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When you read through the scriptures, you will see that the leaders were hardly ever alone. When Moses was called to lead, he had his brother by his side. King David had people that he relied on for counsel. Jesus had his disciples. Paul had people who traveled with him, as well as leaders that he left behind in cities to lead the local church. Paul wasn't even alone in prison! When the apostles would travel to share the gospel, they often set out in pairs or small numbers. Plus, they always had each other lean back on, no matter where they were in the world. Advice was a letter away. When it was time to tackle bigger subjects, they would meet together as a group to discuss the matters at hand.
It's a common clichéd phrase in America to say that "it's lonely at the top" or "leadership is lonely". As leaders we need to recognize that God never intended our leaders to be lonely. In a previous article it was already mentioned the importance of having your own Timothy in place, someone you are developing as another leader or your eventual replacement. However, this relationships are not meant to be superficial training grounds. Those that we bring into our inner circle to develop as leaders will often help mold and shape our leadership too. We learn just as much from their experiences as they do from our own. Developing leaders will ask questions that we may have never considered on our own, or see things from a different perspective.
As much knowledge as I have about Women's Ministry from experience coupled with books and research…
… I still don't know everything. I have not encountered every possible scenario and even now I have some thoughts lingering in my head about how to handle certain circumstances should they arise.
Having a "Women's Ministry Council" of leaders is part of how we can begin to fill those gaps in experience, knowledge, and wisdom. Each leader is her own treasure trove of information to glean from. Some WM Leaders are Pastor's wives, who can give us insight to how Pastors view Women's Ministry, or ministries in general. They can give us an inside out view of the life of the Pastor in the church, the pressures he faces, and the parameters staff make decision within.
When we gather with other Women's Ministry leaders, we have an opportunity to offer others our experience, and take in the experience of others. As one leader just mentioned in our Facebook Group, we don't need to reinvent a new wheel. We just need help in finding the wheel that fits our group best. We can pick and choose from the advice given and experiences shared, using those tidbits to shape our ministry's future. And, we can discard the things that don't really apply to our needs.
We have a group of people whom we can share our successes with, and help them foster new ideas for their ministry. And, we have a group of women who we can lean on for support when we are simply at a loss on how to grow our ministry.
Resources are more than books and websites, our best resources are the other leaders we are serving alongside with in our own communities. Facebook groups and international websites have a lot to offer us in terms of general information. However no one knows what it is like to serve THIS community, than those women who are in the trenches with you.
Every day, we gain more visitors to our website from other areas of the United States and beyond. What we are doing here, in our South Florida location, is creating a program that we want to be duplicated in other regions. By 2017, I am praying that all of our kinks have been worked out and that we will be able to put together a plan for Women's Ministry Councils across the country. Please keep our work in your prayers, that the Lord will guide this endeavor. The blessing it has been for us, should not be contained to South Florida.
Women's Ministry needs a leadership community!


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The first images of Rurouni Kenshin's Himura Kenshin and Shishio Makoto in Bandai Namco's Jump Force have been revealed. As you may recall, they were recently revealed as playable characters. They show the popular manga's protagonist and antagonist using attacks fans should recognize.
In a closeup shot, it looks evident that Kenshin is in fact using his nonlethal sakabatō, true to his character. Meanwhile, Shishio is seen igniting his sword by scraping it against his bandaged arm.
For anyone unfamiliar with the franchise, Kenshin is a former assassin, now wandering ronin, who fights to protect the weak, but refuses to seriously harm or kill his opponents. To avoid such injury, he fights with a weapon called sakabatō, which was specially made to have the sharp side and blunt side of the blade reversed.
Shishio Makoto is the primary antagonist of the Rurouni Kenshini franchise (also referred to as Samurai X, due to the X-shaped scar on Kenshin's face). He was Kenshin's successor as an assassin, but the government feared him and attempted to kill him by covering him in oil and setting him on fire. He survived, but has to wear bandages across his whole body. (This was before we had the technology to make Darth Vader suits). As such, many of his attacks involve generating flames by rubbing his sword against his body.
If any further Rurouni Kenshin characters are added, the most likely candidates would be Sanosuke Sagara and/or Saito Hajime. Makimachi Misao is another possibility, but she is quite a longshot.
Who would you like to see added from Rurouni Kenshin or another franchise?
First Jump Force Rurouni Kenshin Screenshots Stay True to the Characters

subset: commoncrawl


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Articles by Miriam Katawazi
- Summer has been the easy part of the pandemic. It's what comes next that worries experts
- Ontario premier says friends in United States 'shocked' by province's COVID-19 success
- Toronto Zoo extends hours to allow for rare and smelly sighting of fleeting corpse flower
- Ontario reports fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases per day for full week
- Police investigate collision and shooting in Toronto's Entertainment District
- Ontario records fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases for sixth day in a row
- Woman seriously injured in downtown Toronto shooting
- Ontario records fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases for third straight day
- Ontario sees two days of fewer than 100 new COVID-19 cases after weekend spike
- Toronto graduating student Nomi Danzig scores 100 per cent average
Miriam KatawaziContact
Miriam Katawazi is a Multi-Platform Writer at CTV News Toronto, writing breaking news and features.
Over the years, Katawazi has worked in various news roles both nationally and internationally. She's worked with The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, CBC Ottawa, and CBC's international bureau in London, England. She's covered everything from major breaking news to inconspicuous stories waiting to be told.
Katawazi graduated from Carleton University with a double major in Human Rights and Journalism.
Katawazi is fluent in both English and Pashto, one of the two official languages of Afghanistan.
Follow her on Twitter: @MiriamKatawazi


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Local Ashley Furniture Homestores Earn National 2011 Chairman's Award | Business
Title (Max 100 Characters)
Since opening the first location in 2005, Jacksonville Ashley Furniture HomeStores' community support programs have expanded, now working directly with Jacksonville-based organizations such as: A Hope to Dream, the Salvation Army (Northeast Florida Area Command), the Greater Jacksonville Area USO, and The Donna Foundation.
Continued community efforts through 2011 earned the First Coast area stores top honors as Jacksonville Ashley Furniture HomeStores Managing Member/CEO Howard Fineman accepted the 2011 Chairman's Award in Las Vegas.
"The Ashley Furniture HomeStore brand is based on four pillars: value, quality, style and selection," Fineman said in a news release. "But here in Jacksonville our team has a fifth pillar, which is giving back locally and that pillar defines who we are here in the marketplace."
The Ashley Furniture HomeStores were able to help area children, with nearly 150 beds given away. Fineman expressed pride for the A Hope to Dream program saying it is, "a cause the Ashley Furniture HomeStores can truly call their own."
The Jacksonville Ashley Furniture HomeStores, in association with A Hope to Dream, also teamed up with the Salvation Army to distribute an additional 50 Beds for 50 Kids over the holiday season as well as participated in the Angel Tree and Adopt-A-Family programs.
The efforts continue in 2012, with the fight against breast cancer being a major focus. The Jacksonville stores also support Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society and this month's 26.2 with Donna National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. "Our local efforts, combined with Ashley Corporate's support of our local efforts, has generated over $122,000 to date. And it is estimated that our team's local support efforts will produce in excess of an additional $10,000 for this worthy cause during this month alone," Fineman said.
As a result of winning the Chairman's Award, Fineman says his company will also be able to present Jacksonville's USO with a check for $5,000 later this month. Ashley Furniture HomeStores have been providing various forms of aid to military families since 2005, according to the company.


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The holidays are perfect for Scrabble.
Turn off the TV, get out the board, pour the adults some red wine. Crack open a bag of Doritos. And create a new holiday tradition.
Here's the Scrabble board from our game last night. Because our son's seven, he gets to double his score at the end of the game. He won, handily.
We helped him by showing him how to find an "open" letter on the board and build on it. We asked him what vowels he had, and suggested words like "cake" or "hope." It was exciting for him to get triple letter scores and double words.
It was a nice, quiet, family evening. All three of us had some laughs and most important, we shared some quality time together. The great bonus is, playing Scrabble will increase your child's ability to work (and play) with words.
You're looking at RIF, aren't you? That was mine. About 30 points - not bad. I don't know what it means, but it was in the Scrabble dictionary, so it counts. Thirty points.


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Explore Ecuador
14 days of adventure in stunning Ecuador!
Book now for €408
Was €1.223
Group Size: Maximum group size 16, average 12
Trip code: SEIA
Duration: 14 days
This 14-day group tour brings together the best of Ecuador's unique culture, rich wildlife and dramatic landscapes in one exciting package! Beginning and ending in the vibrant capital, this tour takes in everything from bustling city streets to small seaside towns and isolated indigenous villages. Follow your guide and learn about local culture with a homestay experience in the Amazon rainforest, ride the incredible Devil's Nose train that snakes up the slopes of the Andes, and soak up modern Ecuadorian life with its colourful markets and lively city nightlife. In each location, there is a huge variety of optional activities for you to choose from, including hikes, horse rides and relaxation in natural springs! This trip is the perfect way to meet new people while exploring some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world.
Please note: This is an open-aged trip.
Trip highlights
- Stay with an indigenous community in the Amazon Rainforest
- Ride the spectacular Devil's Nose train through the Andes
- Visit Cotopaxi National Park – home to the mighty Cotopaxi Volcano
- Experience the colour and clamour of Otavalo market
- Choose from a huge range of exciting optional activities in each location!
Day 1: Quito. Arrive into Quito at any time and make your way to your accommodation. Get to know your fellow adventurers and learn more about the exciting itinerary from your guide!
Day 2: Quito/Baños. Travel south to Baños, a vibrant town nestled between two towering mountain ridges. Breakfast included.
Day 3: Baños. Spend the day making the most of this fantastic town with some amazing optional activities. Perhaps wake up early to soak in natural hot springs or opt to jump on a mountain bike and cycle up the mountain trails.
Day 4: Baños/Tena. Travel north towards Tena. You will be staying with a welcoming Quichua family for 2 nights! Get a completely different perspective of life by engaging in local activities and learning about Quichua culture. Lunch and dinner included.
Day 5: Tena. Experience a full day as a resident of the homestay. Learn more about local life, hike through the rainforest, swim in waterfalls and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with the people from the village. An unforgettable slice of Amazonian life! Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6: Tena/Papallacta. Say goodbye to your hosts and hop on a local bus up to Papallacta. Enjoy the laid-back vibes of this hot springs village and revitalize in the warm waters of the mineral pools.
Day 7: Papallacta/Quito. Enjoy a rejuvenating morning at the hot springs and then take a local bus up to Quito. Spend the afternoon exploring this buzzing city. Breakfast included.
Day 8: Quito/Otavalo. Leave Quito behind and head east to feast your senses on the sights and sounds of Otavalo market. Test your haggling skills and hunt for the best bargain – you'll end up with some amazing souvenirs!
Day 9: Otavalo/Cotopaxi. Board a local bus to Cotopaxi National Park. Spend your time here hiking or mountain biking and sleep in a beautiful mountain lodge. Breakfast included.
Day 10: Cotopaxi/Alausí. Spend the morning enjoying your final moments in Cotopaxi, before travelling on to Alausí, a charming town of cobbled streets and wooden balconies. Breakfast included.
Day 11: Alausí/Cuenca. Wake up and jump aboard the famous Nariz del Diablo (Devil's Nose) train. This incredible train line coils around the mountains and carves a treacherous passage through the gorge towards the coast. This afternoon, continue your journey to Cuenca. Breakfast included.
Day 12: Cuenca. Spend a free day exploring Cuenca. Breakfast included.
Day 13: Cuenca/Quito. Jump on an included flight back to Quito and spend the afternoon relaxing and exploring. Tonight, toast this awesome adventure with your group at one of the city bars.
Day 14: Quito. It's time to say goodbye to this amazing adventure in Ecuador. You can depart at any time so spend some more time in the capital or head off immediately for more world travel.
Please note: Optional activities are at extra cost.
The prices will load here automatically, if this does not happen for you: Click here to view Prices
Online booking is unavailable for this tripIf you'd like to discuss availability or would like us to help you find a similar trip please contact us...
The tour begins and ends in Quito. Airport transfers are not included as part of the tour. These are easy to arrange so speak to us about your travel plans and we can advise you about transfers.
Please note, we can also arrange an airport transfer for you when you arrive. Please contact a Travel Advisor for more information.
13 nights' multi-share accommodation is included as part of this tour (9 nights in simple hotels, 2 nights in a rustic mountain lodge, and 2 nights in simple village accommodation)
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included. You will be required to purchase the rest of your meals yourself. This provides an excellent opportunity to engage with local people and sample authentic Ecuadorian food.
The minimum age to join this trip is 18. This fantastic trip is an open-aged experience that caters for a mix of younger and older travellers. This means that you may travel with people who are outside your own age group. Such a mix of ages creates a great group dynamic and enhances the travel experience, as you get to know a range of people with different stories to tell!
A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this trip.
British nationals can stay in Ecuador without a visa for up to 90 days without a visa, so long as you have six months' validity remaining on your passport from your first day in Ecuador.
Physical Rating: Average. Some activities on this trip will require a moderate level of fitness.


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Bringing Hope. Enriching Lives.
We have the perfect way for you to get involved.
Your Donations Change Lives in Big Ways.
Your gift to Team Luke Hope for Minds is a statement of your confidence in our services and your support for children living with a brain injury. Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of these children don't just happen. They exist because of caring individuals like you and effective planning by our board. Thank you! Donors can often double or triple a contribution with an employer-matching gift. Please check with your employer, ask for the company's matched gift form and send the completed form with your contribution. Donations of in-kind services or gifts may also be given. Please check with the Executive Director at firstname.lastname@example.com regarding acceptance of services or gifts.
Date Of Accident
Age At Accident
13 years old
Age At Accident
7 years old
Date Of Accident
Age At Accident
8 years old
Date Of Accident
Donate Your Time
Give back with your time and talents!
We would love for you to volunteer your time with Team Luke Hope for Minds! There are many ways you can give back with your time including:
- Working one of our events.
- Helping us with current projects
- Assembling care packages
- And more!
If you are looking for a way to work alongside us and give back, click the button below and fill out the volunteer form. We will be in touch with you shortly about available opportunities!
Fundraising For Team Luke Hope For Minds
Become an Ambassador
Team Luke Hope For Minds Ambassadors are people or groups who are committed to helping raise money and spread awareness for our mission at Team Luke Hope For Minds. Our Ambassadors are individuals, schools, neighborhoods, companies, or organizations who would like to help us provide hope for families with children suffering from an acquired brain injury. Team Luke Hope For Minds ambassadors can use the ideas below or come up with different ways of raising money for our cause. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador, please sign up today!
Successful Fundraising Ideas
Individual, Family & Community Involvement:
- Garage Sale
- Car Wash
- Lemonade Stand
- Jewelry Sales
- Bake Sale
- Babysitting/Mowing Lawns
- Back Yard Fun Event
- Community Walk/Bike/Dance/Swim-a-thon
- Concerts
- Movie Night
School Involvement:
- Have an A-THON (Walk, Bike, Dance, Read, etc.)
- School Garage Sale
- Class Cookbook Sale
- Dance
- Fashion Show
- Student vs. Teacher Sporting Event
- Treasure Hunt
- Talent Show
- Art Auction
Work Place or Company Involvement:
- Casual or Dress up Days
- Host a Potluck or Brown Bag Lunch
- Bake/Food/Beverage Sale
- Team Spirit Day: Donation to wear a jersey or team shirt
- Departmental or Company Social Event
- Work Auctions
- Coin collection box near cashier at cafeteria or reception
- Birthdays: Provide a donation in lieu of gifts
- Matching donations from corporations


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Terrible? No. Aesthetically significant? Maybe. Wildly entertaining and amusing? Yes.
Terrible? No. Aesthetically significant? Maybe. Wildly entertaining and amusing? Yes.
A classic. A movie anyone should watch. It's that good.
A terrible event that was portrayed for what it was. Oskar Schindler breaking down at the end was a hit-or-miss affair, which I didn't like since it could have ended more solemnly and with less risk of sullying the already magnificent story. In all honesty though, the star was definitely Amon Goeth, a terrifying villain who was chilling each time he appeared.
Suspenseful up until the last moment, flawless and well-paced character development (of course the movie is character-driven, but with a lot of characters, it was expected to be difficult to introduce and get to know everyone properly — this movie did it masterfully though), and a shocking plot twist. Another note, the famous "always be closing" speech was as epic in the movie as it was on its own.


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Spring is finally here! Let's get into the season with these top style trends.
Go Nude.
One color palette that will never go out of style no matter the season is shades of neutral. Keep it classic with a perfect pair of trousers and coordinating trench coat.
Mix It Up.
Print mixing isn't just for the bold. It is so easy to mix and match patterns with this ultra-chic midi dress. Try something like this or a skirt, and you will be on top of your Spring style game.
Fringe With Benefits.
Talk about a fun and flirty ensemble! A statement piece like this is worthy of a double take. Have fun with your wardrobe this season, and don't forget to add pink accessories.
Bucket Of Fun.
This season has two prominent handbags vying for a spot in your closet. Bucket bags and woven bags are making waves, and this one is a statement piece. So go all out.
Cold Shoulder.
Cold shoulder, off the shoulder, or one shoulder…you can't go wrong no matter how you wear it! Try a floral number with a worn in pair of jeans, and you have just upped your brunch vibes.


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Regular Laser Light
245,00 €incl. VAT and shipping
Color Light Blue
Sweden: 3 days
International: 5 days
Straight fit denim jeans from the Gangs Collection in light blue are made from sustainable denim with laser-printed engineered pattern design. The features include the classic 5-pocket style, mid-stretch, gunmetal button with engraved Naim Josefi logo and tapered leg.
98% Cotton2% Elastane


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This tune, Niggas in poorest brings back the elements that we love with hiphop. Dirty, funky and with some next shit beats just the way we like it. This gives us high hopes for the upcoming Yasiin Bey and Black Star albums. And if that wasn't enough, the video is great as well. Get the track below.
Download: Yasiin Bey - Niggas in poorest


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EU-wide estimates of erosion are based on modelling studies. Most models contain a rainfall erosivity factor and a soil erodibility factor that reflect average precipitation conditions. Typical values for these factors may inadequately represent the impact of extreme rainfall. Therefore, the uncertainty of modelled erosion risk is high, especially at local level.
(Source, EEA, http://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/soil-erosion-by-water-1, 12-2-2015)
Data host:
European Environment Agency
Link to Data:
Type of Indicator source:
- Intergovernmental Organisation
- Log in to post comments


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UPDATE: MasterCard selfie technology is expected to come to Canada for summer of 2016.
Selfies are the new… passwords?
Maybe, according to MasterCard. The credit card company is currently experimenting with using personal features such as fingerprints and facial recognition to verify a cardholder's identity. Known as biometric authentication, the technology could boost the security of online purchases.
If implemented, customers would need to download an app to access the technology. After paying, the user would be asked for a form of authorization — either a fingerprint (by simply touching the screen) or a facial scan (by staring at the phone and blinking once). MasterCard says no photo will be logged and that facial reconstruction won't be possible.
Also read: Would You Use Heartbeat Banking?>
Passwords Are Passé
MasterCard currently offers its customers "SecureCode," a private code that enhances security while online shopping. The code is unique to each customer and can only be seen by the cardholder and their financial institution. According to a CNN story, these codes were used in three billion online transactions in 2014.
So why biometric authentication? Passwords and codes are forgotten; a fingerprint is forever. "Passwords are a pain," said Ajay Bhalla, MasterCard's president of Enterprise Security Solutions, in a recent press release. "They're easy to forget, they waste our time and they're not very safe. Biometrics are making online transactions as secure and simple as purchases in person."
Also read: MasterCard Introduced Thumbprint Technology>
MasterCard Selfies Testing to Begin
MasterCard is currently running a trial in the Netherlands, with International Card Services (ICS) B.V.and ABN AMRO cardholders. In September and October, an American trial will begin with more than 200 employees of First Tech Federal Credit Union. The participants will make virtual donations to the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, which will be authenticated by the facial recognition or fingerprint technology.
According to a MasterCard spokesperson, the company is currently prioritizing markets for a potential rollout of the biometric authentication solution in 2016.


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Sea Dogs win 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup
MISSISSAUGA, Sunday, March 29, 2011 – Simon Després, Zack Phillips and Jonathan Huberdeau scored goals while Jacob DeSerres was spectacular, making 34 saves, to lead the Saint John Sea Dogs to a 3-1 win over the host Mississauga St. Michael's Majors to win the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup.
The Sea Dogs opened the scoring at 2:24 with a shorthanded marker. QMJHL All-star defenseman Simon Després, a Pittsburgh Penguins first round pick, sped around a Majors blue-liner and beat JP Anderson with a quick wrist shot blocker side.
Saint John benefited from two consecutive power-play chances, and they made no mistake with 2011 NHL Entry Draft prospect Zack Phillips jumping on a loose puck in the crease and pushing it between the legs of Anderson at 13:17.
The Majors almost got on the board early in the second period, hitting the cross-bar to keep the score 2-0 in favour of Saint John. Riley Brace finally got Mississauga on the board at 14:41. He completed a great passing play from Justin Shugg and Casey Cizikas and buried a shot past Jacob DeSerres to energize the sold out Hershey Centre crowd.
The Majors put enormous pressure on the Saint John defence throughout the third period, but DeSerres made save after save to keep Mississauga at bay.
Jonathan Huberdeau, who was named the tournament MVP, put an end to the suspense by scoring his third goal of the tournament with just under four minutes to play.
Of note, the Sea Dogs become the first Maritimes-based team to lift the MasterCard Memorial Cup in the 93-year history of the trophy. The trophy was presented by CHL President David Branch to fellow New Brunswick native Mike Thomas.
Sea Dogs' defenceman Nathan Beaulieu wins the cup following his father Jacques who hoisted the cup as an Assistant Coach with the London Knights in 2005. They become the first Father/Son duo to win the cup since 2005 when Knights' Head Coach Dale Hunter won alongside his son Dylan. Also, Jean-Philippe Briere won with the Rimouski Oceanic in 2000 while his Father Michel won with the Quebec Remparts in 1971.
The Sea Dogs also match the 2002 Kootenay Ice and the 2007 Vancouver Giants as winners of the MasterCard Memorial Cup in just their sixth season since expansion. Only the 1985 Prince Albert Raiders and the 1986 Guelph Platers hoisted the cup quicker doing so in three and four years respectively following expansion.
Saint John will try to defend its title at the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup which will be held in Shawinigan.
PHOTO CREDIT – Aaron Bell


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Well, it's happened again.
As you can see, I left food in the office fridge on Friday so I can eat it the next day when I came in. When I got there the next day, the food was gone. I don't know who did it and this is not the first time someone stole my pizza.
I got co-workers who support me. HR is going to investigate as this apparently is an ongoing trend around the building.
WOW! Sam making changes.


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In depth review about WAAG Brush Guard. Find best price for Grille / Rear Bumper Guard. Wide selection of WAAG Truck & SUV Grille Guards.
If you own a sports utility, off-road car, one thing that you need to ensure to have installed on it is a brush guard. Also known as grille guards, this guards come in handy as they serve several purposes. The first, and most important is to protect the front of your car which houses the engine and its components from experiencing severe damage when you crash into low lying things like rocks and brush. The other is that it improves the look of your vehicle, giving it a more aggressive look when rolling down the streets.
You can visit this link to get wide selections of WAAG Brush Guards and lowest price guarantee
When looking for a grille guard, then WAAG Brush Guards are what you need to go for. WAAG has been an industry leader in the making of guards for a very long time now. With years put into designing and making guards, WAAG has improved its finesse in Guards craftsmanship helping thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people to safeguard their vehicle's delicate components; and to a greater extent, their very own lives.
Prices vary from guard to guard depending on the make, type and design. The materials used in their creation will greatly determine this. Overall, this guards are some of the most reasonably priced guards in the market. To verify this, going online will be the best thing you could do as you get a chance to compare prices with those of other guard makers on the market.
Installing guards is also easy and fast. They puts a lot into ensuring that anyone can handle the procedure on their own without having to seek professional help. The company provides installation instructions with every guard it sells, easing the installation of their guards. However, if handling installation seems hard and complicated, then approaching a guard installation professional is what you need to do.
As WAAG is a trusted maker of brush and grille guards, brackets, center guards and 4runners, finding spares for any part needed is also a breeze. So be it you need to repair or replace your guard, finding the suitable replacement is no longer hectic or complicated.
Benefits Of The WAAG Brush Guard
Fast and easy to install – This Guards are some of the fastest to install, taking less than 30 minutes to put up as they are designed to be simply bolted on.
Designed for your car – they has for almost any make of car known. The beauty of their guards is that they are precisely designed to follow you specific vehicle's body contours.
Long-lasting – their guards are designed to survive the test of time as they undergo 5 stages of powder coating finishes that are fade and chipping resistant.
Frame mounted – All WAAG brush guards are designed to be installed on the vehicle's frame for maximum strength.
For the best in brush and grille guards, then WAAG Brush Guards are what you need to get. They are not only eye catching, but provide extra protection to your vehicle when on or off-roading.


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With more than half of Americans who experience noise-induced hearing loss not working in noisy jobs, the spotlight turns to what Americans are doing in their leisure time. May 1 marks the beginning of Better Hearing & Speech Month—a time to assess lifestyle habits that may be contributing to hearing loss as well as schedule a hearing evaluation for anyone with concerns about their hearing.
About 40 million U.S. adults aged 20–69 years have noise-induced hearing loss, a form of hearing damage that results from exposure to loud noise. This could be cumulative harm that developed from exposure over time, or it could occur from one severe episode. Although completely preventable, once it occurs, it is irreversible. Far from simply being an annoyance, hearing loss can affect almost all aspects of life, including physical health, mental health, employment status and success, social functioning and satisfaction, and much more. Hearing loss can be treated through various technologies and techniques under the care of a certified audiologist, but hearing is never fully restored.
In addition to the dangers posed by listening to ear buds or headphones at too-loud volumes and for too long, noisy settings are commonplace in today's society, including in Raleigh. Many restaurants are specifically designed to elevate noise levels to make establishments feel more energetic. Similarly, some sports stadiums have been built with sound elevation in mind, thought to improve the fan experience and serve as a home-team advantage. Coffee shops, fitness classes, and more all make modern society a collectively loud place.
"Although many people report concern about noisy environments, not nearly enough take protective steps," said Raleigh-based audiologist Lena Kyman, AuD. She offers some simple ways that the public can take charge of their hearing health—this month and always:
• Wear hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are cheap, portable, and (with a good fit) offer excellent hearing protection. Bring them along when you know you'll be in a noisy setting. Better yet, keep them on you at all times!
• Reduce exposure. Take steps to reduce your exposure to noisy settings. Visit noisy establishments during off times, consider quieter settings, and talk to managers if you find the noise level uncomfortable.
• See a certified audiologist for a hearing evaluation. A recent government report stated that 1 in 4 U.S. adults who report excellent to good hearing already have hearing damage. Many adults don't routinely get their hearing checked, and even those who are concerned often delay treatment for years. Postponing treatment can have serious medical and mental health repercussions in addition to reducing a person's quality of life, so visit a certified audiologist if you have any concerns.
"This advice about hearing protection goes for just about everyone, from the youngest of children to older adults, from those with excellent hearing who want to maintain it, to those who already have some hearing loss and don't want to make it worse," notes Lena Kyman, AuD. "As a society, everyone needs to prioritize hearing protection."
I recently had a unique experience in the ENT & Audiology Associates office, as I went from being a clinician, to being a patient. While I can talk all day about how great it is to work here with Dr. Holmes and our amazing staff, I didn't fully understand how amazing this practice is until last week.
I had just returned from a whitewater kayaking trip in northern California. It took me three flights to get back home, flying overnight and coming straight to work Monday morning. I had a sore ear at work on Monday, but attributed it to sleep deprivation, the black eye I had gotten from paddling, and all the pressure changes on the flight, so I didn't think much of it. The next day though, the pain had increased. I did a tympanogram on myself, saw that my eardrum was still moving normally, so tried to still brush it off. Later in the day however, it had gotten worse, and I asked Dr. Holmes to look in my ear. He noted that my eardrum on that side was red and inflamed, and gave me some drops for what looked like the start of an outer ear infection (made sense, as I had just spent a week on a river). Unfortunately, what looked like the beginning of an external ear infection was actually the onset of acute otitis media, and that night my middle ear filled with fluid, so that by the time I got to the office on Wednesday, my eardrum was bulging. (I have never had an ear infection my whole, life, and now that I'm almost 30, I get my first one!) Dr. Holmes came to my side of the office first thing in the morning, to see how I was doing, immediately diagnosed the problem, he and the nurses were able to call me in an antibiotic to start right away.
Later in the day, it had gotten to the point where it was so painful and there was so much pressure, it was determined that a myringotomy was the best option to relieve the pressure and remove the fluid. While I was nervous (as I was about to have a incision cut into my eardrum), I tried my best to act tough, knowing that some of my colleagues wanted to watch. The nurses were incredibly empathetic, and made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Holmes talked me through the whole procedure (all two minutes of it), and I was immediately feeling better. That night I slept better than I had all week, and by the next day, I was feeling completely healthy again. Every time I saw a nurse in the hallway, they would ask to make sure I'm feeling better. I felt so supported and cared for by everyone in the office.
I definitely have new empathy for the patients I see, and can say without hesitation that Dr. Holmes and the staff at ENT & Audiology Associates provide excellent care, difficult to find elsewhere. My eardrum is already healed, and I'll be back on the water in no time thanks to Dr. Holmes.
Lena Kyman is a clinical audiologist at ENT & Audiology Associates, and patient of Dr. Holmes'.


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Carolyn Holderread Heggen Papers, 1985-2015 | Mennonite Church USA Archives
Personal papers of a Mennonite psychotherapist with professional expertise in trauma recovery, personal and communal healing, and pastoral boundary issues. Heggen is the author of Sexual Abuse in Christian Homes and Churches (1993) and a frequent presenter nationally and internationally.
In the early 1990s she played a crucial role in bringing John Howard Yoder's repeated violation of women to light by facilitating communication among women who had been violated by Yoder, and by calling upon church authorities to hold Yoder accountable for his actions. Heggen is also a co-developer and co-presenter of Mennonite Women USA's Sister Care seminars.
Materials in this collection include selected sermons, lectures, workshops, and presentations, reviews of and correspondence received in response to her book on sexual abuse in Christian environments, correspondence and other documents pertaining to the 1992 complaint against John Howard Yoder's sexual misconduct, subject files pertaining to her work with United Mission to Nepal and Mennonite Central Committee, photographs, and miscellaneous materials.


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Professional Life Coaching Manchester
The skills I use as a Life Coach can, in many ways, be similar to Psychotherapy, and at times these two fields can cross over. I would describe my style as a Life Coach as being very goal- orientated and results driven. After all you are coming to see me to make real and lasting changes to your life!
Do you have ideas or a plan but don't know where to start? Do you have feelings of being overwhelmed at the thought of making changes in your life and don't know where to start? Do you want to perform better at work or at a sport? Why not come and find out just what the best life coach Manchester has can do!
Achieve more with Trenpa Therapy
Are you feeling stuck in your carer or do you want to take it to the next level or do you want more from your personal life but don't know where to start? At Trenpa Therapy I can help you to uncover what it is that you truly want form life and to put you on the path to achieving your goals.
We can work together to optimise your life so that you are performing at your peak when you really need to. Within my private practice I work closely with other professionals if required, such as nutritional therapists, functional GP's, personal trainers, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals. I am a strong believer in taking a holistic approach to wellness and therapy and will attend to the connection between the body and the mind.


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Best Pyle Double DIN Head Units Buying Guide
Pyle is a pioneer in the audio and video system market. This well-known brand has been in the business of sound equipment since the 1960s. Starting with the manufacturing of high-quality woofer now the company has established its presence in the sectors of car audio. home audio, marine audio and other musical instruments.
When it comes to audio receiver heads, the first thing one has to look for is the DIN setup. Here I am going to write a review about some of the top double DIN audio head units the company has manufactured.
#1. Pyle PLDT87BT Head Unit
The next product in my review of double DIN head units is the Pyle PLDT87BT. This unit comes with a 7-inch high-resolution display screen that is detachable. The unit has a display resolution of 800 x 400 pixels. The monitor is touch enabled, that gives you the facility to navigate through the media easily through the user-friendly control interface.
The TFT LCD monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:9. The motorized fold out display also has the tilt adjustment. The wireless streaming is powered using Bluetooth with the hand-held device (Bluetooth capable device such as smartphones, tablets etc.) you have in your kitty.
Once you pair the Pyle PLDT87BT with your smartphone along with the seamless wireless media streaming that you are expected to enjoy, you can dial and answer incoming calls. Pyle has included this facility keeping the driver's convenience and your safety in mind.
The Pyle PLDT87BT is compatible with all Bluetooth enabled devices like Android devices, iPhones, iPads, Smartphones, Tablets, etc. The file systems supported include JPEG, AVI, WAV, MP4, MP3 etc. There are control options for adjusting bass, volume, treble, fader and more. These are integrated with the user-friendly interface.
Just like any other in-dash multimedia system Pyle PLDT87BT also has multiple input options. The CD and DVD tray and the USB port allow you to enjoy the media you have saved in your different storage media. The audio input and output jacks are provided as RCA ports. Along with all these options, you can enjoy 30 stations of FM radio broadcast. The company has provided a remote control along with the product to facilitate the passengers to control the entertainment system.
The Pyle PLDT87BT is equipped with ESP (Electronic shock protection) and anti-shock protection for the system's durability and seamless playback. The in-dash system's weight is 6 lbs. and it has a measurement of 6.97 x 1.97 x 6.97 inches (L x W x H). You can upgrade your automobile with this multimedia entertainment system without compromising on your safety while enjoying seamless connectivity with your music and radio.
Even though I could not find many worrisome aspects in this simple Double DIN head unit, you may lack the feel of video output you get in Pyle PLSD131BT. Since this is a basic in-dash entertainment system you do not have the option to select receiver display colors and it is not aesthetically top class. Still, I would say this is worth a buy.
Pyle PLDT87BT
The Pyle Bluetooth head unit receiver combines Bluetooth wireless music streaming and hands-free call answering into one Convenient unit. Drive safer and smarter with Bluetooth, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road during calls. It easily pairs to your smart phone and works with all of today latest Bluetooth-enabled devices (like iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, HTC, Samsung, Sony, etc.).
#2. Pyle PLT85BTCM Single Din Car Stereo
This single DIN head unit receiver from Pyle is a complete entertainment system which has the accessories to help in safe driving as well. The Pyle PLT85BTCM head kit includes a stereo receiver, 7 inch High Definition monitor, rear view camera and all necessary cables and wires for installation. The 7 inch TFT LCD screen has a resolution of 656 x 492 pixels.
The touch screen display makes the navigation through the media list easy and the control interface is quite user-friendly too. You have three positions to choose from while adjusting the tilt.
The receiver face is detachable so that you can insert the micro SD card and mini SD card (SD stands for Secure Digital, a kind of mass storage device). The maximum capacity supported by the unit is 64 GB.
The USB port and the AUX input are provided on the face plate itself. So to connect these mass storage devices you need not remove the receiver face plate. This is a well-thought of feature that saves you the hassle of manually removing the faceplate each time you insert a memory card.
The control interface lets you control almost all the features on the unit including the rear camera. You have to first connect the rear camera with the device and then parking will be easier for you. To open up the camera control page you just have to tap on the camera icon on the menu page.
The rear view camera performs better when it is mounted above the license plate. The rear camera is waterproof and distance scale lines are built-in for depth perception. Just like the other head units, Pyle has added a remote control. with the kit so that the back seat passengers can also control the unit.
For the convenience of the driver. the company has provided the SWC (steering wheel control) option which enables the driver to the control the audio playback without taking the hands off the wheel. You will need a separate adapter to place it around your steering. Once you have connected the adapter store the preferences using the control interface on the receiver. Then you can move the tracks forward and backward with the integrated volume controls.
This unit weighs just 6.69 lbs, and the dimensions are 10.0 x 1.3 x 1.26 inches (W x H x D). This is a complete package with entertainment. driver convenience and safety combined all into one package.
Even though the manufacturer claims that the resolution of the display is high definition it will not seem sharper than 800 x 400 pixels. This may be a letdown for some users who look forward to crisp and clear videos akin to the ones on their other high definition video devices. Having said that, 656 x 492 is not too dull either.
Pyle PLT85BTCM
The Pyle Bluetooth head unit receiver & backup camera kit combines driver safety and multimedia entertainment — into one Convenient Package. The stereo receiver adds Bluetooth wireless music streaming and hands-free call answering. Drive safer and smarter with Bluetooth, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road during calls.
#3. Pyle PLBT71G GPS Head Unit
The last Pyle audio receiver head unit that I am going to discuss is the Pyle PLBT71G which offers almost everything that a driver needs while driving. The HD display screen has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. The touch screen enabled monitor telescopes up and out with the tilt adjustments.
The faceplate of the receiver can be removed so that you can connect your storage media. (SD cards with maximum capacity up to 64 GB). To increase the safety and convenience of the driver and passengers the company has included the rear camera to the package. This enables the driver to park and take reverse easily without the fear of bumping.
The main difference or addition to the other units discussed above is the built-in GPS. (Global Positioning System) feature which is of great convenience to the drivers. This ensures that you take the best route available to your destination. The map gives you turn-by-turn voice navigation so that you do not have to look into the screen.
Now you can be worry free even if you lose your way. the GPS enabled Pyle PLBT71G is going to take you home safely and quickly. The unit comes with a remote control and the micro SD card with the maps (The USA, Canada, and Mexico).
The Pyle PLBT71G is compatible with iPhone, Tablets, Androids, iPad, Smartphones etc.
The common file types like MP3, JPEG, AVI, MP4, and WAV are supported. The multimedia disc reader supports CD, DVD, CD-R, VCD, CD-R/W etc. Adding to this to give you more entertainment options, you can tune to 30 local radio stations. The control interface lets you adjust the treble, balance, bass, encoder, fader, and volume.
The unit's measurement is 6.97 x 6.97 x 1.97 inches (H x W x D). As I said, this is a complete package. and one should be careful that it does not confuse the driver because of the plethora of features it offers.
These audio receiver head units from Pyle are among the best you can find. While not all of them are the same. every product lives by its reputation that was built over decades of trust.
Pyle PLBT71G
The Pyle GPS & Bluetooth head unit stereo receiver system combines driver safety and multimedia entertainment — into one Convenient Package. Built-in GPS navigation find the best route to your destination and Get there safely with text-to-speech & turn-by-turn assistance.
#4. Pyle PLSD131BT Head Unit
The Pyle PLSD131BT in-dash multimedia device is an entertainment system which you can use in your car. This features a double DIN design that houses a bigger display. The Pyle PLSD131BT head unit is compatible with iPhone. Blackberry, Tablets etc. You can play media from DVD and CD also. The multimedia system has a detachable 13.1 inch color monitor.
The LCD motorized detachable monitor in the PLSD131BT displays sharp quality videos and vivid colors with a pixel resolution of 1024×600. This is pretty good for a display of 13.1 inch screen.
This Bluetooth powered multimedia system enables you to stream the media from your smartphone and other devices easily. You just need to have a Bluetooth enabled hand-held device or storage media. When I say Bluetooth-enabled multimedia system. this is not just an entertainment system. This double DIN head unit gives you the freedom of hands-free talking facility when you are driving.
Just pair your phone with the system and attend the incoming calls. Like that, you can keep your eyes on the road. and avoid getting tickets from the cops for talking on the phone while driving.
The Pyle PLSD131BT gives you multiple options for media input. Along with the DVD and CD player, the system comes with an SD / MMC Card Slot. The system comes with radio receiver so that you can listen to local news and programs while driving. The remote control gives you the freedom to operate the system easily even from the back seat.
Along with these facilities, this feature rich in-dash multimedia system makes the parking easier with the help of the rear view camera. You do not have to fit a separate rear view mirror because your Pyle PLSD131BT will help you in that too. The Aux input jack enables you to connect your MP3 player. or iPod to play music from them. All the input ports and USB slot are organized on the front panel of the receiver so that the driver can operate the system easily.
The face of the receiver on which you can attach the display unit can be folded up and down easily. When you do not have the display unit attached. You can just keep the motorized face folded down.
Now if you look at the aesthetics, the receiver is compact and the company gives you the option to select the desired color for the receiver display from 5 colors. (Blue, yellow, red, green and purple). The in-dash dimensions are 7.24 X 2.13 inches (Height x width) and it weighs just 8.31 lbs. Now, be ready to enjoy a crisp and clear video. audio while traveling without compromising on any safety aspects!
Now that you have seen the pros and facilities this 13 inch Double DIN head unit offers, if I do not list those few shortcomings my review will not be complete even though you may choose to ignore them. The unit does not play all the formats from the storage media. You will have to play 3GP format because MP4 may not work. MP4 being the more advanced form of compressed audio or video, this unit's inability to play this format may not be appreciated by many users.
Pyle PLSD131BT
The Pyle PLSD131BT in-dash multimedia video receiver is the ultimate dashboard entertainment system. The big screen head unit features an enormous 13.1


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Travis Perkins plc is a British builders' merchant and home improvement retailer based in Northampton, UK. It operates 1,900 outlets, and employs 24,000 people throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is part of the FTSE 250.
As part of a companywide transformation programme, Travis Perkins wish to integrate a large number of existing proprietary internal systems as part of an Integration Services Programme.


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Part of a growing trend to serve Chinese food with locavoire sourcing and an attention to healthy choices, Chi Lin in West Hollywood (9201 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood CA 90069, 310/278-2068) pays homage to the spirit of Chinese cuisine with upscale versions of classic dishes like Peking Duck, soup with steamed dumplings, tangerine beef, tofu with pork and stir fried clams.
Chi Lin is a restaurant for special occasions. The dining room is perfect for a romantic liaison with a new friend or to celebrate the love of your life on an important anniversary. A hostess in a clinging black leather dress, cut mid-thigh, will lead you to your table in an intimate dining room.
Of course, if you are an omnivore, willing to eat whatever flies, walks and swims on planet Earth, you will be very happy indeed. Shellfish, fish, pork, lamb, beef, chicken and duck are featured ingredients. As befits an upscale restaurant, the plating of the dishes is beautiful. Chi Lin embraces the theatrical in its setting and its dishes in a good way.
The menu is extensive enough to encourage repeat visits. After a tasting with other food writers, we were all making notes about the menu items we wanted to try on our next visit.


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Over 3,750 candidates were invited by the Government of Canada in its latest express entry draw with minimum score of CRS 442 held on July 11, 2018. Compared to the previous draws, the minimum CRS score was same as the previous draw held on June 25 and June 13, 2018. Despite the large draw size, the minimum score did not change, which may be linked to the fact that there is a gap of more than two weeks between the draw held on June 25, 2018, and July 11, 2018; this effect the CRS score to elevate.
With the latest draw, the Government of Canada has issued a total of 43,450 ITA in 2018 in total of 14 draws. The target number of admission is set higher for 2018 and 2019 and the trend may continue in coming two years as well.


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Twin Eagles 24" Single Access Door
As low as $379.00
The Twin Eagles 24" Single Access Door is the perfect compliment to your Twin Eagles outdoor kitchen. With soft closing, concealed door hingers, a doubled walled design with welded interior liners, welded corners, a one-piece mounting frame and flush handles these doors offer a clear and modern look.
- Soft closing, three way adjustable concealed door hinges
- Double walled doors with welded inside liners
- Detailed finish welded corners
- One-piece mounting frame for precision alignment
- Flush handle design with hi-polished accents
- Left hinge MPN: TEAD24L-C
- Right hinge MPN: TEAD24R-C


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When our daughter was about to be born, I chose for her a short name, Ila. Ila's mother is Muslim, I am Hindu. We had got married when our two countries, India and Pakistan, were fighting a war. Ila is a Hindu name; it is also the opposite of her mother's last name, Ali.
Ila Ali. A friend of mine said it would be a name that would sway in the breeze all day. I had noticed that it formed a palindrome. Ila's name mirrored her mother's, and yet kept its difference. I liked that.
Which is all to say that even before she was born, Ila had become, like many other kids, a site of complicated, and often silly, fantasies on the part of her parents.
Ila is now six. A few days before she was born, I chanced upon an essay by Raymond Carver called "Fires". It is a memoir produced, I suppose, in response to a question about literary influences. In a characteristic move, Carver declares that more than books and writers, it was other things in his messy, real world, that had affected his work. In particular, his children. The memory of those years, when his kids were growing up, still bothered Carver. Sitting in the basement of my in-laws' house in Toronto, while waiting to become a new father, I read the following lines: "I have to say that the greatest single influence on my life, and on my writing, directly and indirectly, has been my two children. They were born before I was twenty, and from beginning to end of our habitation under the same roof — some nineteen years in all — there wasn't any area of my life where their heavy and baleful influence didn't reach."
It is a searing little essay. Carver describes the desperation of his younger years, working at one, sometimes two, menial jobs and trying to put food on the table for his family. He describes his struggle to write. He wrote short stories because there was never enough time to write anything longer. His despair soon begins to feel like a dark liquid pooling on the page. You feel the writer's pain but, of course, you can also imagine the children drowning in that misery.
Around the time that I first read "Fires", I was also starting to draw the outline of a first novel. I cannot remember now whether it was Carver's essay which led to this decision in my mind, although I remember reading that piece more than once that summer, but as I played with the outline I began to think that I would write about the birth of my daughter. My wife underwent a long, painful labour. The novel began with a man in a prison near my hometown in India. I tried to imagine him witnessing a birth in a prison, not a human being giving birth, but an animal. Say, a dog. Now when I look back on it, I wonder whether some of Carver's "dirty realism" (or what Tess Gallagher has called his "benign menace") hadn't crept into my presentation of Ila's arrival as an animal birth witnessed in a prison. In any case, when the novel was published, the scene I have described above found its way into its pages. But there were many times during the writing of the book when I wished I had more time to write. Perhaps all writers complain about time, there is never enough time, and in the years following that first encounter with Carver's essay, I have often gone back to it like an alcoholic returning to drink. As far as I am concerned, despite or perhaps because of my hunger for it, that piece is like poison.
For the truth is that I also love my daughter so much that anything sweet or tender reminds me of her. I don't only mean a child on a street in strange city, wearing a dress of a style and colour I associate with my daughter, who can suddenly induce heartache, but even a bird calling in an overhead branch, ku-hu, ku-hu. I remember being in a small town in India a couple years after Ila had been born. In a dark front yard of a house where I had come to conduct a late-night interview, two young servants were busy with a black cow that was about to give birth. Lanterns swinging in their hands, the youths explained that the last time one of the cows had given birth, it had been in the middle of the night. No one was around to take care of the calf. In that crowded stall, the mother had accidentally trampled her newborn to death.
As I watched, fifteen minutes later, the calf arrived, its legs thin and crooked as in a child's drawing. I could think only of Ila as I gazed at the lovely little animal in front of me: she was also the child whose drawings had given me a way to look at it that night. The creature's arrival filled me with a sudden elation and it also made me miss my daughter terribly. It is the same when I'm in the train coming back from New York City, hoping to be home before she goes to bed. To participate in the ritual of preparing her for sleep, and then lying down next to her to read a story, offers me great joy. I will not exchange it for another hour of writing. At such moments, I have traded Raymond Carver for Wallace Stevens. When asked by Marianne Moore to turn in a piece on William Carlos Williams, Stevens said no, explaining in his letter: "There is a baby at home. All lights are out at nine. At present there are no poems, no reviews. I am sorry."
Such grace. And, however impermanently, that sense of patience and grace is also mine. I say impermanently not only because, in my case, the feeling of sweet resignation that Stevens is describing gives way, sometimes, to the rage that Carver is articulating. That does happen, but what I have in mind is this: I put Ila to sleep and lie awake in the dark for a while; the lights are, indeed, out at nine, but not for long. I come out of the room and make my way slowly upstairs to sit down and write.
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By Paul LaTour
CSNChicago.com contributor
With the temperatures soaring into the 90s, not many of the White Sox players took to the field prior to todays series finale against Cleveland at U.S. Cellular Field.
But one of those who did was Brent Morel.
Morel took some infield practice as he continues to recover from the lower back strain that put him on the disabled list.
Im just getting my feet back underneath me, getting my arm back in shape, Morel said. I feel ready to go.
After taking five days to rest, Morel has taken infield practice the past two days and took batting practice in the cage this morning. He said his back is progressing well.
It feels way better, so hopefully it continues to feel like this, Morel said, adding he expects to begin a rehabilitation assignment Wednesday, most likely in Charlotte, home of Chicagos Triple-A affiliate.
Morel was placed on the 15-day DL retroactive to May 18, making him eligible to rejoin the Sox next weekend for the Seattle series.
Its no guarantee hell be plugged back into his starting position at third base. Veteran Orlando Hudson has played well at the position in Morels absence.
Hudson is hitting .231 with one RBI in five games. Hell make his fifth straight start at third base today. Hes also been error free in adjusting to a position hes never played at in his major-league career.


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To see who has checked into your location you need to first log into Facebook. Then in the far right hand corner, click on the drop down arrow and click on "Manage Pages." Then choose which page you would like to see.
The next step is to click on the Notifications button.
Then you are going to click on Activity.
Then click on Check-ins. Here is where you see the public check-ins of your location or private posts of people you are friends with on Facebook. This is a great place to like, react, or comment to people checking into your location and encourage them to continue to check-in.
**Due to privacy settings of Facebook, you are unable to see who has check-ins if they made their post private to friends only. However, Causely tracks the total number of check-ins of your page regardless of if they are private or public. We just cannot show you who the users is if they made their posts private due to the privacy settings.
Below shows how a person makes a post private to "Friends Only" or "Public." Unfortunately, the "Friends Only" is the default for all Facebook posts. This is why a lot of the check-ins might not show up when you look at the check-ins on your Facebook page. For steps on changing your post's privacy setting, go here.


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Of December and Orange Cakes
December has special significance for the family. Much before we stuff ourselves with plum cake and ginger bread over Christmas, and ring in the New Year, we gather together mid-month to celebrate a bunch of wedding anniversaries. Come December, I want to cease all industrious activity and devote the month to boozy brunches, picnics in the… Read More Of December and Orange Cakes


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Hillcrest COVID-19 Call Center
Hillcrest HealthCare System has an established COVID-19 Call Center. Operators are available Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer patient questions, provide support and connect them to a provider. The Call Center line is 918-574-0920.
Varicose Veins are enlarged, gnarled veins that often appear blue, flesh-colored, or red. They often appear tangled and for some, they are simply a cosmetic concern, while they can cause pain for others. Chances are you probably know someone who has dealt with varicose veins, as more than 40 million Americans have them.
Sclerotherapy is a procedure that effectively treats varicose and spider veins. This treatment is often performed to treat small varicose veins. It involves injecting a solution directly into the vein which causes the vein to scar up and collapse, allowing blood to be rerouted through the healthier veins in the body. The collapsed vein eventually fades within a few weeks, although it may take up to a month to fully fade. Some patients may require several sclerotherapy treatments.
"I would come home and cry at the end of the day," shares Coral Fairress, 44. Over the course of seven years, throbbing leg pain left Coral exhausted and nearly unable to move after standing for eight hours or longer working as a bartender. Although a specialist in Oklahoma City discovered five blood clots in her leg, the cause remained uncertain and was thought to be the result of taking birth control after the age of 35. However, the pain continued and Coral felt that wasn't the answer to her problems with her leg pain and blood clots.


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Luxury Skin Care Treatments: Chemical Peels Glasgow
Source Dr D. McKeown
With plastic surgery becoming a popular option for more people, chemical peels Glasgow is up there with one of the most popular non- surgical skin treatments Glasgow. facial aesthetics Glasgow is extremely widespread for women and men alike that are unhappy with their skin. A skin peel Glasgow can treat fine lines and wrinkles, sun damaged skin, as well as even out uneven pigmentation. If you are unhappy with your skin and feel like it needs a boost of life, chemical peels Glasgow treatment might be perfect for you. Here is a quick guide to this skin treatment Glasgow that will provide you with all the information you need on the skin peel Glasgow treatment.
Why Chemical Peels Glasgow
This non- invasive and non- surgical skin treatment Glasgow is perfect for giving your skin new life. Chemical peels Glasgow causes a controlled injury to the skin. This controlled injury allows the skin to go into the self- repair mode. During this time, the skin becomes not only revitalised, but it becomes rejuvenated. This facial aesthetics Glasgow treatment allows your skin to repair itself. After the treatment, your skin will be in a better condition than before the treatment.
A skin peel Glasgow is a technique used to improve the appearance of your skin. It can be used on your face, neck and your hands. As well as smoother skin, the chemical peel Glasgow will give you fewer wrinkled than the old skin. So if you are looking to improve your skin, then a chemical peel might be perfect for you.
The Perfect Time to Get a Skin Peel Glasgow
Chemical peels Glasgow treatment can be done at any age. No matter how old you are, if you are unhappy with your skin a chemical peel will give you skin a new lease of life. A skin peel Glasgow can be used to treat many different conditions.
- Ageing/ old skin
- Acne scars
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun damaged skin
- Sagging skin
A skin peel Glasgow will help treat these skin conditions and leave you with beautiful fresh skin. For the best results, always visit a clinic where the staff has aesthetic training.
The Recovery Process
There is a recovery time frame for chemical peels Glasgow. Although is it not a surgical treatment, you will need time to recover after the treatment. Different treatments take different lengths of recovery time. For a skin brightening skin peel Glasgow, there is a seven-day recovery time needed. The skin will be red initially. With the use of treatment cream, makeup can usually be worn the day after the treatment.
The medium peel can require up to fourteen days to fully heal. After the treatment, the treated skin will be red and potentially swollen. The swelling can worsen for the first 48 hours and you may feel some discomfort. Lotion and special cream should be applied and sun exposure should be kept to a minimal. After this treatment, makeup can be worse after seven days.
A deep skin peel Glasgow can take longer to fully heal. This can be anywhere from fourteen to twenty-one days. You must keep your skin moisturised and out of the sun for as long as possible. Only after 14 can make up be worn. After this treatment follow- up treatments are necessary to monitor your skin's progress.


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Windsor Memorial Hospital: Zero-Based Budgeting
This content was COPIED from BrainMass.com - View the original, and get the already-completed solution here!
Read the Report of the Executive Committee, April 2008, for the Windsor Memorial Hospital attached.
1. What is a zero-based budget?
2. When should zero-based budgeting be used?
3. What are the steps to implement zero-based budgets?
4. Are there any benefits to implementing zero-based budgets at Windsor Memorial hospital? If so, what are they?
Solution Preview
It is a method of budgeting, where all expenses must be justified for each new period. It starts from a zero base and every function in an organization is analyzed for its needs and costs. After that, budgets are prepared for required things in upcoming period. In this, budgets may be higher and lower than the previous budgets (Holl & Böhm, 2005). It means zero based budgets are fresh and not based on historical data. These budgets are designed to prevent budgets creeping up each year with inflation. It allows top level strategic goals to be implemented into budgeting process by binding them to specific functional areas of organization. In that, costs can be grouped, and then measured with previous results and current expectations.
Use of zero- based budget
Zero based budgeting should be used by companies to cut cost and increase efficiency of the operations. It is an ideal way to allocate a company's scarce financial resources. So, companies should use this method of budgeting for appropriate allocation of scare and limited resources of the organization for important activities. With the help of this, managers can prepare budget for the cost of running their operations at the lowest possible level (LaFaive, 2003). They can calculate the costs and benefits for making a particular decision that would lead to an incremental increase from the level.
Along with this, zero based budgeting provides facility to break down budgets into different activities and decision packages that help to managers ...
Solution Summary
The solution discusses zero-based budgeting at the Windsor Memorial Hospital.


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Each duck is made from reclaimed Teak and Bamboo roots, and is individually crafted creating a different colour and shape with each duck, furthermore giving each duck its own individual aesthetic personality.
For a special occasion or purchase, why not specify a personalised wooden name tag to use as a gift for any event or occasion. If you do not wish for a personalised name tag, your ornamental wooden duck will still have a nametag that was given to it by the person who handcrafted it originally.
We really try to provide you with the style of duck you have chosen, however if it is not available we will notify you and select a comparable substitute.
Why don't you save lots of money by ordering a whole family!
This family includes:


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M2 Personal Training, LLC
Educated Instruction
Life-Changing Results
Melissa has worked in the fitness industry in Charlottesville, Virginia since 1999. She has worked with all ages and abilities from youth to seniors. Melissa is well known in the community among medical and health professionals.
Melissa is a nationally certified personal trainer with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. Melissa holds a Bachelor in Science in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University. Melissa is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Her background in anatomy and physiology has helped her be a methodical trainer. Melissa has experience teaching various classes including boot camp, circuit, seniors, interval, aquatics, strength training, stretch and meditation. She is CPR and AED certified. Melissa's training philosophy is to meet her clients where they are in their wellness journey, guide them and hold them accountable to help them meet their goals.
Melissa thoroughly enjoys working with people and making a difference in their lives. She is passionate about fitness and wellness and is ready to inspire you to make changes in your life!


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East Moline School District Adopts 1:1 Technology Learning Environment for Students and Teachers
The East Moline School District Board of Education voted unanimously to move to a 1:1 computing environment for all students in grades 3-8, starting in August of 2019.
A district-wide committee of stakeholders studied 1:1 computing in education for over a year. In order to promote equity and build 21st Century skills, the committee unanimously recommended a 1:1 computing environment for the children of the East Moline School District. All children in grades 3-8 will receive a device to use at school and home to support learning everywhere.
"Every child in East Moline will have the opportunity to connect with the world and work in a collaborative environment with their peers and teachers," said Patrick Green, East Moline School Board Member. "As a member of the 1:1 Committee and Board of Education, I am proud of our work to create equitable opportunities for all children in the East Moline School District. Our students will have the opportunity to continue their learning anytime and anywhere. I look forward to seeing the educational experiences our teachers create in a 1:1 environment for the children of our community."
The District 1:1 Technology Committee prioritized recommendations based on research studies and engagement with stakeholders from across the East Moline School District. They outlined the following five goals for 1:1 computing in East Moline:
1. Increase student achievement in all content areas to ensure college and career readiness
2. Decrease the achievement gap by focusing on improving learning for all stakeholders with the equitable access of technology
3. Educate our school community to be ethical, safe, and responsible digital citizens
4. Provide opportunities for all staff members to engage in continuous, differentiated Professional Development
5. Implement a district support plan to ensure success, continued growth and sustainability of the program
The East Moline School District will hold town hall meetings later this spring to share information with families and stakeholders. In August, events will be held to distribute new devices to all children in grades 3-8 who are enrolled in the East Moline School District.


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Our friends at MadameNoire.com explain why you should never, ever stay friends with your ex.
They call 'em an "ex" for a reason. And while we'd love to break up with all of our boyfriends and find ourselves on good, positive terms with them soon after, sometimes feelings get in the way, drama ensues, and you find yourself on an irritating emotional rollercoaster you thought you had left behind when the relationship ended. Some ex-boyfriends can wind up being great friends, especially the ones you weren't with for a long time, or the ones you were homie-omies with before partaking in a relationship. However, others can be a pain, and end up being the guy you're so NOT subtly talking about on your social media statuses and with friends about all the time. Per all the Rihanna and Christopher Brown rumors and drama, know that if your breakup isn't that old and you're both already trying to find some type of door back into each other's lives, you need to be mindful of the things that can happen when you let the wrong "one" back in.
Read about 3 ways to STOP being friends with your ex on Madame Noire: Should You Be "Friends" With Your Ex? Ways You're Letting Him Back In
More from Madame Noire:
- 7 Things Most Couples Do Too Soon
- 8 Signs The Guy You're Messing With Is Not A Grown-A** Man
- Chile, Please: 8 Signs YOU'RE Not A Grown-A** Woman
This article was originally published at . Reprinted with permission from the author.


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08 Kum Gang Kwon/Jin Gang Quan (Golden Fist)
$ 29.99
$ 39.99
This video contains advanced level, Northern Shaolin form Kum Gang Kwon.
The form incorporates many recognizable techniques used in the earlier forms of this system. It is considered the sister form to Mei Hwa Kwon.
Kum Gang Kwon means "Golden Fist" and refers to the multiple striking techniques used in the form that deal with Iron Body or hardening techniques.
Includes live seminar taught by James Theros.


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The 143m tower combines rental apartments, a five-star hotel, two restaurants and cedar-lined sky gardens
The tower is the latest project to be developed by Harry Handelsman's Manhattan Loft Corporation in east London, following Adjaye Associates' Hackney Walk which completed in 2016. It contains 248 apartments, with a mixture of 1.5 storey loft-style and single-storey apartments, spread over 35 floors. These sit above a six-storey hotel, aptly named The Stratford, with a restaurant, Allegra occupying the seventh floor – together forming the podium block to the tower above.
The tower's distinctive profile – notoriously visible behind St Paul's when viewed from Richmond Park (be it with a telephoto lens) – has three-storey 'notches' cutting completely through the building at levels seven through to 10 and 25 through to 28. Each forms triple-height cedar-lined sky gardens, with a third roof garden above at level 36.
These 'subtracted' spaces, as architect Kent Jackson who led the project for SOM describes them, require the elimination of half of the perimeter columns and were enabled by a perimeter steel and post-tensioned concrete hybrid cantilever transfer structure developed by the architect, which is incorporated into the floors above. The apartments on each of these transfer floors have the storey-high trusses expressed internally as part of their living spaces.
The building's façade is composed of serrated glass and russet-coloured glassfibre reinforced concrete (GRC), giving it a rippled dynamism when approached at different angles. The zig-zag serrations also act as brises-soleil, cutting solar radiation by seven per cent, while incorporating Juliet balconies which randomly punctuate the façade.
The apartments offer a flexible rental model: fully furnished and rentable from a week upwards, sharing amenities with the hotel, such as concierge service, members' club and a programme of cultural events. At ground floor, a triple-height entrance lobby is shared by hotel guests, restaurant goers and apartment residents, with the idea of contributing to forming a 'vertical community'.
Architect's view
Working as an integrated group of architects and engineers, the design team shaped the tower's innovative steel and concrete form to create impressive communal spaces that would provide a natural platform for interaction, while working from the inside-out to maximise views and natural light.
As a result, the building has an unusual tower structure in which the majority of the floors are supported by a cantilevered post-tensioned concrete and steel-framed perimeter truss system at level 10 and 28.
This approach permitted the removal of half the columns below the transfer floors. This uniquely engineered design allowed the incorporation of the sky gardens, and the occupants of these levels will literally 'live' within the structure.
Kent Jackson, design partner, SOM
Project data
Start on site 2014
Completion The Stratford Lofts: May 2019; The Stratford (hotel): May 2019; Allegra (restaurant): May 2019
Gross internal floor area 14,000m² (hotel); 26,000m² (residences)
Gross (internal + external) floor area 39,299m²
Form of contract or procurement route Design & Build
Construction cost Undisclosed
Architect Skidmore Owings & Merrill
Client Manhattan Loft Corporation
Structural engineer Skidmore Owings & Merrill
M&E consultant Hoare Lea
QS DBK Partners
Infrastructure consultant Arup
Access consultant David Bonnett Associates
Sustainability consultant Greengage
Transport consultant WSP
Lighting consultant Paul Nulty Lighting Design
Façade consultant WSP
Landscape consultant Randle Siddeley & Martha Schwarts
Acoustic consultant Sandy Brown
Project manager Core5
CDM coordinator Bureau Veritas
Approved building inspector Bureau Veritas
Main contractor Bouygues UK ISG
CAD software used Revit
Annual CO2 emissions Overall target emission rate (TER) 40.62kg/m²; Overall dwelling emission rate (DER) 17.25kg/m²; Improvement between TER/DER 42%
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With Tesla paving the way, the reputation of electric vehicles as tree-hugging, wheeled road turtles is slowly fading away. The Mission RS from Mission Motorcycles is breaking ground in terms of performance. With an electric motor that's one tenth the size of a standard motorcycle combustion engine, the RS packs 160hp and 120 ft/lbs of torque starting from 0 rpm. This can propel this crotch rocket to 60mph in 3 seconds, cover the quarter mile in a blistering 10.492 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 150mph. The bike is so fast that "Piloted by Steve Rapp, the Mission RS dominated the 2011 FIM/TTXGP at Laguna Seca, finishing the 8 lap race 39.9 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. Rapp's qualifying lap time of 1:31.3 broke all previous electric vehicle records at Laguna Seca." All this with zero emissions, barely any engine noise and a real world range of about 140 miles. You won't go cross country with this beast, but at least you'll care about the environment without sacrificing any performance. You will sacrifice one thing however, and that's money. The Mission RS is limited in production to 40 vehicles, and costs $75,000. Its almost-as-performing and much less rarified sibling, the Mission R, "only" costs $30,000 to $40,000, however.
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If you love kids and want to work from home on your own schedule then an online children's boutique is the perfect solution. An ecommerce site offers you the opportunity and freedom to work from home or anywhere in the world and to set your own schedule. This business opportunity is perfect for stay at home moms or anyone looking to own their own business.
eMarketer expects retail ecommerce sales will increase to $4.058 trillion in 2020, making up 14.6% of total retail spending that year. The internet has become an increasingly important tool for parents, especially for Millennial moms and dads. 67% of Millennials and 56% of Gen Xers prefer to shop on online rather than in-store. It's a great time to purchase an online children's boutique business!
Pure-Ecommerce professionally designs attractive websites that appeal to customers. Our websites are easy to shop from and easy for business owners to operate on the back end. Each website will come with ecommerce training that will help you get your business set up and up and running.
Our ready to go ecommerce sites will be loaded with drop ship products for children. Clothing, toys, gifts, bedding, décor – anything you can think of and all focused on children. The websites are designed to be SEO friendly and are just waiting for you to begin marketing your business. When your business has drop ship products, it means that you will not have to carry any inventory. You can carry it if you choose but you don't have to and this allows you to avoid a large capital investment. When a customer purchases a product, you will submit the order to your drop ship vendor who will ship directly to your customer. It's really easy.
If you have an idea in mind of how you want your children's boutique to look and the product lines you wish to offer then you should consider a custom designed site. Custom design allows you to choose the colors, fonts and style of the site, your vendors, and products to create an online store that looks exactly the way you want. The benefit is you have your own unique website just know that it will take a little more effort and time than one of our ready to go websites but will be totally worth it when you approve your final design!
If you don't have ecommerce or retail experience, don't worry about it. Our Pure-E process was developed for those with no experience in mind. We provide 40 hours of consulting and ecommerce training with our websites. We'll show you how to operate your back end, how to add content and additional products and teach you what you need to know to optimize your site for search engines and to market it to your customers – we're with you from the beginning until you complete your training and are ready to work on your own. Earth Girl, our hosting partner will host your site for you and they'll be there to support you after your purchase. Pure-Ecommerce will give you exclusive 24/7 access to our eLearning library. The library is filled with information on how to operate and run your ecommerce business. We want to help you rule your life and own your own business! You can do this, what are you waiting for?


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Looking for design inspiration? Browse our curated collections!
Join our billboard contest! Enter by July 31st.
Shop our new kids collection!
Click and drag to re-position the image, if desired.
The watermark at the lower right corner of the image will not appear on the final product.
by Jim Harris
Our tank tops are made from a 50% cotton / 50% polyester blend and are available in five different sizes. All tank tops are machine washable.
Image Size
Our tank tops are made from a 50% cotton / 50% polyester blend and are available in five different sizes. All tank tops are machine washable.
Ships Within
1 - 2 business days
There are no comments for Karens Butterfly. Click here to post the first comment.
Average Rating (4.19 Stars):
Joseph Sago
July 5th, 2020
This is my favorite tank top! The fit is great and it is so comfortable and cute!!
Joseph Sago
July 5th, 2020
Love this tank and it fits perfectly!!
Andrea Wilson
June 22nd, 2020
Love the tee, was exactly what Id hoped for for my bike enthusiast!
Katrina Smith
June 22nd, 2020
I love this shirt soooo much! I also loved the capacity to personally size the image. Not flimsy, fits well, and the image falls well when it's on my body. I'm a-ok to be a walking advertisement for Kathy's work! I know the artist had some issues with shirts, and has discontinued that option, and I'm beyond thrilled to have one before that occurred. Did it take a while to ship? Yes. Perhaps 5 wks. But they were responsive to my queries. I ordered other print-on-demand items from another vendor during this, and it was the same. No biggie. Patience is a virtue. And in this case, a splendorous reward.
Mark Carbonaro
June 21st, 2020
love the shirt really cool the wrong size came in I need a large Ty
William Campbell
June 5th, 2020
I can't review my order because I have never received it.
This piece was created expressly for customer Karen. It is painted on a gallery-wrapped canvas in my own unique Stained-Glass-Canvas style.
My philosophy of art is simple: I paint what I want; if someone else is moved by it, that's great! I derive great joy from selling my original paintings to people who truly love them! And now (as of June 1, 2015) I am also deriving great joy from giving my original paintings to non-profit community-building and religious organizations to assist in their fund-raising efforts via a new effort I have started called Art is Mission (AiM). JIm Harris, Artist is the name of my studio, located in my home in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I have a degree in art (oils, watercolor) from James Madison University, but my life took a different track, and for 40 years I have been an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. In...
Our return policy is very simple:
If you're not happy with a purchase that you made on Pixels.com, for any reason, you can return it to us within 30 days of the order date. As soon as it arrives, we'll issue a full refund for the entire purchase price. Please note - Pixels does not reimburse the outgoing or return shipping charges unless the return is due to a defect in quality.
Pixels sells thousands of pieces of artwork each month - all with a 100% money-back guarantee. We take great pride in the fact that hundreds of thousands of artists have chosen Pixels to fulfill their orders, and we look forward to helping you select your next piece!
All tank tops ship from our production facility within 1 - 2 business days of your order.


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|European Poker Tour returns to Vilamoura
The seventh season of the European Poker Tour has commenced and will be coming to Vilamoura from August 28th to September 2nd. It is the second year running this renowned tournament is taking place in Vilamoura, attracting some of the best players in the world to compete for the massive prize money.
The debut event in Vilamoura in 2009 had the biggest prize money ever in a Portuguese poker tournament, with a prize pool of €1.5m.
It was a resounding success, especially for António Matias, a Portuguese travel agency owner, who took the €404,793 first prize.
There are high expectations for this year's event and anyone willing to participate in the Vilamoura tournament will have to pay €5,300 to enter or try their luck online in the 'Pokerstars' qualifying rounds.
Vilamoura as a tournament location has been praised highly by participants, who spend time enjoying the sunny Algarve's beaches and renowned golf courses during their time off the tables.
For more information on the tournament, please visit the EPT official website: www.europeanpokertour.com
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UPS Shipping Delays / COVID-19 Response Statement
We're Here For You!
A Message From Our CEO
Big Stay At Home Discounts!
Losmandy Astronomical Products, located in Hollywood, California, began in 1986 when Scott Losmandy was challenged by his fellow amateur astronomers to "build a better mount". Up until that point, most equatorial mounts available to amateur astronomers were either basic and fairly inexpensive (Japan) or expensive yet electronically unsophisticated (US). Losmandy thought he could do better, and Losmandy Astronomical Products, a subsidiary of Hollywood General Machining, was born.
Today, Losmandy mounts and accessories are some of the most highly respected in the world. The GM-8 and G-11 Losmandy mounts are so popular, we are sure you will find at least one at any star party you might choose to attend. Their biggest mount is the Losmandy Titan. It is capable of supporting 175 lb., which makes the Titan a great choice for a home observatory.
Losmandy does more than make equatorial mounts, however. They also machine a dizzying selection of dovetail plates, guidescope and telescope rings, adapter plates, and counterweight systems. Their machined dovetail plates have become the standard in the industry, and are so popular that even if a dovetail plate is not made by Losmandy, it is still called "Losmandy-style".
Losmandy's innovation and fine machining of equatorial mounts and accessories has allowed astrophotographers to produce great results for years. High Point is honored to offer the full line of Losmandy accessories and mounts, because when it come to quality, Losmandy never disppoints.
Lets Keep In Touch!
Receive Exclusive Offers, Monthly Celestial Event Calendars & Access To Telescope Giveaway Contests!


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Wilderness and Wildlife Tasmania Southwest
Four litres of cask wine saved my life. Cardboard vino has for too long been unjustly maligned for as an elixir it is surprisingly wonderful and, with liberal doses, superbly numbing.
An epic tract of Tasmania's southwest is a World Heritage wilderness that gambols over 600,000 rollicking hectares. The Southwest National Park is the largest park in Australia's only island state. The gargantuan Bathurst Harbour, a drowned river valley, is a prized part of it and a troupe of us had come to Tassie's southwest to sea kayak about secretive coves and unreconstructed islands.
This Luddite's nirvana is surrounded by broad mountains whose brief, surely, is to keep sybarites at bay. The largest, imposing, granite-jawed Mount Rugby (771 metres) sits in judgement of every one of my supremely novice paddle strokes. My inexperience, however, had nothing to do with my threatening predicament and cheap wine epiphany. The southwest of Tasmania has an annual rainfall of around three metres. Most of it might have fallen on our expedition if nature hadn't conveniently packaged it as snow and hail.
There are eight of us in four kayaks. Two of the eight are guides, Toby Storey and Tim Devereux. Toby's girlfriend, Emma, is along to lend a hand. On the first morning after land-based how-to's we begin the paddle up the Melaleuca Creek to our base camp. Within minutes we disturb a wallaby and her young nibbling on marsupial grass — the locals' term for the type of grass growing on the thin river banks.
The southwest winds screaming in over the Southern Ocean are known as the Roaring Forties. That night our base camp becomes the whipping boy for storms that may have originated in the great white of Antarctica, the next land mass south of Tassie. The communal dining area has a fine roof but no walls. Even after changing into warm, dry clothes, and a delightfully spicy calamari main course, the night is colder than unrequited love.
Day two, breakfast is piles of warm stewed fruits, pancakes and real coffee (plunger style). The sky, however, is Hitchcock dark. Some of us ponder creeping back to our tents, sleeping off both the stuffing of breakfast and the impending rain. "Cold is good," says endlessly perky Toby, 25, a general rallying his troops. "The fact that it can seem shitty means no-one else will be around."
We take lunch on an intimate beach by Farrell Point around 10 kilometres from camp. During lunch the sun makes a teasing appearance. The warmth is welcome but it is somewhat more comforting to know the sun hasn't completely checked out of the solar system.
That evening after another ripping meal the wine flows long enough for the hail to cease and some of us decide to break our shelter and make for the beach. Out from the trees the brightness of the night sky surprises us. Despite the cold we soak up both the wine and the star-filled sky. And as Rob notes, "with sufficient quantities of wine we also resolved many of the mysteries of the world." In the absence of hot showers the cold and wine worked a treat on the expedition's camaraderie.
Clayton's Corner is named for the crayfisherman who lived in a superbly simple house across the bay from our camp. We paddle to the home on the final morning. The fisherman and his wife have passed to other worlds and though volunteers are restoring the vacant house it is open to visitors.
Mount Beattie rides over the house. A sliver of a track winds its way from the house through forest and buttongrass landscaped with granite. It's about an hour's steady climb to the top of Mt Beattie. The views are far more panoramic than I had expected. A great sweep of the southwest, all the way to Port Davey and the Southern Ocean. For all that we can see man has made little impression on this wild.
We stand and admire our temporary domain. Then we hear a noise. It's a small plane. We watch it buzz to a landing strip shorn from the surrounding plain. The plane lands at Melaleuca. The place isn't big enough to be classed as a two-horse town. There are no shops and the few buildings are barely visible, even from the landing strip. Melaleuca's total population is two.
We are soon to return to Melaleuca, due to fly out on the plane we have watched land. Nobody offers excitement at the prospect. Atop Mt Beattie a hangover subtly lingers but on the bald and exposed summit I surprise myself by feeling altogether fortunate. The experience of Tasmania's southwest wouldn't be the same if the weather God took it upon himself to be convivial. Indeed, inclemency proves a wonderful conduit for adventure — rather than dramatic and life threatening. Still, as far as epiphanies go, I thought the one about finding redeeming qualities of wine in a box might be hard to beat. But this southwest wilderness is even far more extraordinary.
More Information
Roaring 40s Ocean Kayaking
Phone: +61 3 6267 5000
Article: Greg Clarke and Tourism Tasmania


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Can you believe we are a few days away from the beginning of March already? Looking back on 2016, it was certainly a great year filed with new discoveries! At Truly Yours Parfums, we are preparing for spring and sharing a few of those discoveries of what to find, do and see in Los Angeles to feed your soul and relax.
Champagne, French, Italian, Spanish, a California Cabernet? Woodland Hills Wine offers it all and then some. This is my go to place to purchase a bottle to take to a dinner with friends, a case (or two) to serve at a party or wine to send as a gift. Every visit, I am introduced to something new and it never disappoints. The knowledgeable staff is on par finding a wine to suit every taste and budget. They also carry a wonderful selection of Scotches and Cognac. Did I mention there's a wine tasting bar in the corner too?
Be Inspired
If you are in the Los Angeles area on Sunday, March 19th, the Women With A Purpose Conference is not to be missed. My dear friend and radio personality, Lisa Garr, will be a guest speaker and promises a day where women will be inspired, enlightened and entertained. Out of a tragic accident and brain injury, came a passion for Lisa to make a difference in the world. Since 1999, Lisa has hosted "The Aware Show," a daytime talk radio program featuring best-selling authors and experts in the fields of spirituality and healing. Lisa's commitment to lifelong learning is her daily practice that keeps her motivated and living a life filled with meaning and deep conversations that she can share with the world. This conference is sure to help us all grow, be empowered and inspired.
In the Bu, you will find the newest addition to Malibu Village, Objects With Purpose. Owner, Ianthe Mauro describes the shop as "where Paris flea market meets Malibu beaches." Ianthe's unique candle creations are non-toxic and made locally with all natural ingredients. I love walking into Objects With Purpose and instantly being surrounded by the intriguing scents of rose, sandalwood, spiced saffron and my favorite, dirt rich (an intoxicating combination of wood and vine). While walking through the store, I noticed some interesting vessels Ianthe had on display and I mentioned to Ianthe that I had a beautiful vintage tea set and not sure what to do with it. She encouraged me to have her pour scented candle wax into the tea set for my home! "We can place a candle in any vintage piece or vessel made of glass, metal, wood or china," she said. Ianthe and her staff hand pour on the premises and it is typically ready in a week. What a great gift idea!
Don't forget….our flash sale on the Eau de Parfum on Sale for $125 through February 28th! No promo code needed.
Until next month…. Truly Yours, Sheba