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William Morrow/HarperCollins has pulled Neal Stephenson's brand-new book, Reamde, off Amazon after, one would guess, getting tired of hearing about just how many errors there are in the e-book production.
Apparently, the book was plagued with random dashes throughout, which just about any Calibre user will recognize as a common problem with transferring e-books from one format to another. It's weird that publishers haven't developed some sort of an e-proofreading job to solve this kind of problem. (Reamde, by the way, is a very good thriller and you should read it, even if you have to read—gasp!—a print edition.)


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It feels a little strange referencing a FoxNews post here at the Nobler but I thought this was pretty funny…
As you all know quite well, PBR has become the epitome of Hipsterama. Almost to the point of absurdity. No, scratch that. It's past the point of absurdity. But the rush on cheap beer by the growing hipster nation may have had some unintended effects, of which probably doesn't impact the majority of said hipsters. The price of cheap beer is rising my friends, and at a rate higher than the craft beer offerings. This of course has manifested itself in some pretty ridiculous PBR and Budweiser prices at a number of bars around the city, and while you might be tempted to make the argument that it's still a hell of a lot cheaper than a cocktail, I question if that's the right comparison. Beer to beer pricing has become a more interesting evaluation.
I'm always a bit amazed when I see on a beer list the convergence of prices between the medium sized "craft" brews and the sub-premium standards. And don't get me wrong, I'm not much of a beer snob. I find value in most beer in fact. But it's all about price point. Or at least it should be. Both in stores and at bars, the prices are becoming too similar to distinguish. $6 for a Sixpoint versus $4 for a PBR seems like a no brainer for example. But there is still one place where the cheapies rule to roost.
The shot and a beer combo (my favorite naming of course being "The Sportsmen") is a world the PBRs and the Buds should rule forever! Long live the Sportsmen!

subset: commoncrawl


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Parvez Rasool should be in World Cup squad: Bishan Singh Bedi
Former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi feels the Indian team should include J&K skipper Parvez Rasool in their World Cup squad
New Delhi: Proud of seeing Jammu and Kashimir cricket getting noticed after its historic win the Ranji Trophy opener against Mumbai, former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi said that the side boasts of many talented players and singled out Perveez Rasool for a World Cup berth. "Parvez Rasool, what a player! An off-spinner, who can bat.
He is by far the best off-spinner that the country hasat the moment and a brilliant tonker. To me, he should be in the World Cup team," legendary left-arm spinner Bedi told PTI in an interview. Having coached the state team for a couple of years from 2011-13, Bedi not only shares an emotional bond with the players but feels that the sides' win against Mumbai was no fluke. "They have such good players in their side that even Delhi will not have such players. I am not kidding.
Mind you the win against Mumbai is no fluke. Because these boys always had it in them. Their pace battery, their spinners and their batsmen are all worthy of making it big," Bedi said. "Ye Allah ka karam hai, Allah ki rahmat hai, ye uski meherbaani hai (It is God's blessings and his kindness). They have fire in their bellies to perform but there is no infrastructure.
They just have a few T20 clubs. Jungle mein more naacha, kisne dekha waali baat hai (It's like peacock dancing in the jungle and nobody noticing it)." "Maine toh jo inke andar aag hai, usko bas ek chingari lagayi hai (I have just ignited a fire in them, which was already there)," he added. Bedi, who signed a three-year deal with the state association in August 2011, rued the callous approach of the board in dealing with the players. "What is happening in all the boards including the national board is just the tip of the iceberg.
This callous approach will not work. This attitude of leaving it for tomorrow has brought the downfall of many an administrative set up and the same applies for Jammu and Kashmir. "I got to know that the players have not been paid for two years," he said. "What to talk of players. I have not received my dues of one year, that's why left them.
But I am in constant touch with the players and will be there for them whenever they need me," he added. Like a proud father figure, Bedi also spoke highly of many individuals in the current team and urged the people concerned to have a look at many an Indian prospect from the valley."The problem is that nobody even looks at them. I can just just keep recalling the players and the talent comes oozing out. Bowling all-rounder Ram Dayal is a brilliant player from Jammu.
He is in the Kapil Dev mould," he said. "Shubham Khajuria, a good opener. Ian Dev Singh, another good opening bat. Hardeep Singh, a very good batsman. The administrators are just turning a blind eye to the talent from the valley. They are just sipping hot tea in their cosy offices," he fumed.Bedi, 68, though cautioned the J&K players from getting complacent and said that sustaining their success is not going to be easy for the giant killers.
"I told the players in my humble way that we are not just participating in comeptitions but we are playing to win. They won a match or two in the opening season. Then they just improved. And see what they have done. But mind you, it will not be easy for them to sutain their success. They beat Delhi and Services in Vijay Hazare Trophy but lost the subsequen matches.
"So the lack of good tournaments in their state is hurting them," he said. Known for speaking his mind wihtout any fear, the former India captain said that it's the young players who will need to change the mindset of people. "Any bit of change that needs to be brought will rest on the shoulders of tehse young kids. Our time is over. The youngsters should take it upon themseleves to take matters in their pown hands and make sure that things improve. And God will help them Inshallah," he concluded.
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Come On Everyone! Simple, Easy to Win Giveaway!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
What Should I Call this Piece?
Okay, you guys, time is running out, and this silly giveaway is still in force – for maybe a week or two. Only a few people have tried, and even those few haven't made more than a couple suggestions each! You can suggest as many names as you want, so your chance of winning increases with each suggestion. Fifty suggestions is just fine! And you get free stuff if one of your suggestions is chosen!
Here's the rules again:
I wrote this piano piece for my second CD, which is coming out this summer, but I haven't been able to come up with a name for it yet.
I need your help! I need a good name for it.
You can suggest as many names as you want, so any time you come up with one, simply write it in the comments. Get family and friends to participate, because I want lots of names to choose from. If it helps inspire any ideas, the CD itself is called The Ancestor, about roots or origins – something along those lines. You certainly don't have to base your title on that theme, because there are plenty of other pieces following that theme, but you can if you want to.
So here's how the giveaway will work. as soon as I see a name I really like, the contest will end, and I will announce the winner – so the more you participate, the better chance you have of winning. The winner gets a choice of either a free copy of my Dayspring CD, or a free copy of the new CD (You can choose between CD or MP3s) once it's ready (exact date unknown). Plus I'll email you a free copy of this MP3, so you can show off the awesome tune you named 😀
The chosen name will be the permanent title for the piece.


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ALEXANDRA PAPERNOMarmor Sculpture, 2016
Ink on paper.
77 x 56.
Signed on the verso.
"These constellations are all false, but deliciously false! They have grouped totally foreign stars in a single figure. Between real points, that is between stars that are isolated like one-of-a-kind diamonds, the dream of constellations has drawn imaginary lines." – Gaston Bachelard, "Air and Dreams"
The ancient Sumerians, and later the Greeks (as recorded by Ptolemy), established most of the northern constellations in use today. When explorers mapped the stars of the southern skies, European and American astronomers proposed new constellations for that region. In 1922, the International Astronomical Union adopted the modern list of 88 constellations, which depict 42 animals, 29 inanimate objects and 17 humans or mythological characters. It was agreed that the list would be final and no new constellations would be added. The number 88 has no specific scientific or cultural significance — it is random.
Some constellations were not recognized by the International Astronomical Union in 1922 and thus have been abolished. More than 50 constellations fall in this category. Some of them appear in old maps and etchings, among them Argo Navis, which was one of the 48 proposed by Ptolemy. This list of the "victims" of unification and standardization forms the basis of Alexandra Paperno's project. This list of 51 former constellations is the result of a peculiar bureaucratic process: something that had never objectively existed was officially abolished.
Three of these constellations: The Battery of Volta, Marmor Sculpture and Corona Firmiana are presented in this exhibition.
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What is Snap-On Smile?
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"Old Souls" of the Zodiac
What Is an "Old Soul"?
Just what is an "old soul"? This is a phrase that precedes "new age" ideology and reaches back into our old English lexicon. It embraces the idea that a particularly wise, world-weary, or compassionate person "goes back" into a time that precedes the present. It is a tacit acknowledgment that certain people, just walking around with the rest of us, might have a "pre-incarnative" past, as it were, that makes them seem to have wisdom or understanding that the rest of us don't have.
These days, "old soul" fits into our current blended culture of eastern religions and "new age" concepts intermixed with our western culture. When used, it is a complimentary phrase. It is not used as an insult or in a pejorative way. It is intended to impart a feeling that there is something special about this person. It says:
- This person can absorb the trouble they are going through.
- This person is wise and can understand the trouble you are going through.
- This person knows something the rest of us don't.
- This person has been around every block there is, and still decided to come back here in the flesh to visit us all. They cannot be perturbed, dismayed, or downcast.
Aries, Capricorn, Scorpio, Leo, Pisces?
I have heard speculation that says old souls are "congregated" in certain sun signs. Aries, Capricorn, Scorpio, Leo, and Pisces are mentioned but you can hear other speculations. The idea goes that really ancient souls would not bother to come back as certain signs, but would prefer to come back as other more complex or more fascinating signs.
The speculation goes like this:
Aries are so full of power that their horoscopes are engineered by self-driven old souls who know what they are all about. Capricorns have such a grasp on their overall purpose that they must be old souls. Scorpios just know it all and feel it all, they must be old souls. Leos are so grand, and looks like they have a whole bunch of past, and must be old souls. Pisces sum up the whole human experience, so they must be ancient. Actually, with some imagination, you can make these kinds of statements about every sun sign.
"Ancient Shards of Light, Countless Aeons Old"
If you subscribe to reincarnation ideas, you will find, from the Kabbalah, that our ancient spiritual origin goes back to a "pre-Edenic" past, in which after our creation by the Divine, we looked all around and declared in our relative youth that we needed the experience to be more worthy of God's grace in creating us with all of our initial glory. "The Bread of Shame", a phrase that many have not heard of, is the idea that we wanted to be able to be counted more worthy of our original grand state; and so we sought out physical manifestation. In doing so, we have "lost our way", and need to find the path back. That is a very short version of a coded breakdown of Genesis, but let us pause, and just ask the basic question, whether you have an Asian, New Age, Metaphysical or Gnostic point of view, isn't everyone an "old soul"?
The Wheel of Fortune
When we think of the sun sign in its current manifestation, we can not conclude that any sign is shallow, or a "young soul," as it were. We are all manifesting current mindsets, attitudes, and value systems that might appear to be more materialistic and less spiritual than others, but what you have to remember is that the soul's journey is to cover the journey on the Wheel. Truth be known, you can not know someone's past, you can only assess their current personality and character. Yes, you can have the opinion that a certain person is a "shallow, adventurous, covetous, indulgent jerk", but that does not mean that the person is not an old soul. Maybe this lifetime they are going through experiences that they have not gone through in the last 20 lifetimes. Maybe the person you are seeing is fresh at this kind of life. And maybe, just maybe, the "old soul" that you have seen and judged to be so, is finally "getting the point" of a few misspent lives that he has recently lived.
We are all "old souls." Some of us are unconscious. Some of us are more spiritually aware. Some of us are more judgmental, some of us are more merciful. We all display the myriad of energies that emanate from the vast realm of human experiences, that all eventually become a part of our divine character. It is good to know an "old soul", they are generally pleasing to be with because they emanate a peacefulness. But remember, the friend that you have out there, that is going through a tortured and volatile life is getting experience because they are also an old soul, who might be learning some deep, valuable and eternal lessons. While we are getting the butt end of the thudding punishment that is judgment, it is good to remember that mercy is always around the corner, ready to give all of us "old souls" a chance to integrate our lessons.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author's knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
The interesting thing though is that as much as modern astrologers try to portray Scorpio and Capricorn as "tough" (and yet, ironic try to portray Leo as supposedly "soft" or "easily hurt"), the astrological system proves the opposite of this. Leo is the strongest placement of the Sun, but Scorpio and Capricorn are the weakest or most problematic placements for the moon so I think they are not quite as emotionally tough as modern astrologers try to portray.
Leos are full of power too, not just Aries but yes, I know what you mean. All signs have the spiritual depth to be an "old soul."
Aries is considered the new born of the zodiac, this is where animal instinct from previous mammal incarnations smoothes into human and henceforth the spiritual via Sagittarius (which is where your older wiser souls get birthed into -- it's gifted with luck and cursed with restlessness to be of nothing but service to uncovering the philosophical And abstract by experience and a normal life is often not available to those of us under that sign, hence why we account for over 60% of all celebrities. ) You are , at your core, one of the four elements and never another, from the mineral kingdom through the human you only occupy cosmic blueprints that suit your element. Meaning all fire signs begin at aries and end at sagittarius but not in a 123 and you've made it way. You have to graduate through them, the middle signs are more "easy" as a resting stop, and the third is always one of work or mission. The 4 mutable signs, in addition to also being the houses of 1 horseman of the apocalypse each, are the last placements prior to accension. These are the admins of human life and within these 4 are those devinly activated when things get shaky. Sagittarius being a defender when knowledge is threatened by an outside force ( or internal via external ) , virgo a maintainer (when things are good) , pieces, ( the levels between deminsions , astral and dream ) and gemini , ( communication overseeiers , if the word has power over this dimension then it is them who influence this, however communication is down and all media is a vector for accelerated conditioning ( 9/11 was an occultist bind on the gemini house thus why the conditioning of others has gone unchecked and racisim, classism, lack of understanding and ego are in full effect, and why Sagittarius is experiencing many activations, imagine 10 jesus's ( Sagittarius, decan 3) at once. There's going to be a lot of wine..
since you responded in this way, I would add --- old souls know that the world can at times be inappropriate, saddening and momentarily tragic.
after a flood they hang around and help and nod while the injured curse heaven.
What an incredible extraordinary site to fall upon! I've really enjoyed your discussions. Adore this kind of deep musings. As for me as a child hyper sensitive, hyper aware, hyper empathetic, hyper intuitive and hyper puzzling for a family who were/are the opposite! Many people on a daily basis since thst age, strangers, people I know or don't just unload their heart to me. I can be anywhere at any time. I will know their life story in minutes. Most of the time I'm happy to do it as intuitively feel it's helping them in some way- to be heard. Many warm to me but I do encounter some ( my family alas) who react verbally and energetically violently. Something is triggered in them and words like lunatic, off with the fairies, insane are thrown at me. Even when just sitting quietly. I'm over it. Seeing now that rather than try to conform as i did when younger to try to be accepted, it's pointing me forcibly now to move forward, on my own in this lifetime to my calling, to be my true self...
Christofers is this a familiar story? Does this resonate with others? That you are being cut adrift whether you like it or not? Love the idea that everyone's soul is here to develop and get that being called an old soul ( I have several times) is rather liked by the ego :) whereas appreciating everyone is evolving in their own way engenders and understanding. Finding those on a similar page to you whichever one it is seems essential however. Warmest wishes to all fellow travellers xxx
At the most basic level, that is your soul's commitment...the one you and your guardians concluded would be your mission; as a fundamental expression of who you have been. The Zodiac is earth's factory and thank the Lord there are lots of helpers who come in to this realm for that wonderful purpose. Blessings.
I think it, and it happens, don't know why, just that's been my life, which typically keeps me grounded, and ready to help anyone in need, and I know who they are because I feel their pain, and know them deeply. I know it sounds crazy, but I live it daily
Thank you for your feedback. Based on your background with spirituality, souls, astrology, reincarnation, etc...I was wondering about our connections with people. I have an inner sense that we encounter certain other souls repeatedly (such as through multiple lives and reincarnations, but each life might present the familiar soul in a different form or relationship- for example, one life your the child and perhaps in another life your the sister/brother/parent instead)...currently I am middle road on if we have "soul mates" (souls that are so deeply intertwined on the Other Side, that we come back to this human plane together in order to guide each other and help the other grow...kind of like a Guardian Angel or Spirit Guide, but more deeply interconnected). The reason I bring that up is because I would love to hear your perspective/belief on that as well. The Libra man that I mentioned in my previous posting, a couple days ago, really did something almost unexplainable to me. I have never believed in love at first site, but I met him in a group setting (not looking for love or having any expectations)...then when we looked each other in the eyes and shook hands there was this insane jolt, which completely surprised me. We hung out a lot (within the group), and the whole time I was around him, he made me feel so alive...like REALLY alive on another more spiritual-other-plane kind of alive...deep within my soul, deeper than I knew existed. It felt like I tapped into something else...like my true soul, not my conscious mind, but rather my subconscious raw/pure SOUL. The same thing happened to him too...but what was even more shocking was this overall sense that I knew him from before, as in before this life and that I knew him over several lives, very deeply. There are an insane amount of random coincidences and parallels between our 2 lives, which continually surprised the both of us. This is the first time that I have truly felt like this meeting between 2 souls was a spiritual/karmic connection, possibly preset on the Other Side by us both. I tried to ignore it, but it's an overwhelming electric energy, like the intensity of a magnet but bigger...more like the electrical charge in the very core of the Earth that gives the North and South Poles their polarity and magnetic field. We both sense that we could really impact each other as well- in a healing, spiritual, and growth sense. Would this type of deep-rooted connection be simply due to that Aries and Libra opposite zodiac sign pull? Or do you think it could be beyond that? That possibly souls, on the Other Side, preset the time/place they meet each other based on what level of growth they've each reached...that their paths don't cross , on Earth, until they have reached that preset, specific level...and that "soul mates" selectively and intentionally pick their Zodiac placement, so that the coming together force is undeniable once we're in human form on Earth (since in human form we don't remember the Other Side or other spiritually related stuff). So in essence, the coming together of those 2 souls would feel beyond a person's (human being) own understanding of power, noting it as spiritual/karmic/or divine...
Something I forgot to mention in my previous post was that I have recently become very spiritual and experienced quite a bit of personal growth (for example: my lack of patience has improved and I am able to express my anger much more constructively)...I definitely believe in reincarnation and the thought about souls pre-picking their lives (and zodiac sign/birthday), on this human Earth plane, really intrigues me.
I find your article very interesting. I have always felt like I had an "old/deep soul" and sensed that I had a higher purpose, ever since I was a child. It's ironic because most Sun Sign descriptions say that Aries don't feel deep, but that is one of my deep feelings are what guide my deep passions. I love learning about other cultures, art, music, traveling, etc. I find feeling and passion almost addicting...what was really interesting to me was to hear about the other signs that are noted as being soulful as well. I wonder if my unusually deep (for an Aries) side is due to the influence of those other signs in my birth chart...I have Aries as my Sun sign and House V...Pieces in Venus and House IV...Capricorn in Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and House II...then Scorpio in Pluto, Lilith, and House XII...Leo in House IX. I feel very intuitively as well...like I just sense things and feel certain vibes. I noticed recently that I felt as though I could see into the soul of a Libra man through his eyes, even though he kept trying to portray himself as tough and strong. Do those other planets/signs have anything to do with that?
Scorpio ( Capricorn moon)
I have always believed in reincarnation. Even as a child I felt sure that it was feasible. Although, I still believe in "old souls". I think some individuals have "returned" more often than others. Who knows, maybe the reason so many of these signs are considered "old" is that they fight harder at certain times to come back (and so end up with certain signs all the time). Or they find it easier to manifest because they have been back so often. I also believe that some souls are deeper than others, that they are more grounded within themselves.
Thought provoking, and well written. Voted up
This is a very interesting piece. I have also read the Kabbalah, but I think it is supposed to help you open your mind to understanding by thinking of the ideas in it, not so much telling you what you should think. I began believing in reincarnation at the same time I began studying Astrology. It just made sense we choose the experiences we need in each incarnation, until we have learned them all. Edgar Cayce says Jesus had 30 incarnations, one as Adam. But I'm getting off track, and wouldn't dare say that on a forum here! Take care.
Hey you are wrong there sir, did you read kabbalah? Pisces, aquarius, capricorn and saggitarius are the most spiritual and mature signs, they are the older souls. Aquarius reached the level of Binah and pisces Chokmah which are the last before the state of Keter
I think capricorn is more than that. ok, im a capricorn. no, really i am. anyway, if its upward we go, than the top of the moutain shouldn't be enough for us, right? we're swimming in the water and see the mountain. that drives us, to shed and grow. and struggle and strive. to climb and press forth. eventually, the top of the mountain will be obtained, but in my eyes, i'm looking "UP THERE!" success is in those clouds.. how do i get "up there" without having my head in the clouds??
Nice to know that about Capricorn. Been reading about wondering. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses and in moments of self-importance we become blinded to the strengths/weaknesses in others (depending on the time). It's all about balance. Life is a tight rope act, or whatever you make it. The mind operates on metaphor. What is your metaphor? What are you gonna use it for? :P
Brilliant hub, love the way you write, very easy to understand and interesting.
I'm curious what you think about reincarnation?
Do you think some people don't have a soul? I've been contemplating that idea. Would like to know what you think.
Interesting reading from an "old soul" or a Pisces...great hub.
Interesting I did not realize this and the creative waiting is the hardest part. Why do we intuitively have this when others do not?
I am more merciful and more spiritually aware the most frightening thing for me is dreams that become reality if I believe it and see it , things come to pass. I am a Capricorn. :)
Though I'm not mentioend above (aquarius) but it is nice hub :)
Cool hub! .....From your "Old Soul Aries friend." ;


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Posts filed under 'Social Media'
Analog Knowledge in a Digital World
Working in a public library for the last two years has given me an interesting perspective on the divide between printed and digital information. The emergence of web tools like Google and Wikipedia have greatly reduced the amount of time and effort it takes to find information. Even academic journals are offering their publications in PDF format, downloadable from sites like JSTOR and Google Scholar.
Does this mean that libraries are becomming increasingly irrelevant? Not immediately, I don't believe, but there is a real possibility for their demise if they do not adapt and evolve into a place that can be the hub of information that they once were.
If the growth and maturity of Web 2.0 has taught us anything, it's that the collaboration and sharing of ideas is what really drives today's innovation. Ask a question on FriendFeed and you'll get an almost instant response, sometimes many great ideas and thoughts can arise from a single stimulus post. Libraries, while once the place where information and knowledge was stored, must now take on a new role, one that is a hub of communication and sharing. Libraries should be embracing their communities with tools like Twitter and FriendFeed. Information that cannot be acquired from a source in the stacks could be requested from the community, and as people join the knowledge network, the reliability of the service increases.
The reverse is also true. People should be able to @yourlibraryhere a question that the reference librarians would receive, research, and reply with an answer that the sender would know to be reliable, removing the uncertainty of information posted online.
The idea here is that libraries should no longer just be a place to go get a book to read. They need to reinvent themselves and places in the community where ideas are exchanged and knowledge is created. Today's digital world means information is needed faster, and by using Web 2.0 tools, libraries can provide that service and remain relevant.
Do you use your library to aquire information? How could it better serve you and your community? Share your ideas below.
Facebook points out a societal problem
After reading Stanislav Shalunov's post on the two types of Facebook users, I couldn't help but be reminded of the reason why I never log on to MySpace.
The problem is the majority of users as described in the article, those that use the animated GIFs and have auto-playing music when the profile loads. These are the things that make MySpace unusable for me. MySpace profiles are almost always cluttered and improperly formatted, leaving an asymmetric mess of a web page that makes me more inclined to close the browser and walk away from the Internet than stay and find out about someone.
Facebook (pre-redesign) was moving in this direction, with its pages sprouting app after app filled with hatching animals and bumper stickers that were lifted off humor websites (like someecards.com). Not only does this make a page difficult to use, but I believe it points out a deeper problem.
The Warning Signs
As Shalunov mentions in his post, "giggly" users are far less likely to read blocks of text, and are more inclined to communicate by clicking (Poking and playing games). As the internet grows up and moves to the services found under the umbrella of Web 2.0, I cringe to think that these "giggly" users are still stuck in the days of Hamster Dance (see: WebHamster…the original HamsterDance has actually cleaned up its act a little).
Web 2.0 is (at least in my opinion) centered around the exchange of ideas and information, and using the power of the internet to connect people instantly, and allowing those people to generate new knowledge on the fly (that's not to say that Web 2.0 isn't about having fun at the same time; see: Flickr and Last.fm). If the majority of users can't focus on text and only want to see glittery animations, then the problem runs a lot deeper than a profile page.
Who they are and how to fix it
Shalunov further explains who a "giggly" user might be:
Giggly users love to have fun with their friends, love to chit-chat and giggle, forward things easily and without a second thought. Giggly users generally don't review applications because it requires typing. They don't visit the about pages much. The prototypical giggly user is a female teenager who might later go to a party school to major in English.
This notion of not reading what an application is about before installing it, about being those that forward silly emails to their friends (and facilitate the spread of viruses) and are only in school to party is a real issue. These are the college students that will be moving into the workforce soon, and what are we to do when our interns and junior associates can't concentrate long enough to read a memo? Are companies going to cater to them, adding Lisa Frank stickers to their letterheads? No, they're going to fire these people for being incompetent, and in the famous words of Ross Perot, there's going to be a sucking sound as the pool of skilled workers dries up.
This country is moving eerily toward the situation seen in the movie Idiocracy where flashing lights and sensationalism attracts our eyes and our brains, and where laziness and apathy lead to underachievement and an economy that underproduces.
We need to take a serious look at our society and where we are headed. Facebook's redesign that de-emphasizes the glittery applications is a start, and I'm happy to see them catering more to the serious user, who wants a place to exchange those ideas and find other people with similar interests. Images and media can be used in smart ways, and plenty of fun can be had interacting on the web, but the written word is something that we should never be too lazy or too giggly to appreciate and use.
Bureaucracy at its finest
This article from Business Week is surely one of the most disgusting displays of why governments from the local level to the federal level all need to get their act together.
I have little doubt that the age-old bureaucracy problem is in play here, especially when I read this:
Clarkson, who works for the state Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet, said she believes she was working the switchboard at the cabinet offices on April 1. She said the employee who works in the mailroom left early that day, and the FedEx agent required a signature for the package. She said 14 Reilly Road, the Frankfort address where the cabinet offices are located, is a five-building complex; the waste management division is located in another of the five buildings.
It's actually kind of sad to hear that something as simple as signing for a package and getting it to where it needs to go can't be successfully completed in our state government, especially in the year 2008.
While it would be obvious to say that these people need to be fired for being so incompetent, it might also be good to say that there are some solutions to this problem. FedEx could stand to make a little money on this type of situation by creating some sort of Twitter-like program that can alert the proper recipient of a package as well as the sender of a package upon delivery. This could all easily be stored electronically on a package label and would word via the web and the established tracking system already in place.
So imagine if this document containing the proposal for grant money had been delivered to the Department of Waste Management instead of the proper Department of Environmental Safety (I know, not so hard to imagine) and FedEx had this program. Ms. Clarkson would have been sent a "tweet" either on her desktop or on her mobile phone/pda/pager, and would have known what it was and who it was intended for (her). Problem solved, they can thank me when they make millions.
Why I tweet
The road to Twitter for me was a strange one, one that started in middle school when I started watching "The Screen Savers" on what was then ZDTV (then TechTV, the G4 TechTV, then G4 which then cancelled the show). Feeling nostalgic I looked up some of the people I remembered as hosts from that show to see what they were up to, and found the amazing site of internet-basesd TV, revision3.com. Many of the people I remember from TechTV were hosting shows on that site, and after watching a few episodes of "Diggnation", I kept hearing "Twitter" this and "Twitter" that.
The one story that sparked my interest was probably the same one that really put the service on the map…you know, the one about the student that sent the tweet "Arrested" to Twitter, and subsequently was released from the Egyptian jail in which he was being held..
Well anyway, I joined, and added those hosts I was watching on revision3, and convinced a couple friends to try it out, and suddenly it became something I needed to check frequently. While I've never met a lot of the people I follow, I suspect a lot of people on the site fit that same mold…people who want to know more about people. That's where I find Twitter to be so much more interesting than other social sites like Facebook.
Getting to know what goes on in other parts of the country, and how other people spend their time, and the sites and things that people are finding on the internet is a fascinating new aspect of this "Web 2.0" philosophy of sharing what you do on the internet. As someone interested in geography, getting to understand people in other places and how they interact with those places through their eyes is a great way to learn.
It's also simple, since tweets are limited to 140 characters and nothing more, which means you don't get the fluff of Facebook, where you have hundreds of applications each with notifications and begging for your information to "make them better". It's simply for sharing the answers to "What are you doing now?" That's why I tweet.
Also Read:
Why Twitter Matters
AJ Vaynerchuk's Response
The best article on the web today
Gin, Television, and Social Surplus by Clay Shirkyon


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Frequently Asked Questions - ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource
- What is a lesson?
- What are the sources for lessons?
- Why did the ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) develop the Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource?
- How often is the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource updated?
- How many entries does the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource include?
- How can I find out if new lessons have been added to the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource?
- Who can I contact about a lesson?
- How can I contribute a lesson?
- How can I learn more about the Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource?
What is a lesson?
A lesson learned is the knowledge gained through experience or study. It is a reflection on what was done right, what one would do differently, and how one could be more effective in the future.
An ITS stakeholder experience of what worked and what did not work in the procurement of traffic management systems software is a valid candidate for the Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource.
Each lesson captured in the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource is described in a concise format. A lesson description is included items such as a lesson title in the form of a recommendation, a summary of major outcomes, context description, and identifying information such as date, location, source, and contact.
What are the sources for lessons?
Lessons are collected primarily from ITS case studies, best practice compendiums, planning and design reviews, and evaluation studies.
The ITS Electronic Document Library, Transportation Research Board's Transportation Research Information Services (TRIS), international transportation literature database (e.g., Transport), and conference proceedings are major sources for the documents that are reviewed for collection of lessons. Interviews of subject matter experts are also used as sources of new lessons.
Why did the ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) develop the Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource?
The ITS JPO's major objectives for the Lesson Learned Knowledge Resource are:
- Capture experiences of stakeholders in their planning, deployment, operations, maintenance, and evaluation of ITS;
- Provide all ITS stakeholders with convenient access to the lessons learned knowledge so that they can make informed decisions in their future ITS actions.
In gathering ITS lessons learned, researchers have observed many lessons that appear over and over again in multiple reference sources. To some, these lessons will appear obvious. Nevertheless, these lessons need to be told to a new generation of ITS professionals. As Peter F. Drucker once observed, "...(t)he obvious is precisely what needs to be pointed out – otherwise, it will be overlooked."[1]
How often is the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource updated?
The ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource is updated continuously as new source material becomes available. When new written reports become available, analysts review these documents to determine if there are any lessons learned suitable for dissemination to wider audience. If so, team members summarize such information in one or more succinct lesson narratives and post them on this Web site.
How many entries does the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource include?
As of March 1, 2015, there were 593 unique lessons learned articles posted on this Web site.
How can I find out if new lessons have been added to the ITS Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource?
The What's New link (from the Home page) lists the 10 most recent additions to the site. In addition, you can sign up to receive notifications of new lessons learned entries through our ITS Information Subscription Service, which provides updates for a wide variety of topic areas, available in Really Simple Syndication (RSS) or e-mail formats. To sign up, visit the Lessons Learned Web site Home page and click on one of the RSS or e-mail subscription links at the bottom of the page.
Who can I contact about a lesson?
Each lesson has points-of-contact. These points-of-contact include a lesson analyst and, when available, the author(s) of the lesson's source document, and a representative of a local agency where the project was implemented.
How can I contribute a lesson?
Your contributions are welcome. In order to contribute a lesson, please use the "Contribute Lessons" link in the navigation area on the left. After clicking on this link, please fill out the very brief form and attach any supporting documents.
Your contribution will be reviewed and a lesson analyst will contact you to clarify any aspects of your lessons and/or to let you know when it will be published on the Web site.
How can I learn more about the Lessons Learned Knowledge Resource?
"How to" pop-up windows are included throughout this site and the "ITS Help Line" information is provided at the top right-hand corner of the Home page. Training sessions on how to use this resource as well as other ITS JPO-supported resources are presented in various venues and formats. An archived presentation of one such training session from the T3 (Talking Technology and Transportation) series, sponsored by the ITS Joint Program Office, is available on line - ITS Decision-makers' Resources.
For more information, see the About This Site or Contact Us pages, also linked from the Home page.
[1] Sussman, Joseph. Introduction to Transportation Systems. Norwood, MA: Artech House Publishers, 2000.


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Checkmyschool Cross Country
Checkmyschool cross country is an initiative to develop a platform that will allow countries to replicate checkmyschool while encabling them to customize its lessons for local application. The platform will be developed with the Network Fellows of Cambodia and Mongolia.
Related Documents
MOA between the ANSA-EAP and the Khmer Institute for National Development establishing CMS in Cambodia (2014-2015)
MOA between the ANSA-EAP and the Democracy Education Center establishing CMS in Mongolia (2014-2015)
Related News
Checkmyschool report spurs workshop, reform proposals in Cambodia
Social Accountability in School Planning: Broadening the Participation of School Stakeholders
Check this school: An education success story in Cambodia
Cambodia Adopts Checkmyschool
Mongolia's education sector supports CMS


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Meadow Champions transform Northville estate in Cwmbran with thousands of wild flowers
Back in June we visited Grow Wild community project Meadow Champions as they brought together the community of Northville and children from Maendy Primary School, for their first sowing even. Thousands of wild flower seeds were sown into gigantic beds, with the hope they would bloom, bringing colour and wildlife to this urban environment.
And just look at it now!
The wild flowers are being enjoyed by all who live in the area.
Northville is one of 28 sites run by Bron Afon housing association across the local authority of Torfaen being transformed using wild flowers.
Read the original blog post HERE
Check out the full photo album on our Facebook page HERE
You can also find a project close to you by checking out our Project Map.


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We've all seen the uncomfortable advertisements about personal hygiene products. But just because they can be uncomfortable to talk about doesn't mean that there isn't a real need for them in the marketplace. And nonwovens fabrics are able to be perfectly manipulated to be the exact right solution for many hygiene products.
The global hygiene market, according to a report by Smithers Apex, is expected to grow to $78.9 billion by 2018. Many hygiene products included in the report are considered not luxury items but personal necessities. For example, the disposable diapers and training pants market represents over 50% of that number in dollars. However, in units sold, diapers account for about 30% of the market. For most people, disposable diapers are the only way to go, saving time for many thousands of parents worldwide. Will they be going away? Not likely. The best avenue for nonwoven manufacturers in the disposable diaper arena is to make the next best thing. Lighter. More absorbent. Easier-to-use. More eco-friendly. The diaper and training pants market is here to stay. Now, we need to focus on product improvement.
Feminine hygiene products are the next biggest piece of the pie, accounting for just over 30% of the global sales and over 60% of global volume. Once again, this market is here to stay. Females are now accustomed to the convenience and ease-of-use of modern feminine products. And, once again, it's up to the manufacturers to improve the product. Women want greater absorbency. Smaller packaging. Higher performance overall. The market will be improved by innovation in this area.
Adult incontinence products are the most expensive retail product and they probably have the most room for improvement. As the enormous baby boomer population continues to age, this market is certain to grow tremendously. Baby boomers have always been trendsetters and they certainly don't want the old-fashioned incontinence products but, rather, sleek designs that have the look and feel of traditional underwear. Tomorrow's incontinence products won't look like incontinence products. Guaranteed.
So what can we do to improve the hygiene nonwoven applications? How can we make each product better, stronger, lighter, more absorbent? That should be the focus for the coming years. Converters, product engineers and nonwoven manufacturers need to work together to innovate and, quite possibly, even create something entirely different to suit the hygiene market needs.


text: How to know if the baby has had enough milk? When breast milk production slows down? What does low milk supply mean? What causes it? How common is it? How to produce more breast milk? Find all the answers and more in our revealing article [Click Here To Read This Post…]


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- In the Blasted Lands, go south to the Dark Portal and take it to Hellfire Peninsula; if lv. 58, the quests available will lead you to the Thrallmar encampment. You will not be able to pass through the dark portal into Outland unless you are level 58 or above.
- NOTE: There is now a portal to the Blasted Lands by the Mage Trainer in Orgrimmar
- From Falcon Watch in Hellfire Peninsula, follow the path west past the Cenarion Post and Thornfang Hill to reach Zangarmarsh. Continue following the path to reach Cenarion Refuge.
- From the Cenarion Refuge in Zangarmarsh, follow the path south, past Umbrafen Village into Terokkar Forest. Follow the path south until it splits; take the eastern one to get to Cenarion Thicket, or continue south to reach Shattrath City.
- From Zabra'jin in Zangarmarsh, follow the path curving from west to south, down to Nagrand. Stay on the path SE/E until you reach the Horde encampment of Garadar.
- (Recommended) From the Shattrath City in Terokkar, follow the path south into the Bone Wastes. Take the path that exists west from this dead land, and follow it northwest into Nagrand.
- From the Cenarion Refuge in Zangarmarsh, using the path, go north, northwest/west, then north past Telredor. You will eventually reach Blades' Run in Blade's Edge. Continue north into Thunderlord Stronghold.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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For more than 15 years, the Caseking Group is equipping gamers and
hardware enthusiast with all the necessary tools for their needs. Today
over 500 people are working with us to bring our love for the products
and the enjoyment of using it to the masses. Being a vital part of the
growing eSports and hardware segment with exclusive partnerships and
direct connections to brands has made us a one of a kind place to
explore the latest technology and experience first hand what it feels to
be part of a global movement. With our international footprint all over
Europe (e.g. Portugal, UK, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Finland) we are
international at heart.
While our roots have been in product and the knowledge around it, we strongly believe in fueling our future growth in combination with a data-driven mindset while keeping an eye on the next acquisition.
If you are looking to become part in one of the most fascinating
areas in e-commerce while being attached to one of the most rapidly
growing markets you came to the right place.
Please provide relevant work examples in your application!
You will become part of the eCommerce department, which is leading our movement to connect and integrate our existing companies. Creating cross-company, cross-country solutions is as much part of our goal as introducing the latest trends in marketing and IT.
We also offer you free drinks, a well-equipped workplace, multiple small and big events throughout the year, a highly motivated team and a flat hierarchy, giving you room for personal growth and high impact, the possibility to work in our international companies and travel.
So if you are looking for your next step and want to play an active role in our journey to become the partner for gamers and hardware lovers around the world, you have come to the right place!


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Nowadays, weight gain is a very common issue among most of the people because of the sedentary lifestyle and wrong food habit. Being obese and overweight is a serious health concern since this can cause diabetes, cardiac diseases, high blood pressure, cholesterol etc. Thus, people are looking for all the effective and easy ways to lead a healthy lifestyle.
So, it is very obvious that once you decide to shed those pounds, the first thing you do is pick some popular diet and you end up counting calories of everything you eat. You think of giving it a try believing that since it worked for others, it will also work for you. But within three days or may be three weeks you are done with it.
Well, you are not the only person who has gone through this. It happens with everyone who tries various dieting plans to stay slim. In fact, according to a survey, 2 out of 7 people who are dieting, quits within the first week and 1 out of 5 gets over it within the first month.
The main important reason for this is hunger. And while you try to lose weight, that hunger is no more amusing. It becomes frustrating. It becomes difficult your hunger pangs.
But there is a solution to all your weight issue concerns. You can use appetite suppressants and other healthy food supplements with high fiber and moderate fat to lose weight. These appetite suppressants try to decrease the appetite. These can be both natural and synthetic which aims to offer a safe solution for losing that extra weight. Basically, it turns off the brain's appetite portion so that even if you have a light meal, you will still get the feeling of a full stomach. Also, you will not urge to eat more frequently.
If you find it very difficult to control your cravings for food then such supplements can actually benefit you.
Advantages of Appetite Supplements
If you start taking fewer calories than what you used to take earlier, you can lose weight. This concept is universally true, irrespective of whatever diet you try. So, this is very obvious for you to feel hungry if you suddenly decrease your food intake from the high-level intake which your body was accustomed to. You have to change your eating habits for a long term weight loss. So, appetite suppressants can help you to resist your hunger while you change your lifestyle for losing weight.You can see very quick results in your weight loss with the usage of these express health shop's appetite suppressants.
It can be very motivating when you see your old clothes fitting you again. Appetite suppressants are a healthier option as it can help you to lose almost 10 percent of your body weight that can prevent from cancer, heart attack, and stroke. We tend to eat or binge our food mindlessly out of boredom, emotional issues or stress. Appetite suppressants help you to address such wrong habits and direct you to inculcate healthier habits. But you must be careful while choosing an appetite suppressant since they can have side effects too.
Synthetic supplements can have a lot of side effects and can be very harmful to your body in comparison to natural supplements. It can cause nervousness, palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, and restlessness. Usually, synthetic appetite suppressants are made using chemicals which can affect your health in the long term. Do not get too dependent on these for losing weight else the moment you decide to not take these pills anymore, you will gain all the weight that you lost.
Hence, with taking these appetite suppressant pills make sure to follow a healthy diet as well as do regular exercises. You can use these appetite suppressant pills for some time till you get comfortable with your new eating diet. As a result, you will not be totally dependent on the pills but will be in a good shape even after you are done with the supplements.
With this, there will not be any excess fat accumulation in the body. Hence, do not use these pills for a long time otherwise it can cause many serious complications such as stomach cramps, liver damage, excessive gas etc.


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New Vessel Press is pleased to offer a subscription plan for our third publishing year: you get six books for 30% off the cover price. Well, seven books, actually, since we'll send you a book of your choice from Season 1 or 2 — just specify the title, and we'll include it when we send you your first subscription plan title.
We'll send you each book as it is published, so you'll be the first of your friends to receive the newest novels from New Vessel Press, and you don't have to go any further than your mailbox to get them. AND we'll throw in a stylish tote bag — we call it "literary chic" — so you'll have something to put all your beautiful books in.
Easy, smart — and really good reading. Makes a great gift, too. It's like saying "I'm thinking of you" six times instead of just once! Let us know and we'll include a note from you to the recipient.
The six books in the subscription plan for the upcoming year are:
The 6:41 to Paris
On the Run with Mary
The Last Weynfeldt
Animal Internet
The Last Supper
Plus, you take a pick of a free book from our backlist.
$80.00 covers EVERYTHING - including Shipping!
(Sorry, for now we're only offering this option in the USA. Please note: Occasional discount offers DO NOT apply to this already discounted offer.)


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DMVG Technology is a group of technology experts with a passion for providing high quality Information Technology services to the business community. We recognize the need for and deliver high quality, honest managed IT services for the small to medium sized businesses. At DMVG Tech, we understand small business and we work with our clients to provide services that fit within and add value to existing budgeting models.
We've banded together a collection of these experts to develop tool sets to let the small business community leverage our expertise without the cost of hiring us directly. Most organizations can expect to pay one to two thousand dollars a month for access to the work of these people. By banding a number of small businesses together, we've created a way for small businesses to have a real CIO. That's the focus of our On Call CIO program.
Collectively we have worked for organizations such as: Day and Zimmermann, Raytheon, IBM, Astra Zeneca, FMC, AFS, AFG, Sun Microsystems, APL, Herman Miller among others. The experience we have gained working for these organizations is reflected in our products. The services provide to these organizations included but were not limited to the following:
• Global Network Architecture
• ERP Selection and Implementation
• Project Leadership and Management
• Custom Application Development
• Workflow Development and Implementation
• Disaster Recovery Planning and Implementation
Our architecture and operating model leverages our expertise working with Fortune 1000 companies. As a small business you can take advantage of what they do, simply by using our services.
To DMVG Technology our customers are the key. They're people and businesses with real names and goals to meet. We take pride in the relationships we build with our customers. We strive to learn their businesses and challenges. From that knowledge, we can better serve our customers with products and services specifically tailored for each customer.


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Interdisciplinary Platforms Nanomaterials Growth
The growth of new nanomaterials, their combination into multilayered nanocomposites and other hybrid materials, and the functionalisation of their surfaces for various applications lie at the heart of advances in device development. Discoveries in this area have driven innovation in recent years, the most famous example being that of graphene, though other 2D materials, topological insulators and multifunctional oxides have also played their role.
In this platform we devise and refine methodologies for the growth and preparation of materials with novel properties, with key achievements so far including:
The ICN2 has built a novel metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) reactor for the deposition of MoS2 layers. Results so far have yielded ultrathin layers of the same quality as those reported in the literature. The next planned step is to scale up the deposition process to achieve 2-4"inch wafer deposition. Once transferred onto flexible substrates, these materials can be used in sensor and actuator devices for a new generation of cortical implants.


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I'm a sucker for a good sale. Shopbop is having a huge sale event going on until TOMORROW and you absolutely have to check it out. Designers. Discounts. Deals. You get the picture. The only deets you need to know about this sale extravaganza are:
Receive 20% off orders under $500 // Receive 25% off orders of $500 or more, with code EOTS17
That applies to full-price AND sale. The more you buy, the more you save, my friends. Since there's only a day and a half left (!!!!) I've rounded up some of my favorite picks from the sale event. And what better way to shop than in your PJs with a glass of wine? Now that's my kinda night. Uncork a bottle and get to shopping babes! xx


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Welcome to HotelGuide Network's alphabetical hotel directory for Kamloops area hotels with names that begin with the letter "W". Please select one of the links below to view HotelGuide's Profile PageSM about that hotel. To return to the HotelGuide home page, where you can search for hotels beginning with other letters, click on the "Kamloops Hotels" link at the top and bottom of the page.
Willow Inn Hotel235 Queensway · Kelowna
250-762-2122 · 40 Rooms
Icon Legend:
= Car Rentals = Restaurant = Pool
= Cable TV = Money Exchange = Golf
= Tennis = City Transportation = Disabled Access
= Pets Welcome = WiFi Available
|Location Links:
(See hotel lists, by location, in the Kamloops area.)Kamloops HotelsKelowna HotelsVernon Hotels
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To List Your Hotel with the Kamloops HotelGuide Service: Click Here.
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"What is the purpose of your visit?"
The U.S. customs official questioned each passenger upon their return to Port Angeles, WA. Eight family members had spent the day in Victoria, British Columbia, where we had shopped, eaten, and enjoyed the beauty of this Canadian seaport. After an hour-and-a-half ferry ride back across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we queued up to be cleared to reenter the U.S.
When it was her turn, my sister-in-law, in an unspoken plea for a hassle-free border crossing, made direct eye contact with the official. In answer to his question and as explanation for her "Do-not-mess-with-me" attitude, she offered just two words:
"Family. Reunion."
Enough. Said.
'Tis the season for family reunions. Thirty-five or so of us had gathered that week on the coast of Washington for a reunion with my mother's side of the family. Time with family can be sweet. And it can also be, shall we say…stretching?
I savored the "sweet" moments…introductions (meeting our newest and cutest four-month-old family member, as well as my uncle's wife for the first time) and reunions (reconnecting with cousins I haven't seen in years…or decades!).
I encountered those "stretching" moments…traveling in a herd is never easy. Deciding where to eat? Next to impossible. I think most families can relate!
One evening during the reunion, however, I looked around the circle of lawn chairs as we ate dinner outside. I took in the lines of familiar faces, heard the pleasant hum of conversation, and was struck by this thought:
For better or for worse, this is my family. I belong here.
Whether by blood or by marriage, everyone partaking in that meal was related. Our stories intersect. We share common ancestors. I could see my beloved late cousin Laura in the faces of her two beautiful daughters. I could hear my grandfather's low, baritone voice as I chatted with my uncle, his eldest son. How proud he would be to see the family which carries his name coming together.
A couple of days later, my daughter Laurel and I headed to Colorado Springs for the "Desperation" youth conference, an annual gathering of over 5,000 teens from all over the country. This was my third time attending; Laurel's second. So it felt like a reunion of sorts.
As if to validate that feeling, one of the speakers greeted us like this:
"What's up Desperation family? This is our yearly get-together!"
Yes, there were some "sweet" moments…soaking in the sight of my daughters (and my new son-in-law!) worshiping God together…catching up over meals with some of my favorite friends…witnessing the next generation rising up to take their place in God's grand plan of redemption.
And there were also some "stretching" moments…bickering among the students…differences in doctrine and practice…tension from past unresolved hurts.
Just like a family.
We don't always get along. We may not see eye to eye on every issue. Sometimes we don't even like each other.
But we're related, descendants of a common Ancestor.
We bear His name.
His blood flows through our veins.
If we look past our differences, we can see the family resemblance.
If we listen carefully, we can hear the familiar inflection of His voice.
We will be stretched.
It comes with the family territory.
But oh, the sweetness when we put our differences aside and come together to worship and fellowship in Him!
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1, NIV)
It's a taste of that ultimate Family Reunion to come.
But until then, Church, a reminder…
For better or for worse, we are a family. We each belong here.
Let's make our Father proud by the way we love and accept each other.


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Professional Community for Car Dealers, Marketing, Advertising and Sales Leaders
With the growing importance of Youtube and video not to mention SEO I wanted to share with you all how easy it is to make a video walk around. I know this sounds difficult but it really isn't. Once you have the equipment and the software set up making your video walk arounds will go fast and easy. You will need to start out with a few basics.
1) a quite place to shoot video, preferably in a studio or a back lot.
2) a "quiet" backdrop. meaning a blank wall or area without a lot of distraction
3) an HD video camera with mic input. These can be purchased at an electronics store for about $300.00. I use a Cannon. Look for these features, HD, Mic input ( I can't stress this enough ), Fast zoom, Image stabilization.
4) a wireless lapel or "lavalier" microphone ( I went all out on this as the cheap ones break and get interference)
5) A Mac computer with iLife software. This part may be an expense but nobody does video better than Apple computers. I use a MacBook Pro laptop. The iLife software is $15.00 from the mac app store. You can find used ones on the apple store under refurbished or on e-bay. Using a Mac is simple and easy to use. The learning curve is very low and you will be up and running in no time.
6) Talent. Find someone in your dealership that is personable and is easy going. Have them watch video walk arounds on Youtube and watch newscaster. incentivize them for each video they make. Or do what I did, Use your call center reps to make the video.
Once you have the basics you can start shooting and editing to have your walk arounds come out looking like the pro's did it.
Take a look at a few of the video's I have shot over the past few weeks.
And this one.
I also made a salesperson "trailers" for our salespeople in our MINI Dealership.
I shot this salesperson video with my iPhone and had it edited and uploaded un about 45 minutes.
If you all feel that these are something you want to attempt, but don't know how to edit, shoot etc... I would be willing (if I get enough requests) to create some "how to videos" and show you how it is done.
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Stepbrother First Times: Baby Kisses
Maddie hates asking for help, but she lets her older stepbrother, Greg, come to her rescue. He agrees to accompany her to a friend's baby shower in a strange city, because her guide dog, Ruben, is "in the shop," as Greg puts it.
She adores her bright, funny, handsome stepbrother's company, and even if her friend, Lisa, didn't tell her constantly what gorgeous, ripped hottie he turned out to be, she remembers what he looks like—because his was the last sweet face she saw before a high school case of meningitis left her blind.
When Maddie comes back from the baby shower feeling sorry for herself—still a virgin at twenty-two, afraid no man will ever come calling, and her just ripe for the plucking—Greg tells her he has a surprise. He's booked a massage for her with a fellow masseur to cheer her up.
As Maddie's mind and body begin to relax, she confesses things to the foreign, non-English speaking man with the magic hands that she's never told anyone. Taboo things about her stepbrother, how she lusts after him, how much she wants him to take her, and make her his own.
And that's when she finds out that the stranger who's making her feel so good, might not be so strange after all…


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This Rangoli headpiece is a new design and combines a classic pearl hairband with a striking brooch style piece to one side. In my coming posts, I will be describing hair accessory trends for 2010 and introducing some more Rangoli designs from my latest collection.
Obviously it is the dress trends that inspire the accessory fashions so it's exciting for me to keep up to date with what the leading bridal designers are showcasing on the catwalks. I have been invited by Confetti magazine to share these tips in their email newsletter over the coming four weeks. All shall be revealed here too though in case you are not subscribed to the newsletter!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
New Rangoli hairband
Sunday, November 1, 2009
LABELS bespoke, Confetti Magazine, Hair Accessory, Inspiration, Rangoli, Rangoli Bride, Vintage
3 comments:
- Unknown said...
Gorgeous! I am coming to Dublin in 2 weeks! Love your designs!! - Lollipop Events & Designs www.ilovelolliblog.com
- November 2, 2009 at 11:44 PM
- Unknown said...
- November 4, 2009 at 1:52 PM
- Rangoli said...
Thanks for your lovely comments Vanessa! Your website looks great. Are you attending a bridal event in Dublin?
- November 12, 2009 at 1:14 PM
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1. Durka-durka-die aka "butterfly" we can only assume she's fluent in Team America Arabic
2. Gaga aka "banana" and it's rubbing off on Steve and I...
3. Ralph aka "toast" though this one might be correcting itself... :(
4. Duddle aka "cuddle" Cutest. Thing. Ever. Also "lubbly duddle" :D
5. Goilet aka "toliet" particularly topical at the moment as we're potty training
6. Tubbytup/buppycup/buttymup/tummypup (every attempt is a new version) aka "buttercup"
You won't find a "top tips for speech development" post here... (insert that monkey hiding it's eyes emoji that I seem to be using on everything recently)
Some snaps from our weekend! A rather random selection because the more "official" photography side has been busy this week, check the new watermark... Thoughts?


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Friday 25 January
|Formicoxenus (1)
This tiny ant lives inside the nests of wood ants of the genus Formica, hence the name 'guest' ant (2). Workers, queens and males are generally similar in appearance, with a smooth, shiny, reddish-yellow body. Queens are slightly darker in colour, and unusually amongst ants, the males do not posses wings (2).
Very few details of the ecology and biology of this species have been elucidated, and what it feeds on is still a mystery (3). Colonies of this species are small, numbering around a hundred workers (2), and are situated in pieces of wood or in fronds of bracken within the nest of the host (3). More than one colony can occur in a single host nest (3). The workers are not often seen, but occasionally they emerge and run around on the surface of the host nest (3). Males, which are present from July to September (3), are wingless, and mating occurs on the surface of the nest rather than during a mating flight, as in many species of ant (2). Mated queens may fly to other host nests, or may return to their own nest in order to establish a new colony (2). Host workers tend to completely ignore their 'guests', with shining guest ants moving freely inside the colony (2). However, host workers may occasionally grab F. nitidulus workers, releasing them undamaged, and very rarely they may actually attack them (2). If the hosts move to another nest, the guest ant colony follows closely behind, with queens, larvae and pupae being carried by the workers (2).
In Great Britain, this ant has been recorded where wood ant nests occur, with the exception of north and west Wales (3). The distribution extends from Devon in the south to the Scottish Highlands in the north. The shining guest ant has probably been under-recorded in many places as it is easily overlooked (3). Elsewhere, this ant has a wide distribution, extending across the Palaearctic region, where wood ants are established, but it is less common in warm Mediterranean areas (3).
This ant does not seem to favour any particular species of wood ant as a host, but it has been recorded living in the nests of the southern wood ant (Formica rufa), the hairy wood ant (Formica lugubris), and the Scottish wood ant (Formica aquilonia) in Britain (3). These species generally occur in open woodlands and scrubby areas (4).
Classified as Local in Great Britain, and as globally Vulnerable (VU-A2c) by the IUCN Red List (3).
It is not known if this species is actually undergoing a decline, but as its fate is so closely associated with that of its hosts, it suffers as a result of threats facing the host species (3). These threats include the loss of suitable habitat caused by agricultural activity and development, as well as unsuitable management of woodlands (3).
The shining guest ant is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) priority species, and a Species Action Plan has been produced to guide its conservation (3). This plan aims to maintain the present range of the species. A number of sites where this ant occurs are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) or are managed sympathetically by Wildlife Trusts, the Forestry Commission, the RSPB or by private owners (3). The conservation of this species is closely tied with that of its hosts; the southern wood ant (Formica rufa) and The Scottish wood ant (Formica aquilonia) are also UK Biodiversity Action Plan species and are classified by the IUCN (the World Conservation Union) Red List as globally Near Threatened (4), (5).
Information supplied and authenticated by Bryan Pinchen (independent ecologist).
Image credit
© Neil Robinson
Neil Robinson
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Friday 25 January
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I get so excited because my senses has come alive in a completely new way. I have never felt them so intensely, beautifully, deeply, intriguingly. It started when I became addicted to silence. It allowed me to immerse myself into every sound, sight, taste, smell and touch. Hearing the birds at dawn, the first duck quack of the day on the water where I live, experiencing the electricity in the prana in the fresh morning air, becoming so sensitive to the exquisite change of light from night to day, the streaks of colour lighting up the morning sky.
They also made me reflect how dark and light play with each other. The light from the sun sends its streaks across the houses, mountains and water absorbing the dark: they play with each other. They play the illusion of reality and when night comes, the light gives way to the dark and the game has changed! O what a sensual journey! These are days of deep joy, delight and anticipation. They make me want to dance and sing.
Let me not get too carried away for there are important things to explore here! You, beloved reader, are awakening, are you not? What happens when you awaken? You start to feel again. Feeling is sensory awareness. Increased consciousness and sensitivity to everything is not only experienced in your present environment but also in the dimensions within and around you.
On our healing journeys to reclaim our selves, I have seen individuals, especially women, making every effort to bring their senses alive again. If we were damaged as children, either experiencing rejection, abuse, abandonment, unworthiness, humiliation, or any other negative state, we lose our natural connection with our senses because we lose the true sense of 'I-ness' The fact that we have to reclaim them is part of our healing. So here we are, some years down the line, having stepped into the new energy and undoubtedly feeling more whole, integrated, powerful – and may I say it? – divine! And our senses are becoming alive and well again.
Have you noticed what makes you more tired than anything? It's thinking! It fact, you can get so tired you might even ask 'What's wrong with me?' Whereas physical activity, done in a balanced way, actually draws more energy to us and moves old stuck energy out of our body, revitalising us, the mind restricts the natural flow of energy. It ruins our sensual day and makes our body sluggish. Experiencing our senses truly affects our energy levels. We become so immersed in the present, in the 'I-ness' of ourselves, we go through life madly in love with ourselves and the earth. Remember, we can do things on this plane which we cannot do anywhere else. There is no place like earth for biting into a juicy apple, savouring a cup of coffee, feasting on colours, stroking a cheek, giving someone a hug!
Breathing into the senses can make them more alive. It opens and expands their range and they literally tune you into non-physical realms, Let me give you some examples. Have you ever smelt the scent of an angelic presence? I was with a loved friend and the atmosphere became very still and beautiful. It felt as though we were held in sacredness. Then we both smelt the scent of freesias. It was the presence of an angel. The other night I struggled to sleep but experienced someone placing a bunch of Lilies of the Valley, a favourite flower, beside me on the pillow. When I asked who had done this the reply came 'I am your father'. It was an intense experience which made me weep and was very comforting. . Perhaps you have heard celestial music or flowing water, someone speaking to you, seeing radiant colours. Let me re-iterate: as we activate our senses in the physical realms so they lead us into experiences in the subtle realms.
There is a further point to this. Years ago, when I taught people how to hone their visualisation skills, I discovered that whichever sense was the strongest in an individual, (in most of us it is the ability to see and hear), that would be the most active sense on the inner planes. Occasionally, a person would have an exceptionally sensitive sense of smell. When they were imaging in an altered state of consciousness they smelt everything rather than seeing or hearing.
Through breathing and engaging our physical sense we can use them in a far broader and expansive manner.
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Try these exercises:
Stimulating your senses through the breath. Breathe very consciously making a choice to breath into every sense as you look at something (anything), then hear sounds around you (or choose a specific sound like a wind chime, music or voices), taste something slowly and mindfully (a herb leaf is excellent), smell something like a piece of fruit, a spice, or simply the air around you and finally, use your sense of touch by stroking your skin, your clothing or the arm of your chair. All the time you are breathing in the experience.
Using your senses interchangeably Take a bright piece of cloth, any colour but it is easiest if it is one colour, not patterned. Absorb yourself in the colour. Using your imagination, experience very slowly the sound it makes, its smell (not the smell of the cloth but the smell of the colour), how the colour would feel with your tactile sense and finally how the colour would taste.[/no_call_to_action][/vc_column][/vc_row]
When we use our senses in this way – tasting music, seeing smells, hearing colours, – it is not some fanciful exercise but a way in which you can develop them most usefully. For instance, your sense of hearing could be used to detect energies in colours or a person's state of health. I am sure you know of the exercise in which you tune into a troubling physical condition. You first imagine what shape it is, how it feels to touch (spongy, slimy, hard and so on), how it smells, what colour it is, what sound it makes (such as sobbing, whining, keening, screaming) and finally, translating the sound into words. The insight you gain into the emotional/mental cause of the condition if generally very helpful.
Finally, our senses are going to be very important in the future because the sensitivity and awareness we are able to invest in them gives us feedback on our environment, situations, people, our experience. This is felt, not through the head, but in the body, like biological antennae through which we receive information about the world around us.
For example, you would use your senses like a sensor to assess the energy of a person. I am not referring to a character analysis – that is something different – but their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual being. You can do this even from a photo, which has been done with uncanny accuracy by some healers. I remember years ago asking a wise, enlightened man about a book. He simply held it between his hands and gave an accurate account of its content and value. You could have fun extending your sensors to feel the energy in a mountain nearby, a crystal, a cave, even a planet.
Have a wonderful sensual day!


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Seattle Symphony: Community Connections Project
The Native Lands Community Composition project, part of Seattle Symphony's Community Connections program, started with the desire to build cultural understanding and respect through music between the Seattle Symphony and tribal nations in the Puget Sound region. Seattle Symphony musicians, Native artists, and Seattle-based composer Janice Giteck collaborated to create the Potlatch Symphony.
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Currency Security Technologies
Some definitions for technologies, processes, and other terms involved in the security printing industry. See here for the individual trademarked names that have been given to different proprietary versions of these technologies. The substrate is the material that is being printed on, typically paper. Overt security devices are meant to be easily seen by the naked eye; … Continue reading
Trademarked Currency Security Technologies
A long if not necessarily complete list. Crane: MOTION – "the new standard in optical security features," "first micro-optic based material ever used in banknotes. MOTION images appear to move in a fascinating and counter-intuitive way, as if floating on a liquid surface. This striking effect is caused by a micro-lens array interacting with a … Continue reading
Giesecke & Devrient
Giesecke & Devrient is a privately held, family-owned currency printer and producer of security technologies. Their different divisions handle banknote and securities printing, smart cards, cash handling systems, identification systems, and e-payment systems. They are the world's second largest supplier of banknotes (number one is De La Rue), but the real focus of the company … Continue reading
Privately Held Companies
In our research on currency and securities printers, we've come across many privately held companies. As a brief review: Crane & Co. – privately held, still family-owned (non-family CEO) ABnote – privately held De La Rue – publicly traded, listed on the London Stock Market (DLAR) Giesecke & Devrient – privately held, still family-owned (non-family … Continue reading


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Taking a bit of a break from the graduate thesis writing to bring you my second posting about Acadia National Park, from our trip earlier in the summer. Last time, I told you about the joys of biking up a really steep trail to Witch's Hole. So this time, I'm taking you down to the southern end of Acadia, to Jordan Pond.
Jordan Pond is a glacial lake formed during the Ice Age, so say the geologists. It is framed in on three sides by mountains: the Bubbles to the north, Penobscot to the west and Pemetic to the east. And on the southern edge you'll find the Jordan Pond House.


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Your guests are going the distance to your destination wedding; what better way to show your appreciation — and show off your locale — than with fun welcome bags awaiting them at check-in? We turned to the country's top planners for step-by-step help creating useful, thoughtful bags — and got some great ideas for cool items to include too.
Step 1: Figure out how many welcome bags you'll need.
"The number of bags varies depending on who's staying in the room. For example, if a couple is staying in the room, we give one bag with two beverages and enough snacks for two people. If two roommates are staying together, we give one bag per guest. If a family is staying in a room, we usually do one bag for mom and dad, and another for the children. Bags can be different — one that appeals to guys, one that appeals to girls and one that appeals to kids. Just make sure all of the guests get something; after all, they paid to get to the wedding!" — Susan Southerland of Just Marry!, in Orlando, Florida
"One per couple is perfect. If children are coming, a special welcome bag with gifts reflecting their ages and interests makes them feel immediately included. We're seeing a trend where the members of the bridal party each receive a very tailored welcome bag complete with a special gift, such as the wedding tie or cuff links for the groomsmen and a piece of jewelry, personalized makeup bag or pashmina for the bridesmaids. At the very least, include a schedule and a small gift for everyone coming to your destination wedding." — Nikki Begg of Bermuda Bride
Step 2: Set a budget to determine whether the bags will be elaborate, simple or somewhere in between.
"To spend a little less, contact your destination's department of tourism for free items that offer insight into the destination — think maps and coupons to local attractions. A most appreciated gift is a stainless-steel water bottle for each guest — the perfect way to carry water and be eco-friendly." — Begg
"Our standard concept for welcome bags is to have something salty, something sweet and something refreshing. So water with a bag of salted almonds and an apple is a perfect mix. If you want to add a little splurge item, go with something local like a bottle of wine from an area vineyard." — Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events, in San Francisco
Step 3: Pick the perfect container.
"Containers that collapse easily are a must, especially if your guests are hopping on a plane back home." — Kristy Rice of Momental Designs
"If you're on a budget, you can use a kraft bag and perhaps have a sticker made for the front of it with your names or logo. If you're able to splurge, buy nice jute bags or have bags screen-printed with a great design. When we do weddings in Mexico, we buy local bags at the market for about $5 each. In wine country, we've had cotton bags screen-printed with a map of the wineries in the area." — Hotchkiss
Step 4: Use common sense when deciding what items to include.
"Choose snacks without peanuts to avoid common food allergies. And avoid items that are personalized with your names — guests are more likely to keep an item they feel is theirs." — Rice
"Whenever adding perishable items, consider if they'll get damaged during transport, start to give off an odor if it gets hot outside or spoil if not refrigerated. Also think about taste: White wine, beer and soda are better when cold." — Hotchkiss
"If you're going to a hot and humid location, avoid things that melt, such as chocolate. And unless you're going to wash all the fruit you use, stick to things that peel easily." — Southerland
Step 5: Cover the basics.
"I recommend including water; a survival kit with aspirin, bandages and aloe; some nibbles, such as crackers or cookies; and literature about the destination featuring a map, what to do, nearby restaurants and shopping." — Begg
"Give water, guidebooks, hand sanitizer and easy snacks, as well as things that are useful for your location, such as sunscreen and lip balm with SPF for a warm-weather locale." — Southerland
Step 6: Add fun or unique items if there's room in your budget.
"I like to put together bags that highlight elements for which the location is known. I'm a wedding planner in Mexico, which is famous for its tequila and beer, plus handmade artifacts such as jewelry and cloth, so I always try to include some of these items." — Barbara Fancsik of Weddings Vallarta by Barbara, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
"For Caribbean weddings, we recommend beach bags filled with plush towels, a reggae CD and boarding passes for a group catamaran cruise." — Jo-Anne Paxton of Wedding Belles Jamaica
"Items that help your guests explore their creative side, such as a small sketchbook and a set of colored pencils, are fun and memorable — and will last a bit longer than a snack or beverage." — Rice
Step 7: Write a welcome letter.
"Welcome letters should be short and sweet. Handwritten is always more personal and will make your guests feel even more special, but if you're having a large wedding, printing them is easier. You should definitely include your itinerary, as well as information your guests might find useful, like fliers on local tours and attractions." — Paxton
"The welcome letter should be a short little note to welcome your guests to the destination. It's helpful if you can include the wedding-week itinerary, to keep guests up to date of the wedding festivities, as well as the contact information of those who know the details of the wedding events, such as the wedding planner or the bridal party." — Evonne Wong of Events by Evonne, in San Francisco
Step 8: Get your bags to the locale.
"If you want to bring everything with you in suitcases but have a lot of items, you may need to enlist a few family members or friends to help you out. If you don't want to bother people or you want to keep the bags a secret, then shipping them is good option. A few things to be aware of when shipping items to another country are duty and taxes (which can apply when you carry things down as well) and shipping time. Ship your items six to eight weeks in advance; that way there's plenty of time for delays, and if something does go missing, you have time to re-buy or put plan B into action." — Fancsik
"If you're arriving at your wedding destination a few days prior to the wedding, it's easier to buy all the items and put them together at your destination than to assemble them at home and ship them out." — Wong
Step 9: Assemble everything.
"If you haven't hired your wedding planner to do this for you, then mothers, sisters and bridesmaids are definitely your go-tos! Make the task fun with snacks, cocktails, music and girl time to show them how much you appreciate their help — because, remember, by helping out, they're sacrificing time that could be spent exploring the destination, hitting the beach or having some romantic time with their significant other." — Fancsik
"Brides usually don't realize what it entails to assemble welcome bags. We recommend finding someone local who offers the service, like we do. No bride wants to be stressed about her welcome bags if she doesn't have to be." — Paxton
Step 10: Deliver the bags to guests.
"The best way to keep track of where your guests are staying is to have them include their hotel info and check-in date on the RSVP card. You'll have to bring the bags to each hotel where the guests are staying and ask the front desk to present the bags when the guests check in. There may be a fee, so check with each hotel." — Wong
"If you've set up a room block, ask the hotel how they do their deliveries, or ask your wedding planner to help you check. If your guests are staying at different hotels or condos throughout your destination, then delivery is going to be a challenge and may even involve renting a car. If the whole task of driving or taking taxis all over town to deliver the welcome bags is overwhelming, you could consider handing the bags out at a welcome party or the rehearsal dinner. Either way, remember to put a name tag on each bag." — Fancsik
Editors' Note: What Not to Do
Avoid heavy, breakable or expensive items. Bulky, fragile gifts don't work because guests will have to carry them home. With pricier presents, such as jewelry for your 'maids, do the handoff in person so you can be sure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
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