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Last Modified: 30 April 2016
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Collected personal information: Personal information is gathered from cookies. Also, when you contact us or request a quotation you are requested to provide your name, organisation, email, postal address, post code, etc. The more information you provide and the more accurate it is, the better we can match our services to your needs. Additional information, such as your IP address, operating system, geographic location or browser information may be collected whenever you interact with us.
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The World`s Social Media
Information Resource
September 5, 2019
July 28, 2020
The World`s Social Media
Information Resource
We use the latest social media tools and trends to help you gain a following online.
Our team believes in the potential of social media, and the power of comprehensive research.
We want to help you increase your online presence, build your brand, and connect to people all over the world!
Welcome to HowSociable
We are your trusted resource for dependable reviews and social media tutorials. Let us show you the most successful tools to reach your target audience. Learn which software and apps will bring the greatest reward, and find out how to engage with your followers to keep them coming back.
HowSociable keeps you up to date with guides, how-to's, and useful tips to keep your social media profiles on top. We're always gathering new information to share with you! Find training courses, certifications, and conferences that will increase your influence online. We'll share our insider tips on improving the content, building a following and creating a consistent brand. Make us your go-to resource to boost your social media presence in 2020! Throughout the year we'll bring you social media trends, facts, and updates from around the globe, and across the web.
- As seen in
Reviews, Guides & Top Charts
We Are Here to Help You Boost
Your Social Credibility
Why is Social Media So Important?
This is the primary way brands, and consumers communicate. Images, videos, and messages spread news faster than ever before. Social networks reach people from all around the world, making it the best way to engage with others. An appealing profile attracts consumers, and concise content builds a following. Let us help!
What Are the Benefits of Using Social Media?
This is a necessary tool in today's market. Social media keeps the world connected 24/7, giving you the opportunity to interact with consumers anytime, anywhere. Create events on Facebook, tweet out updates, or post stunning graphics on Instagram. The possibilities are endless! Our knowledgeable team can show you how.
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Interaction is crucial to boosting engagement. A great place to start is to buy followers, likes and views. This will give your account more credibility, attracting more consumers and brands. Over time, you'll use tools like collaboration and customer interaction to develop a core following that engages on a daily basis.
Can You Really Buy Followers or Likes?
Yes! In fact, it's the simplest way to start. Buying followers and likes create a solid foundation for your platform and strengthen a profile that's losing steam. We help by providing trusted resources that give your content the attention it deserves! You'll quickly see why influencers and businesses use this service for their social media.
How Does Buying Followers Work?
It's easy! We have a list of companies that provide this service. Each one is a little different to meet the needs of our diverse client base. All you have to do is contact your preferred company, give them your username, and they'll get to work on bringing real followers to your account.
Why Should You Trust Our Reviews?
This isn't just our job...We're social media marketers and influences in our free time! We've already done the hard work of testing out ideas, services, and products, so you don't have to. Now we have a toolkit of resources and approaches that we want to share with you. This site is us welcoming you to our world!
Meet Our Team
We're a team of social media professionals, and we know what works. Our goal is to help you reach your goals, whether you're an influencer, a business, or just starting. Our site is full of tips, tricks and updates to keep you informed.
Learn about the newest social media software, apps, and resources to build your brand from the bottom up. We've got you covered with recommendations, guides, and reliable research.
We get excited about social media, and we want you to be, too! That's why we've teamed up & gathered our expertise into this site.
- Adam Smith
- James Clark
- Matt Robinson
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- Ashley Owen
Latest Reviews
BombBomb Review: Software That Adds a Punch to Traditional Marketing Emails
BombBomb is a time-saving, engagement-boosting software with a focus on email marketing. In 2020, it's becoming harder to connect with consumers via email.
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ConvertKit is an email marketing software that aims to grow businesses through online sales and outreach management. This service is for any creator, be it a business entrepreneur, a blogger, an artist, a teacher, or anything in between.
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The start of 2020 brings in a fresh perspective on e-commerce and digital marketing. Today, businesses need trustworthy solutions that are both simple and powerful.
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How to Get Dark Mode on Facebook in 2020: Why This Feature Matters
A user may have some experience with different web applications. But, which are the steps of how to get dark on Facebook in 2020? It is not the best new or earth-shattering change.
Strikethrough Text in Google Docs: Boosting Writing Skills in 2020
There are specific things that individuals need to perform through their workday. In some instances, they would like to create lists, check-off completed tasks, or highlight errors in a file they share.
Learn These Snapchat Emojis Meanings and Rock the App
There are many channels of communication today. Social media, of course, is one of the most popular. Most platforms, like Twitter or Facebook, have struggled to give as many resources as possible to their registered accounts.

subset: commoncrawl


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Have you heard about Tischen? I guess not. It was only yesterday that I stumbled upon this very interesting website called Tischen on Twitter. The unique name was intriguing enough for me to spend some time on the website. The website is nothing but a pain-relief for the New Yorkers! No seriously! Tischen (pronounced Tish-In) is a free online service that lets you find helpers and services where you need them, when you need them.
You may ask, how is it different than any other service in the category? or how is different than Yellow Pages? In a way Tischen is similar to many web services in the category. The only difference is that Tischen is much more simpler, smarter, effective and transparent! Let's see how:
By no means I intend to compare Yellow Pages with Tischen, I just want to use Yellow Pages as an example to explain the simplicity of the service offered by Tischen. Search results on this site are very transparent & directly share information about the service provider, rates and availability! This is the part I love about this service. I had an opportunity to get in touch with the founder of Tischen.com – Saman Rahmanian, I understand that he started this service with a very noble cause of getting rid of unemployment & save the economy. I am sure it's a wonderful thing to do! Here's what he had to say about his brand new offering…
I started Tischen because I was frustrated that there was no easy way on the web to find good contractors easily and more importantly to see whether the person would be available at any given time. Many helper & service sites act like black boxes. You have to submit your project description and then you may or may not hear from some bidders that you haven't chosen yourself. Tischen takes a different approach. First of all, it is calendar based. So for example when you enter "plumber in manhattan", those plumbers in Manhattan that are available at that very moment appear first. You can click on the helpers' profiles to find out more about them. And if you like what you see, you can send a simple job request which notifies the helper about the job.
I love the simplicity and transparency of this very helpful service. I am no way near to an astrologer, but can surely see Tischen being very successful in the coming future! I really complement Saman Rahmanian for coming up with his noble idea & wish him all the luck!
Note: Tischen is currently running in public Beta in New York. Also, Compete.com tells me that in just over a month this site has attracted 2714 unique visitors!


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Today was such a tiring day in school. I've got handful of tasks in my hands good thing I am still in my right sense of mind to finish everything. And I ALSO THANK GOD FOR THE STRENGTH AND WISDOM.
Get to know me better, right here, right now!
I Write Like by Mémoires, journal software. Analyze your writing!


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- Home
- Tools
- Power Tools
- Ryobi ZRP825 ONE Plus 18 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Drill Saw Combo Kit
Product Description
Ryobi ZRP825 ONE Plus 18 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Drill Saw Combo Kit
Product Description
Ryobi ZRP825 ONE Plus 18 Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion Drill Saw Combo Kit
Ryobi 18-Volt One+ introduces lithium-ion performance at Ni-Cd prices. This kit is powered by new lithium-ion batteries, the very best value in lithium-ion performance. They hold a charge 4X longer, offer up to 20% more runtime and are 45% lighter weight than Ni-Cd batteries. Batteries stored on the IntelliPort charger are conditioned for peak performance. The drill includes a 1/2 in. heavy-duty single sleeve, keyless chuck with 24 position clutch to match your drilling and driving needs. The circular saw has a 5-1/2 in., carbide tipped blade to rip through 2-by material and sheet goods. Includes: Drill, Circular Saw, 1 P102 Battery and 1 P118 Charger.
Drill features a 24 position clutch and 2-speed gear box to match your drilling and driving needs Circular saw is ergonomically designed handle with over mold increases user comfort Circular saw has a left side blade provides improved cut line visibility Drill is equipped with a 1/2 in. heavy duty single-sleeve, keyless chuck with spindle lock
Welcome to The Country Butler. Family owned and operated since 2001. Call us any time with any questions, Price, Product, ETC.. 315-635-7093. With us you're not just a number!
Warranty Information
Hello, And welcome to The Country Butler. We have been doingt Buisness since 2001. We are a small hometown family Buisness and customer service and satisfaction is top priority with us. You are not just a number with us. We offer a 30 day return policy. Any warranty after the 30 day is done direct through manufacturer, which we will be more than happy to help you with in the rare case it is needed. Please let us know if there is anything elase we can do for you?
Have a great day!
Leo & Family
The Country Butler


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Describe yourself, your background and what you do today.
I'm a 21-year-old political science student at UCL Mons. Besides my studies, I also take part in many organisations, like the Conseil de la jeunesse francophone, or the French-speaking youth council. Besides that, I also take part in BeYA or Belgium Young Ambassadors, which I'm very proud of. As a young ambassador, I serve as the link between the country's francophone youths and the European Commission.
How has where you come from shaped who you are?
Many things, but to focus on two: I'm a Polish immigrant who arrived in Belgium at the age of 8. At first, it was quite complicated as I wasn't able to speak French and was homesick. This period in my life really taught me the value of determination. Secondly, my sociability and wide general knowledge allows me to talk to new people easily.
How would you describe your attitude to work?
Professional: whenever I have a task to do, I take it very seriously.
On a personal note, what would you say you're the proudest of?
Not to sound big-headed, but I'm very proud of my dedication and devotion.
What do you think distinguishes Belgium, and its people, from the rest?
Us Belgians have a joy for life in our DNA. We rarely get mad, it's not in our disposition.
If you had to nominate three people that, to you, best symbolised Belgium in its full glory, who would they be and why?
I would begin with the former Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo. He showed us that everything is possible in this country: you can be born into a less-fortunate family, struggle in school and still make it to the top. Everyone has the same chances. The other two are the surrealist artist René Magritte and Jean-Pierre Lutgen, CEO of Ice-Watch. Both helped to put Belgium on the global map.
If you had to take out-of-towners to one essential restaurant in Belgium, which one would it be?
It would definitely be Chez Tonton at Mons.
If you had to take visiting guests out on a Sunday tourist trail, where would you take them and why?
I would start by taking them round some spots in Wallonia, like the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, the Ardennes and also Namur. Afterwards, we would head to Brussels to see the Grand Place and the Atomium. To finish off, a Sunday walk through Bruges.
Sauces, in Belgium at least, are intrinsically linked to French fries. What's your combination of choice?
Belgian fries and andalouse sauce. What else?
Tell us about the first time you discovered BK sauces.
Several years ago, I went to a fritkot in Soignies with friends finally came across the sauce. Since then, I've been in love with BK's Dallas.
Why do Belgians do it better?
Because we're not one, but actually three: Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels.


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It is with no redirecting that the popularity from claiming CBD oil keeps creating in various parts of the words. Actually, a consistently increasing number of individuals are at present realizing the health benefits achieved by this remarkable thing. With the regularly creating popularity of CBD, various online stores have thought of the main expectation of giving CBD products to sale. For this reason, you need to do your own research and choose a company that is going to guarantee great value for your cash. At this minute, will examine a fragment of the things you need to know before you can finally buy CBD products.
At this moment that the hemp is totally advanced and harvested, the manufacturer has to chase after an all stipulated framework to extract the cannabinoids, CBD included. Before you buy any CBD oil thing, you need to be totally aware of the extraction strategy followed. To give you a trace of something larger, there are a number of strategies utilized when extracting compounds from plants. Of all the strategies, Supercritical CO2 is seen as one of the safest and cleanest. This framework incorporates the utilization of forefront hardware and carbon dioxide in extracting the CBD.
Make certain to realize all the all the additionally regarding the extraction framework before you can finally part with your hard-earned cash. There are a ton of CBD oil products you can choose from including CBD isolate and full range CBD. Seeing what kind of CBD works best for you is necessary as it impacts the overall performance of the thing. In case you are searching for something that is nearer to the natural plant as conceivable, at that point it is smarter to choose full range CBD oil. As for CBD isolate products oil, the CBD is extracted from other plant compounds to form a powder.
It is then blended in with carrier oil and finally made available for sale. Understand the kind of CBD thing that works best for you and get great value for your cash. These are essentially yet a touch of the important things you need to know before buying CBD oil. Recall the CBD distributor you choose to work with will go far in determining whether you will buy magnificent CBD oil products or not. For more information, read at this link.


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Public Profile
member since March 03, 2007
I am a big fan of comics of almost any kind. I like to read them and I like to write them. Besides the comics I'll be putting on this site, I also am working on a regular comic book that I would like to get published. Unfortunately I can't do the art so I'm stuck at this point. If you are an artist who would like to work on a full comic book in hopes of being published, give me a pq.
Comics By CeeZee
- Fantasy |
- 34 pages |
- last: July 6 2011 |
- 0 likes
World Jumpers is the story of a man and a Kirby. Thrown together by an unknown force, they must find the man behind the scenes and the reason for their meeting.
Comics Assisted By CeeZee
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©2011 WOWIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved Google+


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GrubMarket Continues its Sizzling Growth Across the West Coast with the Acquisition of Chasin Foods
rubMarket today announced it has completed the acquisition of Chasin Foods, a leading wholesale distributor of quality produce, dairy, meats, seafood, and provisions. Chasin Foods was formally an independent, family owned distributor with a portfolio of clients including markets, manufacturers, jobbers, schools, chain restaurants, single unit restaurants and large institutional accounts across the Southern California region. This acquisition follows in the footsteps of GrubMarket's recent acquisition of So Cal Farm Network last year, which has proven to be highly successful. Chasin Foods will now be able to leverage GrubMarket's robust produce supply chain network to quickly expand its offerings to even more ...
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26 Feb 2018 02:51
Links built with anchor textual content need to be within content material that is associated to the anchor textual content and the website also requirements to be dealing with that same Wedding Shoes subject. If I study an post about "birding in North Carolina" and I see some anchor text that looks like this: North Carolina chicken calls, I gained't thoughts if it's a website selling me bird phone calls, birds, bird seed, binoculars, feeders, squirrel guards, wildlife conservancies, homes in the nation in North Carolina (or anyplace I could listen to bird phone calls), etc. There are dozens of web sites that could be considered "relevant" to birds and chicken phone calls. I wouldn't want to be directed to restaurants, porn sites, vehicle dealers, and so on.I figured it best that I get a Wedding Shoes to assist me make sure I was creating the very best possible advertising campaigns I could. This was some thing that they were individually educated to be in a position to do, but I was not. Offered these facts, I understood that I was heading to have to hire them in order to be certain that I do not mess anything up. I got on the telephone with the very best company I could find online and requested them what they would cost to assist me out with a small electronic pr. I was happy with the quotes that they had been telling me, so I hired them right on the place.Another great option is to take your previous vehicle to the vehicle dealer from whom you are intending to buy a new 1. You can negotiate a significant quantity of money off if they require the sale. And there are a lot of reasons why they might be keen for the sale. Normally sellers do not however own the cars on their lot; they lease them on unique consignment and so it costs them money to have them sit there. This is why they are nervous to move at least a couple of vehicles for each day and get some productivity out of their area to cover their expenses until a day when there are tons of simple revenue.PPC ad is quick technique to market, branding and advertising your web site, products or solutions on-line. It's a paid advertising and most efficient technique these times. You can handle, manage and track PPC advertisement on-line.A new web site impacts SEO, then you need to know which strategy is very best for you. This is a expert SEO company arrives into play. Your web site ought to be up to date regularly and it is very best that you begin from scratch instead than chasing some thing in the procedure.Although there are a lot of different kinds of advertising ideas out there, this is 1 of the very best. Being in a position to tap into the largest pool of individuals in background and having a security net assure at the exact same time. 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You just have to take the first stage and you'll get to the end. These services do a wonder for your business.Forums link are not extremely weighted, but it's true that it drives traffic effectively. It's very essential factor that you ought to know the rules and way to publish to discussion boards. There some particular important factors you should remember whilst posting. Initial factor is make certain prior to submitting any post that links should be "do-follow". Some of the significant important points are outlined below.


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Treat yourself to a relaxing massage treatment.
Swedish Massage
A stimulating deep tissue massage designed to help relieve tight, tense and painful muscles. Improves circulation making you look and feel more radiant.
£30.00 – Full Body (1 Hour)
£20.00 – Extended Back, Neck & Shoulder (45 mins)
£15.00 – Back, Neck & Shoulder (30 mins)
£12.00 – Leg & Foot
Indian Head Massage
An uplifting massage which involves massaging your scalp, back, shoulders and face, giving you a relaxed state of mind and body.
£18.00 – Indian Head Massage
Thai Stretch & Deep Tissue Massage
An energising deep tissue massage to help knead away any muscle tension and day-to-day stresses and strains.
£36.00 – Full Body (1 Hour)
£25.00 – Extended Back, Neck & Shoulder (45 mins)
Hot Stone Massage
Style massage therapy which water treated stones are placed on specific areas of the body to promote relaxation and tissue relaxation. Helps alleviate stress, release toxins and improve circulation.
£40.00 – Full Body (1 Hour)
£20.00 – Back, Neck & Shoulder (30 mins)


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|My purchases
I have just finished the book I bought. The first part is about the life of Emily written by Muriel Spark and the second part a critical review of Emily's poem and Wuthering Heights written by Derek Stanford. It turns out to be a rather long post so I divide it into two. To start with the first part, there is not much there that I did not already know, but there is an interesting discussion in the end about Emily's relationships with people and the way it is interpreted through her writing. I quote Muriel Spark:
"One thing strikes one about Emily Brontë's relationship with people: she had no apparent desire for any company outside her family, and in particular, Anne. This may be evidence of her single-minded absorption in her work. But she did not therefore have an opportunity to realise her potentiality for the type of love she did understand, and which is apparent in her poems and in Wuthering Heights. It is a type of love peculiar to the natural celibate, and is a relationship which the current usage of the term 'Platonic' does not altogether describe. it is not a passionless friendship. It is a passionate and in many ways mystical union; and is described in early writings to the effect that the individuals are so closely united that they share as it were a single soul, without losing personal identity not a common state, but not a freakish one.
From the evidence of the love relationships which Emily depicts in her work, it appears that this was the type of love she could understand. In Wuthering Heights, of course, there is no conjoining Absolute to give us the sense that Cathy and Heathcliff are involved in any system more significant than each other. To that extent they appear as lost souls. Most likely, the only type of love she could have become personally engaged in, was that of a mystical union, but she was unlikely to find a celibate soul-mate at Haworth, indeed she did not look. Desire, either to possess or to be desired by, another of such nature, is not the motive of this type of union. Desire for the Absolute, which Emily possessed in passionate quantity, is seen as the motive. In an earlier age, Emily Brontë would most possibly have thrived in a convent. ...
To a post-Freudian age, it is difficult to convey, without giving rise to scepticism, the nature of the type of celibate it is suggested Emily was, in the context of the term 'passion' which rightly adheres to her name. The most precise definition might be that she was a passionate celibate; (and it should be clear that a frustrated spinster is not meant). So far as this affected her life, it is unlikely that Emily would have been an 'unfulfilled' woman. The later dissatisfaction and disintegration in her life, arose from her shift of apprehension of the Absolute; she shifted it from an objective, to a subjective position. She became her own Absolute; so that she would be forced to expend passion, adoration, worship, contemplation, on herself - a destructive process, since sources of replenishment are not self-generated. ...
To the extent that she universalised every relationship between man and woman which she touched, she was unrealistic. But her genius was most positively manifest, in its most distinctive forms, when she offered these universalised forms of love. "I am Heathcliff" cries Cathy in Wuthering Heights, the proposition may not appeal to us, for the reasons already described: the lovers are not really significant enough, they have not the magnitude, to convince us that such a rare relationship is in any way justified; for they have no purpose beyond their mutual love, to measure by. However, Cathy's is a definitive statement; the men and women in Emily's work are apt to meet each other on the grounds of passionate mutual identity, which excludes sexual union: we are not told this, but it is a generally observed fact that Emily's men and women appear to be 'sexless'."
It is all very interesting and gives, at least me, another view on Wuthering Heights. With the criticism of Derek Stanford, which I will continue in a part II, we will hear more about the mysticism and stoicism in Emily's writing. Stanford is rather critical which gives another angle on her writing.


text: About us Our team Pact Trustees Margaret Hodgson Margaret is a lawyer who advises the Ministry of Justice. She has advised every government since 1980 on a wide range of topics relating to the administration of justice, including the law on debt, housing, children, the enforcement of the civil and criminal law (including sentencing law) and matters relating to prisons and prisoners. She has been a supporter of Pact (and its predecessors) for her entire adult life: "I like its clear and simple determination to keep families in a relationship" says Margaret, "I like its understanding that hospitality, a warm welcome and a caring attitude is something that we must all practice. We make the world a better, kinder and happier place by doing so." Margaret became a Trustee of Pact in 1994.


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Smoky. Sweet. Salivating. Seductive. SCRUMPTIOUS SOUTHERN… sfood. This place is located at Upper James and Fennell in Hamilton, where I've recently moved. I'd been hearing a lot about Hillbilly Heaven BBQ joint for a while. They've been showcased on the Food Network, and the amount of word-of-mouth buzz has been insane. I hear it from everyone that it's so amazing, so naturally, I had to go give it a shot. Oh lordy lord did I not know what I was getting myself into.
I ordered the BBQ beef brisket with a side of baked beans, because I am a sucker for baked beans. However, these beans aren't like those sweet molasses beans you get with breakfast. No, no. These were smoky, filling, slightly spicy, and a hint of tart sweetness from the apples. And then there's the sandwich. A bread that's soft and yet doesn't fall apart. It soaks up the meaty juices without getting soggy. That is a bread deserving of a place called Heaven. The meat is piled high on the bun. It's soft, juicy, and peppery. Wonderful on it's own, but they offer 3 kinds of BBQ sauce that to top your sandwich with: mild, medium, and hot. I don't know how else to describe how amazing this plate was, except for the fact that the plate you see there cost me $8.95. Now do a double take. You saw that right. Under $10 for a sandwich the size of your head and a hog sized bowl of baked beans. Ooooooh mama.
You can expect the same with the pulled pork platter. The sandwich just as big and juicy and comes with a side of thick cut crinkle fries that are wonderfully seasoned and crisp. My cousin upped the ante by turning his side of fries into chili cheese fries for an extra $3.50 and making it into a monster meal.
Hillbilly Heaven is amazing and everyone should eat there. The staff are really friendly, the decor homely, and the food is just to die for.


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Archive for the 'Ski' Category
- In: Ski
- Leave a Comment
Taking a trip to the snow is one of the most fun and exciting things that you can do on your family holidays. There's simply something magical about a skiing vacation, and there's something that every age and skill level can enjoy when you choose the right resort. If you're looking for the best places to hit the snow on your next holiday, here are some of the top ski resorts that the whole family can enjoy.
The Remarkables
Located just 45 minutes from the beautiful surrounds of Queenstown, The Remarkables is popular with families who want to stay in town and travel to the slopes in between their other holiday activities. From gentle beginner terrains which encourage a steady progression, to adrenaline pumping Black Diamond runs for the passionate ski experts, The Remarkables ski fields can cater for every ability within your family. Their kids clubs are extensive and well planned, and there are plenty of great facilities when you're ready for a warm drink and a bite to eat. Why not add a ski adventure at The Remarkables to your Queenstown holiday, and enjoy the best that the area has to offer.
Treble Cone
Here is a ski field that actively markets itself as being family friendly, with something on offer for all ability levels and ages. With great value family passes on offer and full gear available to hire, Treble Cone makes a day on the slopes a fun and affordable experience. There are specialised lesson systems for all ages, from one on one introduction classes for the little ones to exciting group lessons for kids aged 5 and over. There's plenty of action to be had for the older and more experienced skiers as well, with a range of slopes tailored to suit all ability levels. With professional childcare available and a warm café looking out over the kids slopes for parents, Treble Cone lives up to its reputation as being one of the best family ski fields around.
Mount Hutt
Another family favourite, Mount Hutt sweetens the snow holiday deal by offering a very special promotion to families with children who are less than 10 years of age. For every paying adult, the Kids4Free program offers free travel, accommodation, meals and skiing to any child under 10 in partnership with local participating businesses. This initiative is one of the most innovative ways to make your next ski holiday as affordable as it is enjoyable. They offer a range of specialised kids clubs, beginner slopes and some serious advanced challenges for those seeking a bit more of an adrenaline rush. The whole family is well and truly catered for when you choose to holiday at Mount Hutt.
New Zealand offers some of the best ski slopes for families to enjoy their snow holidays together. When you're looking for a great family getaway, keep these top ski resorts in mind to ensure that your getaway is truly the trip of a lifetime.
(This post was written by Emma Jane)
- In: Ski
- Leave a Comment
Baqueira Beret, Spain
The finest ski station in Spain boasts state-of-the-art ski lifts, more kilometres of piste than any other, and its strategic orientation pretty much guarantees good snow. This year there's an added attraction: the Refugi de San Miguel, a designer bar set on the slopes of Port de la Bonaigua. Offering a selection of tempting tapas by the celebrated restaurateurs Dani Garcia and Paco Roncero, it's all set to be the new on-trend rendezvous for skiers. The tasty morsels are perfect to pair with the great Spanish San Miguel beer, or the Baqueira cocktail, a treat concocted specially by renowned mixologist Javier de las Muelas.
Courchevel, France
In Haute-Savoie, in the heart of the French Alps, this is one of the most prestigious ski stations in all Europe. Together with Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, in the Three Valleys, it forms the biggest ski area in the world with over 300 pistes and multiple themed areas for recreational skiing. The big designer brands – Valentino, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Fendi and Gucci… – are bound to be on display here to dazzle and delight fashionistas from around the world.
Zermatt, Switzerland
One of the best known and most exclusive ski resorts in Switzerland, nestled in the valley at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt first became internationally famous in the 1860s when the Matterhorn was first attempted and subsequently grew to be a resort for mountaineers and skiers. Almost all vehicles here are electric, making it a car-free holiday resort that retains its original charm. The ski zone is criss-crossed by mountain railways, ski-lifts and cable cars and boasts over 300 kilometres of pistes. The Paradise Glacier is the highest spot in Europe reachable by cable car and offers a superb 360° view of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
After hosting the World Alpine Ski Championships in 1950, Aspen became one of the world's most glamorous ski resorts, a reputation that continues today, as it is popular with celebrities such as Kevin Costner and Antonio Banderas. The Colorado station may seem familiar to film buffs, too, as it has served for location shoots on a number of occasions, including being the setting for the crazy adventures of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber.
Lech Zurs, Austria
In the Austrian Alpine region of Arlberg, Lech Zurs is considered one of the best ski resorts in the world. Frequented by the beautiful people and full of glamour, the ski resort is popular with royalty, which, once you know the place, makes perfect sense: marvellous slopes, a picture-postcard village and breath-taking scenery. Quality is guaranteed in the lifts, the hotels, and on the slopes. They even limit the number of skiers to ensure a better experience.
Grandvalira, Andorra
All eyes are on Andorra's famous Grandvalira resort this year, firstly because the mythical Soldeu Avet track is hosting two test circuits for the Women's World Cup Alpine Skiing, but also thanks to a particular deal available this season: a treat designed especially for the girls, this one-day package includes the chance to ski with Spanish Olympic medalist and former World Cup alpine ski racer Blanca Fernandez Ochoa.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
The 'pearl of the Dolomites' and a favourite gem among the jet set, Cortina d'Ampezzo's fame dates back to 1956 when the resort hosted the Winter Olympics. Add to that the sheer beauty of the landscape characterised by 3,000 metre peaks such as Tofana, Cristallo and Marmolada, the highest in the Dolomites. Not only does the area boast great skiing, but there are also the attractions of the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo set at 1,200 metres and offering a host of shops, hotels and restaurants and a lively atmosphere both day and night.
Crans Montana, Switzerland
Synonymous with luxury, style and class even among those who know it only by name, the Crans Montana ski resort offers year-round activity: the winter is enlivened by all types of winter sport, and in summer there is fine golfing and other outdoor activities. The strategic south-facing location provides long hours of sunshine and a spectacular panoramic view of the Valais and the Swiss mountains. This icy dominion includes 150 kilometres of slopes ranging from 1,500 metres at the base of the station up to 3,000 metres on the Plaine Morte glacier, with its spectacular 12 kilometre cross-country skiing circuit.
Whistler, Canada
The spectacular Rocky Mountains provide the setting for Whistler, the biggest ski resort in North America – so big, in fact that you could spend a two week skiing break here without repeating a piste. Together with Vancouver, Whistler was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics and it is one of the best places in the world to practise heliski. Add to this the wooded slopes and the open slopes, the skiing from 2,300 metres to 600 metres, the wide range of snow-based activities and sports… there are plenty of reasons to visit.
Saalbach-Hinterglem, Austria
In the valley of Saalbach-Hinterglem, close to Salzburg, this is a magnificent location for skiing. The name is taken from the two towns Saalbach and Hinterglemm, which are practically on the slopes themselves. There are some 200 kilometres of wide, long pistes with sections for all skill levels, all very well connected and accessible. The lively apres ski atmosphere guarantees an enjoyable break.
(Source: HELLO DAILY NEWS)
The winter sport – Skiing time
Posted November 13, 2012on:
- In: Ski | Sports and Exercise
- 6 Comments
What could you think about winter?
Overcoats? Christmas? or Snow?
Today, I want to introduce a famous sport in winter. It is "ski".
First, what should we prepare before we ski?
All skis have four basic measures that define their basic performance: length, width, sidecut and camber. So it is very important to choose a suitable skis.
Ski Boots
Ski boots are specialized footwear that are used in skiing to provide a way to attach the skier to skis using ski bindings. The ski/boot/binding combination is used to effectively transmit control inputs from the skier's legs to the snow.
Ski Poles
Now, composite ski poles are much lighter and stronger than aluminum poles, though aluminum poles are still one of the main types of ski pole on the market.
Ski Clothing
The best ski clothing will allow optimal movement, look great, and keep you warm. Skiing base layer clothing should be lightweight and tight fitting to keep your body heat in and sweat out.
Ski Gloves
Ski gloves are an important part of your ski wardrobe, and unless you want cold hands, they can't be overlooked as a non-important accessory. After all, a pair of well-fitting, warm ski gloves or ski mittens can make your ski day a lot better! Here is a selection of some of the best men's ski gloves and ski mittens.
Ski Goggles
Although you may not realize it due to the cold temperatures, the sun is extremely strong on the mountain. Bright snow reflects the sunlight, and higher altitudes means the sun's UV rays are ultra-powerful. Protect your eyes and increase your visibility by wearing ski goggles. Polarized lenses are especially helpful in reducing glare.
Here is more information about skiing.


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Hello, My Gnomies!
There's nothing wrong with your screen (unless, of course, there truly is something wrong with your screen - at which point, I must explain that I was trying to come up with a clever way of suggesting that I haven't been posting these roundups as frequently as I'd like to share them).
Many people wonder how I've been able to lose some excess poundage over the past few weeks, and it's been largely due to guffawing at "tech journalists" trying to reason their way through a myopic, outmoded, and/or ignorant viewpoint in relation to how Apple is doing business.
When I read (or listen to) half-baked consumer tech analysis, I literally laugh out loud. Not figuratively, mind you. When I use the word "literally," I honestly mean LITERALLY (and I can no longer claim that I'm staying true to the definition of the word, given that the definition has inexplicably evolved to accept its cultural misuse as a synonym for "figuratively").
Those of you who have been following me for longer than three hours likely know that I've struggled with my weight throughout most of my adult life (which, admittedly, has been slightly longer than four days). Science dictates that my fat reduction has been largely due to an overall decrease in daily calorie intake, but I think we all know it's really in relation to a near-exponential increase in giggling.
Thank you, "tech journalists," for helping me on my journey to better physical health.
Chris "Dreaming of Sleep" Pirillo
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Written by Matt Lyons
Matt Lyons is a leader in retail design, having worked for nearly twenty years in the business on senior positions. He is passionate about the wide benefits that design can bring to business and publishes about his views on design, innovation and creativity at www.definitely-design.com and on his LinkedIn page.
Over the years I have worked up hundreds of design briefs with all kinds of project teams. I've developed and refined the process I follow for developing design briefs, and I've learned a lot in the process. I don't think I've got to perfection yet, but I do have three suggestions that I think will help you get closer to the 'perfect' design brief.
1. The 'Anchor' Definition
Project briefs can be long and complex and have too much information for most of us to keep in our heads at one time. A memorable, single statement which sums up the project can keep the project from drifting away from the brief. It's the fundamental 'what are we really doing here' question and something to keep the project anchored. I worked once on a project for Boots Opticians where the anchor was 'let's make the opticians consultation as fun as a beauty consultation'. This drove a design solution which was much less clinical, improved customer interaction and generated a whole different take on the look and feel of the final design.
2. Let Me Tell You What I Want!
So often clients find it impossible to articulate what it is they want from a project; they'll talk about the solution rather than the problem, and that can feel really frustrating. Getting to the 'problem' is actually quite difficult, and we should let clients describe the issue in any way they choose. Isn't it part of our role, as designers, to interpret that for the client? It can mean we have to work hard iterating the brief, but ultimately it should be defined in the 'Response to Brief', produced by the designers. I find that allowing the client to express themselves in a variety of ways, such as by defining 'what's out there' in the market and why they like it, or 'what ideas they currently have', is a great way of getting the 'solution' expressed. It then reveals lots of clues that lead to the real problem.
3. Don't Forget the 'Boring' Stuff
Too often design briefs overlook some of the key information that any design project needs to be delivered successfully. Any brief should include details about costs and fees, a breakdown of expected deliverables and a time-plan for the project. Sometimes, with very complicated companies, information about the decision makers and approval rights of key stakeholders is also valuable information to be shared right at the start. Most of the 'difficult' projects that I have been involved with over the years, have all come down to a lack of clarity over the fees, what the expectations were for the project or late delivery; rather than anything to do with the creative output. These things might sometimes seem boring, but are essential for harmony in any design project!
Read other great articles in our latest Life in the Retail Space


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If you like walking, you'll love Nordic Pole Walking!! It is a great workout!!
Tuesday evenings at Richmond Green for a 1-hr walk.
If you do not have poles and wish to join us, feel free to come and walk with us anyways and be in community. Poles will be available for purchase as well.
Some benefits of Nordic Pole Walking include:
- Incorporates 90% of all body muscles.
- Burns up to 46% more calories than regular walking.
- Helps to eliminate back, shoulder, and neck pain.
- Increases oxygen respiration by 25% or more.
- Reduces body fat and tones muscles.
- Can be done by nearly all ages and fitness levels.
- Increases cardiovascular training up to 22%.
- Being part of a community and making new friends
- Up to 30% less impact on hip and knee joints.
Meet in front of Sports Complex building - Northeast parking lot
Suggested donation: $5 All monies support L'Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill.
Walking leader: Sandra Corrado, CHRP, FIS, PTS, ZIN, Nordic Pole Walking Instructor
To join, call or email: (416) 729-1560 or [email protected] Please do register and provide your email address, as occasionally the route may change.


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Seattle, Washington.
Last weekend a couple of my chums and I took a low budget and absolute blast weekend trip to Seattle, WA. Here are some of the highlights from our two-day, one night adventure! It wasn't until I was compiling this list that I noticed that we visited quite a few parks. Seattle seems set up for enjoying nature and being immersed in it.
Pike Place Market – Pike St. & 1st Ave.
This eclectic and vibrant market area, where locals and tourists mingle, offers all sorts of goods to look at and buy. Fresh flowers, seafood, tea, coffee (first Starbucks location!), all kinds of food, clothing, collectibles, souvenirs and so much more from over 500 vendors please the crowds daily. Despite being packed like a cat in a small box, we ended up with 3 large bouquets of flowers on our drive home – couldn't resist!
- Free to wander and explore
- Reasonably priced food and finds
Sam Olympic Sculpture Park – Western Ave. & Broad St.
A city park and green space along the Puget Sound with interesting large sculptures and well-maintained gravel paths connected to Myrtle Edwards Park by a walking bridge.
- Free to wander
- Free western Sound view with art to admire
Kerry Park – W. Highland Dr. & 3rd Ave. W
On the paper map it's labeled Bayview Kinnear Park. This small neighborhood park overlooks the Puget Sound and the Seattle downtown skyline with a great view of the Space Needle and, on a clear day (which we didn't have), Mount Rainier.
- Free and often photographed view (think quintessential postcard)
- Play structures
Lake Union & Lake Union Park
Water and waterways surround and interconnect Seattle. This particular lake, one of the smaller bodies of water, offers plenty, including sights of the Space Needle and historic Gas Works Park.
- Center for Wooden Boats – free half hour sailing excursions on Sundays
- Fremont Avenue Seattle Ferry Service – low cost tours of Lake Union
- Free to wander and watch the boats sail
Mystery Pop Machine – E. John Street between 9th and 10th
In front of the Locksmith shop resides an old soda pop machine. Its six selection buttons all labeled "Mystery" give you no clues to that day's flavor choices. You could get Coke or you might get Pepsi. We tried all six buttons and got six different drinks.
- $.75 for a random pop
Seattle Central Public Library – 5th Ave. & Madison St.
A striking structure designed by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus of the Netherlands and built in 2004, the abstract-looking building has caught my imagination numerous times. This time we actually went in and took a quick tour. Wow! It was more impressive on the inside than the outside! I'd never been in a library with escalators and spiral levels instead of floors. I loved how all the glass allowed for so much natural light.
- Free self-guided tour of the 11 levels of the library
Jack Perry Park – near S. Massachusetts St. on Alaska Way S.
A small, little out of the way, park and public water access next to the Coast Guard Station. It took us some time to actually find it, but if you get on Alaskan Way South and drive south, it's on the edge of town, on the right, down an unassuming drive.
- Free to park and hang out
A few miscellaneous thoughts on keeping costs low without sacrificing a good time:
- Parking – It turned out to be cheaper on the street than a garage for the most part – for the areas we were parking. Street parking was between $1-$4.50 an hour, and Sunday was free to park on the street. However, we did find parking in garages with charges as cheap as $10 a day.
- Gas – Our estimation was not too off, but we learned to estimate a little higher on the next trip.
- Food – We packed most of ours and only bought dessert, drinks and snacks.
- Lodging – We chose to stay at a place through Airbnb. It was not exactly cheap, but divided among friends the one we stayed at was reasonable for a safe and clean place to stay.
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- July 25, 2017 -


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Head Start & Related ServicesNoble Cause: Educate families to achieve sustainable and successful life skills.Core Values: Respect, Honesty, Determination, Education, Children, Family, Social Awareness, Spirituality and Fun.
Each year, over 475 economically disadvantaged children in Chester County participate in Head Start. Head Start supports families living at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Currently, the CCIU operates nine Head Start centers throughout the county.The CCIU PreK Counts Program supports 57 families living at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Those students receive six hours of services Monday through Friday. PreK Counts is located in Avondale, West Chester and Great Valley.
Active parental involvement is required.
Head Start classes are held in full-day session, Monday through Friday.
Head Start is a federally- and community-funded program.
Important Links:


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Copyright and Fair Use
Every attempt has been made to ensure that quoted material is sufficiently cited with credit deserved, given. In some cases 'fair use' is invoked, but this is usually specified when this happens. Anyone with concerns should send an email to the director to make corrections, etc.
PIRC's own material may be freely distributed as long as attribution to PIRC is included in the distribution. Excerpts up to 400 words are permitted without the need to seek permission, including if used for commercial purposes. Commercial use beyond 400 words is not permitted without express permission.


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Paid In Full With One Glass of Milk
By Brighteyes
"One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal, he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry and so she brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"
"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said, "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strengthened also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Years later, that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, he went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day, he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested from the business office to pass the final billing to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge, and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words:
Dr. Howard Kelly."
Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love is shed abroad through human hearts and hands."
(Reprinted with Permission © Copyright 2007 www.helpothers.org)
About Help Others.org:
Help Others.orgOne college student was talking to another slightly older twenty-something guy about pranks that students do for rival football teams. The older guy says, "Isn't it interesting that students are motivated to do such incredible acts without getting any credit?" Such acts are fun, collective, creative, and incredibly challenging. But typically, they're not all that constructive nor do they leave anything with a lasting "wow" feeling either. So the question followed –why not do the same with kind acts?
Technorati Tags: one kind act, the power of kindness, helping others, giving back, kindness, be kind, one kind act a day


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Chinese Migrants and Internationalism
Forgotten Histories, 1917–1945
Prices & shipping based on shipping country
Book Description
The transnational and diasporic dimensions of early Chinese migrant politics opened in the late nineteenth century when Chinese radical groups bent on overthrowing the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) vied with one another to win Chinese overseas to their modernizing projects, and immigrants who had suffered discrimination welcomed their proposals. The radicals' concentration on Chinese communities abroad as outposts of Chinese politics and culture strengthened the stereotype of Chinese as clannish, unassimilable, xenophobic, and deeply introverted.
This book argues that such a view has its roots less in historical truth than in political and ideological prejudice and obscures a rich vein of internationalist practice in Chinese migrant or diasporic history, which the study aims to restore to visibility. In some cases, internationalist alliances sprang from the spontaneous perception by Chinese and other non-Chinese migrants or local workers of shared problems and common solutions in everyday life and work. At other times, they emerged from under the umbrella of transnationalism, when Chinese nationalist and anti-imperialist activists overseas received support for their campaigns from local internationalists; or the alliances were the product of nurturing by Chinese or non-Chinese political organizers, including anarchists, communists, and members of internationalist cultural movements like Esperantism.
Based on sources in a dozen languages, and telling hitherto largely unknown or forgotten stories of Chinese migrant experiences in Russia, Germany, Cuba, Spain and Australia, this study will appeal to students and scholars of Chinese history, labour studies and ethnic/migration studies alike.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 2. Chinese in the Russian Revolution and Civil War 3. Germany 4. Cuba 5. Chinese Seafarers and the European Labour Movement 6. The Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939 7. Australia 8. Esperanto 9. Conclusions
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Gregor Benton is Professor of Chinese History at Cardiff University, UK.
'Professor Benton has scoured the history of the past 150 years and uncovered many… examples of Chinese involvement in classic internationalist movements. His book offers a tantalizing glimpse of lives now forgotten, of old but honorable causes, and a wrenching sense of what might have been…. At a time when fear and distrust of China appear to be on the rise in some sections of Western public opinion, it pays to heed the book's essentially simple message, "the Chinese abroad are no exclusive tribe but members of a common humanity".' China.org.cn June 2, 2008
'...there is no question that the book has special value for scholars and advanced students working on the overseas Chinese, international relations, and nationalism. I would particularly recommend it to students in China.' - Xiang Biao, University of Oxford, Journal of Chinese Overseas, May 2008


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PinUpShow presents Figure Sketch Life Drawing Fun!
We draw clothed and costumed models about 3 times monthly at CR Framing and Gallery.
This session's featured model will be Hunny Bunny model, dancer, contortionist, producer of Hunny Bunny and Her Hot Toddies.
This will be a return engagement for Hunny who was practically our model in residence for January of 2013 with 3 sessions that month. She will be presenting us with "Fancy Dress" as the theme!
Monday, November 10th - 6-9pm CR Framing, 700 Harvest Park Dr. Brentwood, CA 94513
Model will take a variety of poses from 4 minutes up to 20 minutes or more.
Drawing fee - $15-20. Depending on attendance. Student fee - $10.
RSVP on Facebook - November 10th Figure Sketch!
Check out the results of previous Figure Sketch Sessions at http://www.pinupshow.com/
Drawings are from Hunny Bunny's last session in July 2013.


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January comes onto the scene each year with a lot of expectations, hopes and prayers. Some personal reflection is good I think. We could all improve on the discipline of meditation. But other reflection, over reflection, is less healthy. (Am I alone in my over reflecting-ness?) It's bad whenever the message is "you are not enough". While my head is full of cleaning tasks, home DIY projects, fitness goals, healthy changes (and continuations), prayers for personal and spiritual growth, I want it to be centered not on how much I don't do, but how much God can do within me. The "experts" tell us that we'll most likely fail. Gee…that's so very encouraging.
But let the experts say what they want. When I look at myself many years ago and then see myself now, I see improvement! I'm not who I was; I am better. That is most certainly not a failure! God is doing a good work in me and He will see it to completion! January is my reminder that I am human, flawed and for this life, a work in process. Shew! Breath out! In the mean time, each new day brings a little more hope, a little more encouragement and a little more progress. Perhaps I should photograph everything I accomplish in the space of a day to remind myself???
I've thought a lot about what I desire to see God do within me this year. It isn't only about my time and what I do with it, but who I am. It's the "Know-Be-Do" of my life. What I know changes who I am and affects what I do. While right now I know I can't always get to the things I want to do, it builds in me tension (and reminds me that I am not perfect) that creates better time management strategies so I can do what I want to do! I've looked back at the year after I had our second child, Chase. I struggled to blog so much! Having gone through that then and looking back at it now gives me a lot of hope that I'll pick this writing thing up again in a manner more to my liking soon. I just have to keep on pushing through.
"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming" to quote the ever-lovely Dori from Finding Nemo…
Other encouragement for me came last week as my friend who suddenly is watching her three grandchildren after a serious illness and treatment for her daughter was diagnosed and treated. She said to me on the phone, "if it takes more than 5 minutes, it is NOT getting done!" What release those words brought me! It's so encouraging to hear that other people are pressed for time with littles all around them.
The other encouragement for me came in my own son. My eldest, Cooper is 7, going on 8 years old. I love to watch him and see the things that flow from his heart. He is at that point where he is around me less. Which means I have a lot less control of what "flows" from him. Although a little challenging at first (i.e. for me to let go!), it has been encouraging to see him stand a bit on what he knows at this point in his young life. I remember the times as a baby when he would frustrate the tar out of me! Oh, how he tried my nerves! And I failed many times in how I responded. But there is a great amount of grace there.
Looking at him gives me confidence in my mothering, strength and long-suffering to continue the hard work of consistency with his younger brother (who is in his own trying and beautiful stage of life) and to even enjoy the babyhood of our little daughter who is crawling SO FAST now!
Best of all, I am finding encouragement when I make the effort to LOOK for it. His gifts are all around if we will just look.
So I write this post today mostly for myself and to remind myself to look for encouragement, to keep swimming and to get back up when I fail. It's not about what I can do, but what He can do in me. That is limitless.


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MSI X-Slim X460 Notebook Review
MSI recently expanded its ultraportable offerings with the addition of two last generation X-Slim notebooks. Although they're designed to be lightweight and compact, the X460 notebooks also strive to be powerful, courtesy of Intel's Sandy Bridge processors.
While ultraportable laptops generally carry a 12 to 13" display, MSI says the X460 strikes a fine balance between mobility and performance using a 14" LED backlit screen and Intel's Core i7-2630QM quad-core chip.


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There's a place where I suspect insecurity and feelings of inferiority intersect and create a lethal concoction of jealousy and judgement. In this place, mothers ruthlessly bring each other down with glares and stares that could cause mountains to crumble. A place where the weak thrive in numbers and the strong walk alone questioning their judgement and skill. This dark and often scary realm is the mother "hood".
We want, no no, we expect, and sometimes demand of our children that they play "nicely" with one another. Whether siblings or family members or friends, we're constantly requesting that they share and use kind words and gentle hands and all the other appropriate fanfare of acceptable and polite social etiquette. Yet just beyond the border of that sandbox, where moms stand on opposite sides, often in pairs or trios, that's where the unkind behavior really takes place. We talk about leading by example, but how do we expect our darlings to play nicely in the sandbox when we are often throwing proverbial sand at each other outside of it.
In the mother hood we may not throw up signs or wear our mom group colors, but the labels on our strollers and the makes of our diaper bags silently speak our loyalties. We separate ourselves into us and them sectors where polite smiles at baby yoga are our only interactions (other than the early-as-time Mompetition banter). You know, the kind that goes: Oh how smart is your kid? I'm only asking to compare mine even though I already know my kid is smarter so really I'm just creating an opportunity to let you know what I know which is that my kid is the master of the universe. Oddly, there is the odd parent, typically of an equally odd child, who schmoozes in complimenting your child's behavior in comparison to their child, an apparent total disaster and so clearly completely not the master of any universe. Somehow they are the ones interested in staying in close contact and despite their unappealing introduction, fail to sense that they've simply just said too much.
Parenting is difficult enough without all the criticism and ridicule or worse than both, "stink eye". My sense is we all (or most of us) are trying our best to raise our little ones to be their best and there just feels to be no room for judgement in this already challenging agenda. In a society where kids are having kids and babies have become an accessory one step up from a teacup terrier, it seems we should be more supportive and kind to each other. Particularly since we are, after all, grooming the future. It's very much like politics in that way, while we may be on opposing sides when it comes to values and ethics and such, in the end, it's a collective gain or loss. It is inevitable in this life to avoid being directly affected by the sheer amazing, or massively horrid behaviors of those around us.
If we look at parenting as a worldly, amicably communal responsibility, it may alleviate the hardship. I'm not suggesting we take liberties in disciplining each other's children, rather raise our awareness that how we treat each other and who we teach our children to become will impact us all. It's so easy to find those things that divide us and propel us into comparison, but maybe all it takes is a second or third look to see how similar our experiences and goals truly are. So next time you see that lone mommy walking in the hood, smile at her from afar or share a glance of compassion and acknowledge that you relate. And if you've been living by comparison, try creating your own standard, it's liberating. Remember, no throwing sand! {no eating sand either}


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Assalamualaikum and hii everyone!
So.. urmm.. I'm getting married in less than 2 months!! OMG!! I'm getting cold feets! haha. and I haven't really update about my engagement story in my blog! I've been so occupied T_T.
to my non-malay friends, hee, if you're wondering.. Gifts on tray / 'hantaran' are what we, malay, would prepare for a ceremony (engagement and wedding). During the ceremony, both sides (bride and groom) would exchange the gifts. Usually, for engagement, the gifts are consists of food and attire for your wedding day. well, actually, that depends on your budget! :P if you're rich, you can even include an iphone if you want haha >_<
Me? I'm definitely on the tight-budget side. haha. I aimed to save any costs as much as I could. That explained why the 'nikah' (solemnization) attire for my fiance was even divided into 3 different trays. kekeke. The number of trays also varies accordingly to personal preference. my family and afir's family decided to go with 5 to 7.
The gifts would usually be nicely prepared, decorated all pretty on trays. One tray for each gift hehe. Well, to be quite honest, it's not very important, though. not compulsory. But people pay quite attention to it, at least I do. hehehehe
Let's check out minee!!
photo credit: Fara Pictures
1) satin fabric for Baju Melayu in nude from Gulati's
2) 'samping' in gold from Gulati's
3) 'songkok' from Bee Loon :P
4) chocolate
5) brownies by Laila Hafni ( Ig: @hafnirusdi_ibake4u )
6) cake by Al-Azhim Bakery
7) 'sirih junjung' by Cikgu Fiza, mama's friend (Y) :D
There are two stories behind all these decorated gift trays:
1) I wanted to buy custom made gift tray. ermm.. the price.. definitely over my budget! sobs. but they say I can use it again for my wedding ceremony. true. however, I wouldn't want to have the same designed trays! boring, right? haha. besides, of course the theme colours of my engagement amd wedding ceremony are different. that would cause problem. hmmmm..
2) then, I wanted to just rent all-decorated gift trays. but when I asked about the price for each tray, it was more than half the price of the tray that's sold! Imagine, at the end of the day, you would have to return the tray! and that's only for one event (engagement ceremony only). -___-
You would have guessed the ending. hehe. I diy-ed. :D
I was happy with how they turned out! (Y)
Simplicity is the key!
Special thanks to mama adik, arab and baby for helping me out! I always needed all kinds of help hehe. Oh! and to mama's friends for the finishing touches!
perhaps, this post would be helpful to my friends and juniors who are getting engaged and married this year! which I know are a lottttt! is it the getting-married season?? ahhahaha
p/s: more of my engagement story comingggg! if you're interested, stay tuned! :D
Thanks for reading!
Until next time! :-*


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Nathan Fillion
Latest 'Nathan Fillion' News
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A new deepfake video casts Nathan Fillion as Uncharted's Nathan Drake with impressive (and creepy) results.
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Actor Nathan Fillion has been discussing his role in director James Gunn's upcoming The Suicide Squad, says that people are getting close to guessing.
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Firefly and Castle star Nathan Fillion has boarded The Suicide Squad in a mystery role.
Watch Nathan Fillion in Awesome Uncharted Fan-Made ShortRyan Scott
Nathan Fillion finally gets the chance to play Nathan Drake in an Uncharted short and it's everything fans have wanted.
Nathan Fillion Wants to Play This DC Comics SuperheroB. Alan Orange
Nathan Fillion knows which DC Comics superhero he wants to play, and even has two alternate choices.
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Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk's Con Man web series has received over $1.6 million in just 24 hours on the crowdfunding site IndieGogo.
Firefly Stars Fillion & Tudyk Reunite for Web Series
Firefly stars Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk are reuniting for the web series Con Man, which they hope to fund through IndieGogo.
Nathan Fillion and Stan Lee's Guardians of the Galaxy Characters Revealed!
A popular but unexpected Marvel character may be popping up during the Phase Two sequel Guardians of the Galaxy.
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While you may not actually see Nathan Fillion on screen, his presence will certainly be felt in director James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy.
Director Confirms Nathan Fillion Cameo in Guardians of the GalaxyB. Alan Orange
Director James Gunn denies that Firefly actor Nathan Fillion is showing up as Nova in the Guardians of the Galaxy post-credits scene, but he is in the movie.
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The Castle star hints that he 'maybe' landed a small role, while Zoe Saldana and Karen Gillan are back for more reshoots.
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The Castle star plays the messenger God in director Thor Freudenthal's upcoming sequel, in theaters August 16th.
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The entire cast is being reunited for this once-in-a-lifetime event on Friday, July 13th, in San Diego.
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The Castle star will play the winged messenger to the Gods in director Thor Freudenthal's sequel.
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Tim Daly will also reprise his role as Superman in this DC Showcase animated adventure, coming in 2012.
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Jon Huertas, Seamus Dever, Tamala Jones, and more are on hand to discuss the return of this popular ABC mystery series.
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The Geek God returns to the animated superhero realm in an All-New DC Universe Animated Original Movie, on Blu-ray and DVD June 7.
Nathan Fillion's Castle Gets a Graphic NovelBrian B.
Marvel and ABC are set to collaborate on a comic book adaptation of Nathan Fillion's character, Derrick Storm.


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stance(redirected from stances)
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Idioms, Encyclopedia.
1. The attitude or position of a standing person or animal, especially the position assumed by an athlete preparatory to action. See Synonyms at posture.
2. A position or point of view: "Peru ... toughened its stance toward foreign investors" (Abraham Lowenthal).
[French, position, from Italian stanza, from Vulgar Latin *stantia, from Latin stāns, stant-, present participle of stāre, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]
stance(stæns; stɑːns)
1. the manner and position in which a person or animal stands
2. (Ball Games, other than specified) sport the posture assumed when about to play the ball, as in golf, cricket, etc
3. general emotional or intellectual attitude: a leftist stance.
4. (Automotive Engineering) Scot a place where buses or taxis wait
5. (Mountaineering) mountaineering a place at the top of a pitch where a climber can stand and belay
[C16: via French from Italian stanza place for standing, from Latin stāns, from stāre to stand]
1. the position or bearing of the body while standing.
2. a mental or emotional position adopted with respect to something.
3. Sports. the relative position of the feet, as in addressing a golf ball.
[1525–35; < Old French estance (standing) position < Vulgar Latin *stantia, derivative of Latin stant- (s. of stāns), present participle of stāre to stand]
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
|stance - standing posture
posture, attitude, position - the arrangement of the body and its limbs; "he assumed an attitude of surrender"
address - the stance assumed by a golfer in preparation for hitting a golf ball
attention - a motionless erect stance with arms at the sides and feet together; assumed by military personnel during drill or review; "the troops stood at attention"
erectness, uprightness - the property of being upright in posture
|stance - a rationalized mental attitude
attitude, mental attitude - a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways; "he had the attitude that work was fun"
hard line - a firm and uncompromising stance or position; "the governor took a hard line on drugs"
point of view, standpoint, viewpoint, stand - a mental position from which things are viewed; "we should consider this problem from the viewpoint of the Russians"; "teaching history gave him a special point of view toward current events"
1. attitude, stand, position, viewpoint, standpoint They have maintained a consistently neutral stance.
2. posture, carriage, bearing, deportment The woman detective shifted her stance from one foot to another.
stance[stæns] n
a. (way of standing) → posizione f
b. (attitude) → presa di posizione f
stance(staːns) noun
a person's position or manner of standing, eg in playing golf, cricket etc. staanwyse وَقْفَه поза postura postoj die Haltung holdning στάση asend طرز ايستادن asento positionעמדה मुद्रा, अवस्थिति, दृष्टिकोण položaj za udarac, držanje tijela hely(zet) sikap berdiri staða posizione, atteggiamento 足構え 자세 pozicija stāja posisi berdiri houdingkroppsholdning, fotstillingpozycja postura poziţie стоика; поза postoj položaj stav ställning การตั้งท่า duruş (高爾夫、板球)球員的擊球姿勢 позиція کھڑے ہونے کا انداز tư thế, thế đứng (高尔夫、板球)球员的击球姿势


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I know mate!reliability ??
The most reliable hard drive is ... whatever outlasts the last one.
Listening to the 'sales pitch' of manufacturers you would be led to believe they were more reliable ... one fact, however, puts me off, a limited life over use.I don't know if SSD are supposed to be more reliable or just quicker than a HDD?
With todays OS I would personally say no ... in a works environment I would have the OS on a seperate partition, in the days of XP & before, it would save a lot of bother reinstalling and keeping your existing 'stuff' separate. Then one would/should have a reliable backup service in place if data is that important.Am I better having my OS on it's own drive, or on a partitioned drive? Does it matter?
seems a likely scenario as I have experience similar 'peculiarities' of a my last HD. No MBR, but an occasional "no OS" ie not seeing HD, and silly game crashes I blamed on the game ... did indeed turn out to be a slow failing HD. I did a post on it somewhere.Does it sound like my existing HDD is on its way out?
I bought a new HD, they are quite cheap, even for a SATA revision 3.0 - 6 Gbit/s - 600 MB/s one.if so, then a SSD may be out of the question due to cost. So, OS on smallish SSD and buy a new HDD in case of disaster?
That must be the oldest thing in your PC!October '09....! Surely thats time for an upgrade!
You could go for a RAID 1 setup, so that all of your information is stored on a pair of drives... however it would be expensive to do this with SSDs and it isn't suitable as a backup, just for redundancy. For example, a virus or accidental deletion would equally effect both drives - but it would guard against drive failure.Is is possible to set up a pc with 2 hd's and have software that backs-up automatically, so if one hd fails, the second can kick in without disruption?
Obviously, the pain of having to update and re-install all my software after a OS re-install, is all to prevalent at the mo!
Believe it or not my MB, CPU and RAM are all from that same date! Basically, the performance boost from upgrading is frankly not a lot more for the price it will cost, and its not like this is struggling with anything at the moment...That must be the oldest thing in your PC!
So would I, but just being confident in my HD is more important. If the easy way is to buy new, I'll just do that.Though i'd be more interested in whats causing you to have these issues in the first place, sounds like some things killing the drives?
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When it comes to labour reform, Martin Ferguson believes in small, incremental steps.
"There is no revolution or paradise around the corner," the former Labor Federal Government Minister and Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) President says.
"It is all about achieving pragmatic things," he told Workplace Review reporter Steve Andrew, in a wide-ranging – and surprisingly candid – interview on life after politics.
Now firmly ensconced in director roles for media company Seven Group Holdings and international mining giant BG Group, Ferguson concedes his current focus – advocating for wages reform – is creating waves (and some enemies) in union and Australian Labor Party (ALP) circles.
But he rejects accusations it amounts to a "betrayal" of his Labor roots, saying unrealistic wages and conditions are hurting Australia's competitiveness.
Not everyone agrees. Ferguson narrowly avoided expulsion from the ALP in July 2015, following a push by the Victorian Trades Hall and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) to have him kicked out for alleged disloyalty.
It follows his controversial backing of, among other things, the Coalition's plans for privatisation of New South Wales' electricity poles and wires network, and reinstatement of the union-despised Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). The Commission was originally set up by the Howard Coalition Government to, ostensibly, investigate union breaches of industrial laws on building sites.
More recently, Ferguson (in his role as Chair of Tourism Accommodation Australia) has thrown fuel on the fire by calling for a re-think of previously "sacrosanct" weekend penalty rates.
Costs must come down
While fully aware of union animosity to his plans, Ferguson told Workplace Review labour reform is now urgent in an "economy in transition".
"The resources boom is over; there is a low dollar, and tourism and education are now exceptionally important," Ferguson told Workplace Review.
"To be productive and competitive, we need to keep costs down – and that includes wages." Ferguson said he was not suggesting an end to penalty rates on weekends, but rather, a re-think.
"The tourism industry, for example, is still living in a penalty rates regime akin to the 1950s, when Sunday was sacrosanct. It is a seven-days-a-week industry, we need to adjust rates to reflect that."
Ferguson said "more flexibility" was needed on permanent part-time penalty rates to create jobs and certainty.
In the resources sector, wages are just one part of a much wider problem, he argues. "Australia is a high-cost producer – to compete, we need to deliver a combination of fair wages, improved work practices, and certainty on investment and project delivery."
Curb on industrial action
While vocal on the need for industrial relations (IR) reform generally, Ferguson has been particularly critical of government policy covering his pet industry, liquefied natural gas (LNG).
One controversial solution being pushed by Ferguson is tighter controls on industrial action. Speaking in September 2015 at a Transforming the LNG Industry seminar run by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA), Ferguson called for cross-party support for a Productivity Commission recommendation that enterprise agreements cover the entire life of construction projects.
It follows the recent threat of industrial action at the $US54 billion ($75bn) Gorgon LNG plant in Western Australia.
Ferguson's support for cutting penalty rates and implementing industrial reforms that reduce the role of unions has been condemned by the MUA, with its National Secretary, Paddy Crumlin, labelling Ferguson a "disgrace" in a motion at the ALP National Conference in July 2015.
The motion also highlighted Ferguson's alleged breach of the Federal Government's Ministerial Code of Conduct rule that prevents former Ministers lobbying government within 18 months of leaving Parliament.1 It followed his appointment to an advisory board of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) within the 18 months. Ferguson argues he is not a lobbyist and should therefore be exempt from the rules.
Maurice Blackburn lawyer, Giri Sivaraman, meanwhile, has described Ferguson's re-think of penalty rates as "spinning away reality".
"[It is] effectively casual employment dressed up as part-time, without the loading that compensates for lack of leave and other benefits," he argues in a letter to The Australian Financial
Review on October 29, 2015.
For someone with a proud and long Labor pedigree, taking on traditional Labor values has come at a price. But Ferguson appears to be taking it in his stride.
"You develop a thick skin in politics," he told Workplace Review. "Those who know me know I remain true to my beliefs."
Proud dynasty
Despite his apparent resilience, challenging traditional Labor values cannot be easy for Ferguson.
Part of a famous Labor dynasty – Ferguson's father Jack was Deputy Premier of NSW, brother Laurie a Federal Member of Parliament, and other brother Andrew a prominent union official – Ferguson knows too well the heavy expectations that come with being a Ferguson.
His pride in his late father's legacy is obvious in his conversations with Workplace Review.
Recalling the 1970s, Ferguson said it was not unusual to have Gough Whitlam knocking on the door of the family home one day – Neville Wran the next.
"One of my boyhood memories was Dad sitting with Neville on our back verandah in Guildford [in Sydney's working-class west] doing the numbers for Neville's tilt at Leader of the Opposition in NSW," Ferguson told Workplace Review. "It was a narrow thing – after initially tying in the ballot, he got there by one vote."
Heavily influenced by their Dad, all three Ferguson boys went on to make their own marks in the ALP – Martin and Laurie as federal MPs and Andrew as Secretary of the NSW Branch of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (Construction and General Division).
Jack's daughters Deborah and Jennifer followed their mother Betty's path, becoming teachers.
Working-class values
Ferguson said growing up in a working-class neighbourhood had a big impact on their lives.
"Most of our neighbours at Guildford in the early years were post-war migrants from countries such as Malta, Yugoslavia, and Italy, who worked in blue-collar jobs or on local farms. As the local MP, Dad used to door knock the electorate and we went with him."
"We saw for ourselves the social disadvantages and problems that come with being a migrant on a low income. There was no pomp and ceremony in our upbringing – my parents made sure we had a good education, but we grew up in a house Dad built (Jack was a bricklayer before turning to politics) and were exposed to the same issues as our neighbours. It was a very-grounded upbringing. It ingrained in all of us a desire to help the disadvantaged."
Desperate to give his kids the high school education he did not have, Jack, who left school at 13, sent the boys to St Patrick's at Strathfield and the girls to Our Lady of Mercy College at Parramatta.
Post-high school, a teacher's scholarship beckoned for Martin. After taking on an industrial relations subject in second year, Ferguson changed his degree, ultimately emerging with an honours degree in economics from the University of Sydney. His "mentor and friend" – then Secretary of the Federated Miscellaneous Workers Union, Ray Gietzelt – suggested he join the "misos" as a researcher – and in Ferguson's words, "I never looked back".
History of public service
Ferguson's subsequent long history of public service and work in economic and social policy is succinctly detailed in a profile on the CEDA website (among his many positions and honorary roles, Ferguson is a member of CEDA's Board of Governors).2
From 1984 until 1990, Ferguson served as General Secretary of the Miscellaneous Workers Union, and from 1990 until 1996, as President of the ACTU. As a senior trade union official, from 1984 until 1996, he sat on the ACTU National Executive, participating directly in shaping and implementing many of the economic reforms of the Hawke and Keating Governments.
In March 1996, Ferguson was elected as a Member of the Federal Parliament for the seat of Batman, in Melbourne, which he held until retiring at the 2014 election. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in June 1996. During the Howard Government, Ferguson served in a range of economic shadow portfolios, including: Employment and Training; Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Regional Development, Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Services and Population; Urban and Regional Development, Transport and Infrastructure; Primary Industries, Resources, Forestry and Tourism; and, Transport, Roads and Tourism.
Upon the Rudd Government assuming office in December 2007, Ferguson was appointed the Minister for Resources and Energy and the Minister for Tourism, and acted as Chair of the Standing Council on Resources and Energy and the Ministerial Council for Tourism. He held the Resources, Energy, and Tourism portfolios until March 2013, when he resigned from the ministry.
Now an executive with Seven Group Holdings with responsibility for natural resources, Ferguson's other roles include: Chair of the advisory board to APPEA; a non-executive director of British Gas; Chair of the University College of London's Adelaide Advisory Board; and a pro bono member of the University of Western Australia's advisory board on resources and energy.
Looking to the future
Looking back over his 40 years in unions and politics, Ferguson sees Labor's greatest achievements as superannuation, universal health care, the opening up of Australia to globalisation, and modernisation of the economy through developments such as the Accord.
Ferguson says he "sleeps well at night" in his current roles, despite critics within the ALP. "I still talk to shadow ministers, they are friendly, but I don't pester them," he told Workplace Review.
Looking to the future, Ferguson says it is vital for Australia to attract new investment. "We need to front up to the issues of productivity and competiveness." He sees Australia's strong links with China as an important part of that future.
Outside work, Ferguson says he still finds time to follow his favourite rugby league team Parramatta "albeit from a distance" (Ferguson is based in Melbourne), the Rebels in rugby union, and Hawthorn in the AFL.
by Steven Andrew
Steven Andrew is a journalist and PR manager working in the government, finance, legal, and corporate governance sectors. Steven is also the managing principal at SRA Communications. For more information on Steven and SRA Communications, visit the SRA Communications Facebook page.
1 <http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BN/2012-2013/
2 Committee for Economic Development of Australia, The Hon Martin Ferguson AM <http://www.ceda.com.au/about/governance/board-of-governors/the-hon-martin-ferguson>.


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