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The 2016 CQHA Annual General Meeting was held in conjunction with the 34th Annual Horse Owners Conference, January 15-17th, 2016, which featured internationally recognized speakers on a wide range of topics of interest to horse owners, breeders and professionals, and a trade show of over 50 equine businesses and organizations. The meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Sheraton Conference Centre, 3310 - 50th Avenue, in Red Deer, Alberta.
Haidee Landry, CQHA President, welcomed 26 members and 9 guests and called the meeting to order at 5:15 PM confirming that a quorum of the CQHA membership was present. Haidee thanked the North American Equine Ranching Information Council, for generously stepping up to the plate as the GOLD Corporate Sponsor of CQHA's participation at this conference, including hosting our display booth at the trade show, and hosting the AGM meeting room and meeting refreshments.
Haidee introduced the nine CQHA Directors present and the 2016 YWC Team Canada Coach and Manager. Past President, Marnie Somers introduced special guests, AQHA Executive Committee member Stan Weaver and his wife Nancy and welcomed them to Canada and our AGM. Haidee then introduced the keynote speaker, AQHA Executive Vice President, Craig Huffhines.
Craig provided an overview of the state of the Quarter Horse industry and, along with Stan Weaver, answered questions posed by the meeting attendees. Haidee presented Craig and Stan with tokens of our appreciation for participating in this year's AGM. Craig and Stan presented Haidee with a plaque in appreciation of our partnership on the occasion of the AQHA's 75th Anniversary year.
Stan was asked to pull the winning entry from our trade show booth draw for a CQHA Notepad. The winner was Brenda Mitchell.
Haidee provided a brief overview of the history of CQHA and the CQHA mandate. The members passed a motion to appoint Haidee as the Chair and Marnie as the Secretary for this meeting.
The members passed motions to approve the AGM meeting agenda and to adopt the draft 2015 AGM minutes as printed and circulated.
Haidee presented a report on the association's objectives met in 2015; a report on the advances made by Equine Canada; the makeup of the 2016 Canadian Youth World Cup Team; and acknowledged the passing of the late Sheldon Soderberg, a former CQHA/AQHA Director.
Treasurer, Steve Schiestel, presented the unaudited 2015 CQHA financial statements for 2015 and advised that the association's 2014 Financial Review report was available at this meeting. The members passed a motion to receive Steve's report as information.
The members passed a motion to appoint Michael Hunter, CA, of Regent St., Amherst, NS as accountant to perform the 2015 financial review engagement.
Haidee advised that nine CQHA director's terms expired at the end of 2015 and presented two nominations from the Committee for the identified vacancies: for three year terms: Ross Brigden (AB); Marnie Somers (MB); Joe Carter (ON); Steve Schiestel (AB); Christian Beauchemin (QC); Greg Little (MB); Larry Clifford (MB): Wayne Burwash (AB); John Perkins (Maritimes) and Susan Chestnut (Maritimes); two new AQHA Directors that had accepted an appointment to the board for 2 year terms; Lorne Winther (AB) and Melanie Burns (SK) and that one former Director had decided not to stand for re-election. Myrna Anderson of Rumsey, AB and Mary Ellen Robinson of Calgary, AB, were nominated from the floor and each gave a brief overview of their involvement in the Canadian horse industry. The members passed a motion to accept all the foregoing nominations to the Board of Directors as duly nominated and elected.
The members passed a motion that the CQHA Board of Directors determine the date and venue for the 2017 CQHA AGM at a subsequent Board meeting.
Haidee welcomed YWC Team Canada Coach, Christine Little, and YWC Team Canada Manager, Donna Sagin to the podium to speak about the Team, their plans and fundraising goals.
Wayne Burwash presented an update on the Shannon Burwash Memorial Scholarship Award for students pursuing post-secondary Equine and Agricultural studies, and identified the two inaugural 2015 recipients.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Past Annual General Meeting Reports - Agenda, business matters, election of directors & financial statements
- 2007 Inaugural AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2008 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2009 AGM Meeting Package(PDF file)
- 2010 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2011 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2012 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2013 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2014 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2015 AGM Meeting Package (PDF file)
- 2016 AGM Minutes Package (PDF file)


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Actor Prateik Babbar got engaged to his girlfriend Sanya Sagar at a roka ceremony held in Lucknow on January 22. Present at the ceremony were Raj Babbar, Prateik's aunts (his late mother Smita Patil's sisters) and Sanya's parents. Just like Raj Babbar, Sanya's father Pawan Sagar is a politician too.
Even though Prateik and Sanya have known each other for eight years, it was just last year that Sanya and Prateik started dating after Sanya returned from London in January 2017. Sanya has done a yearlong post graduate course in filmmaking from Goldsmiths University and has worked as a production assistant in the movie 'The Last Photograph' and as a production runner in the Salma Hayek's short movie – 11th Hour. As per reports, the couple will tie the nuptial knot in 2019.
Prateik, who has acted in films like Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na and Aarakshan, will be next seen in Baaghi 2 with Tiger Shroff and in Mulq with Taapsee Pannu.

subset: commoncrawl


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Check out this awesome Album Premiere from The Atomic Bitchwax!
Jersey trio Atomic Bitchwax is back as they prep the release of their sixth studio album Gravitron. In anticipation of the album's release on April 21st, VH1 is proud to premiere the guitar-shredding, sonic boom entitled "Coming In Hot."
What started as a side project of founding member and Monster Magnet lead guitarist Ed Mundell now features two band members — drummer Bob Pantella, and bassist/vocalist Chris Kosnik. Finn Ryan who replaced Mundell in 2005, is still on vocal and lead guitar duty.
With Gravitron, the band looks to leave behind the stoner rock tag and cement their status as an A-1 metal machine. It will be their first full-length release since The Local Fuzz back in 2011. Check out "Coming In Hot" for yourself, and let us know if the trio delivers.


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With one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other his Blackberry, IT entrepreneur Hassan Hamed accelerated up a steep unpaved road leading into one of Cairo's sprawling, unplanned slum areas known as ashwa'iyat, Arabic for "random." Before he unloaded stacks of "Don't sell your vote" flyers from his trunk, he dispatched a note to his 6,743 followers on Twitter: "Getting ready to hit the streets for another #tweetshare3 round in Ezbet Khairallah." His colleague, journalism student Salma Hegab shot back to her 12,280 followers, "Ahem, I'm here, I'm waiting!"
The impact of social media on revolutionary movements like Egypt's has been hashed out to the precipice of cliché, with scholars still puzzling over how networks online and off contributed to the ousting of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. As Egypt's transitional period drags on, staggering obstacles lay ahead for the architects of the post-Mubarak Egypt, with Twitter laying bare divisions both within the activists' ranks and between the relatively small number of activists using the Internet to organize and the "silent majority" on the street. Some of Egypt's young revolutionaries are still trying to find a way to merge their online presences with street level politics and outreach in time for the approaching parliamentary elections.
"You can advertise a revolution on Twitter, you can give it fuel. But you can't win a revolution on Twitter," says Firas Atraqchi, associate professor of journalism at the American University in Cairo. "That lesson seems lost and the generation is fumbling. Egypt has thousands of villages and millions of people offline no one is engaging."
'We know we're not celebrities'
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) has come under increasing criticism for its inept, and even malevolent, handling of Egypt's transition to democracy. Among the offenses: military trials for civilians, an unprecedented clampdown on NGOs and freedom of the press, reports of torture, and the forcible dispersion of Coptic Christian protesters at Maspiro (resulting in dozens killed and hundreds wounded, with state television spreading inflammatory news of Copts attacking soldiers). But despite SCAF's handling of the transition, they have largely maintained the support of the masses – who have largely turned against the superstar activists of the revolution.
When Mr. Hamed noticed the swelling frustration toward the Tahrir Square protesters back in August, he called on his network of "Twitterati" to communicate with people on the street using the hash tag #tweetshare3 – "Tweet the Street" – but also urged the activists to make a greater effort to interact with people offline instead of "just talking at each other." ("Share'a" is the Arabic word for "street" and the numeral "3" is used to represent an Arabic letter that has no Roman equivalent.)
He and a group of volunteers have been trekking weekly to different neighborhoods in Cairo, as well as six governorates, in hopes of preempting a revival of the vote-buying and patronage that safeguarded the National Democratic Party's dominance over parliament the past three decades. Tweet Share3 initially partnered up with members of presidential candidate Mohammed El-Baradei's campaign and the April 6th Youth Movement in hopes of learning from their networking expertise, but the groups butted heads because of differing goals and ideological leanings. Tweet Share3 has since struck out on its own in order to pursue an apolitical campaign focused merely on raising awareness and turning out voters, regardless of which candidate they support.
"If you have a lot of followers, Twitter gives you this false sense of productivity and power," explains Hamed. "But the man on the street has no idea who … you are."
With almost 30,000 followers, popular Egyptian blogger Zeinab Mohamed acknowledges Twitter helped give her a voice, but says "a lot of people are living in their own universe in Twitter away from the street. It can be harmful and divisive."
Wael Khalil, a renowned activist who has made a name for himself with his blog and worked closely with Google's Wael Ghonim during the revolution, says, "It's not an either or situation. Twitter's a great platform to highlight ideas but [you] have to be careful and complement it with on-the-street action. We know we're not celebrities, our work is on the ground."
The class divide is a digital divide
There have been other efforts to bridge the divide between digital and traditional shoe-leather activism. Last summer, activist Alaa Abd El Fattah organized "Tweet Nadwa" a gathering of Egyptian activists and bloggers to discuss ideas in "real life." A group of prominent Twitter users also launched an initiative called "Tweetback" that raised more than $200,000 in donations for development projects in Ezbet Khairallah. About 20 of Egypt's most-followed Twitter users live-Tweeted the event, held at an upscale Cairo hotel, to leverage their extensive Twitter networks into more publicity for the initiative.
Hamed applauded the effort, but not before critiquing it, noting the fancy venue and doubting the "Twitterati" ever visited the slum for which they raised the money. "Class was one of the roots of the revolution and it'll take some time for us to get over some of these divides," he explained.
In a country with almost forty percent of people living below the poverty line and illiterate, less than 5 percent on Facebook, and less than 1 percent on Twitter, bridging disparate economic and political backgrounds remains a challenge for social media activism.
"It's unclear just how much the street and digital world are talking to each other in a country like Egypt," says Ramesh Srinivasen, assistant professor in design and media/information Studies at the University of California – Los Angeles. "Twitter is often an echo chamber, with people of the same leanings coming together. It's an empowered dialogue with analysts and journalists relying on it, but it's a dangerously skewed one that could, if anything, further divides."
Less talking, more action
Activists are trying to drive home the need for decision makers and other activists to engage with average Egyptians. The Egyptian Center for Women's Rights recently held a 3-day workshop called "First Steps for Access to the Streets" that included panels on communication skills. At a workshop in the Nile Delta city of Mahalla, a hub for Egypt's robust labor movement, the nonprofit Egyptian Democracy Academy trained a group of "liberally minded" activists to "strengthen your message for the street."
Fatma Radwan, a member of the April 6 Youth Movement, sat in the back of the room at the Mahalla workshop, seemingly frustrated. "We can talk all day about demands and political models, but it's hard to do outside. I'm worried we're losing the majority of people when we need to be getting them ready for elections," she says.
Back on the ground in Ezbet Khairallah, Egyptians' grievances hang like revolutionary posters in the dusty air – stark reminders of 30 years of institutional neglect and apathy. Residents complained about water shortages, rising prices of cement and bread, and challenges affording their own apartments.
Complaints like these hit home for Hegab, the journalism student who joined Hamed's get out the vote efforts. "I'm this 20-year-old Egyptian girl and I have 12,000 followers on Twitter. You feel like you have so much power to communicate and you don't know what to do with it," she says. "I want to do something important."
Ahmed Saeed, a 39-year-old fruit seller, sat reading the Saturday paper. Having never seen Twitter before, one volunteer showed him his feed via Blackberry -- an endless stream of news curation, a pastiche of opinions and bursts of on-the-scene dispatches.
"I already know Egyptians like talking," laughed Saeed. "That's what we do best."


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I am so excited. We have a new store here in Fort Wayne, and it's a great addition to our community. Foodies are gathering at the doors and shoppers are crowding the aisles. That's right folks, in case you haven't heard, Earth Fare has come to our city; and I am honored to be blogging for them too!
That's right, once per month you're going to see a recipe of mine that I purchased all of the ingredients for at Earth Fare. But before I get to the yummy dish, let me tell you a little more about this new grocery store, or at least new to us.
Earth Fare's mission is to connect communities and improve lives through food. Their vision is to be the most trusted organic and natural food market in the country. To be a place where healthy decisions are easy, shoppers can have confidence in the food they buy, and patrons always feel welcome.
And I can tell you from personal experience they excel at all of this! The first time you walk through the doors, you are greeted by friendly employees, beautiful food and an easy to maneuver store.
Plus, what really sets Earth Fare apart from other stores is what their products do not contain. No products contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors/sweeteners, and synthetic growth hormones in fresh meat and dairy. Basically you can shop without having to read the labels, because they already have and you can trust you are getting the absolute best there is.
For my first recipe I had Memorial Day and summer picnic season on the brain. And for us, neither of those are complete without a great pasta salad. But the fantastic thing about this version is that it's full of so many yummy things, it also makes a great lunch, or even light summer time supper. When the temps are so high, cooking is out of the question and you're practically melting, this is filling without being heavy.
If you want to learn more about Earth Fare, or maybe see if you have one close to you, be sure to check them out online. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
1 lb. short cut pasta
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
1 (2.2 oz) can sliced black olives, drained
3 tomatoes, seeded and finely chopped
3 string cheese, chopped
1/4 lb. Genoa salami, chopped
3/4 c. creamy Italian dressing
1/2 TBS dried parsley
1/2 TBS Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse well with cold water. Drain well. In a large bowl combine cooled pasta, peppers, olives, tomatoes, cheese, salami, and seasonings. Stir to combine. Pour dressing over top. Stir again. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a gift card to purchase ingredients from Earth Fare. All thoughts opinions and the recipe are my own.


text: Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Alton Caudill and I enjoy drawing and painting. I describe myself as a creative person, who really enjoy in what he do. I am very grateful and happy because I have that freedom to organize my day and my time, and I don't really feel that I have a job, it's more like playing. Process of creating gives me joy and feeling of true happiness.


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Christmas is 12 days away. If you have not sent a gift may we suggest flowers. Flowers last through the holidays and are appreciated every day.
Poinsetta Arrangements
The traditional holiday blooming plant, a Christmas Poinsettia, with its dark leaves and deep red flowers is the perfect gift for family and friends.
We're offering a 20% discount on orders of 5 or more poinsettia plants going to the same address.
The promo code will be "poinsettia20."
All a customer has to do is enter the code during checkout online or when placing an order by phone or fax.
Table Top Christmas Tree
Don't let a lack of space dampen your spirits! This "tree" made of holiday greens, festive ornaments and ribbon will deck anyone's halls in style! Delivered to your door by CitiFloral.
English boxwood, red and gold ornaments and yards of beautiful ribbon make this tree as festive as any!


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Thank You, 2013
31 December 2013
Labels: Life
Merry Christmas!!
24 December 2013
Let The Festivities Begin
23 December 2013
|Top from Reitmans---on sale right now for an amazing price!!!
Saturday night was the perfect start to our Christmas holidays. Since we're leaving in a few days to spend Christmas with my family in Toronto, we asked all of our friends to come to our house so we could have a fun celebration with them all before we left.
|We made our pregnant friend do a shot of 7UP with us!
Although you would never say it from these pictures, there were actually male bodies floating around too. But who wants to see boys when you have all these pretty ladies stealing the spotlight?
We also had one four-legged "person" who stole the spotlight probably more than anyone else there. Almost twenty people came through our front door Saturday night and Charley decided to bark for a good five minutes at each person. If you're like me and can't do the math to figure out how long that was, let's just say there was an awful lot of barking going on. Luckily she relaxed as the night went on, thanks to everyone feeding her lots of treats.
|Apparently I coloured my hair red during the party.
The last person didn't leave until around 3 o'clock in the morning so I would say Saturday night was a success (especially for Charley who went to bed with a full belly). Sunday, on the other hand, was not so much of one. I don't think Todd's bum moved from the couch all day and I wasn't a whole lot more productive either, unless you count eating all of the awesome leftovers from the night before.
We're soon leaving to spend the next few days with Todd's family before we leave for Toronto so I better go now and start helping Todd load up the vehicle. Or, at least stand in the porch and tell him what a great job he's doing. He always tell me what a great foreman I'd make.
I'm still waiting for my white hat.
Recipe// Hershey Kisses Pretzels
22 December 2013
Labels: Recipes
School's Out For Summer
20 December 2013
Labels: Life
Dear Bennett
19 December 2013
|You and your mom, December 17th, 2013.
Dear Bennett,
It's your Auntie Renee, but I'll be known as "Nay" to you for the first few years of your life. Although you don't know me yet, I already know so much about you and you were only born two days ago. In case you're still confused about me, you can ask your big brother, Nathan, to fill you in. I'm pretty sure he'll tell you nothing but really cool things about me. I wanted to write you this letter to not only tell you a little bit about your family, but to also tell you how much you're loved already and hopefully one day when you're old enough, you can look back at this and be reminded of just how much. And, if you're anything like your aunt, sentimental things like this will be right up your alley.
I'm not one to be usually stuck for words, but I can tell already just how hard writing this is going to be. The reason why this is going to be so hard is because there is honestly not enough white space staring back at me here now to describe how special your family is and just how much they mean to me. I will try my best to keep this short, though, because I don't want this letter to be a bedtime story that your parents use each night to put you to sleep.
Well, you're now the second child for your mommy and daddy, and I'm sure you might be thinking that the second child is never really as special as the first. But, as the second and youngest child myself, I can tell you that you already have such an advantage over Nathan. Yeah, sure he has the first born thing going on, and yeah, you probably will get stuck with all of his hand me downs, but you get a big brother to look up to, and I can guarantee you Bennett, that is better than anything else in this world. I can not picture my life without having your mom as my big sister (and honestly I wouldn't want to), and even to this day at 28 years old, I look up to her probably even more than she knows. But you'll find that out for yourself when you get a little older and want to hang out with your brother and all of his friends. Don't be surprised, though, when he shuts his bedroom door and then moves his dresser across the door so you can't get in. Not that I know anything about this, but I've heard screaming bloody murder will help you get inside the room pretty quick. Oh, and another really, really cool thing about being the youngest is that your mom and dad will probably be a little more relaxed with you, or at least that's what our parents told us. You can ask your mom about that one day, though, because I'm sure she has a lot of stories of some of the things she would get punished for compared to me. Don't forget to make her tell you the good ones, okay?
I will tell you, though, that neither you or Nathan will have a very good chance at getting away with things because your mom was famous for never getting caught at some of the things she did growing up. Because she knows all the good secrets now, it's going to be next to impossible for you guys to try and outsmart her. So, good luck to you and your brother with that.
If in fact you do happen to get in big trouble, I'll only be a phone call away or a quick visit to Newfoundland away. Okay, I guess Newfoundland isn't that close, but it's close enough that you'll get to visit often. You'll soon quickly realize that Newfoundland will be your home away from home. Oh the fun you're going to have; going to the cabin, the beach, going fishing and going for bike rides with poppy (he'll totally let you press the gas throttle), and even helping nanny with her flower gardens. You have to promise me that you'll keep an eye on Charley while you do that, though, because she has a tendency to tear up all of the flowers. Just ask Nathan about all the fun you're going to have when you visit. This past summer he got to do all of those fun things, and he even dug up his own worm to put on his fishing pole.
If in fact you do happen to get in big trouble, I'll only be a phone call away or a quick visit to Newfoundland away. Okay, I guess Newfoundland isn't that close, but it's close enough that you'll get to visit often. You'll soon quickly realize that Newfoundland will be your home away from home. Oh the fun you're going to have; going to the cabin, the beach, going fishing and going for bike rides with poppy (he'll totally let you press the gas throttle), and even helping nanny with her flower gardens. You have to promise me that you'll keep an eye on Charley while you do that, though, because she has a tendency to tear up all of the flowers. Just ask Nathan about all the fun you're going to have when you visit. This past summer he got to do all of those fun things, and he even dug up his own worm to put on his fishing pole.
The time you get to spend with your nanny and poppy, Bennett, will be some of your best days ever. They truly are the most special people, and you are so lucky that you have them as grandparents. Nanny will teach you to be the kindest and most honest person you can be, and your poppy will teach you to go out of your way for other people. That reminds me, if you ever stay over at nanny and poppys when you're older and you need to be picked up late at night, ask poppy because, trust me, he's your man. Even though nanny will be in bed while you're out, she actually won't fall asleep, though, until she hears the door knob turn and know that you made it home safe.
And where do I even begin with your parents? I really don't think I need to tell you all of the wonderful things about them, because I know you'll soon start to see them for yourself, if you haven't already. I will tell you, though, that weekends at your house are going to be awesome and they're probably going to involve your moms famous pancakes. The hikes you're going to go on with your family will become a weekend routine, and even when you get older and you can walk by yourself, your dad will still carry you on his back. But if your dad ever tells you you're getting too big to carry, you tell him about the time before you were born when we all went on a six hour hike and him and Uncle Todd had to keep taking turns carrying your big brother. If he could do it then, he can do it now. Oh, and let's not forget about another person in your family that will be your best friend until you're old enough to not drop your food on the floor. But even then, I'm sure your dog, Boston, will still be your friend if you continue to purposely drop the food you don't like (no hints, or anything).
Well Bennett, I hope you enjoy reading this letter as much as I loved writing it, although I will tell you I'm here now crying like a baby (not that you're going to do any of that, though). But, it's all happy tears and they truly are the best. Before I say goodbye, I want you to know that whatever you become, without a doubt, we only want you to be happy. It may sound cliche (get your mom to tell you what that word means), but you'll quickly realize that we one hundred percent mean that in this family. And although I won't get to see you everyday, just like your family hikes, face time will also become a part of your weekend routine. Before you know it, just like Nathan, when you see me on that screen, you'll automatically start asking for Charley and Uncle Todd.
Oh, and one more thing that's pretty important. I know your mom is probably going to teach this to you because our mom taught this to us, but make sure you never, ever, ever go to bed being angry with someone (which, trust me, will always work in your favour between you and your parents if you do something bad).
I can't wait to meet you in one week, Bennett, and help celebrate your arrival with all of your family.
I love you,
Labels: Heavy on the Heart, Life
Healthy Countdown To Christmas- Week 3
18 December 2013
It's week three, you guys, which means we only have one more week to go until our inner child comes to life. But I'm sure you already knew that and didn't need a 'healthy countdown to Christmas' reminder, right? And I'm also pretty sure that the majority of our child-like behaviours have probably already started to come out by now, because I know mine has. Then again, it really doesn't take a whole lot to bring mine out. Coffee, chips, and new necklaces are just a few of the things that tend to make me go all giddy.
Speaking of chips, I think I'm starting to forget what they actually taste like. Did I mention that being dramatic is one of my child-like behaviours that I posses? Since I didn't eat chips this week (does nachos count?), let's take a look at how I did over the last few days.
In case you missed:
The amazing:
- I dragged my butt to the gym, not once, but twice. To some this may seem oh so very minor, but not to this girl over here. Insert more child-like behaviours. When you haven't went in
months a while, it's really not easy doing the walk of shame to the front desk so they can swipe your card. Luckily, it still worked, which was a good thing because I've been paying for that place to stay open. And since I've last been there, I've learned that they've painted and remodeled their floors (i bet that's where my donations have been going).
-Another thing that was amazing was that I managed to take those selfies at the gym without getting caught. It's really not as easy as it appears, folks.
-And this week our office has been flooded with every possible treat and I've avoided THEM ALL. I know it's okay to have treats, but I'd much rather save my treats for something I love, like chips. Cool ranch, to be exact.
|No, I will most certainly not eat you!
The good:
- I still continued to impress myself with my eating this week. Here's just another sample of some of the things I packed in my lunch bag for work.
The bad:
-Nachos, a burger and fries and some drinks Saturday night. This is really starting to feel like dejavu! But in the best possible way, of course.
So with all of that said, I think I did pretty good. I'm thinking that this next week is going to be the hardest week yet, but I'm going to give it my best shot.
And on a separate note, thanks to everyone who sent congratulations to me yesterday on becoming an Auntie again. I'm over the moon excited because I have a brand spanking new nephew, Bennett, who weighed 9 lbs, 13 ozs. I now have to patiently wait eight days until we fly to Toronto to see them, (which is going to be harder than dragging my butt to the gym), but I seriously can't wait to squish his chunky little cheeks.
Happy one week 'til Christmas, everyone!
Labels: Healthy Living, Life
DIY Reindeer Print
17 December 2013
If you want that one extra Christmas decoration to fill some extra space in your home (like me) but you don't want to spend a crazy amount of money on one (like me), well then I think you will really love this DIY project. By the way, when did Christmas decorations become so expensive?
I saw this project on Carly's blog, Sunday's Grace, and before I even had the instructions read, I knew that I was going to be attempting this myself. Not only is this super simple to make, but it actually looks like something I would buy from one of those fancy decoration stores. Honestly. And plus, reindeer decorations are huge right now, which also works in your favour. But then again, if reindeers aren't your thing, the list of free stencils on the internet that you can throw glitter on are pretty much endless.
-Christmas stencil (found online)
-White construction paper
-Paint Brush
-Picture Frame
Trace your stencil onto the construction paper, fill in the outline with glue, and sprinkle glitter all over the object. Wait for it to dry (which surprisingly doesn't take that long), and then place it in the picture frame.
Believe it or not, it's actually one of my favourite decorations and I'd love to do another one again next year.
I've now shared my first two DIY projects that I've ever done in my entire life (the other one can be found here). I think my craft skills will now be put to rest, and it is safe to say that they might not reappear until next Christmas. I mean, I don't want to be too much competition for Martha, who apparently I'm on a first name basis with.
Ps: As much as I love to ramble on and on, I'm keeping this short and sweet today because my sister is having a baby AS WE SPEAK and there is no way I can focus on anything else right now other than that. Boy or girl? Boy or girl? I think it would be in my works best interest if they just went ahead and sent me home for the remainder of the day. There really should be some kind of Aunt holiday floating around, what do you think?
Pps: I'm adding that holiday right now on my 'if I ever become management' to do-list and, let's just say that Santa's list has nothing on this one.
Ps: As much as I love to ramble on and on, I'm keeping this short and sweet today because my sister is having a baby AS WE SPEAK and there is no way I can focus on anything else right now other than that. Boy or girl? Boy or girl? I think it would be in my works best interest if they just went ahead and sent me home for the remainder of the day. There really should be some kind of Aunt holiday floating around, what do you think?
Pps: I'm adding that holiday right now on my 'if I ever become management' to do-list and, let's just say that Santa's list has nothing on this one.
Aunt Renee, actually.
Some Ruff Late Night Shenanigans
13 December 2013
We made it through another week, you guys! Go ahead, pat yourself on the back because we all deserve it! I know that I definitely do because I've had about as many hours of sleep this whole week as you can count on one....paw. That's right, and it's been with that same paw that this little one has scratched me over and over and over again to try and wake me up each night. Mission accomplished she says.
Now, now, don't let that innocent face fool you like it's fooled me each night. It's actually not an innocent face, more like an exhausted one. Jumping up and down off the bed each night around 2 o'clock can take a toll on one, you know. Just like chasing a cat in the middle of the night. Or even fooling someone into thinking you need to pee, when in reality you end up playing in the snow for a half hour while ignoring your mother who is calling out to you, until she finally has to go out in the backyard with nothing but a pajama top and some snow boots to bring you back in the house. And I also bet it's pretty difficult timing your barking to happen at around 4:30 each morning. I'd say that takes skill. Or how about throwing up all over the comforters and making your parents start scrubbing what resembled a red plastic frisbee mixed in with a half of a sock and some other goop that they never want to think about again. "Ruff", i tell you, "ruff".
Either some sick person messed with Charley's biological clock or she just happens to be really, really excited for Christmas. I think I'm going to have to start using some good ole tactics like my parents would use on me around this time of the year, like tell her that Santa's watching her every move. Maybe I'll scare her and tell her that if she doesn't behave she won't get the number one item on her list this year; bones. Actually that would probably scare me more than her.
How I even showed up to work each morning this week is beyond me. And, to be honest, I have no idea how I'm even putting these words together right now to form coherent sentences. That was actually a forewarning to you all. But then again, that's probably really no different from any other day of the week when you come here.
So, with that said, before I start rambling on even more and chasing you all away, like Charley's probably going to do again tonight, I'm going to leave it at that. I think it's even a miracle that I made it this far.
Speaking of miracles, if you haven't watched this video from the West Jet Airlines, you should seriously check it out. I don't know if it's because of the no sleep thing, but every time I've watched it this week it's given me goosebumps.
So, with that said, before I start rambling on even more and chasing you all away, like Charley's probably going to do again tonight, I'm going to leave it at that. I think it's even a miracle that I made it this far.
Speaking of miracles, if you haven't watched this video from the West Jet Airlines, you should seriously check it out. I don't know if it's because of the no sleep thing, but every time I've watched it this week it's given me goosebumps.
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
Healthy Countdown To Christmas- Week 2
11 December 2013
|Wow, 2 weeks can certainly make a difference, wouldn't you say? ;)
What? You mean you don't believe that's me up there? I guess I couldn't really fool you with that hair colour, hey?
So, just as I was sitting down last night to start thinking about all of the healthy things I did this week, the Victoria's Secret Show was brought to my attention. And when I say, "brought to my attention", I actually mean I had feathers, jewels, and legs sticking out of my TV screen at one point.
I think Erin summed up this day perfectly.
P.S. Happy national "last chance to stuff your face full of all the foods before you watch matchsticks walk a runway half naked" day.
— Two Thirds Hazel (@TwoThirdsHazel) December 10, 2013
As much as this show made me want to start rummaging through my junk food cupboard right then and there, I quickly decided against it because there was no way that I was adding that to the category of "bad things I ate this week". Plus, ain't nobody gonna get legs like that by eating junk food. Okay, so let's see how I did.
In case you missed:
Healthy Countdown to Christmas- Week 1
A Weight Loss Journey
The good:
-I continued to eat really good this week and I know a big part of it was due to packing my lunches the night before. This really does make a huge difference.
-I really impressed myself with my clean eating on Thursday and Friday (when I wasn't working) because I find that I have a tendency to get more off track when I'm off than when I'm working.
|The recipe for the muffin can be found here
The okay:
- I really wish I had more to share in the fitness department again this week, but unfortunately I don't.
-I got out for two runs, but one of them was a super short one as it was freezing.
-I know this is better than doing nothing, but I really need to start picking it up a little bit more.
The bad:
-Drinks and a poutine late Saturday night and Chinese food for dinner on Sunday.
-Does walking around a mall for hours and hours counteract these things? Let's hope so!
-But again, sometimes it helps with your motivation to sneak one (or two) "not so good" things in there.
I'm feeling much better over the last couple of weeks then I have in a long time so I'm really happy about that. It's amazing how making small changes can do this.
I can't believe that we have only 2 more weeks to go before Christmas!!
I can't believe that we have only 2 more weeks to go before Christmas!!
Labels: Healthy Living, Life
Recipe// Christmas Slush
10 December 2013
My first thought when I think of Christmas is getting my hands on this delicious drink. Go ahead and judge me, but I can guarantee you that if you ever make it, this will be your first thought too, and probably not just for Christmas, but for the next 364 days of the year.
Where I come from, slush is huge. No matter who you visit over the holidays, as soon as you step foot in someones house, without even having your jacket off, you are going to be asked, "would you like a glass of slush?". And, by the way, your answer should always be yes. My parents have made this every December for as long as I can remember, and with six people usually in my house over the holidays, this poor drink doesn't stand a chance. Last year we ran out a few days after Christmas day and I think at that point we were all ready to trade in every last one of our gifts for more of the "good" stuff.
This year, since my family and I are spending Christmas at my sister's in Toronto (don't worry, my sister is making room in her freezer as we speak at this very moment), me and Todd decided to make it ourselves for the weeks leading up to Christmas. And now since I know just how easy it is to make, I'm going to be sure to tell my dad that, for future references, there should be no more excuses of ever running out.
Here's what you'll need:
-26 oz bottle of vodka (optional)
-26 oz bottle of vodka (optional)
-Boil seven cups of water and then add 1 cup of sugar (mixing really well)
-Add the 4 frozen cans of juice and the vodka (still mixing really well)
-Freeze mixture
-Once frozen, fill your glass about half or three quarters full with slush (depending on how strong) and the remainder with 7UP.
Stir and enjoy!
I have no idea why we save this drink for the holidays because, in my opinion, it's also perfect for a hot summer day. Okay, so I think it's time to go now before someone decides to march me right into the next local AA meeting. In my defense, I would love this drink
almost as much without the alcohol.
Labels: Recipes
So Long, Four Day Weekend!
09 December 2013
Well, it's Monday. You wanna know what's worse than the weekend being over? How about a four day weekend being over? Poof! Gone. Just like that. I know, I know, I sound a little greedy over here complaining about all my time off, but I mean, wouldn't you agree that sometimes having more time off makes going back to work even that much harder? I laid in bed for ten minutes this morning just trying to figure out why my alarm clock was going off. Needless to say I was a little disappointed when my mind finally decided to clue in on the reason. Why couldn't it have been for something fun like a spa date or a hair appointment? Heck, I think I would have even taken a dentist appointment, or anything else for that matter.
And you'd think with the extra time I'd be all rested and ready to tackle this week head on but, nope, it's definitely not the case. There was absolutely nothing relaxing about spending hours upon hours getting trampled on at the mall and then spending the remainder of the day driving all over the city to finish your Christmas shopping. Now I know I had those days off myself, but how many times on Thursday and Friday did I ask the question, "does anyone work anymore on weekdays?". Either that, or everyone must have asked their bosses for the exact same days off as me.
|Part one of my weekend.
Of course I made sure to refuel with a delicious breakfast from Cora's.
And although my bank account, sore feet, and fingers with nothing but paper cuts weren't exactly too thrilled with me, I was extremely happy that I was one productive little beaver (if that's even how the saying goes).
Part two was much better, minus the regular cleaning and grocery shopping that I can never seem to escape on a weekend. Saturday night we went to a local concert here in the city with our friends and then after we made our way downtown for some drinks.
|Necklace from Fifth & Mae
A taste of Newfoundland music.
Although this video wasn't taken on Saturday night, this is one of the songs they did from that night.
Isn't this the most unique voice you've ever heard?
Although this video wasn't taken on Saturday night, this is one of the songs they did from that night.
Isn't this the most unique voice you've ever heard?
Sunday we drove about an hour to visit my pop and see his new home (which seems like a pretty great place, if you ask me) and then we took him out for dinner. Although it made me a little sad seeing his whole life packed into one room, it was nice to see him completely settled and really content where he is to now.
Well, I'm off to get this new week started.
Please be kind to us all, Monday.
Please be kind to us all, Monday.
DIY Glitter Mason Jars
05 December 2013
If you're like me and the only thing you know about arts and crafts is how to glue macaroni around a smiley face on a piece of paper, well then this post is definitely for you. I'm dead serious when I say I'm not the creative "do it yourself" type of person, but I feel like now, maybe I shouldn't have been so hard on myself.
The name of this post should have actually been: I CAN'T BELIEVE I MADE THIS MYSELF, YOU GUYS! And yes, the caps locks are definitely necessary because that's how excited I feel when I look at the picture below and realize that I did it all. by. myself. Okay, and maybe with a little help from pinterest, but still. Please don't take this away from me.
A couple of weeks ago I was searching pinterest and I saw the idea of adding glitter and tea lights to mason jars and, since it didn't look too too difficult , I trotted off and picked up my supplies. I was home by myself last night and I figured that it was the perfect time to try and put my skills to the test. So, that's exactly what I did.
Here's what you'll need:
-Mason jars
-Tea lights
-Glitter (I used silver)
-Small paint brush
- Optional: I had some ribbon left over from last year
so I decided to see if I could put it to good use (and I did!!)
Lightly dip your paint brush in both water and glue, and then spread it all over the inside of the mason jar. Sprinkle the glitter inside and, with the cover back on, shake the jar to spread the glitter consistently all over the inside. Add as much glitter as you want, depending on how transparent you want your jar. I may have gotten a little carried away with the glitter because really, who doesn't love glitter?
Wrap your ribbon around the top of the jar, wait for the inside to dry, and then add your tea light. Simple as that.
Okay, so here's where I really impressed myself. After looking at the pretty mason jars and realizing that they were actually worth displaying, I remembered that I had picked up a silver tray for $2 not that long ago, just hoping that I could find something to use it for.
But, that looked kind of boring with all of that silver going on, so then I had another "genius" idea of running to the dollar store to look for something to fancy it up. I found a teeny tiny wreath for a $1.50 so I picked up two- one with pine corns and one with cranberries and little silver balls. I then cut all of the pieces off and placed them around the plate, in between the jars.
And tadaaaaa...
And then I found the perfect home for these guys!
It really was that simple, so if I can do it, you can too.
And now I'm off to continue staring at my creation for the rest of the day.
Caps lock still necessary.
Ps: I have another DIY project that I did last week that I'll be showing soon too- I was just too excited about this one I made last night that I wanted to show it off right away.
Healthy Countdown To Christmas- Week 1
04 December 2013
If you're new around here, a few weeks ago I shared my weight loss journey and I may or may not have revealed some much larger photos of myself from years ago. Whether you're looking for some extra motivation, a reminder, or even a chuckle, I advise you to check them out.
I also mentioned here that I've recently been noticing that I'm starting to slip back into some old, bad habits and how I really needed to get back on track, especially with the holidays coming up in just a few short weeks. Instead of spending
So, leading up to Christmas, as a way to stay on track, I'm sharing my progress for each week. Here's my update after the first week.
Week 1
-No snacking after dinner.
-Although I've always been really good about drinking tons and tons of water, I've continued to do so this week (and possibly even more).
-Although I've always been really good about drinking tons and tons of water, I've continued to do so this week (and possibly even more).
-I've been packing my lunches for work before I go to bed each night and it's made a tremendous difference because my meals and snacks have been so much healthier.
|The recipe for the smoothie can be found here and the apple dip here
The okay:
- While I didn't do a whole lot in the fitness department this week, I did get out for a half hour run. I figured that with the combination of not running in months and the cold weather I was going to be really discouraged, but it actually turned out to be a great run and it has me more motivated to continue on. It also made me realize how much I missed the feeling of soreness!
- I'm aiming for at least 3 times of exercising for next week.
- I'm aiming for at least 3 times of exercising for next week.
The bad:
- The burger and fries that I consumed in a total of 2.5 seconds on Saturday night. And maybe some drinks (we went out for a friends birthday and there was no way this girl was ordering a water and a salad).
- It's also in the "bad" category because I didn't regret it one bit, it was all just too yummy.
I must say, even after only one week, I've become much more motivated and I'm already starting to feel better. Now if I could only fit into my New Year's dress that I bought last year, I'd be one extremely happy girl!
Labels: Healthy Living
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Five superstar cities outperform the rest of the nation over time, thanks to healthy economies and rising incomes
By Paul Kaihla
Business 2.0 Magazine
About the last place a prospective homebuyer might want to peruse MLS listings these days is in one of the country's most expensive markets, like San Francisco, where the median cost of a single-family dwelling has jumped 37 percent since 2003. (It's now more than triple the national figure.)
A couple of leading economists, however, think buyers shouldn't be intimidated, even if prices in these markets go into a slump. San Francisco, New York, and a small handful of other big cities may suffer dramatic swings in a downturn, but their long-term trends "are so strongly upward that if you're willing to buy and hold, it's a good strategy," says Todd Sinai, an associate professor of real estate at the Wharton School and coauthor of a recently released study called "Superstar Cities."
The same logic, Sinai says, applies in other inflated markets like Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Here are 5 bubble-proof markets
So what are the criteria for bubble-proof status?
Limits on the supply of new land and buildings factor heavily, but even more important are trends in household income. According to the study, prices are likely to keep climbing in cities where poor and middle-class households are being nudged out by rich ones. The phenomenon skews prices higher than the national average because more dollars are chasing fewer properties.
According to Joseph Gyourko, who coauthored the study with Sinai, living in these areas is akin to owning a scarce luxury good. "If you think of these cities as factories for high-income households," Gyourko says, "then the demand for luxury goods will continue to rise as long as you're creating rich people."
Another way to put it is that the growing wage gap between rich and poor Americans is being mirrored in real estate, and the income schism is especially exaggerated in wealthy cities with little new construction.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are places like Las Vegas, which, despite the huge run-up in prices in recent years, is adding more than 30,000 new homes a year, and where the growth in wealthy households lags behind the national average. Since the 1980s, the proportion of households in Vegas earning $110,000 or more a year barely grew; in San Francisco, it's jumped by more than 20 percent.
The 10 fastest-growing foreclosure markets
The upshot? While Vegas could be looking at a price drop of as much as 13 percent, Sinai believes the Bay Area may not have one at all.
Investors who are catching on to the research aren't waiting.
Ryan Lugbauer, whose partners own dozens of buildings in San Francisco, paid $670,000 in September for a single-family Victorian in the Inner Mission, a Latino neighborhood in transition. He plans to spend as much as $250,000 to turn the house into a duplex.
"It's a great time because there are fewer bidders," Lugbauer says. "Politicians here restrict development to a minimum, and it ends up driving up prices because the big earners want to live here. That's never going to change." Lugbauer thinks he could put his fixer-uppers back on the market for a combined $1.4 million as early as next year.


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Which shorts, shorts style and types suit your best body shape is a classic every year question- especially for summer and holidays. Here is some style advice for how to dress right for your body shape when choosing your shorts. This style information focuses only on how to create visual balance in your body shape and not which shorts and style are age appropriate or appropriate for the occasion to wear. Also, don't make the mistake to choose what is trendy or the latest in fashion over what looks best on your body shape. Looking your best takes strategy- it is all about creating visual balance your body shape and look!
1. Neat Hourglass
As a Neat Hourglass you are very flexible on the style of shorts you want to wear. You can choose from hot pants, to pleated or printed shorts to baggy safari shorts. Anything goes.
2. Full Hourglass
As a full hourglass you have curves, so you want to avoid any styles with extra clutter that will distract from them – such as embellished or printed shorts or whiskering jeans or baggy safari shorts. All these styles will add visual volume to your body shape and hide your curves. The best styles are that are following your curves with a loose fit. You can opt for strong or bright colours, but best to keep them in one solid colour only.
3. Inverted Triangle
You have broader shoulders than hips, so in order to create visual balance in your body shape you need to choose shorts styles that make you look broader on the bottom such as wide, baggy or printed shorts. Styles that make you visually look broader on the bottom, so it will balance with your broader shoulders. Though little solid coloured hot pants will fit your smaller bottom, but it won't do anything for your overall look and body shape. Since it is not focusing on one body feature and not the overall look. This is a typical case and mistake that size equals suitability!
4. Rectangle Body shape
Your challenge is to create the illusion of waist when choosing your shorts and your overall look, which can be difficult in warm weather since you have less to play with. Therefore it is important to get the basics right. Overall choose styles with a low waist over a mid waist or high waist since it will high light the least your boxy middle part and avoid any form of belted shorts. When choosing prints go over rounder images such as floral, polka dots or leopard prints over graphic prints. Also, whiskering jeans details or turnups are are great. Be careful with colour blocks in your shorts since it can simply highlight your non existing waist. When pairing up your shorts choose loose or/and asymmetric tops in your middle part that will cover up your waist- ideally go below your hips.
5. Pear Body shape
This is my body shape, which is the opposite to an inverted triangle body shape. Therefore the style advice is exactly the opposite to them since we have broader hips and smaller shoulder and need to keep the attention upwards, which is tricky when choosing your shorts. To be honest the choices are not big and very limited- but this is the case with all clothes items on our lower half. So overall any attention seeking styles like clutter, embellishments, prints or style details or bright colours are a no no. We look best in simple loose fitted shorts that are without pleats, pockets, turn ups and are in classic colours. Important is that the shorts are not too short in the hemline since they will look visually too close to our broader hips and make us look fuller visually- even if you have good legs. Again this is a case the size doesn't equal suitability and you need to focus on the overall look and not on a singular body feature.
6. Apple Body shape
The fullest part of an apple body shape is around the tummy area, so the attention has to be kept on the first and third part. So, the best styles are mid rise with a loose fit around the tummy area to avoid over spills, avoid any hot pants, short shorts since these style are too close visually to your fullest part – your tummy and will make you visually even rounder. No matter if they fit or if you have a great set of legs. Again this is a case that size doesn't equal suitability. Best is to choose shorts which hemline that goes at least to above your knee area with at least a loose leg line, but a wide one will look even better. Since the longer style will stretch you visually and distract from your roundness in the middle part as well the wider hemline in your shorts will take out roundness in your body shape. Also avoid any tight fitted shorts around the legs such as a narrowing leg since it will make you look out of balance in your body shape like fuller on top and small on your bottom. When pairing your shorts go for a top with a lower neckline and looser fit around your waist. Important is that it is not tight fitted neither baggy since both styles are not flattering for your body shape. Also, your top should never be cropped or mid short in your hemline but always be at least below your hip line.
7. Lean Column Body shape
As a lean body shape you need to create curves in your bust, hips as well creating the illusion of a waist or intensifying your small waist definition. So overall the style guide for this body shape clutter and more clutter to add visual volume to their body shape. You can add clutter by going for baggy styles or by busy printed or embellished shorts or add volume to your hips by going for bright colours in your shorts. Hot pants and short style shorts look great, because will create a fuller rounder bottom. But also baggy safari shorts with big pockets will work well to add volume to this lean body shape. Styles that should be avoided are clean and simple and belted styles that will look great on the full hourglass and pear body shape. Meaning styles that avoids attention and volume to the lower half. Remember attention and clutter is simply key for this body shape. When choosing prints you are quite flexible but on a personal note I would choose small to medium size patterns, so it doesn't overpower your frame.
Tags: Apple body shape, baggy shorts, Body Shape, Create your own avatar on Joy of Clothes, creating visual balance, full hourglass body shape, Homepage, hot pants, How to dress for your body shape, how to look good on holidays, How to look your best, How to look your best everyday, How to wear shorts, how to wear shorts for your body shape, Inverted triangle body shape, Joy of Clothes style me channel, lean column body shape, neat hourglass body shape, Pear body shape, printed shorts, REBUILD, rectangle body shape, style advice, visual balance, visual balance in your body shape, What to wear in August, what to wear in July


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When you're the leader of a startup, deciding it's time to hire brings on mixed emotions. On the one hand, hiring new employees means new talent and fresh ideas, and it's perhaps the most visible sign of success, or at least traction, for your company. On the other, it means ceding a bit more control, which can be difficult, to say the least.
The hiring process is difficult. It takes some money and a whole lot of your most valuable resource — time. But it's the most important thing you'll ever do as CEO. The ability to bring good people on board is perhaps the single most important factor in determining whether your business will succeed or fail.
That said, here are three rules I try to keep in mind throughout the process:
1. Salaries Aren't the Sole Driving Force
Hiring great tech talent is hard. Hiring great tech talent on a limited budget is harder. Several of our employees left comfortable jobs with big-name companies such as Boeing and Accenture to come on board. What you can't match in salary you need to make up in other facets of the job.
Think about what you can offer in terms of a compensation package. One advantage you have as a startup is flexibility; you don't have layers of corporate bureaucracy to work through. Maybe that means you decide to let your employees bring a pet to work or keep nontraditional hours.
In my experience, a fun work environment translates into happy, productive employees.
2. Be Specific in Your Job Description
Declare what you're looking for in a candidate up front. It will save you bundles of time down the road and help attract the right person.
Be honest about what you expect from them. The boundaries surrounding job roles often blur when startups are growing, so make it clear that 40-hour weeks might not be the norm and that employees might be expected to wear many hats.
3. Weed Out Early
The startup life isn't for most people, and that's OK. If you find that an employee is struggling with the role or the lifestyle, have an open and honest conversation early on. It will pay dividends down the road and potentially save you from having to fill an empty spot without notice.
One tactic I employ from time to time is group interviewing. Some people might think it is too intense, and I used to be one of them. But when you get down to business, it's an incredible way to see not just how people perform under pressure and in unfamiliar territory, but also how they interact with others.
In the end, you know your company better than anyone else – trust your instinct and hire away.
Cole Harper is cofounder and CEO of SceneTap, an app and website that provides real-time information on the nightlife scene. He has hired 17 amazing employees to date and hopes to add many more as the company continues to grow.
[Top image credit: Loskutnikov/Shutterstock]


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Over 15 Million People May Not Vote on Election Day Due to Cybersecurity Doubts
It took a Princeton University computer science professor just seven minutes to hack a voting machine he bought online for $82 by replacing four socketed read-only memory (ROM) chips that weren't soldered onto the board with four of his own chips with modified firmware that could change the vote tallies from the machine. Similar machines are used for voting in Louisiana, New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania, among other states, according to an August report at Politico.
In late August, the FBI was investigating a hack into election systems' databases used in Illinois and Arizona to maintain voter records. The investigators suspect hackers based outside the United States are responsible.
According to Carbon Black, which makes an endpoint security platform, it is reports like these that raise doubts about the security of the U.S. elections system and may result in more than 15 million Americans not voting in the coming November elections. Carbon Black is a privately held company based in Massachusetts that has received investments from top-tier venture capital firms like Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Sequoia Capital.
Earlier this month the firm surveyed 700 U.S. voters and on Thursday posted these results:
- More than half of U.S. voters (56%) are concerned that this year's election will be affected by hacking/cyber attack.
- More than half of U.S. voters (58%) said it's likely electronic voting machines could be hacked during the election.
- More than one-third of voters (36%) feel their voting information is insecure.
- 1 out of every 5 voters who said their voting information is insecure will consider not voting in this year's election given their concerns – amounting to more than 15 million voters potentially staying away from the polls over cybersecurity concerns.
- Voters believe a U.S. insider threat (28%), Russia (17%) and the candidates themselves (15%) pose the biggest risks when it comes to hacking the 2016 election.
As Carbon Black notes, "If voters lose trust in the voting process, our democracy may be at risk."
The full report is available at the Carbon Black website.


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for everyone and anyone who is passionate about the diving industry. Whether you're a loyal attendee or this is your first DEMA Show, the Show is a MUST-attend event if you want to experience the latest industry trends and develop business and professional relationships in a face-to-face setting unlike any other.
Carter Bag Inc manufactures underwater lift bags in many different sizes for spear fishermen, sport divers, boat salvage and underwater construction.


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So, without further ado, here is the winner of my giveaway.
I'm a little sad to see it go, but now I have room for another big piece in my space. Speaking of my Stars space, it has only been a little over a month since I moved in and it seems to be doing very well. Thanks to those of you who have asked about it.
On another note, remember this picture of my front room? I showed it on my keeping it real post.
Well, I've been making a great effort to clean it up and not use it as a resting place for my waiting to be dealt with finds. The other day it looked so nice I just had to take it's picture.
I think we will grab some pizzas and have dinner on the boat tonight. A little jump in the river will cool us off. Have a great Thursday. I'll be back with Dreaming of Paris-Part Deux.


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The goal is to move nonviolent inmates who haven't yet been to trial from the overcrowded county jail to their homes.
The proposed budget includes a 3 percent increase in the water rate for inside city customers and a 3 percent increase in the sewer rate for both inside and outside city customers.
Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy said the number of inmates in the county's jails will hit 1,000 this summer, those inmates don't include simple marijuana offenders, it's not his job to set bonds or release inmates, but it is his job to house inmates safely while also protecting the safety of his officers.
The 2017 taxes originally were due the last day of February 2018.
Scott County veterans who are totally disabled as a result of military service now qualify for a personal property tax exemption. During this month's meeting of the Board of Supervisors, board members adopted an ordinance enacting the tax exemption, which covers one vehicle that the disabled veteran regularly uses.
Nearly $1 million in startup funding will come from the county's general fund surplus, but an estimated $757,000 in recurring yearly costs will have to be funded in years to come.
Sullivan County commissioners will have to "start juggling things around" to balance a 2018-2019 budget without property tax increase. Each penny of the property tax rate is projected to generate $372,439 for the current budget cycle. That equals about $239,000 in new money for the county's general fund under the current tax rate.
The notices began being mailed out Thursday, County Trustee Frances Harrell said. Taxes are considered due upon receipt. But the deadline to avoid interest and potential penalties is the last day of February 2018.
And the sooner payments begin to roll in, the better for county government's cash flow.
For a few minutes, the budget looked to be one vote short of the 13 needed for approval. After a short recess a "no" vote switched to "yes" and the issue was settled.
The proposed Sullivan County property tax rate of $2.55 (per $100 of assessed value), a nearly 8.5-cent increase, is projected to generate more than $94.73 million (compared to about $91.43 million generated by last year's rate).
If you want to comment on a nearly 8.5-cent tax increase, set your alarm clock and be at the county courthouse at 8 a.m. on Aug. 31.
BLOUNTVILLE — The Sullivan County Commission's Budget Committee voted to recommend a property tax rate of $2.55 (per $100 of assessed value), rather than the $2.4652 rate certified by the state.
Baker has for the past several years handled personal property assessment within the county property assessor's office.
Based on the countywide reassessment, the state of Tennessee has said Sullivan County's property tax rate should be $2.4652 (per $100 of assessed value) to bring in the same amount of revenue.
County Mayor Richard Venable said Tuesday he hopes the money can be found through cuts or growth in the tax base, not a property tax increase.


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Sunday, October 30, 2011
I was so surprised to see that some of my flowers still weathered the storm! I went outside after lunch and here's what I found:
I can't believe how hardy these petunias are! They were covered with snow this morning, and bounced right back! (Well, sort of. They're a bit droopy, but the petals are fine.)
Geranium 'Mr. Wren' still going strong, too! Love the shadows in this pic.
And this Lantana, too! It fared much better than the Marigold did.
Fairy World is none the worse for wear, either. I think Jade will be happy about that!
Yesterday morning, I was smart enough to get some cuttings before the weather changed. I'm glad I did! As I was walking through the kitchen this evening, I caught a waft of those wee little roses smelling up the room - it was so pleasant!
Besides the rose buds, I cut Cosmos, Nicotiana, Calicarpa, Mums, the last blue Scabiosa, Marigolds, Pineapple Sage, and the light pink Chrysanthemum 'Sheffield Pink'.
7 comments:
- Musings from Kim K. said...
Unbelievable. We've been told in West MI to get the shovels ready in mid November. I can't believe you've already had that much snow.
- October 30, 2011 at 9:58 PM
- Neabear said...
Sounds like you were one of the lucky ones!
- October 30, 2011 at 10:46 PM
- Ordinary Hiker said...
I'm glad your ok! I'm in VA, and in lower VA, we didn't get any snow, but the wind and temperature drop was crazy! Bender Oak didn't even wanna go outside it was so cold!
Take care, and love the pics!
- October 31, 2011 at 12:09 AM
- busymartha said...
Snow already! Wow, sounds like you are in for a long winter! Thanks for the photo information, really appreciate it! Marilyn
- October 31, 2011 at 1:23 AM
- Cass @ That Old House said...
3 stinkin' inches?
In northern New Jersey we got about 8 inches, and just a little west of us, they had 14 inches.
Isn't New England supposed to get more than we do? :-)
Believe it or not, my annuals survived also -- those that I can see under the melting snow. Even my hanging ferns on the front porch are OK. Tough love works, I guess.
- October 31, 2011 at 10:12 AM
- magie said...
I am glad to hear that most of your flowers faired alright, despite the snow. Good idea cutting some to enjoy indoors. Nothing beats the smell of cut roses inside. Love your green glass vases..so pretty!
- November 1, 2011 at 5:46 AM
- Lynn said...
wOW, that is amazimg that the flowers endures the snow!!
- November 1, 2011 at 2:28 PM


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Co-ChairKirby MayfieldMississippi Rural Water Association
Co-ChairKen HerringAdams County Water Association
Vice ChairW. Brett HarveyPhelps Dunbar LLP
The Secretary of State formed the Rural Water Association Laws Study Group in June 2011 to review Mississippi's rural water laws. The Group was composed of engineers, state and federal water experts, lawyers, legislators and leaders from rural water associations across the State. The Group's primary objective was to formulate solutions to the growing capital needs of the State's water systems.
The Rural Water Association Laws Study Group recommended three legislative proposals that were introduced in the Mississippi Legislature in 2012: (1) continuing board training for members of the rural water associations; (2) a mechanism to allow a water association to convert to a public water authority without losing certificated area protection; and (3) eminent domain protection for rural water authorities. For the agenda, minutes, and materials distributed to the Rural Water Association Laws Study Group at each meeting, please visit the links below.


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SOUNDCRASH Present - LTJ Bukem & Om Unit
Date: Friday 21st August
Venue: Village Underground, London, EC2A 3PQ
Tickets: www.soundcrashmusic.com
Facebook: Event Page
Soundcrash are exceptionally proud to announce a night of mind-altering drum & bass featuring legendary producer LTJ Bukem. "The godfather of jungle" will ignite the dance floor headlining Village Underground 21 August 2015 supported by the superb Om Unit.
Emerging out of the late 80's as a DJ, LTJ Bukem discovered his passion for drum and bass when exploring the realms of jazz fusion. So it's natural that when Bukem's career as a DJ progressed in the early 90's and he found himself delving into the studio, it was these frantic breakbeats in tandem with the melodic, yet almost awry basslines of jazz instrumentation that informed Bukem's creations, developing a progressive and textured sound equal parts anthemic and tranquil. The album was titled 'Logical Progression' and marked Bukem as an innovator, a tag that has stuck through his work on his own esteemed Good Looking Records imprint, and still bears strong today as Bukem continues to DJ extensively across the globe under his 'Progression Session' banner.
"Drum & bass will never roll over and die as long as Bukem is around, and he's not content just to sit on his breakbeat throne either"NME
Om Unit is the alias of Jim Coles. Producing since his early teens, he started with jungle before graduating via the world of turntablism under the 2tall moniker and representing the UK in the DMC world DJ championships. Om Unit has established himself as one of the most consistent and original artists in the electronic sphere. With a solid foundation established through hard work and sticking to his guns amid a dance music scene obsessed with shallow revivals and trends, Om Unit is no stranger to making bold statements with the works he produces, both as a solo producer and with his various collaborative works alongside some of the most respected producers and labels around.
Catapulting you through the various sonic sphere's of electronic music, two of the most respected and hard working members of the bass music community come together for what promises to be another truly memorable show at the Village Underground. With Super Early Bird tickets available for those of you who act fast! There's no excuses for missing this one!


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The best day of the year to be a Chilean is on September 18, and one of the best times to visit Chile is right about then, too. Independence Day celebrations arrive in springtime, from September 18 to 19, usually spilling over into the closest weekend, and sometimes lasting the entire week.
The style of food, dance, and costumes are rooted in central Chile's rural huaso (cowboy) traditions, and on the 18th, everyone is a little bit huaso, from the northernmost reaches of the Atacama Desert and to the southernmost reaches of Patagonia.
Festivities usually include dancing cueca, the national dance that beautifully and saucily interprets the mating rituals of rooster and hen. Traditional games include kite-flying, sack racing, and climbing a greased pole.
Chileans celebrate the 18th in outdoor carnivals known as fondas where traditional food reigns supreme. Be sure to try Chile's signature culinary offering, the empanada: a baked pastry filled with beef, onions and cumin along with a hard-boiled egg and an olive. Or, try a delicious anticucho, a kabob-style skewer tracing its roots to the Quechua people in the north.
Alcoholic beverages are ever-present and all-creative during the festivities. Standbys like wine, pisco and beer are accompanied by home-brewed chicha, a sweet ferment made with grapes or apples, and pipeño, a very sweet white wine fermented in jugs. And every fonda is sure to be offering terremotos, an earth-shaking mix of pipeño, grenadine, and pineapple sorbet.
The biggest and most popular fonda in Santiago is held in Parque O'Higgins. Other popular fondas include the Yein Fonda (a pun on actress Jane Fonda thought up by the Chilean rock group, Los Tres) and the Fonda Guachaca, which celebrates popular urban culture or "guachaca."
The day is not actually the date of Chilean independence; rather, it is the day of the First National Congress of the Chilean Government, when Chile began its journey towards independence from Spain, which actually came in 1818. Still, this fact may not be good chit-chat material on the 18th – instead, wait a day or two until the terremotos have run out.


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Not any more June 26, 2012Posted by Ezra Resnick in Ethics, Freedom, Religion.
Tags: circumcision
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A step in the right direction by a German court:
Circumcising young boys on religious grounds causes grievous bodily harm, a German court ruled Tuesday in a landmark decision that the Jewish community said trampled on parents' religious rights.
The regional court in Cologne, western Germany, ruled that the "fundamental right of the child to bodily integrity outweighed the fundamental rights of the parents," a judgement that is expected to set a legal precedent.
"The religious freedom of the parents and their right to educate their child would not be unacceptably compromised, if they were obliged to wait until the child could himself decide to be circumcised," the court added…
"The body of the child is irreparably and permanently changed by a circumcision," the court said. "This change contravenes the interests of the child to decide later on his religious beliefs."
What arguments do outraged members of Germany's Jewish community offer in defense of their tradition? It's rather pathetic.
The head of the Central Committee of Jews, Dieter Graumann, said the ruling was "an unprecedented and dramatic intervention in the right of religious communities to self-determination."
But "self-determination" needs to be determined by each individual for himself. A community doesn't have the right to force an unnecessary medical procedure on anyone, least of all a child who hasn't had the chance to determine whether he wants to be part of that community or not.
The judgement was an "outrageous and insensitive act. Circumcision of newborn boys is a fixed part of the Jewish religion and has been practiced worldwide for centuries," added Graumann.
Just like slavery used to be.
"This religious right is respected in every country in the world."
Not any more.
A computer scientist plays Twenty Questions June 12, 2012Posted by Ezra Resnick in Computer science, Game theory.
4 comments
"Would you like to play Twenty Questions?"
"Sure, how do we play?"
"I think of a famous person — alive or dead, real or fictional — and you have to guess who it is, in no more than twenty yes-or-no questions."
"Well… I could use binary search to identify a single letter of the alphabet in 4.7 yes-or-no questions (on average), so nineteen questions should allow me to identify four letters. Why don't you just tell me the first four letters of your person's last name, and I'll guess who it is."
"Actually, I don't think I want to play any more."
"That's OK — the game is flawed, anyway: it assumes there are no more than 1,048,576 famous people to choose from…"
There is more than one way to burn a book June 6, 2012Posted by Ezra Resnick in Freedom, Literature.
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Ray Bradbury died yesterday, at the age of 91. The following is from the coda (written in 1979) to Fahrenheit 451:
There is more than one way to burn a book. And the world is full of people running about with lit matches. Every minority, be it Baptist / Unitarian, Irish / Italian / Octogenarian / Zen Buddhist, Zionist / Seventh-day Adventist, Women's Lib / Republican, Mattachine / FourSquareGospel feels it has the will, the right, the duty to douse the kerosene, light the fuse. Every dimwit editor who sees himself as the source of all dreary blanc-mange plain porridge unleavened literature, licks his guillotine and eyes the neck of any author who dares to speak above a whisper or write above a nursery rhyme…
For it is a mad world and it will get madder if we allow the minorities, be they dwarf or giant, orangutan or dolphin, nuclear-head or water-conversationalist, pro-computerologist or Neo-Luddite, simpleton or sage, to interfere with aesthetics. The real world is the playing ground for each and every group, to make or unmake laws. But the tip of the nose of my book or stories or poems is where their rights end and my territorial imperatives begin, run and rule. If Mormons do not like my plays, let them write their own. If the Irish hate my Dublin stories, let them rent typewriters. If teachers and grammar school editors find my jawbreaker sentences shatter their mushmilk teeth, let them eat stale cake dunked in weak tea of their own ungodly manufacture.


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Monarch 'Custom-061011'
Monarch 'Custom-061011'B05 CUSTOM 061011
This beautiful one-of-a-kind features a mesmerizing bolster finely hand-engraved with 24K gold inlays by Lee Griffiths, and a stunning scale in 10,000 year-old fossil Woolly Mammmoth tooth. The blade is hand-forged 'Hornet's Nest' damascus steel by Mike Norris. The one-hand button lock and the thumb stud are set with diamonds. The Monarch is a simple design that is easy on the eye and effortless in the hand; the elegant shape of the handle on this design is also an ideal canvas to showcase fine hand-engraving or exotic materials. This stunning 'one-of-a-kind' features a rich and unique synthesis between elegance, function, and superlative artistry; an unforgettable personality statement to be worn and used for a lifetime, before passing it down to another generation.
Features & Specs
- One-hand button lock system
- Leather carrying Clipcase™
- Shipped in an elegant wood presentation box
- Dimensions:
Blade 2.63" (66.8mm)
Handle 3.58" (90.9mm)
Overall open 6.00" (152.4mm)
Hand-forged damascus
Damascus steel was a term used by several Western cultures from the Medieval period onward to describe a type of steel created in India and used from about 300 BC to 1700 AD. These blades were characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water. They were reputed to be not only tough and resistant to shattering, but capable of being honed to a sharp and resilient edge. William Henry's damascus is made from several types of steel welded together to form a billet.
The patterns vary depending on how the damascus artist works the billet. The billet is drawn out and folded until the desired number of layers are formed. William Henry damascus billets are forged with a minimum of 300 layers. William Henry works with a handful of the very best damascus artists/forgers in the U.S.
Fine hand-engraving
Engraving is one of the most recognized and exacting adornments on metal, and most of our engraving is done on stainless steel, and occasionally - on Titanium, adding layers of difficulty to the process. William Henry works with a select group of world-famous master engravers to create very limited edition pieces on an ongoing basis. Each edition, or piece, is carefully conceived and executed by William Henry and the engraver, and every finished engraving is hand-signed by the artist.
Gold-inlaid Engraving is another, even more complex, rendition of a classic art form. This involves creating a fine engraving with deep relief, then inlaying 24K gold (or different metals) into select portions of the engraving. If done in damascus, we then heat-color the frame which creates a beautiful darker background to highlight the gold inlay.
Fossil Mammoth tooth
From a Woolly Mammoth that walked the Earth at least 10,000 years ago.
Modern humans coexisted with woolly mammoths during the Upper Paleolithic period when they entered Europe from Africa between 30,000 and 40,000 years ago. Prior to this, Neanderthals had coexisted with mammoths during the Middle Paleolithic and up to that time. Woolly mammoths were very important to Ice Age humans, and their survival may have depended on these animals in some areas.
The woolly mammoth is the next most depicted animal in Ice Age art after horses and bisons, and these images were produced up to 11,500 years ago. Today, more than five hundred depictions of woolly mammoths are known, in media ranging from carvings and cave paintings located in 46 caves in Russia, France and Spain, to sculptures and engravings made from different materials.
William Henry's fossil Mammoth tooth is harvested in Alaska and Siberia. It is a rare and mesmerizing material, the last legacy of a legendary creature that roamed the earth at the dawn of mankind.
The name diamond is derived from the ancient Greek αδάμας (adámas), "proper", "unalterable", "unbreakable". Diamonds have a long history as beautiful objects of desire. In the first century AD, the Roman naturalist Pliny stated: "Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world."
The world's love of diamonds had its start in India, where diamonds were gathered from the country's rivers and streams. Some historians estimate that India was trading in diamonds as early as the fourth century BC.
The popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of increased supply, improved cutting and polishing techniques. Aside from our jewelry collection, William Henry also inlays diamonds in pocketknives, pens, and money clips.


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By Andrew Liszewski
For those who don't know, the Ferrari FXX is kind of a 'race-ready' version of the Ferrari Enzo, and is far from street legal. In fact, the car costs $2.5 million and if you're lucky enough to own one of the 30 in existence, you can only drive it on special track days at the Ferrari facilities.
But it seems one owner in Switzerland decided he didn't want to be told when he could drive his $2.5 million investment, and so spent another $250,000 to make the car street legal. I really have no idea what goes into making a vehicle like this legal to drive on public roads, besides safety lighting, license plates and large payoffs to people at the department of motor vehicles. But if you want your car to stand out, driving the only street legal FXX on the planet is the way to go.
Let's just hope this one doesn't end up as a twisted wreck one day, like so many Enzos before it.
[ FinalGear Forums: The Swiss Ferrari FXX legally sanctioned for public road use? ] VIA
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- 1 Bed
- 1 Full Baths
- New Listing
Property TypeResidential – Condo
SubdivisionMOUNTAIN SIDE CONDO
Listing Date05/20/20
Year Built1989
Property Description
Enjoy the beautiful views of Peak 1 and Mount Royal from the patio of this completely updated 1 Bedroom condo in Frisco. This quiet location is steps from the bike path and some of the best hiking and biking trails in Summit County. The complex has amazing amenities to include a clubhouse, indoor pool, hot tubs, tennis courts, racquetball courts and a steam room. This is a great opportunity to own in the Mountain Side complex and enjoy your mountain retreat.
Presented By
- Borders National Forest
- Mountain(s)
- Trails/Paths
- Clubhouse
- Pool
- Racquetball
- Sauna
- Fireplace
- Cable Available
- Electricity Available
- Natural Gas Available
- Sewer Available
- Water Available
- Sewer Connected
- Forced Air
- Common Area
Financial Information
We get asked this question a lot. Below is a tool that gives you the ability to see what the market is like in your community. Find out what homes like your own are selling for right in your back yard. Simply enter in your address, choose the proximity of the search and find out market data for other homes that are selling near you.
While we'll provide you with plenty of information, this is a snapshot of your market data and there are real people behind the high-tech and automated tools. If you would like more detailed information or help in understanding the results we are here to help.
Until then, enjoy the tools!
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the Vail Multi-List Service, Inc.
Copyright © 2020 Vail Multi List, Inc. (VMLS). The information displayed herein was derived from sources believed to be accurate, but has not been verified by VMLS. Buyers are cautioned to verify all information to their own satisfaction. This information is exclusively for viewers' personal, non- commercial use. Any republication or reproduction of the information herein without the express permission of the VMLS is strictly prohibited.
Listing courtesy of Mountain Metro Real Estate


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LA HABRA – As a high school band paraded down La Habra Boulevard on Saturday, Debbie Dominguez stood along the crowded sidewalk with thousands of other parade watchers, smiling at the procession and waving at familiar faces. This has become a tradition for Dominguez, 40, of Hacienda Heights, who grew up in La Habra and has been attending the La Habra Corn Festival Parade since she was a little girl.
"If you come as a child, you tend to come back," she said.
Dominguez's father has lived in the area for more than 65 years and she finds it touching that he continues to invite her back for the parade, rekindling childhood memories. The city's "small town feel" is apparent in such community-oriented events, drawing out families and residents of all ages.
"We live in a society that is very media focused where you don't need to interact, but this gives you an opportunity to come out and see who you live with," Dominguez said.
The parade is one of several activities taking place this weekend during the 65th annual La Habra Corn Festival at El Centro Lions Park, a three-day event attracting thousands of local residents. Hosted by the La Habra Lions Club, it has since grown to become the city's largest fundraising festival, with proceeds benefitting local charities.
The festivities included a numerous contests – corn eating, cutest babyt, doggie costume and apple pie baking, as well as numerous rides and games booths. All food vendors at the festival are nonprofit organizations and nearly a dozen live entertainment acts are performing over the weekend. Visitors also had the opportunity to enter in a raffle for a new Ford F-150 and meet Miss La Habra and her court.
As per tradition, 14,000 ears of corn freshly picked Wednesday were driven down from the Stockton area for the festival.
"When they started the corn festival, most people were from the Midwest. They wanted a community event to raise money for charities and corn is what they knew," said Randy McMillan, 64, a 56-year city resident and 25-year member and past president of the local Lions Club.
KTLA/9 weekend news anchors Chris Burrous, Lu Parker, and Liberte Chan were the grand marshalls for the parade, which had about 90 entries.
The corn festival has become a family event for La Habra resident Bridget Vornholt, 44, who watched the parade with her two young children as well as her friend Krissy Rushing, 38, of Fullerton and her father Bill Donoghue, 81, of Anaheim. She said that she has brought her kids to the festival for the past five years because there is something for everyone and it's a great local community event.
"It makes it feel like La Habra is a town rather than a suburb of…all these larger cities," Vornholt said.
The festival creates a sense of nostalgia, Donoghue said, because it is reminiscent of when his own children used to watch him in the Anaheim parade as a member of the Anaheim police department.
"It establishes a tradition, which is good," he said.