text:
Get Involved
We would love to chat about the impact we can make together!
Youth Ambassadors
Youth Ambassadors are deeply committed individuals who share our principles and approach to creating a world without human trafficking. We love to give our volunteers a meaningful way to contribute and learn along the way.
Our Youth Ambassadors are young individuals (18 – 25 year olds) who are passionate about making a change and being part of the solution. They can volunteer as much time as they'd like over the course of the year and are given opportunities to apply their skills and time to making a real impact within a small team. They take ownership over specific projects and learn in detail about human trafficking and the global fight to end it.
For more information please contact firstname.lastname@example.com
"I joined Shiva Foundation at the final stage of my M.A. Programme in "International Peace and Security" at King's College London. I decided to write a dissertation on a topic I am truly passionate about – something that has been neglected throughout my studies and in the academic discussion. For this reason I analysed the strategic use of human trafficking by contemporary terrorist networks for the purpose of my dissertation. Through my placement at Shiva Foundation I gained a better understanding of the challenges governments and international organisations face in combatting modern slavery. This greatly helped shaping my dissertation and broadened my perspective beyond the theoretical discussions I was familiar with from my studies. To sum up, there are many reasons to consider joining Shiva Foundation as a Youth Ambassador, but perhaps none is more worthwhile than knowing that this organisation fights for the rights of some of the most vulnerable people in the world." – Zula Tesfai, Youth Ambassador 2016
"My experience working with Shiva Foundation has been a very proactive one. Not only do the team know their role in bringing change to the issue of trafficking, their leaders are ambitious and passionate in what they do. The organisation also gives a lot of flexibility to their volunteers to focus on what they want to do, and are very happy to engage them at all levels of their work. I learnt a lot regarding strategic planning and thought – leadership within both the business and community spaces during the process. I would highly recommend this role to anyone who believes in the protection of human rights and is interested in the functioning and networking of a fast growing organisation." – Kathryn Wong, Youth Ambassador 2016
"My experience as a Youth Ambassador has been invaluable – a milestone in my professional development. I have expanded my knowledge of how human trafficking manifests itself in the twenty-first century and am proud to have fought against it through Shiva Foundation's various initiatives. I would highly recommend volunteering with Shiva Foundation to anyone, particularly those keen to gain an understanding of social and human rights issues, and how to effectively combat them, be it through collective impact or social impact networks." – Anna Sanders, Youth Ambassador 2015
Community Changemaker
Community Changemakers are individuals in the community who feel moved to do something about human trafficking. They have the skillful imagination to make an impact and the courage to take a stand. If you would like to contribute your skills, resources or networks to the anti-human trafficking movement, let us know what you can offer and we will work together to make change happen.
Contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com to register your interest in becoming a Youth Ambassador or Community Changemaker.


text:
How do I get a pass?
Before you get a pass, please create an account and fill out the Paw Park application online. Paw Park memberships and renewals can be purchased through the website or Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:30pm from the Park Office. All passes will need to be picked up in the Park Office located in the Pavilion Center.
Annual One Dog: $50.00
Annual Two Dogs: $75.00
Day Pass: $10.00/dog
Replacement Pass: $10.00

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Technique Challenge on Splitcoast Stampers as inspiration - kraft with white embossing and a bit of colour!! I am really happy with how it worked out.
I stamped the heart (SU) using white pigment ink on my kraft card front and then embossed it with white embossing powder. I stamped the birds (SU) on a strip of kraft using the same technique. I added some watercolour - brown to the birds and red to the hearts. Afterwards, I added some faux stitching using a white gel marker. To show off the image I layered two strips of white border punched (MS) cardstock behind the kraft. I added a layered embellishment - a white felt heart and a little decorative paper die cut adhered to each other using a white button brad. I added this embellishment to my card using the brad. I will be using this card for an anniversary!!


text:
Specialising in dental consumables in a market that requires quality products at competitive prices
Continuing to lead the way in procuring a broad range of products from both overseas and Australian manufacturers. These products include dental and medical consumables and instruments.
Our Partners
A broad and continually growing client base which includes
major Public and Private customers, International
Corporations and Governments.
Latest Items
Shop from the latest in Dental
and Medical products.
Popular items
Last chance! Be sure to grab
the best price!
Our Capabilities
Extensive product range over
7,000 products
Distributed nationally
24 hours
B2B portal
Friendly customer
service team
Fast and reliable
38 years of
industry experience
Material Safety Data Sheets
View our extensive library of product
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Don't miss out latest news from W9, stay updated!


text:
I am a firm believer that our stories are not for us alone. They are for us to give courage, support and wisdom to each other, our fellow travellers. I take these things from each of you and hope to give it back in some small way. I want to say thank you to all who read my blog, for sharing your comments and for being a part of this journey, my journey... I really love reading and appreciate you kind words and I am constantly amazed at how small the world is getting and how big my own little world has become... thank you
Monday, June 28, 2010
fellow travellers...
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 10:38 PM 14 comments Links to this post
Labels: thank you
Friday, June 25, 2010
dorky little things...
(final painting in my latest series... not quite finished)
This piece above is a lead in to my next series of works for July, which is about childhood friends, imaginary and otherwise...
Time management is an interesting thing... it is something I think I am ok at and do quite well. I have these silly, dorky little things that I do to help me get things done, I am going to share them with you, but don't laugh...
Ok here goes... I tell myself "the more I do today, the happier Katherine of tomorrow will be"... If I paint the last three arms, get the last few backgrounds ready or do a page of faces tonight then it will make the Katherine of tomorrow happier, that will be one less thing she will have to add to her to do list in the morning. I often think of my future self and how I can help her out and it works for me... do I sounds crazy?
The other thing I do is to try to do at least one thing each day (apart from the weekend, unless I feel like it) towards my creative business. Even if it is just a bit of filing, sorting out the ongoing mess on my kitchen table, a little online research or finishing off a little something on a painting etc... It is going to make less work for me tomorrow. I like to be on top of what there is to be done, with a busy family life, work commitments, friends etc... I have got to really.
After I have finished this e-course I am thinking of doing a post on how I create my girls... if anyone is interested?
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 10:28 AM 23 comments Links to this post
Labels: New Zealand handmade, painting, time management
Monday, June 21, 2010
what's at the back of your mind...
Even though I have not done any art (apart from the one above) this weekend, I sure have been thinking, talking and breathing it... this e-course has really got my mind going. I have been thinking of my whole art package, what look do I want my work to convey, what do I love doing/making, and what do I want to offer my customers... then how can I combine these things to make me jolly proud of what I do.
What I love doing...
- drawing
- painting
- sewing
- sticking bits of paper together
- making books
- a range of original paintings in a few different sizes
- a selection of prints from my favourite originals
- some kind of character development... 5 - 7 different personalities that feature in my work
- developing a few animal like characters based on my girls into soft toys.
- a selection of magnets and post card sets from my favourite originals
- a series of original drawings based on the girls and animal characters
- handmade notebooks featuring a drawing on the front
So that is what has been on my mind lately... As well as the ALL WHITES!!! dreaming the impossible dream!!!
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 5:41 PM 18 comments Links to this post
Thursday, June 17, 2010
is your brain the same as mine...
You may notice a few changes on my blog layout, I've added an etsy and a felt page, a portfolio page, a news update page and a few others... I have also linked my web address (www.sleepandhersisters.co.nz) to this blog until I get a real live website sorted.
Although I have this internal battle with the ongoing development of my work, I think to some extent I already have a unique style and it is something that people recognise as being me. Like the first time I finished one of my pendants and I wore it into town. As a sales assistant passed me in a shop she pointed to my pendant and said "that looks like a Katherine Quinn". I smiled and said "it is, I made it last night"... that is a nice feeling.
I think I my brain works too fast for my hands sometimes... is your brain the same as mine?
I have done a few more of the little drawings I mentioned in my last post... and have also done another one of the collage girls, although there is not actually a lot of collage in them... (I am still working on that). I am realising that all this has come from me struggling with the development of my style. As well as soft and subtle I am also really attracted to strong colours and everything in between. Like Amelie, I just love the colours in that movie, the greens and reds... and every time I see it I feel an intense urge to add that strong colour element to my work. Which inevitably always, always ends in a disaster. It really frustrates me no end!!! I like to look at it but I can't replicate the feeling it gives me into my own work... I am slowly learning that it is ok to love what I see and love what I do and for them to be quite different.
Although I have this internal battle with the ongoing development of my work, I think to some extent I already have a unique style and it is something that people recognise as being me. Like the first time I finished one of my pendants and I wore it into town. As a sales assistant passed me in a shop she pointed to my pendant and said "that looks like a Katherine Quinn". I smiled and said "it is, I made it last night"... that is a nice feeling.
I think I my brain works too fast for my hands sometimes... is your brain the same as mine?
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 9:38 AM 24 comments Links to this post
Labels: art, katherine quinn, struggles
Sunday, June 13, 2010
something a little different...
I went to the craft 2.0 yesterday and got really inspired to draw again thanks to minu. I used to do lots of drawings like these before I would do a painting, and I really do miss doing them. I have never really thought they were anything special, they were just my ideas. But now I see that that fact in itself makes them very special and important. I have decided to do a series of these for my exhibition. I am also thinking that this might also be a good chance to give the girls some proper arms and hands (I know I have said this, and attempted this many times before, but maybe this time it might actually work out)? I think this is a big part that is stopping me from progressing with a children's book. I keep thinking what kind of book has a picture of a girl standing there with extra long arms and no hands on each and every page? Well I can't think of any story line that would fit... So I am going to spend the next few days playing around with these little drawings, I am thinking of about 39 of them in total.
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 6:41 PM 20 comments Links to this post
Friday, June 11, 2010
some kind of wonderful...
Well I am feeling much better now, thanks everyone for all your well wishes... I had another go with this piece and am feeling much happier with her then I was before.
I think I have mentioned before that I am part of what I called our local etsy group... well we have grown into some kind of wonderful. We are now a group of passionately creative Kiwi's with a diverse range of skills and expertise and we have started a website/blog http://www.newzealandhandmade.co.nz. I see this as a place for everyone to get ideas, support, advise and probably a few laughs, so go take a look, leave a comment, and let me know what you think.
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 10:55 PM 12 comments Links to this post
Labels: art, New Zealand handmade
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
I probably shouldn't have...
This piece above is what was left after I had an idea that didn't work out so good... I probably shouldn't have started it really, I have a silly head cold and can't seem to think straight. So I have put her in my 'to do folder' and have just made a big pot of soup, lit the fire and I am watching Oprah, it is sunny outside but so very chilly and it feels good to be snuggling down.
I am off on a road trip to Wellington early on Saturday morning to have a look around Craft 2.0... I am going with some members of our little etsy group that has now developed into New Zealand Handmade (more on that soon) and I can't wait! I just hope I can shake this cold before then...
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 2:53 PM 12 comments Links to this post
Sunday, June 6, 2010
here I am falling...
Over the last few days I've been thinking about my fears and I have decided that it's probably not the fear as such, it is actually the power that I am giving these fears that is the scary part... After writing them out they don't look so bad on paper, but in my head a few of them were huge, so here they are...
- I am scared of losing my job and what that means for me and my family financially, although one of my dreams is to be a full time artist, I think the leap to do this is super scary and the self doubt starts to creep in... "you could never do this, you are not good enough"!!!
- I fear waking up and the creativeness that has flowed through me my whole life has gone, gone for good.
- people are disappointed in me...
- I will never have a good idea for a children's book, I have a lot of bits and pieces of ideas but nothing substantial yet.
- failure scares me.
We were also asked the question "what would you do if you knew you would not fail" After listing the last fear above this really made me smile... I would do everything, I would do it all.
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 9:21 PM 20 comments Links to this post
Thursday, June 3, 2010
dreams, fears and everything in between...
(dream a little dream of me)
We are four days into the first week of Kelly Rae's e-course and it has bought up a whole lot of interesting thoughts.... Firstly she encouraged us to think about our dreams, goals and our passions. Then the question was asked "What would you do if you knew you would not fail"... what were our fears.
So here are my creative dreams so far (in no particular order)...
- write and publish a series of children's books with a wonderful and supportive publisher.
- to have a licencing deal and produce a beautiful range of stationery and products.
- work full time as an artist earning a good living doing what makes me happy.
- earn enough to be able to travel and visit my new friends around the world.
- surround myself with people who I love, who are emotionally supportive and who love me for who I am and what I believe.
- be involved in the creative community in Hawke's Bay and New Zealand.
- nurture the HB/NZ handmade group I am a part of to become a big presence in the online world.
- develop a stunning website with a clever designer
- take part in an art retreat in the states.
- a dream I would like to be a part of would be to have a local art supplies shop that would have a cute little gallery and café attached.
I am still working on my fears... they are harder then dreams, I know what the fears feel like but I'm finding it hard to put them into words.
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 6:25 PM 26 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
particular colour palette...
Well last night I settled down to do a little collageing...It took me ages to get going and I kept finding other things that need doing first, like emptying my pencil sharpener barrel, which wasn't even full. Usually I only do this when the top is bursting off with far too many shavings! but eventually I got started. I realise looking at them now that I seem to be attracted to a very particular colour palette and found it quite hard to steer away from these colours. I guess most people have a colour palette they like to stick to, mine seems to be greeny, bluy, creamy with a dash of redy pink.
As I was doing them I kept trying to imagine my girls in there somewhere and I just couldn't, well not yet anyway and maybe not at all? Tonight as the rain is falling (again) and the fire is roaring, I am going to add another layer and see what happens. This could be a really good way of using up all my scraps of paper I have lying around.
Posted by Sleepandhersisters at 2:24 PM 15 comments Links to this post
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Smoakies Bar-B-Que, Cordele, Georgia is located in the fork of Cemetery Road and Highway 257 Interstate 75 Exit 102 East - Less than a mile.
View Larger Map
We use only the highest quality of meat and cook fresh daily. Our product is served with sauce on the side, and we make 4 sauces in house so that hopefully one will suit your personal taste. Our beans, cole slaw, potato salad, and brunswick stew are all made from scratch using old family recipes. Our desserts are home made as well.
Please let us know if we miss anything that could possibly make your Smoakies experience any better. We assure you all efforts will be made to make this happen. We Thank You for your patronage and look forward to serving you.


text:
There is now little doubt that we are about to see an exponential growth in connected devices. This will lead to what is referred to as the Networked Society or the Internet of Things. Ericsson predicts that there will be up to 50 Billion connected devices by 2020. What is more difficult to predict is who will shape this industry as the value chain is fairly complex and the eco-system is fragmented.
Operators are today providing connectivity services and want to move up the value chain, either by providing service enablement functionality or industry targeted business solutions. Consulting companies on the other hand might try to keep it a complex system integration business, while specialized service providers focus on providing value in specific verticals.
I believe now is the right time to disrupt this M2M/IoT industry.
Take an OTT approach and put all your efforts on innovation and value creation. Why? Because the cost of developing, integrating and deploying new solutions goes down close to zero. Entry barriers for new companies are vanishing really quickly. Here are four trends that support this thought.
1 – Super Affordable Sensors, Device Gateways and Controllers
Today almost anybody can start prototyping to create connected devices at low cost. Arduino, for instance, is an open-source electronic prototyping platform allowing to create interactive electronic objects. With arduino you can create and control simple objects, sensors, all of this for a handful of dollars. For less than a hundred dollars you can even connect to the internet over a mobile network.
Similarly, for more complex control, it can be enhanced with cheap processing power, the Rasberry Pi is a 25 USD, credit-card sized computer that plugs into any HDMI TV and USB keyboard/mouse. It includes an ARM chip that is powerful enough to run Linux and a full Java Virtual Machine. The possibilities are endless.
Standardization is also moving to make things easier. ZigBee protcol and Zigbee alliance is an example of such a simplification initiative. ZigBee is an open global wireless standard to address the needs of low-cost, low-power wireless M2M networks. ZigBee applications include wireless light switches, electrical meters with in-home-displays, traffic management systems, and other consumer and industrial equipment that requires short-range wireless transfer of data at relatively low rates.
Technology is also evolving and supporting move innovations. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) appears to have solved some of the energy consumption problems of sensors since these sensors can last 1-3 years with the same battery. iBeacon, a technology derivative of BLE, is now also getting widely adopted. Some companies like Estimote, WiMoto or Blesh have quickly understood the potential and are provide sensors and toolkits that allow you to collect more data and create value.
There is a big shift in the industry that is happening as we speak and you only have check the number of Crowfunded projects to see how big this trend is becoming. Now is the time for the emerging maker generation.
2 – Opensource M2M Plaforms / Cloud Platforms
Appearance of opensource M2M platforms like DeviceHive provide now also the communication layer needed to control multiple devices and sensors that can be used to develop home automation solutions, energy management solutions and much more. These M2M platforms provide also the basic functionality to provision, manage and control multiple devices that are part of an M2M enterprise solution. The platforms also support simple API's based on HTML to address a large developer community.
Deploying an opensource M2M platform on a public cloud provides a very attractive go-to-market approach for anybody that wants to become an M2M specialized service provider. Not much is required to get started.
With the cost drastically decreased, more innovation will come from the end-users within each vertical. I could easily imagine larger communities like cities develop their own M2M solutions and manage it in order to optimize urban development and public spending. Why not?
3 – Application Design through Mashup and Integrated Communication
With the development provided by HTML5 we can now also embed real time communication capabilities in web pages. This allows for rapid UI design, clever mash-up and a complete new type of interactivity. WebRTC is part of these new communication capabilities that can easily be embedded in Web Pages. Whether it is voice, video, messaging or document exchange it can now all very easily be provided from a web page.
I have now doubt that these technologies could easily be used to develop home automation or energy management solutions that can be controlled from a tablet or mobile device from anywhere in the world.
4 – Low risk and quick market feedback through crowd-funding
I believe the Internet of things provides huge opportunities for innovation, substantial growth opportunities and an entry barrier which is fairly small. Beside the availability of open source technology to reduce production cost, operational costs can be reduced thanks to cloud. And why not use social media to build-up your M2M tiger team and for the funding try to expose your project to crowfunding platforms like Kickstarter.
In Kickstarter project creators get funded by the community. They set a funding goal and deadline. If people like a project, they can pledge money to make it happen. Funding on Kickstarter is all-or-nothing — projects must reach their funding goals to receive any money. Kickstarter is very effective in creating momentum and rallying people around an idea. Backers are supporting projects to help them come to life, not to profit financially. Instead, project creators offer rewards to thank backers for their support. Kickstarter takes a marginal 5% fee to the funds collected.
What industries to target?
I believe that with the current technology development, fragmentation of current M2M value chains the opportunity is there for anybody to take a strong position with niche industry solutions. The entry barriers are pretty low.
For the consumer market, applications like home automation and energy management are probably good places to start, but I think there might be huge possibilities as well in sectors like e-health and quantified self.
Enterprise segment might be difficult to enter for startups, since it is ofte about optimizing current business processes and using M2M to reduce costs. From telemetry, to POS, Securtiy or Vending machines the industry specific requirements will usually make it more or less easy to enter that particular market.
When it comes to industries to target there are plenty and the shipment of connected devices per segment is going to surpass 100 Million per year in a couple of years only, according to an ABI research report, so plenty of choice.
A call to innovate and disrupt the M2M/IoT space
I believe now is the right time to disrupt this M2M/IoT industry: Affordable devices and sensors, reduced costs through cloud and opensource, Application design requiring less coding and finally crowdfunding allowing you to quickly validate and fund your ideas. All the conditions are right, now is the time to Make it happen.


text:
Credit Score and Home Loans – Prattville, AL – Part 2
Yesterday we talked about two of the five categories that make up a credit score. Today we're going to talk about the other three categories and tie everything together. Remember that having a good credit score is really important if you want to buy a home in Prattville, AL or anywhere else in the River Region. Yesterday we talked about the first two categories, Payment History and Amounts Owed.
The third category that makes up your credit score is Length of Credit History. This category looks at the length of time each of your accounts has been open and also the time since your last activity on each account. So your accounts that have been opened longer get a higher score in this section than the accounts that you have just recently opened. Having too many accounts that have been opened recently may lower your credit score in this section, so the best advice for home buyers is don't open any new accounts right before applying for a home loan. The Length of Credit History category accounts for 15% of your credit score.
The fourth category that makes up your credit score is New Credit. This category looks at the number of accounts you have recently opened, the number of inquiries into your credit report by creditors, and how long ago that you re-established positive credit history after a previous time of payment problems. Having lots of inquiries by creditors on your credit report makes it look like you have gone all over town trying to find someone to give you credit or give you a home loan. This can really lower your credit score in this category.
The final category is Types of Credit Used, which looks at the different types of credit accounts you have, such as credit cards, store credit cards, auto loans or other installment loans, consumer finance accounts and other mortgages, and also looks at the number of accounts you have of each type. Having too many of one type of account, such as consumer finance accounts, compared to the other types of accounts, makes your credit history look unbalanced, so your credit score for this category may be lowered if your credit accounts look unbalanced. The New Credit and Types of Credit Used categories both account for 10% of your credit score.
So there you have it. The most important thing you can do is pay your credit accounts on time every month. Remember that Payment History accounts for 35% of your credit score. The next most important thing you can do is keep your Amounts Owed under 50% of your available credit on revolving accounts such as credit cards. Doing these two things every month will help bring your credit score up dramatically in as little as six months to a year. And when you're eager to buy a home, having your credit score up as high as possible will help you get the best interest rates and open up the most home loans programs for you, which can possibly save you thousands of dollars over the life of your home loan.
Now that you know more about what goes into your credit score and how credit score and home loans are tied together, you can keep a closer watch on what you do with your credit cards, loans, and finance accounts every month, which will help you buy a home in Prattville, AL or somewhere else in the River Region.
Credit Score and Home Loans – Prattville, AL – Part 2
Tags: credit report, credit score, first time buyers, homes for sale in prattville


text:
"Florida Man Arrested for Battery by Pizza." "Florida Man Uses Wife's Head as Mop." "Florida Man on Flakka Thinks He's Possessed, Strips Naked, Disrupts Traffic on I-95."
No one knows Florida Man better than New Times. We've been the experts on that mythical poor-decision-maker and violator of both God's and man's laws since our inception.
However, the creators of Florida Man: The Card Game — who know a thing or two about how to help adults have a good time — could soon take over our fiefdom.
Married couples Dave and Trish Pifer and David Ritchie and Miranda Bressman, co-owners of Los Angeles' comic shop the Secret Headquarters, are the team behind this card game based on the wild headlines that come out of the Sunshine State.
"We've been looking at Florida Man headlines for a few years now, whenever they made the national news. We'd end up laughing and shaking our heads," Ritchie recalls.
For 14 years, the Pifers, Ritchie, and Bressman have run an orderly store in the neighborhood of Silver Lake that publishes and carries mainstream, indie, and small-press comics, zines, and books. But they are South Floridians at heart. Pifer grew up in Pembroke Pines, and Ritchie's family moved from Chicago to Davie when he was a teenager. Both Dave Pifer and Ritchie attended Cooper City High School in Broward County. And after graduating from high school, Pifer worked as a paramedic in North Florida, where he saw "actual Florida Man stories every day," Ritchie says.
"I think having both lived in Florida and having moved away might give us the best perspective," Ritchie says. "We have firsthand experience with Florida living: the alligators in the backyard, the ten-minute rain showers every day at 2 p.m., the humidity. Now, outside of Florida, we can look back with a little wider view."
We Believe Local Journalism is Critical to the Life of a City
Engaging with our readers is essential to Miami New Times's mission. Make a financial contribution or sign up for a newsletter, and help us keep telling Miami's stories with no paywalls.
Support Our Journalism
The group came up with the idea for the game while preparing for a Thanksgiving trip. The two families have long celebrated the holiday together, with the adults playing card games after their kids go to bed. "I introduced the idea with Florida Man headlines written on scraps of paper," Ritchie says. "We gave the idea a try. It worked pretty well and we just ran with it. We had meetings every weekend after that, reworking the original idea, introducing different elements to it until we had it to a place where we thought it was time to put it out in the world."
They're working with respected manufacturer AdMagic to create an original and entertaining game. But first, they're pushing their Kickstarter campaign, which runs through May 17, to raise the funds to make the most fitting homage to the Sunshine State possible.
"Our game is for all of the people that have embraced Florida Man as part of their lives. The Florida Man Card Game gives us all a chance to interact directly with our favorite headlines and characters," Ritchie says, emphasizing it's not for children, because duh.
Asked if the crew would be tackling other states' headlines after this, Ritchie responded with a question of his own: "Can there be a better state than Florida?" Well played, sir. Well played.


text:
Poll: Who is Your Favorite TDI Podcast Guest For 2011?
Who is your favorite?
Let us know and for the final podcast in 2011, we will (try to) bring them back to share their opinions, forecasts, hindsight, foresight about the market, Europe, trading strategies or whatever their specialty might be.
This may be very difficult as we had some really great guests...


text:
Next week, Levi's will launch their latest series, the Commuter, featuring streetwear that's tailored to the demands of urban cyclists.
Levi's Commuter Collection consists of the 511 Commuter Skinny Jean (also available in cropped, both $78), and the Commuter Trucker Jacket ($128) -- specifically designed to create ease, comfort and protection for everyday cyclers.
The jeans have a U-lock storing waistband, and the waistband is raised to ensure against the ever unwanted crack attack. The jacket also features a slight tail for maximum coverage while hunched over, and has touring pockets in the back.
The line is a lot more than just crafty patternmaking though. Levi's partnered with Swiss-based Schoeller Technologies AG to premier their NanoSphere treatment into Levi's denim. NanoSphere is basically a super treatment that makes fabric both water resistant and dirt repellant. Take that, add Clariant's Sanitized treatment, and you get durability plus built-in odors protection, because, let's face it, you get sweaty while biking. In addition to the double treated light-stretch denim, the pieces are completed with nifty sewing tricks like a reinforced stitching in high-stress areas (crotch, pockets, etc.), and reflective 3M Scotchlite fabric tape in key areas.
All in all, it's kind of like tech meets cycling, which is essentially perfect for San Francisco. The Commuter series will be available in Levi's flagship stores (including Union Square) next week, and at speciality bike shops and Urban Outfitters later this summer. We're crossing our fingers for a women's line soon. For now, here's a little preview.
Levi's Commuter 511 Skinny Jeans Specs (pictured above):
- U-lock back waistband strap for easy storage while biking.
- Higher back rise with no gap.
- Water resistant, dirt and odor repellant, performance stretch fabric.
- Reflective fabric tape on interior cuffs for high visibility.
- Double reinforced crotch, back pockets and belt loop (high risk areas).
- Available in denim and non-denim fabrics.
Levi's Commuter Trucker Jacket Specs:
- Water resistant, dirt and odor repellant, performance stretch fabric.
- Reflective fabric tape on waistband adjusters for visibility while riding, but can be concealed for off bike time.
- Rear touring pockets and front iPod pocket.
- Dropped tail, roomier sleeves and longer cuffs for comfort and additional coverage.
Lily Ko (lily.7x7 @ gmail.com) studied fashion design and merchandising at Central Saint Martins and the Academy of Art University. In addition to writing for 7x7, Lily is an editor at SF Station, works as a freelance stylist and covers food, fashion and fun on her blog, Curated SF.


text:
Everything Las Vegas
It's a British invasion! The London-based AllSaints retail brand really only started to infiltrate the states about 10 years ago, but I can't get enough of its edgy jackets, denim and hand-beaded sequin dresses. There are only a few boutiques in the U.S. and the new 12,000-square-foot Forum Shops at Caesars location is the second….
Las Vegas Restaurants, Nightlife, The LINQ
It's not always about the Red Bull-cranberry-vodka cocktails at EDM nightclubs. Sometimes you just want a good, old-fashioned beer, coupled with gambling or the latest sports game. And with game season frenzy, there's no better time than to do a little brewski research. Here are the hottest spots to kick back with a craft beer….
Bally's Las Vegas, Nightlife, Things to Do in Las Vegas
The city's hottest annual LGBT event returns with an amazing event lineup, celebrity guests and endless parties. Bally's Las Vegas serves as the host hotel for this year's Las Vegas PRIDE events, in correlation with the hotel's newly opened nightclub Liaison, the only gay club on the Strip. In addition to the main parade and festival….
Las Vegas Hotels, Paris Las Vegas, Promotions
Paris Las Vegas became an iconic part of The Strip on September 1, 1999, and is now celebrating all month long with special offers in honor of the 15th anniversary. Take advantage of room packages, a special wedding promotion, show deals and restaurants and bar promotions. STAY: • Paris Las Vegas is celebrating its 15th….
Celebrities, Las Vegas Restaurants, The Cromwell
Waldorf panzanella salad, lobster roll and lemon pesto grilled cheese? Yes, please! Just when we thought we couldn't stuff ourselves on any more trips to The Cromwell's one and only culinary gem, Giada, along came the lunch menu. After dinner got rolling, Giada De Laurentiis got to taste testing lunch items right away, and was experimenting….
Promotions, The LINQ, Things to Do in Las Vegas
Unlike most cities, Labor Day Weekend in Las Vegas doesn't signal the end of summer—it's just another excuse for a killer three day weekend of non-stop fun. The deals, discounts and specials over August 30-September 1 are just as sizzling as the triple digit weather that goes until October. From live music to specially-priced rides….
Britney Spears Britney Spears said it herself in her 2009 smash song "Circus": "I'm a put-on-a-show kind of girl," and she truly delivers in her resident spectacle, "Britney: Piece of Me" at Planet Hollywood. Spears herself came up with the idea to incorporate wow-factor elements into her first big production. Fire, water, confetti "snow" and….
Caesars Palace, Celebrities, Las Vegas Restaurants, Rio Las Vegas, The Cromwell
Move over steakhouses: Authentic Italian restaurants are taking over the popularity of this longtime Vegas favorite, one eggplant Parmesan at a time. A slew of East Coast favorites has made their way here, bringing some authentic, old-world Italian dishes to town, while Giada De Laurentiis opened her very first restaurant concept at The Cromwell. Whether….
Celebrities, Las Vegas Shows, Planet Hollywood Resort
Britney Spears returns to rock Planet Hollywood's Zappos Theater soon, performing on August 16, 19, 23, 27 and 30-31, plus September dates. In the dynamic show, she shows off her toned physique and many flashy, colorful costumes. They were designed by Marco Marco (Katy Perry is among his other starlet clients) and are maintained by….
Celebrities, Las Vegas Restaurants, Paris Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas is an easy choice for a Vegas vacation. Guests get a variety of choices (from sweet to sinful) under one roof, and the property's stunning grounds, architecture and décor don't hurt, either. While you might find yourself, catching a performance of "Jersey Boys," taking a ride up the Eiffel Tower, having a….
Celebrities, Las Vegas Restaurants, The Cromwell
Open a little more than one month, Giada De Laurentiis' groundbreaking restaurant, Giada at The Cromwell has certainly made an imprint in the Las Vegas restaurant scene. With tables booked out weeks in advance, the bubbly Food Network star and admitted perfectionist has been working hard to ensure everything runs flawlessly. She relentlessly tastes….
Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Restaurants
Many Las Vegas signatures have been "luxe-ified" in recent years, including the classic buffet—at least at Caesars Palace. After a $17 million renovation in 2012, the iconic hotel's buffet was reborn and changed the landscape all over town. The glamorous and gluttonous buffet encouraged grand, Roman-style feasting, yet set in a chic interior by powerhouse….
Las Vegas Restaurants, Nightlife, The LINQ
Updated June 28, 2015 The 4th of of July in Las Vegas is always a sizzling holiday weekend. This year, get ready for hot action at Drai's and OMNIA nightclubs, along with special offers, and of course, fireworks. Here's a rundown on four hot spots to watch The Strip's famous fireworks display. Caesars Palace Fireworks….
Bally's Las Vegas, Las Vegas Restaurants
Vegas' long-standing iconic Sterling Brunch lives on with a few contemporary twists. Appropriately holding court at Bally's—the classic Strip-center hotel also known for its other institution, showgirl revue "Jubilee"—Sterling Brunch is an over-the-top Las Vegas buffet experience. A historical feast returns Having lived on in its home at Bally's Steakhouse for more than 30 years,….
Las Vegas Restaurants, The LINQ
Is the pressed juice worth the squeeze? In this case, yes, if you want to boost immunity, lose weight and get a kick of energy. Whether you're a daily juice fanatic or think that green, bottled stuff looks like swamp water, add these top Las Vegas juice bars to your list of healthy go-to spots…..


text:
- NBCI Home
- About NBCI
- Current Programs
- All Current Initiatives
- Key Black Church Websites
Videos of the "Breaking the Cycle of Ignorance, Poverty and Crime" conference
Articles related to "Breaking the Cycle of Ignorance, Poverty and Crime"
- NBCI Announces New Education Initiative.pdf [162kb]
Former L.A. Schools Superintendent, Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III Spearheads NBCI Education Initiative
- Read the bio of Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III.pdf [92kb]
- View a PowerPoint slide presentation of "Breaking the Cycleof Ignorance, Poverty & Crime" .ppt [1.64kb] presented at the NBCI Education Forum
NBCI Search
NBCI Education Initiative Press releases and Feature Articles
- NBCI President Rev. Anthony Evans Declares an Education Emergency in The African American Community and Presents a Comprehensive Educational Strategy .pdf [48kb]
A Pathway Forward for African Americans in the 21st Century - We Have A Plan
- NBCI Says Every Student Succeeds Act Fails Black Children .pdf [27kb]
Calls for Higher Standards
- NBCI Creates Program to Tackle Dropout Rates Among Minority Youth .pdf [130kb]
Proposes Plan to Work With The Goldman-Sachs Foundation to Increase Graduation Rates
- NBCI Decries Graduation Rates of African American Males .pdf [130kb]
Plans devised to increase graduation rates within 10 years
NBCI joins The National Academy Foundation in educating Black High School students across the United States.
We are trying to prevent drop out among our boys by providing them with a more exciting and engaging educational opportunity that NAF offers.
Why Juneteenth MattersShennette Garrett-Scott
"When peace come they read the 'Mancipation law to the cullud people. [The freed slaves]
spent that night singin' and shoutin'. They wasn't slaves no more."
Former slave Pierce Harper in 1937 recalling 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned the Civil War was over and that they had been emancipated more than two years earlier by the Emancipation Proclamation
Union Brigadier General Gordon Granger and 1,800 federal troops arrived off the coast of Galveston in mid-June 1865. Though many enslaved people had already learned through the "grapevine telegraph" and from African American dockworkers and U.S. Colored Troops that they were free, on June 19, 1865, Granger made news of freedom official.
Shennette Garrett-Scott is an associate professor of history and African American studies at the University of Mississippi. She is the author of Banking on Freedom: Black Women in U.S. Finance Before the New Deal. Follow her on Twitter at @EbonRebel.
The National Black Church Initiative Defends Professor Dr. Lacrycia HawkinsAfter a thorough investigation by the National Black Church Initiative Theological and Biblical Board, we can only conclude that your actions taken in total toward the Professor Larycia Hawkins case are deeply troubling
National Black Church Initiative Comprehensive Educational Framework
Through the
National Black
Church Initiatives
Framework, the black
church acknowledges
with the changing
environment in
approaches, resources,
and technology come
the need to embrace
innovative and
education and research-
focused models.
Particularly, for the
next 50 years, such
demands require an
inclusive approach to
ensure the African American community implements a plan to
surpass performance expectations.
The plan will offer standards for public and higher education purported by the church to ensure school age children and aspiring young adults have access to the quality education and opportunities. The National Black Church Initiatives Comprehensive Educational Framework is an expansion of the documented work already began through this initiative.
Thus, using policy and engagement-centered measures as informed by the included documented work, the National Black Church Initiative strategically will implement diverse efforts in the National Black Church Initiatives Comprehensive Education Framework to address and (re)dress issues affecting African American with regards to education at primary, secondary, and higher education levels.
Comprehensive Educational Framework - Policy and Engagement Strategies for Modus Operandi
Some of those activities include collaborative efforts with Florida State University and the establishment of the Childhood Advocacy and Development Institute. Through these activities, the National Black Church Initiative is identifying best practices for establishing the foundational standards of the children and families in the congregations served.
- General Overview of Primary Education: The Foundational Standard for Educational Excellence
- General Overview of Secondary Education: The Connecting Link for Educational Excellence
- General Overview of Higher Education: The Credentialling Agent for Educational Excellence
Implementation Guide: A Companion Resource with The National Black Church Initiatives Comprehensive Education Framework: Policy and Engagement Strategies for Modus Operandi
The implementation guide offers a unique opportunity to gain more insight into how the Black Church will reaffirm its public and moral voice within matters of African American education. Together we can make a difference in the lives of African Americans and the broader society, as the fundamental imperative remains to engage more strategically public schools and institutions of higher education.
Download this document!
Breaking the Cycle of Ignorance, Poverty and Crime - A Marshall Plan for the Public Education of Disadvantaged YouthThe National Black Church Initiative, a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans, is proud to premiere our NBCI Education Initiative in collaboration with Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III entitled Breaking the Cycle of Ignorance, Poverty and Crime - A Marshall Plan for the Public Education of Disadvantaged Youth. Our kick-off event on March 16th, 2011 was extremely successful and we are in the process of soliciting partnerships to strengthen the impact this necessary program.
Our Education Initiative advocates a proven community-based, holistic, full-day, 50 week Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K), starting at two years old to post-secondary college graduation or degreed career technical training model, and a comprehensive prisoner education program. Holistic entails a whole family approach, wherein we also account for all of the adverse socio-economic factors impacting student achievement and family structure. In addition to rigorous, full year academic and enrichment programs, the community must become an integral part of the solution and provide the families with centralized social services, healthcare, parent leadership, education and job training, enhanced community center services, travel, full summer programs, and comprehensive prisoner education and training programs.
The foundation for this model is the 17 year, community-based Tangelo Park Program (TPP) in Orlando Florida, the Sunshine Lady Foundation's prisoner education program at Sing Sing and San Quentin,
and other well researched and proven programs. These programs have produced some impressive results.
- 100 percent HS graduation (currently); 98% since inception
- Approximately 75% four-year college acceptance rate
- 70% of entering first graders reading at or above the 1st grade level
- 77% college graduation rate for a predominantly low income, African-American student population.
- Approximately 52% reduction in neighborhood crime.
- Housing values have doubled
- Prisoner education - 196 men have graduated with a bachelor's or associate's degree. Of these, 41 have been released from prison with zero returning.


text:
I love my Prince and Michael Jackson collection, but I'm glad I don't have to haul this vinyl to every gig.
I love my Prince and Michael Jackson collection, but I'm glad I don't have to haul this vinyl to every gig.
Photos here. Thank you Oakland, last night was awesome and we look forward to building up our monthly residency in the East Bay. Cheers to GiGi Miranda, Tameir Powell, Trina Olivo Fields, Tainette Afrochick Hardy, Meredith Reese, Fox Force 5, Mike aka Housequake, Antie Lambey and the entire Raider Nation, and all our friends and fans of Prince and Michael Jackson. Thank you to Vitus, Damon, Sam and the entire staff at Vitus in believing in what we do and providing the space for us to do it. You know it's a good party when Rene Escovedo stays til the very last song, great to meet you. If you didn't take your photo for the Peace Project last night, or want to, I believe Deirdre Freeman will also be at the next event on June 16th at Vitus. See you all then.
When dj'ing at Madrone Art Bar there is a reason we ask people not to step up onto the stage. Drinking and stages do not go together, one wrong step and bam – and that's all I'm gonna say about that. I hope you're okay Mary. Photos from the party are here. Did I really play Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne, why yes, I did! R.I.P. Randy Rhoads
Cause there's a party this weekend, and everybody's talking about it! The Prince and Michael Experience in Oakland this Sat 5/19 at VITUS. 201 Broadway @ 2nd in Jack London Square.
When I read an interview in a magazine sometimes an entertainment or marketing person catches my attention. But when I look them up on Twitter or Facebook – nothing, or if they do have an account they haven't posted in like 3 months. Really?! You're in this biz and you aren't even hip to what's happening in 2012. You probably still place ads in newspapers…
Almost done reading "Promoter! 5 Decades Behind The Musical Curtain" by Michael Schivo. If you're a concert or event promoter, or want to be, I can't recommend this book enough. I'm learning a lot from this.
Thank you Beauty Bar Chicago, the city of Chicago and all the Prince and Michael Jackson fans in the midwest. As always it was a fun party and I thank you for all the support and love. Special thanx to Martin Kember for coming through and singing three Prince songs, and as always thank you to Ed Hollis (as MJ) and Marcus Scott (as PRN) for coming through and doing their thing. I hope everyone that attended had a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Photos from the event are here.
Prince and Michael Jackson fans go toe-to-toe on the dance floor as dj Dave Paul from San Francisco mixes album cuts, remixes, rare tracks and hits from the two artists. This Saturday, May 12th @ Beauty Bar – 1444 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642. 9pm, $5, 21+. Collectively, Prince and Michael Jackson helped define the early-'80s era of MTV, revolutionized both R&B and popular music, and influenced thousands of musicians worldwide. The Prince and Michael Experience is meant to celebrate the music of two of the biggest pop cultural icons of our generation. It is done with love and mutual respect for both artists.
I know other dj's wish they had friends like me. At least a dozen people traveled to LV for the party this past weekend and they all paid to get into the venue to give their support to the PR+MJ movement. Prince and Michael Jackson fans are the best and it's been great getting to know some of you and becoming friends. L.O.V.E. Some of the highlights from the weekend in Vegas: Getting rowdy up in Pink Taco, taking a limo to and from the gig with a group of women, having the soundman at the venue tell me in a Sam Elliot voice "you're good" as I end my set (I felt like The Dude), enjoying the Purple Reign show at the D with friends, seeing Jellybean from The Time and all taking a group photo with him. There are many more memories, these are just a few of them. Photos courtesy of GiGi.


text:
Nina Dobrev Schools Conan in 'Sexy Vampire Face' — VIDEO
Let's get the obligatory Interview with the Vampire joke out of the way: on Wednesday night, May 9, Conan O'Brien had an interview with a vampire. Quick and painless, now on with the story.
Nina Dobrev, who stars as both a vampire and her mortal Doppelganger on The Vampire Diaries, paid a visit to Conan to give the talk show host a quick lesson on one of the key aspects of the undead trade: the Sexy Vampire Face, an SFV, if you will.
Dobrev and Conan analyzed the necessary components of the very distinct expression. There's an element to viciousness that must be balanced with an air of seduction… all while drinking a disgusting fake blood concoction.
Eventually, Dobrev got right down to brass tacks and showed Conan just how to pull off the SVF in question. Although hers was unsurprisingly impressive, Conan's take on the look was… you can call it an alternative interpretation.
Kellan Lutz, Nina Dobrev Join Kid Cannabis: Is It Vampires Only?
Vampire Diaires Stars Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, & Paul Wesley Get Sexy on EW Cover


text:
London Court denies bail to Nirav Modi for fourth time, to stay in jail
London, June 12: The Royal Courts of Justice in London on Wednesday denied bail to fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi wanted in India in the Punjab National Bank fraud case. This was Nirav Modi's fourth bail application at the UK court which was refused.
"Compelling evidence that applicant and those acting on his behalf have acted to influence witnesses. Interference and obstruction may occur," the judge said on Wednesday.
Modi has already been denied bail at three previous attempts at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, as the judge ruled there was "substantial risk" that he would fail to surrender and deemed the bail security offered as insufficient.
Barrack Number 12 at Arthur Road jail kept ready for Nirav Modi
Modi, who has remained behind bars in judicial custody since his arrest in March, had the automatic right to file an application in the higher court and did not require permission to appeal.
At the first case management hearing in the case at Westminster Magistrates' Court in May, the issue of bail was not raised and Modi was further remanded in judicial custody until June 27, when he is scheduled to appear via videolink. However, the High Court ruling on Wednesday could alter that position.


text:
Atheism: A Philosophical Justification
A detailed and scholarly justification of atheism. Contains an outstanding appendix defining terminology and usage in this (necessarily) tendentious area. Argues both for "negative atheism" (i.e. the "non-belief in the existence of god(s)") and also for "positive atheism" ("the belief in the non-existence of god(s)"). Includes great refutations of the most challenging arguments for god.
Editions (via Amazon):
Atheism, Secular Web Authors


text:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.
Current estimates show that more than 70 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. This "silent killer" is a slow, progressive disease that can begin early in life and go undetected for years.
For 150,000 Americans annually, the first and only symptom of heart disease is a fatal heart attack.
Many of those who suffer a fatal heart attack have average or unremarkable cholesterol levels, normal stress or normal exercise treadmill tests and few, if any, of the major risk factors. The earlier heart disease is detected, the greater the chance it can be slowed, stopped, or possibly reversed.
Who should get the Scan?
Men 35 or older and women 40 or older who have at least one of the following risk factors are encouraged to have this test:
• Family history of heart disease • Smoker or tobacco use • High Cholesterol • High Blood Pressure • Overweight • Sedentary or high risk lifestyle
The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
This could be the best $99 you will ever spend. Don't delay and call us today to schedule your appointment.
CALL 580.251.6670 A physician's order is not required. For more information visit http://duncanregional.com/imaging


text:
Date of Award
Edward Van Buren
Climate change or the significant alteration of major weather pattern distributions around the planet over long time periods, is one of the most significant phenomena currently affecting our planet.Arctic as one of the most sensitive zones in terms of damaged it is by climate change effects.The consequences of the many representations of climate change are distributed in a geographically unequal manner, therefore it is a global major concern to target and mitigate related issues that are already directly affecting several populations.
Even tough geographically distinct and distant populations are likely to face climate change related catastrophes at different rates, many of the consequence will be somewhat detrimental for all, due to our interdependent global economy. Indeed, climate change's most noticeable representation, which is global warming, is undeniably caused by human's economic activity. Certain facts related to climate change and global warming are strikingly alarming and they support the research in my internship report. Most economic activities that constitute the base of international economic ties are currently producing necessity and luxury consumer goods to supply an excessive amount of population. Therefore, as counterproductive as it is, sustainability is not always amongst the first goals of producers. Although plenty of institutions report yearly about the consequences of these type of behavior, there is still a widespread lack of concern about properly using natural resources. It is a fact that because of human overpopulation and the massive consumption/misuse of natural resources we are destined to face gradually worsening consequences related to climate change. However, concerning environmental authorities and organizations constantly have to verify sustainability reports to avoid greenwashing.
Recommended Citation
Cartaya-Acosta, Diana, "Internship Report UNEP: The Effects of Climate Change in Arctic Zones" (2012). Student Theses 2001-2013. 32.


text:
Styrofoam ceiling beams – If your basement ceiling is un insulated, you will feel the effects on your feet in front of the winter. An insulated ceiling will transfer the cold air into the basement directly on the floor above, resulting in discomfort and higher energy costs. The addition of foam board insulation to the interstices between your roof beams will go a long way towards fixing these problems.
13 Photos Gallery of: Installing Styrofoam Ceiling Beams
Measure the distance between your Styrofoam ceiling beams and record the measurements. Place a foam panel down on the floor and cut it to the width you have measured using a matt knife to measure the panel and then break the panel along the line with your hands. Place a staircase at one end of the roof. Apply construction glue on one side of the panel. Lift the panel upwards and place it against the ceiling, push it toward the rim at the end. Hold the panel until the glue is enough to hold the panel in place.
Cut your next panel and butt it towards the end of the first panel. Continue until the length of the roof is covered. Move to the next set of rules and apply more panels with the same technology. Continue until the roof is covered. Measure the distance between your roof beams, inside edge to inside edge. This distance should not vary between the rules. Measure and mark a piece of foam board insulation width of the roof rails and 3 feet long to make handling easier during installation.
Add a ruler to the lines you have drawn and cut along the lines, using the tool knife. Break off Styrofoam ceiling beams on board insulation with hands after the cuts. Apply construction glue on the back of the panel and slide it to the bottom of the sub floor between the bars. Hold it until it sticks. Cut more panels and apply them until you have covered the distance from one end of the roof to the other. Cut the last bit to fit. Continue on the next set of roof beams and apply panels until the entire basement roof is covered.Incoming search terms: ventilador helicóptero


text:
Build-to-rent housing model will bring over 2,000 homes to Bristol over next 3 years, says JLL
Women in Property set to host build-to-rent seminar at JLL in Bristol next
Over 2,000 new build-to-rent apartments are set to be created in Bristol by 2021, according to leading property experts in the city.
This new model of housing designed specifically for the rental market is set to play a key part in delivering Bristol's much-need housing supply and attracting significant investment to the city, says JLL ahead of a sold-out build-to-rent seminar next week.
The event on Tuesday (March 5), hosted by Women in Property South West and held at JLL in Bristol, will throw the spotlight on build-to-rent, which originated in the US where it is known as 'multi-family. The model has become firmly established in London in recent years and is now taking hold in Bristol, with neighbouring cities Cardiff and Exeter expected to follow suit.
Build-to-rent is a growing sector within the UK property market, attracting over £2 billion of investment last year alone. Unlike the wider private rental sector, build-to-rent schemes are designed specifically for a community of people renting their homes, are managed by a single professional landlord and investor and offer a range of services and communal spaces from a 24-hour concierge to guest and event spaces to hire.
Whilst residents benefit from this emphasis on quality, community and service, the model also provides a valuable long-term asset for investors, whilst for developers, improved cashflow means homes can be delivered quicker than traditional homes.
Rachael Sherratt, Women in Property South West vice-chair and associate at JLL in Bristol, says: "The spotlight is on build-to-rent in Bristol with funders, developers and consultants all talking about it and exploring opportunities. Regional developments of build-to-rent homes are, for the first time, now on a par with numbers being delivered in London, which illustrates that this is definitely a sector that is here to stay.
"One of the key points of difference that comes with a build-to-rent home is convenience. We're in an ever-connected world where we are becoming used to having access to services 24/7 and through our mobile devices. So living somewhere where you can request a tap is fixed, get a parcel delivered or book a guest bedroom all through an app or email is highly desirable."
Bristol examples include Finzels Reach, where 194 apartments are being developed by Cubex at Hawkins & George for Grainger, one of the UK's largest professional landlords. This will be the first purpose-designed build-to-rent development to open in Bristol and it's due to launch shortly. Cubex is planning a further 250 build-to-rent apartments on the former Avon Fire and Rescue headquarters site as part of the next phase of Finzels Reach. Around the city there are also build-to-rent schemes at both concept and construction stages at Bedminster Green, ND7 at Temple Quay, Castle Park View and around Ashton Gate stadium with their plans for a new community next to the basketball arena.
Rachael Sherratt, who is JLL's project manager for Hawkins & George at Finzels Reach, added: "There has been a lot of interest from the property community in the apartments at Finzels Reach that we have been working on with Cubex and Grainger. Their interest in this region is bound to be followed by other key names in build-to-rent, and with Bristol regularly voted one of the top places to live in the UK, this should come as no surprise."
Gavin Bridge, executive director at Cubex, adds: "Happily for Bristol, large and seemingly ever-growing numbers of people want to live and work in our city. Many of them are looking to rent their home – some for economic reasons, but increasingly for many, as a lifestyle choice. They may want to stay for just a few years with the ability to move on quickly, and they want to live in the heart of a thriving city with a lively social scene, so flexibility and quality are key. And that's what we're offering at Finzels Reach.
"In terms of regeneration and the development of the city centre, build-to-rent is now becoming an important part of the mix to create balanced communities alongside homes for private sale and affordable homes. The model also paves the way for these communities to be created quickly. Unlike new homes for sale, build-to-rent apartments will see dozens of homes occupied in a matter of weeks. This means an area thrives fast, and for businesses – like the newly opened Spicer+Cole at Finzels Reach and Left Handed Giant which is opening a brew-pub in the summer – customers are on the doorstep quickly."
Panellists at the Women in Property-hosted event on Tuesday include Anna Johnson, associate director in Residential Capital Markets in JLL's London office, Gavin Bridge, executive director at Cubex, the developer behind Finzels Reach, and Alex Notay, build-to-rent fund director for PfP Capital, the fund and asset management arm of Places for People Group and an internationally recognised expert on build-to-rent, placemaking and sustainable urban development.


text:
Hey, you.
Yeah you, with the whiney, "poor me, I'm so tired and don't get to poop by myself" attitude.
You, who dreams of the day your kids can all buckle their own seatbelts, sleep through the night, and eat their food without 75% of it ending up in their lap/floor/hair/down their diaper.
Yeah you, with the 1 or 2, or maybe even 3 or 4 young kids. You, who's somewhere in your late twenties/early thirties and feels like this has got to be, hands down, the hardest stage of life.
I have something to tell you.
These days are hard.
You know it. I know it.
And I know you often think back to the "good ol' days."
There was "sweet sixteen," for example. You were young. You could eat whatever you wanted. You could pull yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn after staying up way too late, throw on a little mascara, and head into school, looking like a million, dark-circle-free bucks. You could jump in your car and meet your friend at the movies on a Saturday afternoon on a whim, and worry about your homework later. You could forget to do your homework altogether, and life still went on.
Those were the days.
But, guess what. Back then, if someone would have asked you, do you know what you would have said?
"These days are hard."
Yes, it's true! Don't believe me?
Lest I remind you that those "wonderfully carefree years" in high school didn't actually always feel all that carefree. If I remember correctly, I'm pretty sure you were actually a hot mess back then. You didn't know what you wanted to do with your life but you were constantly asked to decide. You spent day after day, agonizing and overanalyzing. Were you good enough? Pretty enough? Athletic enough? Popular enough? Did people like you? Did YOU like you? Who WAS "you," anyway? Oh, and then there were the relationships. The people you liked who didn't like you back. The dating and the overanalyzing of every note, text, phone call, or lack thereof. There was the heartbreak. Maybe even multiple heartbreaks. And you truly felt like you may never be able to put the pieces back together again. It was real, and painful. Yes, you were young and free of so many of the responsibilities you hold now, but life was not all late-night Taco Bell runs and Friday night football games. Nope. You were trying desperately to find yourself without any real idea of how the world outside those high school walls would shape you, or of what would transpire in the years to come. And that unknown of the future, that was enough to make those years hard.
And then there was college.
Man, those were the days, weren't they?
You were finally all on your own, with no one but yourself to worry about. The world was yours. You got to live with your friends, sleep in late on the weekends (and maybe even during the week if you could plan your schedule right), and make all your own rules. You could study science, or history, or change your mind halfway through. You were of age to do just about anything, except renting a car, and your only real job was to pursue your passions.
You were finally "free!"
Or, were you?
Because I happen to remember a girl like you lamenting to her roommates. I think you know what she was saying…
"These days are hard."
If you think back to ALL of college, I'm pretty sure there was more than just staying up late watching One Tree Hill or Grey's with your roomies and sipping coffee in the courtyard. No, really. There was more heartbreak, and pressure, and responsibility than you had ever experienced before. You had to balance classes, work, studying, an internship, paying for school, and groceries, and the electric bill, and you realized, HOLY CRAP being an adult is HARD. And you thought you were tired then (ha!). There was dreams of a future career and husband and a family that you felt like you may never reach. You were worried that all this time and money would be for nothing. That the 4 (or more) years would end, and you'd still have no idea who you were or what you were going to do with your life. That you'd have to go out on your own into the big, scary world with a whole lot of debt and, for the first time in your life, no real idea of what would happen next.
It was great, but it was also really hard.
But somehow, between then and now, you ended up here, where you are today. You made it through all your past "hard," and your dreams finally came true.
Because this is what you always agonized over and worked so hard for, isn't it? This was your dream all along, right? Or did you forget that?
It's easy to sometimes, because…
These days are hard. I won't take that away from you.
But luckily, based on your pattern of past behavior, I think it's safe to say that one day, you'll look back on the life you're living right now with longing.
Afterall, look at you, you fine specimen, you. You're a piece of work, you know that? You're tired and you're bruised (from the kids climbing all over you), but you're BEAUTIFULLY ravaged. Your stretch marks and tousled hair, they're a mark of a life lived FULLY. Full of little hands and running, rocking, and repetitive cleaning. No, your life is not dull. Sure, the monotonous days may feel that way sometimes, but I assure you, they're anything but. Surely, one day, you'll look back and think,
"Man, remember how good we had it? We lived in leggings and drank entirely too much caffeine. We'd stroll through Target, killing time, with no place else in the world to be (except home for naptime, of course). We stayed up late after the kids went to bed, binge-watching our shows, and somehow managed to wake up at the crack of dawn and do it all over again. And we even thought we had lots of wrinkles back then (ha!). We were so young. Life was so full. We were so NEEDED. My kids needed me. It was the best, wasn't it? The way they'd reach up for your hand or say, "mommy, hode you!" when they wanted to be held. And they wanted to be held, remember that? How you'd scoop them up in your arms, their sticky hands through your hair, and their slobbery kisses. OH, how they needed you. Their biggest problems could be solved with a kiss and their day made by a sweet treat. They were your little best friends, and they truly believed you had the power to hang the stars. And man, were they cute. Yes, annoying at times, but really, really cute. Those chubby legs, those goofy, wobbly strides. If only I could go back to when my kids were small. Just one more day…"
That's what you'll say. You know it. I know it.
Yes, these are the days, mama.


text:
School Business Administrator Kate Heath told the Lansing Board of Education Monday that district employees will be participating in a wellness challenge . Heath said she touched base with Lansing's wellness coordinator Melissa Pope to make sure Lansing will be participating.
"Dryden has thrown down the gauntlet for a walking challenge," Heath said. "They have challenged Lansing and Trumansburg in a BOCES-wide district wellness initiative that starts in April and goes into May. We will compete district to district."
Heath said the Lansing district has already been encouraging wellness for school employees. She said that Pope has also been working on yoga and Zumba classes. Funding for these programs comes through the Tioga - Seneca - Tompkins Health Insurance Cooperative.
"We'll be getting the information out at the end of this month," she said. "We're encouraging all our employees to participate so we can beat Dryden."


text:
Home > Transfers > Charlotte, NC to Gainesville, FL Transfers > Taxi
Taxi from Charlotte to Gainesville
Per Vehicle
Our taxi is a personalized transfer option that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our taxis can accommodate up to 2 passengers and 2 bags. Ski/snowboard bags, golf clubs and bikes cannot be accommodated in these vehicles.
Location Finder
If you don't see your pickup or drop off location in the lists above, you can use enter and address, hotel name or postal/zip code into the search below to find the nearest option.
Pickup Locations
- Any local address
- Aloft Charlotte Ballantyne
- Aloft Charlotte Uptown At The Epicentre
- Americas Best Value Inn & Suites-airport
- Best Value Inn And Suites-north Charlotte
- Best Western Charlotte Matthews Hotel
- Best Western Sterling Hotel And Suites
- Bridgestreet Charlotte Cotton
- Bridgestreet Marquis
- Bridgestreet Post Park At Phillips Place
- Candlewood Suites Charlotte - University
- Candlewood Suites Charlotte Coliseum
- Charlotte Uncc Red Roof Inn
- Charlotte-days Inn Airport/coliseum
- Charlotte-days Inn Downtown
- Charlotte-days Inn Sunset Road
- Comfort Inn Executive Park Charlotte
- Comfort Suites Airport
- Comfort Suites Northlake
- Comfort Suites University Area
- Continental Inn Charlotte
- Country Hearth Inn Charlotte
- Country Inn And Suites Charlotte
- Country Inn And Suites Charlotte University
- Courtyard By Marriott Ballantyne
- Courtyard By Marriott Charlotte Airport
- Courtyard By Marriott Charlotte Arrowwood
- Courtyard By Marriott Charlotte South Park
- Courtyard By Marriott Charlotte University
- Courtyard By Marriott Charlotte Uptown
- Crowne Plaza Charlotte Hotel
- Days Inn Woodlawn/near Carowinds Charlotte Nc
- Days Inn Charlotte North
- Doubletree Guest Suites Charlotte / Southpark
- Doubletree Hotel Charlotte Airport
- Doubletree Hotel Charlotte-gateway Village
- Drury Inn And Suites Charlotte
- Drury Inn And Suites Charlotte Northlake
- Econo Lodge & Suites
- Econo Lodge Coliseum Area
- Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Charlotte
- Embassy Suites Hotel Charlotte
- Extended Stay America Charlotte - Tyvola Rd.
- Extended Stay America Charlotte - University Place
- Extended Stay Deluxe Charlotte - Pineville
- Fairfield Inn By Marriott Arrowood
- Fairfield Inn Charlotte Northlake
- Four Points By Sheraton Charlotte
- Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- Hampton Inn & Suites Charlotte-airport
- Hampton Inn And Suites Charlotte/south Park
- Hampton Inn Charlotte-university Place
- Hampton Inn Charlotte-uptown
- Hilton Charlotte Center City
- Hilton Charlotte Executive Park
- Hilton Charlotte University Place
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte North
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/ayrsley
- Holiday Inn Center City Charlotte Downtown
- Holiday Inn Charlotte Airport
- Holiday Inn Charlotte University Place
- Holiday Inn Charlotte-billy Graham Pkwy
- Holiday Inn Express And Suites Charlotte-arrowwood, Nc
- Homestead Charlotte - Airport
- Homewood Suites By Hilton
- Homewood Suites By Hilton Charlotte-north/univ Research Park
- Howard Johnson Inn - Charlotte
- Hyatt Place Charlotte - City Park
- Hyatt Place Charlotte Airport
- Hyatt Place Charlotte/arrowood
- Hyatt Summerfield Charlotte
- Knights Inn Charlotte Airport
- Knights Inn Charlotte South
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport South
- La Quinta Inn Charlotte Airport North
- Mainstay Suites Charlotte
- Marriott Charlotte City Center
- Marriott Charlotte Executive Park
- Marriott Charlotte Southpark
- Masters Inn
- Microtel Inn - Charlotte Airport
- Microtel Inn - Charlotte University Place
- Microtel Inn And Suites Charlotte North
- Microtel Inn Charlotte Ne Sugar Creek
- Oakwood Plantation Park
- Omni Charlotte Hotel
- Quality Inn & Suites Charlotte Airport
- Quality Inn Charlotte
- Ramada Airport North Charlotte
- Ramada Inn And Conference Center Charlotte
- Ramada Inn Charlotte
- Red Roof Inn Charlotte Airport (west)
- Renaissance Charlotte Southpark Hotel
- Renaissance Charlotte Suites
- Residence Inn Charlotte North
- Residence Inn Charlotte Piper Glen
- Residence Inn Charlotte South
- Residence Inn Charlotte Southpark
- Residence Inn Uptown Charlotte
- Rodeway Inn Central
- Rodeway Inn Charlotte
- Royal Inn & Suites
- Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel
- Sleep Inn Charlotte
- Sleep Inn Northlake
- Sleep Inn University Place Charlotte
- Springhill Suites Charlotte Airport
- Springhill Suites Charlotte Ballantyne
- Springhill Suites Charlotte University
- Staybridge Suites Ballantyne
- Staybridge Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- Stayinn Residence Suites
- Studio Plus Charlotte - Tyvola Rd.
- Studio Plus Charlotte - University Place
- Suburban Extended Stay Charlotte
- Suburban Extended Stay Charlotte
- Sun Suites Of Charlotte-mathews
- Super 8 Charlotte Amusement Park
- Super 8 Charlotte Downtown
- Super 8 Motel - Charlotte University Area
- Super 8 Motel - Charlotte/sunset Road
- The Ballantyne Resort, A Luxury Collection Hotel
- The Blake Hotel
- The Duke Mansion
- The Dunhill Hotel
- The Ritz-carlton, Charlotte
- Towneplace Suites Arrowood
- Townplace Suites Charlotte University Research Park
- Westin Charlotte
- Wingate By Wyndham - Charlotte Airport
- Wingate By Wyndham Charlotte / I-77 South
- Yorkshire Inn Charlotte
Dropoff Locations
- Any local address
- Americas Best Value Inn
- Best Western Gateway Grand
- Comfort Inn West Gainesville
- Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Gainesville, Fl
- Courtyard By Marriott Gainesville
- Days Inn Gainesville I-75
- Days Inn Gainesville University
- Econo Lodge University Gainesville
- Econo Lodge West
- Extended Stay America Gainesville - I-75
- Fairfield Inn Gainesville
- Gainesville Bus Terminal
- Gainesville Hotel And Conference Center
- Gainesville Terminal
- Gainesville UF Commuter Lot
- Hampton Inn & Suites Gainesville-downtown
- Hampton Inn Gainesville
- Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville
- Hilton University Of Florida Conference Center Gainesville
- Holiday Inn Express Gainesville-i-75 Sw
- Holiday Inn University Center Gainesville
- Homewood Suites Gainesville
- Hotel Oaks
- Howard Johnson Express Inn Gainesville Fl
- La Quinta Inn Gainesville
- Paramount Plaza Hotel And Suites
- Quality Inn Gainesville
- Quality Inn University
- Red Roof Inn - Gainesville
- Residence Inn By Marriott Gainesville
- Residence Inn Gainesville I-75
- Rosa Park Station
- Sleep Inn & Suites
- Springhill Suites Gainesville
- Super 8 Motel - Gainesville
Required: Charlotte to Gainesville
The following items are required and will added to your invoice at checkout time:
- Gratuity Percent | 15.00 %
Trip Options: Charlotte to Gainesville
The following items are optional and can be selected at time of booking:
30 Minute Stop | $50.00 USD | Per Additional Item
30 minute stop en route. This charge is per vehicle.
City Tour | $90.00 USD | Per Additional Item
Per hour. Add a tour onto your trip. Contact us and we'll design a tour just for you
Getting from Charlotte to Gainesville
|Start Point
|Charlotte, NC
|End Point
|Gainesville, FL
|Return Route
|Gainesville, FL to Charlotte, NC
|732 km
|Estimated Travel time
|Price / Trip
|Luxury Sedan
|More Info Book Now >
|Stretch Limousine (Limo)
|More Info Book Now >
|Luxury SUV
|More Info Book Now >
|10 Passenger Van
|More Info Book Now >
|Private Motorcoach
|More Info Book Now >
|Luxury Limo Bus Charter (15 Passenger)
|More Info Book Now >
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tip the driver?
Bookings for bus and shuttle services do not include gratuity. 15% gratuity is standard in north America. Please do consider tipping for good service. For private charter services, gratuity is paid at the time of booking. We choose our partners very carefully and incidents or poor service are extremely rare. However, if an incident of poor service were to occur then we will gladly issue a gratuity refund and take up the matter with our transportation partner
Q. Can I book a one-way trip only?
- Yes, if you are using our online booking system, select 'One Way' and you will not be asked for your return trip date.
Q. Can I pay cash?
- No. We only accept payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex). Full payment is required to secure your reservation at the time of booking.
Q. Do I have to book in advance?
- We can often find something for you within that time but our services can sell out - especially during busy periods (school breaks, holidays, game days, etc), so book early to avoid disappointment. If you are booking within 72 hours of travel always call us to check availability before you book - payment does not guarantee availability.
Q. How much luggage can I bring?
- The passenger capacity for each of the vehicles on this site are based on one large bag and a carry-on bag per passenger. Please take this into consideration when choosing the size of vehicle for your group. If you know that you will have a lot of luggage, please consider booking a larger vehicle. Contact us if you have questions regarding luggage capacity.
Q. Is my booking guaranteed once I have made payment?
- No, your booking is not guaranteed until you receive your confirmation email. This is a separate email from your payment receipt. This is because some bookings have special requests that must be manually reviewed before the booking can be confirmed.
Q. What happens if you do not have any seats/vehicles available for the trip I have booked?
- We will always strive to honour every booking made with us. On the rare occasion that we can find no availability however, this is not possible. Rest assured that if we are not able to confirm your trip then you will be refunded in full - though this may take 3 - 5 working days to be processed by the bank.
Q. What if I need to change my booking?
- Contact us if you need to make changes to your booking. Changes made within 72 hours of travel are subject to availability. Additional fees may apply to adding passengers, sports equipment and other services
Q. Why haven't I received my confirmation email yet?
- Confirmations are typically emailed within 24 hours of your transaction. If you do not receive your confirmation email within 24 hours, please check your email spam folder. If you still need help, please contact us.
If you have a question about our services that you cannot find the answer to, please get in touch by any of the following:
+1 (866) 943 0516 (North America)
+1 (604) 639 5050 (International)
+44 (20) 3807 1372 (United Kingdom)
+61 (2) 8518 1297 (Australia)
[email protected]
Web Chat
Our customer support team is online 8am - 9pm Pacific Time.


text:
I once believed that there was a limit to the uses of used wine cork. It turns out, I was wrong. Some of the Internet's most creative DIY-ers are pushing the boundaries of crafts using wine cork, wine bottles and whatever else might be left over after a night of drinking.
As someone who searches the Web for wine-related stories more often than the average person (I'd suspect, anyhow), I've come across a lot of strange examples of wine cork or wine bottle DIY projects.
While I'm somewhat disturbed by these overzealous DIY-ers, I'm also kind of impressed. So, I decided to try my hand at a bit of DIY. Spoiler: it didn't turn out well.


text:
Great Plains Environmental & Recycling is a leading scrap trading company based in Caldwell, United States. We specialize in buying and selling all types and forms of plastic scraps.
With immense knowledge in the scrap industry, we trade all forms of plastic scraps including PET scraps, HDPE scraps, LDPE scraps, PP scraps, mixed nylon scraps, Polyethylene scraps and polyeurethane foam. We also deal with healthcare waste plastics like surgical blue wrap or non-woven polypropylene fabric. All our products are inspected by our certified inspection team to ensure its quality. We are ready to ship any quantity of the above said scrap materials to any port as per your request.
Great Plains Environmental & Recycling has achieved a prominent place in the industry circles through our integrity, honesty and friendly service. All our dedicated staff in the logistic team help you to make your buying experience hassle-free. We realize the importance of providing excellent service to our customer. As a result, we are focused on achieving the fastest and most accurate service in the industry so that customers can choose high quality scraps as per their requirements.
If you are interested to know more about our services, please contact us @ +1-620-8452427.
Send a message to Great Plains Environmental & Recycling


text:
Innovation: Brands created during recessions
The March 2, 2009 issue of Canadian Business magazine has an article entitled "The Pipeline" which provides managers and execs ideas on leading during tough times.
While the article is good, what caught my eye was a list of brands created during recessions. It's fantastic when companies can turn difficult times into an opportunity to find a new competitive advantage, and lead their way back into profitability.
Here's the list:
- Kraft
- Disney
- FedEx
- Microsoft
- iPod
- Campbell's soup
- Crest Whitestrips
- People magazine
- Loblaw's PC Brand
I've mentioned before that I've been through 5 "corporate restructurings" which varied from companies running out of money and shutting down to being bought and revamped entirely. Out of the 5, I lost my job 4 times. It would have been nice to see some of those companies continue to innovate instead of crashing and burning. At least the prospect of being laid off doesn't scare me anymore! :)


text:
Blackberry and Google Calendar. At Last.
December 14, 2007
At last, at last, at last. No more syncing via cable. No more missed appointments. We're back in the 21st century! Google Sync for Mobile is finally here.
Me happy.
We Like Curves
November 19, 2007
Howdy Strangers!!It's been a while, and I've been a busy boy, so apologies for the lack of recent posts. I'm finding out the hard way the effort it takes running your own business.
Anyway, after a month of faffing around, I finally decided to opt for a Blackberry Curve. Being the stingy northern git that I am, it was the cost that did it for me. We got a great deal on the Curves (<$500 all up, with Voda providing a very handsome discount), whereas the cost for me to have iPhone lurve would have been well over $1,100 (and that for an unsupported device!) I was a Telecom customer and they wanted to ping me a whopping $250+ for switching to Voda. So much for number portability.
Anyway, the Curve is going really well – I was initially very disappointed but am now very impressed.
Here's why:
- Push Email. You fully appreciate why Blackberries are now called Crackberries. Having true push email from MULTIPLE accounts (i.e. exchange, gmail, yahoo, etc) is awesome. Care does need to be taken with the missus!!
- Google Talk. Yes! Google Talk. I was on the bus home tonight catching up with one of our developers. How good is that?
- Keyboard. The keys are miniscule but, once you get used to it, you can tap out reasonably lengthy emails in no time at all.
- Phone! It's actually a very good phone. The sound quality is great. I was coming from an HTC Apache – and that just suck suck sucked as a phone.
- Holster Lock. I've set the Curve so that when it goes into the holster it automatically switches to the "silent" profile, and locks the keypad!! Brilliant.
- The Feel. It actually feels like a nice phone. But I guess anything feels nicer than the Apache!
Overall I like the device. It allows me to be always on, and connected to my customers, friends and colleagues. And the keyboard really does allow you to tap out good responses in no time.
The GPS is total pants, but to be honest I see it as a gimmick at the moment until you start getting some good location based services. Maps, great!! But, come on, we live in New Zealand. You don't need maps here!!
It's not as sexy as the iPhone – there's no doubt about that. But the sheer amount of work I've achieved on the device on my trip home has been quite impressive. It'll at least keep my technolust at bay until the iPhone makes its official debut here. Whenever that may be.
Next toy? – the Blackberry Helmet.
Decisions Decisions Decisions
October 1, 2007
I need a new mobile phone. None of the keys on my Telecom Apache no longer work, so I'm reduced to stylus only operations (or highly inaccurate big fat thumb operations). It sucks.
I had my heart set on an iPhone after Sandy told us all you could get them from Tauranga. But with Apple playing silly buggers with the new software release breaking the hack, I've got reservations.
I'm after the following:
- a nice slimline profile, so I can carry the phone in one of may pockets without it looking like I'm carrying a brick
- decent call quality (unlike the Apache)
- easy access to my gmail (and ideally Outlook)
- good and bandwidth efficient surfing ability to my GMail, GCal, Google Reader, and BBC pda
- ability to sync up contacts
- photos/music are nice, but not essential
Now I know there are a gazillion phones out there that could probably do the job, but I (at present) have my heart set on one of:
- the iPhone (cos it's so bloody sexy)
- the Blackberry Pearl (cos it's a bit cheaper, but still quite sexy)
- the Blackberry Curve (cos it's sexier than the Pearl)
As you can see, I like sex!!
If you've have any comments or experiences with any of the above, or know a screamingly good cellphone that'd do the trick then please let us know.
I'll blog with an update as to which road fate leads down.
It takes two to text. Hands that is.
February 1, 2007
Phew! It's been a busy busy couple of weeks. I've been working on the mutha of all tender responses (more to come on this) so pardon my absence.
The other week I went to the Unlimited Potential New Years Party, where Wellington's top bloggers gave their predictions for 2007.
Tom Beard gave what I thought a bold and stunning prediction that no-one under the age of 25 would buy an iPhone. You see the iPhone really requires two hands to text. And teens on the go would have to stop to text ("stp2txt"). Or just look like wankers. I kind of agreed but it wasn't until tonight that it really drummed home.
I was on the bus surrounded by teenagers, all of them texting like crazy. I'm telling you, these dudes were texting ("txtn") faster than I can type! I couldn't take my eyes off their digit dextrosity! So bloody fast. And one handed.
Whoever gets their hands on an iPhone first, I'd love to see a text off ("txtff"). Whilst jogging.
To be honest, I still want one, though.
They're "fkn sxy".
The iPhone: My Thoughts
January 15, 2007
My Oh My! Has there been debate over this sexy little monster, the Apple iPhone, or what?
I downloaded the Macworld Keynote Address on video podcast and this gave a real good overview as to the capabilities of this device. You've likely heard most of my comments echoed by others, but here goes anyway. In no particular order:
- It is very sexy indeed
- I am festiduous in keeping my video iPod clean, this iPhone is gonna tip me over the edge – remember I don't touch the screen of my video iPod!
- Lack of 3G is a bit disappointing, but then 3G in NZ is so bloody expensive anyway does this really matter? After all, the size of a general email is small.
- 4GB or 8GB won't make this thing big enough for my insatiable appetite for music and video – therefore until this changes it will not eliminate a device. I used to have a 4GB iPod mini, and I soon learnt that wasn't enough.
- It only syncs with Exchange if you have enabled IMAP (which most businesses do not) – so that might alienate some of the business community who provide Telecom and Vodafone 3G devices to their staff on mass.
- The visual voicemail is a bit of a wanky term, but the idea is great. However, we have to hope that Vodafone (and Telecom should the iPhone ever do CDMA), play ball. Else it's crap.
- Google Maps is great but boy does it chew bandwidth (I've tried it on the Palm and hit my 3G limit after 5 minutes!)
- The way you resize photos is simply astounding. Beautifully simple.
- The SMS text conversation is just.. erm.. obvious
- Shame it's a closed platform. Kind of. You'll still be able to buy official Apple software for it (a la iPod games)
- Who gives a shit what it's called?
To summarise, there's been so much debate on this thing it is not funny.
It IS a wonderful device, and it IS a step above everything else currently out there. Just download the keynote and watch it. You'll go "Wow, it's kinda cool!'. If I had a dollar for everytime Monsieur Jobs said that.
One thing is for certain, I will end up buying one. Why? Because it's just so bloody sexy.
The Mobile Web
December 20, 2006
I must look like a right tosser on the bus home from work, continually fiddling with my HTC Apache surfing the mobile web and reading my offline websites. Hey, I can even check-in with my works mobile "operational dashboard" (lifesaver!). I don't care though. I'm doing work, keeping vigilant, and keeping up to speed with the million and one things you need to nowadays. And I'd look like an even bigger tosser if I had a laptop (not to mention a burnt lap).
Here's what I use to help give me info the go:
AvantGo: Read your favourite AvantGo channels either on the go or synchronise them for offline reading. Limited range of channels, and better to sync before you leave for the bus. I currently sync 8MB of guff.
Google Mobile: I get my personalised home on my cellphone, which includes Google Reader and GMail. What's even better is that if you link to an external site, Google automatically reformats it in a mobile friendly version – it's better than Opera mini. You need to be "connected" though so watch those data charges.
VadeMecum: Brilliant and obscure little app that lets you read Plucker documents that you can easily create with SunriseXP. Awesome! I synch up all my favourites before I leave! Creating Passionate Users to go! Read/Write Web to go! Burnley FC to go!
And then for tunes on the go, forget about using Windows Media Mobile – the sound quality is utter sh*te. Try using GSPlayer instead.
Big tip: don't miss your stop!