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In previous posts we have discussed SCOAN's dangerous teaching about healing, in which people are 1) told that they are healed by TB Joshua, 2) discouraged from taking medication and 3) blamed for a 'lack of faith' when it becomes clear that they are still sick. Judith was left in a coma after following the advice of SCOAN disciples. In this post, we tell the story of a woman who died after she refused medical treatment because TB Joshua had declared her healed. Some names have been changed to protect identities.
Anne, a British woman, was in her forties when she died of cancer. She left behind a husband and two children, both in their teens. Claire was a close friend of the family. She says that the tragedy of Anna's situation was that her death was preventable."If Anne had had the chemotherapy, the chances are she would have been fine now," she says. "I know five other people who have had breast cancer and had the chemo. All of them are now in full remission."
Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. "It was diagnosed early," says Claire. "She'd already had a masectomy but she was due to have a course of chemotherapy. The aim was to wipe out individual cancer cells that might have been missed, or that might have spread elsewhere." According to Claire, Anne was usually meticulous about following medical advice. However, she ended up refusing the chemotherapy. Three years later, she was dead. What persuaded her to take this fatal decision?
Anne attended Emmanuel, an evangelical church in Winchester, England. Simon was a fellow member of this church and recalls this time."From around 2000 there was a lot of buzz in the church about the Synagogue, Church of All Nations in Lagos." he says. "People talked about this incredible church in Nigeria where healings and prophecies took place. It was like the book of Acts in the 21st century. That was how it was presented." said Simon. "There was a feeling that Christianity in England was lukewarm, safe and boring. People were hungry for something raw and powerful, more awe-inspiring. But not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Some people were more wary of it." Kate, who attended the same church, wrote about the atmosphere at the time in this post.
"Anne's husband Tony first went to Nigeria around 2001. He came back very enthusiastic about what he had seen there." says Claire. "After this, Anne was keen to go out to Nigeria with him." They went out together in 2002, shortly before Anne was due to start her course of chemotherapy. But her visit changed everything.
In Lagos, Anne had stood in the prayerline and received prayer from TB Joshua. Afterward, she was told that she was healed. "She came back from Lagos claiming she had been healed by TB Joshua," said Claire. "She said that because of this, she was not going to have chemo." says Claire. "I was keen for her to have the chemo. But when we talked, she came out with what at the time I thought was an odd argument," she says. "She told me she was healed by faith and that if she had the chemo that would demonstrate a lack of faith in the healing and that therefore she would not be healed," says Claire. "I don't know exactly what TBJ actually advised them to do, but I know the whole teaching about not having chemo came from Nigeria."
Several other people tried to persuade her to have the chemotherapy. But she was insistent. "She had been so excited by what she had seen in Nigeria, and she had fallen hook, line and sinker for this strange teaching." says Claire.
After this, Anne and her family became more involved in SCOAN. "They went out to live in Lagos for a year, taking their younger son out of school for the year and leaving their older son in England," says Claire. "They went out again in 2004, and decided to take their older son with them, when he should have been sitting his A levels. I argued that it wasn't wise to disrupt the children like this, but by then, they were very hooked into everything."
Anne's condition deteriorated over this period. She died in 2005. The choice to not have chemotherapy was entirely her own. However, we know that she was persuaded to take this decision by the teaching she encountered in SCOAN. She took this decision because she believed she was healed. You might argue she was desperate to believe, and was in an intoxicating and other-wordly environment where anything seemed possible. But most importantly, she believed it because she was told she was healed, by the self-proclaimed Man of God, Prophet TB Joshua.
Unfortunately, the story of Anne is not a unique case. Here's a short round-up of other people who have been proclaimed 'healed' by TB Joshua and his disciples:
–Judith, who was 'healed' of diabetes.
-The women in the BBC article who died of AIDs after quitting their ARV medication.
-Ex-disciple Giles' mother, who also refused chemotherapy after being told she was healed.
-Our old pastor (mentioned in this post).
-Maxime Claasen and John Rindel from South Africa (mentioned halfway down this post)
All of them were proclaimed healed at SCOAN but none of them were healed. All of them died except for Judith, who spent a few days in a coma. And the stories that have been told on this site and others are almost definitely the tip of a much larger iceberg.
SCOAN's usual response
"But we can't blame TB Joshua for these failures," TB Joshua supporters will say. In the words of SCOAN London, in their response to the latest scandal exposed by Sky News, "if anybody comes in the name of God, we pray for them," they say, but "the outcome of the prayer will determine if they come genuinely or not".
In other words, if these people were genuine, faithful, free from sin and worthy of healing, the healing process would have been completed and maintained. They were healed, of course, through TB Joshua's unique anointing. But if they ended up dead, this was because the healing was 'undone' by their own doubts, their weakness, and their sin. To quote SCOAN London, "Christianity is a relationship. When the relationship is broken, the blessing is lost." And so these people died, broken and racked with guilt at their own lack of faith. Because this is how our almighty God rolls, right?
Wrong. Members of SCOAN need to seriously rethink this twisted teaching. It is cruel exploitation of people at their most vulnerable and desperate.


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Chillisauce Stag Weekends & Hen Weekends
Chillisauce Stag Weekends & Hen Weekends
|Chillisauce is a London based event management company offering an enourmous selection of events activities and ideas for stag weekends, hen weekeneds, activity weekends and corporate events, experential marketing ideas and team building days. We working throughout the UK and Europe with over 100 key cities, however we can be totally flexible in our organisation and can offer stag, hen and corporate ideas in any location of your choosing. Our online event planner allows you to create a totally customised event so your stag weekend, hen party or corporate event is totally tailored to your exact requirements. We also offer an online event management are where you can manage all aspects of your event from contacting other event members to managing payments, viewing maps and itineraries.
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|Submission Date
|Dec 4, 2011 - 11:04 AM

subset: commoncrawl


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Afya Plan got a chance to attend the 2018 Grand Challenges Annual Meeting and had the opportunity to showcase the project during a poster session where we won the "Most innovative Project" Prize ! .
The Grand Challenges Annual Meeting is aimed to accelerate the translation of innovation to impact to address the world's most urgent global health and development problems. The meeting is a forum for researchers to share their work, learn about cutting-edge advances in the field and build collaborations with other investigators and organizations. The meeting partially overlaped with the 10th World Health Summit and we had a chance to attend the World Health Summit in a joint session with the grand challenges annual meeting. This conference was hosted by the German Federal Ministry of Education & Research, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada, United States Agency for International Development and Wellcome. "The complexity of our most urgent global problems – extreme poverty, the persistence and spread of disease, feeding a growing world – requires that we invest in science and put our best minds to work on finding solutions." - Bill Gates.
© 2020. All rights reserved | Afya-Plan.


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Juniors players are vital to all sporting codes and squash is no exception, if squash is to thrive in Brisbane we need more Juniors on court and in clubs. Many clubs in Brisbane offer some form of Junior coaching program or time for Junior players to take to the courts. Brisbane City Squash has a Junior Fixture comp that is played on a Saturday morning and is looking grow this during the 2017 seasons. If you would like to get your Son or Daughter into squash but not sure where to start then please feel free to contact us at [email protected] and someone will assist you with finding the right centre or program for your budding squash champ.
Here are some great reason why you should get your Child into squash this year
- Squash is a sun safe sport
- Meet other like minded kids
- Squash is fun and competitive
- Squash I relatively cheap when stacked up against other sports
- One of the best Cardio workouts you will get
- Helps with confidence and social interaction
- Cant use your mobile on a squash court so they can get a break
- Squash gives you a complete workout in just 45 mins
- Improves Hand/eye coordination and physical skills
- Improves mental awareness and quick reactions
- Can be played as an individual or as a team
- Squash is and can be played all year round
- Squash is a mixed sport so boys and girls can be on the same team
- Squash can be played all through life at any age so its never too late to start playing
There are many more reasons but the main thing is that is a great way to get active inside and out of the sun.
Oz Squash Program
|Some centres in Brisbane will offer the Oz Squash Program this is great way to get kids in the 5-15 age bracket involved in learning a new sport. Your child will learn the sport with a qualified Oz Squash Coach and with other children. Many clubs will get help from their senior players so as to ensure that the players are getting the best help and advice. Oz squash can also be run through a school program, this is currently only available to Primary schools. Schools can usually get help via a grant from the Local government if this is something you would like to look into please contact us at [email protected]
|Brisbane City Squash currently has around 15 qualified Oz Squash coaches spread around its various Squash Centers, if you would like some info on what clubs have coaches then please visit our Coaching page and feel free to contact us. [email protected]


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Season 1 of Hulu's Castle Rock was a treasure trove of homages, Easter eggs, and story crossovers for fans of horror icon Stephen King. Season 2 looks to continue that trend by taking on Misery, King's 1987 psychological horror novel that centered on nurse Annie Wilkes and her deadly obsession with romance novelist, Paul Sheldon. Kathy Bates earned an Oscar for her performance as Wilkes in Rob Reiner's 1990 feature adaptation of the story, but now Emmy-nominee Lizzy Caplan gets a shot at the role.
Joining Caplan to lead the Season 2 cast of Castle Rock are Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption), Garrett Hedlund (Triple Frontier) and Elsie Fisher (The Axe Murders of Villisca). Additionally, Yusra Warsama (The Last Days on Mars), Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips) and Matthew Alan (13 Reasons Why) join as series regulars. They'll all be caught up in a feud between warring clans in the title town, a conflict further complicated by Wilkes' arrival in Castle Rock.
Caplan's Wilkes, still employed as a nurse in this telling, is described as a superfan who is battling to overcome mental health issues. Fisher stars as Wilkes' home-school daughter Joy who is becoming increasingly disturbed by her mother's behavior.
Robbins returns to the King universe as the patriarch of the author's infamous crime family, Reginald "Pop" Merrill; his battle with cancer is nearing its end, bringing about a reckoning with his family. Other Merrill Family members include Hedlund's John "Ace" Merrill, maybe the most notorious of the bunch, who aims to take over Pop's operation and start a turf war with neighboring Jerusalem's Lot, and Alan's Chris Merrill, Ace's brother who tries to keep the peace between the family and the Somali community embroiled in the feud. (It all felt very Godfather right up until that Somali twist.)
Warsam will play the Harvard-trained Somali hospital director Dr. Nadia Omar with Abdi playing Abdi Omar, her tough older brother who is building a Somali community center. It remains to be seen just how they fall into the feud with the Merrills but you can rest assured that everyone will be tested by the various evils that lurk within the title town and its many denizens.
Look for Season 2 of Sam Shaw & Dustin Thomason's creation, hailing from J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, on Hulu later this year.
via Collider


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Heads Of Directorates
Many of the market centers of Kiambu County are connected to the national grid line, but there has been the encouragement to use renewable energy in the county in recent times. This is known to save the environment for sustainable development in the Post Millenium Development Goals era. In a bid to boost energy there has been commissioning of a power station in Witeithie near Thika Town with the capacity of 87 MW of Thermal power. This would ensure reliability of power in industries around this area which is ideal for industry development. In addition, the County Government has invested in the water sub sector by ensuring piped clean water into many homesteads for domestic and commercial use.
Recycling of water technologies
Harvesting techniques, piping, supply of water tanks in rural setups
Bore hole drilling
Construction of pans and dams
Water treatment plants
Water engineering
Pump stations and water generators
Solar energy generation, wind power generation and biogas
Waste collection, treatment, transportation and waste recycling
Bioethanol production
Trash incenerators and solid waste management
Hydrams and small irrigation kits
Polyethene paper/container recycling
Organic fertilizer production
Natural water bottling
Consultancy Services


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Sunday, August 23, 2009
miss teen usa 1989Posted by the crown keeper at 5:01 PM
Miss Teen USA 1989, the seventh Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from San Bernardino, California on July 25, 1989.
At the conclusion of the final competition, Brandi Sherwood of Idaho was crowned by outgoing titleholder Mindy Duncan of Oregon. Brandi is the only Miss Teen USA from Idaho. She's also the only teen from her state to ever place.
This was the second and final year the pageant was held in San Bernardino. It was hosted by Wil Shriner, with color commentary from Marcia Strassman and Angela Visser, Miss Universe 1989. Entertinament was provided by Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
The runners-up were:
1st runner-up: Kristie Dawn Hicks (Kentucky)
2nd runner-up: Kara Quinn (Vermont)
3rd runner-up: Kristi Wright (Texas)
4th runner-up: Heidi Jo Langseth (North Dakota)
The remaining semi-finalists were: Amy Travis (Washington), Jeannie Plotz (Alabama), Lisa Williamson (South Dakota), Beth Savage (New York), Staci Fulsom (Oklahoma).
Special awards
Miss Congeniality: Heidi Jo Langseth (North Dakota)
Miss Photogenic: Stacey Harris (Maryland)
***Brandi Sherwood would win the 1997 Miss Idaho USA title and competed in the 1997 Miss USA pageant, where she placed first runner-up to the eventual winner, Hawaii's Brook Mahealani Lee. Lee became Miss Universe 1997 a couple of months later, so Brandi assumed the Miss USA title. She is the only Miss Teen USA winner to hold the Miss USA title. She later became a Barker's Beauty model on the daytime game show The Price Is Right.
Labels: missteenusa


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There are a lot of things people go through life accepting as the gospel truth. We think these "facts" are true, but actually, they"re just well known myths we have been told, over and over, throughout our lives.
It"s about time, though, that the record is set straight. Prepare for your mind to be at least partially blown:
1. Unlike their name would have you believe, killer whales aren"t related to other whales as much as they are to dolphins.
2. We"ve all heard the myth that you shouldn"t wake someone who is sleepwalking, but in reality it"s better and safer to just wake them up and guide them to safety.
3. Ostriches don"t bury their heads in the ground when they"re scared. Cartoons lied to you. They actually play dead.
4. There are four, not three, states of matter: Solid, liquid, gas, and plasma.
5. The sun will not explode in 4 billion years, but will rather expand and engulf anything nearby.
6. House flies can actually live for a month, contrary to the common belief that they only live for 24 hours.
7. Black holes aren"t actually colored black. They look so dark because they emit no visible light.
8. Don"t let anyone tell you that cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis because this just isn"t true. Crack away.
9. The center of the earth, rather than molten, is actually an extremely dense sphere of iron and nickel about 700 miles in diameter.
10. While it"s not recommended that you throw anything off of the Empire State Building, the myth that dropping a penny from that height will kill someone is simply false.
11. The hottest planet in our solar system is not the one closest to the Sun (Mercury). Instead, Venus is actually the hottest planet. It has an average surface temperature of 864 degrees Fahrenheit.
People can lie or get things wrong, so don"t always believe what you hear.


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Let's be blunt: no one goes to Byron Bay for its bars. Yet while drinking here once meant necking a beer near a bikie or sculling a tinny on the beach, these days you have your pick of great bars to choose from. My top four are: Miss Margarita A margarita is a simple drink to make – and yet so many bartenders butcher it. Miss Margarita lives up to its name by making … [Read more...]
Finding amaro in a dingy Melbourne laneway
I'm still not sure if I like Melbourne. Perhaps I have Stockholm Syndrome but I miss Sydney's beaches, its bitchiness, its shallow beautiful beat. And yet in a dingy laneway I did find something that makes me feel better about Melbourne: a great little bar that serves an amaro of the week. Never mind that Bar Americano – which is so tiny there isn't even room for chairs … [Read more...]
Jangling Jacks – Potts Point
These days I only review bars that are so good I want to live in them, and after several months of searching and sneering I've finally found one: Jangling Jacks. Rising from the ashes of Bootleg Bar in Potts Point, right next to where Soho used to be, this is a dark, indie bar with a slight gothic vibe. Green lampshades that the Addams Family would have approved of hang … [Read more...]
Bentley Restaurant and Bar
When you sit at the bar at Bentley, there's a lot of fire, spices and herbs going around. One cocktail, for example, sees the bartender (Phil Gandevia, easily one of the best in Australia) – put a cardamom pod in the bottom of a jigger, flame it, and then add the gin. I'd tell you the name of the cocktail he was making, but I've stopped taking notes at bars – … [Read more...]
Four Melbourne bars you have to visit
The Everleigh This is a bar for cocktail nerds like me. As soon as you walk in you'll see a cabinet containing what they claim is one of the largest classic cocktail book selections in the world (which I believe after seeing it) and great cocktails to match – for example, their buttered rum hot toddy was the best I ever had. Then again, you'd expect no less considering this … [Read more...]


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Last month we wrote about three new Olympus cameras, the PEN EP-3, E-PL3 and E-PM1. Out of these, only the price for the E-P3 was revealed back then.
Now Olympus has decided they should let us know about the price of one more of the three cameras. So here it is. The Olympus PEN E-PL3 will cost you $699.99 and will come with a 14-42mm zoom lens or 17mm prime lens. It will be sold in three colors; black, white and red and will start shipping in September.
Olympus has also announced a new point and shoot super zoom camera. Named the SP-810UZ, this bad boy packs in a massive 24-864mm, f/2.9-5.7 wide angle zoom capable of 36x optical zoom. It has a 14 megapixel sensor that can also shoot high definition 720p videos. It also has a 3D mode where it takes two pictures from two different angles and combines them into a 3D image that can be viewed on a 3D display. On its back is a 3-inch widescreen display. The SP-810UZ is priced at $329.99.


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Corruption in Bulgaria has led to the suspension of EU aid worth approximately 500m Euros. Announcing the decision Commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger said the EU was also withdrawing the right of two Bulgarian agencies to manage EU funds.
Bulgaria's PM admitted his country had not done enough to meet EU standards. In Bulgaria, "the fight against high-level corruption and organised crime is not producing enough results," Mr Laitenberger said.
One of the series of reports published on Wednesday condemns "a lack of commitment to act swiftly and decisively when fraud is identified", and refers to "a strong suspicion of the involvement of organised crime".
Romania was also criticised for shortcomings in its judiciary, including politicisation of cases. The country will escape penalties for now, but its report says the reforms remain "fragile".
The report on Romania condemns parliament for delaying corruption inquiries involving the former Prime Minister Adrian Nastase and other top officials.
While praising the "consistently good record" of Romanian prosecutors, the European Commission notes that in 90% of corruption cases, lenient judges deliver the minimum penalty.
Jacki Davis from the European Policy Centre in Brussels says there is a clear message to Bulgaria and Romania, but also for EU candidates, from Croatia to Turkey.
"Negotiating the terms of your EU membership isn't the end of the story. If you make promises, you have to live up to them. So it's shape up or face sanctions," she says.
This is indeed a turning point in the EC´s attitude to Corruption. For decades it has been accused of ignoring the problem. The change should act as a wake-up call to any recipients of EU funding.
We hope and believe that this may also be a sign of a broader change of attitude towards corruption. Other indicators include an increasing number of companies adopting self regulation policies and codes of conduct, and increasing shareholder pressure for such policies.
Governments that are recipients of aid should certainly hear the alarm bells ringing and make a concerted effort to speed up anti-corruption reforms. But, all countries seeking foreign investment should also wake up to the fact that they stand to loose billions of investment if they do not reform to meet the growing demands of large corporations and investment funds.


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Meet Madhuri, Aamir, Shah Rukh's make-up man
As Indian cinema turns 100, we look at the film folk who work behind the scenes, without whom moviemaking would not ever have been possible.
Make-up man Shashikant Mhatre has worked with some of the biggest movie stars, and is a treasure-trove of untold stories from behind the scenes.
Rediff.com's Nishi Tiwari met him recently.
Often, those enticing kohl-lined eyes, scarlet lips and that near-perfect hint of colour on the cheeks that makes our hearts skip a beat owe much to the hands of the brush holder -- the make-up artist who transforms good-looking people into impossibly dreamy and flawless screen gods and goddesses.
Shashikant Mhatre has practised this craft for over 40 years and has worked with some of the biggest movie stars.
When I meet him, he is preoccupied with finding a very special letter, a souvenir from a glorious past, that he may have lost while moving house a few months ago.
His ancestral home near Portuguese Church in Dadar, central Mumbai, which he shares with Sarayu, his wife of 34 years, and his extended family, is undergoing redevelopment so he has temporarily moved into an apartment close by.
The letter he is searching for is from Abigail Hopkins, the musician daughter of Sir Anthony Hopkins who he met and briefly worked with during an assignment for Zee TV in London a few years ago.
Mhatre counts his chance meeting with Abigail among one of the memorable incidents in his eventful career defined by happy accidents, a long and fruitful association with BR Films (the late filmmaker BR Chopra's production company), and challenging work on the most iconic epic saga we have witnessed on Indian television.
Here, he takes us on a magical mystery tour of the movies.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre with Madhuri Dixit, on the sets of Deewana Mujhsa Nahi
'The first film I worked on was Dhund'
Istarted working as an assistant to Pandhari Jhuker, who was already an established make-up artist, in 1972. He is my sister-in-law's brother.
He was working for BR Films at that time so that's where I started.
I worked as Pandharidada's assistant for the first two years. In 1974, he handed over all the work for BR Chopra projects to me. I have been working independently since. Now I freelance, but I worked exclusively for BR for most of my career.
Even today, if something from them comes along, I give them first preference.
I never planned to be in this profession, it just happened by chance. I was a polytechnic student when this opportunity came my way and I took it.
The first film I worked on (as an assistant) was Dhund. After that came Amitabh Bachchan, Saira Banu and the Shammi Kapoor starrer, Zameer.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre, second from right, with Shah Rukh Khan on an ad shoot
'Shammi Kapoor cancelled the shoot, saying he wouldn't get his make-up done by an assistant'
During the shooting of Zameer, it so happened that Pandharidada was unavailable when we were shooting at Rajkamal Studios.
Shammi Kapoor cancelled the shoot, saying he wouldn't get his make-up done by an assistant.
Later, when the crew left for an outdoor schedule in Bangalore for the same film, Shammiji's personal make-up artist had to go home as his mother had passed away.
So I had to step in at the last minute. Left with no choice, Shammiji had to let me do his make-up for the schedule.
He was so happy with my work that he insisted that only I do his make-up in all his films thereafter.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre with Aamir Khan during the shooting of Dil
'People were sceptical about my capabilities during the shooting of The Burning Train'
I have worked on many BR films including Karam, starring Rajesh Khanna, and Aaj Ki Awaz, starring Raj Babbar and Smita Patil, among others.
I remember when B R Chopra was about to start shooting The Burning Train. The script demanded some heavy duty make-up -- as the name of the film suggests, there are a lot of cuts, bruises and burning happening in the film. People were sceptical about my capabilities.
They said, "Yeh toh chhota ladka hai, yeh kya kar payega? Hum kisi bade artist ko bula lenge (he is a young boy, what can he do? We must get a big artist)."
But B R Chopra said he had faith in my work and wouldn't want anyone else to do the job.
The Burning Train turned out to be one of the best learning experiences in my career. We used a lot of prosthetics and new ways of doing make-up to show burnt skin and cuts.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre -- filling in for an absent junior artist in a court martial scene in the film Awaam -- sits next to Rajesh Khanna and Vijay Arora
'Salma Agha was too fair, so we had to do several tests'
I have worked a lot with Madhuri Dixit. Her skin is really good. She wanted to hire me as her personal make-up expert, but I declined.
The concept of having your personal make-up artist wasn't really popular back then. Production companies used to have make-up artists on their payroll who would work with whichever star was signed on to star in their films.
Nikaah was another standout film in my career. The film's lead actress -- Salma Agha -- was too fair, so we had to do several tests with different shades of make-up on her before shooting commenced.
Finally, Dharam Chopra, the cinematographer, approved one style to be used for the entire film. We worked really hard on her look. I won an award for the make-up in Nikaah.
It doesn't matter for us if a star has bad skin. We have to make them look good. It's easier to work with good skin; problematic skin takes a little more effort.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre applies make-up to Salma Agha on the sets of Nikaah
'Working on Mahabharat was very exciting'
Reena Roy had a bad acne problem around the time she starred in Gunj. It took a lot of time and effort to hide it.
Another time, when I was flown to Rome in 1989 for a Lux commercial with Meenakshi Seshadri, cameraman Varun Mukherjee and I had to work really hard to conceal pimples on her face.
After Gunj was completed, Reena Roy wanted to hire me as her personal make-up artist, but I wasn't really keen because working exclusively for one person restricts the scope to learn.
When you are working with a film company, you get to work with different skin types and learn different styles of applying make-up.
Working on Mahabharat was very exciting. We used a lot of fake moustaches, wigs and prosthetics.
B R Chopra was very thorough with his research. Look tests of actors alone took two years. He wanted even the tikkas on the characters' foreheads to be authentic so a lot of research went into that too.
I applied at least 40, 45 kinds of make-up on Nitish Bharadwaj before he was signed on (Bharadwaj played Lord Krishna).
Painter Ram Kumar and Rahi Masoom Raza (the Urdu poet who wrote the script and dialogues for Mahabharat), were involved in the exhaustive research and showed us countless sketches to get the look right.
We didn't take a single day's break for the entire course of Mahabharat. B R Chopra would direct in the morning, Ravi Chopra would take over in the afternoons and Raj Tilak, B R Chopra's son-in-law, would take over the reins for the evening shifts.
We used to shoot for 12 hours every day on an average.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre works with Kiran Juneja on the sets of Mahabharat
'Nana Patekar got his break in films on my recommendation'
I was the first make-up artist for Govinda, before he made it big in films. He featured in a documentary on fertilisers that was produced by BR Films. He remembers even today that I was the first make-up man he worked with.
Nana Patekar got his break in films with Aaj Ki Awaz on my recommendation.
We were discussing the cast for the film when Chopraji asked if I knew a new actor they could cast.
I'd heard about Nana from my friends. His play Purush had become really popular those days.
I didn't know Nana, but I knew his parents. Their Ganpati celebrations were famous -- people would come from faraway places to see the elaborate decorations at their home.
I called his house, but he was in Nashik. He called to say how grateful he was and would meet me as soon as he got back.
When I took Nana for the audition, Ravi Chopra was very impressed with his voice and his acting. Smita Patil, who was passing by, met Nana warmly -- they'd known each other when she was active in theatre.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre, Karisma Kapoor and Govinda at Smikta Thackeray's Red Ribbon show
'Two years is a long time in our film industry'
In the late 1980s, my relationship with BR Films soured for a while -- and I moved away temporarily. I worked on an Italian film being shot in India.
It was titled Mystery of the Dark Jungle, and the film's director was looking for an Indian make-up artist.
After that project, I flew to London to shoot for a Zee TV show. There were people around us watching me closely as I worked. The show's coordinator approached me after a while and asked if I'd do the make-up for a British artist.
I jumped at the opportunity. The girl I worked on was so happy with my work that she asked if I lived in London and if I'd do her make-up on a regular basis!
After she left, the coordinator asked if I knew who she was. Turns out, I'd just met and worked with Abigail Hopkins, a British musician and daughter of veteran actor Anthony Hopkins.
Abigail sent me a letter, inviting me to Britain and to work with her for two years. I didn't go because I didn't want to leave my established work.
Two years is a long time in our film industry and people tend to forget who you are if you are absent for such a long time.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre works on Anthony Hopkins' daughter Abigail in London
'Television serials have done a lot of harm to the art of make-up'
Some people still have a sense of aesthetics, but these television serials have done the art a lot of harm.
First, the make-up is uniformly similar in all of them. No matter how old a character is, the wig will always be black.
Also, unlike in the old days, make-up isn't done according to the scene. It doesn't matter if a character is in jail or admitted in a hospital, the make-up never changes.
Now, newer, better cosmetics have come into the market. Even the skin tone used in makeup has changed. Back then, 626-A, B, C,D (the number of shades) of MaxFactor were used for the actresses and 665-A, F, G shades for the actors. Brownish make-up has now given way to a more yellow tinge.
We also didn't have eye-shadow before. We would just blend eyeliners and make eye-shadow.
Make-up in those days was quite different from what they do today. Even the brands, although limited, were different. Bob Kelley and MaxFactor were popular brands back then. Krylon, another popular brand, came much later and is still around.
Nowadays, MAC is the most sought after cosmetics brand for make-up in films.
Please click Next to read more...
Image: Shashikant Mhatre with Meenakshi Seshadri during the shoot of Dahleez
'The entire unit used to be like one big family; we would play games after pack-up every day'
I have also applied make-up on some politicians, but most of them are wary about letting others know about it. I have also worked for Vijay Mallya's fashion shows.
I was the make-up man for Surabhi, India's first big talk show hosted by Renuka Shahane and Siddharth Kak. Back in those days, there were no channels. Surabhi was aired on Doordarshan and was a big hit.
I started with a salary of Rs 175. By the time Mahabharat was launched, I was drawing a salary of Rs 2,500 a month. There was a provident fund in place for all employees in BR Films, but later on it was done away with at the suggestion of some new accountants.
Nowadays, personal make-up artists charge as much as Rs 20,000, Rs 25,000 per day. When I joined the association (the Makeup Artists of Maharashtra) in 1972, there were only 239 make-up artists in the industry. Today there are more than 4,000.
Working in a film was very different from today. The entire unit used to be like one big family; we would play games after pack-up every day. Aaj kal kisi ke paas time hi nahi rehta (these days no one has the time).
Shashikant Mhatre takes up fewer projects these days. He recently worked on Preity Zinta's first home production Ishkq in Paris and a Marathi film, Mainechi Doosri Baazu.
His nephews, Anil and Shreyas Mhatre, are also make-up artists. While Anil is a freelancer, Shreyas works with Vidya Balan.
Image: Poonam Dhillon and B R Chopra on the sets of Awaam


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Judgment due tomorrow in CIA drones murder case in Pakistan
April 16, 2012
An Islamabad court will hand down judgment tomorrow (Tuesday) over the Pakistani police's failure to investigate two reports by Pakistani citizens on the murder of innocent civilians by CIA unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Pakistani Kareem Khan, assisted by lawyer Shahzad Akbar of Islamabad's Foundation for Fundamental Rights, filed a judicial review of his local police force after they failed to act on his urgent FIR (First Information Report) of the murder of his son and brother in his ancestral village Machi Khel, North Waziristan.
Judge Basharat Mufti reserved his decision to be announced tomorrow in the Court of Additional District & Sessions Judge, Islamabad, which sits from 8am. The precise time will be announced in the cause list at the Court tomorrow morning.
Mr Khan is seeking remedy under the Pakistani Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 (Cr. P. C) over the uninvestigated killing of his son and brother by a drone strike on December 31, 2009. On December 14, 2010, Mr Khan filed an application with Islamabad's Secretariat Police Station to register an FIR against Johnathan Banks, then-Station Chief of the USA's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for his involvement in the deaths. On July 19, 2011, now joined by two other victims, Sadaullah Khan and Maezol Khan, he filed a second FIR against John A. Rizzo who, as General Counsel of the CIA in the USA, had authorized the murders. In both cases the police received the application but failed to register the FIR or investigate the matter.
Mr Khan's family had no involvement in terrorism nor animosity with their assailants; his brother Asif Iqbal was a secondary school teacher in Datta Khel and his son Zahin ullah Khan worked in the Government's Girls' School Mira Khan Kot.
Shahzad Akbar, Director of the Foundation for Fundamental Rights, said: "This is a courageous attempt by a Pakistani citizen to enforce his constitutional rights and to bring the rule of law to bear on the US's illegal drone killings in Pakistan. We hope the judge will do the right thing by protecting Mr Khan's rights as a Pakistani citizen and upholding the law of Pakistan."
Reprieve's director Clive Stafford Smith said: "The first obligation of any government is to protect its citizens, particularly from murder. Pakistani police owe it to their compatriots to investigate these killings of innocent civilians on Pakistani soil. Pakistan is not at war with America, so there can be no legal justification for these drone attacks, which are causing vastly more harm than good."
1. For further information please contact Shahzad Akbar on +92 312 5055971; or Donald Campbell at Reprieve's Press Office email@example.com 020 7427 1099/07931592674 or go to http://reprieve.org.uk/investigations/drones/
2. Kareem Khan's argument in this case and his first FIR report and second FIR report can be found on Reprieve's website.
3. Reprieve, a legal action charity, uses the law to enforce the human rights of prisoners, from death row to Guantánamo Bay. Reprieve investigates, litigates and educates, working on the frontline, to provide legal support to prisoners unable to pay for it themselves. Reprieve promotes the rule of law around the world, securing each person's right to a fair trial and saving lives. Clive Stafford Smith is the founder of Reprieve and has spent 25 years working on behalf of people facing the death penalty in the USA.
Surrent casework involves representing 15 prisoners in the US prison at Guantánamo Bay, assisting over 70 prisoners facing the death penalty around the world, and conducting ongoing investigations into the rendition and the secret detention of 'ghost prisoners' in the so-called 'war on terror'.
Follow Reprieve on twitter: @ReprieveUK; if you were forwarded this release, sign up to join our press mailing list.


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Since Telltale Games re-invented the point and click adventure with The Walking Dead, many have praised their unique ideas and since then, they've become rather busy. Currently developing Tales From The Borderlands, a new Game of Thrones game, as well as continuing to release new episodes for The Wolf Among Us and The Walking Dead: Season 2, it's fair to say that they have become a rather popular studio of late.
Now, as much as I loved The Walking Dead, a couple of things have frustrated me about the way Telltale make these wonderful games. I'd love to state for the sake of the article that I disliked their games, I don't, in fact The Walking Dead made me care about it's characters more than most games ever have, and because of this it's one of my favourite games of last-gen, but maybe with these changes, Telltale could make a game I like even more. Continue reading


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C-Motion is aware that the postgraduate research community plays a vital role in biomechanical research.
Unlike academic staff, however, funding for training for the average PhD student is hard to come by. With
this in mind, and due to the central location of our UK office, we are able to offer a regular monthly/bi-monthly
series of training sessions, specifically for post graduate research students. These sessions will be available
for individuals or groups and are at a cost of £75 per person per day (the maximum number of delegates per
session is four).
This intensive one‐day workshop is suitable for all levels of Visual3D User, however it is primarily aimed at those who are fairly new to, or inexperienced in the use of, Visual3D. It will give delegates a thorough grounding in the basic functions of the product. The Visual3D software provides kinematics and kinetics (inverse dynamics) calculations for biomechanical analysis of 3D motion capture data. This workshop will provide an overview of all the available features.
Learning Objectives The aim of this workshop is to build confidence and competence, enabling participants to gain a deeper understanding of organising motion files, building models, viewing the animated playback, creating reports and streamlining data processing using pipelines.


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The Association MULTIKULTURA is the first Polish UNION of Associations working on multicultural education and art with application of new technologies. It has been registered in July 2007 but some of its members Associates are officially registered for decades. THE ASSOCIATION MUZYKA CENTRUM is already registered for 30 years, ASSOCIATION AT HOME 12 years and, ASSOCIATION KORBOTURBINA 6 years. Multikultura is the educational provider for people in all ages. It is a non government partnership that pursues its didactic and artistic aims through an integrated research on Intercultural Communication operating on the local, national and international scale. Bringing together results of integrated research and teaching methods, in order to develop existing curricula to innovative ICT system addressing needs of Europe's new cultural situation.
The fusion of the Associations brings together specialists from different fields with long time experience in the international projects implementation. The research team of Multikultura is strongly concerned to reform the ways of artistic expression and education by digitalization of cultural materials and e-services for educational environments. The multimedia educational materials produced by the Union's experts are used in many Universities of Europe: Krakow, Warszawa, Gent, Tel Aviv, Utrecht, Stockholm, Berlin, Athens.
Association Muzyka Centrum is a society of performers of contemporary music, founded in June 1977. It organizes concerts, festivals. workshops, records Cds, arranges outdoor and Internet projects. Till the end of 2007 the society organized 516 concerts presenting around 450 Polish and world premiers, repertoire in significant part dedicated to Muzyka Centrum.
The society combines several ensembles. The oldest one is Muzyka Centrum Ensemble, the group with variable set of instruments, synchronized with each program seperately. Muzyka Centrum Orchestra was founded in 2005 as a part of the European Modern Orchestra project. The orchestra combines soloist of the society, as well as young musicians specialized in new music.
Muzyka Centrum aims to promote a cultural dialogue and exchange of young Europeans by the means of a collective international co-operation in organising a series of music festivals with workshops on a music fusion. Muzyka Centrum aims to create conditions appropriate for emergence of new music styles in international co-operation and face to face meetings of young European musicians; thus facilitating the access to culture and a wider cultural participation of young people.
The Main goal of the KORBOTURBINA is to promote social inclusion disadvantaged groups through the initiation and implementation of educational and cultural activities. KORBOTURBINA provides on-line non-formal and informal learning and training activities for people of all ages and social categories. Cooperate with educational institutions, vocational groups of professionals, psychologists, language therapists for dyslexia,VET teachers and trainers who provide innovative treatments to help in learning disabilities.
Operating in the rural, post industrial area Nowa Huta KORBOTURBINA is in constant cooperation with the local authorities and teachers, trainers or VET-professionals providing work-based trainings to stimulate education and employment of local inhabitants. KORBOTURBINA organize many public events and take active part in the local community problems. Main activity areas: vocational training/adult education; social integration of disadvantaged groups; youth and civil society. Increasing capabilities of citizens by addressing the needs of the labour market in the context of lifelong learning and ensure open access to different levels, forms and methods of acquiring knowledge and skills development of every citizen of the region regardless of gender, age, residence, ethnicity, social and material status.
link to web page: korboturbina.manifo.com
AT HOME aims to support ethnic minority by promoting the participation of their representatives in radio, television and the interactive media. AT HOME has no broadcasting time but closely co-operates with polish national and local (public and commercial) broadcasters.
The media play a special role in enlightening the public by drawing attention to the growing diversity of cultures in society and audiences. A multicultural broadcasting policy, both in programming and in employment, can have a profound effect on the perceptions and attitudes of the public. The new audiences should be able to recognize themselves in mainstream broadcasting. Integration of cultural diversity in broadcasting demands changes in radio and television programmes and personnel policies. Staff needs to be re-trained, diversity management has to be introduced, media training centers need to review their curricula and most importantly, more young people from immigrant and/or 'ethnic minority' origin will have to be encouraged to opt for a career in the media.
AT HOME specialize in the promotion of intercultural attitudes on the local, national and international level with the application of multimedia. It was established in 1997 as a result of spontaneous international cooperation of artists, art patrons, teachers and cultural institutions from neighbouring countries. Its formation coincided with collective international art projects which became an important part of governmental policies. Since 1997 the Association acts under the honorary auspicious of the City Halls of Kraków and Przemyśl.
The Association's policy is to aim at a harmonious development of Polish live style with respect to the equal rights of all minorities. It is also the Association's goal to initiate and implement projects in the field of culture, which can unite European cities. The Association arranges and implements artistic and educational projects with intercultural issues. The most significant project is The International Film Festival "AT Home" organized annually in Kraków and Przemyśl. The festival promotes participation of minorities in multimedia. AT Home cooperates with the local television station, Telewizja Kraków involving the best European filmmakers.
Association THE THIRD TRACK is an NGO whose main purpose is to promote, initiate and support cultural events and activitie connections, relations to movies, music, theater, dance and innovative audio-visual arts.
This Association also undertakes activities to promote tolerance and international dialogue and the idea of European integration, as well as in the promotion of social activity of citizens, including socially disadvantaged groups.
The Association pursues its objectives, in particular by conducting educational activities for children, youth and adults, as well as by organizing festivals, events and group video productions to achieve the statutory goals of the association.


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Welcome to Herdla!
Fellesbrosjyre for Herdla
The picturesque island of Herdla has an exciting history and unique scenery. Throughout time it was a renowned place, due to the island´s fertile soils and strategic position.
Herdla was a royal farm since the Viking Age. Still today the moraine landscape, sustain Hordaland´s largest farm.
During World War II the island was occupied by German troops and numerous installations remain. The island has a bird sanctuary with more than 240 bird species registered.
Herdla is a small island (1,6 km2) easy to traverse and explore in one day. It is situated at the northern tip of the Askøy archipelago. The ride northwards from Bergen takes ca. 40 minutes. Bus 499 from Bergen bus station.


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HOUSTON – March 13, 2019 – Adelaida Vasquez, a Shareholder in the Houston office of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been named a 2019 Fellow by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD).
Vasquez joins a group of select attorneys who participate in a year-long, in-depth program devoted to relationship-building, in-person training, peer group projects and extensive contact with LCLD and legal profession education leaders. "I am honored to have been selected and look forward to collaborating with such an impressive group of diverse professionals," said Vasquez about her participation in LCLD.
According to the LCLD, selection in to the program involves a rigorous nomination process designed to identify lawyers from diverse backgrounds who have distinguished themselves within their LCLD member firms. Founded in 2009, LCLD has more than 300 members who are chief legal officers at major corporations and law firm managing partners personally committed to creating a more diverse and inclusive legal profession.
Vasquez focuses her practice on international compliance matters and has considerable experience assisting clients throughout Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Vasquez recently co-authored "Get More Bang for Your Compliance Buck by Conducting Risk Assessments" for a 2018 edition of The Texas Lawbook.
For more information about LCLD's programs, visit www.lcldnet.org.
About Greenberg Traurig's Diversity Initiative: From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Greenberg Traurig is a uniquely empowering and diverse firm built on a foundation of fairness, equality, and authenticity. The firm's efforts have been recognized by local, national, and global publications and organizations including, Chambers and Partners.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP – Texas: Greenberg Traurig has more than 125 attorneys in Texas, serving clients from offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 39 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, diversity, and innovation, and is consistently among the largest firms in the U.S. on the Law360 400 and among the Top 20 on the Am Law Global 100. Web: www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.


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Bulletin 07: Parental Involvement in Childrens Physical Activity
The 2010 Physical Activity Monitor explored the concept of parental involvement by asking parents about the amount of time that they spend playing active games with their child and transporting their children to their physical activities or sports. Parents were also asked if over the past 12 months, they have supervised recess or helped at a physical activity or sporting event at their child's school, volunteered to help with their child's physical activities or sports (such as a special event or serving on a committee), or if they have bought equipment, paid a membership or fee, or paid for coaching or instruction for their child's physical activity or sports.
Publication Date: October 20, 2011


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So, a little detail about the setup, for later:
* Running on a tiny VPS right now. (1GB RAM)* Media is uploaded to Wasabi, and served via BunnyCDN to help with worldwide latency (using the Volume Tier POPs)* This was fun to set up. :)
Why is this step necessary? takeoverthe.world might not be the server where you are registered, so we need to redirect you to your home server first.
Don't have an account? You can sign up here


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If you're short on time or refrigerator space, you can preseason the pork for only 1 to 2 hours.
- Yield
- 8
- 4 star anise pods
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 red Fresno chile
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)
- 1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika
- 1 (7–8-pound) skin-on, bone-in pork picnic shoulder:
- Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
- Special equipment:
- A spice mill or a mortar and pestle
- Grind star anise and coriander seeds in spice mill or with mortar and pestle. Slice chile and garlic, then mash to a paste using the side of a chef's knife. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in ground spices, soy sauce, fish sauce, and paprika.
- Lightly score pork skin crosswise in a tight pattern with a very sharp knife, cutting through the skin and some fat, but taking care not to slash the meat itself. Transfer pork to a large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid or a roasting pan. Season liberally with salt and pepper and rub with marinade. Cover (use foil with roasting pan) and chill overnight.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place pork, covered, in oven; reduce oven temp to 300°F. Roast pork, basting with juices every hour, until meat is fork-tender and bones are very loose, 5–5 1/2 hours.
- Uncover pork and increase temperature to 450°F. Roast, basting every 5 minutes and adding water by 1/4-cupfuls if juices become syrupy, until pork is dark brown and skin is crisp, 15–20 minutes.
- Carefully transfer pork to a platter. Skim fat from pan juices and pour remaining juices over.
- Do Ahead
- Pork can be marinated 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.


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We got a text on the first day of school from a WordServe mom whose sons go to Huggins:
Lots of "thank you's" from the teachers this morning! The backpack racks look great! Imagine 562 backpacks on the floor! This project really made a difference here. It warms my heart to think about the scripture written on the back of the racks and the prayers prayed for the children and teachers. Life really is different! Great way to start the year! Continue reading


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This amazing lemon cupcake recipe is everything you could want in a yummy cupcake! Each cupcake is topped with a sweet lemon cream cheese frosting. Could it get any better? I don't think so! Seriously amazing!
You guys, I love cupcakes! Last week I shared my grapefruit cupcakes, and a while ago I made orange marmalade cupcakes. I've also made chocolate cupcakes with a marshmallow frosting and next week I'm going to share my chocolate strawberry cupcakes with you all! I might have a problem… but maybe it's not a problem, just a delicious opportunity!
Regardless, today I give you these amazing lemon cupcakes with a delicious lemon cream cheese frosting. The lemon flavor is bursting out of them and it is awesome!
For these cupcakes I used cake flour but if you don't have any just use all purpose flour, it will be fine! The cake flour helps the cake be a little more crumbly but the cupcake will taste amazing regardless which flour you use.
The easy cream cheese frosting is super good and I love that you can change up the flavor by adding any extract you want. For these I obviously used lemon extract, but you can add vanilla, almond or any other extract! The frosting is even good plain!
Do you have a favorite cupcake? I'd love to know! Let me know if a comment below!
If you like this recipe check out my super easy chocolate cake pops or my Disneyland inspired Mint Juleps!
Amazing Lemon Cupcake Recipe
Lemon Cupcake Recipe
- 1 ½ cups cake flour*
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tbs lemon zest
- 3 tbs lemon juice
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbs heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 3 tbs lemon juice
- 1 tbs lemon zest
How to make lemon cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl, set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. Then add eggs and vanilla, making sure they are fully incorporated.
- Mix flour mixture into butter mixture until just combined.
- Add in buttermilk, grapefruit juice, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined.
- Divide batter into 12 cupcakes.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
How to make lemon cream cheese frosting:
- With a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla, salt on medium high until fully combined.
- Add in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, adding in lemon juice in intervals to help the powdered sugar incorporate. The more powdered sugar the stiffer the frosting. I like to use at least 4 cups.*
- Stir in the zest and frost your cupcakes!
- Enjoy!


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Salmon Bay Paddle FAQs
Where do you hold your classes?
Our SUP Basics 1 & 2 classes are held at the Ballard Elks Lodge beach in Seattle. Freighter and tug wave classes are offshore from the Elks beach. Coastal surfing is held near Port Angeles and the WA coast near Neah Bay. Tidal rapids are held at Deception Pass State Park 1.5hrs north of Seattle.
We can do private classes at a location of your choice for normal fees in Seattle, and extra fees outside Seattle.
Why do your classes and tours cost so much?
We believe our classes and tours are unique and provide you with a personable level of instruction not available anywhere else in our region. We also take time to train and certify each of our instructors so you get best instruction possible. We don't offer Groupons as we believe you get what you pay for. Our equipment is also of high quality so you have the best experience possible.
Do you rent SUP boards?
No we aren't a rental operation. We do however provide boards for our customers for their classes and tours. For Seattle rentals and large group rentals contact Urban Surf, NW Outdoor Center, Aqua Verde, Perfect Wave and NW Paddle Surfers.
Do you sell SUPs?
No, we're are not a retailer. In Seattle, check out Urban Surf, Perfect Wave and NW Outdoor Center.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
The Coast Guard requires life jackets (PFDs) for flat water paddling. We require and provide non-inflatable MTI Type 3 lifejackets (PFDs) for our classes at no cost to you. Vest style lifejackets will keep you warmer, are better visibility in busy waterways and make it easier to get back on the board. Experienced students are welcome to bring their own C02 PFDs (with cartridge).
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
We recommend full surfing wetsuits in fall, winter, and spring and for all surfing and tidal rapids classes. We provide wetsuits for free as part of your class. In summer we also have neoprene tops and bottoms for non full wetsuit days and as an alternative should a full wetsuit not work for you.
Will I get wet?
Yes. We launch in waist deep water. Also there's no shame in falling. You'll learn more and have more fun if you get wet. Experienced paddlers fall all the time especially in surf and rough water.
I have poor balance. Is SUPing for me?
Poor balance is a concern for most people, but is not necessarily a problem in learning to SUP. We make sure students are properly matched with the right size board for their height and weight, which gives them maximum stability on the water. We also teach to use the paddle as a brace when standing (like an outrigger) and about using momentum to create stability. Many are surprised at how easy it is to stand.
Will I fall off the board?
Possibly! Falling is part of paddling. You have to learn how to get back on the board for your own safety. We teach you how to fall safety (flat) and climb back on 3 different ways. Falling is not a fail. As expert paddlers we fall all the time and as a result have more fun!
Do I have to be in shape to SUP?
Nope. But SUP can get you in shape. You determine how much you want to put into it. You can take it easy on flat calm lakes or choose to make it a fitness routine.
What if I get cold?
We make sure each student is warm and comfortable in our classes and on tours. A good wetsuit or dry suit will keep you warm and toasty. We have extra booties, gloves and hoods for student use. We can provide additonal tips and trick for staying warm.
Are you a Certified Paddle Instructor?
Yes. Rob and all of his instructors and co-instructors are PSUPA certified (Professional Stand Up Paddle Association) and have First Aid/CPR certifications. Additionally Rob has ACA SUP and Kayak Certifications as well as Wilderness First Aid certification.
Can I paddle in winter in the Northwest?
We paddle year-round even in rain and snow! The right size board and proper clothing will go a long way to keep you warm and comfortable even in winter!
Do you teach outside of Seattle?
Yes! Recent classes and tours have been in Port Angeles, Tacoma, Bellingham, Spokane, and Portland, Oregon. Rob is available for out of state travel as well. Get in touch to discuss possibilities.
When is paddling season in the Pacific NW?
We paddle all year. With adequete training and proper clothing you can paddle all year here (or anywhere). Life's too short to wait for a sunny day in the NW!
We're starting a SUP business, can you help?
Yep! Rob has helped businesses of all kinds add SUP instruction, rentals, and sales to their services. He can also help you start a SUP race or other paddling events. Please contact me for business consulting. Our certification program, PSUPA does have SUP Business training as part of the Flat Water 1 program.
I'm not athletic, is this for me?
With good training, SUP is ideal for anyone from kids to seniors and will increase your balance and get you into shape. You don't need to be in shape to take our classes! But learning to paddle will build confidence. With practice, you'll gain strength as well!
What gear should I get?
We supply equipment with our classes and recommend trying our gear and/or learning about possibilities prior to purchasing your own. Rob loves to help folks find the right gear for their needs from car racks and boards to paddles and wetsuits, we can help! Imagine Surf boards, Accent Paddles, NRS & NorthWater Paddle Gear, Seattle Sports and MTI lifejackets.
Can you train our staff on our SUP & kayak gear?
Rob has trained businesses such as REI Spokane, Row Adventures, Gorge Performance, the Whidbey Naval Air Station Recreation Center, Body Boat Blade, Kayak Academy and the WWU Outdoor Center.
Are your class rates negotiable?
We are not able to negotiate posted rates but can negotiate for corporate or large group tours and lessons. Our rates allow us to keep classes small so you receive the most individual attention and attain your paddling goals. For more Salmon Bay Paddle FAQs get in touch!
Your Safety and Enjoyment is our Priority
"I've gone SUP on my own a few times but felt I might be lacking in some basics. I got a lesson from Rob and it exceeded my expectations by a long shot.
Not only does he give all the strokes you may need in various situations, I also learned about equipment, safety, tides and currents, how to transport and hold my board. Little things that made a huge difference because I'm prepared in every area. Now I can just concentrate on having fun when I hit the water."
"I learned not only how to improve my paddling skills but also how to read the water better, how to train more efficiently and most importantly not to forget to look up and enjoy being on the water.
If you are in the market for a lesson I would highly recommend Rob."
"Rob's personalized instruction greatly improved my skills and gave me the confidence to become fully immersed in stand up paddling.
There are plenty of SUP classes out there, most with very large groups and not a lot of one-on-one time. Rob's classes are small and customized to suit your specific needs and perfect for those who really want to learn the ins and outs of the Pacific NW's perfect sport."


text: Related "Soulful, confessional, and sublime in a rustic way…" – Pop Matters See Full Article Here. Related 0 9 50 Previous post "The Bargain" Released on iTunes August 25th, 2015! Next post "The Bargain" Released! Share facebook twitter google+ email admin View all posts by admin → Cancel Reply Name * Email * Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email.


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Framed Shower Enclosure
Over the past 35 years Duscholux have provided top of the range shower enclosures to suit all shaped and sized bathrooms. All of our enclosures are finished to the highest standard providing your bathroom with that luxury feel it truly deserves. Seen as an investment for any property shower enclosures are regarded as a major selling point. Installing one in your property today will add value to your home and improve the cleanliness of the bathroom floor.
The new Glide range offers the luxury, quality and high standards you would expect from a Duscholux shower enclosure combined with truly magnificent value for money.
Urban Chic brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bathroom at an affordable price. Introduced to meet the rising demand of wet-rooms, the flat and curved wet-room panels remove the boundaries imposed by enclosures to give you complete showering independence.
Modern, Linear design, a timeless finish ensure the New Optima 5 range stands out. Despite its slim profile, the shower enclosure is easy to clean.


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A NEW STANDARD IN BRIGHTNESS ASP Triad provides incredible brightness in a small format. The smart chip technology of the Triad light automatically recognizes battery strength and adjusts the driver to compensate for any increase or decrease in voltage. The light maintains a consistently brilliant beam. The three position rotary collar locks the light, provides intermittent illumination or allows contstant-on activation. The Lithium power cells have a ten year shelf life. The self-contained Parabolic Reflector Assembly is metalized and gasket sealed. The independent focusing elements create a room illuminating halo as well as a penetrating central beam of incredible brightness.
TRIAD ASP flashlights are designed to professional law enforcement standards. They have gained a worldwide reputation for performance. The Triad presents a new generation of high intensity LED lights from ASP. Each Triad is precision machined from high strength aerospace aluminum. A satin black hardcoat finish is accented by an extremely durable foamed vinyl grip. The Triad Activation System is sensitive and quiet. The rear mounted switch provides universal orientation whengrasping the light. The overmolded activation button is always under the thumb. The three position rotary collar is positive and direct. In the centermost position, the switch is locked off. The collar is rotated to the right for constant-on. To the left for intermittent light. Each Triad combines the innovative design and unparalleled manufacturing expertise of ASP. O-ring sealed for water resistance. Performance tested under the most severe conditions. Triad lights are unmatched in function and durability.


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Sausage & leek pie
Nutrition and extra info
Nutrition: per serving
- kcal705
- fat46g
- saturates23g
- carbs52g
- sugars0g
- fibre4g
- protein24g
- salt2.85g
For the pastry
- 85g cold butter, chopped
Butter is a dairy product made from separating whole milk or cream into fat and…
- 175g plain flour
For the filling
- 450g good pork sausage
- 2 large leeks, sliced and washed
Like garlic and onion, leeks are a member of the allium family, but have their own distinct…
- 25g butter
Butter is a dairy product made from separating whole milk or cream into fat and…
- 25g plain flour
- 300ml milk
One of the most widely used ingredients, milk is often referred to as a 'complete' food…
- 2 tsp grainy mustard
A condiment made by mixing the ground seeds of the mustard plant with a combination of…
- large handful of chopped parsley
One of the most ubiquitous herbs in British cookery, parsley is also popular in European and…
Preheat the oven to fan 180C/ conventional 200C/gas 6. Whizz butter and flour in a food processor. Add 2 tbsp water and pulse to a ball.Wrap the dough in cling film and chill.
Heat the grill to high, brown the sausages for 5 minutes. Fry the leeks in the butter for 2- 3 minutes. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Take off heat and stir in the milk. Season, add the mustard and bring to the boil, stirring.
Cut each sausage in five at an angle and pile into a 1.2 litre dish. Stir the parsley into the leek sauce and pour over.
Roll out the pastry and cut out a shape 2.5cm larger than the dish.Re-roll trimmings to make a 2.5cm strip. Brush the rim of the dish with water and lay the strip on top. Lift the rest on top, press to seal and crimp edges. Bake for 25 minutes.


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Level design / 2d art, modelling, graphics
A group created for all the 2D Artists, Texture Artists and Skinners out there. Members can give advice and tutorials on the latest ways to make our mods...
texture artist guild
Are you a Level Designer? Are you looking for help/support or other level designers? Then this is the group for you! Doesn't matter what you map for...
level design group
This group is for the fans of silent hill games to stay up to date with all things Silent Hill.
fans of silent hill
For people and teams developing mods and games with Valve's Source engine.
source developers
Are you a 3D artist? Are you looking for some inspiration? Do you just want to collaborate or know who your fellow ModDB artists are? Doesn't matter what...
3d artists group
seriously, theres barely any good Horror-Mods, and there should be. this, in short, is a group for all the gamers who feel left out of the mod-playing...
horror-mod fans!
Jos olet Suomesta niin toivottavasti liityt. If you like Finland you are free to join. Finland and of thousand lakes and mid-night sun herra varjele 271...
The Finnish Game Studio of the Year 2017 award winning adventure game studio.
platonic partnership ltd
Deviant Art is a place where people all around the world can share their artwork or literature and even photography together. And in the more recent years...
Desura is a community driven digital distribution service for gamers, putting the best games, mods and downloadable content from developers at gamers...
Half-Life 2: Short Stories Developer Team. We have released our first mod Human Error EP1, and we are currently working on Human Error Co-op.
half-life: short stories team
Podcast 17 is a weekly podcast that covers the latest news, reviews, interviews, gossip, rumours, websites, maps, mods, media releases and anything else...
Group formed in order to develope Flesh , the HL2 mod. ---Now with added Scintilla flavour.
flesh hl2 development group
No groups were found matching the criteria specified. We suggest you try the group list with no filter applied, to browse all available. Start a group and help us achieve our mission of showcasing the best content from all developers. Join now to share your own content, we welcome creators and consumers alike and look forward to your comments.


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If anyone has been shopping recently you will notice a new trend gracing the stores. That is the trend of the kimono.Traditionally, the kimono has been known as a Japanese garment but not anymore!
Fun fact: The word kimono literally means "a thing to wear." Kimonos were developed in Japan during the Heian period. Making a kimono used a new technique known as the straight line cut method. This technique involved cutting pieces of fabric in straight lines and sewing them together. With this technique kimono makers did not have to concern themselves with the shape of the wearers body.
Straight line cut kimonos offered many advantages. They were easy to fold, they were suitable for all weather and they could be worn in layers to provide warmth in winter. Kimonos made of breathable fabric such as linen were comfortable in summer. These advantages helped kimonos become part of Japanese peoples everyday lives.
These things are all true of the updated kimono version we see in the U.S. today. One difference is we are seeing them with an updated American twist. Kimonos are a great piece to add to your collection. In AZ you can wear them year round. Rather it be treated as an accessory to throw on and update a simple outfit or to even wear as a cover-up for a swimsuit during resort season, the kimono has you covered (no pun intended)!
In these next pictures, Taelor shows us how to wear kimonos for special occasions while she travels around the world!
First stop: Italy
Here she is in Italy by the gondolas in a perfectly fitted floral kimono. Taelor says, "I am ready to row my boat gently down the stream and look great doing it."
For our next stop in Italy, Taelor requested to look at some wall paintings. She wanted to wear something special when she toured art in Italy. She decide on this fringe kimono (which is our number one selling kimono) while she ooed and ahhed the artwork.
While looking at artwork Taelor shouted, "I' am feeling "fringy" today!"
The wall art agreed.
Next stop: Africa
Taelor has a thing for elephants and really needed to see them so we took her to Africa. On this day she chose a maroon, lace ensemble to impress the elephants.
"I just love elephants!" Taelor exclaimed.
The elephant then said, "Well I love your kimono!" And nudged her with his trunk. He then stated, "Look at the photobomb!"
They both had a hearty chuckle.
Last stop: Chandler, AZ
Taelor decided she wanted to come back to the states so she could see some holiday decorations.
She decided on another fringe kimono but one that had more of a holiday flare.
While looking at decorations, Taelor got excited when she thought she saw a giant mistletoe. She immediately stood under it but there was no one there to giver her a smooch. So sad.
Last but not least Taelor really wanted to step it up with a holiday kimono for when she went to see the giant holiday reindeer bushes.
This reindeer bush loved Taelor's kimono so much he requested us to take a picture of them two together.
Who are we to deny bushes their requests?
That completes our tour of kimonos.
We carry all of these kimonos at Grand Central Clothing and Divaz Boutique! Come on in and let us help you pick the perfect one for the perfect occasion.
Shop with us online
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Locomotive designs have undergone drastic changes in recent times, keeping in tune with demands of modern transportation. We insist not only on comfort and pace, but want these trams to be exemplary in design too. Adhering to these stipulations in every respect, Ondrej Vaclavik presents his tram design, dubbed TRAM22. The Czech designer makes sure that the architectural constructions do follow his artistic and futuristic blueprints.
Though these polygonal windows do invigorate the aesthetic looks, still one could see the obvious purpose i.e. to provide the driver and passengers with divergent viewing angles apposite to their seating positions. Hence, this concept has proved to be an integral part of urban transport.


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Jason Heyward sat again yesterday in favor of Jose Constanza. I don't want to shout fire in the theater of Razzball, but this isn't good. Constanza is making Heyward look like the best seller at the jerk store. Actually, Heyward was kinda doing it to himself. This year he has 12 homers and a .222 average. Laynce Nix called and said he's doing better. I think Heyward's still dealing with shoulder issues and "You got on the wrong side of Glass Chipper" issues. Heyward can still be a star as soon as next year, but, for this year in redraft leagues, you need to start thinking like Big Boi and back up the back up plans. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Huston Street – Street's closed, Rockies used alternative route to save the game with Rafael Betancourt. Street's soreness isn't said to be serious enough for a DL stint, but Street's been known to laugh in the face of 'not serious enough for a DL stint.' Since Lindstrom is out too, I'd grab Betancourt for potential vulturing. If you need a dinette set, go with Rex Brothers.
Angel Pagan – Now has back-to-back games with a homer as he hits leadoff in Reyes's stead. Dan Brown's newest book, Angel & Pagans, tracking Mr. Met to the Vatican may start to gain some believers.
Kyle Blanks – 2-for-4 yesterday and has two hits in each of the last five games, including two homers. That all coincides with the Padres being on the road. Hey, Ray Kroc Jr. Jr., when a 375 lbs. power hitter is intimidated by your home park, it's time to move in the fences.
Jesus Guzman – 2-for-4 as Jesus continues to do everything but walk on water. Though it's only Wednesday.
Orlando Hudson – Left the game with a strained left groin. Hehe, he has two groins.
J.D. Martinez – Hit his 4th homer in his last six games. Legally I'm required to tell you I don't think he'll keep it up, but now it's time to give J.D. his trial run.
Adam Dunn – Says he will alter his offseason training for next year. This obviously means he'll limit his axe swinging, so rejoice tree huggers!
Justin Morneau – Should return next Monday, which will forever be known as Mornday.
Carlos Beltran – Out a few days with a sprained wrist. If he had a strained groin with his sprained wrist, I wouldn't shake his hand.
Madison Bumgarner – 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 10 Ks, moving his record to 7-11. Oh, thank heaven!
Dee Gordon – Left yesterday's game with a sore right shoulder. Here's hoping his middle initial isn't L.
Justin Smoak – Out with a jammed thumb. He's hitting .179 since the All-Star break. Smoak's cooking with liquid nitrogen!
Michael Pineda – 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 baserunners, 4 Ks as he faced Alexi Ogando (2 2/3 IP, 6 ER, 10 baserunners) which was billed by ESPN as The Battle of the Tiring Young Pitcher. Mark Prior threw out the first pitch. Well, he rolled the ball to the plate and then shrugged.
Endy Chavez – Hit his 5th homer yesterday or the same amount as Aaron Hill, who has turned my middle infield spot into a Dead Endy.
James Shields – 9 IP, 0 ER, 9 baserunners, 8 Ks. Since his Oakland A's start of 4 IP, 10 ER, he seems to have eaten a few power-up pellets and regained his Shields power.
Desmond Jennings – 1-for-3 with his 8th steal. That's in 17 games. Conservatively, I'll say he's stealing two hundred next year.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka – 1-for-3, hitting .216. He looks like Kaz Matsui 2.0.
Francisco Liriano – 6 IP, 3 ER, 11 baserunners (7 BBs), 4 Ks. For those who can't pick up on the context clues, 7 walks in 6 innings is not good. Some would say it's bad. Johnny Cochran would've said it's egregious.
Hanley Ramirez– Has been out since August 2nd as he nurses his shoulder. He has a nipple on his shoulder?! Five dollars of imaginary money says Hanley will be DL'd in the next day or so. As Jack McKeon said, "He wants to play, but if it bothers him and he can't reach for the ball, what good is it? Can I leave now? You're making me miss the early bird."
John Buck – Has two straight games with a homer. Or to misquote M.I.A., Bucky Gone Gone.
Brandon Beachy – 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 baserunners, 10 Ks. Constantly amazed at how many people started asking if they should drop Beachy after his bad game in Coors and haven't stopped asking. He's been that bad? Not rhetorical!
Dan Uggla – His hitting streak is up to 30 games. In other news, water is dry.
Zack Cozart – Sounds like he's headed for season-ending surgery. Dr. James Andrews, "Not 'til I say so. Muahahahahaha…"
Dontrelle Willis – 8 IP, 3 ER, 6 baserunners, 10 Ks. Well, hello there! Wow. Where you been hidin', Willis? I wouldn't add him in all leagues, but in some deeper ones or where you need to gamble, I'd look at him.
Esmil Rogers – 6 IP, 2 ER, 10 baserunners, 6 Ks and his third decent start in a row. Rogers works with a mid-90's fastball, slider, changeup– Wait, who am, Stephen? Rogers should have a mid to high 7 K-rate and be in the rotation for the rest of the season as long as he doesn't Mr. Bungle things. Esmil, "Holy chicken mole, this is enormous pressure!" In deep mixed leagues and NL-Only leagues, I'd grab Rogers to see if you can ride the lightning in a bottle or whatever that cliche is.
Josh Willingham – Hit his 2nd homer in as many games. Willingham, that's just not kosher. Hasn't cooled off since I labeled him a Buy on Friday.
Rich Harden – 7 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 8 Ks. Has more Ks than innings and finally looked impressive, like the old Harden. Well, actually, the old Harden would've thrown out his back after a teammate high-fived him.
Bobby Abreu – 2-for-5 with two homers. Abreu has been a good August hitter in the past, but his past goes back. For instance, you might hear him say things like, "I remember when baseball's weren't hit with bats but with steroids."
Eduardo Nunez – 2-for-3 with his 17th and 18th steals to go along with his 4 homers. A-Rod has 13 homers and 4 steals. So Nunez is definitely no flop, but A-Rod's hole cards of 52 RBIs and 53 runs are obviously better.
Chien-Ming Wang – 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners (1 Hit), 1 K. He's trying to get you to fall for the old-banana-in-the-tailpipe. Don't do it.
Corey Hart – Returned to the lineup (hand) and picked up right where he left off (homer) and hopes to continue (wearing sunglasses at night).
Kyle Gibson – Partial tear of his right elbow. All those years his dad made him emulate his World Series trot couldn't have helped.


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Nice little mention over on the Juxtapoz blog the other day. The main image used is almost entirely by Sandra Dieckmann though .
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
1 Comment:
- rica said...
that is awesome! i get their magazines here and there. congratulations.
- 23 August 2011 at 13:05
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Louise Ayre
I joined the Firm in December 2007 as a Secretary. I qualified as an Accountant Technician in 2010 and started my role as Accounts Assistant, based in Sunderland, in 2013.
Outside of work I am a busy mother of 3 (2 children and 1 husband!), which doesn't leave much time for anything. However I do enjoy spending time with family, listening to music, socialising and have recently found a love for camping.


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Recommended Books
Relationship Books
In my quest for making my relationships the best God called them to be, I have found the following books to be MOST helpful!
Milan and Kay Yerkovich do a fabulous job of helping us understand our love imprint which affects all of our relationships. Steve and I are going through a City Group with five other couples and six singles as we share this book together. Wonderful revelation and tools are helping each of us improve our primary relationships.
My counselor recommended this book. WOW. Another home run in helping me understand the reason for the way I react to things in relationship. I'm chewing this one slowly and journaling through every chapter. HIGHLY Recommended.
Difficult Conversations has helped give me the words I need to discuss things that an avoider like me normally would not bring up. I'm learning great listening tools and also how to repeat what I've heard from the person I'm discussing with. Again, this is one I've been slowly absorbing with my journal at my side.
God created us to connect. When our connection with our primary relationships breaks down, none of of feel very good. So I recommend these books to help!
Click on each photo and it will take you right to Amazon where you can order the books. Come back to my blog where I share stories of how these books are changing my life!
Karen Kingsbury Books.
I just finished reading LEAVING and can't wait for LONGING which will be out in June!
UNLOCKED is a must read! Click on the book cover.
Simple Truths
Click this link and find all kinds of amazing books! Web store


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Sorry it's been a while but I'm in pre Stitches mode now so there's not much time for posting on here which always seems to take me an age to do! I have, I confess, been using Facebook more (which I never thought I'd say!) because it is much speedier. Even if you're not on FB you can look at my page as I've made it a public one.
So, tomorrow is another workshop day, this time at The Craft Range, Burnley.We'll be using Mixed Media techniques to create a secret drawer book box and, if time allows, a little wall hanging plaque too. If you're coming along, then you may wish to bring some of your own embellishments to add to your project...Tim Holtz Idea-ology bits and pieces are good, or even broken bits of jewellery, charms etc. If you have a palette knife and a couple of flat brushes then bring those too but don't worry if you don't have anything - just bring yourself! I'd suggest "old" clothes as we will definitely be getting a bit messy!
Here are a couple of the book boxes that the ladies made on my last workshop, just to give an idea of the kind of thing we'll be doing....
This one was just my colours!
Lots going on in this one.
I've posted this on Facebook already that if anyone would like to attend one of my workshops, but can't get to them, I can always come to you. If you have a group of friends and somewhere suitable just send me a message and I'll get back to you with details.
If you want to contact me at the moment it's best to do so via my email (which is at the top of my blog page) or by PM on facebook rather than phoning me. I confess that I really do try to ignore the phone when I'm busy. Like anyone who works and can't take personal calls...it's just the same for me even though I am working from home...I sometimes think that because I'm at home it's not regarded that I'm really at work! Sometimes I've been stuck on the phone for ages when I really need to be cracking on with things! My mobile is also now giving up the ghost and I rarely have it switched on, certainly not when I'm home. It even charges me to listen to voicemail so I always hope people don't leave me messages! I know I probably sound like a real old misery now but yesterday was one of those days where the phone never stopped ringing and I couldn't get work flowing with all the interruptions. Bah Humbug and all that, I know!
As I said, I'm really busy now with preparations for Stitches Trade show - even more so as I'll be on two stands this year rather than just one. I will, of course, be on the Personal Impressions stand but I'm also going to be demonstrating and hosting make n takes for Deco Art too, so I have even more samples to make than normal!
Other than work it's been pretty quiet here apart from a couple of notable exceptions. We had a visit to St Chad's from the Bishop of Blackburn which made for a really interesting evening's service. He gave a very inspirational sermon delivered in his softly spoken voice which really drew one in. Earlier this week my sister and I met in town and went to a matinee performance at the Grand Theatre where we saw two ghost stories both starring Jack Shepherd. They were excellent - both classic tales and performed within very atmospheric and realistic sets. One featured a railway line leading into a very scarily dark tunnel...very evocative! There were several "jump out of your seat" moments too!
Hope everyone is keeping warm and cosy, although, at least here on the Fylde, it's a beautifully sunny and bright day today - better inside even so I daresay!
Well, I have drunk my coffee and eaten my banana so I will now get back into my work room. As it's the vestibule it's not the warmest room in the house but at least it's nice and bright. Hi Ho and all that...!


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Hey everyone! Boy, this year has been insane for new music and discovering rad artists/bands. I love it. It's one of my favourite things to do…hence why I even created this music blog – to be able to share with you some of my favourite bands, artists, songs and videos.
That being said, I wanted to do a special post today about some of the up and coming bands you should definitely be on the lookout for. Either they're brand spankin' new, just recorded a new album, have new material comin' atcha, or they're just a band I hadn't discovered and want to mention in this list. So, here they are:
1. Vinyl Thief – This Nashville-based band is a fave at the moment. This electro-rock band started up round 2012 with their Rebel Hill EP. They were featured in Paste Magazine as "A Band You Should Listen to Now" – and gosh, Paste was no where near wrong with that statement. The band creates music that, to me, is so mesmerizingly catchy, you're sure to be latched on in no time. One of my favourite songs from their new album "Fathoms" is "Smooth" (<–Click to listen on SoundCloud). I wish sometimes I was still back in Nashville to catch them playing live! (One can hope they'll come to Charlotte soon enough though!) The band is – Grayson Proctor (vocals, synth), Logan Purdom (guitar), Sam English (keys), & Andrew Broadway (drums). | Check out their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud and Youtube.
2. YØUTH – I've already raved enough about this talent-of-wonder, Julian Dente..so I won't say too much more. My favourite track right now is "Breathing Easy" (<– Click to listen on SoundCloud). But seriously, expect nothing but sheer talent and amazing music to be created by this guy. I can't wait for more songs to be released, new music videos, tour dates..the whole lot of it. BE ON THE LOOKOUT, for real. | Check out his Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud and YouTube.
3. Katie Deter – This young Birmingham, Alabama-native is definitely a unique talent. Her folky, somewhat bluegrass sounds and sweet, girly vocals lend a whimsical, relaxing and endearing quality to her music. She is simple, honest and gentle in her lyrics, with an innocence about her, and yet there's a touch of sass to them as well. Just take a listen as she sings about love, growing up, and yes, the DMV – you'll get what I'm talking about. I can't seem to choose a fave, they're all so awesome – so, here ya go…listen to the whole "Brooklyn Sessions" here. | Check out her Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
4. VÉRITÉ – I just recently discovered this phenomenal band from New York. At the moment they only have one single out called "Strange Enough" (<–Click to listen on SoundCloud) and I can't seem to get it out of my head. Just take a listen and you'll see what I mean. So, all this being said…make sure you're watching for their next move, cus if the music they're creating is as half as good as this single…it's gonna be epic. | Check out their Instagram, Twitter, and SoundCloud.
5. Keaton Henson – Oh boy, oh boy! I have so many wonderful things to say about this UK-based artist. Henson's songs are beautifully written, with lyrics that will crush you or uplift you. Amazingly enough, within these songs – that are pretty much 'sung to the floor' – they manage to lift listeners up somewhere around the heavens and make you feel all the emotions. Whatever Henson put emotionally into his songs, you're going to feel it. His thin, tremulous voice, accompanied by either his clean-toned electric or 12-string acoustic guitar (and maybe occasionally accompanied by a cellist) make for an almost discomfortingly naked emotion in his music – the best kind, though. His sound reminds me of a cross-breed between Manchester Orchestra, Bombay Bicycle Club (ballads) and Sleeping At Last – so what's not to love?! My favourite tracks by him are "Strawbear", "Charon", "You" and "Sweetheart, What Have You Done To Us" (<–Click to listen on SoundCloud). (OH, and his music videos are the best!) | Check out Henson's Instagram, SoundCloud, YouTube, Tumblr and Vimeo.
And last but not least..
6. The Dream Walking Society – They're not an artist or a band, they're a musical collaboration project by Igor + André, founded by my Tyler, TX pal Tim Frost & Danny Roberts. Here's a little blurb of what they do:
"The goal of the Dream Walking Society is to embrace the age of digital communication and to collaborate, experiment, and explore making music with musicians all over the world. The theme of each of our projects corresponds with the up and coming book series by Igor + André. Each album will act as a soundtrack to each book."
I personally think it is a brilliant idea. A fresh, new take on music. And, again, something to be aware of and on the lookout for new projects, ideas and collabs. Also, the guys are always looking to collaborate, so if you are a musician interested in being a part of their projects, or if you are a director wanting to direct a music video, you can contact Tim Frost at email@example.com. | Check out their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, Youtube and Tumblr.
A few others that are super rad and you should definitely keep an eye and ear out for are: I Know The Chief, 1987, The Naked Eye, Phoria, Molly Beanland, Prismic Delight, Rare Monk, Elliot Moss, Cairo Fire, and Alvvays. (A few tracks for you to check out below from some of the mentioned bands linked.)
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/151030928″ params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166″ iframe="true" /]
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/118658322″ params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166″ iframe="true" /]
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/145166437″ params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166″ iframe="true" /]
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84756284″ params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166″ iframe="true" /]
So, there you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading, listening and spending time with me today for this massive post! Make sure you check these bands and artists all out, and again…hawk eyes for these talented musicians. You don't wanna skip a beat.


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Came across this project when someone tweeted about it recently: the Look At Me! project. Based at the Department of Sociological Studies at The University of Sheffield, it aims to harness the power of the creative arts to transform the way society views older women.
This project uses a variety of visual methods to enable older women in Sheffield to represent their own experiences of ageing.
Useful? Interesting? Any thoughts?


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If you're a web developer, you probably remember the days when you had to download 5 or 6 different browsers to make sure that all of your changes would work across as many devices as possible. While many developers still do this, there is an easy way.
With all modern web browsers, emulation developer tools are part of the feature set, and Microsoft's Edge browser is no exception. These tools allow you to emulate different browsers without having to download them separately. Microsoft Edge also lets you choose different devices as well, so you make sure you're covering as many devices as possible.
It's very simple to invoke the developer tools on Edge. The first option for doing so is pressing F12 on an open Edge browser window. The second is by using the menu button on the top right of the browser window and selecting the option F12 Developer Tools. If you're doing this for the first time, you'll get a notification that View Source and Inspect Element options are now enabled on right-click.
Once you've done this, simply select the Emulator tab.
From the Emulator tab, you'll see a number of drop down menus as shown above. Find the one that says User agent string and select the browser you wish to emulate. You can emulate Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer 8-11, Apple Safari for iPad, Microsoft Edge for Windows 10 Mobile, and more.
That's it. You're now ready to develop and emulate like a pro!


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044: Robert DeLong
This is a guest post from the inimitably impassionate Meghan. She'll be bring us regular updates on the music-world with a Left Coast take from her current home in Portland. To get your fill of music nonsense and passionate rants about New Girl, follow her on Twitter.
Rather than an album review this week – I wanted to give more of an artist heads up. As Sasquatch Music Festival here in the Pacific Northwest quickly approaches, the months between February and May are, for me, spent mostly researching the lineup from top to bottom. Each year that I've attended, I've looked back upon the lineup a half year later to realize most of my current favorite artists had been on the bill and I had nothing of a clue. This year, I am specifically determined to prevent that from happening.