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Due to the variations in equipment, machinery and manufacturing, the mattress industry has a 1″ variance allowance in terms of measurement.
Return Policy – 101-Night Sleep Trial
The GhostBed 101-Night Sleep Trial is designed to give you the time, comfort, ease and privacy to sleep on your new mattress and discover all of the amazing features and benefits that inspired you to purchase it.
We offer a 101-Night Sleep Trial because we want you to have the time to try your new mattress and make sure it meets all your needs. We encourage you to take your time to experience the GhostBed. Your body needs time to get used to a new mattress, so the first night or two may not be your best night's sleep. After all, you have been sleeping on that old mattress for quite a while. So give GhostBed the chance to amaze you – no one is pressuring you to decide overnight. We require you to use the mattress for 30 nights but suggest taking 60 nights or up to 90 nights before making your decision, but we've given you 101-Nights to relax and enjoy it.
Day 1 of your 101-Night Sleep Trial will begin on the day your order is shipped.
Please note that our 101-Night sleep trial is applicable only to orders placed directly from GhostBed. Orders placed through Amazon can be returned to Amazon within 30 days of receipt of shipment. Please make your return request directly through them.
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The GhostBed Foundation/Box Spring, GhostBed Adjustable Power Base, GhostBed Sheets, and the GhostBed Mattress Protector do not qualify for the 101 sleep trial and are non refundable.
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The sleep trial does not apply to errors in ordering, size issues, changes in circumstances, etc. Your account will be notated and your sleep trial will be voided if any non-returnable reason has been given. Orders placed through Amazon are subject to Amazon's 30 day return policy. All return requests for Amazon orders must be made directly through Amazon.
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Promotions which include either a GhostBed foundation or a GhostBed sheet set as the item received at no charge, are an exception to the above and CANNOT be returned to GhostBed or donated. If a mattress is purchased within either of these specific promotions and is returned/donated, the full value of the foundation or sheet set will be deducted from any refund that may be due.
All promotional discounts are applied towards the mattress, including the 50% off adjustable base discount.
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If you must cancel or return your order, you will need to contact FedEx with your tracking number and refuse shipment. Once we receive the product back to our warehouse in perfect and unused condition, your refund will be issued with a 15% restocking fee deducted from your order total. Once a cancellation has been requested, the customer's order will be noted that the 101-Night Sleep Trial has been voided.
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The most beautiful book and movie review I have read. F Scott Fitzgerald is easily the most influential American author in the 20th century in my opinion. He writes in a way that makes you fall in love with the English language in a way nobody has done before.
Literary Explorations
My Books Are Loved
Humans Beings are interesting creatures. There are so many ways to do things, and so many strong beliefs about how their way is the right way, should be the only way, or that your way, or my way should not be permitted. You may chuckle or giggle when you realize what I am talking about when I spit out this horrific topic, and then you will say, "why yes, I do have a preference".
I FOLD DOWN THE CORNER OF THE PAGE ON MY BOOKS.. I "DOG EAR" my books..
I have looked at comments on blogs and after reading many comments; I would almost say easily thousands of readers would be slightly miffed at my adored books. Women commenting in the most recent blog I read even went as far as to say they try not to bend the spines, having a library in pristine condition is her goal! This comment came with many smiley faces and exclamation points. Someone named Elle believes folding the corners is damaging the story it's self. I have read folding the corners shows you do not love your books, abuse your books, or couldn't pick up the book that has been used previously and read it because someone before you chose this manner of bookmarking. I beg to differ.
My books are loved, adored, and sometimes memorized. My books are sometimes yellow from rereading them in the hot summer sunshine and occasionally have the pages falling out from the melted glue. Some of my books are filled with Key West sand. Unfortunately the book's filled with sand constantly falling to my floor with yellow pages are often the most adored of all. Every single book has bent corners. Some are highlighted with pencils marking the most important pages of all. I also have several books with bent corners yet I never use them; I just open the book and read because every single page and word is memorized. Simply reaching for the book is calming, like a smoker reaching for their cigarette box. My therapy, my memories of what I was doing when I was reading it. I need to go back, so I reread the book, or just my dog eared page. I simply cannot imagine the nice bookmarks required for the situations I come across where I want to mark something. But my point is, my books are loved, saved, and will be in my possession for many many years, bent spine and all.
I love psych, so don't hesitate to comment immediately on how you choose to bookmark your books, highlight, or crease your spines. I will read all immediately via Iphone because I am curious about your preferences too.
A Beating Heart Behind Every Book
I knew when I started my blog that I wanted it to be a true reflection of MY LIFE, MY JOURNEY'S, AND MYSELF, for better or for worse. I SUBMERGE myself daily, for hours, in every single book I can get my hands on. Some are terrible, but I read through to the end. The options on my menu represent my life fairly well, and it would not be a fair representation of myself if "My Literary Explorations" didn't exist. I am also not going to be dishonest, WordPress is immensely intimidating, I can only assume my blog posts will in the future be read and immediately dismissed within a few glances, entries, or by the title of my blog alone. I am not an author, I do not pour tears, my pride, reputation, and rely on countless friends and pray to God only to know I will either be a huge success or failure. As F. Scott Fitzgerald proclaimed in 1920 "An author ought to write for the youth of this generation, the critics of the next, and the schoolmasters of ever afterward." I personally view The Great Gatsby as the single most important piece of American literature we acquired from the twentieth century, yet I guarantee critics had abhorrent remarks about his lifestyle, writing style, and the book itself.
This brings me to the book I finished today. An author wrote the most amazing thank you at the end for everyone who had assisted her along the way. I went to goodreads.com to scan my book and shelve it, and looked at a few reviews, some simply declared their love for this book. As a reader yourself, simply use your imagination for the disapproving reviews a few fellow readers shared with us, or the discontented reader's interjected comments as author "read" her story to us. This woman may search herself and her book, it may affect her writing, and it may affect her contract. Thank goodness for SPSS, statistics, Neilson. We have all finished a book that has last such an impression on us, took such an emotional toll, or what have you, that it truly makes all books pale in comparison. And when the next book we pick up doesn't meet those expectations, when the next book doesn't even pique your interest because of this, it is your fault and not the author's. This author need to be appreciated for how she writes. Which is what I am going to do. I may do this slightly unconventionally, but I am going to do research before writing a single comment about what I think about the book. If it is her first book or if it is John Grisham's twentieth's. I mean if it was a .99c book did I expect my new Gatsby? No, so I will be realistic to these authors as I venture through unknown territories of WordPress. It will be new for me, and I hope, if anyone reads my blog, they will learn about the author, the book, and me.

subset: commoncrawl


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Our little Molly Kate is not so little anymore and it seems like with each passing day, she is growing up at a faster and faster pace. She's always been so mature for her age and people always think she's older than she is (much to my dismay…I desperately want to keep her little!). But in the past few weeks, there's been a sudden surge of growth. She's taller and weighs more, but even more noticeable are her conversation skills, the kinds of questions she asking now and the way she's more consistently choosing servanthood over selfishness. Of course she still has her moments…she's only five! Today I thought I might lose my mind if she got out of her seat one more time during school!! But I'm so impressed with her on a regular basis. For her birthday, I surprised her by taking her to get her ears pierced. She had been asking for a while now and Kevin and I felt like there was no good reason to wait, but we did want to do it on a special occasion. She was such a trooper as she so badly wanted it done! Afterwards we were walking through the mall and she was super-quiet. I asked her what she was thinking about and she replied, "I'm just so grateful that you let me get my ears pierced today. Thank you Mama!" She's compassionate, she's thoughtful, she's a peacemaker and she loves life….I love that about her. And I continue to pray that God would draw her to Himself and to repentance, that she would trust in Jesus as her Savior, and that one day, many years from now, she'll be one of my closest friends.
Here's a peek into her special day!


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I can't wait to show you these 20 Super Brilliant DIY Mason Jar Hacks! I love great ways to use common items and if you do too, then you'll love these DIY mason jar hacks I've put together. I tried to pick just the prettiest and best ideas I could find and that I would actually use in my own country home.
20 Super Brilliant DIY Mason Jar Hacks
These DIY Mason Jar Hacks are So Clever!
- First, learn how to paint and distress mason jars. -via It All Started with Paint
- Then make these Mason Jar Bathroom Storage and Accesories. This is such a great DIY mason jar hack! -via Mason Jar Crafts Love
- Using mason jars is such a smart and pretty way to grow herbs in your kitchen. -via Real Simple
- She used coffee beans and white paint to make this mason jar votive in this diy mason jar hack. -via Soapbox Creations
- This mason jar window treatment is so heavenly…look at all the pretty flowers! -via It All Started with Paint
- Here's another brilliant way to organize your makeup brushes and cotton balls in this DIY mason jar hack. -via Pop Sugar
These Pretty Mason Jars Will Inspire You
- Add glass knobs to mason jar lids to create pretty mason jar organization containers. This would look so pretty in a cute office. -via Lolly Jane
- I would've never thought of this! This lady made a DIY Mason Jar Tissue Holder. -via Landeelu
- Use a blue glass mason jar to hold loose change in a farmhouse laundry room in this mason jar hack. -via Knick of Time
- These rustic DIY mason jar wall laterns look easy enough to make. -via A Southern Fairytale
- Show some Southern hospitality with a mason jar tea time housewarming gift they'll actually use in this DIY mason jar hack. (free printable!) -via The Gunny Sack
- Ditch those ugly dish soap containers and use mason jars instead. -via Everyday Dishes
- If you can't buy it, make it instead! I am seriously IN LOVE with this DIY mason jar chandelier. -via Charming Imperfections
Country Inspired DIY Mason Jar Hacks
- Make your own country inspired lamp in this clever mason jar hack. -via Raising Dick and Jane
- This knock off Anthropologie mason jar sewing kit would make a great gift. -via It All Started with Paint
- If you live in the South, then you need to know how to make mason jar citronella candles. -via One Little Project
- This diy mason jar hack is "sew" brilliant! Such a great way to organize sewing supplies. -via Poofy Cheeks
- Use mason jars to organize your spices. -via Country Living
- Make builder grade vanity lights "country inspired" in this DIY mason jar vanity light tutorial. -via Bless'er House
- Turn a cheap solar light into a pretty mason jar solar light in this brilliant DIY mason jar hack. -via Van Doren Farm
What are your favorite ways to use mason jars? Join me on the Mothering with a Purpose Facebook page!


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The fall issue of USA Triathlon Magazine is now available in a flash-based digital edition (best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer), Android and iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch. Current USA Triathlon members will still receive a printed copy of the magazine (unless you have opted out).
This issue celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first triathlon, held in September 1974 in Mission Bay, California. Hear from some of the sport's key figures on their favorite triathlon memories plus catch up with our Olympians, learn about the series that changed the sport, the evolution of triathlon nutrition and equipment and much more.
iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch:
Download the USA Triathlon Magazine app in the App Store
Download the USA Triathlon Magazine app on Google Play
Summer USA Triathlon magazine link:
Username: usatriathlon
Password: usatmag
*password required at page 20
Click to launch the full edition in a new window.


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Sunday, March 12, 2017
Undoing the Undoing of Affordable Care
So, by now, you have received the note announcing the return of this blog and you have returned to find 3, yes THREE, blog posts waiting for you and your analysis. I am posting this Sunday night, and it will be shorter, mainly because the availability of information is sparse.
The Republicans, who have had 8 years, more or less, to battle against Obamacare, passing bill after bill to repeal it, secure in their knowledge that their bills would never become law, are having a time of it. They are finding out the dilemma of repealing a law that creates a program for millions. Call it an entitlement if you wish-- you could make the same argument with the capital gains tax, but once a program is in effect, and there is a continued constituency for it, the entire dynamic about repeal changes.
Abstraction in politics is wonderful at creation; deadly at repeal. It is great to describe the benefits of programs you make, to espouse their successes before they become successes, and to deny any harm they might do. No one can prove the effect of the program before it begins, and OMB reports are dry and easily ignored tens days past publication. Who cares, who pays attention?
But a face on a program, a name and a story about how the program removed, taken from the person, who now has a face, a family, a problem you can not only describe but see, well, that puts the process into limbo. And people can quantify the results of the repeal. People can crunch numbers and see who's in and who's out. And the pressures on the legislators who must make the decisions black and white, jump out at them, especially if they reside in their districts.
So, once again, the health insurance and health care and costs and prices and availability and deductibles and co-pays and every nook and cranny of every issue rises up and constricts the will of Congress to act. It amuses the political elite of both persuasions, or perhaps now there are more than two, but they dont worry much about paying for insurance. For so many Americans, the fear is not that something will get done, but that once again, whatever gets done or not, will be such a mess things will only get worse. And the people long for competence, and straight answers.
We watch as the repeal unfolds and doubt, if my sense of the polity is accurate, most of us are not confident that even as the sun rises an hour different than it did last week, things will get better.
That is the crisis we are facing even greater than the rising cost of health care and health insurance.
Unless we face that, apart from the politics of the moment, none of this will matter.
2 comments:
- BK said...
Welcome back to the Blogosphere. Just wanted to say you WERE right about one thing. Neither Donald Trump nor Hillary Clinton became our president. Steve Bannon is the president, or at least the one whose agenda is being enacted with the willing cooperation of the insufferably buffoonish moron whose perfidious hand was placed on the Bible on January 20. It's a rocky road ahead and glad to have you be sharing your thoughts.
- Kurt Hohenstein said...
I am trying to remain optimistic, but it does appear that were are a ship of state with the captain below board tweeting out the last microaggression. It is not something any of us are familiar with, and we all must remain vigilant against threats, foreign and domestic. This is not time for either complacency or fear. (Or as FDR describe it, blind, irrational fear).


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Accommodation In Fiji
This family room is located at ground level in the main Safari Lodge. The room has two double beds and two single beds, in trio bunks
Ceiling fan provides cool breezes as does louvers following the air flow through the Villa.
The family room has direct access to its own bathroom.


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Panduwasnuwara is an ancient city in the Kurunegala area which functioned as the capital of Sri Lanka for a very brief period. King Parakramabahu set up his temporary capital in this city during the 12th century.
- Heritage
- Prehistoric
- Wildlife
- Waterfalls
- Attractions
- Ancient Irrigation
- History


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A man's death from a gunshot wound to the head while his hands were handcuffed behind him in an Arkansas police patrol car has been ruled a suicide, The Associated Press reported on Monday.
The AP said the state crime lab report said 21-year-old Chavis Carter shot himself in the right temple of his head with a gun he had hidden. The report was based on autopsy findings and an investigation by the Jonesboro, Ark., Police Department.
Carter's death has prompted skepticism about the police version of events. His father, Charles Douglas, told theGrio that he does not believe that his son's death was a suicide.
"I don't believe he committed suicide. Until we get justice, we're not going to get peace. He's not resting in peace; this won't be over until he is."
Forensic expert calls suicide 'possible,' 'very unlikely'
Dr. Michael Baden, a former chief medical examiner for the City of New York and expert witness during the O.J. Simpson trial, told theGrio that if the gun used to kill Carter was positioned as it was in the police re-enactment video, there's a slight possibility Carter could have gotten enough leverage to shoot himself.
"It would be possible, I think, but it's still very unlikely that that would happen," he said.
According to the police video, Carter was hunched over and reached behind his back for the gun and fired, causing the bullet to hit the right side of his head.
Carter and two friends were riding in a truck in Jonesboro on the night of July 28 when they were pulled over. Police said they received reports a of truck matching the description of the vehicle driving up and the down the street with its lights turned off.
During a search of the trio and the vehicle, police found marijuana plastic baggies and a set of scales. After running a check on his name, police learned Carter had a warrant for his arrest in Mississippi for marijuana possession.
He was handcuffed after a second search and placed in the back of the squad car while the officers conducted another search of the truck. Shortly thereafter the officers involved said they heard a gunshot and discovered that Carter had shot himself in the head.
Officers found Carter in the back seat slumped over and covered in blood. The other two riders were allowed to go.
Suspicion over the official account has continued to grow in the city's African-American community.
Police video from the night of the incident provided few answers, as it did not show the shooting.
Prior to the video's release, police released a video reconstruction meant to show how Carter could have shot himself with his hands restrained behind his back.
"We just wanted to get a good perspective on how it could be done and the ease with which it could be done," said Jonesboro Police Chief Michael Yates.
Yates originally called the shooting "bizarre" and said that the officers' version of events defied logic. But he later said the scenario was "very possible."
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One of the officers reported discovering a small-caliber handgun in the spot where Carter died. The gun was not found during the two previous instances Carter was searched.
Baden, the former New York City medical examiner, said the officers bear some culpability in the incident no matter what.
"If he dies in their custody they're responsible," he said. "At the least, we're talking about very sloppy police work — not finding a gun that he could have used to shoot one of the officers. And it's indicative of poor training of the officers."
Yates has come under scrutiny for his department's lack of diversity, with only three out of 145 officers being African-American.
Carter family attorney Benjamin Irwin told the AP he and the family are reviewing the report and will release a statement.
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Some say Ibiza is the party capital but I think it's Miami. The city has such a chilled vibe. Tourists from all over the world come to people-watch at South Beach (SoBe) and dine at Lincoln Road's restaurants.
The Winter Party encourages gay men to escape the freezing temperatures elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere. They can take in the sun, breathe the fresh Atlantic Ocean air and dance to loud beats. This year's dates were 28 February to 6 March, so you might need to pencil it in for 2019! The Winter Party donates some of its profit to an LGBT charity every year. The circuit includes a Friday night party, normally at Space – a superclub with three dance floors. The Pool Party is a good excuse to put on tiny swimwear whether you plan to go in the water or not!
Lots of muscle guys work out all year to get ready for the Sunday T-dance on SoBe. The dress code is strictly no shirt and the smallest of shorts. Afterwards, people tend to go crazy on the last Sunday night party, getting dirty on the dancefloor. I had the best time with one of my buddies (and the hottest equipped guys we could find) at that party last year.
The Winter Party attracts the most popular gay DJs from across America, as well as Europe and Australia like Dan Slater, Cindel, Dani Toro, Nina Flowers, Lucas Flamefly, Hansell, Eddie Martinez, Paulo, Danny Verde, and Binomio. My favourite is DJ Kingstone Paris, who remixes popular classics into deep house music like you've never heard. Miami itself smells like the rich and famous.Stay at one of the many accommodation options on Collins Avenue to really experience SoBe. When you aren't partying, take in an exhibition at the Sagamore Hotel (aka the Art Hotel) on Ocean Drive and shop on Lincoln Road. Crunch and Equinox are the popular gyms. Local gay bars include Palace and Twist and if you're heading to the beach, look for the rainbow flags flying on 12th Street to signal the gay area.


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…of the Town Center location, specifically. In August, the Daily Mail reported that both Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill were opening new locations at the Charleston Town Center and at Southridge in the Dudley Farms plaza.
Both restaurants will share the former Gratzi location at the Town Center and are scheduled to open before the holidays. Five Guys will occupy the space that was formerly All Care Dental at Dudley Farms and Qdoba will occupy part of the space where Shoe Carnival used to be.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries is hugely popular and has 750 locations in 40 other states. I'd heard about it a few years back and ate at one in Myrtle Beach. I've yet to eat at the Huntington location in Pullman Square. Five Guys is known for its gigantic burgers and fresh-cut fries. I thought it was good, but nothing all that special.
Qdoba is a "fast casual" chain that serves "fresh Mex" food. There are over 700 locations throughout the U.S., including at the Huntington Mall in Barboursville. It sounds a lot like Cilantro's, which I loved, so maybe I'll give it a try soon.
I predict both restaurants at both of their new locations will do well.


text: Bramall Scholar profiles In 'Postgraduate study' Postgraduate study in MusicAlumni profilesScholar profiles Back to 'Music' Recipients of Bramall Performance Scholarship Awards Each year, up to seven awards are available to applicants for the Choral Conducting and Performance pathways of the MA Music, covering tuition fees at UK/EU rates. These profiles demonstrate the breadth of experiences enjoyed by these scholars, and the benefits they have gained from studying the MA Music. More information on the Bramall Performance Scholarship, and details on how to apply, are available via the Postgraduate Funding Database: Bramall Performance Scholarships (Music MA) Lauren Morris, MA Music - Performance Pathway The Bramall Music Scholarship has enabled me to satisfy my thirst for knowledge through postgraduate study. Studying Masters in Music Performance has not only made me a more well-informed musician, but also a more confident and well -rounded performer. Whilst at University of Birmingham I have been offered various performance opportunities which have armed me with valuable experience and helped me grow as a singer. All of this would not have been made possible for me, had it not been for the Bramalls' extremely kind and generous gift. Lauren Gregory, MA Music - Performance Pathway Receiving a Bramall scholarship has made a world of difference to me this year. Studying towards an MA has allowed me to explore the art of accompaniment, and continue to widen my understanding of music history and context. I have recently set up a music school based in Solihull, offering lessons and workshop opportunities to many students. This would not have been possible without the performance, presentation, academic, and people skills I have developed during this two year course. I am extremely grateful to have been awarded this scholarship, and hope that future recipients will enjoy their time at the University of Birmingham as much as I have.


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GPs to assign patients to weight-loss programme before surgery
More GPs will be asked to help patients quit smoking or lose weight before surgery, as another CCG joins the ranks of commissioners restricting services.
Going forward, smokers and patients with a BMI of 30 or over 'will be offered a referral to either a weight management programme or stop smoking services for a six-month period' before being considered for surgery, NHS Harrogate and Rural District CCG said.
The CCG, which has a projected deficit of £8.4m for the current financial year, said the new measure would 'help protect the future finances of the CCG and the wider local health economy.'
CCG chief officer Amanda Bloor said: 'The CCG [is] not saying patients can't have the surgery.
'By introducing a six-month health optimisation period, we are encouraging and supporting patients to undertake a lifestyle change which will provide them with the best possible clinical outcome.'
The policy, which excludes surgery related to cancer or suspected cancer, urgent procedures and patients with severe mental illness, is one of a range of initiatives by the CCG to try and close its deficit. It will also conduct a review of follow-up appointments to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and work with GPs and pharmacies to reduce prescribing costs and promote self-care.
The news comes as a report from the Royal College of Surgeons, published in April, warned that one in three CCGs are now denying or delaying routine surgery to patients, in contravention of national guidance, with smokers and obese patients seen as 'soft targets' for service rationing.
Readers' comments (6)
This is a good idea. I am reading Dr Michael Moseley's Book the 8 week blood sugar diet which may ward off a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis which is a common diagnosis in my age group. When we walked to work in the fields or factories in the 18th-19th centuries, it did not matter so much what we ate but, now we drive to sedentary jobs, it does matter. I would suggest in my age group (70) dropping one's calories intake to 500 calories per day for 8 weeks after which we can graduate to 1750 calories per day and, so long was one walks or cycles or runs of swims during the first 8 weeks, one will leech from the pancreas the fats accumulated thereon which inhibit insulin production, and keep off animal fats for the future whilst exercising it may be possible to ward off or reverse a diagnosis of diabetes Type 2 which can have all sorts of adverse sequelae if allowed to take hold of one unimpeded. Many people do not look after their health enough.
I did see a TV item about a young teenaged dancer with a bit of a twist in his spine, and after being referred for some sort of supportive metal implant, the CCG said they no longer paid for this procedure. Was this because of funding cuts or because of the procedure being clinically inappropriate or ineffective? The CCG should explain the reason. Otherwise I shall campaign for the CCGs' abolition. The administration charge on the NHS budget when I started working in the NHS was 5% but commissioning has increased this charge to 15% to 30% of the NHS Budget when this money would be better spent on training and recruiting more doctors and nurses and improving the care of our patients.


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Launceston Lodge of Research is a regular Masonic Lodge and number 69 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of Tasmania and depicted as "Launceston Lodge of Research No 69 T.C"., the letters after the number stand for "Tasmanian Constitution".
The Lodge
The Launceston Masonic Centre which has stood sentinel over the Tamar Street end of Brisbane Street for over 130 years.
Explore the Launceston's Masonic Hall, one of the few secular buildings in the city still used for its original purpose.
Our Masonic Lecturer from Switzerland
Our Swiss friend Wor Bro Dr. Michel Jaccard, Past President of the Alpina Research Group of Switzerland, will shortly be leaving Australia shores on his way home, via a few speaking engagements in Asia. His recent visit to Tasmania was a great success and enjoyed by the many Tasmanians who met him. Especially, those fortunate enough to hear him speak on some of his varied topics of Masonic Research, and in particular his talk about Sir Isaac Newton, Solomon's Temple and the Craft of the Moderns. The lucky ones who purchased a copy of his book "Continental Freemasonry" were also


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Someone I love died angry. I'd witnessed to her, very imperfectly, over many years, always fearing that my unchristlike behavior nullified everything I'd told her about Jesus. Admittedly, I don't really know what happened between her and the Lord during her final moments on earth, but every conversation I had with her showed a rejection of fundamental Biblical truth. So it haunts me to know that she died angry.
Sometimes I struggle with temptation to blame myself. I think I should have told her the Gospel more often and more accurately. I should have acted less hypocritically and demonstrated more of Christ's love. Well, yes, I did fail in how I represented Christ, and I pray I'll learn from my sins in witnessing to her.
But my blunders, as serious as they were, did not keep her from turning to Christ. And this very point leads me to resume my discussion on T.U.L.I.P. (or the five points of Calvinism) by introducing the doctrine of Irresistible Grace.
The doctrine of Irresistible Grace teaches that those whom God elects for salvation will not refuse His call. As with the doctrine of Unconditional Election, this teaches that regeneration is accomplished solely by God, adding only the nuance that His call is always effectual. In other words, mere human beings simply don't have the ability to resist His sovereign decree appointing them to salvation.
I feel a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of explaining this doctrine (and therefore have procrastinated in writing this blog post) because so many Scriptures support it that I can hardly decide which to present. Obviously, I must obey the limitations of time, space and copyright laws when it comes to making a case from the Word of God, leaving me frustrated at the certainty of giving inadequate evidence. And yet, anyone who seriously wants to find Biblical affirmation of Irresistible Grace can easily Google it.
So today I'll only introduce this doctrine by commenting on Jesus' own remarks about how people come to Him. In thinking about Irresistible Grace, my mind instantly goes to His statement in John's gospel:
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. ~~~John 6:44 (ESV)
Well, that little proclamation certainly squashes human pride! I mean, Jesus actually says here that we lack the ability to become Christians without the Father's direct intervention. We can't make our own decision whether or not to follow Christ, according to His own words. Yet, if the Father draws someone, Jesus promises to raise that person up.
Jesus strengthens the idea of election without our participation in His last discourse before His crucifixion:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ~~John 15:16 (ESV)
We love the part of this verse assuring us that the Father will give us whatever we ask in Jesus' Name, but we can't appropriate that promise without also appropriating the pronouncement that we did not choose Him. Again, that concept humbles us, taking away all possibility of congratulating ourselves for "accepting" Him. But it also highlights the implicit idea that, upon His choosing of us, we came.
My loved one, had the Lord elected her to salvation, could never have rejected Him. And perhaps, despite her anger that last day, something transpired between her and the Lord that I don't know about. If that sweet lady was one of God's elect, nothing could have prevented her from accepting His call. Not even her own will.


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WorldWide shipping
Express delivery within 2-5 days. (Over 120 countries)
Big Phat Choco Brown 14.5mm
LensMe Big Phat Choco Brown 14.5mm is a profoundly quieting tint of charcoal darker shading. This shading can be brandished by the individuals who love Choco Brown's eyes look yet to pick a characteristic, quiet look. A captivating profound darker that loans the wearer an insightful, old-world appeal that is both classy and other-common.
|Product name / Big phat
|Overall diameter (DIA) / 15.0mm
|Duration of use / 6 months / vial
|Graphic diameter / 14.5mm
|Manufacturer / LensMe
|BC / 8.6mm
|Place of origin / South Korea
|Moisture content / 38%
|Frequency range / 0.00 ~ -8.00
|Astigmatic / Impossible
KPOP2 sells only GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC LensMe Korean color contact lenses.
We guarantee that every item we sell on our site is 100% authentic or you will receive 100% of your money back, including shipping and return shipping costs, as well as an additional store credit.


text:
David Hunt Lighting Wadebridge WAD1537
David Hunt Lighting Wadebridge single light outdoor wall fitting features an oval design wall plate with extending arm holding a fisherman style lantern with a cage design frame all in an oxidised finish complete with a ribbed glass diffuser.
The product code for this David Hunt fitting is WAD1537.
This classic styled wall fitting has an authentic feel which will enhance your space bringing an element of retro design to your outdoor area and the oval ribbed glass shade diffuses the light beautifully. A perfect lighting solution to your outdoors for either modern or traditional spaces and is IP64 rated.
Not suitable for coastal locations.
Also available in this stylish new range in either nickel or brass finish both of which can be purchased via our website.
Size: Height 28cm Width 18cm Projection 26cm
Wattage: 1 x 60w MAX GLS
Socket: ES/E27 screw type
Castlegate Lights Ltd will normally deliver your order within 3 to 5 working days. All orders placed before 1.00pm on items in stock will be delivered next working day.
UK Returns
If you decide to cancel and return the goods, then you should put this in writing, either by letter (proof of posting or recorded delivery is advisable) or you can fax or email. A telephone call is not sufficient.
We accept unused and unfitted correctly boxed returns for exchange or refund within 30 days. To define correctly boxed: this means the product should be correctly repacked in it's own product box and then safely protected and packed in another outer box for shipping. Do not send products back in only their product box only as this will lead to damages happening in transit and refunds not being issued for returned damaged goods. Any such damages should be taken up with your return courier.
Faulty returns must be sent back for inspection using our correct postal address (as below). If found to have a manufacturing defect you will be offered a refund or exchange. Goods must be adequately sealed in all the original packaging, including the outer. Please note that Royal Mail may reject any package that is not adequately wrapped. All information regarding your purchase was sent to the email address you supplied whilst placing your order. If using any address label please attach securely to the package. Please ensure you ask for a certificate of posting from the Post Office as proof you have sent the package. (The Post Office do not charge for issuing these certificates)
Please note that all orders for spare parts are non-refundable and non-returnable.
Payment can be made online by any credit or debit card, Paypal, or by Google Checkout.
Our site uses the latest 128 bit SSL security, complying with and exceeding all necessary security requirements to protect your details. We do not store any sensitive information (card number, etc).
SSL encrypts your order online to avoid any decoding of that information of anyone other than the necessary processing parties. To check the security of your connection, look at the status bar of your browser window after accessing the server. If you see an unbroken key or a closed lock then, depending upon your browser, SSL is active. You can also double check by looking at the URL line of your browser - while accessing a secure server the first characters of the address will change from HTTP to HTTPS.


text:
We have a fantastic opportunity for you to do something different and rewarding in 2020. We are looking for enthusiastic Residential Support Workers for a brand-new home near Bury St Edmonds. We support adults living with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health conditions to fulfil their potential, develop new skills and live as independently as possible.
Whether you are experienced, or you are new to the care sector, if you have a compassionate nature and a passion for making a difference then we would love to hear from you. However, due to the location of the service and shift patterns, it is preferred that you hold a full driving licence and access to a vehicle but not essential (if you have a reliable person who can transport you, then we would welcome your application too).
No dream is beyond reach
We are advertising on behalf of our client who has a brilliant reputation for providing high quality, person-centered support to vulnerable adults. They believe that every person can reach their potential and achieve their goals no matter what the barrier. They provide the highest level of care and industry-leading rehabilitation service that supports adults to live as independently as possible and achieve positive outcomes. They are proud of the increasing number of adults they have supported who have achieved positive outcomes and reached their goals. It is a feeling like no other and something you could be part of.
As their Residential Support Worker, you will help residents to live independently in one of their individual flats which has been modified to meet the needs of each individual adult. You will build and maintain a warm trusting relationship and encourage each adult to achieve their goals. You will also support them to enjoy a range of activities both in their home and in the local community. You will implement each person's individual care plan and work towards agreed targets.
Benefits & Hours
- £18,304.00 - £22,880.00 per annum pro-rata;
- Shift patterns are 7am-3pm, 3pm-10pm or 10pm-7am;
- Full time, part-time and bank hours available;
- A realistic work/life balance approach;
- Pension contributions;
- Career development programs;
- Lifestyle benefits (money off vouchers/cinema tickets and gym membership).
The biggest benefit of all is the rewarding nature of the role. This is not just a job, it's a chance to change someone's life.
So, if you are caring in nature, trustworthy, patient and understanding and want to make a difference why not do something rewarding as we would love to hear from you. Don't worry if you have any questions, they will have a chat with you once you have applied and put your mind at ease on any questions you may have regarding joining our team!


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Lou Pack has more than 25 years of management experience. He specializes in assisting public sector and commercial clients develop and implement best practice project management and acquisition management processes, techniques, and tools. His expertise covers management systems evaluations, management process improvements, program management office (PMO) implementations, development and implementation of earned value management (EVM) systems, project scope and requirements definition, portfolio management, performance measurement tools, risk analyses, and acquisition management systems for federal programs, including competitive sourcing procurements.
He teaches project management for the Federal Aviation Administration's Academy. He is a certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and serves on PMI standards development committees.


text:
- Peter Schooff
- BPM Discussions
- Tuesday, 15 March 2016
- Subscribe via email
As [url=https://twitter.com/clearcadencellc]Kevin Beddingfield[/url] wrote in [url=http://bpm.com/bpm-today/in-the-forum/why-is-the-bpm-market-so-small#reply-3389]this discussion[/url]: "I never understood why social had to be a component with BPM. I worked for a company that spent a lot of time and money incorporating a social link with their BPM product and it was quickly shelved because, guess what? Work is work...not social." What do you think?
What's next?
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 1
Every process is unique; what works for one, might not work for the other. That's why I believe BPM in general doesn't exist.
Having said that; executing and managing cases by process is daily work and the BPM store has different tools and methods to do that better.
So Social BPM; for sure some type of processes rely more on collaboration (social interactions?) than other ones. And that's all depending on the type of process, process result and the best way to execute and manage it.
So BPM is daily business and social aspects might be part of it. Nothing special. So it's not a failure, the only thing is that marketing departments didn't understand it and try to bring it as something special.
Talking about marketing; as far as I remember, weren't all those 'modelling together in the cloud tools' also not sold as social BPM?
Not sure if that really paid off.
But I'm working on a revolutionary invention that goes far beyond that. First release will be in about 2 weeks. So check my twitter or site/blog at that time.
Sharing my adventures in Process World via Procesje.nl
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 2
Work is social as soon as you work on a team with more than one person, or if you have any colleagues at all. This is why
[i]all useful business software is social/collaborative software.[/i]
What goes wrong is when people try to bolt social or collaborative capabilities on to software tools or team practices that come from the command and control era. That's just lipstick on a pig, and doesn't work.
BPM is the same: it doesn't have to be social. Instead, you can lock a process analyst or two up in an ivory tower and make sure they don't
[i]socialise[/i]with anyone else in the organisation, all the better to develop process models independently of how people actually work.
Of course, I tend to believe that BPM and other management disciplines are more effective when social collaboration is a fundamental part of how they work. By extension, the same applies to any tools that support these activities.
So no, social BPM is not a failure, but there are plenty of people who fail to be social in their approach to work. And not all of them are programmers.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 3
Completely with Peter Hilton... Adding "social" to any software platform is a can of worms; and many times it is just plain overkill. Now, what does work is looking at how people
[i]actually[/i]collaborate with eachother. For example, many times I run into situations where customer ask for "documentation". The collaboration is pretty often as follows:
Stuff gets sent, looked at, returned, looked at, discussed in a workshop, changed, sent, looked at, discussed in a meeting, changed, etc. The million dollar question is: Where have people looked at? Which version? Where are all the comments? Audit log perhaps? So, yes, there is a need for this type of functionality, but the implementation is often pretty bad. And: My oh my, email is still such a killer app :-).
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 4
Many business processes benefit when you allow participants to collaborate, and that collaboration can be enhanced by tooling that was originaly created for social interactions - but to be truly useful the collaboration tools need to be goal oriented, and few social tools are.
Social BPM, as a moniker, misses the point. Collaborative BPM is spot on.
Founder at John Reynolds' Venture LLC - Creator of ¿?Trules™ for drama free decisions
- Patrick Lujan
- 4 years ago
- #1556
"Social BPM, as a moniker, misses the point. Collaborative BPM is spot on."
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 5
While there are some use cases for capturing the work interaction as part of a business process, I think Social BPM is more a marketing buzzword trying to capture the Social Media craze of consumers rather than a real differentiator as it was portrayed. For risk averse industries, capturing some of the interaction that takes place outside of the work product is appealing in theory but for many, it is just a clumsey added feature. Value comes from directed collaboration as others have said rather than social BPM.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 6
Yes. Absolutely. It is the perfect example of so many BPM companies that are just following buzzwords and hype in order to fool the analysts and their disappointed VCs. But isn't that the story of Sillicon Valley itself? :)
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 7
Thanks for using one of my comments today! I would like to clarify when I talked about Social BPM, it was a direct integration with Facebook, Twitter, and the software company's own social media "app." On this app you had the ability to add followers and to follow someone, liking aspects of a work item going through the process and even following a particular case so you could get updates when anything happened. Maybe that's fine but there are other integrations and tools that can provide that without needing a separate app (y'know, like email or text messages).
I totally agree on the BPM Collaboration points and perhaps a BPM based social app provided by the company is a way to do it but integrating with FB and Twitter is total overkill and just doesn't make sense to me ("Oh hey, I got a Tweet that I need to approve an invoice. Think I'll Like and Retweet that." )
I think the social part of BPM was more marketing driven than anything else and it's a shame that the true benefits of a BPMS solution get buried underneath all the the hype.
Managing Director
ClearCadence, LLC
ClearCadence, LLC
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 8
Another "distraction" to core discipline of BPM. However perhaps where the informal tasks in a process are recognised as useful allowing interaction with colleagues then should be moulded into the end to end process recording outcomes as appropriate. But I do not like term social in this context.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 9
Absolutely. BPM tools should seek to integrate with best practice rather than attempt to replicate it. BPMs should continue focus on reducing the cost to deploy and on the less sexy aspects of process design, integration and business rules.
Agree with David that Social BPM has been a distraction. I'd add mobile BPM to the list of distractions as well.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 10
There are great applications for BPM integration with social network platforms. For example, I know of one municipality that is preparing to use BPM and Twitter to provide all kinds of new services to its citizens.
But in general, the hype was always hype. And that's equally true of many of the "collaboration" features lauded by analysts and touted by vendors today. But don't get me started.
Scott's opinions only. Logo provided for identification purposes only.
Scott's opinions only. Logo provided for identification purposes only.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 11
It depends on how one defines "Social". Most processes involve more than one person and are "Social" in that regard. However, if one takes the narrower definition of "Social", i.e. "posts" to ones followers (Twitter), friends (Facebook) or connections (LinkedIn) then that makes for a very poor foundation for BPM.
As @Walter stated, email is the killer app for processes. Why is that? It's because email is at its core a conversation rather than a status broadcast. And a conversation is a much more promising basis for BPM.
Accordingly, I see
[b]conversational BPM[/b]as a much more promising path than "classic Social". Conversations are a natural way for people to interact with each other as well as for people to interact with bots. The main thing missing from email is a
[b]consistent conversational state[/b]. (
[i]Attachments represent [quote][b]inconsistent [/b]conversational state[/i][/quote]). Add consistent conversational state to an email-like tool that users and bots can interact with while conversing and I think you have a possible future of BPM.
Currently, conversational BPM, at least on the people-to-bot side, is somewhat stilted due to the limitations of AI and the ability of bots to understand natural language. However, the rate of progress in this area is staggering and it seems to me this limitation will be rapidly overcome. Even before bots can truly understand natural language, approaches like "commands" (think "Hey Siri") are a more-than-adequate stopgap.
Founder and CEO, TMail21
Co-founder and CTO, One Network Enterprises
Co-founder and CTO, One Network Enterprises
- John Morris
- 4 years ago
- #1558
Great mention of conversational technology, closely related to the work on "narrative" or "story", where progress is, as you say, staggering.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 12
Use of community-intelligence or social-intelligence or social-knowledge is one of the many coordination techniques in modern work environment thus it must be available in modern BPM-suite tools to capture events and generate complete audit-trails.
BPM-suite tools gradually incorporate more and more coordination techniques - see ref1.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 13
Was the "horseless carriage" a failure?
The term "social BPM" was a handle to explore how technological trends fit together. Now, we just call it BPM.
As a marketing term, Social BPM was a failure. However, I am not sure anyone ever seriously thought this was a new product category.
- Peter Whibley
- 4 years ago
- #1557
Mmm I'd argue as a marketing term, for some vendors anyway, it was a success. As a product or feature of a BPMs it was a failure.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 14
So many diverse comments here on this one discussion topic.
In healthcare it's "no verbal orders"
For a child, at any step along a best practice pathway, you are likely to get a call from the parent re "Why are you doing this? or "I see on the internet that beet root is a better treatment modality, why are you not using this?"
For an adult, same thing plus a desire to go to a portal and gain access to their EMR file (the law says they have the right to access information in their file).
The healthcare log needs to have a record of each of these "ad hoc" interventions - not just date/time and caller but any data that was recorded, at the time it was recorded, on the form versions in service OR an audio recording OR a video telehealth encounter recording.
No way we would allow data flows to patients/caregivers using Facebook, Twitter, e-mail because of the risk of disclosure of patient information and possibility of heavy fines.
In respect of portal accesses, you want the user to be able to log in, see a menu of services (trimmed to what this user is allowed to see/request), a message goes from the portal to a webserver engine and it is the engine alone that links to the backend db server, indexes to the right record, retrieves the data, passes it back to the engine and pushes out the info to the user at the portal. Any suspicious incoming data stream diverts to a healthcare professional/admin person who will probably call and say "if you really need this amount of information, how about you come into the clinic to pick it up?
Bottom line, no "social " in healthcare and if you are building generic platforms for healthcare (hospitals/clinics interacting with patients), for manufacturing (organizations like Lockheed interacting with suppliers), for b2b (a job shop operation interacting with a customer), why not use the same approach?
I am with Emiel ". . . .some type of processes rely more on social interactions than other ones"
I think we could avoid the controversies by saying " . . . some type of processes rely more on ad hoc interactions than other ones"
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 15
Outstanding question! "Social" in a business context is a can of worms (cf @Walter Bril). There are the problematic implications of a
[b]blurring of the personal, the public and the corporate[/b]. There's the question of
[b]unpaid labour[/b](not all social technology is unpaid labour, but the possibility is there). There's the question of rigidity, whereas the real world of conversations (cf. @Ranjit Notani) are
[b]dynamic and emergent[/b]. And then there are the questions of
[b]governance and loyalty[/b], especially relevant in a day when automation is finally having a negative impact on employment. It also seems that social has been often poorly done, and without much theoretical basis (e.g. concerning "
[b]narrative" [/b]and
[b]"conversation" [/b]etc.) on what people actually need in the context of
[b]tacit[/b]. And here's one more concern about "social" and BPM (triggered by reading @Ian Gotts' new item), which is the question of "
[b]cost of collaboration[/b]". There's some evidence emerging that forced collaboration sometimes generates
[b]a higher cognitive load[/b]that what was the case before, with a resulting decline in productivity. Yikes! That wasn't supposed to happen.
And so all these phenomenon add up to "features without users".
So, in summary, sure, by all means "social", but done right.
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 16
Collaboration is made easier (crossing geographical / time boundaries) with the right technology. So providing effective collaboration around the improvement and delivery of processes is a valuable enhacement.
Poorly designed (or woefullly out of date), inefficient processes flows cannot be improved by simply making it easier for people to discuss how to get the job done. Of worse, simply expecting the processes to work better, despite no formal consistent understanding because they have implemented social (Chatter, Yammer, Tibbr) is simply naive.
That is like putting lipstick on a pig
I had to go back to 2011 to find my last blog on SocialBPM...(attached)
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 17
Business work is inherently social - you are supposed to work for a customer and get paid for it. In the happiest of cases, the customer is a different person than you. Boom! there's your social component right there.
If I understood correctly, social BPM is where people get together online to draw on the same model? Hehe.
CEO, Co-founder, Profluo
- more than a month ago
- BPM Discussions
- # 18
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We all remember that feeling . . . we finished the last page of Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows . . . and dual emotions of elation and depression filled our hearts. After devoting countless hours and for some of us, many years of waiting, the story had finally come to an end. I remember how I felt and then relived it when my own children finished the series. Now true fans are well aware of the impending release of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, but there really is nothing like the original.
A few months ago, a friend asked me for suggestions for her own 5th grade daughter who had just completed the series. She too was feeling a sense of depression and loss as to what she could read next. I can well relate to that feeling of "what could I possibly read, that might be even half as good, as what I finished."
I think with the Harry Potter books in particular, it is important to look at what attracts a reader to the story and appeals to the reader's interest. So, I started to think about what makes the Harry Potter books so engaging and what other books might appeal to those aspects of the story.
The first appeal for me was the magic. J.K. Rowling incorporates magic into her stories with clarity and purpose. The magic is grounded in reality and she has not just created a world where magic exists, but also where it blends almost seamlessly with the real world that we know. Magic has specific and unique purposes for communication, transportation, education, and all other facets of the modern world.
One of my favorite books that incorporates magic is the Castle Glower series, starting with Tuesdays at the Castle, by Jessica Day George. These books tell the story of a magical castle that rearranges, adapts, moves, and deletes rooms in the castle, depending upon who is visiting and what is needed. When the castle is ambushed, it, along with the Princess Celie, must protect the royal family and save the kingdom. The adventures continue in subsequent books: Wednesdays in the Tower and Thursdays with the Crown.
World Building
Very few authors can create a new world as complex and all-encompassing as J.R.R. Tolkien and Rowling doesn't try to do that. Her creation of a magic world is one that is believable and yet fits into the universal truths of reality. She doesn't contradict what is known but instead melds the two worlds. Perfect example is the access to Platform 9 ¾ or how a telephone booth is the entrance to the Ministry of Magic.
Another author who I think does a great job at this is Rick Riordan with his blending of the mythological world with the real world. I am a big fan of the Percy Jackson series, but I almost think that the three books of the Kane Chronicles series about Egyptian mythology do an even better job at this. The description of the world of the pharaohs and the creation of the House of Life magicians is based on the mythology but Riordan makes it come to life and gives this world a personification of its own.
The Golden Trio
I certainly didn't coin this word but I think it is a great description of the bond between the three main characters and the story that is told through their growth and development. Certainly not a new concept in literature, think Scout, Jem, and Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird or Nancy, Beth, and George in the Nancy Drew Mysteries, the Golden Trio can manifest itself in a variety of gender and age combinations and take different forms, but the primary story revolves around the friendship, conflicts, and evolution of these characters.
One of my favorite Golden Trios — that isn't in the Percy Jackson books or the Rangers Apprentice series — is from Michael Spradlin's Youngest Templar Series. The characters of Tristan, Robard, and Maryam aren't initially friends, but learn to rely on and trust one another through the progression of the story. Another fun Golden Trio is Seymour, the young boy; Mr. Grumply, the cantankerous writer; and Olive, the ghost, from the 43 Old Cemetery Road series by Kate Klise.
A Satisfying Conclusion
Even with the impending release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the multitude of fan fiction that has been written, the last Harry Potter book ends with a sense of closure and completion. The questions are answered, the conflicts are resolved, and although the reader knows that the characters will go on and do more amazing things in their future, he feels at peace with the end. I know that I have read many, many books that have left me dissatisfied with the conclusion. I wanted more questions answered or more loose ends tied up; ultimately, I want to know that the characters are going to "all right." J.K. Rowling does this at the end of the series. I do think that it is notable that she has stated in numerous interviews that she had the last scene written very early on in her writing process. Many writers allow the characters and stories to take them where they want to go, but don't always have a clear end in mind. As a reader, I like a clean finish.
Michael Spradlin's Youngest Templar Trilogy has a very satisfying and clear ending. Another trilogy that finishes smoothly is Jennifer Holm's Boston Jane books; the character arc follows the standard rising action – conflict – falling action pattern, but does so with great description and warmth. The reader enjoys the character and feels vested in her successful outcome. One of my favorite books as a child, The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene dubois, also succinctly finishes a multi-dimensional story with a pleasing end.
So, what common appeals do you find in the books that you read, and do you look for those in other books that you seek out?


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Established before our independence, Jeyam Paper company has seven decades of experience in paper trading & quality supply. The third generation of it continues to the cherish its history and looks forward to a rewarding future.
Jeyam papers approached with a motive to nail its presence through online with a professional website featured with customized designs and interactive content. This will open the door for better prospects and help them reach their target group in a better manner.
A responsive website in an attractive design with various features has been delivered to the client on time and we received an overwhelming feedback.
Visit and explore http://jeyampapers.com/


text:
As many of you know, we moved house recently and I have not been able to teach classes as I had the staircase of hell.. I was too afraid someone might fall down them ! So I have finally had a Railing installed and have repainted and revamped my STUDIO!
I am so happy with the end result and wanted to share some pictures with you.
This is the staircase .. eeek.. No railing, super steep and each step different.. was very scary !
The room left and right. They built a horrid brown FRAME around the stairs and had a door in.. Yuck.. there was no light at all.. also horrible old tatty Brown blinds !
We installed a stunning black and metal stair railing and painted everything white. Added a long mirror to the staircase. Now everyone can walk without being afraid to fall over !
OFFICE part of studio.. Painted everything pure white, Removed all the horrid blinds and put up some vinyl art.
CLASSROOM part of studio: We repainted everything white, took off doors off the cupboards to make space for paper racks put up vinyl art (even by light switches), got new tables and pink elements.. Put up rods for Scrapbooking Layouts. Added birdcages everywhere.
SOME BEFORE / AFTER shots:
Closeups of elements in the room..
Had Vinyl wall art designed for the back wall.
Used Metal Curtain rods to hang off my Scrapbooking Layouts.
Searched high and low and finally found a PINK CUTTLEBUG to match the room.
I got this handmade Teddy from my amazing husband ! Finished off with pink baskets for all my dies and embossing folders.
Wall art in Office.. Just a touch here and there.
View of the window dressings.. Used organza to wrap around the curtain rods and added some pink frames and black birdcages.
Close up of wall art.
My favorite layout created by Hege Nielsen for me. Framed and in its place of pride on my IKEA unit.
I found this old Singer machine when we moved into the house.
The domestic worker had it and I convinced her to sell it to me.. LOL.. Love it !!!
View from back of room into studio and stairs going down.
View of counter
Cut off the cupboard doors and put my two paper racks in there to keep them from the sun.
Added more pink Organza and wall art to the middle window. The view is so pretty too !
Created big CREATE lettering that I bought and covered them in black / white papers with flowers.
Adhered above my window.
Added Pink Dirt bins.
New tables and repainted the chairs to give the clean look !
Wow, lots of work.. but worth the effort.. I LOVE My new room.
THANK YOU to my hubby for all the hard work !! I love you !
Thanks for looking ! Hope you all come and play with me one day ! I will be teaching classes again from next year.
Hugs, Mich


text:
CHRONIC underfunding of mental health services in Oxfordshire and rising demand has left the county 'close to bursting point', according to a local doctor.
Psychiatrist Dr Andrew Molodynski, based in Didcot, was speaking in his role as the British Medical Association's (BMA) mental health policy lead after a national survey by the doctors' union revealed more than half of mental health care workers said they were too busy to provide the care they would like to be able to give.
A further 44 per cent in the survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers said they felt demoralised and the same number admitted their workload was unmanageable.
ALSO READ: Mental health funding needed say Oxford councillors
Dr Molodynski said there was 'no doubt at all' the national situation was replicated in Oxfordshire with things 'close to bursting point' due to 'double' underfunding, which an even greater shortfall in funding than the national average.
Dr Rob Bale, the clinical director of Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health services in the county, admitted stress was cited by staff as 'their number one concern'.
He explained: "There comes a point at which teams cannot achieve more with the same resources. We know our staff feel that deeply because they tell us stress is their number one concern and we are constantly looking at ways to support them."
ALSO READ: CQC praise for Oxford Health over 'significant funding shortfall'
He added: "We are very grateful to all our teams for their continued dedication, commitment and compassion in caring for some of the most vulnerable people in the communities we serve."
Dr Molodynski said the BMA study highlighted the 'very serious problems' facing the mental health sector with a workforce near to 'breaking point'.
He added: "There are desperate shortages of care staff of all types across mental health, with doctors and nurses on the frontline overworked and demoralised – and patient care is suffering as a result.
"Mental healthcare accounts for 25 per cent of all healthcare activity and yet our funding settlement stands at around 14 per cent of healthcare spending at best. This is not right and has to improve."
The Care Quality Commission last month praised Oxford Health saying a £12m shortfall in mental health funding at the trust required an 'additional level of dedication and capability' from trust leaders and staff to 'maintain the capacity and quality of the services whilst managing scarce resources'.
ALSO READ: Mental health services to receive long-term funding boost
Commenting on the BMA survey in a statement Oxford Health said: "The funding gap for mental health services is long standing and widely recognised.
"Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust is working closely with commissioners as well as the wider health and social care system and our third sector partners to improve resourcing and services to meet goals for mental healthcare set out in the NHS Long Term Plan."
The trust added despite the pressures staff went 'above and beyond' with Oxford Health winning national awards and in surveys staff 'overwhelmingly' saying they would recommend the trust's care to friends and family.


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Nina placed an order with Dolce and Gabbana a few weeks ago and the frames are in the office. Stop on by and check them out, they're looking great.
We have styles for both men and women. As a special offer to our blog readers, print off and bring this blog post into the office on or before 10/01/2010 and receive 15% off any complete pair of Dolce and Gabbana eye wear.
Dr. Warren


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Thuoom - Through This Dark Rain
Catalogue number: [thump311]
Release date: 14.10.2012
Format: mp3 lp
Length: 9 tracks / 45:22
Genre: forestelektro, post psychedelic electronica
Thuoom is back with the third full-length called Through This Dark Rain. For this album, Thuoom tried to reinvent himself, either by using sounds or processes he hadn't used before. As result, the album has the signature dream-like Thuoom sound in its core but also spirals into uncharted territories and emotional abstract soundscapes. Even though the songs have been crafted basically in two relatively short periods of one month and one week, respectively, the process also included a maturing period of two and a half years. In the end, we have what is most likely the most mature output by Thuoom so far.
Instruments used on this record: bottles, clock, electric guitar, field recordings, human voice, metal jar, music box, sine waves, speaker feedback
Review at Recent Music Heroes.
Teaser song:
Whole album:
Download the whole album in 192Kbps.
Front cover / Back cover
Listen or download individual tracks.
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