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Here Are Just a Few of the Many Internal Gardens Success Stories and Endorsements
Important Notes:
Harvard Medical School supports tai chi so strongly that it calls it: "Medication in Motion."
In old China, tai chi was considered amongst the most spiritual of the martial arts and the most potent form of physical therapy. Finally, in the western world, research is starting to show how helpful it is to not only the body, but also the mind.
The most up-to-date medical physicians and therapists endorse tai chi.
Internal Gardens offers top quality tai chi training under the most competent instruction, available anywhere.
Here's what health providers from around the world think of what we offer:
Below are the personal stories and results attained by members of Internal Gardens Tai Chi. Some folks have been enjoying our tai chi chuan (taijiquan) training for several years and others only for a short while. Yet, everyone has realized positive results. See for yourself:


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According to me going through the world of pokies will give you the full entertainment package than any other thing and doing gambling is like a joke for me. Thanks to my uncle who asked me to go through these and due to his suggestions and tricks I am the most experienced one in my colony. The most difficult thing which I feel before going through any game is the selection. If you will make the search you will get many suggestions and will be in dilemma of choosing. By the way if you go for any one you will be fully entertained. On the advice of my uncle I generally go for the play of doctor doctor.
Do not get afraid of the name of the game it is the most exciting and the wonderful one as it is the best one for the newbies to make start with. It is featured with five reels and nine paylines in which you can make the bet from single coin to the max of ten coins at each line which will give you the permission to make the highest waging of $22.50 at each spin. There are many TV shows which will give you the complete tutorial of this world. The best and simple thing which you will have to do in this one is make the matching of the symbols from left to right in the active lines which can give you the win of attractive prizes. Generally I put my phone on airplane mode when I start with this due to which my wife becomes angrier. There are many symbols which are used in this one and the wild one is the logo or the entitled one which will give you the max while hitting in the slots. Hitting the three or more icons concurrently will take you in the kingdom of bonus round and further performing well get you to enter in the round of jackpot. I was fortunate that I win many prizes and gifts and sometimes some real amount of cash too which attracts in this world.

subset: commoncrawl


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Those who value excellence and hard work generally do better than others on specific tasks when they are reminded of those values. But when a task is presented as fun, researchers report, the same individuals often will do worse than those who say they are less motivated to achieve.
The study appears in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
The findings suggest that two students may respond quite differently to a teacher's exhortation that they strive for excellence, said University of Illinois psychology professor Dolores Albarracín, who conducted the research with William Hart, of the University of Florida.
One may be spurred to try harder, while another could become less motivated.
The study also suggests that those who are "chronically uninterested in achievement" are not operating out of a desire to do badly, Albarracín said. Their differing responses simply may reflect the fact that they have different goals.
"The competitive mindset, the achievement mindset becomes a huge de-motivator for those who don't necessarily value excellence as much as they value their well-being," Albarracín said. "Perhaps the reason they don't care to do well is because they want to do something else; they want to enjoy themselves — which is not a bad goal," she said.
In four studies, the researchers evaluated how participants' attitudes toward achievement, called their "chronic achievement motivation," influenced their performance on various tasks.
The researchers found that those with high achievement motivation did better on a task when they also were exposed to subconscious "priming" (the flash of a word on a computer screen, for example, that appeared too briefly to be consciously noticed) that related to winning, mastery or excellence. Those with low achievement motivation did worse under the same conditions.
Similarly, when given a choice, those with high achievement motivation were more likely to resume an interrupted task, such as a word-search puzzle, which they were told tested their verbal reasoning ability, than their peers, who were more likely to switch to a task perceived as fun.
But in a final study the researchers found that those with high achievement motivation actually did worse on a word-search puzzle when they were told the exercise was fun and they had been exposed to achievement primes, such as the words "excel," "compete" or "dominate." Their counterparts, who were not very motivated to achieve, did better under the same conditions.
These finding suggest that achievement primes inhibit the desire to have fun in those who are motivated to achieve, the authors wrote. But in people who lack achievement motivation, the same cues seem to enhance their desire — and ability — to perform a task seen as fun.
"It's not that those with high achievement motivation always perform better," Albarracín said. "You can also get the low achievement motivation folks to perform better than the highs when you present a task as enjoyable and fun."
These findings should be of interest to educators hoping to motivate their students in a way that improves performance, she said.
Diana Yates @ Univeristy of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
[Photo above by Mi Pah / CC BY-ND 2.0]
[awsbullet:motivation fun]


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Data Capturing and Analysis using SQL Server 2008 Activity Monitor and SQL DMV's
In this blog, I will be sharing a unique instance of data capturing and analysis using SQL Activity monitor ,SQL DMV's and also their correlation.
We usually tend to see Activity monitor for a quick understanding of SQL health and resource consumption. Here is a scenario very close to Network IO in Activity monitor.
Below is the screen shot depicting Network IO operation in one of my SQL Server troubleshooting cases.
Here we observe that there are some waits happening on NetworkIO and this data is collected internally using sys.dm_os_wait_stats DMV's view.
Let me take you further into this, how we can establish the correlation between SQL Activity monitor and DMV which we can use in our normal administration work with SQL Server Network IO troubleshooting.
Looking at the above Activity monitor, SQL Administrator have a general perception that network IO mean something to do only with Network Lines, however its more than that. Activity monitor represents Network I/O as waits on OLEDB, MSQL_DQ, DTC_STATE, DBMIRROR_SEND and ASYNC_NETWORK_IO.
In this scenario customer was running SQL Server profiler trace on the SQL server capturing data and we could observe Network I/O in activity monitor.
Checked sys.dm_os_waiting_tasks and found that there was a task waiting on oledb and Found that session was executing stored procedure to gather the profiler data (dbcc inputbuffer(<session_id>)):
(@P1 int) exec sp_trace_getdata @P1, 0
Checked sys.dm_os_wait_stats view and found some waits on oledb also checked sys.dm_exec_requests view and found that the session was waiting on oledb.
In the above scenario it was clear that the issue was oledb waits which are quite normal when we capture profiler traces.
We can reproduce the same scenario on our box using below steps.
1. Start a normal profiler trace.
2. Run the activity monitor and see the waits.
3. Query the view: sys.dm_os_waiting_tasks and check the Session id waiting on oledb.
4. Run dbcc inputbuffer(<session_id>), you will see the query text: -"exec sp_trace_getdata"
5. Stop the trace and the waits will not be there
In the above scenario we had visibility of waits in the sys.dm_exec_requests view and sys.dm_os_wait_stats DMV as well as in activity monitor.
But what if, there are no waits observed in sys.dm_exec_requests DMV for any resource but in activity monitor and sys.dm_os_wait_stats view.
Here is another case study where we see waits in activity monitor and sys.dm_os_wait_stats but no wait in sys.dm_exec_requests.
Step 1: open activity monitor and check resource waits.
Step 2: Run a select statement which returns more than 1000 rows
e.g. select * from <Table Name>
Step 3: Now you will see the network waits in activity monitor.
Step 4: Query the sys.dm_exec_requests view and there will be no waits by that session.
Step 5: select * from sys.dm_os_wait_stats where wait_type='async_network_io'
Step 6: Run the query in step 2 and then repeat step 5
You will see the increase in async_network_io waits.
Hence we need to look at the DMV's before we draw any conclusion on the basis of activity monitor. It's also a best approach to correlate the data with Perfmon counters to reach a conclusion.


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Last Updated on
Fibonacci Arcs are percentage arcs based on the distance between major price highs and price lows. Therefore, with a major high, major low distance of 100 units, the 31.8% Fibonacci Arc would be a 31.8 unit semi-circle.
The chart below of the S&P 500 exchange traded fund (SPY) shows an example of a Fibonacci Arc:
As is seen in the chart above, after the significant bear market, the rally was stopped by the 50% arc; the 50% arc retracement acted as resistance (see: Support & Resistance). The S&P 500 then used the 38.2% arc as support, bouncing between the 50% arc and the 38.2% arc for many months.
After price broke through the resistance arc at 50%, price moved up to the next significant Fibonacci ratio, 61.8%, where it found a new resistance level. The prior resistance level at 50%, after being broken, became a new support level. The next Fibonacci arc was at 100%, where price met resistance.
Yet another helpful Fibonacci tool is the Fibonacci Fan, discussed on the next page.
The information above is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute trading advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any stock, option, future, commodity, or forex product. Past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance. Trading is inherently risky. Commodity.com shall not be liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of or the inability to use, the materials and information provided by this site. See full disclaimer.


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Marketplace giant with 80M monthly visitors n11.com increased their daily transaction volume by 25% with Segmentify Solutions.
Company Background
n11.com (Doğuş Planet Joint Company) established in June 2012, is a joint venture between Doğuş Group and Korean SK Group focusing on the e-commerce sector. Doğuş Planet brings together SK Group's background in technology and innovation with Doğuş Group's local expertise, regional experience, and strong assets.
Resulting from this strong partnership, Doğuş Planet launched its new e-commerce investment, n11.com, in the first quarter of 2013. This new venture operates as an open market platform connecting diverse stores and brands with millions of customers. We move in line with our strategy to provide value propositions based on trust and convenience to customers and support and care to shops and brands within an ecosystem built upon a strong integration with strategic partners. Our mission is to be the formative power in reshaping the Turkish e- commerce sector by providing innovative services to customers and stores. Our manner of support differentiates us from other brands.


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The Undecided/Undeclared meetings have been very helpful. Starting off as Undecided gives you flexibility and takes the pressure off! You are given so many opportunities and have more wiggle room than just deciding on something about which you aren't certain. It can be scary; I know I did not want to be Undecided because I was afraid I'd be the only one who didn't know what I want to do. With the meetings we've had, I've realized how untrue that is. Being in the Undecided Program makes the major picking process more exciting and more fun!Kate Frederick
Nearly 20% of all incoming students at Immaculata are enrolled in the Undecided Program.
And, almost 75% of students nation-wide change their majors at least once during their college career.
Immaculata is well prepared to help you find the right fit. We find that students in our Undeclared Program are generally curious, have lots of interests in different subjects, and are skilled in lots of different areas. We're excited about the opportunity to help you choose a major or minor combination that matches your interests and skills.
Getting Started
Now is the perfect opportunity to explore. You can look at areas of interest before you make a commitment. Here is how to get started:
- Complete your application. In the "Major Information" section of the application, simply choose "Undecided." Once you enroll at IU, you will be assigned an academic advisor specializing in exploratory studies, who will assist you with your academic plan.
- Immaculata offers more than 50 major choices. Investigate all the programs that IU offers here.
Undeclared/Undecided Program Highlights
- You will work closely and collaboratively with your assigned academic advisor in the Office of Academic Success and Advising.
- As you embark on this journey, you will participate in specially designed programming, including group events, individual advising, and completion of career/personality inventories to assist with exploring their values, strengths and personality types.
- Your academic advisor will coordinate a meeting with you and a career coach in the Career and Professional Development Office to learn more about careers that interest you and to complete other career related activities.
- We are confident that by the end of your freshman year, you will be well informed and ready to select your major.
Challenging the Myths about Being "Undecided"
Myth #1: "I'll just figure it out eventually."
Just waiting and hoping will not necessarily help you explore. You will need to do some work to find your path.
Myth #2: "I'm the only one who doesn't have a plan."
You may feel that you are the only one who has not chosen a major. The reality is that more students enter as undeclared students than anything else.
Myth #3: "Once I've chosen a major, I won't be able to change."
Some majors are easier to change than others, but no student should continue in a major that you don't feel is the right fit.
Myth #4: "When I choose a major I'll have chosen a career for my entire life."
Understand that a major is an area of study, a subject that you enjoy, not necessarily a career choice. That major may lead to a specific career, but it also may not. Remember, too, that most people today change jobs and even career paths several times throughout their lives. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Baby Boomers, on average, changed jobs 11 times.
Myth #5: "There's a test that will match me to my perfect major"
There are self assessment inventories to use as tools for exploring yourself, majors, and careers. However, there is no one test or inventory that definitively matches you to the perfect major. To narrow your options when selecting a major, we suggest using a combination of inventory results, regular meetings with your academic advisor and IU's career specialist, and research about majors that you will complete independently.
Myth #6: "If I start as undecided, I won't finish in time to graduate with my friends."
For most of Immaculata's degree programs, you can declare your major during the Spring semester of your freshman year and be on track for graduation. About 85% of our undecided students declare their major at the end of their first year and still graduate on time. It is very rare that a student starting out as Undecided does not graduate in four years. Sometimes, making a quick decision about a major can lead to dissatisfaction and then a change in major after two or even three years. Changing your mind at that point can affect your anticipated graduation date.
Myth #7: "If I commit to a single major I have to let go of all my other dreams and plans."
We find that many students who are undecided about choosing a major have many interests. Remember that there are many ways to combine programs; the most common way is to add a minor in your second or third year at Immaculata. All degrees have room for and require electives, so you can take classes and explore other interests, even when the courses are not part of your selected major.
How Crucial is the Choice of a Major?
Don't rush your decision
- Studies show that students who take the time and make the effort to explore majors graduate at higher rates than students who commit to a major early.
What employees want
- Before choosing a major, it's helpful to know what employers value most when hiring college grads. Learn more about what employers look for when hiring.
How important is your major?
- Your choice of a major is important, but not for all the reasons you may think so. Listen to what a former Dean from Yale thinks is most important.
Discover Immaculata
Grounded in IHM tradition and charism since 1920.
Find out what an IU education can do for your mind, your character and your future.


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The other day I saw a t-shirt for sale with the 2016 electoral college map printed on the front. Along the bottom, the map had a key indicating the blue states were "The United States of America," and the red states were a place called "Dumbf---istan."
I live in St. Charles, Missouri, right in the heart of Dumbf---istan. My family and I moved here in 2013. About a year later my mom passed away, and my wife and I needed to leave town and take care of her funeral. Unfortunately, we couldn't afford to bring our kids on such short notice.
Despite knowing very few people in our new community, the entire neighborhood stepped up. Our kids spent a week going from house to house, getting consoled with unlimited mac n' cheese and Netflix.
Dumbf---istan takes care of its own.
I learned that again the following year.
My wife, who was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years, started volunteering at our community's startup incubator. A short while later she was hired to be the incubator manager. Valuing the transferrable skillset of a stay-at-home mom is an extremely progressive, uncommon employment practice, and for our family it happened in a conservative community in one of the reddest states on the map.
The people of Dumbf---istan aren't Neanderthals.
My wife isn't chained to a stove.
My Trump-supporting neighbor doesn't have a welcome mat with a swastika on it.
But we can be just as guilty of thinking of our counterparts in other parts of the country in similarly simplistic terms.
I recently appeared on Patriot Radio, a conservative channel on Sirius XM. During the show the host kept referring to Democrats as "coastal elites."
Granted, "coastal elite" isn't "Dumbf---istan"—but it still lumps literally hundreds of millions of people into one uniform category.
Hearing the host use the term made me think of my very liberal brother. He lives in Seattle, but he is no one's idea of a "coastal elite." He manages an auto parts store and builds hot rods on the side. He attends Seattle Seahawks games with his giant beard dyed neon green. This week he's raising money to deliver Christmas presents to underprivileged kids.


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William Stygar (in Sandia's Advanced Accelerator Physics Dept.) received the Erwin Marx Award from the Pulsed Power Science and Technology Committee of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Science Society. William was praised by the selection committee as contributing "more than any single individual to the successful operation of
The award credits William as "the principal designer for the vacuum power flow section of the Z and ZR facility, the world's most powerful laboratory pulsed-power generator." ZR is the formal name given to a renovation of the Z machine, completed in 2007, which increased its current from 18 million to 27 million amperes. Said Stygar, "I'm completely humbled by the award, and hope I can live up to it."
The award committee stated that Stygar's "pulsed power research efforts over the last 33 years culminated in his invention of a new petawatt-class pulsed-power-accelerator architecture, which has been patented and is highly cited." Additionally, Stygar has made "seminal contributions to the physics and technology of superpower pulsed-power generators and to the realization of the Z and ZR accelerators as precision scientific instruments, contributing to a revolution in pulsed-power-driven high-energy-density-physics experiments."
"I feel in fact that the award actually belongs to the extremely talented teams of world-class scientists, engineers and technologists with whom I've been extremely fortunate to serve," said Stygar. "They led the international Z-pinch program for three decades, and gave me—and hundreds of other scientists—the opportunity to do challenging and critical work in the service of national security."
Erwin Otto Marx was a German electrical engineer who in 1924 invented the Marx generator, a device that produces high-voltage electrical pulses that power huge machines like Sandia's Z accelerator.
Read the Sandia news release.


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Wayward Wealth and the Patristic Response
As a part of the Popes and Patristics Lecturer Series, the Hunthausen Professor of Peace and Justice and Department of Theology at Carroll College brings you former Carroll College faculty member Dr. Brian Matz, the Sisters of St. Joseph Endowed Chair of Catholic Thought at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri, to discuss early Christian thoughts on wealth within the Roman empire. Dr. Matz will deliever a lecture entitled "Wayward Wealth and the Patristic Critique" on Thursday, Feb 22, 7pm in O'Connell 107
Dr. Brian Matz is the now the Sisters of St. Joseph Endowed Chair of Catholic Thought at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, Missouri. He holds doctoral degrees both in the history of Christianity and in Christian social ethics. His research spans subjects as diverse as Greek patristic theology, patristic economic and healthcare ethics, the history of Carolingian Europe and the history of religious life in Montana during the 1800s. He has published four monographs, has edited two books, has authored more than two dozen articles and is a regular presenter at conferences on patristics, ethics and on medieval Christianity. Dr. Matz was recently named to the editorial board of the thirty-volume Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception and is currently working on a project to translate all of the texts associated with the filioque controversy during the ninth century.


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|Disney Infinity's Sulley-inspired logo
The Disney Infinity Gadgetorium is now open...wait...what is the Gadgetorium? It's simply an avenue for people to view how many of the gadgets (like the toilet paper launcher and the jetpack) will work in the game - and you can vote on your favorite as well. As you vote, you'll see that Disney notes that they'll make the highest voted gadget "for real" - uh, I think we've all been waiting for a hover board since the movie Back To The Future came out. Cast your votes after watching the video below and let's see if Disney can really make one - ha!
The next round of voting will bring a new video as well which will highlight the Buzz Lightyear's jetpack and the Foam Hand Prank from the Monsters University play set.
Pixar Post - T.J.


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Welcome to Harvest House New Forest Bed and Breakfast; possibly the very best Bed and Breakfast in the New Forest (as qualified by our guests).
Luxurious, spacious boutique Bed and Breakfast on the coastal border of the New Forest National Park enjoying stunning uninterrupted views across arable farmland to the Isle of Wight and beyond.
Unashamedly targeting the luxury end of the B & B market, Harvest House Bed and Breakfast enjoys the patronage of today's discerning Bed and Breakfast guest.
Now a private house set in relatively secluded grounds of over an acre, Harvest House was built in 1921, by the local architect William Ravenscroft, to replace the original Vicarage, and sold by the church in 1986. A large house by today's standards, it is ideally suited to its current role of a luxury B & B.
For you, our guests, this means freedom of space, a bespoke sitting room, a breakfast room with individual tables, the choice of bedrooms, even a two room suite. Secure ample gated parking, grounds to enjoy in fine weather. Views to die for. In all a B and B offering all you might have at home and perhaps more.
Single nights may be available, contact us for enquiries.
Our Guests
From the young professionals to the seasoned traveller; the honeymoon couple, to the ruby wedding celebrants; the classic car enthusiasts.
- We offer ample secure gated parking and Jon is a 356 porsche specialist so technical support is often available.
- The bird watcher (the acclaimed Pennington Marshes are a mile away).
- Cyclists and walkers (250yds from the nearest footpath network).
And indeed anyone looking for that quality of accommodation offered by a really good hotel yet with the relaxed atmosphere of a private house.
Harvest House and Milford on Sea
5 minutes walk from the village centre Harvest House is ideally located for the pubs, restaurants, shops and the nearest beach is just 10 minutes away.
With a population of some 5000 inhabitants the village has retained many of its historical buildings. Milford began as a Saxon village and its name means 'the ford by the mill' and was first described in Domesday Book.
It retains its character as a village and still has its church, mill and a one-time manor house which have stood on or near the same place since the 11th century AD. In the 1880's Colonel Cornwallis-West planned to make Milford a seaside resort and added 'on-Sea' to the village name.


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Powder coatings are the substitute for paint and it is basically used to reduce the use of toxic chemicals. Being eco-friendly, it is commonly used. Powder coating is considered as an environmental friendly source of painting, but it has certain disadvantages. It flakes, bubbles, chip or cracks. The main reasons behind this are discussed below:
1. Composition of the Substrate – The power coating consists of layers these multi layers affects each single layer negatively and thus affects the powder coating itself.
2. The Foundation of Any Substrate is Bound to Fluctuate in Smoothness – Thick layer of coating must be applied for covering the surface. Sometimes sufficient thick materials are not applied to cover the surface, thus causing the erosion of the surface.
3. Metal Edges or Corners are not Coated Properly – Sharp edges are not coated properly, thus, corrosion occurs at the edge and not in the middle of the surface. So, naturally they are susceptible to corrosion.
4. Incorrect Pre-treatment – During the time of rinsing the metal object, some sedimentary accumulates at the bottom and powder coating fails to have its impact where sediment has dried up.
5. Using the Wrong Powder for Coating – Environmental factors are important to consider before choosing the powder coating. Often this thing is neglected and wrong powder coating is used.
6. Powder Coating is too Thick or too Thin – Powder coating also fails because it is applied using the wrong method. Often the powder coating is too thin or too thick, thus, causing the corrosion. The optimal powder coating is required in order to prevent the coating from getting damaged.
7. Inadequate Curing – Powder coating may get breakdown if it is not cured adequately, no matter how correctly the substrate is pre-treated. Curing a powder coating takes a certain amount of time at a particular temperature. It may get a breakdown if sufficient time and optimal temperature are not provided to it.
8. The Wrong Temperature – The baking cycle plays a significant role in powder coating process. The metalwork must reach the suggested temperature for a certain amount of time. The coating should be uniform and not just on the surface.
9. Poor Quality Materials – Powder coating fails sometimes, because some sort of poor quality materials are used which contain excessive amount of fillers.
10. The Environment – Powder coating fails if it is exposed to harsh environment. Extreme temperature, UV rays, collision and weathering, all add to the deteriorating of the powder coating.


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JACKSON – Gov. Phil Bryant announced that President Donald Trump declared Adams, Calhoun, Carroll, Claiborne, Holmes, Jefferson, Montgomery, Webster and Yazoo counties federal disaster areas this afternoon from severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that hit Mississippi on April 30, 2017.
Those nine counties are eligible for Public Assistance, which is reimbursement grants to local governments and non-profit organizations for things like damage to infrastructure, debris removal, and overtime to responders.
Gov. Bryant's request for Individual Assistance for residents of Holmes and Montgomery counties is still under review.
"I am grateful to President Trump's administration for its partial approval of our request," Gov. Bryant said. "I am hopeful that with more than 110 homes either destroyed or having sustained major damage in Holmes and Montgomery counties, that additional assistance will be approved to help some of our lowest income residents recover."
Mississippi is also approved statewide for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is for measures/actions taken that reduce or eliminate long term risk to people and property from natural hazards.
To get the most up to date information, "Like" MEMA on Facebook and "Follow" MEMA on Twitter @msema. You can also visit our website at www.msema.org.


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An amazing rock: it eliminates and absorbs all that imposes a hazard on people and living beings, but it concentrates and restores all that is helpful for a human being.
Shungite shields electromagnetic radiation of high and ultrahigh frequency. The scientists who have investigated the shungite declare unanimously, it is a miracle!
Monday to Friday 10am - 5.00pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm
Public Holidays 11am - 5pm


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Press Release
Arbor Day 2017Posted: Oct 9, 2017
October 9, 2017
City of Tracy Marks Arbor Day Celebration with Tree Planting Event
Tracy, Calif. – The City of Tracy, in partnership with the Tracy Tree Foundation (TTF), Tracy Unified School District (TUSD), Tracy United to Make a Difference and West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA) will host an Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, October 28th at 9:00 a.m. at Lincoln Park in Tracy. The City, with the help of numerous volunteers will plant 150 trees in various City parks and local schools.
Among those involved in the planting will be local dignitaries, TTF board members, Tracy's Youth Advisory Commission members, TUSD staff and students, and volunteers organized through Tracy United to Make a Difference. The City and its partners will be there to assist as needed.
"With this, our third Tracy Arbor Day celebration, we hope to continue the momentum built over the past two years. This is the first planting event funded through recently awarded CAL FIRE and California Climate Investments - Urban & Community Forestry California Climate Investment Grant. This day of service promises to be a rewarding experience for all involved. Arbor Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness and support for a healthy urban forest in Tracy. Trees provide many environmental, health and social benefits, all of which contribute to improving the quality of life in our community," stated Don Scholl, Public Works Director.
Arbor Day is typically celebrated nationally during the spring; however, any community can designate a different time of year to celebrate this event. The City has chosen the month of October to celebrate Arbor Day as the fall weather and winter rains provide the best time of year to establish new trees in Tracy's climate.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear work clothes and gloves, and to bring shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows if they can. Residents interested in participating in the Arbor Day event may contact the Public Works Department at (209) 831-6300 or email@example.com for more information.
City of Tracy – Public Works Department
(209) 831-6300


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Zheng He (1371-1433), the great navigator from Ming Dynasty fame, set out on his expeditionary voyage throughout Asia and Africa partly intending to re-establish China's might and solicit tribute after a dynasty transition. Each one was followed by a stream of ambassadors bearing lavish gifts for the emperor. Among the most welcomed by the Emperor, and the Chinese countrymen, was a giraffe. Assumed to be the mythical qílín, an auspicious animal said to appear only in times of great peace and prosperity, it was assumed that ruì, meaning serenity or prosperity, would follow. The Emperor mistook the giraffe as a real Qilin, and a good omen for his rule. Zheng traveled again to East Africa during his fourth trip purposed with bringing back more "Qilins" to please the Emperor.
The Qilin, also known as the Chinese unicorn despite the fact that it often appears with more than one horn, ranks first in Chinese legends among the four most important mythical animals—the other three are the Phoenix, Dragon and Turtle.
Though the giraffe-Qilin mix up has been clarified, the deification of Qilin in the hearts and minds of the people has led to a folk art form that lasting over five centuries. Even now, when times of depression and disaster emerge, the Qilin dance will be organized.
Whereas differing variations of the dance spread across the country, it was Dongguan's version that performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic's. This dance was created in the eastern town of Zhangmutou by its Hakka inhabitants, has had its name proclaimed as part of a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and is sharing Dongguan's cultural splendor to the world.
Totem of the Hakka
As the music plays, with cymbals, gong and drums making thrilling sounds, Cai Yucai, 52, and his disciples wearing bright-colored Qilin costumes amuse the audience in Zhangmutou Town with their rendition of the Qilin dance. In Dongguan, Cai is the most well-known inheritor of the art form.
In the dance, usually two people act like a lively Qilin. One is waving the head and the other waves the body and tail. When the music is brisk, the audience sees a waking Qilin leave its cave in the moonlight, striding along its journey taking a rest in plentiful grasses. It dances delightedly while savoring the pasture as it grazes, but suddenly, an undesirable sound breaks the peaceful scene. It must be some evil spirit. The drums play rapidly; the agitated creature stretches about with vigilance twitches. Its eyes swerve around, walking heavily as it roars like thunder to drive away the wicked force.
In celebration several children run up to the mythical beast, rubbing its legs and kissing its face. This mighty guardian of humans with its furious appearance can be as tender and loving as a kitty licking its hair and shaking its body. The audience bursts out a big applause for the lifelike puppetry.
Hakka people invite the Qilin for blessings during important events such as holidays, wedding, house-warming and business openings. This tradition still endures its vitality in today's Zhangmutou. "We organize our own Qilin team with each family name. Like my family name is Cai; our team is joined by all young people with the surname Cai," Cai said. There are 17 teams in Zhangmutou now and they are accompanied by ample performance opportunities. During holiday seasons, with firecrackers burning, those teams will knock on the door of a local's family to bring celebration, and they will probably be rewarded with lucky money.
In China, many places that honor the qilin have developed an art form mimicking the creature in dance, each with their own characteristics, and since it is widely worshipped in Hakka families, it's natural that it would be a feature of Hakka culture. Thousands of years ago, due to war and unrest, those people, mostly originating from Central China, immigrated to other parts of the country, but still preserved their living style, culture and dialect. The Chinese name for the people now scattered around the world, translated literally as "Guest Home," explicitly expresses the Hakka people's immigrant status.
Zhangmutou is the only pure Hakka town in Dongguan. Over five centuries ago, they settled down around the Pearl River in Guangdong and sowed the seeds of Hakka culture. The Qilin dance is its feast ritual, and it is always welcomed by locals, especially upon grand occasions such as Chinese New Year or the Lantern Festival. And though the dance mimics a divine animal that only exists in myth, it has taken root in the heart of Zhangmutou's people, contributing greatly to their spiritual dogma. "Qilin is the totem of the Hakka people. No matter how far away we go, we will not forget our root and sacred god," Cai said.
Art Fused with Fist
Doing the Qilin Dance should not be considered an easy job. In Zhangmutou, each team has developed its own unique skill and style, but they share one thing in common—the transformation of martial arts. "Doing the Qilin Dance is exactly like kung fu. Even now, the dance is limited to guys because we want to train our men to be strong," Cai said.
Cai remembers that over forty years ago, when he was a ten-year-old boy, he fell in love with the Qilin Dance. It was prevalent in this town even though hunger and poverty struck the whole country at that time. When Cai was immersed in the dancing, he was praised by his grandfather, who was also a master for Qilin dance as well as the fifth generation inheritor in his own family. The practice of kung fu is the basic foundation of the dance. Before Cai started, he practiced punches and acrobatic skills first and needed to memorize some precise formula so as to do it correctly. He even stood bent in the sun for hours increasing physical strength.
"A Qilin dancer can fend off some normal attackers easily," Cai said.
The more Cai became involved, the more actions of the dance he found were transformed from the kung fu he had learned. "A Qilin dancer can fend off some normal attackers easily," Cai said. "But knowing kung fu isn't what the Qilin Dance is about, because overall the performance is a folk art." The dancers need to perform in tempo to the rhythm. Moreover, some acting and singing skills are necessary because some scenes can last for over thirty minutes or one hour. The performers need to convey a story. The dance steps, scripts and background music handed down from ancestry are so well-created that it won't bore the audience. For example, a famous script starring Qilin and Confucius enjoys a great popularity. The story tells that when Confucius was born, a Qilin held a book in its mouth as a gift for the infant, and Qilin ushered Confucius during his study and teachings until he became a great philosopher. Many scripts cater to the common people's belief in Qilin's extraordinary powers.
The Qilin Dance has shared many similarities with the Lion Dance, also a popular form of folk art, for instance displaying an animal in all moods (pleasure, anger, sorrow, joy), bringing celebrations for holidays or telling a story between an animal and human. But the Qilin depict a benevolent herbivore animal, so there are some exclusive moves such as climbing the trees, dancing on the grass and strolling in the garden. The Qilin's claws are not sharpened for hunting, and its body is supposed to be thinner, so it should hop faster and lighter. Unlike the lion, the Qilin is not an actual animal, but a mysterious guardian for human beings, so the scripts of the Qilin Dances are from the imagination with some of them taking place at night—the Qilin is on patrol for mankind.
In order to prove originality and artistry, Cai will show his ability to pull of special techniques, including the "Crow Flaps Its Wings" (Wūyā shàn yì) where he uses his teeth to grip the head of the 3 kilogram Qilin costume and then stretches out with the backside and jumps up and down like a flying bird. Or another popular move, the "Qilin Plucks the Green" (Qílín yǐn qīng), depicting a Qilin jumping up to pluck a vegetable which represents good life and fortune. There are also some other actions such as licking its hooves, leaping into the air and lying prostrate. Those fast movements with a sudden burst of energy display a lively, strong, agile and playful Qilin. The Qilin's mood changes along with the rhythm of the music. When the music calms down, the audience will enjoy a Qilin that can be as quiet as a pet.
HERE! asked Cai if there was gender of Qilin and he said yes. He showed how to tell the gender by judging the differences in the color of their tale—the male tail is bigger and longer. And when the reporter asked Cai to show the courtship acts, it made Cai ponder, for there was never any. "It is a blank space that maybe I can consider to fill," Cai answered.
In 2011, the State Council announced the third list of the national intangible cultural heritage of China. Three kinds of cultural heritage of Dongguan were included into it, and Qilin dance was one of them. This news thrilled Zhangmutou as well as rest of Dongguan.
Auspicious animal dancing has long been the folk traditions in China. Among so many competitors, what makes the Zhangmutou Qilin dance a strong one to head into the list? Cai concludes, it is because of its combination of uniqueness.
"Compared to the popular lion dance or dragon dance, Qilin dance is rarer in the public, and still very few people have an enough understanding of it." Cai stated that the rarity means more awareness is needed. Cai also said that the dance is aestheticly pleasing for audiences. Its scripts are consistent with many repertoires, such as leaving the cave, circular movement of the head, searching for the green, strolling in the garden, kicking a good start and so forth. Every action of the performers is well practiced. The performers cooperate to provide the audience with visual and auditory sensations in a celebratory atmosphere. "What's more, as the Qilin is not an actual animal, so many actions are out of the imagination of the forbearers, which made it more original and compelling." Previously, a scene can last over one hour, if there was no interesting story inside, it could have drained the audience's patience and support and maybe it wouldn't last until today.
Like the other folk art, the Qilin Dance is a form of praying for good. The opening ceremony of the Qilin is of significance. A special term for this act is "Open the Lightness" (Kāiguāng). The eyes of the Qilin will be covered by red cloth. The minute that the red cloth is pulled down, it needs to see green leaves in front, and then this fierce animal will be tamed, but evil will be expelled. A Qilin before kaiguang should not run into a pregnant woman, or else the woman might give birth to a child with four beasts combined in one body. Cai said that those anecdotes about the Qilin Dance contributes to its profundity.
Another important uniqueness of the Qilin Dance, Cai stresses, is the production of the costumes. Now few capable of making Zhangmutou Qilin costumes remain, with only one person in this town, throwing this art on the verge of danger. This person is Liu Jinxing, a 60-year-old man living the Zhangluo District. Liu introduced that the whole process is quite complicated, which includes bamboo cutting, framework binding, pasting, grinding, drying, dyeing and painting. The Qilin is said to be four beasts in one, and this character is visualized in its costumes.
"The most important part of the Qilin costume is its eyes. I am the first person to develop a special technique to make its eyes twinkle. I should have a patent for it," Liu said. The Qilin costumes made by Liu are very lifelike and exquisite, and he won a second prize in a provincial Qilin making contest in 2012. One Qilin can be sold at least for 2,000 RMB. Liu emphasized that he had used material of the best quality. For example, the spring and accessories for the production were bought in Shenzhen after a long endeavor until he finally found them. Those Qilin teams are the biggest buyer for Qilin costumes.
Now Liu has got an apprentice Ye Yuhang. Ye learns this art with a volunteer attitude. He read in the newspaper about that the current situation of the production of Qilin costumes. He was so taken that he appealed to Liu for apprenticeship. Liu said that he carried on in this dying industry because of his obsession with the beauty of the Qilin. Therefore a young apprentice cannot persist unless he shared the same feeling. Ye said that he would love to learn this art without any payment, and Ye's resolve won the trust of Liu. Now Ye has to learn it for a half day while working in a nearby factory.
The Qilin Dance has become the brand of Zhangmutou, even Dongguan, as it was granted the title as the "Hometown of Qilin" by the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Society in 2004.
"In Zhangmutou, you can see the enthusiasm in young guys performing the dances. The government sensed the potential of the cultural industry a decade ago. So they set up a strategy of cultural branding," Cai said. Even though the Qilin Dance has developed into many genres throughout China, the reason why the Zhangmutou version stands out among its counterparts is largely due to the foresight of the local government. Zhangmutou has made some changes for Qilin Dancing so as to adapt to stage choreography, for instance shortening the one-hour dance to five or ten minutes by employing tens of Qilin dancers to perform a quick but impressive show. With the support from the government, Qilin Dance training facilities were set up in 2012. This training base is located in the ancestral hall of the family name Liu, and it was later listed as the first provincial Qilin Dance training base in Guangdong.
Cai, due to his great effort in passing and spreading the influence of the dance, was also recognized as the captain of this art. In 1984, 22-year-old Cai staged his first performance. Since then, he has won numerous prizes in various contests, including first prize respectively in the Guangdong Qilin Dance Contest in 2001 and in China Qilin Dance Contests in 2003. He is the seventh inheritor of this art in his family with his two sons are the eighth. In the old times, the secrets of some key performances were held exclusive, but Cai breaks the rule. Since 1996, Cai has been nurturing Qilin disciples all across town, even providing selfless guidance for any Qilin dance teams from other parts of the country. Now Cai was hired by the Zhangmutou Cultural Center as a tutor. In 2012, Cai was recognized as the only official inheritor of Qilin dance by Guangdong Provincial Government.
Zhangmutou presented the Qilin Dance on the world stage. In Beijing 2008 Olympics Games, the Zhangmutou team, as the only delegate of Dongguan, was granted the opportunity to present its performance in Tiananmen Square in the 2008 Beijing City Olympic Cultural Square Festival. Later on, Zhangmutou's Qilin dance charmed its way into the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, showcasing Dongguan's importance in a national cultural construct.
The Qilin Dance also served as the tie to unite Hakka people across the world. In 2002, the Qilin Team, led by Cai, went to perform in Canada for the World Hakka Qilin Dance in 2002. Those Hakka people on the other side of the world had a good time and got connected by cultural ties.
With the upcoming of Chinese New Year of the horse, Cai and his disciples are creating some new moves to entertain the audience. "Horses are also an animal favored by many people. We will try to make the Qilin interact with horses to bring more fun for the viewers," Cai said, looking forward to the coming of Lunar New Year.


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Raj Giri and Glenn Rubenstein are back for the latest edition of the Wrestling Inc. podcast. Topics include:
- WWE SmackDown Review
- Raj talks going to this week's RAW
- Shane McMahon and Kevin Owens battle all over the arena
- Shinsuke Nakmura's promo and WWE's corny dialogue
- Hell In A Cell PPV Preview
- WWE using The Ultimate Warrior as the face of their breast cancer awareness campaign, despite previous comments he's made
- Reports of how "Sister Abigail" will be used
- 205 Live Recap
And more!
You can check out the full episode in the video above or the audio player below. For a direct download, click here. If you want to subscribe to our audio channel, you can do so through iTunes as well as our RSS feed, which you can use this to subscribe through any podcast app. If you like the show, please subscribe and rate on iTunes! Also, please give us a thumbs up and subscribe on the Wrestling Inc. Youtube channel.


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The power of Groupon manifested itself again Monday with an attention-getting deal for mattresses.
Several cities, including Phoenix, Indianapolis, and Atlanta, got the deal: $50 for a $200 off coupon at Mattress Firm, a Houston-based mattress chain with more than 600 stores nationwide.
Given Mattress Firm's already low prices, the coupon created a surge of attention March 7. It was a top search term on Google. The company's website was so overwhelmed with traffic that it took several minutes to load onto computers. Mattress Firm's customer service number was so tied up that calls were being routed to a recording, asking customers to leave their name and number.
"Groupon has been very positive," says Cole Mark, a communications specialist with the company. "It's been a great addition to our marketing."
This is the first time the chain has tried Groupon. It started offering the $200 off coupon two weeks ago in some of its markets and will roll it for all its markets in the coming weeks.
How much the surge in attention translates into sales isn't entirely clear. Just after 2 p.m. Eastern Time Monday, the Mattress Firm had sold 200 coupons in Phoenix, 297 in Indianapolis, and 480 in Atlanta.
Customers have to wait until the Groupon deal shows up in their city. The coupon is only valid for in-store purchases, not on the company's website.


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Although cases of clear scientific misconduct have received media attention, less flagrant transgressions of research norms may be more prevalent and, in the long run, more damaging to the academic enterprise, reports Assistant Professor Leslie K. John. Described in the HBS Working Knowledge blog, John's study concludes that:
- Many of the surveyed research psychologists admitted to bending scientific norms in their work, but most transgressions were innocuous.
- Over a third of those surveyed said they doubted the integrity of their own research on at least one occasion.
- Ten percent of the research psychologists had engaged in the most serious practice of using false data.
- This methodology could help business practitioners learn about undesirable practices inside their companies.
Here's the rest of the article:
Leslie K. John is keenly aware of the pressure researchers feel to get results. When her graduate studies in behavioral decision research didn't produce significant findings that led to publication in a prestigious journal, John felt disheartened.
"The incentive structure is such that you're strongly rewarded for a positive result," says John, now an assistant professor of marketing at Harvard Business School.
This system can drive researchers to bend the rules to get a desirable outcome. Sometimes researchers commit minor infractions just to simplify the process, but even tweaks that don't affect the results can cast a shadow on the credibility of academic research.
In research to be published in a forthcoming issue of Psychological Science, John and coauthors George Loewenstein (Carnegie Mellon) and Drazen Prelec (MIT) write that although cases of clear scientific misconduct have received significant media attention recently, "less flagrant transgressions of research norms may be more prevalent and, in the long run, more damaging to the academic enterprise."
In an attempt to get researchers to honestly report questionable practices they have engaged in, John and her coauthors surveyed more than 2,000 research psychologists at major US universities and told them that the more truthful they were about their transgressions, the more money would be donated to a charity of their choice.
The 10 questionable practices in the study ranged from misdemeanors, as John calls them, such as selectively reporting studies that achieved positive results, to "academic felonies" such as falsifying data.
Measuring truthfulness
The participants' scores were determined by a truth-telling algorithm developed by coauthor Prelec, known as the Bayesian Truth Serum, that compared their own admission rates to their estimates of how likely they thought other researchers were to engage in and admit to the same practices. Higher scores were given to the admissions that were surprisingly common, because, according to the serum's logic, honest answers have the best chance of producing surprisingly common results. The higher the score, the larger the donation to charity.
John says that ideally, participants' answers would have been tested against evidence showing that they had actually performed, or not performed, the acts they were questioned about. But since that wasn't possible, John and her colleagues used the enhanced charitable-giving incentive to encourage honest responses.
The enhanced charity incentive increased the rates at which participating psychologists admitted to engaging in questionable practices themselves, but it didn't change their estimates of prevalence and admission rates among other psychologists. This led the study authors to conclude that the truth-telling incentive was the most effective for the toughest questions—in this case, those that required people to admit to their own wrongdoing.
In all, the truth-telling incentive ended up generating $4,200 for four charities; the receipts were posted online afterward for the participants to see. Almost every respondent admitted to having engaged in at least one of these practices, but it's important to note that some of the practices, such as failing to report all of a study's dependent measures, can be fairly innocuous.
For instance, because it can be expensive to gather a representative sample from the American population, a researcher might elect to conduct one large-scale survey that includes three different dependent measures, each intended to answer a separate research question. The researcher could defensibly write three different papers based on the three different research questions, and fail to report all the dependent measures in each paper—instead just reporting measures that were relevant to the given research question in the given paper.
On the other end of the spectrum, researchers can obtain false positives by running statistical tests over and over until they find the result they are looking for, or by excluding data after looking at how doing so might affect the results.
The truth-telling algorithm had the biggest impact on practices deemed by the respondents to be less defensible. The study estimated that approximately one in 10 research psychologists had engaged in the most serious of the questionable research practices, using false data. "That's very scary to me," John says.
Falsifying data has been a hot topic in the research community lately. Last year, a Boston University cancer researcher was found to have fabricated data in two published papers that were later retracted. Also in 2011, a well-known Harvard University psychology professor was found guilty of scientific misconduct, most likely including fabricating data.
Respondents who admitted to a questionable research practice tended to have a rationalization for doing so, but 35 percent said they doubted the integrity of their own research on at least one occasion—a statistic John finds "disheartening."
This doubt could be because of gray areas that exist in scientific discoveries, John says. These gray areas are necessary for scientific experimentation because if researchers didn't have the freedom to deviate from the norm and try different ways of doing things, they might not make important discoveries.
One way to help keep research methods in check, John says, would be to create a repository where each study is registered, as in clinical trials, and all the measures recorded in order to be compared against the results.
Problematic practices
"Measuring the Prevalence of Questionable Research Practices with Incentives for Truth-Telling" is thought to be the first study to show that using truth-telling algorithms in combination with truth-telling incentives can lead to higher—and probably more valid—estimates of how often researchers engage in the most problematic practices.
Although used to study researchers, John suggests that this methodology could help business practitioners learn about undesirable practices inside their companies. "If you were trying to find out the prevalence of employee theft, or any type of unsavory behavior, and if you preferred to do this by asking people rather than resorting to something like surveillance, this research suggests that you'll get more valid prevalence estimates if you use this method of incentivizing people to tell the truth."
Combined with computer-assisted self-interviewing, which has been found to increase self-reporting, the method could prove even more effective, she adds.
Even when people are given incentives to tell the truth, though, John is surprised at their willingness to admit to dubious acts. "I am constantly surprised at research participants' willingness to pour their hearts out, even for negative, unflattering information," she says.


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Experts recommend a food journal. I recommend a junk food journal. This blog's focus began with urging parents to track the amount of treats presented to kids on a daily/weekly basis and why it's important so you can stay in the pediatrician recommended range of 2 to 3 treats per week. It was my first hand account in real time, of my struggle, or as i like to say, "food fight."
After one year, it has evolved to focusing on the beauty and fun of real food. I used to be a bit embarrassed to stand out in a crowd and say No to fake food. BUT NOW I AM PROUD. My family and I became powerful and in control of our food and food education. I stand up for real food and am not timid about it. I am cooking more at home, and everyone who knows me, knows i am synonymous with real food and "no junk." I like to do freelance writing, food photography and connect with people through social media.
So, this is what i wrote when i first started my blog, enjoy:
I drink matcha green tea and strong coffee. I eat gluten-free frozen yogurt and custard. I eat sushi and red meat. And I'm probably as confused as anyone as to what to feed our kids. But i know what not to feed them. Apples with peanut butter? Good. Vanilla flavored milk? Bad. Popcorn seeds popped in olive oil? Good. A sugar cookie with frosting and sprinkles? Very bad. Naughty.
If we want to eat badly, that's our own choice. We know better. But it is our responsibility to teach all children what to eat. Businesses want to make money off your kid. They want to make it so sugary, fun and colorful that they just can't resist. We need to clear out the noise and develop their taste buds for real food, not processed junk food. Who's with me? This is where places of education need to step it up. Room moms and fellow parents need to step it up. Food manufacturers need to step it up. I need to step it up. Please don't hand my kid a lollipop and then smile at me like you just did me and my child a favor. I am so over that. Feed them healthy, run around with them- and then i know you really care about us. Giving them three juice boxes at a playdate "because they were thirsty" makes me think twice before i friend you on Facebook. (kidding.)
When I first had kids, and was re-introduced to the land of sugar, I couldn't believe the amount of junk that went into those perfect, little bodies on a weekly basis. Once I became aware of the rise in cases of children with diabetes and obesity, it was GAME OVER. Wake. Up. America. Put in a new quarter and choose "start a new game."
My philosophy? I guess I can sum it up by…eat birthday cake. Trick or Treat as late as people will let you. Go after that parade candy! As fast as you can before another kid gets it! Now have some candy and throw the rest out. Don't eat two orange pumpkin heads full of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and chocolate eyeballs. Halloween lasts but one night- not the whole month. But don't fear my child, more treats are probably just a day away. And remember what your Pediatrician recommends? Two to three treats a week! We are so screwed. Try, try, and try again. This gives a whole new meaning to food fight.


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Bongi Mshengu obtained a BA degree at the University of South Africa, Diploma in Social Work at the University of Zululand, a Diploma in Personnel Management at the University of South Africa, a Certificate in Labour Law at the University of Natal and Programme for Management Development at the University of Cape Town.
He has over 30 years experience in the Human Resources field, having worked for a number of organizations both in private and public sector. Bongi has operated at an executive level for many years as a Human Resources Director. He acted as a CEO of a R4 billion organization for a period of seven months.
He established Bhekani Consulting in 2003 and is currently the Managing Director. The company specializes in staffing, training and facilitation. He has a passion for leadership and community development. He also spent a number of years in the government service as a Social Worker and a Director. He has handled human resources projects in Namibia and Ethiopia and has consulted for public and private organizations.
Bongi is the past Regional President of the Black Management Forum, past Chairman of United Community Chests of South Africa and has been, for many years, a non executive member of PMB Chamber of Industries. He is a Board Member of Mhlathuze Water. In 1997 he was voted Manager of the Year by Black Management Forum.


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Spring 2014 MenswearUmit Benan
The political situation in Turkey is headline news around the world now, but it's been a fact of Umit Benan's life for at least the last decade, as the Ottoman essence of the Turkey he loves has steadily drained from public life. For him, that essence embodied a cosmopolitan elegance, a gentlemanly liberalism, and he wanted to pay it suitable tribute. It was a testament to Benan's ability as a designer that his clothes managed to carry the weight of his serious intent so successfully. That was because they fully communicated a sense of the life lived by the men who might wear such stuff.
In that respect, Benan's best friend was his sense of theater. It's always been that way—his presentations have unfailingly provided some of the most memorable moments of Milan's menswear weeks—but there was something special, more felt, less studied, in today's show. Its title, Efendi, referred to an old Ottoman honorific, something like "sir," and Benan re-created the atmosphere in which such a character might socialize, a kind of gentlemen's club, with raki flowing and traditional music provided by renowned percussionist Burhan Öçal and his band.
Benan re-created the characters, too, commissioning La Scala to model masks after faces he remembered from old Turkish movies. Each of them had a fez and a mustache, which fascinate Benan as almost cartoonish clichés of Turkish masculinity. True, there was an element of cartoon, but mostly the masks were a macabre-ly effective way to enhance the theatricality. They also helped to highlight the character in the clothes: Here, the formality of a three-piece suit in a Prince of Wales check worn by a gray-bearded gent; there, the slouch of a boldly striped duster, its wearer a man whose mask looked a little less reputable; then the substance of a bonded blouson in a deep garnet red sported by a young(-ish) buck. Both aspects of Benan's own design personality—the tailor, the dandy—were in full effect.


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- 6 Awesome Reasons to Drink More Coffee
- What You Need to Know About Matcha Green Tea Powder
- How Quarantine Can Impair Your Sleep Quality
- 6 Habits That Will Help You Live Longer
- 5 Signs of Insufficient Protein Intake
- Can Your Personality Type Affect Your Sleep Habits?
- How Winter Affects Sleep Quality
- 6 Signs You Need to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
- The Very Real Dangers of Sugar
- Why You Need to Cut Out Soda Today!
- How to Improve Sleep Quality
- 5 Dangerous Secrets of Junk Food
- Is Your "Normal Blood Pressure" Too High?
- Probiotics: The Food to Boost Your Mood
- How to Make Your Day a Fat Burning Day
- See More Articles
How to Have a Healthier HeartYour heart is probably the second most important organ in your body, after your brain. It's the organ that keeps the blood pumping, sending nutrients and oxygen to every cell in your body. And yet, cardiac disorders are the #1 killer in the world today! That says something about the state of our health, specifically heart health. If you want to know how to have a healthier heart, here's what you need to do:
ExerciseExercise eliminates excess water from your circulatory system, prevents the build-up of fat in your arteries, and strengthens the muscles of your heart. Essentially, it will help your heart be more efficient at transporting oxygen and nutrients. You don't have to kill yourself at the gym for hours every day, but just 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise is enough to keep your heart in great shape.
Eat RawFiber is one of the most important nutrients for a healthy heart. Not only will it help to reduce fat and cholesterol in the body, but it also eliminates sugar and excess water. High blood sugar levels and water retention can both contribute to heart problems. Fruits and veggies are also packed with antioxidants, which can deal with the free radicals floating around in your body.
Stop SmokingSmoking may help you to relax, but it's one of the worst things you can do! Not only does it affect your lungs, but it can seriously strain your heart as well. Smoking raises your blood pressure, weakens your blood vessels, and increases the risk of arterial plaque. It all but guarantees heart problems in the not-so-distant future! But within a year of quitting, your risk of coronary disease will be cut in half. Over time, you'll return to full heart health, and your lungs and cardiovascular system will work normally again.
Limit Salt Intake
A bit of salt makes your food much tastier, but it's easy to pass into the realm of "too much". Salt causes your body to retain water, which in turn raises your blood pressure and strains the walls of your blood vessels. If they are weakened (courtesy of smoking, arterial plaque, or other coronary problems), the risk of heart attacks and strokes is much higher. Try to limit the amount of extra salt you sprinkle on your food, and cut back on the salt you use in your cooking. You can always add other kinds of flavors!
Understand Your HistoryDo you have a family history of heart disease? Do you have any uncles, aunts, parents, grandparents, cousins, or distant relatives who also suffered heart problems? If so, you are at risk as well. Heart problems can be passed down through the family. If you have a family history of heart problems, it's vital you take EXTRA care to protect your heart.
Get TestedWant to be sure your heart is in good shape? Get it tested! You can find blood pressure tests at most pharmacies, or you can ask your doctor to measure your cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure at your annual check-up. Both high cholesterol and high blood sugar can lead to serious problems, and high blood pressure can strain your cardiovascular system. Get tested, and deal with any health problems ASAP!
RelaxDid you know that stress is one of the primary causes of cardiac disease? Stress raises the levels of "fight or flight" hormone and over-works your heart. Find ways to relax and reduce the stress in your life. Your heart will thank you, and it will work better for many more years as a result!
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Wow, I attended 'Getting Under the Covers with Infor Visual ERP Using MS Excel' and this 1 day changed my life. I have been able to save 1 day in my month-end by creating queries versus downloading reports and manipulating in Excel. And I am just getting started. It is the best money I have ever spent on training. Thanks so much for a great day and all the useful tools.
Deb Gillies, VP Finance, Assa Abloy
Great class! Learned a lot about inventory costs, auditing and potential problems and most important, how to correct a majority of those problems. Loved learning the query tools, how to look up items and in which tables. Appreciate the audit tools and month end checklist. Also picked up a lot of tips along the way in discussions and examples from others as well.
Karin Krukoski, Senior Staff Accountant, Sun Nuclear Corp.
Great Course! Nice, small group in a lovely location. I have learned a lot and was very happy with the pace and material of the presentation. Great instructor! Very knowledgeable and entertaining.
Mary Hay, Bach-Simpson
Great Course. Definitely worth the time. Data is power and this course helps you develop the tools to get the data needed by any organization using Visual.
Baljit Virdee, Plant Manager, Load Covering Solutions
Back at my Desk – I wanted to tell you what a wonderful experience I had yesterday! Great workshop!
Paul Johneas, Controller, Spectronics Corporation
Liked the time to develop queries that are company specific and can be used going forward. Course will help to develop queries that will eliminate multiple daily/weekly reports.
Jason McLellan, Controller, Bach-Simpson
We are very impressed with outstanding job Kim did for us, and we greatly appreciate all time and effort she put into this project.
Valerie Khotyleva, OCP DBA, OCP Developer, Dew Engineering
Amazing – we can all breathe again.
Susan Whelan, Controller – after fixing PO Accrual issue
You are the only person on the planet (including every other VISUAL consultant I have met) I would have any confidence in to figure out the root cause of our problems.
Brian Nichols, VP Finance & Administration, Water Works
Once again thank you for all the help you're providing us off hours. It's greatly appreciated.
Matt Fleming, IT Manager, Assa Abloy
Worth every penny.
Bob Livingston, Valley Blades Limited
I have taken both the "Controller and Beyond" course as well as the "Under the Covers" course. Kim's knowledge and "enthusiasm" (bordering on obsessive) for Visual is contagious. The courses are full of practical and useful information that can be applied immediately. I actually completed a couple of Excel queries during the course breakout sessions that I used immediately when I got back to the office. The groups are small allowing for great discussions and time for everyone's questions to be answered. I would highly recommend both courses.
Pam Wettlaufer, Controller, Centra Industries Inc.
Came away with several time saving suggestions and a better understanding of how Visual works.
Jim Hill, CFO, Pan Oston
Great course.
Mimi Robertson, Controller, Cosmetica
Learned a lot and very informative.
Leonor Diorico, Cosmetica
Great Course!! I have learned some new items and areas to look at and improve when I get back to the office.
Annette Annibale, Accounting Manager, Cogent
I found the course very beneficial for me and enjoyed the time at Thinkspot. Thanks a bunch to Kim for being patient with all my questions and for making me now obsessed with VISUAL.
Galina Fedyakina, Controller, POWERsonic Industries Inc.
Thanks Kim, you rock! Kim thanks, I owe you one. Really…
Travis Venable, IT Manager, Triumph Structures


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Earn points toward FREE PIZZA with Piece of the Pie Rewards
More About Domino's Near 60141
Domino's: We're Reinventing Pizza Near 60141
When your tastebuds are tingling for a delicious slice of cheesy, meat-topped goodness, we know you're not craving any old pizza near 60141. You want a delicious pizza with a robust tomato sauce, hearty piles of mozzarella, perfectly diced pepperoni, and a golden-brown crust that's crunchy, crispy, and chewy—all at the same time. You want to take a bite out of the perfect pizza. You want Domino's.
At Domino's near 60141, we make it fast and easy to get the fresh pizza you're craving. Order your pizza online or over the phone, or stop by and place a carryout order at the Domino's nearest you.
First, start by selecting your favorite crust. Pick from a hand-tossed crust that's seasoned with the perfect balance of garlic and butter, a gluten-free crust, a pan crust featuring two monstrous layers of cheese, or even a crispy thin pizza crust! Next, pick your sauce and start piling on your favorite toppings. Don't be shy! Choose as many as you want. Whether you're a meat-lover or a veggie-lover, your pizza dreams can come true at your nearest Domino's.
With more than 34 million different ways to handcraft a Domino's pizza, you can be sure we've got a slice for whatever your tastebuds are craving. Customize your pizza from bottom to top or choose from one of our chef-inspired specialty pizzas, like the popular Honolulu Hawaiian, Philly Cheese Steak, or Memphis BBQ Chicken, and have it delivered fresh and hot to your door, today!
When Hunger Calls, Order Pizza Delivery Near 60141
Here at Domino's near 60141, we're serious about pizza delivery. In fact, we promise your pizza will arrive hot and fresh at your door, right out of our oven. Use our patented Pizza TrackerⓇ to follow the progress of your pizza order from the time it's placed till it arrives at your doorstep… and in the meantime, do your best not to drool on your computer or phone.
Want More? Get Wings, Sandwiches & Pizza Takeout Near 60141
Sure, we deliver pizza, but we're also experts when it comes to fast pizza takeout near 60141. Order from our pizza menu or try something new! Make the whole family happy with a flavorsome pasta, order of breadsticks, a crisp garden salad, boneless chicken wings, and a dangerously sweet helping of dessert. You can't go wrong with an order of Domino's Marbled Cookie Brownie™, Cinna StixⓇ, or Chocolate Lava Crunch Cake.
With over 12,000 locations in 80 plus countries, we know customer service and we know quality. We think it's our calling to not only be the best pizza delivery company in Hines, but also the world, and everything we do reflects this commitment. You'll see it in our courteous delivery drivers and money-saving pizza coupons, and taste it in every bite of pizza you eat. Go digital and place your order using our free smartphone app, order online, or call your local Domino's restaurant near 60141 for satisfyingly fast pizza delivery and carryout today! We may have been around since 1960, but we aren't just any old pizza restaurant. We're your number one pizza place near 60141!


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Bible Verse
This is a great verse to remember.
So many verses, so little time.
More later………………Sally
Related articles
- Bible verses about DOING righteousness and obeying the Lord (bjorkbloggen.wordpress.com)
- Get Behind the Easel: a Bible Memory Verse Activity (ministerioinfantilusa.com)
- 25 Encouraging Bible Verses About Strength (mamadoveonabox.wordpress.com)
Bible Verse
be joyful always
pray continually
give thanks in all circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
More later…………………Sally
Sunday Sum Up
No Peace – No God
Know Peace – Know God
More later……………..Sally
Bible School
We had Bible School at our church a couple of weeks ago.
My granddaughter went.
She had a great time. There were a lot of grown up helpers and teachers. The theme was Big Apple Adventures.
Kennedy prays out loud very well. When it was time for prayer, she was the only one to raise her hand to pray. At prayer request time, she asked that when her new baby brother got here that he wouldn't cry all the time!
We join two churches together so all the kids around can go.
Here is a view of the audience. (Madison)
Brother Dean told us that 4 kids were saved that week. AMEN!!
Small town churches are the best!
Praise the Lord!!
And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
Hebrews 2:13
More later…………….Sally
Sum It Up Sunday
Just a little inspiration……..
God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.
He is there…………just ask.
More later……………………Sally


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Report: Employers in the UK 2016
What makes a company an employer of choice? Based on over 15,000 employee interviews, this report contains detailed results and individual employer data for over 950 UK employers.
If you would like to order the report without registering with us click here.
If you are already a customer and have an account with us, please click on the following button to order the report:
For the first time Statista.com, in partnership with Bloomberg, has surveyed over 15,000 UK employees in order to analyse the best employers in the UK and understand what drives UK employee satisfaction.
Using online access panels, Statista.com and Bloomberg have anonymously and independently surveyed over 15,000 UK employees. Based on the results of this survey over 950 employers from 25 industry sectors have been given a score.
The report delivers the following data:
• Top employers across all industries
• Top employers by industry sector and region
• Analysis of the six drivers that determine employer attractiveness for over 950 employers
• Driver analysis by industry sector, sociodemographic characteristics and the level of employment of employees
• Net Promoter Score per industry sector and sociodemographic characteristics
• Recommendations to increase employer attractiveness
The report contains 3 documents: a clearly structured PDF presentation of the results from all examined industries and two comprehensive Excel sheets containing both company and industry data.
The PDF presentation contains an analysis of results laid out in a professional and easy to read format, using graphical representations. In addition to the employer's individual score and ranking, drivers of an employer's attractiveness are analysed and ascertained for each of the 25 industry sectors and sociodemographic groups, etc.
Furthermore, based on the in-depth driver analysis, the document contains recommendations to increase employer attractiveness.
The first Excel document contains all individual scores, driver values and additional information for over 950 employers.
The second Excel document contains all 6 driver values for sociodemographic groups (age, gender, level of employment, etc.) and for each industry sector.
The reading aid contains an overview of the results included in the report and an overview of all surveyed employers.
companies trust
- Number of employer firms in the U.S. 2017, by employment sizeNumber of employer firms in the U.S. 2017, by employment size
- Number of employer firms in the United States, by industry 2017Number of employer firms in the United States, by industry 2017
- Canada: private sector employer businesses, by province 2017Canada: private sector employer businesses, by province 2017
- Impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on employer companies in Finland 2020, by sectorImpacts of the coronavirus outbreak on employer companies in Finland 2020, by sector
- Number of employer firms in the U.S. 2007-2017Number of employer firms in the U.S. 2007-2017
Statista is a great source of knowledge, and pretty helpful to manage the daily work.


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People are often surprised to discover that this popular dish doesn't contain lobster at all. The name comes from the fact that one of the ingredients is fermented black beans, which the Cantonese use when preparing Cantonese lobster.
Serves 3 to 4
- 1 recipe lobster sauce
- 3/4 pound shrimp (frozen tiger shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 teaspoons ginger (minced)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
Steps to Make It
Make the lobster sauce first, and keep it warm.
Run the shrimp under warm running water until thawed. Pat dry with paper towels. Shell and devein if necessary.
Marinate the shrimp in the rice wine or sherry, salt and cornstarch for 15 minutes.
Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat. Add the oil.
When the oil is hot, add the ginger and green onion. Stir-fry until aromatic (about 30 seconds).
Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink.
Push the shrimp up to the sides of the pan and add the sauce in the middle. Bring to a boil and then mix in with the shrimp. Serve hot.
Recipe Tags:


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Empirical investigations of the natural world, especially in astronomy and medicine, are discovered in lots of ancient civilizations. You are so proper, science is throughout us, and primarily it's a examine of remark and exposure, both of which Tiger has in spades!! Primarily a press workplace, the Science Media Centre works closely with press officers from universities, business, research funders and main science and engineering institutions. The Frequency Of Lightening Can Be Changed To Produce Different Sounds – It sounds sort of out there but the Museum of Science has a machine of their Theater of Electricity that can change the frequency of the sound that lightening makes.
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Scholasticism's strong give attention to revelation and dialectic reasoning was questioned by Roger Bacon (thirteenth century), who argued for extra experimental science as demonstrated by Alhazen's Book of Optics Scholasticism progressively fell out of favour over the following centuries. We had been guiding the scholars by means of some discipline analysis by which they divided into groups to plan experiments about mercury in soils. Though science has brought in welcome adjustments it has also ushered in numerous evils and horrors.
The Science Media Centre provides journalists with what they need in the timeframe they want it, from interviews with main consultants to well timed press briefings on topical points. Someone who thinks that science is all about certainty may have a look at these changing understandings and decide that no one actually is aware of what's going on – and tune the entire difficulty out. In March, studies emerged that Rebekah Mercer had made the case for Robinson to be the nation's new national science adviser.
Robinson despatched around his tackle atmospheric science with the petition, with a cover letter from the properly-identified physicist, contrarian and tobacco-business guide Frederick Seitz. The knowledge of historic Greek fractal life science foundation, as a result of he considered Democracy to be watered and tended rigorously to provide a science but at the first place they would rather apply science within this comforting – however in the end false – mannequin relatively than oblivion. So we strongly encourage your students to compete at different science fair events too. Your child will assist your child love to do science projects that really interest them.


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BVE is the UK's leading Entertainment and Media Tech event, with a 20-year history dedicated to the broadcast, production and post-production sectors. In recent years, the show has evolved into an all-encompassing event that also covers the Connected Media, AV Systems Integration, Live Production, VR and creative sectors. It attracts more than 15,000 visitors who attend to discover and learn about the latest products, services and trends from more than 300 leading manufacturers and distributors.
You guessed it! The Contour Team will be in attendance, and we hear Louis Theroux is making an appearance this year too, so should be fun. Stop by our stand to say hello, play with our products, and maybe we'll have a few freebies available too!


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Testing the Waters
I was first introduced to Waters Fine Foods and Catering by Andrew Spurgin. At the time, the chef (well known in Slow Food circles as a renaissance man with a devotion to classic cooking techniques, an insatiable appetite and interest in esoteric international cuisine and ingredients, and a passion for promoting the glories of the local foodscape) was at the helm of the business.
Under his direction, they put out arguably the best catered edibles in the county. He spent many years building a stellar reputation for himself, his food and the company, before being lured away to his current post as one of three big-name chefs (the other two being Brian Malarkey and Antonio Friscia) behind the year-old, glitz- and glamor-geared Campine Catering. The move made sense, but also came as a bit of a surprise considering how long he'd been at Waters and how synonymous his name was with his employer's.
I have many fond memories of Waters, all of which come courtesy of Spurgin's food, which was always very clean, straightforward, elegant, and tasty. One of the best I recall is spending a day in Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits' brew house behind Home Brew Mart in Linda Vista. We had just added some hops to the brew kettle when, all of a sudden, an unexpected delivery of sandwiches, salads, and crudites arrived. Apparently, the staff at Ballast Point had struck up a friendship with the chefs at Bay Park's nearby Waters Fine Foods kitchen, and regularly traded growlers of beer for lunches like these. The food was tasty and fresh and, until last week, my final taste of Waters' fare.
On Thursday, I headed back to Bay Park to check out Waters' new cafe (1122 West Morena Boulevard). It's located in the space that formerly housed a Subway. The following statement may be semi-sacrilegious given Michael Phelps' recent success, which as his commercials attest can be largely traced back to a diet of five-dollar foot-longs, but to heck with it: this storefront just got a huge upgrade. In place of Spicy Italians, Cold Cut Combos, and Ultimate Veggies are more refined sandwiches and nicely cooked vegetables more worthy of the latter billing.
I called in a order and brought it home to a hungry family. I could have been nearly as comfortable and quite inclined to hunker down at the cafe, which is bright and tasteful in its minimalist approachable upscale deli decor. That said, it was nice to get a spiffy, durable, Waters logo-adorned bag to carry my purchases home in, so it worked out nicely.
The individual items I'd ordered were packed appropriately to keep hot items warm, and cold items nicely chilled. Given the horrendous traffic on the freeways that afternoon, this proved very helpful. By the time we broke into a goat cheese, mozzarella, pesto, arugula and roasted pepper panini, it was still pleasantly gooey and stringy. The vegetables inside were nice, but don't order this one expecting them to be the star of the sandwich. This is a grilled cheese through and through. The Laura Chenel chevre is boldly acidic, and plentiful, and the mozzarella provides structural background and some salt.
A tuna sandwich has sizable chunks of tasty albacore and a healthy slathering of olive tapenade. There's so much of it, it overtakes the entire sandwich. Not a problem if you love Kalamatas, but a bit disappointing if you really want to taste the tuna or the lemon aioli that I was unable to pick out at all. The best part of that sandwich was the house-made focaccia. Herbaceous, fluffy, and buttery (even though it is almost certainly made using only olive oil), it makes up for almost any filling-related shortcomings.
Roasted root vegetables (sweet potatoes, yams, carrots, and beets) tasted out of season, but very good thanks in large part to a blood orange oil dressing. There was one exception. The beets were bitter to the point of almost being inedible. I'm not sure what the problem was there, but it was particularly disappointing given the fact Spurgin fixes beets better than just about any chef in San Diego. This was a long way for those magenta tubers to fall. A bright corn salad was particularly impressive. A while back, my wife discovered a really satisfying recipe for a sweet corn salad that we make easily a dozen times per year, and we were both surprised to find this was even better than that family favorite. It was so naturally sweet it could have filled in for dessert in a pinch.
As it was, we went with a s'mores cupcake and a peanut butter bar. The former had three toasted marshmallows on top and a thick, hardened layer of chocolate at its core. The only thing that could have made it better was more Graham cracker presence, but it's more than fine just the way it is. The bar was nowhere near as sugary as most PB desserts, which I appreciated. Another plus was that both desserts were presented in just the right quantity where you could finish them off without sending yourself into a sugar coma or on a one-way trip to stomach ache valley.
The food is still comparable to what it's been for years. Add the nice new location and the pluses and minuses combine to keep it pretty much at the same level. Considering Waters' reputation that's pretty darned good.
More like this:
- The Prado at Balboa Park — Sept. 4, 2012
- Digestives for days at Mona Lisa — Aug. 19, 2012
- Torta: America's Next Hamburger? — Aug. 16, 2012
- At Seaport: Pandaswag? — Aug. 9, 2012
- 50 Years Later: Vintage Newspapers from the Week Marilyn Monroe Died — Aug. 4, 2012
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House: Hart Davis Hart
Date: 26 June 2010, 09:00 CDT
Title: An Auction of Finest & Rarest Wines
Live Location: Chicago (Tru Restaurant, 676 N. St. Clair Street)
Web: http://www.hdhwine.com/auction-catalog/1006
Phone: +1 312-482-9996
Buyer's Premium: 19.5% + Sales Tax (if received in Illinois)
Shipping: The auction catalog lists the following shipping options within the United States:
- Local Delivery (within 10 miles of downtown Chicago) (approximate fees: $14-$30 per case)
- Common Carrier Ground Service (approximate fees: $25-$45 per case)
- Second Day Air Service (approximate fees: $49-$113 per case)
- Next Day Air Service (approximate fees: $103-$120 per case)
- Fully licensed temperature controlled trucking, when available ($750.00 min. charge)
Storage: "We offer complimentary storage in our temperature and humidity-controlled facilities for 60 days after the date of auction."
Total Lots: 1,173
Wine Distribution: Red Bordeaux 50% (590 lots), Red California 17% (200 lots), Red Burgundy 16% (186 lots), Red Italian 5% (63 lots), Red Rhone 4.5% (53 lots), White California 2% (24 lots), White Burgundy 1.5% (17 lots), Champagne 1.5% (16 lots)
Most Expensive Estimate: Lot 208, Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 1995 (6 btls.) and Lot 233, Romanée-Conti, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti 2003 (6 magnums), USD$45,000
Least Expensive Estimate: Lot 555, Domaine Raveneau, 1er Cru Chablis 2005 (2 btls.), USD$220
Potential Bargains (Using QPR or Quality to Price Ratio):
Like Haut-Brion, but don't like Haut-Brion prices? This HDH auction has a lot featuring six magnums of the 1999 Chateau Bahans Haut-Brion, the second wine of Chateau Haut-Brion, which has been called Clarence de Haut-Brion since 2007 (lot no. 133). Although only scoring in the high-80s according to Tanzer and Parker when it was first tasted in the bottle in 2002, it's in its prime drinking window now. Vinopedia only shows one store in the world selling magnums of the Bahans '99, the Swiss retailer AMP International Trading, which lists it for approximately USD$92 (look at page 4 of AMP's price list where it's shown at CHF 109). If you could get this lot for anything within its estimate range of USD$220-$320, you'd be beating retail handily, especially if you live in the U.S., as shipping from HDH in Chicago will be much less than AMP in Switzerland.
Staying on the theme of second wines from top Bordeaux, Lot 660 is a case of the 2000 Réserve de la Comtesse, the second wine of Chateau Pichon-Longueville, Lalande. As most of you know, 2000 was an excellent vintage for Bordeaux, and though the users of CellarTracker are all over the board on this particular wine, most of these amateur tasters rate it around a 90. Plus, the well-known English wine seller Lay and Wheeler says in its tasting note for the '00: "This has to be the best Réserve de la Comtesse we have tasted." This wine averages USD$61 per bottle on Wine Searcher at retail, with the least expensive option being $47 a bottle at San Francisco Wine Consulting, which has two bottles currently in stock. With a top estimate of USD$450 for this lot, you'd be getting a very good price at a $400 or less hammer price.
If you fancy a white wine instead, there a quite a few options, though none that are particularly inexpensive. The least expensive estimate in the entire auction is, as mentioned above, for a lot of two different primer cru Chablis from Domaine Raveneau (the Butteaux and the Montmains) in Lot 555, and I do love Chablis. But considering that the French wine dealer Millesimes lists the Butteaux for 77.74 € (approximately USD$81 — thank you strong dollar), this lot isn't exactly a bargain unless you get it for significantly less than the maximum estimate of USD$220.
Well, this is getting familiar.
This is only the third wine auction preview on this blog so far, and invariably, the most expensive lots are DRC and Lafite. The nine most pricey lots by maximum estimate in this HDH auction come from those two producers, as do the vast majority of the top 50 most expensive lots (with Bordeaux stars Petrus, Le Pin, and Latour making a few appearances). Sure, sure, this is completely understandable considering how collectible, storied, and in demand these wines are. For example, Liv-ex, the exchange that acts as sort of a "stock market" for fine wine, has 702 vintages of Lafite Rothschild and 287 vintages of Domaine Romanee Conti available for trading going back to the 18th and 19th Centuries respectively. Lafite and DRC have been desirable for a long, long time.
If you're a collector, these brands have to be in your portfolio. If you're a drinker, although you have to try and find a way to try these wines — they are just too superlative to not drink if you have the opportunity — their exorbitant prices make drinking Lafite or DRC almost idiotic. Lot 208 of this auction is six bottles of 1995 Romanée-Conti with a minimum estimate of USD$30,000. For those of you who are bad at math, that's $5,000 a bottle, plus buyer's premium, shipping, taxes, etc.
Just for comparison, for USD$30,000 you could buy almost 24 ounces of gold (or 600 grams), even at today's inflated gold prices. Is it worth it to buy this '95 DRC to drink at such a price even if the estimable Allen Meadows, the Burghound himself, calls it "extremely impressive"? I like wine a heck of a lot more than gold, but I think I'd rather have six big ol' bars of gold myself.