audio and video downloads, and to request your free Self-Improvement Starter Kit.