text:
An event every week that begins at 10:30am on Sunday, repeating indefinitely
Not Cho' Grandma's Bingo is back at Silver Moon Brewing! We are so pleased to have Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and SW Washington as our non-profit partner and host of this wonderful event!
Starting October 13th, bingo will be back in the taproom! Join us every following Sunday from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM for good times and a chance to win some cold hard cash! Games will start at $1.00 per card and move all the way up to our $5.00 per card black out round. This is most certainly Not Cho' Grandmas's Bingo (But we still welcome all Grandmas)
We will be bringing back our Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosa flights, and a new updated breakfast menu! Don't miss out on coming to try all of our new and improved options!
And of course, your host Dustin Riley is ready to take your experience to a whole new level!
As some of you may already know, we have a special VIP option at Not Cho' Grandma's Bingo that we offer every week! For $25.00 per adult ($15.00 per child), you can take part in the ultimate VIP experience. This includes a reserved table, early entry (skip the line and come inside up to 30 minutes early!), a custom off menu prepared by our executive chef, AND your choice of Man-mosa, Mimosa flight, Bloody Mary, or Beer Flight (N/A Beverages also available for Adults and Kids)!
To take part in our VIP experience, come down to the pub to reserve your spot for any given Sunday. Perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, and all celebrations! Do take note that your party must arrive between 10:00 and 10:30! If you arrive after you will pick from our normal breakfast options.
Join us October 13th and every Sunday after for number calling, mimosa sipping, dancing on your chair good times.
We will see you there!


text:
In spite of all of our wishing and dreaming, the musical has refused to write itself. So the first thing I want to tell you about is our campaign to raise some dough to help us take the next step. This new video tells the whole new wrap-around magic realism story behind the musical - and the forthcoming books and CDs. We are currently trying to raise $2500 to fund a wild writing session in late May and the completion of the score.
Please please please support us in this—you can donate as little as a PENNY (well, a penny plus a story), and get lots of cool thank-you rewards. Won't you be our Prince Charming... or our Fairy GodWhatever? (You could also just go, eeeeeeee!)
It would be so great if you could share this with your friends (especially poor ones who love fairy tales and rich ones who like to support the arts)!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Middle East in 2017: A chaotic regional order emerging
Beirut - Five years after the burgeoning of the "Arab spring", the Middle East has been caught in a long "Arab winter". Tension, turmoil and all kinds of wars — civil ones fought under different names, wars by proxy and a bloody regional civil conflict — have developed from Iraq and Syria to Yemen and Libya.
Looking back at the last five years, one could observe through the hotbeds of conflicts, which became more and more interdependent because of the grand strategies of the regional and international powers involved, that non-state actors — sectarian, ethnic and extremist religious movements, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and others — are the key players in the transnational fighting. They yield more power than the countries in which they fight their wars under different banners with the support always of major powers.
In many cases in the "Arab spring" countries, the regimes proved to be stronger than the country they have confiscated and privatised to serve their interests. Meanwhile, society is imploding along primordial identity lines — sectarian, religious or ethnic — and weak state institutions are breaking down and collapsing.
The rise of sub-national identities with their transnational solidarities are threatening, with the exacerbated violent conflicts, the future of a country itself. One can easily observe the looming danger and growing number of failed and failing nations phenomena due to the open-ended wars of all sorts.
Interesting enough from a historical perspective, this is happening at the centenary of the Sykes-Picot accord and is allowing many observers to predict the collapse of such an order.
Indeed, the taboo of the sanctity of the country that fell after the Cold War allowed many to consider a post-Sykes-Picot order: The carving of new states out of the existing ones amid the absence of any foreseeable solution to many of the ongoing conflicts and the difficulties if not the impossibilities to put back together the broken de facto pieces of many of the concerned states.
Thus, a decade ago Joe Biden, then a US senator, was among the first to call for the partition of Iraq on sectarian basis as the only feasible way to establish peace, one based on the breaking of Iraq into pieces. The strong return to the front burner of Middle East politics of the Kurdish independence issue raises the spectre of redrawing borders in the Levant in particular.
Yet, it is worth reminding that states' divorce or splitting does not necessarily lead to peace and to settling conflicts. The clash of sub-national identities in a failing country contributes to and encourages such splitting plans. Breaking up could be considered by certain sectarian or ethnic groups as the only way for final salvation from a historical injustice done to them in the absence of a successful nation-building strategy.
However, the partition of Ethiopia and Eritrea as well as of Croatia and Serbia and later the independence of South Sudan have indicated that breaking up does not necessarily translate into a peaceful situation.
In the war-torn Middle East, three scenarios appear to be plausible:
— The Sudanisation or the divorce and the fragmentation of certain states into two or more ones along ethnic or sectarian lines, a sort of post Sykes-Picot system. Such a scenario is difficult to envisage because it cannot be limited to one particular country. It cannot be done à la carte without having a spillover effect into other countries leading to general chaos and a more complicated situation.
— The Somalisation scenario, which has been ongoing for years in many places. It is being looked at as the lively illustration of failed countries. Such states feature ongoing protracted social conflict that could be contained or managed with no spillover effect outside the borders in the absence of any plausible solution due to the complexities of the conflict. At the same time, they develop the capacity to live with such kind of conflict that witnesses ups and downs in intensity of fighting, at an acceptable cost and as the only possible option.
— The Lebanonisation scenario or the establishment of a political system based on the consociational democracy model, a consensus over power-sharing among different ethnic, sectarian or religious communities. To paraphrase what Winston Churchill said about democracy, such a system is the worst of all systems except for all others. Yet, as the Lebanese model has proven for years through its different crises, it is a system that invites interference and interventions and that needs to be revisited regularly because of its tension- and crisis-provoking nature and for being vulnerable and attractive to regional tensions and crises.
It looks like that after five years and more of the once promising "Arab spring", a chaotic regional order is emerging in the Middle East carrying more instability, tension and wars of all sorts.


text:
- "For all the "good" and all the "evil" creatures in this world. For as the saying goes, the difference between a hero and a villain often depends on perspective"
- ―The book's introduction
Aurora has always enjoyed her simple life. She loves to explore the beautiful woods surrounding her quaint cottage. She even likes living with her bumbling yet well-meaning aunts. But when Aurora discovers a dark secret about her past, her whole world turns upside down.
Will she be able to save herself from an imminent curse?


text:
Many nations assign to artists moral rights over their creations. One of the core moral rights is the right to claim or exclude works of art in your body of work. But not in the United States. NPR reports on the bizarre case involving Peter Doig and the art he's trying to disclaim.
Month: August 2016
Professor Song on Restitution after Illegal Export
Professor Ho-Young Song (Hanyang University School of Law, Seoul) has published an article in the recent issue of the Penn St. Journal of Law and International Affairs examining how works of art are restituted after an illegal export. Once considered by some a tenuous way to regulate the illicit trade in art, illegal export has grown as a regulatory check with more and more impact. From the abstract:
Worldwide, many cultural properties have been wrongfully exported to other countries in times of war and colonization. Furthermore, cultural properties are currently constant targets of illegal transaction due to their substantial economic value. Illicit trade in cultural properties is now the third largest black market after drug and firearms. There are several international treaties aimed at combating the illicit export and enabling the restitution of cultural properties. Despite these efforts, more legislative and judicial cooperation between countries will be necessary to truly solve the problem. This article reviews international legal instruments for restitution of illegally exported cultural property, and suggests some new judicial principles that should be applied by domestic courts for supplementing drawbacks of international treaties. The author suggests to adopt "lex originis" rule for choice of governing law instead of traditional "lex rei sitae" rule and to apply to shifting burden of proof to a certain extent to find a solution for disputes over cultural properties.
- Ho-Young Song, International Legal Instruments and New Judicial Principles for Restitution of Illegally Exported Cultural Properties, 4 Penn. St. J. L. & Int'l Affairs 718 (2016).
- Yates Donna, 'Uigwe « Trafficking Culture' (14 March 2014) <http://traffickingculture.org/encyclopedia/case-studies/uigwe/> accessed 23 August 2016.
Comment on Pragmatic Reform in the Antiquities Trade
Cornelius Banta, Jr. a recent graduate of the University of Houston Law Center has written an interesting piece in the Houston Law Review putting forth some pragmatic reforms to the antiquities trade. From the abstract:
The debate over the trade in antiquities generally pits archaeologists and antiquities-rich nations (cultural nationalists) against museums, art dealers, and private collectors (cultural internationalists). The former alleges that the latter's lusting after antiquities perpetuates a black market that threatens the archaeological record and undermines the sovereignty of source nations. Conversely, cultural internationalists assert that policies favoring cultural nationalists stifle the free exchange of artifacts that belong to mankind as a whole, not just a select group of scholars and countries. The problem is that both sides are so intent on pointing the finger at each other that they fail to realize cooperation could produce a mutually beneficial outcome. The solution lies in changing the current adversarial debate into a cooperative dialogue where each side gives a little in order to ensure both sides gain more in the end.
This Comment attempts to break through the polarization in the debate over the trade in antiquities by stressing the shared interests of both sides and advocating pragmatic reforms. The current debate is first viewed through an intellectual framework, where the interests of cultural nationalists, who want to protect antiquities, runs up against cultural internationalists, who advocate for the free movement of antiquities. With the theoretical framework set, one can then analyze the debate through the current legal approaches towards regulating the antiquities market. The United States' blend of criminal prosecutions and trade restrictions is illustrative of present efforts to control the antiquities trade. Yet despite the ineffectiveness of current polices, the hardline stances taken by both sides of the antiquities trade debate create an impasse for reform. Consequently, change can only come by recognizing the shortcomings of the current approaches and promoting civil and private remedies that benefit both sides.
We Visited Morgantina and Aidone, they were great
This June I had the chance to visit the town of Aidone in Southern Sicily. It's a town that I've written and thought a lot about, so when we had the opportunity to pop up from teaching in Valletta for a long weekend, we jumped. Its fame comes as the result of a series of looting scandals.
The village and the archaeological site has been written about a great deal, but I haven't come across many who have actually visited the site and the Muesum. For decades, the site it represented in a tangible way the competing interests of illicit looters and archaeologists. Archaeologists would excavate during the summer, looters would raid the site after they left. Year after year the cycle continued.
If you are reading this you probably have some strong feelings about where the Dea di Aidone (aka the Getty Goddess) should reside. This short essay is a collection of my own thoughts about the ancient site of Morgantina and the nearby town of Aidone.
To give a bit of the history as I understand it, the island of Sicily was subject to the control of many Mediterranean civilizations, and Morgantina's history reflects this. Morgantina was founded perhaps seven or eight centuries before Christ. At some point it came under the control of Syracuse. Much of what now exists at this site reflects a city at the edge of the ancient Greek world. At some point in the third century BCE Morgantina may have chosen to throw their lot in with Carthage, a choice which likely proved costly when it was finally captured by Rome. Morgantina may have fallen on hard times, and the city itself seems to have been largely deserted by the First Century CE.
Thesite has been the subject of a number of archaeological excavations, mainly by American archaeologists, and also the target of antiquities looters who ultimately sent objects on through the illicit black market in antiquities. Many of the most beautiful items looted ended up in American Museums, notably the Getty and the Metropolitan Museum of art. This seems to me to be a notable correlation. How is it an accident that most summers for the last 60 years have seen american archaeologists digging at Morgantina, and also the museums of the United States acquiring works from the very site. Assigning blame to the archaeologists who dig there, the local officials for protecting the site, or the museum curators who
acquire this material seems unproductive for this short essay. But visiting the Museum in Aidone and the site of Morgantina I was struck by what a colossal policy failure the looting represents.
Continue reading "We Visited Morgantina and Aidone, they were great"
Judges Just Don't Like VARA and Applied art
Daniel Grant reports on a recent Visual Artists Rights Act case involving the Burning Man re-purposed bus known as La Contessa.
A recent court decision in Nevada raises this question and, perhaps more fundamentally, the issue of whether or not VARA might need to be rewritten or updated to account for a broader definition of art. On June 8 of this year, a three-member Appeals Court panel affirmed a 2009 lower court ruling that called the demolition of a refashioned school bus—turned into a Spanish pirate ship on wheels and used for events as part of the annual Burning Man late-August to early-September festival in Black Rock Desert, Nevada between 2002 and 2005—not a violation of VARA, because the vehicle in its new form did not constitute fine art but "applied art."
The 16' x 60' pirate ship, called La Contessa, was created by two artists, Simon Cheffins and Gregory Jones, who transformed an out-of-commission school bus into a replica 16th century Spanish galleon that included a hull, decking, masts, and a hand-crafted figurehead. La Contessa added to the sometime circus nature of Burning Man, used for rides, marching band performances, children's treasure hunts and even two weddings. After the conclusion of the festival, the vehicle was put into storage on nearby land controlled by a woman, Joan Grant, with a lifetime tenancy of the property. However, in 2005, Grant's home burned down and she abandoned her tenancy, which was then taken over by a limited liability company controlled by a Michael Stewart. "La Contessa" remained on the property and was not reclaimed by Cheffins and Jones the following year, and in late 2006 Stewart dismantled and then burned the wooden structure so that a scrap metal dealer could remove the underlying school bus. In 2009, the artists brought a VARA lawsuit against Stewart, losing in district court and more recently on appeal. "The focus of our inquiry should be on whether the object in question originally was—and continues to be—utilitarian in nature," the Appeals Court ruled, although noting that the ship has "some artistic or aesthetic merit."
In a concurring opinion, one of the three judges, Margaret McKeown, expressed concern that the ruling being issued was not workable and required "a more nuanced definition of 'applied art' that balances between the risk of unduly restricting VARA's reach and the risks of turning judges into art critics."
Amineddoleh on Forgery Law
Leila Alexandra Amineddoleh has posted an abstract of her latest piece, which appeared in the Spring issue of the Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal. Amineddoleh, as many readers likely know, teaches art and cultural heritage law as an adjunct Professor at a good portion of New York's law schools, including I think recently with St. John's and Fordham. She also is a Partner and co-founder of her own art and cultural heritage law firm, Galuzzo & Amineddoleh.
Her article is titled Are You Faux Real? An Examination of Art Forgery and the Legal Tools Protecting Art Collectors. It follows up on her recent symposium piece in the International Journal of Cultural Property and gives a comprehensive and useful overview of some recent art forgery scandals, and the laws which apply.
Here's the abstract:
The authorship of artwork greatly affects its value. For this reason, authentication in art is a complex and sometimes contentious process. This paper examines the history of art authentication, due diligence to ensure that purchasers are not buying forgeries, complex cases without clear-cut answers, and legal tools available to buyers after a forgery has been purchased.
- Amineddoleh, Leila Alexandra. "Are You Faux Real? An Examination of Art Forgery and the Legal Tools Protecting Art Collectors." SSRN Scholarly Paper, May 26, 2015. http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=2784963.
- Vogel, Carol. "Not by Leonardo, but Sotheby's Sells a Work for $1.5 Million." The New York Times, January 28, 2010.


text:
The Design School in the Politecnico di Milano is today the largest international university for the training of product, communication, interior and fashion designers, both by number of students and of teaching staff. The history of the Degree Course in Industrial Design – Design Faculty since June 2000 and now the Design School – is characterized by its constant desire to experiment innovative, experimental development lines that respond to the real market needs of contemporary society.
In Italy, it is active in two campuses, Milan and Como. The following figures give some idea of its extent: approx. 5000 students, over 400 teaching staff and a further 400 or so research and teaching assistants working in various capacities; over 900 graduates working as professional designers or employed by production firms and service companies.
In terms of rankings, Politecnico di Milano is ranked no. 1 in Italy, the best and the largest technical University having the largest school of architecture, design and engineering (The term "Politecnico" stands for a state university. Politecnico di Milano is called Polytechnic University of Milan Internationally). It ranks 18th in Europe and 48th in the world among technical universities (according to The Times Higher Education-QS World University Ranking 2011). The university is accredited by MUIR or Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, Italy (Ministerodell'Istruzione, dell'Università e dellaRicerca).
Visit the school of Design, Politecnico di Milano website.


text:
My guides are offered for relatively low price, and so I can't do upgrades for free indefinitely, but my aim is to provide some updates for free for some updates.
So, with that in mind, the upgrade policy I have for my guides is as follows....
If there are new features or minor changes to software that change the advice in the guides there will be a free update. I have already updated both my Lightroom Guide and the Capture One guide.
If there is a major new version with significant changes, there will be a new edition, like most computer related books. So, for example, if a new version of Lightroom comes out that isn't a point release, ie. Lightroom 7, I will probably do a new edition which will be a new book.
For the X-Transformer guide, all of the beta updates will be covered, and all of the 1.x release.
The only exception to this is my Capture One guide. I have already updated that a few times now for major versions, and it's getting a bit messy now trying to keep up. I am working on a completely new guide which will be a different book, but I may doing one final update with some settings for 10.1.
The new book will be a different book altogether with a different title, and a different structure.


text:
I am thankful for my family. This week has veen tough for me. Tougher than many may realize actually — but neverthelss, it thrusted me into this ongoing reflection of my nuclear family of my parents. I realized that I am blessed to have them. Sure I knew it, but this weeks I'm really understanding and grasping how truly blessed I am.
Growing up, I guess you can say is sort of …. Kind of …. took my parents for granted. They were a normal part of my routine and even though I learned EVERYONE's family wasn't like that – I still didn't comprehend the depth of how much God had blessed me.
I remember looking at home videos and rummaging through old pictures not really noticing that in the background of every VHS gospel music was playing, or that every other photo was of me in my Sunday dress or my parents getting ready for some special occasion. I would laugh at scenes where my dad would catch my mom off guard while putting on her makeup or recording "Good Luck Charlie" videos for me even though I was too young to understand at the time he was recording them.
It somehow didn't occur to me how much of a stretch it was for my dad to coach 4-5 sports and still make it to my kindergarten graduation (even if he had to jet out of there and head back to his players). I didn't stop to think that the seemingly effortless way my mom knew exactly what I needed those days I was sick – wasn't effortless at all. Half of the time, I didn't realize she put HER own health and energy at risk making sure her little one was fine.
As I climbed my way to high school, I understood more, but still had a hard time understanding how blessed I was to have the family I did. By that time, I had broken curfew to hang out with friends – cringing every time my folks would call me to tell me I needed to get my tail home – not understanding that every moment I stayed away from the safety of the house, I was putting my life in danger. I now think on the times my dad would pull out his old record player and dance in the middle of the living room with my mom to their favorite oldies.
All of that…. I'm thankful for.
I'm thankful to have parents who work hard on their marriage every day because they realize that #1 GOD is the glue that helps them through hard times, #2 you've gotta put in work to reap the rewards of a lasting marriage, and #3 marriage is work. Life is work. Kids are work.
For this I'm thankful.
Random thoughts — but nevertheless — thoughts of thanks.
— Joc


text:
First off, telomeres are repetitive sequences at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosomes.
There are actually a lot of really interesting correlations between certain things and shortened telomeres. For example, gender was pretty neat. I think it's pretty common knowledge that girls live longer than guys, on average, but there's a pretty serious drop in average telomere length for guys, whereas girls keep truckin' on. The telomere lengths decrease overall for both, though. What is pretty neat to look at is the statistical increase in telomere length as people start getting much older. It looks like it's because people who had shorter telomeres were passing away and as the age went higher and higher, the telomere length was going back up on the chart because those were the people surviving. That's a pretty hefty correlation between longevity and telomere length.
I actually got to meet with Elizabeth Blackburn yesterday. She's one of the three scientists who discovered telomerase (the enzyme that replenishes telomeres) and received a Nobel Prize for it.


text:
Sales Manager
Location: Nairobi,KE
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 54 destinations worldwide, 44 of which are in Africa and carries over four million passengers annually.
Brief Description
Deliver Profitable revenue for Kenya by Selling the KQ products, Services and network by penetrating the business and leisure market segments through the direct and indirect sales channels
· Analyze market performance, identify the gaps and roll out long and short term plans to meet the revenue objectives for Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.
· Set up Account Development plans to grow share and revenue by selling brand and network benefits.
· Penetrate the business and leisure market segments to retain and grow revenue.
· Exploit identified market opportunities to achieve share and revenue growth.
· Maintain competitive structural and tactical pricing that maximizes revenue, yield and market share.
· Roll out trade incentive schemes and corporate discount schemes to drive revenue growth, build loyalty and long term brand affinity.
· In conjunction with Area Manager, Marketing Manager, pricing and Market support Manager, agree on advertising and market activities plans geared towards supporting the revenue delivery activities
· Grow internet sales by promoting the Lead and manage direct reports in a way that recognizes rewards and motivates to be the best team.
· Coach the team with a view to continuous improvement using performance management and training to achieve set targets.
· Ensure provision of high customer service levels in our sales shops and responsiveness to our trade partners to achieve a minimum of 80% customer satisfaction leading to repeat business.
· Reduce CRS costs to ensure reduction in cost of sale.
· Put in place control measures to ensure the expenditure is within budget.
· Ensure health and safety standards are adhered to, in order to have a safe working environment.
· Build and maintain market presence in business and leisure travel segments. Focus on key relationships with the trade, corporate customers and government.
· Ensure effective account management i.e. setting smart objectives, effective call planning and reporting.
· Forward Monthly market performance reports highlighting reasons for the delivered performance.
· Disseminate information on opportunities for new routes, increase of frequency to build new traffic flows.
· Participate in the preparation of revenue budgets to ensure company needs are matched with market reality.
· Manage the teams Performance towards meeting the set annual goals and targets.
· Work cross functionally and participate in meetings with Revenue Management, Business Performance and
· Marketing towards meeting the overall company goals and attaining improvements for the business and excellent customer care.
· Implement Debt control measures to prevent loss to the company.
· University Degree in commerce or related field
· Diploma in Sales & Marketing
· 5 years airline experience of which 2 should have been in a management position
· High Level Influencing skills
· Excellent People Management Skills
· Strong analytical and communication skills
· Highly developed interpersonal and negotiating skills
· Leadership Skills
How to Apply
Insurance Officer
Location: Nairobi,KE
Kenya Airways, a member of the Sky Team Alliance, is a leading African airline flying to 54 destinations worldwide, 44 of which are in Africa and carries over four million passengers annually. The airline was recently voted the Leading Airline in Africa by passengers in the World Travel Awards. It has also been voted the Leading Airline in Africa – Business Class four years in a row.
Brief Description
Implement and maintain the company's insurance program to ensure adequate protection of company assets and compliance with policy and statutory requirements. Design and monitor claims handling procedures for timely claims settlement.
· Ensure premium costs are billed accurately, paid on time and correctly reflected in Company accounts.
· Ensure insurance claims both at head office and outstations are promptly lodged, documented and paid
· Ensure appointed lawyers defending the Company are adequately supported in claims litigation
· Monitor and propose the appropriate direction of litigation to minimize loss exposure to the company.
· Pursue recoverable claims from third parties
· Review and ensure insurance provisions in contracts from user divisions conform to company requirements in order to eliminate or minimize risk exposure.
· Make proposals for update of insurance policies to reflect emerging risks
· Develop and implement insurance policies renewal programme and ensure documentation from insurers is issued correctly and on time.
· Ensure insurance programme service level standards are complied with
· Bachelor of Commerce degree. Insurance Option would be an added advantage
· Advanced Associate Diploma in Insurance or ACII
· 6 years experience in insurance underwriting and insurance claims handling
· Knowledge of aviation insurance, aviation law and application of international conventions on carriage by Air would be an added advantage
· Appreciation of civil court procedures
· Computer skills and knowledge of Claims systems
· Negotiation skills
· Customer insight
· Strong communication skills
· Time management
· Presentation /tutoring skills
Additional Details
· Team player
· Customer insight
· Strategic influencing
· Results focus
· Integrity and self drive
· Self confidence
How to Apply


text:
There are many excellent reasons to work from home. There is no commute, access to de-stress areas such as the living room and kitchen are just a few steps away, and there is no dealing with inclement weather.
Perhaps the best part of working from a home office is that space can be customized to match each individual's unique needs. A perfectly designed workroom can be comfortable and calm, providing the ultimate chance for productivity. Here are seven tips for designing the best work at home office.
Tip #1: Natural Lighting
If possible, choose a room with a lot of natural lighting. Sunlight has been proven to have a positive impact on mental state and alertness. According to a Forbes article, moderate sunlight exposure can improve mood and focus by boosting serotonin levels in the body. So, make sure to make the most of natural light by placing a desk or workstation facing a window that receives natural light.
Tip #2: Privacy
Working at home is great, as long as work can get done at home. Noisy distractions may seriously eat into productivity. Privacy is key. Make sure to choose a room that has a door which shuts tightly or even locks. Consider getting an under-the-door runner to block noise from the rest of the house. Additionally, soft fabrics like blankets, pillows, and rugs can help soften any noise that does make it into the room.
Tip #3: Speedy Connection
Nothing is more aggravating than trying to work when the internet connection is slow. Make sure a fast internet connection is a norm in order to work as efficiently, and calmly, as possible. Also, consider investing in a wireless hub for the office so work can be done anywhere from desk to chair to standing.
Tip #4: Comfort & Support
For anyone looking to work from home in the long-term, designing the space with an eye to ergonomics is a must. Otherwise, workers may suffer neck and back problems, eyestrain or carpal tunnel syndrome. Buying the right equipment and furniture can save a lot of pain later on. Consider buying a specific chair designed for computer users which take into account the biomechanics of sitting. A work chair should protect the back and spine. Also, consider footrests, ergonomic mouse instruments and soft keyboard pads to rest wrists on. Every piece of furniture and tool that the body uses (other than the keyboard), should take into account the comfort and support of the body.
Tip #5: Customize the Space
Staring at white walls all day may not be everyone's cup of tea. Instead, consider painting the walls or putting up pictures or images which either relax or invigorate. Some people prefer their workspace calm and may prefer everything aligned and in a similar colour. Others may want a more lively space and go with brighter accent colours to invigorate.
Also, make sure to have enough storage where most things are out of sight. According to an article in Psychology Today, clutter can distract and work the mind over time, by providing too many stimuli. So, keep the clutter at a minimum.
Tip #6: Get Creative with Color
According to an Entrepreneur article, colours can elicit emotional and physical reactions from people. Some colours are better for office spaces than others. Consider using neon signs or other accent pieces in the following colours in order to engage helpful emotional responses:
Green: fresh feeling, fosters concentration
Yellow: grabs attention, evokes optimism
Red: energetic, create excitement
Purple: stimulates the imagination
Also, consider using white, ivory, grey or tan. They are all neutral colours which can balance any louder colour choices.
Tip #7: Make a De-Stress Haven
Every at-home worker needs a place to de-stress. Having a nook or small space to sit and relax can be very beneficial to regaining peace of mind and momentum when stress levels are rising. Make it comfortable and soothing, like a mini-retreat at home.


text:
August 31, 2012
August 30, 2012
August 29, 2012
August 28, 2012
August 27, 2012
August 26, 2012
August 25, 2012
August 24, 2012
August 23, 2012
Twenty three
C-man: "Shoot 'em?"
Beerman: "Um, I was going to say gather the eggs and make omelets"
C-man: "Oh. Well, can I still shoot them?"
August 22, 2012
- It's incredibly hard not to think about our impending vacation. Stupid work getting in the way of my life again.
- C-man is much happier at camp this week. It's still a camp run through the JCC, but not at the spot out in the woods. He's still vowing never to do this again, though. At least he's ending on a better note.
- I've had a mad sweet tooth lately. Combined with an extraordinary desire not to work out, this could be tragic.
- I've also been incredibly tired lately. As in, I can't keep my eyes open during meetings tired. Something's not entirely right.
- C-man conned me into ordering him custom Reebok Zig Tech shoes. We have to go try some on tonight to know the right size to order. If I'm going to be blood-let for a pair of shoes, he's at least going to be able to wear them for a long time!
- Have I mentioned we're going on vacation next week? One whole week of zero commitments, a fishing pole, a book, and some s'mores. Ahhhhhhh...
August 21, 2012
- We finally made it to the Estabrook beer garden this weekend. A little slice of Munich's bounty in the North Shore of Milwaukee. Not to mention, it's right next to a beautiful playground. Double win.
- I had a massage last night. Mondays should always end with a massage.
- Physical therapy starts on Thursday. I've never had very good luck with PT, but since I haven't been able to walk straight lately, I figured it can't hurt.
- Harry is incredibly overdue on a shave-down and can't get in for 8 more weeks. Dang, dog groomers are hard to come by.
- C-man is getting his hair cut on Thursday. Trimmed, to be more accurate. I didn't ask permission this time, but just told him. I can't stand to look at it in his eyes anymore.
- C-man is going to be Thor for Halloween. His hair still isn't long enough, but I'm not pointing that out.
- We are firming up plans for our annual Fall Fest party - Percy Jackson, Greek food, ouzo, and maybe a bouncy house. We're reading the 2nd Percy Jackson book at nights now to get in the mood.
- Next week is vacation time. Ahhhh... my mind can't wait. I just hope it doesn't get too cold by then.
August 20, 2012
August 19, 2012
Eighteen and Nineteen
August 17, 2012
August 16, 2012
- I'm back home again. Tonight is the back-to-school packet pickup. It's so hard to believe it's that time again.
- I'm not feeling great. It could be the travel. It could be the violent storms. It could be the high mold counts. It could be a virus. Hard to tell.
- At least it's good I have an excuse to bug out of work early. I need it today.
- Yesterday, Harry refused to go on a walk with the dog walker because our road was getting paved and he was afraid of the trucks. Today, it's pouring and lightning and thundering. My money is on Harry refusing to walk again.
- C-man is not enjoying camp. I don't know if it's because it is a sucky experience or because it's a Jewish camp and so much is in Hebrew or within the context of Judaism that he doesn't understand it. Regardless, we are going to have to figure out something different for next summer because it's torture leaving him there in the morning.
- I woke up last night dreaming about Oklahoma Joe's BBQ. Damn, that was good. I need to go through a barbecue detox.
August 15, 2012
I am in Kansas City this week. A decent place to be if you have to be somewhere. Last night I wanted to go to the Royals game, but my coworkers weren't into it. Instead, we went for BBQ at a place called Oklahoma Joe's. It was on the Kansas side, inside a gas station, and ahhhhmazing. We all moaned throughout dinner. Best barbecue ever. Hands down. God, I'll be dreaming about it for ages.
After, we went to the Kansas City Library, so I could see the wall of giant books I vowed to see. It was very cool.
And now, I finish my day here and head home.
After, we went to the Kansas City Library, so I could see the wall of giant books I vowed to see. It was very cool.
And now, I finish my day here and head home.
August 14, 2012
August 13, 2012
I dropped C-man off at early care before camp. He was sad like he used to be when he had separation anxiety at daycare as a two year old. Man, that tugs on the ol' heart strings.
My homemade yogurt experiment continues. I screwed it up the other day and ended up with a grainy batch so had to start over. But I'm back at it, and loving it. Especially since my rheumatologist gave me the bone density lecture the other day, I figure it's a good way to introduce calcium without drinking milk. (gag) Plus, it's deeee-licious.
I've been trying to avoid a lot of sugar. I even turned down getting a donut the other day with C-man. And drove right past my favorite Krispy Kreme on Sunday without stopping. Surely there's a medal in this for me somewhere.
Speaking of medals, that closing ceremony of the Olympics sucked. It was harder to top being weirder than the opening, but they did it. (THIS is seriously hilarious) I am so looking forward to Rio's.
And, of course, a giant happy birthday to my dad!
August 12, 2012
Now today, it is more low-key fun. C-man wants new flip flops, I need toothpaste, and Harry needs a walk. I love summer.
August 11, 2012
Eleven - or the day the bats attacked me
But we recovered by taking advantage of the amazing day and took a trip to the zoo. (C-man was on the hunt for some new squished pennies - a Mandrill and a Lion this time.) Of course, our first visit was to the small mammal house. You know, where the bats live. Dear God, I hate bats.
We were home all of 60 seconds when a friend called, so C-man headed over there while I mowed the lawn, did the laundry, and said goodbye to the Avenger. My very first car, 13 years later, headed out of our driveway, leaving us with nothing but an oil spot. It was more than time, I guess.
But now, my friends, it's Miller Time.
August 10, 2012
This weekend, I'm vowing for us to do some fun, low-tech kind of fun. And I'm vowing to get some good exercise in, too, because as the days get shorter, so does my mood. Time to get in the habit now!
August 9, 2012
Honestly. I am an idiot. And the whole neighborhood came out to look at my idiocrisy.
Thankfully, I have a really nice husband who stayed with me to deal with the tow truck while I went inside to hang my head in shame. My neighbor said I should take a picture because I'd think it was really funny later. I didn't because I was just too mortified. I should have taken a picture. Because now I do think it's kind of funny. Even funnier - Beerman made a deal with the tow truck driver to buy it for $150 over what the junk yard will give us, making the tow free and earning us an additional $100 in the deal.
I swear I'm a really smart person. Just not today.
August 8, 2012
August 7, 2012
So there you have it. The next long weekend - we're heading to the local Radisson.
August 6, 2012
Less thrilling was the 6.5 hour ride home. But to their credit, the boys were fantastic. And now, it's time to get back into the swing of it.
August 5, 2012
We spent the day at City Museum. On the way there, the kids were saying kind of unenthusiastically, "What's City Museum?" And then the cab pulled up. And they went wild. Wire tunnels stories above the city to crawl through up and up and up, with the summiting reward being a multi-story slide to come screaming down. There was a magic show, a non-skate skate park to run around, tubes and passages, mock caves, rope swings, and the ultimate 10-story spiral slide. I'm exhausted. If only these kids were, too!
August 4, 2012
August 3, 2012
August 2, 2012
August 1, 2012
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
At the Spirit Art Glass studio in the
heart of the Redwoods, Michael Shearer creates each
new piece of art glass individually using the off-hand
or free blown method.
Each piece of art glass is begun by combining and sifting the ingredients sand, soda and lime, with several other ingredients. He then shovels this batch into each of two pots in the 2300 degree furnace.
It is cooked until melted and molten where he is able to begin the process of gathering the glass on the end of the six foot long stainless steel blow pipe where he manipulates the orange hot liquid into the distinctive layered art glass pieces he is known for creating.
Perfume Bottles l Vases l Bowls l Sculptures l Paperweights l Recently Sold
Home l Studio & Artist l Links l Contact Us
© 2009 Spirit Art Glass l Site created with help from Raven's Grace & Twin Helix


text:
Random Response: I post an irregular response I receive from someone.
Reverse Random Response: I post a CL ad (from the more illegitimate side of town, so as not to bother reputable employers) I have responded to in an attempt to obtain gainful employment.
*Editor's note: This is NOT my ad.
Click on ad to embiggen:
My response, click on email to embiggen:


text:
Unmosqued: A documentary film about the mosque in America
A film by Ahmed Eid
Film commentary
After much anticipation, I was fortunate to attend Unmosqued's world premiere in London, Ontario, Canada. The screening was followed by an insightful panel discussion led by Dr. Ingrid Mattson, Chair of Islamic Studies at Huron University College. After viewing the film, I initially began this post by writing a more traditional and brief review but changed my mind soon after I witnessed an intense discussion on Twitter concerning the documentary. Everyone had some great insight that I felt was important to reflect on before typing anything up. I have since then decided to share almost all my notes concerning the film. Please keep in mind that my opinions are one of a fourth-year university student; I'm no scholar. Please forgive me for my shortcomings and feel free to correct me. I would love to hear your comments and feedback concerning this topic as well — let's discuss in the comments section, inshaAllah.
Here's a little background:
According to the film's about page, "UnMosqued is a documentary film which aims to highlight the growing need for reform in many of the mosques found in America. The purpose of the documentary is to engage a group of people who have been disconnected from their local mosque and explore the various reasons that have led to this sentiment. It is clear that many youth who are likely to be second or even third generation Americans have felt judged or unwelcome at a mosque. It may be the degree of friendliness or a lack of ownership that breeds this feeling. Masajid may not be doing enough to attract and retain the youth, which further alienates the future members of the community from using the mosque space for their spiritual growth." (Read all of it here).
Though I personally have a lot to say, I thought I'd start off by simply stating what I appreciated/didn't understand about the film:
What I appreciated:
1) Unmosqued sparked a discussion that was bubbling under the surface (for me, at least). Shortly after the film screening, I found myself speaking to people about the issues I'd been witnessing in my own community (racial divisions/mosque management) and discussing concerns that I previously wouldn't have. Through those conversations, I realized that talking about an issue to others is sometimes the best way to confront and tackle it. Of course, talking about it must follow up with positive action of some sort.
2) The film shed light on mosque operations and management — which I feel is not brought up often enough — at least not publicly.
3) The film addressed real issues concerning racism, tribalism and nationalism. All are diseases that plague our ummah and divide us up further.
In a more specific example, I appreciated the way the film drew attention to the story of Imam Ibrahim Rahim — one that I was following closely on social media. His personal story echoes issues of systematic racism and it also confronts the issue of unprofessionalism + unjust practices that can sometimes arise in our religious institutions. May Allah forgive us. (Read about this issue here).
4) From Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan to Imam Suhaib Webb, the film's ethos was well-built. There were many well-known and respected figures who gave their input on behalf of the "unmosqu-ing" that takes place.
5) Addressing women's concerns in the mosque. Everything from exclusion on mosque management to unkept sister's sides, the film discussed concerns that I didn't knew existed on such a vast scale.
6) By far the most important point: the film raised very important concerns about the way converts/reverts are treated by mosque communities. I think people sometimes forget that Islam is a global religion, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (saws) for the whole of mankind. It was heartbreaking to see how converts/reverts fell out of place in Islamic spaces; this was definitely the most important point. Mainly for this reason, masajid management can always learn to be more inclusive. But more than just masajid management, people in the community can determine inclusivity to a certain extent as well; as management cannot be blamed for everything.
What I didn't understand:
(note: these are purely personal reflections)
1) Through the film's rhetoric, I got a feeling that there was an almost vilification of the "other." And by the "other" I mean those who were not "American" enough to understand "proper mosque management." Though there may be cultural clashes between elderly immigrants and youth raised in America, I personally felt like it was unfair to paint the elderly/immigrants with one brush of ignorance. I believe that with proper discussion and reference to the Quran and sunnah, common grounds can be created in spite of differences.
In regards to language, I also feel we cannot simply dismiss them completely: Arabic, Urdu, Swahili, Persian, etc. These are all languages that mean so much to so many people. They contain layers and layers of history and meaning. As Muslims, we must be sensitive, empathetic and curious. In a way, Muslims in America are slowly becoming role models for Muslims on a global scale (due to social media!). So I just hope Western Muslims don't loosen their grip in understanding and learning about the beauty of other languages, particularly the traditional Arabic language, by unintentionally vilifying it through vilifying those who speak it. (Note: for those who haven't watched the film yet, this part may seem a little vague).
2) I wish more youth (teenagers, university students) were interviewed in this documentary. As it was hinted at multiple times in the film, the youth are the future and their opinions on this topic were missing unfortunately. Viewers do look for characters in films that they can relate to. Additionally, I believe the particularly alarming Mipsterz scene should have been supplemented with a more positive image of the youth; the scene alone did not to justice in portraying the condition of the Muslim-American youth.
3) This leads me to my last point. I personally feel like empowerment comes through positive messages. Though this documentary was fantastic in many other aspects, I feel it should've been more positive than it was. It's interesting: I noticed that when the film ended, I didn't really feel that it was actually nearing the end; I felt like the positive side of the story was missing. Having said that though, I particularly loved the scenes concerning Clifton Mosque in Cincinnati, Ohio; a mosque which I personally feel serves a vital role in change-making dialogue. Despite this, the film made me think but it did not give me an action plan of what I could do on an individual level to create change — since there were not as many positive models of behaviour present. This is why, during the panel discussion, I asked if Unmosqued could draft an action plan for mosques to follow (as they now have a platform for discussion). With all the experiences that the director, Ahmed, and his team have come across in filming this, I feel that their insight is extremely valuable.
I am grateful to Ahmed and Marwa, the young, married couple who created the film, for being courageous enough to address very controversial yet realistic issues. May Allah swt reward their sincere intentions to bring about positive change.
Overall, I personally felt that the act of "unmosqu-ing" directly depends on a lack of ihsaan — a lack of excellence — in every single aspect of our lives (deen, business, family/relationships, community, etc). Many can attest to the fact that we have forgotten our true responsibilities towards our communities. And perhaps we've also forgotten that those in positions of power are sometimes in the best seat to help empower those who are excluded (more specifically, converts/reverts). There are immense responsibilities on those who choose to take part in mosque management, as there are with leaders of any kind. Empathy, kindness, justice and generosity must be practiced in light of the Quran and Sunnah. Mosque leaders must remember that they don't own the space — it is not their mosque.
All that aside, however, it's important to remember that people in positions of power are still people in positions of power. They are prone to making mistakes and can unintentionally hurt others. So as members of a single ummah, we must strive to remain united and remember that our true reason for going to a mosque is to connect with Allah swt.
But some would argue it's still a little more complicated than that. True, the mosque's presence is a little more complicated than that — especially in this part of the world. The mosque is almost like the only refuge available, since we are constantly bombarded with increasingly confusing and contradictory messages everywhere. And more than just a place of refuge, the mosque is more than a place of worship. It's a place where we get married. It's the last place we visit before we visit our grave. It's a place to meet friends, to seek knowledge, to find comfort, to break our fasts in Ramadan. It is home away from home. But despite all this we must pray in the mosque fisabilillah (for the sake of Allah). Let's allow our love for Allah swt be stronger than our political divisions. And Insha'Allah, through the right intentions it will be easier to correct our mistakes.
This documentary was a fascinating one to watch and a challenging one to review — as it contained layers upon layers of emotion and meaning. Each layer representing a reality of some sort in our ummah's diverse communities. As with all things, and with this film, let's take from the good and learn from the bad. Not every single issue and topic can be addressed in a span of ninety minutes or less — especially one concerning masajid politics. In this particular case, Unmosqued has definitely paved the way towards conversations we should be having. May Allah help us become Muslims of action and ihsaan and help us to understand our responsibilities towards the ummah. May He forgive us for all our shortcomings and may He make us agents of positive change. Aameen.
For more information on Unmosqued or to request a screening, please visit their website. So far, the film has only been screened in two Canadian cities: London, Ontario and Toronto, Ontario.
You can also follow the conversation on Twitter through the #unmosqued hashtag and the (unaffiliated but insightful) #bemosqued hashtag.
—Film commentary by Naira // Twitter: @NairaAh_
(This post has also been featured on the Seeker's Guidance blog, click here to read it on their website)


text:
Fashion of teenagers is a serious issue to talk about. 2013 fashion trends for teenagers are spontaneous and changing. Many studies have been regarding fashion of teenagers and they reveal that teenagers are very conscious about latest fashion and want to keep them updated abut fashion.
The demand of fashion has many effects on 2013 fashion trends for teenagers. A designer who is dedicated in designing fashion for teenagers must be creative and innovative to fulfil the requirements of teenagers. They must also keep in mind that all the teenagers don't have rebellious nature and they are just fashion freaks.
2013 fashion trends for teenagers has a good combination of casual and formal looks. Since teenage is an energetic life therefore, a lot of colors are added to fashion of teenagers. Mostly teenagers are rushing from one place to another and don't spend much time in styling. This is the reason why they prefer casual and messy looks. They want comfortable dresses and easy hairstyles. 2013 fashion trends for teenagers have many comfortable but stylish elements. One of such item is the jeans that have many varieties to choose from. There are a large number of teenagers who are crazy about wearing accessories. 2013 fashion trends for teenagers include creative accessories such as beads, nose rings, nail paintings, bracelets, earrings, tattoos and henna.
The life of a teenager is carefree and he/she don't bother about wearing perfect matching. Many teenager boys and girls mix and match different items of their wardrobe to make a new combination. This mix and match is the most versatile fashion of teenagers. They used to mix and match scarves, jackets, bandanas, elbow pads, boots, trousers and T-shirts. Teenage girls choose the length of skirt occasionally. Usually the length varies from super short to knee length. Blouse and tunics are designed with full sleeves or off shoulder styles.
There are some mix and match ideas for teenage girls and boys so that don't have to think about fashion. Girls can wear a warm jacket with high heel boots. The jacket should be simple to give a casual look. They can also buy bright jeans and wear them with printed blouse or shirts. Polka dots, flora and animal prints are preferred for a more decent look. Blue jeans can be paired with a white shirt as well. Mostly boys live this combination for outdoor events. Girls must have a good collection of scarves of different colors. A scarf will draw attention as well as give the girl a cute and innocent look. Boys can wear ties for special events. In other words, there are plenty of ideas and options that can lead to the creation of a new teenage fashion.


text:
- Photography
"Pencil Vs Camera" In 40 Amazing Photos
in Photography
"Pencil Vs Camera" In 40 Amazing Photos
Writen by Alexandru / Comments Off on "Pencil Vs Camera" In 40 Amazing Photos
Belgian artist Ben Heine seamlessly matches pencil sketches with real life settings to create images he calls 'Pencil Vs Camera'. This new type of art mixes drawing and photography, imagination and reality, in a awesome way. Ben Heine initiated and popularized in 2010.
It's full of magic, illusion, poetry and surrealism. Ben published his first "Pencil Vs Camera" image in April 2010 but the series is the result of a long graphic exploration and a logic consequence of his personal artistic development
Alexandru is the co-owner of TopDesignMag. "If it looks easy, it's hard. If it looks hard, it's impossible. If it looks impossible, it's due tomorrow. At 8 A.M."


text:
Waxing physically and philosically...
Monday, August 31, 2015
What emotional intelligence?
Thursday, August 27, 2015
From Sydney with Love
My sincere congratulations to Lisa for launching her new business,Transformations: Movement for EVERY Body. I wish Lisa every success in her new venture.
I met Lisa in 2003 when my husband and I were invited to take part in a pilot program of Conductive Education. This program was aimed at adults with Cerebral Palsy, and was the first of its kind for adults in Australia.
I had heard about Conductive Education but really did not know what to expect or how the treatment could help me, but at the age of 48, I was willing to try anything that might help me to keep my mobility and independence. Despite being born with Cerebral Palsy, I have always taken great pride in my independence but as I age, my independence has become slowly increasingly difficult to maintain.
It was mid way through my second term of Conductive Education that I began to understand the fundamentals of the treatment. I started to implement much of what I had learnt in Conductive Education to help me in my everyday life. I found myself using controlled breathing and counting in my head when I had difficulty in doing simple tasks. It always works for me.
In December 2010 I made a submission to present a paper at the 7th World Congress on Conductive Education in Hong Kong. My submission titled "Conductive Education Is Not Only For The Young" was accepted and with the support of Lisa and Alexander I travelled to Hong Kong and presented my paper. I was very proud to present my paper and I enjoyed listening to other presenters speaking about the many aspects of Conductive Education.
Unfortunately I do not have access to Conductive Education any longer. I now attend a main stream gym and work out in the swimming pool weekly. In many ways both are similar to Conductive Education but they don't teach me the tasks I need to remain independent.
I often wonder how different my life would have been if I had access to Conductive Education at a young age
Maria Dalmon.


text:
Best events not to be missed in February
Living like an Italian means enjoying the best in life and sharing it with others. That's why S.Pellegrino has found the best events to attend worldwide for you.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival - Thailand
05 - 07 February
Every second weekend of February, Chiang Mai celebrates the flowering of the hills and valleys surrounding the city. It is the best time of year to admire the tropical flowers, orchids, sunflowers and roses, with their exotic scents. The festival lasts three days, and includes events such as the parade of floats that are decorated with fresh flowers, shows, traditional music and the election of the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival.
More info
Tet Nguyen Dan - Vietnam Spring Festival
08 February
In Vietnam, Tet Nguyen Dan is the most important holiday of the year. It's a celebration that unites the beginning of the new year and that of spring in a party comprised of flowers, music, fireworks and traditional food. One of the typical specialties of the Tet festival are Bahn Chung, rice cakes that are made in every home.
More info
NY Fashion Week - New York
11 - 18 February
New York Fashion Week is one of the "big four" in terms of fashion events worldwide. Alongside the catwalks of New York, the city that never sleeps, hundreds of events organized by the best boutiques and the most prestigious international fashion brands will be held in the most exclusive locations. It's an event that is not to be missed - and is not just for fashion addicts.
More info
Pre-Raphaelites on paper - London
12 February - 29 May
The Leighton House Museum opens an exhibition in which the beauty of Pre-Raphaelite art comes together with the simplicity of drawing on paper. Portraits, landscapes and scenes inspired by literature are shown to the public in the preparatory drawings of the greatest artists from the Victorian era, such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais and Edward Brune-Jones.
More info
Pre-Raphaelites on paper - London
20 - 26 FebruarySpring is the queen of the seasons, and to celebrate its arrival, the most colorful dance festival of the year is held in the splendid setting of the Khajuraho temples. It's an unparalleled dance performance, in which emphasis is given to the variety of traditions throughout the different regions of India.
More Info
Dubai Food Festivl - Dubai
25 February - 12 March
Dubai celebrates taste with two weeks full of events and parties dedicated to top cuisine. Among the events not to be missed is the first Dubai Restaurant Week, parties at the Beach Canteen and the opportunity to observe the best chefs at work at the Fatafeat Kitchen.
More info


text:
Home > Italy > Florence > Family Hotels
Updated: May 17, 2020
• Affiliate Disclosure: All hotel links on my site are affiliate links meaning I earn a small fee when you book a hotel. (There is never any extra cost to you for using these links). I use some of these earnings for my monthly charitable donation.
See Also
Florence with Kids – Tips and Recommendations
- Booking.com is the best website for booking family apartments and hotels in Florence.
- Eating, drinking, and relaxing in Piazza Santo Spirito is a highlight of a Florence visit. The best restaurant on the square is the wonderful Borgo Antico. Or grab a pie from the best pizzeria in Florence, Gusta Pizza, and eat on the steps of the square like the locals do.
- This Pizza and Gelato making class is wonderful. Highly recommended and very kid-friendly. (Our kids loved it.)
- Need a break from history and churches? The Fox in a Box escape rooms are a ton of fun for the whole family.
- Smoking is still allowed in many hotels in Florence, though usually confined to a particular floor in the hotel. If you or your kids are sensitive to smoke, request a non-smoking room or non-smoking hotel.
The 11 Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Florence
- Click the hotel name to check prices on Booking.com – my favorite website for booking hotels. Book 4 to 6 months in advance for the best rooms and rates.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Firenze – luxury
Lavish hotel made of two Renaissance buildings with a spa, pool, and Jacuzzi surrounded by eleven acres of private gardens. Guests may choose from spacious suites, connecting rooms, and even one suite with a private plunge pool (the only one in Florence). Kids' amenities include a playground with activities in the summer, kid-sized robes and slippers, and babysitting services. Signature experiences include a hot air balloon ride, their Michelin-starred Picnic in the Park, and a mother and child spa day. • +39 055 26261 • Map
2. Palazzo Vecchietti – luxury
All-suite, boutique hotel in a 16th-century palace with large suites, penthouses, and apartments. The largest option here, one-bedroom apartments feature two bathrooms, one or two sofa beds, and sleep a family of 4. All rooms include a hideaway kitchenette complete with a dishwasher and coffee maker. Many suites add private balconies, rooftop terraces, soaking tubs, or Turkish baths. Their decadent breakfast is always a highlight, whether served in the dining room or delivered directly to the suite. • +39 055 230 2802 • Map
3. Portrait Firenze – luxury
Ultra-luxe hotel with every detail customizable to guests' desires, from flower arrangements to spontaneous room amenities. Suites are all spacious and exquisitely appointed from studio-sized up to a five-bedroom penthouse with views of the Ponte Vecchio and Arno River. Their children's program features Italian cooking classes, spy games in the Uffizi, and experiments based around Da Vinci's discoveries. Children's menus are available all day at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Caffe dell'Oro. • +39 055 2726 8000 • Map
4. Hotel Lungarno – luxury
This handsome hotel sits right on the river and offers a wide range of accommodations, from ample family suites (sleep family of 5) to palatial five-bedroom, seven-bathroom suites ideal for large or multigenerational families. Children are well-cared-for through their Very Important Kids program, which offers a trip to the Bargello Museum, hands-on experiments based on Galileo's and Da Vinci's works, and pizza-making classes. • +39 055 27261 • Map
5. The St. Regis Florence – luxury
Historic hotel designed by Brunelleschi, with a full service spa, exceptional food, and thoughtful family amenities. Suites range from 50 to 200 square meters, all with soaking tubs and signature butler service. Their Family Traditions program includes a cookie turndown service, kid-sized robes and slippers, complimentary meals for children, and a connecting room at half price. • +39 055 27161 • Map
6. Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy – luxury
This fashionable hotel offers elegant rooms and suites with connecting options to create two- to five-bedroom suites. Perks for suite guests include round-trip airport transfer, a bottle of champagne, packing and unpacking services, and daily breakfast delivered to the room. Their family program includes age-appropriate amenities (from baby foods to Pinocchio-themed workshops to video game consoles), services (24 hour babysitting), and experiences (for example, treasure hunts in the Uffizi). • +39 055 27351 • Map
7. Villa La Vedetta – luxury
Gorgeous boutique in the hills overlooking the city with a heated pool and lush, garden setting. They offer two suite types for families, the Suite Deluxe, a one-bedroom with a whirlpool tub, for families up to three, and the Bellavista Suite, a larger one-bedroom suite with two floors, two bathrooms and a sofa bed, sleeping up to four. Kids' amenities include special menu items in the restaurants, step stools and coloring books in the rooms, and babysitting services. Breakfast is included in the room rates, as is the shuttle service to the Ponte Vecchio. • +39 055 681631 • Map
8. Hotel Davanzati – mid-range
Family-owned for 50 years, this cozy, boutique hotel offers a nearly all-inclusive experience, with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea service, happy hour with unlimited prosecco, Chianti, and snacks, iPads with unlimited mobile data plans, and more included in all room rates. The have a wide range of accommodations for families, including connecting rooms, Superior Double rooms with sofa beds, Junior Suites with sofa beds, Suites (junior suites with a private patio), and spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom Family Suites that sleep up to seven. For kids, PlayStations and games are available on request. Expect lots of charm and personalized attention from three generations of hoteliers here. • +39 055 286666 • Map
9. La Farina Apartments – mid-range
Contemporary apartment hotel, offering spacious studios and one-bedroom suites. Suites all come with sofa beds, while Deluxe Suites have theirs in a loft. Sunny suites all come with fully equipped kitchens, complete with dishwashers and full-sized refrigerators. Self-service laundry and bicycle rentals for adults and kids are available onsite. • +39 055 552 2774 • Map
10. Hotel Alessandra – budget
Built in a residence from 1507 and run by the same family since 1970, this boutique hotel offers several options for families. Family Rooms can accommodate three to four guests, Junior Suites sleep up to three, and their top tier Bacio Suite one-bedroom sleeps up to four, with one queen or two single beds, plus an additional murphy bed in the living room and a private terrace. The breakfast buffet offers hot and cold continental selections paired with an excellent cappuccino. • +39 055 283438 • Map
11. Hotel Crocini – budget
This quiet, boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfasts and a variety of room types, the largest being family rooms for up to six. The breakfast buffet includes a variety of sweet and savory choices and can be served in the quaint dining room or al fresco in their garden courtyard. Run by the same Florentine family since 1926, the hotel is known for its attentive service and expert local recommendations. • +39 055 212905 • Map
All Florence Hotel Reviews
Read More
- The Best Hotels in Florence
- The Best Boutique Hotels in Florence
- The Best Romantic Hotels in Florence
- The Best Cheap Hotels in Florence
- The Best Wheelchair Accessible Hotels in Florence
- The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Florence
- The Best Hotels with Private Pools and Jacuzzis in Florence
- The Best Places to Stay in Florence
- The Best Time to Visit Florence
- The Best Restaurants in Florence
- The Best Bars in Florence
- The Best Gelato in Florence
- The Best Wine Tours in Florence
- Florence Airport Transportation
- Renting a Car in Florence
- Rome to Florence
- Venice to Florence
- Pisa to Florence
- Livorno to Florence
- Day Trip to San Gimignano from Florence
- Day Trip to Siena from Florence
- The Best Agriturismo in Tuscany


text:
Here are some fellow parents-to-be expecting in 2020Here are some of the most unique celebrity baby names and why they were chosen12 Tips From Mums to Mums For Caring For A Newborn BabyHilary Duff rejoices after specialist she hired succeeds in training baby daughter 'to fall asleep on her own'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (also known as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) are expecting!The best ways to keep babies and toddlers cool during hot weatherZara names royal baby after the QueenA COUPLE have seven babies under three after they tried for "just one more" – and fell pregnant with QUINTUPLETS.Newborn Survival GuideHow to help your baby get the most out of tummy time
Big Brother's Davina McCall has been voted sexiest celebrity mum, seeing off competition from pop goddess Madonna and X-Factor judge Sharon Osbourne.
Davina, known as much for her work with Comic Relief as her presenting skills, recently turned 39 and is a doting mum to five-year-old Willow, three-year-old Tilly, as well as new baby boy Chester, who was born in September this year.
The poll was carried out by deodorant company Mum which questioned 2,500 women. Other celebrity runners up included television presenter Tess Daly, US actress Angelina Jolie and glamour model Katie Price.
Davina has been nominated this week as the Most Popular Entertainment Presenter in the upcoming National Television Awards (NTAs). If she gets it, she'll be able to place the award next to the one she won recently for Glamour Magazine's TV presenter of the year.
In order to be successful at the NTAs, she will have to beat rival television presenters Ant and Dec, Jonathan Ross, Paul O'Grady and comeback king Noel Edmonds.


text:
Janice Bond
Cultural Curator and Arts Advocate
"In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction." – Audre Lorde
With a zeal for the creative and imaginative, Janice Bond is a curator, strategist,and advisor specializing in arts and culture. A combination of "Northern edge", "Midwest will", and "Southern hospitality", Bond's forward thinking and high energy approach has been utilized over the past decade in a range of both communications and creative initiatives. Her insight has also been an integral part of developing various communications plans from independent artists to "Fortune 100" companies.
The debut of her company SAVANT | SAVANT (Now Bond Creative Advisors) in 2009, began the incalculable journey of Janice leading stellar collectives of great artistic minds and institutions as a consultant. From Dakar to Detroit, local art exhibitions to international music festivals, her continued interest and investments in arts and culture stems from her passion for developing more impactful, shared, restorative, and sustainable creative economies globally. In the community, she lends her time to multiple organizations and institutions as a gracious speaker, board member, volunteer, and mentor. From 2013 to 2015, she was appointed and served as Director of Arts and Culture at IMAN with a focus of using art as a tool for social justice and restorative healing on Chicago's Southwest Side and beyond.
Janice opened Gallery ONI in 2014, a contemporary art gallery and cultural space located in Chicago,Illinois dedicated to promoting the work of women artists of color. As a visual/multimedia artist, her original paintings, installations,and collective soundscapes focus on multidimensional human perspectives and identity, sacred geometry, sound frequencies, and indigenous fractal patterns found in various cultures and urban landscapes.
In 2015, The Art Allies was launched, an initiative created to educate and develop more visual art collectors and arts entrepreneurs in major cities all over the world.
The website will be permanently closed shortly, so please retrieve any content you wish to save.


text:
Men's Vanier - Monday League Info
Next Season starts January 13th, 2020!
In this league, you can sign up alone, with friends, or register an entire team!
***Early Bird - IF you pay in full before your first scheduled game - Team fee is $1350, and individuals are $150***
You're guaranteed 12 games with the opportunity to play on should you win.
This league plays out of the Hardini Centre in Vanier from from September to December and then again from January to April. Games are played once a week on Monday's starting after 6:00pm with the latest games scheduled before 10:00pm.
The 4 on 4 format, plus goalie, keeps a great pace in this excellent sized gym. Be sure to familiarize yourself with our rules, they are created with player safety in mind. Players can sign up for this league alone, with a group, or as a full team. We run two 20 minute periods, running time. This is a great location for ball hockey. This location does not have showers but has plenty of parking.
For more information, contact email@example.com


text:
Date: July 10 – 15, 2012 (second of two Cycles)
Conductor: Kent Nagano
Production: Andreas Kriegenburg
Location: Bavarian State Opera, Munich.
If Das Rheingold and Die Walküre presented two competing visions of theatrical uses of human bodies in an opera setting, Siegfried presented something somewhat in between. To represent Fafner's dragon, about two dozen scantily clad actors were shackled onto a dragon-shaped scaffolding and illuminated by burning-orange floodlights. As the dragon moved and roared, the actors moved in seemingly meaningless gyration. The resultant effect gave alternately a sensation of pain and voyeuristic ecstasy, much like how the actors' abundance of energy in Rheingold was analogous to the breaking waves of the Rhine.
Act 1 revealed something of an entirely different order: dozens of actors moved about on stage, often acting out what was sung in the libretto, including a comical reenactment of Siegfried's birth just as Mime retold the story of the Wälsung twins. Half a dozen actors worked an oversized pump to inject air into Mime's oven, just as Siegfried started to weld his sword. An actor would dump metallic confetti into an air outlet controlled by the manual actuation of pumps in synchronization with Siegfried's anvil percussion. The cartoonish depiction, including the actor's refilling of metallic confetti, spurred a few snickers from the audience. A few other actors rolled on stage a gigantic water barrel, in which Siegfried would dump Nothung to cool it down. It wasn't entirely clear if these actors really inhabited the same dimension as Siegfried and Mime, or if they were merely transparent, faceless effectors of stage movements. On the surface, their abundance seemed to violate one common interpretation that Act 1 was meant to be an introverted look at the relationship between Siegfried and Mime. Yet Kriegenburg brought up an interesting point: if the relationship between Siegfried and Mime has always meant, even by Wagner, to be farcical, the presence of these comical effectors only served to accentuate that point.
Lance Ryan, as Siegfried, sang with gusto, though he seemed ready to reserve his firepower in Act 1. In Act 3, as his voice blossomed with power and energy, he vindicated his earlier pacing strategy. Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke, as Mime, did not impress with enough menace, though as a singer, he excelled with a golden top. Thomas J. Mayer was adequate but not special as Wotan, while Catherine Naglestad, as Brünnhilde, was properly lyrical and abundantly sonorous. The porcelain-faced Elena Tsallagova proved most unexpectedly outstanding as the forest bird. Her trills were controlled and delightful, and she did not forcibly exaggerate her presence any more than the dramaturgy required her to. Her vocal phrasings arched beautifully over the orchestral music, not merely adorning but caressing it. Her agile and playful movements on stage proved that she was either an accomplished dancer or an exceptionally gifted stage actress, or both.


text:
I am inspired to create my art by the look on people's faces that enter my gallery or booth for the first time. The life size fish and detail stop them in their tracks and the expression of WOW, followed by "how did you do this?" is inspirational. I strive to make each fish so real that they appear alive. The fish jump out at you because I spend hours preparing each one with precision so when the print is lifted it looks real.
I spend numerous hours studying fish at aquariums and fish markets. I've traveled to the Caribbean, Africa, Central America, Europe, China, Vietnam and across the United States to swim with and collect different species. Every day I practice new corrigraph techniques and experiment with new fabrics like silks and cottons and utilizing different inks. These are the most important tools I can use to create the best traditional Gyotaku work I can.


text:
NEW 2020 RAM 1500 BIG HORN CREW CAB 4X2 5'7 BOX" in Midwest City, OK
Installed Options
- $46,665
- You Save
- - $12,000
- Sale Price
- $34,665
- Trade Assistance
- - $1,500
Vehicle Details
|Big Horn/Lone Star
|Stock #
|Exterior Color
|Delmonico Red Pearlcoat
|Interior Color
|Gas Mileage
|8 cyl 5.7l Gasoline
Currently Viewing
- $46,665
- You Save
- - $12,000
- Sale Price
- $34,665
- Trade Assistance
- - $1,500
Red 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn/Lone Star RWD Automatic HEMI 5.7L V8 Multi Displacement VVT 4D Crew Cab, HEMI 5.7L V8 Multi Displacement VVT, Automatic, RWD.
Recent Arrival!
Additional Vehicle Information
Crash-Test Ratings
Special Offers
$1500 - TIPP 2A Prospect Program TDM Offer Calculate
LLC Employee Advantage - Certain Designated Individual (CDI) Program
Employee Advantage Friends Program
Employee Advantage
* While we check with car manufacturers and other sources to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the data contained in this chart, we make no guarantees or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the data in this report. Although we make every attempt to keep this chart up to date, all incentive information is subject to change without notice.
Other Vehicles Customers Viewed
" Vehicle had an unseen aesthetic issue,noticed immediately after purchasing. They made it right immediately without question, worked me into the exact deal i was looking for, and I had a fantastic, no BS experience. Would do business again. "
"Pretty good experience. Took a little too long for my..."
" Pretty good experience. Took a little too long for my liking. I've never spent that much time in a dealership waiting on a price. Then waiting even longer to finish the purchase. "
"Geoffrey Huff always quick to help us. Car always done in..."
" Geoffrey Huff always quick to help us. Car always done in minimal time. Friendly, competent, GREAT customer service. We always look for him. Number ONE! "
" Chlante was fantastic from the greeting at the door to the final handshake. He listened to our wants, the need to stay in budget and he got it done! It was a great experience and I've told everyone I can about my experience. Thank you so much! "
"I was a little late for my appointment but they worked..."
" I was a little late for my appointment but they worked with me.. gave me a ride Fixed the problem. Kept me informed of progress .courteous and helpful "
" Caleb was awesome...I went in just to look at a truck and he told me he could get the deal done..Well he did exactly that. I am extremely happy with my 2020 Ram Lone Star. If anyone is car shopping make sure to ask for Caleb "
" I went in just to look at a 2020 Dodge Ram and the salesman Caleb says "I can make this happen" make it happen he did..It was a very easy and fast buying experience. I was picked up by a great lender with a low interest rate and I don't have the best credit..If you're looking for a new car make sure to ask for Caleb "
"Awesome Full Service "
" Both the Service Adviser and the Corey the Mechanic/Tech did a an awesome job all the way around. Work was completed as agreed, onetime and under budget estimate. "
" Steve and Jojo are excellent salesman, I recommend them to anyone shopping for an automobile. "
" Friendly and fast service. Honored a coupon I had from online too. Thank you "
" Steve and Chris Richardson are BEST EVER!!! They went above and beyond getting me and my babies in an AMAZING new SUV 😍👌❤ "
" Ask for Jojo, the guy is amazing! He'll put blood and sweat into finding what you need. The prices here aren't bad either, and they do a great job of making sure your car is up to snuff. "
"Just had window tint done very fast , checked right in..."
" Just had window tint done very fast , checked right in very short wait very good job would not hesitate to use them for everything very professional "
"Very friendly close to home. Every thing looked clean and..."
" Very friendly close to home. Every thing looked clean and well organized. They took my Jeep right in and gave me the time it would be ready. "
"Rob Stevenson was amazing and helped out with all we..."
" Rob Stevenson was amazing and helped out with all we needed and got us the deal we wanted. So thank you for that rob Stevenson "
"New vehicle review"
" Richard McGlothlin has always been our salesman. He has always ensured that we found the vehicle that we are looking for. He has been able to get us a good deal on the vehicle and explained all of the controls on the vehicle. He usually followups with us to ensure that we are doing alright and have any questions. "
" Jojo was is an exceptional salesman, he didn't try to sell us anything other than what we cam in for. HONESTLY the quickest car dealership visit ever. "
" You don't feel pressure to do any extra pre-maintenance if you can't at that time. "
" Nice people good cars "
Dealership Information
Contact Dealer
*The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, finance charges, documentation charges, and any other fees required by law. We attempt to update this inventory on a regular basis. However, there can be lag time between the sale of a vehicle and the update of the inventory.
EPA mileage estimates are for newly manufactured vehicles only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
Before purchasing this vehicle, it is your responsibility to address any and all differences between information on this website and the actual vehicle specifications and/or any warranties offered prior to the sale of this vehicle. Vehicle data on this website is compiled from publicly available sources believed by the publisher to be reliable. Vehicle data is subject to change without notice. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors and/or omissions in this data the compilation of this data and makes no representations express or implied to any actual or prospective purchaser of the vehicle as to the condition of the vehicle, vehicle specifications, ownership, vehicle history, equipment/accessories, price or warranties.


text:
Of CO2 and Gender Dysphoria
The amount of CO2 in the air is vanishingly small, 0% to the nearest percent on a 100 scale, as we have noted on many occasions. Yet the government is hysterical about cutting back on CO2, since it empowers the greatest threat to the planet.
By contrast, in several studies of the data, of the 2010 census and other sources, 0.01-0.03% of those surveyed suffered from gender dysphoria. And the same government that wants CO2 banned now wants every bathroom in the country changed to accommodate — almost nobody.
This is nuts of course, and very harmful. To wit: we'd be better off with more CO2, and certainly a group 41% of whose members attempt suicide could use psychological counseling a lot more than new bathroom signs.


text:
Santina Coin Jewellery – Trademark Coin Necklaces & Coin Bracelets
Since starting Santina Jewellery all those years ago. I have had one primary goal to provide Santina followers with beautiful, quality pieces at affordable prices ~ and along the way I wanted to enjoy this journey.
Coin Jewellery is part of our trademark collection and we are always looking to expand our range, whether that be in Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings or Rings.
All our coin jewellery are made from zinc and is electroplated to ensure durability and longevity of each product. This also means it won't easily tarnish likes some of the cheaper products on the market.
If you have any questions about any of our coin jewellery, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I've provided a link below to some of our most popular designs, i invite you to take a look and if interested, many of these pieces are currently on sale.
Have a wonderful day! Santina x


text:
I've now changed the rules of my commitment to a quote, and all domain quotes are valid for 3 business days. I am not willing to wait out on such byzantine scenarios of "behind the scenes" negotiations. At the same time, I will be making any inquiries agree to a statement that they are personally and directly involved in the inquiry, and not as brokers, co-partners or other types of men in the middle.
via Domain inquiries : Quotes are valid for 3 business days – Acro.net – A Domain Investing Blog by Acroplex®.


text:
Note: this post was originally written in response to a harsh prophecy of judgment against America. The post has been generalized since then, but some of that original focus remains.
I wrote a post called "Reconciling Scripture" in which I discussed that God's will for us is to wrestle and struggle to reconcile seemingly contradictory verses in the Bible until they all flow smoothly as one. The post was widely read and got some people thinking. During the past week, I've had a desire to take the reconcile topic one more step. I want to talk about reconciling prophecy.
When hearing a prophecy, several questions need to come up:
- What about other prophecies that declare the opposite?
- Do I understand the terminology God is using?
- Is this for certain or can we doing something for this word to change?
- When is this word for?
- Who does this effect?
These are all things that have to be reconciled. So let's talk about them one by one.
What about other prophecies that declare the opposite?
My friend and I were talking last night about people who are extreme, people who are black and white to a fault. These are people who hear one thing and don't wait to hear the balancing of the issue. They hear God saying "I hate homosexuality". They then take what they heard and judge, curse and show hate towards the homosexual community. If they would have prayed into that word they heard from God, they would have heard God say the balancing point of "I desire for them all to be saved". That balancing word refocuses the people hearing. Instead of becoming arrogant towards the homosexual community for "angering God", they become broken before the homosexual community because these Christians heard how much God desires them but how sin (the spirit of homosexuality) is keeping them away from God's loving ways and plans for them.
Like this example, there have been prophecies that God will revive America. That America will be re-awakened to its former glory (like Azusa Street and such) and the wells of revival will be re-dug.
Is God not sure about what He is going to do?
Not at all.
We must reconcile our thoughts regarding the words we hear. We can hear a judgment prophecy and think God will never pour His Spirit out on this nation again. That is not what God is saying at all.
Do I understand the "terminology" God is using?
In the homosexuality example, it is important to understand that God said "I hate homosexuality", not the homosexual. In that example, we know that God hates the spirit and the sin that is keeping the people He longs for away from Him. He burns with jealousy against it, completely out of love!
Just as terminology was a key to understanding the homosexuality example, understanding keywords in prophecy is a must. One of the greatest setbacks in prophecy is when people assume they know what God is talking about but find out later that God was talking about something else altogether.
Is this for certain or can we do something for this word to change?
In 1 Kings 21 we read about King Ahab, the most wicked king in Israel up to that time. The Lord send Elijah the prophet to give him a word of judgment, but then Ahab, the most wicked king, humbled himself. This is what God told Elijah:
And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, "Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son's days I will bring the disaster upon his house."
God didn't cancel judgment, but because of humility, brokenness and repentance, God showed mercy to him! He held judgment back for a time (a season, a generation). In regards to judgment against America, it cannot be cancelled but it can be postponed and it can be shortened. When there is no hope for a nation, the call of Joel 2 goes out: national fasting and weeping. I believe that we are currently living when judgment was originally scheduled to hit but because of groups like the Promise Keepers, TheCall and prayer centers across America, God has granted us mercy for a time. There will be a day though when it can no longer be pushed back.
When is the word for?
I think this question and the terminology question are the two top questions that have to be asked. We must understand that God is abundantly patient and long-suffering. When He declares something, He gives people a long time to repent. Jeremiah prophesied against Israel his whole life (as did other prophets) and it wasn't for decades later that the prophecies came true. We must get on God's timeline when it comes to prophecy.
When it comes to the prophecies regarding America's pending judgment, maybe there are two seasons and the prophecy is talking about the latter one. This is all just speculation but maybe God wants to revive pockets of this nation through signs and wonders, favor and blessings but one day He will awaken the nation through suffering. That thought (whether it is right or wrong) does reconcile both sides of the prophecies about America. Getting clarity and revelation of the fullness of what God is speaking about America comes with much time and much prayer. It is God's job to explain what exactly will happen. It is our job to make sure we hear the balanced word of God by being patient until He shows us the whole picture.
Remember, many of the prophets died without seeing what they spoke come to pass (James 5:10)
Who will this word effect?
This is another important question we must ask when we hear a prophecy regarding anything whether person, business, church, city, nation, world. God declares that He "will do nothing without first telling His prophets" (Amos 3:7). Therefore prophets can hear things that doesn't involve them individually, but will involve another people group. So it is important to ask "who is God speaking to regarding this prophecy?" Many times in the Old Testament, God would speak a word against Israel, but not against the remnant of Israel and vice-versa. Sometimes He would speak of blessing the remnant but that did not mean He was going to bless the entire backslidden nation. God is really good at focused blessing/judgment.
I hope that this has helped some of you who hear conflicting prophecies and you know that both of them are from God, but you don't get how they complement each other.
I say again, God longs for us to wrestle with this and pray for Him to show us how these things reconcile themselves together. Remember, "God is not a man that He would lie". We can trust that when we hear a prophecy (that lines up to His Word) that He will faithfully do it. I also believe David had it right when he said:
"One thing You have spoken, but two things I have heard: that You oh Lord are loving and that You are just." (Psalm 62:11-12)
God spoke once to David, but he heard two contrasting things. David reconciled what he heard. I pray that we would do the same.


text:
Some people love their pets enough to want to have them immortalized in some shape or form. While others choose the route of taxidermy, which can come off as rather creepy, others simply commission for a portrait of their beloved critters. Whether it's a cat, a dog, a horse, or whatever else, wealthy individuals can have their likeness painted on canvas. These would have to be privately owned animals, though, not ones coming from the Amsterdam Zoo or other such public places.
Depending on just how wealthy or eccentric the client is, there could even be some lions or tigers thrown into the mix of animals they have painted. With the help of photographs, this becomes relatively easy to do since the animals don't have to stay still for that long.
Personal Attachment
The simplest reason for why anyone would commission to have their pet painted into a portrait is personal attachment. They simply love their dog, cat, or horse so much that they want to immortalize them through a medium that is easy to bring with them. Short of pictures, this is exactly what a painting is. It's quite easy to carry and would not pose a problem in storing it. It's also a bit like having a piece of the Van Gogh museum Amsterdam if the portrait was painted in his style.
Family Pride
Some families can put a lot of stock in their pets, which means that they would like to preserve these pets in every way they can. While wealthier clients can also have their pets stuffed, they might also opt to have them painted in a stylish manner that only rich folks could dream up. This is not a bad thing at all, but it can come off as rather pompous.
Simple Vanity
Finally, there is the matter of simple vanity. Paintings are considered to be among the finest examples of fine arts, so having their pets immortalized via oil paintings can come off as a result of elegant taste. This is not exactly the most sensible of reasons, but it is a reason for many animal portraits.