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Posts Tagged 'frugal'
Christmas: Andy Parks DOES Keep It All The Year!
Andy Parks, from the UK, was bored to death when in the summer of 1994 he found that hanging up Christmas decorations stopped him from feeling bored.
Since then he's been celebrating Christmas every single day for the last 40 years.
That includes enjoying a full festive dinner, all trimmings included, and watching the Queen's speech — everyday.
In that time he has eaten 117,600 sprouts and 94,080 mince pies.
"I've opened 204,400 crackers.
I've been through 37 electric ovens and worn out 23 video recorders by watching the Queen's Speech every day.
I've also sent myself 235,206 Christmas cards. But these days the postage is so dear I'm having to deliver them myself.
The credit crunch is getting to me big time and I may have to cut out the champagne and start singing for my Christmas dinner.
The lunch with all the trimmings and alcohol is costing in excess of £150 ($230) a week, but I'm fighting hard not to let the financial crisis ruin the celebrations.
People do think I'm crackers, but I enjoy treating myself and I'm the only one in the world who does it.
Others have tried to copy me, but they can't last.
When people come to my house it turns a sad face into a smiling one, and the happiness stays with them."
— Andy Parks aka Mr. Christms
Other ways in which Andy tries to maintain his Christmas routine during this recession is by cutting the 14 pound turkey down to a 9 pound turkey, and by going from two trees to just one.
At the same time he's trying to save the money needed to pay for a Christmas themed funeral. As part of that ritual he would be buried in a coffin filled with brussels sprouts…
U.S. Consumers Expect to Spend 11% Less on Christmas Gifts
Households across the U.S. plan to fork out about $418, on average, for gifts during Christmas season 2008; this figure, according to The Conference Board, is 11.3 percent lower than in 2007.
The Conference Board's survey of Christmas gift spending found that consumers are in a cost-conscious mood. Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board's consumer research center, said, "This is shaping up to be one of the most challenging holiday seasons in years, and it's going to take more than the usual discounts and incentives from retailers to get consumers to spend more freely."
By region, the survey found that those in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin intend to spend the most, with an average of $550. The lowest range, with a household average of $330, came from the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
Twenty-seven percent of all households plan to spend $500 or more on Christmas gifts, down from 33 percent in this category during 2007. Thirty-seven percent plan to spend between $200 and $500, and 35 percent are planning to spend less than $200.
The Conference Board found that 39 percent of all consumers plan to buy Christmas gifts online. Jewelry as a gift category was named by 10.1 percent of consumers who intend to purchase online. The most popular gifts, cited by 37.9 percent of survey respondents, were books, followed by toys/games, apparel, movies/DVDs and music.
4 Christmas Shopping Saving Tips from the Consumer Expert
No need to explain that this Christmas season a shopping environment is different from ever before. The economy is down and so is yours.
Some Christmas buying shopping rules that use to apply don't this year.
We ask consumer expert Clark Howard to share some of his insight.
"The black Friday deals are extraordinary, they are probably better than January clearance sales, retailers are doing the black Friday sales just to get you in the stores and they actually lose money on those sales.
Lay away is so good at helping people number one -control expense, number two – not pay interest, number three, being able to buy something while it's on sale – but not pay for it until you have the money.
Gift cards are very dangerous. I've never liked gift cards, but this year they will tear your wallet apart. So many restaurants and retailers are going to close and a gift card is only as good as that retailer is.
— Clark Howard, consumer expert
He does warn against the sales just off the Christmas; according to Clark prices won't go down until mid-January. That is because retailers will try to get the full price for as long as possible. Only when the influx of buyers stops ,which is usually around mid-January, will they start to drop prices.
Novelty Christmas Gifts on the Cheap
A "serious problem" with Christmas gifts is that even we have it all or we've seen it all.
Did really nice unique gift that you both for uncle Harry? Forget it, he saw it at Wal-Mart. He knows the full price and he knows when it came on discount…
The problem is even worse in small or smaller towns: everybody knows every store. In such a place even the specialty items are common goods.
Of course there is always making your own gifts. And yes, I recognize that there too a certain level of cliché arises. But there might be a twist, that might be different angle on this. The combination of novelty Christmas gift and do it yourself.
The idea is to go to thrift stores, Goodwill centers, secondhand stores. Look around for genuine articles. You want to go for that think it's look and feel. With a little bit of luck they'll even have Christmas items! But if not, no problem either. A wonderful, aged frame, for example, is just as good. Again, it's that authentic look that you want to go for.
Now when you come home with it here is where you add your own personal touch. Load up that digital photo of uncle Harry, age it, of course using free tools such as Picasa (available as a free download in Google's pack), insert it in the frame and add a handwritten message.
Now this novelty Christmas gift focuses on a frame. That so many think this items can be repurposed as novelty Christmas gifts. Christmas time is the perfect time to give those Dickian feeling vintage items.
Come on, try it! Get into one of those stores and look around with different eyes.


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Walmart Auto Care Centers
1730 N Garfield Ave -
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- www.walmart.com/store/1685/pierre-sd/details
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- 1730 N Garfield Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
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There are old-school DJs and then there's DJ Amelia Foxtrot of Austin Phonograph Co. in Texas. Her turntables are antique hand-cranked phonographs and her records are scratchy-sounding 78s.
Of course, I was immediately charmed by all of this. I reached out to her and she shared:
I've been doing phonograph DJ work for 7 years. I started in 2012 because I wanted to buy a phonograph. Being an entrepreneur at heart, I thought if I created a business DJing with it, my hobby would fund itself. And I got to buy two!
She mostly plays private events like seances (!), weddings, and fancy birthday parties. Though, on March 24, you can catch her at the Jazz Age Sunday Social in Dallas.
Amelia also co-owns and runs Sweet Ritual, a popular dairy-free ice cream shop in Austin. Additionally, she teaches Cool School for budding vegan ice cream parlor owners.
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The Mills Bros, "How Am I Doing, Hey Hey" played on my 1907 Victor II Phonograph. #phonograph #gramophone #millsbrothers
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At the Winfield Inn out in Kyle, Texas, sound testing my favorite Cliff Edwards ukulele song to play at weddings, "June Night." #phonographdj #phonograph #gramophonedj #gramophone #cliffedwards
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#Repost @phonographfilm ・・・ "Once & Again" Official Trailer. "Once & Again," a documentary short about three Austin-based antique phonograph collectors, explores the human desire to connect with the music and voices of the past.


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Enterprise Program Plan Application (EPPA)
Prescio Enterprise Program Plan Application (EPPA) is a web-based application that helps Enterprise Risk managers maintain and update projects information to represent the most up-to-date departmental status. Features ranging from creating projects to assigning users to updating multiple project statuses simultaneously can be managed from the dashboard with a click of a button.
EPPA is a highly customizable application that can be used to keep track of new and ongoing project updates, status notes for risks or gaps in meeting the completion dates, and mitigation plans to address those risks or gaps.
Key Features:
- Dashboard
- User Management
- Create/Update/Delete Users
- Project Management
- Create/Update/Delete/Transfer Projects
- Assign Projects
- Mask/Unmask Projects
- Create/Revoke Alerts
- Update Status Notes, Risks or Gaps, Mitigation Plans, etc.
- Report Generation
- Copy/Export/Print/Email Reports
- Document Management
- Gantt Chart
- Calendar utility for Projects by Due Date
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- Prescio Consulting is a SAS Partner - May 2, 2016


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Mill Rd, Rumburgh, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 0NT Tel: 01986 785257
The Rumburgh Buck is a 16th century village freehouse with a wealth of history. Approximately 3 miles west of Spexhall off the A144 between Halesworth and Bungay, and is a traditional pub serving excellent home-cooked food and superb ales in a very cosy atmosphere. Sympathetic and tasteful extensions and refurbishments have added a number of interlinked areas around the historic core. This is one pub that has not forsaken the local community which it serves with folk evenings, quiz nights and other popular events. The Buck is listed in the Good Beer Guides and is in CAMRA's Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. It was also voted CAMRA's Suffolk Pub of the Year 2007. It has been listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2004.
The bar is well stocked with a choice of local real ales from breweries such as Green Jack, Nethergate, Brandon, Grain and of course Adnams amongst others. Home cooked lunches and evening meals are served seven days a week from noon to -2 pm lunchtimes and 7-9 pm evenings.
The pub is home to many music sessions by groups such as Bodgers Mate, JY Kelly, Twisted Routes and Loose Marbles and once a month on the third sunday evening it holds an open music session called Rumfolk. The Buck is also very fortunate to be the home of Rumburgh Morris and The Old Glory Molly Dancers who both perform in the car park; Rumburgh Morris during the summer and Old Glory during the winter months.


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While doing some research the other day for a name for the painting, I came across different words in Hebrew that I liked. The word for prophet or oracle is Nabiy which translates as "one who gushes forth with ecstatic utterances"!!! I love that.
These two photos are from last week. I need to post a more current photo. The gold leaf was extremely difficult to apply and then paint around. The words translate as "The light shown in the darkness and the darkness didn't understand it". The painting is an oil on wood panel 8″ x 10″.


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From the NYT:
When Tom Grimes lost his job as a financial consultant 15 months ago, he called his congressman, a Democrat, for help getting government health care. Then he found a new full-time occupation: Tea Party activist… Mr. Grimes is one of many Tea Party members jolted into action by economic distress… they found common cause in the Tea Party's fight for lower taxes and smaller government…. The Tea Party vehemently wants less — though a number of its members acknowledge that they are relying on government programs for help. Grimes, who receives Social Security…has filled the back seat of his Mercury Grand Marquis with…Frederic Bastiat's "The Law," which denounces public benefits as "false philanthropy."
Ok, we get the point. Anyone mad at government is just acting like a spoiled hypocrite, ignorantly decrying the very thing that makes life worth living. Tea Party people are ungrateful wretches who will someday regret the effects of their protests. In the same spirit, we can imagine what the New York Times would be writing in the 1850s, reporting on new political movements in slave states.
When the middle-aged slave Jim developed a boil on his foot after a long day in the fields, he went crawling to the plantation to get it treated and bandaged. The master gladly obliged. Today Jim expresses a rising interest in the new abolitionist movement and is even demanding what he calls his freedom. This new freedom would mean an end to the amenities that are a mainstay of his life. He depends of plantation-provided food, housing, and medical care, but his living quarters are filled with pamphlets by William Lloyd Garrison and others agitating for a "new liberty."
Join the discussion and post a comment
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Ha-ze Sumac Japanese Candles {size #4, box of 3}
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This listing is for candles size #4, each candle is approximately 15cm (5.9") high and burns for about 85 minutes. *Now sold as a box of 3 instead of 2.
Ha-ze (pronounced "hah zay") is a kind of Japanese lacquer tree that only grows in Japan and the wax squeezed from its wooden fruit has been used to make Japanese candles since the ancient times. Candles made with Ha-ze (sumac) wax is considered most prized for Japanese traditional candles "wa-rousoku".
Ha-ze lacquer tree seed wax candles sticks are handcrafted by artisans using 100% sustainable plant-based ingredients with traditional techniques in Shiga prefecture by Daiyo established in 1914. These candles give very little soot with almost no drip and the flame tends to be bigger and brighter than modern paraffin candles.
No additives, sustainable, vegan and earth friendly.
Sold in a box of 3 medium size candles. Each candle has a small hole at the bottom and it needs to be used on the right size candle stand with a stick that is specially made for Japanese candles.
[Size #4] Candle (Each, Approx): 15cm (5.9") long, diameter at the bottom: 11mm - Works with Koma Medium
Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Japan
Candle stand does NOT include. You will need to use candle stand for Japanese candles.
Best matching size candle stands for these candles are:
Cast Iron Square Black Candle Stand in Medium
See 100% ha-ze candles in other sizes -->


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Aquatec 500 is a durable synthetic cloth with a unique pyramid structure for very quick and effective absorption and retention of moisture without leaving any residue. The end result is a perfectly shining surface without streaks.
Because of the soft, non-fluffing fibre, Aquatec 500 is safe to use on various surfaces, such as chrome, glass and most plastics. It is perfect to wipe the sides of spas and pools to give them the clean, sharp look or to even wipe down the mirrors, hand rails and shower areas. This cloth is a must have to easily wipe up excess water.
The synthetic base guarantees a very long life. In its resealable container, the cloth always stays clean and immediately ready to use again and again and again.
Method of Use:
Remove packaging; the cloth is immediately ready for use. Now wipe the surface to be dried with the cloth. Because of its high absorptive power, the cloth will allow you to rub dry almost any surface in no time and without leaving any streaks.
- Pyramid structure cloth for a powerful drying.
- Extremely high water absorption capacity.
- Ultra soft fibre, therefore safe to use.
- Long life.
- Non-fluffing.
- Suited for most smooth surfaces.
- Streak free and shiny end result.
Innotec Aquatec 500
- Brand: Innotec
- Product Code: Aqua-500
- Availability: 1 In Stock
- Ex Tax: £8.33


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Jen Bekman Gallery art gallery in New York City. Jen Bekman established it in March 2003 on Spring Street, near the Bowery. Bekman's goals were to help emerging artists become more appreciated, and to encourage a broader swath of people to feel comfortable buying art. Jen Bekman Gallery exhibits the work of artists in the mediums of photography, works on paper, mixed media, and paintings.
Jen Bekman Gallery Projects include 20x200 (editioned prints at affordable prices), Hey, Hot Shot! (an international competition for emerging photographers), jen@joe (a revolving exhibition of photographs at Joe, affordably priced and available for purchase online only), and Personism (a personal blog about design, photography, and current events).
In 2006, Jen Bekman was named an Innovator of the Year by American Photo. They wrote, "She's developing a new generation of photo artists and consumers."


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The Hills, Survivor, Amazing Race, Big Brother, The Apprentice, Jersey Shore, What Not to Wear, The Bachelor, American Idol – the list could go on and on. It started with the first ground break season of Survivor during the summer of 2000 and since then we have become almost obsessed with reality TV. What do you think of this genre that has taken over televisions prime-time programming?
Do you have a favourite reality TV show? Do you think reality TV is actually depicting reality? What does it say about us as a society that we now watch so much reality TV? Which do you prefer "reality" TV or traditional non-reality TV?
43.547982 -80.250765


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This week we're having a Recipe Challenge at
Use twine, pop dots, and three buttons.
Here's my card:
The background paper is from the Green Stack by DCWV.
Frog is cut at 3-1/2" from Paisley cartridge.
Label punch is EK Success.
Used 4 buttons to keep my card symmetrical!
Our sponsor this week is the Scrapbooking Queen
Go check out her blog and Royal Shoppe!
Hope you'll join in the challenge this week by entering your project using twine, pop dots, and three buttons. Be sure to use a die cut as well and link your post back to Die Cuttin' Divas.
We look forward to seeing your creations!


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Sunday, August 29, 2010 How to Make Cake Balls on Pretzel Sticks
The "Have Your Cake and Stick It, Too's" were a hit at the clambake. One guy was nice enough to try all of the desserts (making sure they were good for the rest of us) and he loudly warned everyone that my dessert was "no good" as he inhaled the Cake Ball in record time, quickly leaving himself with stubby remnants of pretzel rod.
That, my friends, is success.
This, my friends, is how I made them.
I made a box of Devil's Food in cupcake form and set aside 4 cupcakes for "later."
Let them cool and then break them all up into crumbs in a large bowl. Then add a container of icing. I used white icing (and saved the sprinkles that came with it for "later") Mix icing and crumbs together with a spatula until well combined. Because it's summer and still quite warm I chilled the "dough" while I prepared my cookie sheets. Clear some space in the fridge and/or freezer and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. After a good chilling take out the "dough" and, using an ice cream scoop, scoop out a portion of "dough" and place it in your left hand (unless you're a lefty, then switch). Then, carefully, with your right hand, place the end of the pretzel rod on the highest and thickest point of the scoop (where the nipple would be if it was a boob) and press the pretzel into the "dough" while closing your left hand around the dough. The "dough" should be completely wrapped around the top of the pretzel. If there is a "crack" where the dough was pushed together smooth it with your finger. Place on the cookie sheet "seam side up" - you can fit about 6 or 7 on each sheet. Chill again.
Here's the "tricky part" - I'll leave out the part where I wasted an entire bag of white chocolate chips because they didn't want to melt and I sent my husband out to the store to buy more and he came home with both white and chocolate chips and I tried again with the white ones and they still wouldn't melt and I swore and swore and swore and then finally decided it wasn't worth it and used the milk chocolate chips.
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler (if you have one) or in small batches in the microwave like I did. Carefully, holding the pretzel as close to the cake ball as possible to prevent breakage, spoon melted chocolate over the cake ball and then smooth out with a spatula taking off as much excess chocolate off "the bottom" as possible. This will prevent pooling and chocolate "feet." Place them back on the cookie sheet
The fun part is the "finish." I finished some with the sprinkles, some with green sugar, some with Heath bits, some with mint cookie crumbs, some with sea salt and some with black and red pepper! That was my favorite!!!
Chill each tray as you finish them. When they were done I put them cake ball down, in a gallon ziplock, five in each bag. I made 20. The bags stood up in a small box which I kept on ice. Not the easiest dessert to transport. But they make a great impression so they're worth the work.
Any questions? Ask away!!!
6 comments:
- Anonymous said...
I "loved" them whem I first "had" them at your "house". Cannot "wait" to try "them" again!
- August 29, 2010 at 6:55 AM
- Lisa Rae said...
I am proud to be the "Have Your Cake and Stick It, Too's" namer!!! But...I still want some mailed to me... :)P
- August 29, 2010 at 7:11 AM
- Headbanging Hostess said...
"Awesome" "Anonymous" - "LOL"
I don't think they'd survive in the mail, Lisa. Maybe when it's a litle cooler - at least the chocolate wouldn't "melt"
he he he
- August 29, 2010 at 7:37 AM
- Michele said...
BTW, you don't need a double boiler - do what my Mom taught me, put some water in one pot and place the chocolate in another pot, bring water to boil in lower pot and melt chocolate while holding other pot above it. (Although, maybe the microwave is quicker).
ALSO, I think this is a great idea - I have yet to make cake balls, but have another friend that does some extremely creative things with them and I don't think she has combined the sweet and salty.
- September 1, 2010 at 7:13 PM
- Headbanging Hostess said...
Ooh! I'd love to know what she does with them!
It's pretty pliable - you can mold it like clay. If she has pictures and would like to share tell her to post them on the HBH wall.
- September 2, 2010 at 4:46 AM
- Michele said...
I told her, so we'll see if you get info from her or not. :)
- September 2, 2010 at 8:08 PM


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Jaime Pressly spent four years and won an Emmy for terrorizing on-screen ex-husband Earl on My Name is Earl, but now she's bearing the brunt of the abuse on her new series I Hate My Teenage Daughter.
The series, premiering on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9:30/8:30c, follows single moms Annie (Pressly) and Nikki (Katie Finneran), who realize that by raising their daughters to be cool (as opposed to the nerds they were in high school), they have actually created two bratty monsters. "The relationship between Annie, my character, and my daughter Sophie is actually a really good one," Pressly says. Adds Kristi Lauren, who plays Annie's daughter: "Annie let Sophie grow up without a lot of rules and so Sophie thinks, 'Oh, I can do whatever I want.' They always have this struggle for power."
Mark Consuelos joins I Hate My Teenage Daughter
The question is whether both women can (finally) start disciplining their daughters, but also keeping those mother-daughter bonds intact. "My problem is that I always want my daughter to love me so much," Finneran says with a laugh.
Watch an exclusive first look at I Hate My Teenage Daughter:


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So, why wouldn't you shop local? To make it super easy, we've compiled a list of local pet shops and some of the locally-made products they carry plus some pet-friendly places to hang out in your 'hood, so the dollars you spend on and with your dog make a difference.
Ballard. Once a sleepy Seattle neighborhood, Ballard is now a bustling community with swanky restaurants and boutiques including two, locally-owned pet stores, All the Best and Mud Bay, plus an off-leash area at Golden Gardens Park.
Shop Local at All the Best
1909 NW Market St., Seattle, Wash.
206.782.1500; allthebestpetcare.com
Shop Local at Mud Bay
5314 15th Ave NW, Seattle, Wash.
206.783.1328; mudbay.com
Belltown. With a slew of pet-friendly luxury condominiums like Cristalla and Gallery—both featuring their own private dog runs and wash stations—Belltown is a city dog's dream. For some off-leash fun, check out Regrade Park. It's small, tucked in the heart of Belltown on 3rd and Bell, but it's a great place to socialize your pup.
Shop Local at 2nd Leash on Life
220 Blanchard Street, Seattle, Wash.
206.443.4325; 2ndleashonlife.com
2nd Leash on Life owner, Denise Sasaki, has been serving the needs of Belltown pet owners since 2011—even offering weekly delivery service to area residents. However, we highly recommend a personal visit to the store to enjoy the smell of freshly baked dog cookies made right onsite. If looking for dog food, be sure to check out smallbatch, which sources its raw food ingredients from Washington and Oregon. Need a harness? Check out the Wonder Walker made by a retired Seattle couple, Tom and Mary Dolan.
Capitol Hill. Just above downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill is known for its stately homes, funky shops, eclectic mix of restaurants, coffeehouses, parks, theaters and dog friendliness. Be sure to visit Volunteer Park, a nearly 50-acre haven that houses the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Seattle Asian Art Museum, fantastic downtown and mountain views, a showcase garden from the International Dahlia Society, and lots of great places to sniff and play on-leash. For off-leash fun, check out Plymouth Pillars Park, a small gravel space, but one that is frequented by residents and their best friends.
Shop Local at Rex
1402 12th Avenue, Seattle, Wash.
206.467.4440; rexseattle.com
Rex not only provides grooming services and self-wash stations for your pooch, but also carries a variety of products made in the Northwest including Windhorse Dog Coats out of Gresham, Oregon.
Read more about where to sit, stay and play on Capitol Hill here.
Fremont. As the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe, Fremont offers up a whole lot of funky and fun, with a troll who lives under a bridge, a statue of Lenin and a pooch-friendly neighborhood pub called Norm's Eatery and Ale House.
Shop Local at Petapoluza
114 N 36th St, Seattle, Wash.
206.632.4567; petapoluza.com
Eat & Drink Local at Norm's
460 N 36th St Seattle; 206.547.1417
Pioneer Square. Seattle's original downtown neighborhood is a mix of old Seattle architecture, contemporary shops and an abundance of good eats and activities, making it a must-do for two- and four-legged alike. Make a day out of it, and take a stroll through Pioneer Place Park, drop by the dog-friendly Globe Bookstore, grab a sandwich at Salumi and pop-in to Pioneer Pet.
Shop Local at Pioneer Pet
87 ½ south Washington Street, Seattle
206.437.8566; pioneerpetseattle.com
At Pioneer Pet, you will find a plethora of local products including Himalayan Dog Chews, made in Mukilteo using traditional Himalayan methods and all-natural ingredients such as yak's milk. Also, PureAyre, the only food-grade, chemical-free odor eliminator. Plus, Green JuJu, a whole foods supplement for your pup. Green JuJu's ingredients are locally-sourced from certified organic farmers in Washington then made in small batches in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. Now that's what we call "hyper local" and we like it!
Read more about where to sit, stay and play in Pioneer Square here.
South Lake Union. Seattle's South Lake Union has emerged into a lively neighborhood with plenty of places to roam. Take a romp with Rover at Denny Park, pick up supplies at City Hardware, grab a pint on the patio at Paddy Coyne's and swing into Scrap's Dog Bakery to stock up on treats.
Shop Local at Scraps Dog Bakery
900 Lenora St, Seattle, Wash.
206.332.9663; scrapsonline.com
Owner Dave Figueroa stocks Scraps with the best in food, treats and accessories—many of them made locally. However, another one of the highlights of the store is the engaging centerpiece—a floor to ceiling photograph of Dave's shiba inus taken by one of our favorite Seattle pet photographers, Emily Rieman of Best Friend Photography.
Read more about where to sit, stay and play in South Lake Union here.
Queen Anne. As you may know, there is upper Queen Anne and lower Queen Anne, and each has its own personality and pet store. Located on upper Queen Anne is All the Best and on lower Queen Anne is Mud Bay—both offering local products like Portland's Northwest Naturals raw food and treats at All the Best and Cycle Dogs collars, leashes and toys (also located in Portland) at Mud Bay. What we love about Cycle Dogs is all of the company's products are made from post-consumer recycled, bicycle inner tubes.
Shop Local at All the Best
2127 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, Wash.
206.283.3959; allthebestpetcare.com
Shop Local at Mud Bay
522 Queen Anne Ave N Seattle, Wash.
206.466.5002; mudbay.com
In addition to carrying local products, Mud Bay also partners with 19 area animal shelters. Every dog or cat adopted from Mud Bay's partner shelters are sent home with educational information and coupons for free food and litter. To pay it forward even further, when these coupons are used in their stores, Mud Bay donates $5 to the shelter where the animal was adopted.
West Seattle. As Seattle's largest and oldest neighborhood, West Seattle offers a plethora of places to sit, stay and play for people and pooches including three locally-owned pet stores, one off-leash park, countless city parks and of course, Alki Beach.
Shop Local at Mud Bay
2611 California Ave SW, Seattle, Wash.
206.932.0911; mudbay.com
Shop Local at Next to Nature
4543 California Ave SW, Seattle, Wash.
206.935-1134; next-to-nature.com
Shop Local at Pet Elements
6511 California Ave SW, Seattle, Wash.
206.932.0457; petelements.com
Pet Elements is packed with local purveyors including West Seattle's own Ginger's Treats and Puppy Luck Art, specializing in colorful notecards, magnets and charms. And, now even dogs can get in on the farm-to-table movement with Raw Goat Milk for Pets made by St. John Creamery in Lake Stevens.
Eat & Drink Local at Beveridge Place Pub
6413 California Ave SW, Seattle, Wash.
206.932.9906; beveridgeplacepub.com
We are big fans of the Beveridge because dogs are welcome inside and out. In other words, unlike most establishments where dogs are relegated to outdoor patios only, your pooch is welcome to join you inside the pub. Grab a pint and order food to be delivered from one of the nearby, locally-owned restaurants such as Kokoras Greek Grill. Their gyros are delicious and the 10% discount they give to Beveridge Place patrons makes it even tastier!
Read more about where to sit, stay and play in West Seattle here.
Kirkland. Located on the shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland is home to the most waterfront parks and beaches in the Puget Sound area and that's good news for pooches. What is also good news is the number of dog-friendly establishments in Kirkland—places like the Heathman Hotel, Flatstick Pub, Northwest Cellars and Booboo Barkery—where dogs are warmly welcome.
Shop Local at Booboo Barkery
115 Lake St S, Kirkland, Wash.
425.822.0292; booboobarkery.com
Booboo Barkery features a variety of products made by Northwest companies including Squigglechick Designs, 12 Dog Outfit, and Louie de Coton plus The Dog-Gone-Good Company, founded by 11-year-old Maxwell Schrider in Bellevue, Wash. to raise money for summer camp. Since launching in 2012, Max and his fellow classmates and business partners, Jacob Huffaker and Jared Goodman, have doubled the company in size (in addition to Booboo, Dog-Gone-Good is also sold at Earth Pet in Issaquah).
Issaquah. Located just 16 miles east of Seattle, Issaquah is a city dog's gateway to the great outdoors. It's also home to Issaquah Brewery, where they host the annual Frogs & Dogs festival—a dog-friendly tasting event and fundraiser. Acquired by Oregon's Rogue Ales in 2000, Issaquah Brewery carries on Rogue's dog-friendly tradition, with annual tasting events like Frogs & Dogs and even a special menu just for dogs.
Shop Local at Earth Pet
1175 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, Wash.
425.369.0208; earthpet.net
Eat & Drink Local at Issaquah Brewery
35 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, Wash.
425.557.1911; rogue.com
Read more about where to sit, stay and play in Issaquah here.
Redmond. Home to dog-friendly shops, restaurants and the mecca of all dog parks, Marymoor Off-leash Area, Redmond rocks! Known to locals as "Doggie Disneyland," Marymoor's 40 acres of off-leash romping grounds are a dog's dream, with wooded trails, vast green fields and water access.
Shop Local at Eastside Dog
7533 166th Ave NE, Redmond, Wash.
425.497.9487; eastsidedog.com
South Sound
Tacoma. Not to be outdone by its neighbor to the north, Tacoma is just as dog friendly as Seattle. Take a romp off leash at Rogers Park or venture over to the Kitsap Peninsula for more fun at Bandix Dog Park. Enjoy stunning on-leash parks at Point Defiance and Fort Steilacoom. Then, visit one of these three, locally-owned pet stores.
Shop Local at Lucky Dog Outfitters
3411 6th Ave, Tacoma, Wash.; 253.761.4486
Shop Local at Next to Nature
1624 Tacoma Ave, Tacoma, Wash.
253.779.8141; next-to-nature.com
Shop Local at Wag Pet Market
2703 N Proctor St, Tacoma, Wash.; 253.756.0924
Other Notable Mentions
BI Barkery (Bainbridge Island)
278 Winslow Way E, Suite 107
Bainbridge Island; 206.780.8039
When perusing the products at BI Barkery on Bainbridge Island, keep an eye out for these Northwest treat companies: Salmon Paws, One Spoiled Dog, Distinctive Dog and Wet Noses as well as collars and leashes made by one of our favorites, Lodi and Lewi, based in Port Ludlow, Wash. (pictured above at BI Barkery).
Read more about where to sit, stay and play on Bainbridge Island here.
A Dog's Dream (Georgetown)
5913 Airport Way S, Seattle, Wash.
206.763.1546; adogsdreamseattle.com
Located in the heart of south Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood, A Dog's Dream is a full service, natural pet supply store that specializes in premium pet foods. Not only that, but they also design and sell their own line of dog collars, beds and jackets using fun fabrics and patterns. Our favorite is the slightly ironic Cat in the Hat dog collar.
Fido N Scratch (Mount Baker)
2809 Mt Rainier Dr S, Seattle, Wash.; 206.588.2111
Health Mutt (Roosevelt)
1207 NE 65th St, Seattle, Wash.; 206.729.2649
Shop Local Photo Gallery
More Local Products at the CityDog Shop
|12 Dog Collar
|CityDog Women's Tee
|Seattle Skyline Collar


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New house
Written on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 by Jessica
Bob and I bought a new house. I haven't even bothered to update anybody, I guess b/c I'm just too engrossed in Kidney Bean's blog. I might've mentioned on it on K.B.'s blog simply b/c K.B. is the reason we're buying a new house.
We closed on the house a couple of weeks ago. Today we learned that it didn't pass the insurance company's inspection. Our homeowners' insurance coverage will lapse in thirty days. It'll take a couple of weeks to get the reinspection done, which means we have two weeks to fix the problems. Bob has to tear down a decrepit porch, build some handrails, and build new stairs.


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The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams
As I'm recovering from another ear surgery, I decided to try out some young adult books in the hopes that they would retain my attention better. Pain meds combined with pain and fatigue after surgery tend to make it difficult for me to spend much time reading. I was very proud of myself that I finished the novel I was reading after my surgery!
I picked up The Chosen One by pulling it off the shelf at the library and reading the book jacket. It's the story of Kyra, who is the second-oldest daughter of her father, who has three wives. She is a member of The Chosen Ones, a fundamentalist Mormon, polygamist compound, which is tightly run by the dictator, "Prophet" Childs.
The prophet has decreed that Kyra, at age 13, will marry her Uncle Hyrum, older brother to her own father (in his 60s, with three wives), in four weeks. Although her father is against it, the family has no choice. He's too scared to resist. The prophet rules the compound with an iron, violent hand, forbidding anyone from reading or disobeying his orders. He threatens Kyra's father that he will take his entire family away from him if he cannot get Kyra to marry Uncle Hyrum. I couldn't help but think of the slimy, evil prophet in the polygamous compound in the TV show "Big Love."
Kyra has her own love interest: a boy her own age, named Joshua, who wants to marry Kyra. She also sneaks away to take books out from the bookmobile that goes past the compound each week. Kyra must decide if she will leave her own family forever to be free. Either choice has enormously heavy consequences, not just for her but for the people who help her.


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Halifax Convention Centre Receives International Recognition for Marketing
The Halifax Convention Centre's Imagine Your Event Here marketing campaign continues to receive international recognition, this time from the International Economic Development Council and the International Congress and Convention Association.
The International Economic Development Council presented the convention centre with the Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award at a ceremony held Tuesday, Oct. 6 in Alaska. The award recognizes the centre's direct-mail campaign that helped event planners shape the new centre.
"Our innovative efforts are allowing us to successfully connect our centre with a growing list of international and national clients," said Scott Ferguson, president and CEO of Trade Centre Limited, the Crown corporation tasked with marketing and selling the Halifax Convention Centre.
Just days before that win, the International Congress and Convention Association announced the convention centre as one of four finalists, and the only Canadian organization shortlisted, for its prestigious Best Marketing Award. Halifax will compete against marketing campaigns from Istanbul, Colombia and Denmark for the award, which will be presented Nov. 4, after presentations by the finalists.
"Being shortlisted for the ICCA Best Marketing Award among such impressive competition is a remarkable achievement," said Mr. Ferguson. "This significant global recognition further demonstrates that our creative approach is working, and we couldn't be more proud that our efforts are helping to establish Nova Scotia as a top meeting destination."
The Halifax Convention Centre's Imagine campaign helps planners imagine their event in a facility they can't see, visit or touch yet, through personalized direct mail, digital elements and guerilla marketing. Campaign efforts have generated excitement among clients, and helped the centre book more than 30 events.
The International Economic Development Council's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders for their efforts to create positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
The ICCA Best Marketing Award recognizes excellence and outstanding achievements of organizations marketing their destination.
Media Contact:
Erin Esiyok-Prime
Trade Centre Limited
902-421-1302 ext. 2791
Email: email@example.com


text: Maria Callas, the legendary opera star, was according to the NY Times the greatest singer of the 20th Century. She died in 1977, but she performs in a new concert with a live orchestra. A company called Base Hologram is using an old technique called Peppers Ghost with new technology. They are offering the result […]... Keep reading >


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At Monsanto, we're all about sustainable solutions. That's why we're committed to getting the public involved in a global conversation about the methods we're using in order to help grow enough food for a growing world. Ask your own questions regarding anything from honey bee health, GMOs, to sustainability in agriculture and more.
Whether it's in soybean or cotton, the Roundup Ready® Xtend Crop System will utilize herbicide-tolerant trait technologies to help maximize yield potential, weed control and quality.
In December 2015, Monsanto announced a first-of-its-kind program to introduce a model for carbon neutral crop production that will help reduce the carbon footprint of crop production.
Sustainability is a journey that presents a constant but welcome challenge: how can we push ourselves to achieve even more? How do we feed a growing planet in a changing climate?
We work to help farmers produce food in a sustainable way. We think holistically about how our food is grown so farmers have the tools they need to have better harvests - to make a plate of meats, grains, fruits and vegetables within reach for every family.
In agriculture plants and seeds with enhanced traits or genetics may be patent protected. This is true in the U.S. for plant varieties as well as biotech innovations. Monsanto is one of many seed companies that patent their innovations. Growers who purchase our patented seeds sign a Monsanto Technology/Stewardship Agreement — an agreement that specifically addresses the obligations of both the grower and Monsanto and governs the use of the harvested crop. The agreement specifically states that the grower will not save or sell the seeds from their harvest for further planting, breeding or cultivation.
Food. Inc, addresses several cases in which there were violations or suspected violations of this contract or our patent. Unfortunately, the film neglects to tell the full story of these cases. Below is more detail which we believe portrays these situations more fully and in proper perspective.
Farmer Troy Roush appeared in Food, Inc. concerning his dealings with Monsanto relative to a legal case centered on patent infringement. In addition, he suggested that GMOs are not healthy and stated that patented plants have "torn apart rural communities".
Unfortunately, Monsanto cannot speak on the case involving Troy Roush. Monsanto and the Roushes concluded their litigation in 2002 with a confidential settlement agreement. Both parties mutually agreed as part of the settlement that they would not disclose the terms of the settlement or discuss the litigation. Learn more about Troy Roush.
Mr. Roush has made comments that fall outside of the scope of the lawsuit which we can address:
Mr. Roush said that the introduction of patented seeds have pitted farmer against farmer and torn apart rural communities. Patent infringement has been a contentious issue in some communities where it has occurred. We would suggest that it is not the patenting of seeds that has caused this, but the actions of those few who have chosen to ignore the law and their agreements to save seed illegally. Monsanto is frequently made aware of saved seed cases by other farmers who contact our customer service line with this information. They do so because they feel it is unfair that they are being put at a competitive disadvantage by their neighbors who do not follow the law and legal agreements as they do.
It is interesting to point out, that while Mr. Roush is a harsh and frequent critic of Monsanto and GM crops, he remains a customer of Monsanto having purchased a considerable amount of corn and soybean seed from us during 2008.
Monsanto had reason to believe Mr. Runyon was illegally saving Roundup Ready soybeans. We approached Mr. Runyon with our concerns, and he indicated he used only conventional soybeans. As a result of our interactions, Monsanto determined Mr. Runyon was someone who did not want to do business with Monsanto, so we properly ended our business relationship with him by suspending his authorization to purchase our technology.
We would be happy to reconsider our business relationship with Mr. Runyon if he works with us to address our concerns about the prior circumstances.
Maurice Parr operates a seed cleaning business in Indiana. Mr. Parr had received many clear communications about the patent law around Monsanto's patented Roundup Ready® soybeans, and he knowingly disregarded this information. Mr. Parr confused farmers about the law regarding patents, which led to some of his customers breaking their contracts by saving seed as well. Mr. Parr did not "settle with Monsanto." Rather, Mr. Parr took his case to court, and the U.S. District Court in Lafayette, Indiana issued a permanent injunction against Mr. Parr prohibiting him from cleaning Roundup Ready soybeans.
The injunction also makes clear Mr. Parr can honor the patent by informing customers it is illegal to save Roundup Ready seed and requiring his customers certify their seed is not from a patented product and providing samples for testing. His business will be able to continue to clean conventional soybeans, wheat and other seed crops. Monsanto has agreed not to collect the damages awarded against Mr. Parr as long as Mr. Parr honors the terms of the court order.
View the injunction issued by the U.S. District Court in Lafayette, Indiana
A farmer gave an anonymous interview during the film in which he said he could not reveal his name or show his face due to a "gag order" that was part of the settlement. His face was shadowed and voice digitally augmented to protect him from repercussions of violating the alleged terms of settlement.
Monsanto will not discuss the specifics of seed patent infringement cases where a settlement agreement or court order so directs. It is NOT Monsanto's practice, however, to require or even request confidentiality except around how settlement payments are structured. Confidentiality is a farmer concern. Formerly, we accommodated farmer requests for anonymity and agreed to confidentiality clauses.
Due to the fact these accommodations have been portrayed as "gag orders" required by Monsanto, we no longer accommodate such requests except under exceptional circumstances.
Questions: Do you have additional questions about Monsanto's position on Food, Inc.? Please contact us and we will do our best to respond in a timely manner.
©2002–2017 Monsanto Company - All Rights Reserved Sitemap | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Contact Us


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Good afternoon lovelies! Today I've got a sneak peek of the Fairest Of Them All Hunt from JeSyLiLO. The hunt begins tomorrow and runs through September 15th. Look for a glass slipper to redeem your 5L prize. For participating store info and plenty of teaser photos go here!
Skin: JeSyLiLO – SnoWhite in TanSkin (Tomorrow! 5L FOTA Hunt)
Hair: Truth – Marina in Raven
Eyes: Suicidal Unborn – Jelly Eyes in Blue (New!)
Nails: Izzie's – 80's Round Nails (Vintage Fair )
Ring: Yummy – Crystal Cluster Ring
Dress w/Belt: Medley – Baroque Dress in Mint (New! @ C88)
Shoes: HANDverk – Rump Pump in Virginal White (New! @ Zodiac)
Pose: Purple Poses
Pose Prop w/apples: LOVEmeBRUTAL – Snow White's Poison Apple (1L on MP, comes w/pose not used here)
I couldn't resist showing you this video. 😀


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We're celebrating summer with our Chill & Grill Fundraising Event on August 22. Support the completion of the Educational Pier and Observation Deck while enjoying a night of outdoor grill favorites and fun. Your choice! At - home virtually or at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club.
Becky Miller, of Bank Five Nine, talks with Susan Rabe, the Executive Director and CEO of The Conservancy for Healing and Heritage in Franklin, WI. Listen to find out more about this community space and how you can help support its completion and programs.
Special feature on April 28, 2020
Listen to our latest interview aired on March 15, 2020 on News Talk WISN 1130 AM. You'll hear why our mission is so important in the community and learn how our partnership with the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance is making a positive difference.
Interview featuring Executive Director and CEO Susan Rabe on the Valor Latino program hosted by Perfecto Rivera.
Featured on the June 17, 2019 Morning Blend episode on Today
Conservancy Offers a Place for Healing
An anonymous donor has awarded a $125,000 challenge grant to the Conservancy. They hope it inspires others to match their $125,000 and finish the final $1 million we need to complete the Nature Trails and Healing Garden.
Welcome to the Conservancy
Located in Franklin, WI, the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage is a 36-acre parcel of land in southeastern Wisconsin that features a rare combination of ecosystems. This unique piece of land is Milwaukee County's only kettle and glacier lake. This sacred land, with a connection to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, for the first time will be open free to the public.
We are protecting this natural habitat while creating shared spaces for comfort, spiritual inspiration, healing and education. The Nature Trails, Healing Garden, Healing Chapel in the Woods, and Kopmeier Lake (also known as Priest's Lake) are surrounded by forestland with a history going back to the settlement of greater Milwaukee in the 19th century. The lake is flanked by a steep glacial moraine covered in mesic hardwoods. The forest floor is alive with wildflowers in the spring and mushrooms in the fall.
We honor the heritage and mission of the owners before us.
The land was born of the Ice Age. Carved by glaciers that created a steep gravel ridge which then retreated, leaving behind an enormous block of ice buried in the outwash. That mammoth cube melted to become a 35 ft deep spring fed lake.
1889 - Kopmeier Family purchases the land
1955 - They donate land to Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Archdiocese utilizes land and lake for retreats, rest and rejuvenation. We continue that tradition today and forever.
2003 - Conservancy becomes an independent 501(c)3
2005 - Conservancy purchases 36 acres including Kopmeier Lake and the surrounding woodland and wetland
2016 - Reiman Healing Chapel in the Woods is opened to the public
2017 - Initial clearing of the Healing Garden and upper Trail
2018 - Phase II initial work on the Healing Garden and Healing Chapel upgrades begins
The lake and the land around it is protected from future development forever.
Partnerships mean the Conservancy is serving our community in spiritual, health and well being and education. (Imagine all that will be happening when it's complete!)
Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Franklin High School
The Nature Conservancy
Archdiocese of Milwaukee - Office of Worship
Ascension Healthcare
Reiman Cancer Center
St. Alphonsus Parish - Greendale
St. Mary's Parish - Hales Corners
Aurora Women's Pavilion
Faith Community Church
Milwaukee County Parks
Badgerland Birding
.....and more
Sponsor the Conservancy or the Lake & Nature Trails.
BE A HERO! Help us finish by Fall 2019.
Funds raised is $4.0 million with $945,000 needed to complete.
A memorial or honorarium is a way to recognize a family member or friend.
No gift is too small. To find out ways you can help click the button below.
Franklin forest will become public healing garden with the help of business leaders.
"Viewing forest landscapes, for even short periods of time, has relaxing effects such as lower blood pressure and heart rate."
-- Nature Sacred
Hear first about our latest news and events!
Your support will enable us to meet our goals of completing the Educational pier and observation deck as part of the Healing Lake & Nature Trails. Funds given will also support wellness and environmental education programs.
The Conservancy can be accessed from the parking lot of the Ascension Medical building on
S. 74th and W. Rawson Avenue in Franklin, WI. Drive to the far end of the parking lot -- the Reiman Healing Chapel is on the right. The Reiman Cancer Center is on the left.
The entire Conservancy is situated between W. Rawson Avenue on the south, W. Loomis Road on the north, and between S. 74th and S. 68th.
Copyright © 2018 Conservancy for Healing and Heritage - All Rights Reserved.
PO Box 320305
Franklin WI 53132


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Multimac is a very simple Linux software that is able to emulate and use multiple virtual interfaces (with different MAC addresses) on a LAN using a single network adapter. The aim of the application is giving network developers a tool to emulate presence of multiple machines (with different MAC addresses) using a single network adapter.
Remember, in fact, that eth aliasing doesn't allow to specify a different MAC address for aliases (e.g. if you setup an alias eth0:0 for eth0 you can't provide a different MAC address to eth0:0). This application helps to hack this (the project originally was born as a test on Linux Tun/Tap driver).
- Linux 2.6 kernel (should work with 2.4 kernels too but i've never tested it)
- Linux Tun driver (run "modprobe tun" first)
- Linux bridging driver (run "modprobe bridge" first)
Nothing more than a simple
First of all launch the application specifying the number of virtual taps to allocate.
E.g. ./multimac 5
The program will allocate N+1 taps (6 in this example, tap0 to tap5).
Tap0 is the "hub" interface: all traffic generated on tap1… tapN will be "cloned" on tap0.
The goal is bridging tap0 to eth0 and reply all the layer2 traffic on the real network link (eth0)
Once virtual taps are allocated you need to setup the bridge.
#brctl addbr br0
#brctl addif br0 eth0
#brctl addif br0 tap0
#ifconfig eth0 down
#ifconfig eth0 0.0.0.0 up
#ifconfig tap0 0.0.0.0 up
#ifconfig br0 <Lan ip address> up
Now let's initialize the virtual adapters
#ifconfig tap1 hw ether <New MAC address>
#ifconfig tap1 <Virtual ip address 1> up
… and so on to tapN
Now (please note that Linux bridging driver requires a bit of time to learn port status) you can generate traffic on tap1…tapN interfaces. All traffic will be cloned to tap0 interface which is bridged with eth0 (so hypothetically consider you've a big switch with eth0 tap1 tap2… tapN interfaces attached).
Once started MultiMAC will fork itself as a daemon. To terminate it just type
#killall multimac
The application is released under the terms of the GNU GPL
- https://sourceforge.net/projects/multimac/ This project on SourceForge


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Design Agency: Animist
Creative Director: Koray Bacanakgil
Art Director: Merve Deniz Udunluer
Project Type: Produced, Commercial Work
Client: Toyon
Location: Izmir, Turkey
Packaging Contents: Wine
Toyon is a new brand company that produces wine. The name "Toyon" is an old Turkish god in shaman religion.
Wine names are come from color names of old Turkish. "Kızgıl" is red, "Ağca" is white and "Gülgun" is pink. So, Kızgıl is Toyon's red wine, Ağca is Toyon's white wine and Gülgun is Toyon's rose wine. The concept is related with the old Turkish culture.


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The litmus test of the effectives of a law enforcement agency in curbing crime in the eyes of the Federal Bureau of Investigation can be found in 12 categories known as the "Part One Crime Offenses."
The 12 crimes are the most violent and most obtrusive. They are the ones that trigger fear and apprehensions in a community.
Nine of the 12 crimes have dropped in Manteca during the first 10 months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. Overall, Part One Crime Offenses are down 2.78 percent in Manteca. It's a trend that Manteca Police Chief Dave Bricker credits to the "dedicated and hard work of our officers" plus the manpower made possible through the Measure M public safety tax adopted by the voters 26 months ago.
In addition, the clearance rate for every individual crime category is up for an overall clearance rate of 27 percent.
Through Oct. 31 there have been:
• no homicides.
• rape or unlawful intercourse is down 17.39 percent from 23 last year to 19 this year.
• robbery is up 3.23 percent from 62 last year to 64 this year.
• aggravated assault is down 11.84 percent from 76 last year to 67 this year.
• commercial burglary is down 13.53 percent from 133 last year to 115 this year.
• residential burglary is up 36.22 percent from 185 last year to 252 this year.
• other burglaries are down 38.89 percent from 36 last year to 22 this year.
• auto burglaries are down 3.69 percent from 597 last year to 575 this year.
• grand theft is up 15.61 percent from 237 last year to 274 this year.
• vehicle theft is down 12.89 percent from 318 last year to 277 this year.
• arson is down 69.57 percent from 23 last year to 7 this year.
• all other felonies are down 7.98 percent from 539 last year to 496 this year.
Misdemeanor thefts are down 8.82 percent from 669 last year to 610 this year. All other misdemeanors are down 8.78 percent from 3,028 last year to 2,762 this year.
Manteca Police have turned up the heat on illegal drug use. Total narcotic offenses are up 21.6 percent from 426 last year to 518 this year. At the same time the clearance rate is at 98 percent or 416 of the 426 narcotics cases have been resolved in some manner.
Domestic violence cases are down 16.39 percent from 366 last year to 306 this year.
Fraud and forgery are down 13.62 percent from 389 last year to 336 this year.
Non-criminal reports were at 3,325 through Oct. 31, down 8.55 percent from last year.
Service requests dropped for the first time in years going from 32,769 last year to 31,756 this year for a decrease of 3.09 percent.
Arrests are down 11.14 percent from 3,637 last year to 3,232 this year. One in nine arrests are juveniles.
The value of stolen property has increased 16.08 percent from $4,716,590 to $5,474,947. Property recovered has increased 4.21 percent from $2,035,969 to $2,121,755.
High speed pursuits are up 10.71 percent from 28 last year to 31 this year.
Use of force has dropped 16.33 percent from 49 incidents last year to 41 this year.


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EU: No democracy. No accountability, No choice. No referendum. No food left on my table.
From: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/285635/Fury-over-Britain-s-50m-a-day-EU-bill
" BRITAIN poured a colossal £18.5billion into EU coffers last year – the equivalent of more than £50m a day.
The staggering figures – £730 for every British household over the 12 months – were revealed yesterday in the Government's annual accounts. "


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Cultivating Forest Stewardship came out of Faculty of Forestry undergraduate Montana Goddard's summer work experience at UBC Farm, funded by a TLEF grant. Montana put together an amazing website which includes;
- UBC Farm Forest Tour which takes you through some of the most interesting aspects of the Farm forest using QR codes which you can scan with your smart phone and be taken to an informative wiki page, offering details of the site.
- Digital Herbarium
- Management Plans
- Wildlife Gallery
- 'How To' videos
- Farm Maps
Learn more about the forests that occupy half of the UBC Farm land base, check out Cultivating Forest Stewardship!


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Being somewhat crowd adverse, I paid a visit on the first day of ISSE, which would be less crowded, being a Friday.
First visit was to High End Research's room.
|The Wilson Audio Alexia standing guard over the Pass Lab monoblocks
The system was being played a bit too loud for my liking, with the usual hi-fi demonstration type of tracks. It was very dynamic and incisive, perhaps a bit too much so for my taste.
As it was close to a scheduled live performance, I made a detour for Z Yan's live performance.
She has a lovely rich voice that belies her petite frame. Her bossa nova style of singing in Chinese is quite unique. I truly enjoyed the experience, and picked up a copy of her CD on the way out.
Back to the lobby rooms for a quick look-see.
|Voxativ speakers with an analogue front end
The TAD speakers were playing some choral music when I walked in, and the purity of tone and effortless reproduction was breath taking. Some other tracks were not so convincing, and the simpler types of music fared better in my short time there.
Going off to the 7th floor, where the smaller exhibition rooms were, I was impressed by the more consistent quality of the systems compared to past shows, where exhibitors persistently showcased large speakers that overwhelmed the acoustic space of the tight hotel rooms.
|Poon of Horizon Acoustics gamely posing for a photo
|Amplification duties handled by Modwright
|Source duties handled by an Ayon CD player fed into an Antelope DAC. The Resonessence Labs Invicta DAC on the right was not playing when I was in the room.
|Sky Audio - ALR Jordan speakers, D & T electronics and a Macbook playing computer audio
ASI electronics and Entreq power distributor and ground conditioner. Speakers are aliens from a far away planet standing very still and hoping to blend into the environment.
|Sound Decisions - Da Vinci DAC, Electrocompaniet amplification and Thiel CS 2.7 speakers
|X Audio - Brodmann speakers matched with MSB DAC and Octave amplification.
|X Audio's second room - Accustic Arts electronics with Brodmann speakers.
|Audio Basic - Aurelia speakers with the Calyx Femto DAC paired with Trigon electronics.
|Steven Cheah of Audio Basic posing with the Aurelia Cerica. Perched behind, on the shelf is the Telos Alpha Wave generator.
Some other very good sounding setups were also heard, with the Verity Audio speakers impressing with its excellent level of detail and naturalness.
Unfortunately, a scheduled appointment meant that I could not spend time listening to all the systems in detail, and I wrapped things up after 2 and a half hours at ISSE.


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While Mom is visiting us in Bangalore, we went to see Big Banyan Tree, which is 30 KMs from Bangalore. You have to travel 8 kms from Rajeshwari Dental College, before Bidadi Town.
We had lunch there ( packed from home ). Enough monkeys are there. I am going there after 10 years and I could see a bigger temple in the centre and someone to clean the place and toilets are built.
The water scarcity is making them bring Kaveri water, in cans to supply to people.


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"Why does it matter how I'm paid as long as I get paid?"
I've received that question numerous times over the past several years being in the mortgage industry. The question does make sense – as long as income from a job is coming in on a regular basis, why does it matter if someone is self- employed, a W2 employee, or a 1099 contract worker?
Unfortunately, for the self-employed or individuals paid on a commission or bonus structure, it does matter. Why? Due to the up-and-down nature of running a business or income based on monthly/annual performance, underwriters want to see a historical record of income that is earned over the course of up to two years.
Unless you are a W2 employee whose salary will be the same every month regardless of the economy or sales, the only way to document your income is through annual federal tax returns. By reviewing tax returns for the past two years, an underwriter can see documented monthly income for 24 months to gauge expected future income.
Here are some examples of different ways one might be paid and what steps are necessary to document the income:
- W2 salaried income – this is the easiest to document. All that is needed is the past 30 days of pay stubs. If recently moved to a new job in the same field still as a W2 employee, a pay stub reflecting 30 days on the job with an acceptance letter to the new position should do it.
- W2 base pay with commission/bonus income – if commission/bonus income is less than 25% of the total salary, then the same rules apply as above should apply. If more than 25% of the total salary, then up to two years of tax returns will be required to document the income.
- Full commission income – up to two years tax returns will be required. Note that any business expense write offs on the tax return will lower the income that can be used to qualify you for the loan.
- Self-employed – two years of tax returns will be required. Again, any claimed business expenses (personal or for the business itself) will reduce the income that can be used to qualify you for the loan.
- Bonus income – two years documented bonus income will be required along with documenting its continuance.
- Same job at the same company but change from W2 salary to commission/bonus income – This is happening more frequently in the business world. Positions that were once salaried are becoming positions with base pay plus commission. If the base salary is sufficient to qualify for the loan, then only pay stubs are required. However, if the commission is also needed to qualify for the loan, then up to two years of tax returns would be required.
Loan programs such as stated income and no documentation loans are no more due to the credit crunch. This means all income must be verified and documented – making how one gets paid all the more important.
If you are looking to buy a home or refinance an existing one and you are not paid as a W2 salaried employee, it is imperative to speaking with a mortgage consultant to ensure everything is order before you are ready to make an offer. If you are in the state of Georgia, I would enjoy the chance to review your situation and help qualify you to buy a home–give me a call!