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- vRA & UCSD Part 1
- vRA & UCSD Part 2
- vRA & UCSD Part 3
OK this is definitely the meatiest part of this series, but bear with me and we'll get through it. Before we get started, it is important to note there are a million different ways to skin this cat in vRO. This is just one that I find to be fairly straightforward.
I will also fully disclose that this is not easy and at times very frustrating. Some of the vRO stuff is well documented, but some of it is behind curtains and seems to be (on some level or another) different than some of the provided API documentation. I say that just to say, if you are getting your angryface on while working through some of this, you are not alone. Hopefully this series will help alleviate some of that frustration!
I'm not going to go into accessing vRO as there are already resources for it. Just note that I'm logged in as an administrator to the embedded vRO instance in my vRA environment, and have the ability to execute and modify/create new workflows.
Also be aware that I'm doing this as a lab exercise and am not doing things that you would likely want to do in a production environment, like error checking and detailed logging. I.e. is UCSD actually online and available? You can add as many extras to it as you want after the initial development.
Add REST Host
First, we need to add UCSD as a REST host in the environment. This is done by executing the Add a REST Host workflow. I'm showing you all the settings I use. You may need to change some, but be particularly careful with the certificate/SSL setting. In my lab the certificates are all selfsigned so using the enhanced security settings didn't work for me.
On the Inventory tab, you can now see the entity under HTTP-REST. Ensure that your settings look like they should based on your input. Also see that I actually have a duplicate of UCSD from previous development. This is fine (even if they are named the same, as they go by IDs in workflows), but you likely will only need or want one host entry per "thing" you are interacting with. Also for the sake of your sanity and the admins that will take over your responsibilities later, don't use duplicate names. 🙂
Invoke REST Host
Next I'm going to leverage the Invoke REST Host workflow. Know that you can also add an operation to the REST Host if you want and then you would need to use Invoke REST Operation. Remember, like I said, a ton of different ways to tackle this problem but don't use the Invoke REST Operation workflow if you are following along here.
Here is how I configured the invoke. I chose my host I just entered in, then put in the rest of the URL. Keep in mind whether your host ends with a slash as to whether your URL will need to begin with a slash.
Also you can see the %7B near the end of the URL in the screenshot- I went ahead and properly encoded the URL and swapped the quotes to singles so it looks like:
I just put a single space in the request content because it makes you (since it is technically a POST), but for us here the URL is the key.
Let's check out the response:
Kind of an eyechart, but some good and bad. We did actually get a response from UCSD so hooray on that end. However, it is saying it requires http authentication? Any guesses? Yep, it's the header key. Note that nowhere in our invoke here did we specify our X-Cloupia-Request-Key like we did in Postman, so UCSD (as one would hope) is asking us, "who exactly are you and what are you doing here?"
In fact if you fire up Postman and deselect the Request Key header, you'll see the same response:
OK so we need to accomplish two things.
First, we need to obviously be able to add in the key so that our workflow actually executes in UCSD. Just a minor detail, right?
Next, we need to "pretty" up a custom workflow because when we expose this to vRA I don't want a user to have to type in that unbearably long URL. I just want them to click the button and boom, VM appears.
Duplicate and Customize
First, I'm going to duplicate the Invoke workflow into my own custom entity. Right click the Invoke workflow and choose duplicate.
Now edit this new workflow.
It is a good idea at this point to take a look at the script code itself, just so we have an idea of what's going on behind the scenes. Select the Schema tab and the script inside and look at the Scripting tab on the bottom. In this case here is what we have:
System.log("Host: " + restHost + ", operation: " + operationUrl + ", Request Type: " + requestType.name); var request = restHost.createRequest(requestType, operationUrl, requestContent); System.log("request: " + request.fullUrl); var response = request.execute(); System.log("response: " + response.contentAsString); result = new Properties(); result.put("statusCode", response.statusCode); result.put("contentLength", response.contentLength); result.put("headers", response.getAllHeaders()); result.put("contentAsString", response.contentAsString);
OK so logging first. Then we create the request using the restHost that we added earlier. Then more logging, execute the request, aaaaand more logging/return value. Pretty simple.
Next I want to take a look at the input parameters that the script is using, as these are some of what the user is being asked to input when we run it.
The highlighted "restHost" item is the only thing that isn't a string. In general strings are super easy to duplicate inside a script but that restHost value is not.
The first thing I want to change is move the RESTHost input parameter to an attribute. This will allow me to easily change the value to a default and I can select the RESTHost I want. Right click restHost, select Move As Attribute, then go to the general tab.
If you look near the bottom at the attributes you'll see the RESTHost exists but the value is not set. Click the "Not Set" text and you can pick the UCSD object from a list. It should now look something like this:
One down, four to go.
You can certainly move the other parameters to attributes as well and do the same, but I prefer to just kill them and define them in script for this particular exercise. The choice is up to you and how you want to extend your workflows later.
Under Inputs I remove the rest of the parameters, and then under Schema, bottom panel, IN I remove them again.
Back on the scripting page you'll probably notice that those parameters are no longer a gorgeous pink but instead have turned a dull black. This is because they are no longer bound to the workflow and must be defined and manipulated in the code itself.
This should take care of the input part of our issue. The next one is, how do we get that darn key in there?
On the left side of the scripting tab is a nice reference panel. Since we are looking at a REST request, let's look at that now. Scroll way down the bottom for the REST section.
Expand out the RESTRequest section and you'll find just what we are looking for – a setHeader method. It takes two string values, one for header name and one for header value. Sound familiar?
I'm going to update the code to leverage this along with my key. I'm also going to clean up an (ahem) typo, as well as remove the unused variables from this workflow. I could actually remove the result as well but I'll leave it just in case. Here is what I'm left with.
var operationUrl = "/app/api/rest?formatType=json&opName=userAPISubmitServiceRequest&opData=%7Bparam0:'CreateVM',param1:'HomeLab',param2:1,param3:-1,param4:1,param5:'Provisioning%20VM%20from%20vRA'%7D" var requestType = "POST" System.log("Host: " + restHost + ", operation: " + operationUrl + ", Request Type: " + requestType); var request = restHost.createRequest(requestType, operationUrl); request.setHeader("X-Cloupia-Request-Key","31E0EABFC37D476CBDC50CEC6B66E454"); System.log("request: " + request.fullUrl); var response = request.execute(); System.log("response: " + response.contentAsString); result = new Properties(); result.put("statusCode", response.statusCode); result.put("contentLength", response.contentLength); result.put("headers", response.getAllHeaders()); result.put("contentAsString", response.contentAsString);
This time when I run the workflow I see a familiar response.
And there it is in UCSD:
In the final post we will cover how to consume this workflow in vRA so that we can expose it in a catalog.


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Creative Services is an ITS department devoted to the creation of educational multimedia content for LMU faculty and staff. The department, led by manager Matt Frank and supported by Kevin Diep, Media Support Specialist, and a band of student workers offers filming, editing, podcasting, and web projects. Creative Services also works closely with the Instructional Technology team to consult with LMU faculty and staff on innovative pedagogical practices that integrate technology into the classroom experience. Since the official formation of the department in Fall 2011, an average of 100 projects a year have been completed, totaling over 400 separate projects created for the LMU community—an impressive milestone for a department that started with two graduate assistants and a Classroom Capture pilot project!
Over the next few weeks on the blog, we'll feature some of our favorite Creative Services videos. You'll get a chance to see LMU faculty working with their students on passion projects, get a look at updated spaces on campus, and even see a couple of fun promotional videos created for services you can use as a member of the LMU community, including lynda.com and Blackboard Mobile.
If you'd like to work with Creative Services on a project, simply fill out a project request form here.

subset: commoncrawl


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breaking the rules we create for ourselves/
have you ever noticed how we all seem to create an unspoken set of rules, unique to us alone, that we all try to abide by?
i'm not referring to ethics or anything moralistic, but those subtle personal codes of conduct we use within our normal day to day lives. you might not recognize them at first because they appear to be more habits of routine rather than rules, but they are rules nonetheless. if we break them, we probably feel a guilty. we might even chastise ourselves, or be overcome with worry or regret.
i have oodles of these rules. for example, i have a "rule" that my phone must always go in my right pocket, while my card wallet goes in my left. if i break my rule, the world just don't feel right. it's something i've become used to, and i refuse to have it any other way.
do you still avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk for fear of breaking your mother's back? probably not, but i'm sure you once did as a kid. i used to have this thing where i could only hang a shoulder bag over my left shoulder, otherwise i was convinced my day would somehow be struck by horribly bad luck.
many of our rules are probably more like personal superstitions, while others probably lean more towards obsessive compulsive tendencies.
i have rules about how i brush my teeth. i have rules about how i organize the applications on my desktop. i have rules about how i sliver my onions and cube my tofu. i have rules coming out the wazoo, most of which i'm probably not even aware of. many of these rules are absolutely harmless, but i use them to illustrate a point. after all, it's a good thing i take my daily vitamin while i brew my morning coffee. this way i'll never forget it, it's a part of a very specific wake-up schedule i've created for myself. it does me good.
our rules however are actually an attempt for us to try and gain control of an otherwise out-of-control world.
i know that if a certain type of situation goes smoothly for me, then the next time something similar arises i'll try to repeat the exact same process i used last time, as accurately as i possibly can. i think that my rule will somehow keep me on the good side of luck or fortune. for some, this behaviour might materialize as a favourite pair of shoes they wear when attending an important meeting, or a lucky shirt they wear when going on a first date. for others, it might be a specific routine they use to never forget where they placed their keys.
we believe our personal rules will keep us on-point with all of our objectives and goals, but if we're not careful many of these rules will actually begin to eliminate our free will.
we become slaves to our habits of routine. the rules are always running in the background of our mind, always dictating our actions somehow, and we remain unaware of just how much power they actually hold over us.
the problem is in how they negatively limit us. if we're not aware of their controlling nature, they can keep us confined within the boundaries of our existing comforts. they can prevent us from experiencing new things. they can prevent us from growing. they can stand in the way of all that we hope to gain and accomplish in life.
we all have rules on who we think we are, and on the types of things we do and don't do. if you've ever heard yourself say, "i'm not the kind of person who does that", then that's a rule you've unfairly limited yourself by.
it goes beyond mere limitations however. our rules can also cause us undue stress and anxiety. for example, i have a certain set of rules for how i do my work and conduct my business online. i've somehow convinced myself that there is only one way i'm allowed to do certain things. it's a strict framework i've forced myself to adhere to and i punish myself mentally if i somehow fall short, even though there's no negative consequence. i stress myself out for no reason whatsoever.
sure, this guideline might keep me productive and on schedule with my goals, but at what price? what am i sacrificing by not allowing myself to entertain new ideas or to try new things? how am i harming my peace of mind by being so stiff and rigid with my routine?
look within. what rules have you created for yourself? what limits are you unknowingly placing onto your work, your relationships, your leisure, your life?
be brave and begin to break your rules one at a time — it's okay, no one will notice but you.
the world won't fall apart and you'll be amazed at the relief you feel when you realize just how much more free you feel without the chains of your very own mental oppression.
it's okay to poke through the other side of the fence. it's okay to go outside all the walls you've accidentally built around yourself. the world won't end.
experiment, try new things.


text:
Bond criticised the lack of opportunities for older women in drama, despite the litany of experiences that they are forced to cope with.
"They are the backbone of drama audiences and yet their story is nowhere to be seen," she said.
"As a woman of 50, I'm surrounded by my contemporaries and what women of that age go through: parental loss, cancer, dealing with Alzheimer's, children growing up. All these issues that are here in our lives and they're invisible."
Despite her concerns, Bond has enjoyed an impressive career on both stage and screen. Although famed for playing Miss Moneypenny in four James Bond films, she has more recently appeared on television as mad Auntie Angela in Outnumbered and as Lady Rosamund in Downton Abbey.
The actress admitted that she thrived on the uncertainty and unpredictability of the profession, never knowing what was coming next until the phone rang.
"I've always had this sneaking suspicion that I get a kick out of the insecurity," she told Country Life magazine. "The only time I've ever been really low was when I knew what I was doing for the next 18 months.
"I've been incredibly lucky. But if it suddenly goes quiet, you think: 'Have I finally been rumbled?' Will someone go 'Ah, I knew she couldn't really do it.'"
Bond disclosed that she could never have predicted how high profile her role of Miss Moneypenny to Pierce Brosnan's James Bond would become having never previously seen a Bond film in the cinema.
"I had absolutely no idea of the scale of its following and the globalness of Bond," she said.
But the actress faced different challenges when starring in the first BBC series of Outnumbered, which is partially improvised, alongside five-year-old Ramona Marquez, who played Karen.
"She was told that she hated Auntie Angela, so she never smiled at me on or off camera and never spoke to me," she said.
"But at the wrap party, she came up to me and said: 'Samantha, I just want you to know that I like you and it's just Auntie Angela I don't like.'"
Bond, who is currently playing the drunken wife of Dr Prentice in Joe Orton's What the Butler Saw at London's Vaudeville Theatre, admitted she had concerns for her two children, who have both followed her into the profession.
"When I started years ago, it (acting) was a very silly thing to do for a living, but now I wonder if it's any sillier than anything else," she said.


text: Occasionally we will send out information about Hauptwerk and other related products. We will not sell your information to anyone and will only use it for the purpose of keeping you up to date on Hauptwerk news and events. Each email will include a link to unsubscribe immediately if at any time you decide you do not wish to receive any further emails from us.


text: We all know Danny Meyer strikes gold with restaurants, but Porchlight, a collaboration with his Blue Smoke partner Mark Maynard-Parisi, represents his foray into the world of bars. The spot has a classy Southern vibe, which means a typical order here includes a Whiskey & Cola (mellow corn whiskey, Fernet-Vallet, house-made cola syrup) and jalapeño cheddar cornbread. When the Sazerac becomes one too many, however, the indoor porch, complete with rocking chairs, comes to the rescue.


text: No sales information. Summer from €4,950 /week The Holidays from €3,700 /week Winter from €2,850 /week Prices are based on # of Bedrooms rented [?] View all rates Enjoy a larger house at 1- or 2- BEDROOM rate. Many villas allow renting a fewer number of bedrooms at lower prices Villa Gallica, also known as HII GLC, is a 5-bedroom villa in Tuscany, located only 8 kilometers from the thermal baths of San Casciano dei Bagni and 19 kilometers from the train station in Fabrio. Positioned halfway between Florence and Rome, Villa HII GLC is an ideal starting point for day trips to either city by car or train. The nearest town is Trevinano, a quiet village situated between Lazio, Tuscany, and Umbria. Surrounded by a large, fenced-in garden with olive trees, this villa enjoys a panoramic view of the countryside and surrounding hills from its pool area. This country house with a traditional Tuscan style was restored in 2015. The interior features furniture made by local craftsmen. View our Brochure The spacious living room with a high ceiling offers comfortable sofas, a flat screen TV, and a cozy fireplace. An archway separates the living room from the dining area, which has a large table with seating for up to 12 guests. The well-equipped, eat-in kitchen features a wooden dining table. A shaded dining area with seating for 10 guests is located outside (perfect for evening meals in the summer). Four bedrooms have double beds, while 1 bedroom is furnished with a single bed. The ground floor houses 4 bedrooms. The first bedroom with a flat screen TV opens to a small outdoor terrace with a dining table, which seats 4 people, and a view of the countryside. Three other bedrooms are also equipped with flat screen TVs. The pool with mosaic tiles and the non-heated, outdoor Jacuzzi are both perfect for cool dips on hot summer days. Guests are welcome to fish in the property's pond, or enjoy vegetables from the garden. This non-smoking property also comes with games, a ping-pong table, satellite and Smart TV, WiFi, a home theater, parking, a pizza oven, stone-built barbecue, and an outdoor washer and dryer. Villa Gallica, or HII GLC, has house cleaning services available during the week. Ask your villa specialist for details.


text:
Store Locations
"We offer three year-round rug stores, more than 30 rug events across the US and Canada and an extensive online inventory."
Bunyaad Rug Room in Ephrata, PA
As the corporate rug store, Ten Thousand Villages in Ephrata, PA is home to over 1,500 carpets and receives new shipments from Pakistan every six to eight weeks. Our rug room covers over 4,000 square feet and features two hardwood display areas (one made from recycled 200-year-old barn flooring).
The entire carpet program is managed from this store with a small but mighty staff. Many volunteers join this staff to complete our team.
Contact info:
Bunyaad Rug Room
at Ten Thousand Villages
240 N. Reading Rd. (Rt 272)
Ephrata, PA 17522
717-721-8800 firstname.lastname@example.com
Monday-Thursday 10–6
Friday 10–7
Saturday 10–5
(Holiday Hours may vary)
Anchor Store in Canada
New Hamburg, ON
Ten Thousand Villages in New Hamburg is located in the same complex as Mennonite Central Committee Ontario and New Hamburg Thrift CTR. With a beautiful wood floor, spacious interior and ample parking, this store is a wonderful destination shop to explore Bunyaad rugs.
Ten Thousand Villages
65B Heritage Drive
New Hamburg, ON
Monday–Saturday: 10–4 (Holiday Hours may vary)
Anchor Stores in the U.S.A.
Souderton, PA
Ten Thousand Villages in Souderton just moved into a larger space at the Souderton Shopping Center. With more floor space we are excited to now carry Bunyaad Rugs year-round. Being so close to the Main Rug Room we will update the rug selection on a monthly basis. Come visit our newest location!
Ten Thousand Villages
781 Route 113 (Souderton Road)
Souderton, PA 18964
215-723-1221 email@example.com
Monday 10–6, Tue–Fri 10–8, Sat 10–5, Sun closed (Holiday Hours may vary)


text:
We are Langer Landscapes
For over 15 years Langer Landscapes has specialized in patios and hardscapes, offering a wide variety of landscaping services from complete property maintenance to excavation, planting, design and more. Whether commercial or residential, we are 100% committed to customer satisfaction. Our business has been and always will be based on building lasting relationships and delivering quality work.
Providing Quality Landscape Services to the Connecticut Shoreline and Surrounding Areas for Over 15 Years
Why Choose Us?
Who we are
Husband and wife team, Shawn and Crystal Langer work together to provide over 30 years combined experience, multiple skill sets, and different creative points of view to every project they complete together. Crystal began her career with a passion for interior design which combined with her love of the outdoors and led her to landscape design. She believes "Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, and should reflect that." Crystal has a BS in English and Design, multiple landscape design certifications, and a love for all things nature that drives her passion in the business. Shawn can build anything the client and Crystal can dream up, with a strong background in construction, carpentry, and machine operating. This team is present on every installation job to meticulously guide the project to completion. Over the last 17 years, Langer Landscapes has grown into a full service landscape firm with a strong foundation in family and community. Our clients become our friends.
Our Philosophy
A successful landscape is one that combines both the spirit of the individual and the essence of the site. For this reason, we collaborate closely with the client and the site conditions, setting, and overall feeling of the project. It should be a balance of our client's desires with the uniqueness of the site. A carefully planned and well developed landscape should reflect both the personality of its inhabitants and its location to form a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally relevant. We want our landscapes to offer what the individual is seeking, whether that is solace and meditation, recreation, or a gathering spot. Our goal is to forge a connection with the people, architecture, and land
Why Work With Us
Quality Work. Honesty. Affordability. Long Term Relationships.
If you're looking for a huge company with disposable employees and brand recognition, you may be in the wrong place. Here, we are a local, family owned company with ties to the community, personalized service, strong work ethic, and attention to detail. We stand by our work 100%, value our customers, create beautiful quality landscapes at a fair cost and create lasting relationships with our 100s of repeat customers. Our business model is to stay small, stay fair, and only take on what we can personally handle. Our name is on it so we will stand by it. Call us today to set up your FREE estimate and design consultation.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us & our company,
Shawn and Crystal Langer


text:
Facial Trauma
The dental specialist performs the proper treatment of facial injuries. These professionals must be well versed in emergency care, acute treatment and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation – not just for physical reasons but emotional as well. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained, skilled and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. Injuries to the face, by their very nature, impart a high degree of emotional, as well as physical trauma to patients. The science and art of treating these injuries requires special training involving a "hands on" experience and an understanding of how the treatment provided will influence the patient's long term function and appearance.
Dr. Skoczylas, Dr. Poupard and Dr. Bartling meet and exceed these modern standards. They are trained, skilled, and uniquely qualified to manage and treat facial trauma. They are on staff at local hospitals and deliver emergency room coverage for facial injuries, which include the following conditions:
- Facial lacerations
- Intra oral lacerations
- Avulsed (knocked out) teeth
- Fractured facial bones (cheek, nose or eye socket)
- Fractured jaws (upper and lower jaw)
The Nature of Maxillofacial Trauma
There are a number of possible causes of facial trauma such as motor vehicle accidents, accidental falls, sports injuries, interpersonal violence, and work-related injuries. Types of facial injuries can range from injuries of teeth to extremely severe injuries of the skin and bones of the face. Typically, facial injuries are classified as either soft tissue injuries (skin and gums), bone injuries (fractures), or injuries to special regions (such as the eyes, facial nerves or the salivary glands).
Soft Tissue Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
When soft tissue injuries such as lacerations occur on the face, they are repaired by suturing. In addition to the obvious concern of providing a repair that yields the best cosmetic result possible, care is taken to inspect for and treat injuries to structures such as facial nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts (or outflow channels). Dr. Skoczylas, Dr. Poupard and Dr. Bartling are well-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons and are proficient at diagnosing and treating all types of facial lacerations.
Bone Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region
Fractures of the bones of the face are treated in a manner similar to the fractures in other parts of the body. The specific form of treatment is determined by various factors, which include the location of the fracture, the severity of the fracture, the age, and general health of the patient. When an arm or a leg is fractured, a cast is often applied to stabilize the bone to allow for proper healing. Since a cast cannot be placed on the face, other means have been developed to stabilize facial fractures.
One of these options involves wiring the jaws together for certain fractures of the upper and/or lower jaw. Certain other types of fractures of the jaw are best treated and stabilized by the surgical placement of small plates and screws at the involved site. This technique of treatment can often allow for healing and obviates the necessity of having the jaws wired together. This technique is called "rigid fixation" of a fracture. The relatively recent development and use of rigid fixation has profoundly improved the recovery period for many patients, allowing them to return to normal function more quickly.
The treatment of facial fractures should be accomplished in a thorough and predictable manner. More importantly, the patient's facial appearance should be minimally affected. An attempt at accessing the facial bones through the fewest incisions necessary is always made. At the same time, the incisions that become necessary, are designed to be small and, whenever possible, are placed so that the resultant scar is hidden.
Injuries to the Teeth & Surrounding Jaw Bone
Isolated injuries to teeth are quite common and may require the expertise of an oral & maxillofacial surgery specialist. Oral & maxillofacial surgeons usually are involved in treating fractures of the bone that supports teeth or in replanting teeth that have been displaced or knocked out. These types of injuries are sometimes treated by stabilizing / splinting / wiring or bonding loose teeth and bones together. If a knocked out tooth is not clean, wasn't transported in contact lense solution, is broken / chipped, has been out of the jaw bone for over 40 minutes or the jaw bone and gums are badly injured then it is best to not put the tooth back in place. Modern implants have a better long term success rate at a lower cost when compared to putting damaged teeth back in the jaws. If a damaged tooth is put back in it will need to have root canal therapy and will usually need to be rebuilt (often with a cap/crown) by a general dentist.
The proper treatment of facial injuries is now the realm of specialists who are well versed in emergency care, acute treatment, long-term reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the patient.


text:
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I believe that when you slow down and savor the small things, you don't have to wish for a different life; you can discover beauty in the life you already have. {Find out more here...}
Deb @ PaperTurtle says
Oh my goodness, what beautiful photos! I love the ones of the deer the most – just lovely!
Maribeth says
These photos are absolutely beautiful. Just beautiful. I think they may be some of my favorites you have posted!
Norma says
Love, Love, Love your pics!!!
Grete says
Great pictures, as usual, Ginny. I was going to ask if you have a zoom lens, but it sounds like the deer were just so friendly that you were able to get close up shots of them! I'm glad you and your family got a trip to your peaceful Big Meadow. What a great way to spend time as a family.
Cathy says
Children in fields just make great pictures and your are just Perfect! Thanks for sharing.
loveisall says
rhoooo so beautifull !
Andrea says
Your pictures are so beautiful! I know you talked about your camera before, but what type do you use and would you recommend it for a beginner with little experience? If no, is there one you would recommend? Thank you. I enjoy reading your blog. It is one of my favorites!
Liz says
Gorgeous! I spent the day with my kids hiking in the Redwoods. There is something so magical about watching your kids tromp through the wilderness.
poppinga says
what amazing shots! i can't imagine such wide open fields filled with sweet deers…but thank you for letting me try through your pictures!
Rachel D says
LOVE! Reminds me of the beginning of Little House on the Prairie 😉
Lisa Eggers says
WOW! Great shots!
Barbara says
so, i must be the only city girl commenting today. Everyone is saying how lovely and relaxing you photos are and i'm thinking how brave you guys are to be that close to deer AND in all of that tall grass. heh:o)
Ginny says
hee hee 🙂
Jennifer says
those deer are nearly tame. I love your photographs of the flowers. (and your family, of course) We were there in November, and it was completely covered in snow and ice. We could hardly walk without falling! A beautiful spot in the world
Summer says
what peaceful, extraordinary photos! Love! Happy Weekend to you! 🙂
Elizabeth says
Thank you. These pictures are so beautiful and calming. So glad you were able to go with your family…
Penny says
Stunning. I am in awe of your photography here – I can *feel* these photos, not just look at them. Amazing. I love the one of your boy and the deer contemplating each other (16th or so up from the bottom).
No wonder you were desperate to go here. Such magic!
Hi Ginny,
These pictures are so beautiful. I'm amazed the deer came so close to all of you, what an amazing experience.
P.S. Thank you for all the time and energy you put into your blog, I look forward to visiting this space all the time!! 🙂
tara says
Sooo beautiful!! That looks like so much fun. Beautiful pictures as always. I love seeing the wildlife near you.
CathyC says
I can't believe how close you got! Check everyone for ticks!!! Beautiful shots. Glad you got to go, I know you really wanted to.
Ginny says
We did tick checks before we even got back in the car to drive home!
Well you got to see your spotted fawns… How lovely. On another note, do you know what that purple-ish wildflower/weed is in your photos? I'm sure if I looked it up I could figure out but I've been wondering about it myself this summer… And I think it is cute that when the sun is in Bea's eyes she always looks so determined.
Ginny says
Second photo from the top? That's milkweed.
Well you got to see your spotted fawns… How lovely. On another note, do you know what that purple-ish wildflower/wedd is in your photos? I'm sure if I looked it up I could figure out but I've been wondering about it myself this summer… And I think it is cute that when the sun is in Bea's eyes she always looks so determined.
Heather says
Thank you for bringing me back there. It makes me reflect fondly on our time there last year.
Karen says
loving your pics, but living in VA myself (eastern shore temporarily) …. HOW do you avoid being absolutely ATTACKED by red deer ticks?? i can be in short grass and they get me ….
Ginny says
We do get ticks including on this day, but we just check ourselves thoroughly and pull them off. We all did tick checks after being on the meadow even before we drove home. (I brought changes of clothes too.) I've always lived in tick infested areas, so they don't feel like a big deal to me. Just part of being outdoors. Even at home, we have to always be on the lookout!
Suddenexpression says
How gorgeous. I love being in natural surroundings. Love the girls dresses!
Kate Talley says
You take such beautiful pictures! The one where Jonny has Silas on his shoulders is darling. I read in an earlier post that you got some medical help for your respiratory mess. Good job! I try to take care of most things at home , like you do, but with my lungs….well, I am super grateful for modern meds at hard times. Those deer are so beautiful! The close ups of their eyes remind of Jersey cows! I love jerseys. I am trying to talk my husband into getting one. We used to be part of a milk share and we miss fresh, raw milk so much! Wow….this comment….adult ADD much?! Haha. I hope you are feeling well, I pray for you daily. Watch for a package soon. Xoxo Kate Talley
Kris Sherrill says
Wow, what great pictures! I love the one of your son almost face to face with that deer. Amazing! And is that Vixen? Looks like y'all had a great time. Beautiful place for sure.
olivia says
beautiful and so peaceful. I love all your photos.
Becca says
So beautiful!
Clare says
Lovely photos, I love wild flowers, please just be tick aware, speaking as someone from the UK who managed to pick a Lyme disease, is really is no fun. x
Clare xxx
Ginny says
I'm sorry to hear about your Lyme disease! Yes, where we live it is necessary to check for ticks every single day (even in winter sometimes!) whether we are at home or visiting national parks etc.
Willemijn Maljaars says
I understand you needed to go there Ginny! I think I NEED to go there too!
heathermama hawkes says
wonderful. one day my family and i will have to make a trek out east and visit Big Meadow. <3
Beth says
Hey Ginny,
It looks like your trip was amazing. Just a quick question…do you know the name of the flower/weed that is in the second picture from the top? My daughter Josephine thought that it was Joe pie weed(namely because she wants it to be 'her' flower:), but after researching, we don't think it is. If you could help us out, I'd appreciate it! Thanks.
Ginny says
Yes, it's milkweed!
Oh man! I feel silly. I guess I only notice the milkweed when its all frothy with seeds! Thanks!
Jenny says
I cannot believe how close those deer are to ya'll! I love to see them this time of year when their antlers are growing back, covered with velvet. Beautiful pictures. It looks like you enjoyed your time there.
Ginny says
I couldn't believe that buck. He just kept coming closer and closer, and I kept talking to him, reminding him that I was there! This is the first year we saw deer with tags and collars–I wonder what they're doing?
Monica says
I was going to say the same thing, those deer must be quite friendly! I love the one where a deer and one of your boys are having a staring contest! Since most deer migrate they could be doing some study on where they are heading every year. Especially if there has been a problem with over-hunting, then they know which areas to protect.
That is really a beautiful place 🙂 Thank you for sharing the pictures.
Lisa says
Ah! The fawns and the daisies!
Wanda says
just beautiful Ginny! I hope you are feeling better after your trip! We leave tonight for a little R & R as well!
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twins room part 1
slowly but surely trying to pull this house together. its a constant work in progress and for my type a personality, it drives me nuts. i want it all done and perfect yesterday. i'm never one that can enjoy the journey. i always want to jump ahead. recently nathan bought me a book by Eben Alexander called Proof of Heaven. i HATE reading y'all. HATE. i would do anything in school to not read a book: cliff notes, movies, cheating, ANYTHING. theres a handful of books that i've read and love (man's search for meaning by viktor frankl being my all time fav) but I'm just too visual for it. i need pictures, lots of them. not to mention, i am a skimmer. i get highlights and move on, which defeats reading. i'm also notorious for reading the last chapter first. like if i have to read the book, i need to know how its going to end. i'm learning this is a major character flaw that i have. when nathan first asked me if i would read it i said "is there a movie of it yet?" but the more i thought about it, the more i realized i'll read anything nathan tells me to read at this point (and yes nathan, i am like 50 pages deep so far.)
having a brother with brain cancer (glioblastoma) has completely changed so much of the way i view life. the brother i was ALWAYS teaching everything to my whole life is now schooling me. whatever he has to say, i want to listen. and this is not just for fear of me not getting to have conversations later with him (although thats partially it) but its because i see how much God is teaching him and i'm sitting at his feet waiting for the next word he says because i want to learn too. i'm constantly seeing how involved God is in everything that has been happening with nathan and i am drawn to want to see more. its a beautiful thing.
i got a little sidetracked (I'm totally ADD, ANOTHER character flaw) but i'm trying to enjoy the journey of things. the journey is supposed to be half the fun, right? so anyway. i've been trying to figure out what things the house is lacking so i can be on the hunt for them. definitely still need a chair in the twins room and some art, majorly. but is it a terrible idea to hang art above their cribs? i just picture them knocking it off and getting as hurt as i did when one of our deer skulls fell off the wall onto my head and gave me 7 staples. wondering if wall papering that wall is a better idea (or will it totally break the bank!?) i've found some awesome wallpapers lately and think it could be kind of awesome.
send me your thoughts! plus also tips on how to enjoy the journey ;)


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|Cave Spring, Georgia
|— City —
Downtown Cave Spring.
Location in Floyd County and the state of Georgia
|Coordinates: 34°6′32″N 85°20′10″W / 34.10889°N 85.33611°W
|United States
|- Total
|4 sq mi (10.4 km2)
|- Land
|4 sq mi (10.4 km2)
|- Water
|0 sq mi (0 km2)
|640 ft (195 m)
|Population (2000)
|- Total
|- Density
|243.8/sq mi (93.8/km2)
|Time zone
|Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
|- Summer (DST)
|ZIP code
|Area code(s)
|FIPS code
|GNIS feature ID
Cave Spring is a city in Floyd County, Georgia, United States. It is located 12.24 miles south of Rome, Georgia. The population was 975 at the 2000 census. It is part of the 'Rome, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area'. The name of town was named after its cave and water spring hence "Cave Spring". The cave has impressive stalagmites and the legendary "Devil's Stool". It is located in Rolater Park. The spring water has won awards for purity and taste. Many visitors bring jugs to fill at the spring and take home for drinking.
Cave Spring is located at 34°6′32″N 85°20′10″W / 34.10889°N 85.33611°W (34.108912, -85.336018)[3]. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.0 square miles (10.4 km²), of which, 4.0 square miles (10.4 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.50%) is water.
Cave Spring is well known for the natural wonders of the cave and spring site where native Indians came to the area (both Cherokee and earlier Mississippian culture). Legend has it that tribal meetings and games used to be held at the site. In 1839, Cave Spring was formed as a small town; founded by Baptists who were among the early settlers. The cave and spring site is now the part of Rolater Park formerly used by educational institutions such as Cave Spring Manual Labor School (renamed Hearn Academy) and others including Georgia School for the Deaf. During the American Civil War of 1864 by following Atlanta campaign, both Confederate and Union troops came to Cave Spring for hospitalization and rest from fighting on the battlefields before Atlanta.
Cave Spring has historic homes and buildings from its early years such as the 1867 Presbyterian Church, 1880 train depot, and 19th Century hotels and boarding houses. The spring flows into a sparkling pond from Rolater Park and then into a 1.5–acre swimming pool that is shaped like the state of Georgia. The pool is constructed out of stones.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 975 people, 404 households, and 281 families residing in the city. The population density was 242.7 people per square mile (93.6/km²). There were 431 housing units at an average density of 107.3/sq mi (41.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.82% White, 12.41% African American, 0.62% Native American, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.44% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.15% of the population.
There were 404 households out of which 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.89.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 75.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $47,917. Males had a median income of $35,395 versus $20,962 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,850. About 14.0% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.
Cave Spring is the home of Georgia School for the Deaf, established in 1846, is a state-funded residential school operating under the auspices of the Office of Special Services of the Georgia State Department of Education and the Georgia State Board of Education to ensure that appropriate educational programs are available for hearing impaired and multi-handicapped hearing impaired students residing in Georgia. G.S.D. was used to be a field hospital for both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. Now new G.S.D. buildings on different land that used to be Perry Farm (Original farmhouse is still standing).


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Focused Ultrasound Therapy
Focused ultrasound is an early-stage, non-invasive, therapeutic technology with the potential to improve the quality of life and decrease the cost of care for patients with kidney stones. This novel technology focuses beams of ultrasonic energy precisely and accurately on targets deep in the body without damaging surrounding normal tissue.
The ability to move stones in the genitourinary track can be very helpful in some patients. For patients with multiple stones or for those who have had extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), there is a potential for the fragments to locate in the lower pole. This can have longer term implications, as the fragments can grow in size resulting in the need for another removal procedure.
The mechanism of moving the stones is based on applying focused ultrasound adjacent to the stone. As the energy is applied, there is an acoustic wave that spreads. When the wave hits the stone, the energy is transmitted to the stone, resulting in stone movement. Alterations in the location of the wave can enable directional control of the stone.
There are not any current, non-invasive options for moving kidney stones. Current methods could involve invasive treatments for moving stones, yet what commonly happens is that the location of the stone will determine which treatment options are available.
For certain patients, focused ultrasound could provide a non-invasive alternative to surgery with less risk of complications and lower cost.
- Non-invasive ability to relocate kidney stones
- Treatment does not require any nephrotoxic or ionizing radiation components
- Treatments can be repeated, if needed
Clinical Trials
At the present time, there are no clinical trials recruiting patients for focused ultrasound propulsion of kidney stones.
Regulatory Approval and Reimbursement
Focused ultrasound propulsion of kidney stones is not yet approved by regulatory bodies or covered by medical insurance companies.
Notable Papers
Ghanem MA, Maxwell AD, Kreider W, Cunitz BW, Khokhlova VA, Sapozhnikov OA, Bailey MR. Field Characterization and Compensation of Vibrational Nonuniformity for a 256-Element Focused Ultrasound Phased Array. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control. 2018 Sep;65(9):1618-1630. doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2018.2851188.
Oweis GF, Dunmire BL, Cunitz BW, Bailey MR. Non-invasive measurement of the temperature rise in tissue surrounding a kidney stone subjected to ultrasonic propulsion. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2015;2015:2576-9. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7318918.
Harper JD, Cunitz BW, Dunmire B, Lee FC, Sorensen MD, Hsi RS, Thiel J, Wessells H, Lingeman JE, Bailey MR. First in Human Clinical Trial of Ultrasonic Propulsion of Kidney Stones. J Urol. 2016 Apr;195(4P1):956-64. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2015.10.131.
Ikeda T, Yoshizawa S, Koizumi N, Mitsuishi M, Matsumoto Y. Focused Ultrasound and Lithotripsy. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;880:113-29. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-22536-4_7. Review.
Pfau A, Eckardt KU, Knauf F. [Diagnosis and treatment of nephrolithiasis. What is established?]. Internist (Berl). 2015 Dec;56(12):1361-8. doi: 10.1007/s00108-015-3758-0. Review. German.
Oweis GF, Dunmire BL, Cunitz BW, Bailey MR. Non-invasive measurement of the temperature rise in tissue surrounding a kidney stone subjected to ultrasonic propulsion. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2015;2015:2576-9. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7318918.
Abrol N, Kekre NS. Focused ultrasound guided relocation of kidney stones. Indian J Urol. 2015 Jan-Mar;31(1):28-32. doi: 10.4103/0970-1591.139577.
Click here for additional references from PubMed.


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Crispy Tofu, Roasted Veggie and Soba Bowls
Yesterday was one of those should I pinch myself right now cause life is so good days. It started with a much needed haircut that totally set the tone for the day. There's something so glorious about a fresh cut. Btw, if you're interested I snapped a photo of the new 'do, head over to my Snapchat (akysar) if you wanna see it. After my cut, I headed to the Santa Monica Farmers Market and definitely questioned why I don't make it to that market more often... oh right, it takes an hour to get there ;). It was such a treat to find all the edible blossoms my heart could desire, the prettiest (and cutest) seascape strawberries, and just about any and everything that can grow under the Southern California sunshine.
And then, as if my already amazing day couldn't get better, I was lucky enough to spend my afternoon with some amazing women at a brunch hosted by the incredible lady behind What's Gaby Cooking. If you don't know Gaby, I feel like you've been living under a rock, cause her blog is gorgeous and her weekly snapisodes on Snapchat are amaze. Anyway, she hosted an epic Easter preview brunch and I was reminded of how lucky I am to live in LA. Not only was the weather perfection, but I was surrounded by so many talented and inspiring women and I just felt grateful. It's hard to believe that over a year ago when Moses and I moved to LA, I was actually worried that I might not make any friends. I bought into the stereotype that people in LA suck and are superficial and unfriendly. And honestly, I feel like a turd for ever thinking that for a minute. I'm blown away by how welcoming everyone has been and I could just squeeze all the wonderful friends we've made so far.
Errr... I've gotten off topic. Basically, the rest of the day was pretty busy and by the time 6 o'clock rolled around, all I wanted to do was kick up my feet and do nothing. I mean don't get me wrong, I love cooking, but sometimes I just want something healthy, quick, and comforting with minimal effort and these soba bowls check all those boxes. I could eat them every other day and call myself a happy camper. Idk what it is about soba, but Moses and I can't get enough of the stuff. Ditto on tofu and well, ditto on roasted veggies too. So pretty much these bowls were made for us, and well, they were, hehe. :D
Moses and I have been making an effort to find more balance, in general. I've been hitting up the gym more and challenging myself to drink my 8-10 glasses of water daily. And we've been eating more "healthy bowls." We LOVE our bowls. Whether it's oatmeal, yogurt with fruits and granola, or eggs and rice, breakfast is almost always served up in a bowl. And this is probably something I shouldn't admit, but honestly almost every meal I make ends up being dished up in a bowl. Moses says he likes eating out of a bowl because it always him to scoop up the perfect bite, and I have to agree. Now that we're challenging ourselves to eat "healthy bowls" I've been looking for fun and easy ways to spice up our usual rice bowls. Enter these soba bowls.
All you really need is a couple bowls, a couple of rimmed sheet pans, and a pot and saucepan and you're good to go. I used a method for oven baked tofu bites a la i am a food blog and roasted the veggies at the same time. Then I made a version of Steph's soy honey garlic sauce, quickly cooked the soba, and whipped up a quick ponzu vinaigrette to top everything off. Take as many liberties as you'd like with this dish and swap in or out the veggies you most prefer. Whatever you do though, make this because not only is it easy and healthy, it's insanely filling and yes, it's served up in bowls!
A huge thanks to Revol for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I'm obsessed with these bowls from Revol's Basalt collection. Actually, I'm obsessed with the whole collection! Revol has been making beautiful porcelain pieces in France since 1768 (!!!) and I love that they're still a family owned company! Thank you for supporting the companies that help to support Fix Feast Flair!
Adapted from i am a food blog
Serves 2
- 1 14 oz. package extra firm tofu
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 yam, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bunch radishes, cut in half, scrubbed with tops removed
- 8 to 10 brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 9.5 oz. package of soba noodles
- 1/4 c. + 1 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1 tsp. sriracha
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 c. ponzu sauce
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 1/4 c. grapeseed oil
- 1/2 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 1/2-inch fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 Tbsp. toasted black sesame seeds
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions and thinly sliced radishes, to garnish
- 2 rimmed half sheet baking pans lined with parchment or silpat mats
- Small saucepan
- Large pot
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Whisk
- Bowls
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Thoroughly dry tofu off with paper towels and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Dry the cubes with more paper towels then toss with the cornstarch. Transfer the tofu to a parchment paper or silpat mat lined baking sheet, leaving at least 1/2 inch between cubes. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping cubes over halfway through baking.
- Meanwhile, place the carrots, yam, sliced radishes and brussels sprouts on another rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until fork tender. Be sure to flip veggies over halfway through roasting.
- About 10 minutes before the tofu is done, boil water and cook soba according to directions on package. Drain and rinse quickly with water.
- When you have about 5 minutes left on the baking/roasting time of your tofu, combine all soy honey garlic sauce ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and toss the tofu and roasted veggies in the sauce.
- In a bowl, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients and get ready to assemble bowls. Divide soba noodles into two bowls and top with crispy tofu and roasted veggies. Dress with the ponzu vinaigrette and garnish with green onions and sliced radishes.
- Serve and enjoy!


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This hand beaded bridal hair vine features high quality cz rhinestones in a leaf design and accented with authentic freshwater pearls and Austrian crystals in an elegant and romantic boho design.
Measures Approximately 10" x 2"
Available in Silver, Silver with Opal, Gold or Rose Gold - Order with Ribbon or Attach with Hair Pins
Lovingly hand crafted in our studio in Southern California.
Please carefully review our Policies before ordering.


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When a man who as a coach has led 11 teams to an NBA Championship, refers to your roster as "clumsy," it might be a good time for a franchise to re-evaluate its game-plan. That was the label that former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers bench boss Phil Jackson, stuck on the New York Knicks, in an interview that will air Tuesday night on "HBO Real Sports." As previously reported, the member of the Basketball Hall Of Fame, told reporter Andrea Kremer, that he did not believe the Knicks individual players form a cohesive unit.
Jackson told Kremer "Well, they don't fit together well. (Amar'e) Stoudemire doesn't fit well with Carmelo. Stoudemire's a really good player. But he's gotta play in a certain system and a way. Carmelo has to be a better passer. And the ball can't stop every time it hits his hands. They need to have someone come in that can kinda blend that group together."
The former coach, is far from the first person to voice these criticisms, however when a man with his track record speaks, people tend to pay attention. His observations carry a lot more weight than the words of most other former coaches, simply because of what he has been able to carry out while on the bench.
While New York has three very talented players in their starting front-court, with Anthony and Stoudemire joined by center Tyson Chandler, the sum of the whole so far has been less than the individual parts. One major reason is the fact that Anthony insists that the offense goes through him and many times when he gets the rock, he just jacks up a shot without looking first for better options to score. Right now, the Knicks are kind of like a jigsaw puzzle that is missing that connecting piece, a take-charge point guard, who will be in charge of distributing the ball.
They had that player on their roster, as Chauncey Billups came over to the Knicks with Anthony in the trade with the Denver Nuggets in 2011. However, they would release him via the NBA Amnesty Clause, before the start of this season to have the cap space to sign Chandler.
New York tried to fill the starting slot, with many players, however none of them were the forceful floor general that would set the offense. The only time they had success at the point, was when Anthony was sidelined by injury at the same time that Jeremy Lin had his coming-out party in the Association, dominating his opponents and winning the hearts of Knicks fans in the process. When Anthony returned to the lineup however, things soon bogged down again and just when the two seemed to be getting on the same page, Lin was lost for the season after having minor surgery.
There is no denying the individual talent that Carmelo Anthony possesses, however the gifts that he is possesses have never translated into success for his team. While Dwyane Wade and LeBron James (who were drafted the same year that the Knicks forward was) are in their third appearance in the NBA Finals; with Wade already having won a Title; Anthony has yet to appear in even one. The Nuggets had a talent-laden roster, yet he could never lead his team past the Western Conference Finals.
So the question becomes; what will it take for Anthony to evolve into the type of leader that can take a team to the Finals and win an NBA Championship and can it be done with the Knicks? Anthony needs to be on a team with a strong coach, a veteran point guard who runs the offense and teammates who will force him to fit into their system. New York really does not fit that description at this time.
Anthony would most likely flourish with the San Antonio Spurs, as they fit the criteria he needs to evolve perfectly; with Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker and teammates like Tim Duncan. Unfortunately for both teams, Anthony's salary would most likely make a trade improbable, the Spurs have a lot of young talented players such as rookie forward Kawhi Leonard and point guard Gary Neal, that could be assets for the Knicks; but the numbers just don't work.
So it is most likely that Anthony will be back at Madison Square Garden again next season, whether he heeds Jackson's advice and starts to become more of a team player with New York, remains to be seen.


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Community GroupsRerooting the Future is rooted in community action and raising awareness of environmental issues. The following workshops have been developed or selected because they meet the needs of community groups. Of course, all other workshops are suitable for adaptation as community events and can be tailored to your group's needs.
Guided Foraging Walks
Wild food foraging is about respectfully celebrating and embracing the wild, neglected and uncommon edibles that are in our landscape: From wild garlic and tender Spring greens; the heady flowers of Summer and the bounty of Autumn fruits. Foraging for wild plants sets up a framework for nature connection upon which participants can build a deeper understanding of the natural world. These classes and walks will provide participants with the tools with which to better appreciate the plants that make up our beautiful countryside.
One and a half hour guided foraging walk with wild tea and cookies at a suitable venue close to you. €250 (max 30 people) excl. transport expenses.
Low Waste Living, Recycling, Plastic Reduction Talks
Low Waste Living: This talk will encourage participants to start developing a resource capture mindset. Low waste cooking is about using all of the food that is brought into the home in such a way that none of it is wasted and all of the nutrients are captured. Great for communities wanting to talk about how we can reduce food waste. Can include facilitated discussion on community action.
How to Recycle Properly: Is your community confused about what can and cannot be recycled? With the new pay by weight and photo capture scheme being enforced, people are looking for ways to reduce black bin waste and at the same time comply with recycling bin rules. Discussion and tip sharing will be encouraged. Can include a facilitated discussion on community action or waste reduction.
Shop Smart to Reduce Waste: This talk shares tips and information on how we as individuals can reduce our environmental impact by shopping smarter, consuming less and still maintain a good quality of life. Many of these tips will save you money. Talk can include a facilitated discussion on how to lobby local shops to help your town take steps to becoming plastic free.
Between one and two-hour talks at your venue: €125 excl. transport expenses
Easy Clothes Repair and Upcycling Workshop
Most zip problems are super easy to fix when you know how, buttons are easy to replace and darning skills can be acquired. This workshop will challenge people to rethink the throw-away culture that we live in. Participants will learn how to fix zips, sew buttons and they will be shown some simple ways to upcycle T-shirts or other clothes that they bring in. There will be discussion surrounding resource use, finite planet and the importance of looking after what we have.
Two-hour repair and upcycling workshop €325 (max 30 participants)
Craft Workshops
Spoon Carving Workshop: Fun, green woodworking workshop with Dee Synnott. Dee is a knowledgeable and patient teacher, having delivered this workshop in the past to both adults and children. Dee will teach knife safety, carving skills and wood selection. Two to three-hour workshop at your venue.
Nature Prints: This workshop should ideally start outdoors where participants collect interesting textures from nature. These will then be used in two printing processes: Relief prints and fabric prints. Two to three-hour workshop at your venue.
Christmas Crafts: Learn how to make a Christmas wreath and decorations using mainly natural materials. Fun group activity to get you in the mood for Christmas. Two to three-hour workshop at your venue.
Origami: Learn the ancient craft of paper folding with the wonderful and patient Margaret Synnott. Her knowledge of the craft is broad, from simple animals to hugely complex and intricate designs. This workshop is sure to inspire and fascinate, perfect for any time of the year.
Craft workshops are for a maximum of 20 participants. Workshop cost is €400, materials included, though transport expenses are extra.


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Gallon Sizes
Gallon Sizes
Head Lice Treatment
Head Lice Treatment
Head Lice Treatment
There are things that no parent wants to have to deal with in their school-aged child. With everything else going on in your child's life, the last thing you want to have to do is to treat a child with head lice. But, due to most school districts' strict no-nit policy, your child must be free of lice and nits before they can return to school.
ClearLice in Boca Raton, FL is here for you. ClearLice gives you six simple and easy-to-follow steps to rid your child and your home of lice and nits in just one day.
Step One: Wash Hair with ClearLice Shampoo
When the over-the-counter lice treatments from Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS don't cut it, it's time to take head lice treatment to the next level with ClearLice shampoo. ClearLice In Boca Raton, FL has a a fast and effective natural head lice treatment and prevention product line, so it will get you the results you want to see faster than the other leading brands.
When using the shampoo, you'll want to use enough to cover your child's hair and scalp with a decent amount of shampoo. Typically, depending on the length and thickness of your child's head, one to three ounces of the shampoo should be enough to get a good lather of the treatment on your child's head. You'll also want to make sure that the treatment reaches all the way to the ends of the hair, where it meets with the neck to ensure total coverage.
Next, you'll need to cover your child's head with a shower cap, which is included with purchase of any of the ClearLice treatment kits, and wait about 40 minutes to allow the product to work fully. When the 40 minutes is up, remove the shower cap and rinse it as well as your child's hair thoroughly with warm water. Then, repeat the process again, waiting only 20 minutes this time. Once the 20 minutes has passed, rinse the hair and shower cap thoroughly with warm water and towel dry the head.
Step Two: Use ClearLice Conditioner
In order to ensure the most thorough and effective treatment of head lice, it is important to condition your child's head once it's shampooed. Combined with the efforts of ClearLice shampoo, ClearLice conditioner will allow you to easily comb through your child's hair and provide you with more treatment in case any of the nits or lice survived the shampooing process (no matter how unlikely that is).
Simply massage the ClearLice conditioner through your child's head, reaching all the way down the neck area. DO NOT RINSE. Leave the conditioner in the child's hair for five minutes before moving on to step three.
Step Three: Comb Thoroughly
Arguably, this step is the most important in any lice removal treatment, including the ClearLice treatment. The first thing you should do is separate your child's hair into sections. Depending on the length of your child's hair, there may be many different sections with which to work.
Next, take the ClearLice stainless steel comb to comb through the different sections, taking care to pick out any of the dead lice and nits in the process. You'll want to comb from the shaft of the hair all the way to the ends, slowly in order to ensure that you get every last nit and louse removed from the hair. You'll want to rinse and wipe the comb before moving on to different sections of hair. Re-apply the conditioner from step two as needed.
Once you've finished combing through the hair, perform a lice check to ensure that no remnants (nits, lice, egg shells, etc.) remain. If they do, repeat the shampoo process for another 15 minutes and repeat steps two and three again until the lice are completely removed.
Step Four: Use ClearLice Laundry Additive
Once you've completely finished with the lice removal in your child's hair, it is necessary to remove lice from any surface that could potentially re-infest your child's head. Wash all bedding, towels, blankets, clothes, etc. that could have been exposed in warm water using the ClearLice Laundry Additive. Place in the dryer for at least 45 minutes.
Step Five: Use ClearLice Household Spray
For all exposed surfaces that cannot be washed (pillows, furniture, car interior, etc.) use the ClearLice Household Spray. Vacuum the areas thoroughly, remove the bags from the vacuum, and throw them away. This will help prevent re-infestation.
Step Six: Use ClearLice Repellent
The final step is to use the ClearLice Repellent in order to ensure that your child and your home are protected against re-infestation. This step is extremely important if you have other school-aged children inside the home. It will help prevent lice from latching onto the heads of your kids and your linens as well.
ClearLice in Boca Raton, FL brings you a product line that will treat and prevent your lice. Try ClearLice today and be lice free tomorrow!


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The first time I saw the expression , I thought, "Why should that dot product be in there. By the time I saw , I resigned myself to the fact that there was always a dot product in these seemingly random integrals. At some point, I decided that the dot products are in there to turn vectors (or vector fields) into scalar functions—which is something we know how to integrate. More recently, I've decided that the purpose of these dot products is to capture the projection of one vector on the other.
For example, if I apply a force to an object, then the work done by that force in moving the object a certain distance in a given direction (denote this shift by ) is . If the force is not constant over some curve parametrized by (), then we compute the work by evaluating the integral since, at any given point, our from above is just the tangent vector to the curve at that point, i.e., .
If you understand multivariable calculus, then you are probably laughing at me. "Duh. Why did it take you so long to figure that out?"
Here is my answer: We (or maybe just I) improperly motivate the dot product. This semester, I'm using Stewart for Multivariable Calculus*. He introduces vectors in a way that seems fairly standard for math texts.
Definition: The dot product of and is .
The great thing about this definition is that it is bloody easy to compute and understand.
Theorem: If and be vectors with angle between them, then .
The beauty here is that you can use the dot product to help compute angles and it is immediately obvious that the dot product of orthogonal vectors is .
*This wasn't my choice, but rather the choice of my department. Oh, did I mention I got a new job? Indeed I finally gave up on east coast living and moved back to California. I am now in the mathematics department at California State University Fullerton.
I've heard that in physics textbooks, they switch the order of the above, i.e., they define the dot product via the cosine formula and then prove the above definition as a theorem. As a mathematician, I always went with the first definition. Now, I am not so sure. What follows is the introduction to the dot product I plan to give to my students (until I come up with something better, anyway*).
*In the comments, please do set me straight about the real purpose of the dot product or how you think it best to introduce it in this context.
Let's start with two vectors, joined by their tales.
I am interested in how far extends along , so I drop a line perpendicular to from the end of .
At this point, I'm already confused by what would happen if I had tried to see how far goes along , but I decide that I could simply extend and at least draw the following picture:
Awesome, I have a couple of right triangles. And, heck, since they are right triangles that share the angle (let's call it ) between and , they are similar triangles. Let's give some names to the important sides.
The comment about similar triangles implies that . Ugh, let's clear denominators to get . On the other hand, , and so if we multiply by , we get
The moral is that this important quantity——coming from projecting the vectors onto each other, has a very simple reformulation as which only relies on knowing the original vectors and the angle between them. Since this projection property is so important to us physically, we give a short name to this expression: , and call it the dot product of and .
If is orthogonal to , then the projection should be , which of course it is since the cosine of is .
At this point one can go about proving that the dot product is obtained directly from the components, i.e., without knowing the angle between them. Of course, there is still the issue of when is obtuse, and it will probably be helpful to cover that case as well. Geometrically it will look a bit different, but the algebra and trig will be almost the same*.
*You do get to use the fact that the cosine of an angle equals the cosine of the supplementary angle!
There is nothing really new here, but I think the ordering is important. Their first impression of the dot product should convey the purpose of the dot product, not just the easiest algorithm for computing it. As it stands, the projection of a vector onto another vector gets a a somewhat token reference at the end of the dot product chapter. As ubiquitous as the idea is throughout the end of the class, it deserves its time in the sun.


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New Delhi: Chandan Madan (78 not out) and allrounder Bipul Sharma took Punjab past Hyderabad into the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy here on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 176, Punjab strolled to victory with 53 balls to spare and set up a meeting with Bengal on Saturday.
Hyderabad, electing to bat, lost Ravi Teja (7) early but Tirumalasetti Suman (34) and Akshath Reddy (37) strung together a gritty 69-run partnership. However, after the two fell, the Hyderabad innings collapsed.
Barring Ibrahim Khaleel (46) and Hanuman Vihari (21) none of the other batsmen could get into double-figures. Khaleel did his best to hold one end up, however wickets kept tumbling around him and Hyderabad were bowled out for 175 in 49.2 overs.
Bipul Sharma (4-31) and Rahul Sharma (3-40) proved difficult for the Hyderabad batsmen on a slowish Palam track.
Punjab had the worst possible start to their chase, losing their top three batsmen for 28 runs. When Taruwar Kohli (12) fell with the score on 53, Punjab were in trouble. Anwar Ahmed was the pick of Hyderabad bowlers taking two wickets but surprisingly he was given only four overs by captain Ravi Teja.
However, Madan and Amitoze Singh (16) stuck it out in the middle and inched closer to the Hyderabad target. Singh though was dismissed by Teja and in walked the Punjab's bowling hero Bipul Sharma.
Sharma and Madan buckled down as Punjab stuttered towards their target. India spinner Pragyan Ojha bowled without much luck but was very accurate. He would have picked up a couple of wickets but a couple of catches were dropped.
Hyderabad were lacklustre in the field which helped Punjab in the end reach their target with relative ease. They allowed Madan and Sharma to knock the ball around and rotate the strike at will.
Live Score, News & WC 2019 Updates


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I'll keep it short and sweet, because the press release below says it all.
We're officially announcing our latest breakthrough in A.I. and intelligent automation for the healthcare industry.
Read below for more.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 10, 2018)
Digitize.AI Launches Lia, an A.I. Assistant for Healthcare Finance Leaders
Lia uses machine learning and intelligent automation to speed up pre-certifications, lower costs, and boost revenue
CHARLOTTE, NC: Digitize.AI, a fast-growing independent Artificial Intelligence firm, announced today the launch of LiaTM, a patent pending and first of its kind A.I. assistant for healthcare finance leaders.
Lia works with existing software, workflows, and teams to automate, accelerate, and prioritize pre-certification tasks to maximize insurance authorizations and secure revenue for healthcare providers. Trained in machine learning by leading data scientists and engineered by healthcare operations veterans to solve pre-certification challenges, Lia delivers the following benefits:
Back office teams and revenue cycle specialists:
- Faster pre-certifications and improved success rates
- Fewer last-minute filing fire drills, lower denial rates, and fewer data entry errors
- Shared knowledge and systematized processes for the team
- Less repetitive data-entry and better quality of life, at work
CFOs and VPs of revenue cycle management:
- Traceable results and a 12-month ROI guarantee
- Labor productivity gains & lower revenue cycle management costs
- HIPAA-compliant implementations in < 90 days
- No new personnel required
Clinical teams and patients:
- Fewer procedure delays, 11th hour peer reviews, and last minute reschedulings
- Less frustration and burnout caused by payer gamesmanship
- Improved overall patient financial experience
- Fewer billing surprises for support teams
Digitize.AI CEO, Justin Adams, on the launch of Lia:
"We're on a mission to help healthcare finance leaders enrich the financial health of their hospital systems and improve the patient financial experience. Today's pre-certification methods cost US hospitals hundreds of millions of dollars and can chew up dozens of hours each week for physicians—a huge financial burden for healthcare providers. Lia's inherent ability to speed up these processes and make them 'smarter' can alleviate much of this expense and stress. There's been a lot of media focus on A.I. in the clinical environment, which is great. But our team is focused on leading A.I. innovation in the healthcare back office. We want to bring the "sexy" technology to the "unsexy" back office. And being first to market with this patent pending revenue cycle A.I. application is a major milestone."
The Digitize.AI team is currently implementing Lia at a leading southeastern hospital and will unveil Lia to the broader healthcare market at the 2018 HIMSS Annual Conference & Exhibition in Las Vegas. Visit the Digitize.AI website for more information, or to schedule a personalized demo.
About Digitize.AI: Digitize.AI is the leading independent Artificial Intelligence firm in the Southeast. We use Machine Learning and Intelligent Automation technology to help companies digitize internal processes and create a 21st-century digital workforce. Our mission is to grow trust, transparency, and courage in our healthcare communities through the creative and pragmatic application of A.I. https://www.digitize.ai/
Company Leadership: Justin Adams, Co-Founder and CEO; Thomas Gathings, Co-Founder and CTO; Pat Morrell, Co-Founder and VP Customer Success.
Board of Advisors: The Digitize.AI board of advisors includes: Bob Hull, Chairman of the Board of Directors at SPX FLOW, former CFO of Lowe's Companies, Inc., and a member of Deloitte's Finance Executive Advisory Group; Mark Linsz, former Corporate Treasurer at Bank of America and current board member at CNL Strategic Capital (Levine Leichtman) and CNL CCT2 (KKR); Dr. Tammara Combs, CEO of Serendipity Interactive; Robert Brinkley, Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson; Mike Lee, President of Independence Consulting; Tim Sittema, Managing Partner of Crosland Southeast; Mike Seferyn, Chief Information Officer for the Family Dollar division of Dollar Tree; Keith Anthony, Managing Partner of Independence Consulting; and Jay Plueger, SVP of Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Development at AvidXchange, Inc.


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According to a number of brain researchers, the current problems with education result from ignoring the mechanisms of learning. Many people think that pupils learn mainly at school – by listening to their teachers, reading texts from textbooks, or by working with their workbooks. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Human brain learns all the time – but in a totally different manner than schools expect. A brain is not an organ adapted to reproduce information but to process it and to formulate general rules. If the brain is forced to memorise mechanically, it works inefficiently and unwillingly. It needs many examples to learn effectively. The brain fully releases its potential only when it does what it has been created for. It is interesting that pupils learn most intensively when they learn unconsciously or when they completely forget about learning. This is the case when the subject evokes fascination, when learners enter the roles of explorers or experimenters who can independently formulate and prove research hypotheses. The lesson at which the teacher gives information (and pupils are to reproduce it) is perceived in a totally different manner than classes during which pupils discover the rules governing the world and look for answers to intriguing questions. Different neural structures are active in the brain of a pupil-listener and in the brain of a pupil-experimenter.
The questions that arouse curiosity put pupils into a state of readiness to learn and lead to the release of neurotransmitters, and without them the learning process is not possible. According to Professor Manfred Spitzer, a brain researcher from Germany, everything that has already been explained is not very attractive to the brain – it does not stimulate imagination and it does not attract attention. The situation is different with problems that you need to explore or explain. It is those issues that initiate the process of intensive learning as they put neurons into a state of readiness for work and allow full concentration. Knowing this particular property of the brain, it is easy to understand why children who are motivated to learn and willing to work lose their enthusiasm at school so quickly. There are also many indications that simple reproduction of the provided information is too easy and thus too boring, and for this reason it does not initiate the learning process.
In order to develop, young brains constantly need new challenges, which means the right tasks. The creation or selection of such tasks is not simple. Firstly, these tasks should neither be too difficult nor too easy. Secondly, they must be intriguing enough for the brain to decide that it is worth getting involved in solving them. Teachers should keep in mind that things that are typical, banal, predictable or already explained do not activate the so-called novelty and significance detector.
Authors of textbook tasks pay little attention to the type of narrative, while for the brain it is the key issue. If math classes do not leave pupils with conviction that mathematics is useful, their neurons do not release the necessary neurotransmitters. Before making an effort to learn something new, the brain, guided by its own subjective criteria, always "asks" if it is meaningful and useful. Such decisions are made beyond our consciousness. When neurons do not find any convincing arguments for learning, they do not engage their potential.
We all have about 100 billion specialized neurons in our brains. Some of them code places, others are responsible for planning movements, and still others – for the execution of movements. Certain neural structures are activated when we play football ourselves, others – when we watch a football match on a TV screen, and still others – when we read a newspaper report about a match. This seems obvious but our schools function as if the "second-hand" learning about the world was the only possible way.
In contemporary educational system, pupils learn about the world mainly through the verbal channel. It is not difficult to imagine that other structures are active when reading the definition of the azimuth, and still others – when children follow the azimuth with a compass in their hands. Listening or reading is something else for the brain than watching, touching, or building structures. Even the best definition or description cannot be substituted for one's own experience that activates various senses. Last but not least, learning through experience is the only way to watch processes in their specific situational context. That context plays a crucial role because it shows the relationship between concepts and eliminates the risk of misunderstanding. By checking how a magnet works on different materials, pupils experience what magnetism is. If they just read the definition, they may have difficulties to understand such a new concept, or they may misunderstand it. Problems with the sciences prove that many pupils do not understand the matters discussed at school. It is not surprising as pure verbal communication supplemented with few illustrations is, for the brain, the most difficult form of learning. Neurons can only process the information to which they can attach a meaning. Dealing in abstractions without physical objects makes this process considerably more difficult.
In 1953, when Francis Crick and James Watson were working on solving the mystery of DNA, they created a structure of wires and metal plaques in their laboratory. Over the period of a year and a half, newer and newer versions of the structure of plaques corresponding to the four nucleotides forming nucleic acid were created on Watson's desk. Although both researchers knew that to build their model they needed as much adenine as thymine as well as cytosine and guanine, the correct shape of the helix came to their minds only after seeing an X-ray image taken by Rosalind Franklin. The path to understanding the DNA structure led through using physical objects, creating models, further attempts to combine the known elements and endless discussions. Before the researchers managed to find the correct formula, they kept going astray and made many mistakes. Although the discoverers of the DNA structure were undoubtedly brilliant, they had to find support in physical objects when creating the helix model. When learning at school about what Crick and Watson discovered, pupils are only provided with texts with a large number of difficult abstract concepts and several accompanying illustrations. They learn about what has already been discovered and are required to assimilate this knowledge. It is not an attractive task for their brains. They would be much more stimulated to work by information on what still needs to be explained and what problems are waiting to be solved.
It is easy to imagine that a class on the DNA structure could be completely different. Pupils could get coloured elements corresponding to the four nucleic acids to construct the helix model. In this way they could follow the path of Crick and Watson and see how difficult it was what they achieved. Such kits could include a list of tips to help pupils to create the model.
The quoted story of the discovery of the double helix structure of the DNA may be an example of the rivalry between two teams. Crick and Watson worked at Cambridge, while Maurice Wilkinson and Rosalind Franklin tried to solve the mystery of DNA at their London laboratory. They all wanted to be the winners; they all worked with commitment, are were accompanied by strong emotions. Textbooks do not mention it. Pupils get a description and an illustration of the twisted double helix. Only specific concepts, facts and figures are provided. There are no stories of people, no emotions. Instead of juicy, aromatic dishes pupils are served dry sawdust. While the greatest minds needed to deal in physical objects in order to make their discoveries, pupils at school – both the best and the poor ones – have to settle for an abstract concentrate of words and illustrations. Is it easy to understand concepts such as nucleotides, complementarity or ribozymes? When pupils read that transcription means writing information onto the RNA strand – is it really enough for them to get to know what the process is about? Can anyone expect that mere words are enough to understand such difficult concepts? Brain researchers emphasize that for the correct representation to be created in the neural network it is necessary that the discussed concepts are understood, which requires active dealing in them. This means that pupils at school must have time to process the information provided; they must use it in a number of different contexts. Mere listening to the lecture and reading a text in the textbook are far from being enough for the necessary changes to occur in the neural network.
Even the most outstanding researchers have physical objects at their disposal, observe real phenomena, and carry out experiments. Should we believe that words and abstractions are enough for pupils? When asked about the helix, Watson answered that it was beautiful. If textbooks contained some of that fascination, different neural structures would be active in pupils' brains while reading. Today we know that emotions are markers of memory so it is hard to understand why knowledge is still taught at school in the most difficult form for the brain.
Marzena Żylińska, PhD
Marzena deals with the methodology and neuropedagogy, and has a doctorate in teaching foreign languages. She works as a lecturer at the Foreign Language Teacher Training College in Toruń and at the University of Lower Silesia in Wrocław. Marzena promotes a creative usage of new technologies in teaching. She co-organized the European project "School undergoing change". She is the author of teaching materials with the use of findings of brain research. Marzena is also the author the books Postkomunikatywna dydaktyka języków obcych w dobie technologii informacyjnych [Post-Communicative Didactics of Foreign Language Teaching in an Era of Information Technology] (Warsaw 2007) and Neurodydaktyka. Nauczanie i uczenie się przyjazne mózgowi [Neurodidactics. Brain-friendly teaching and learning]. Marzena's blog is "Neurodidactics or neurons in the school bench".
publishing date: 8 September 2014
dr Marzena Żylińska


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Does A Friend Owe You Money
Does A Friend Owe You Money
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If you lent money to a friend or family member and are having trouble getting repaid, there may be a variety of legal options you can pursue. First, if you have a written promissory note, you could certainly try to enforce it in court. Of course, that means suing your friend or family member. Practically speaking, however, if the person can't afford to pay you, it may not help all that much to get a court order for payment. You may be able to get a lien on property secured by the loan and force its sale in order to get paid. Alternatively, you may be able to work out a payment plan with the debtor. Often, working out a manageable plan, rather than resorting to litigation, is a better result for both sides. For more information about collecting on a debt from a friend or family member, contact an experienced attorney in your area today.
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Hello there!
I know this is a bit preemptive, but I just thought I'd let you know that there will not be any post this week after this one as I'm going on a mini-hiatus. I was hoping that I'll be able to postpone this break during the Christmas week, but since I was not able to read anything new this past week, there was no post to write. I will be doing my daily rounds so I will not be completely off the grid. For now, I think I'm just going to spend my time reading.
I'll see you all around! Have a great week!


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Since so many of you are so talented and crafty, I wanted to make sure you were aware of Hobby Lobby's specials for the week—especially with Christmas coming up.
Click here for a link to all this week's specials.
There is also a coupon for 40% off any regularly priced item. Be sure to take that with you, if you're planning a visit!


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Bicycle couriers protest against takeaway food service Deliveroo
Issued on: Modified:
Bicycle couriers working for takeaway service Deliveroo have been protesting in Paris, Bordeaux and Lyon against the elimination of their hourly rate and the company's decision to pay per-delivery only.
Around 50 couriers gathered on the Place de la République in central Paris on Friday evening to protest against the new remuneration system, following protests earlier this month in the two other French cities. In Bordeaux, the couriers also approached the restaurants that Deliveroo works with to ask for their support.
Deliveroo, which employs 7,500 bikers in France and collaborates with 3,000 restaurants, will pay all its bikers per delivery - €5.75 in Paris and €5 outside the capital – starting in September. Those who do not accept the new terms will lose their job.
When Deliveroo, a UK start-up, opened a subsidiary in France in 2015, it paid its couriers an hourly rate of €7.50, plus €2, €3 or €4 per delivery, according to various criteria. In September 2016, it began paying new couriers by delivery only, but allowed those who had been working for the company since 2015 to stick with the old system.
On July 27, longstanding employees were informed by email that the old system was ending and that they, too, would be paid per delivery only.
The emailed letter from the general manager of Deliveroo France, signed simply as Hugues, said that the per-delivery scheme was designed to "maximise" the couriers' "freedom". The company claims that the bikers can earn an average of €14.00 per hour.
However, dozens of couriers have expressed anger at the changes to the way they are paid, which they believe puts them in a precarious situation.
Lack of financial security and physical danger
"Having no financial security makes me afraid," Nacim Moulla, who has been working for Deliveroo in Paris for 18 months, told FRANCE 24. "In July, on my old contract, I was paid to do five hours' work in one evening even though I only had three deliveries. Because I was being paid €7.50 per hour, I had a guaranteed remuneration."
Under the new contract, Moulla – one of many students who work part-time at Deliveroo to help finance their studies – would earn €17.25 for three deliveries, rather than €37.50 for five hours' work, plus delivery bonuses. "With this new contract, I don't know how much I'll earn in September," Moulla added. "But if you disagree, Deliveroo terminates your contract. They don't care about losing a courier because they're recruiting 10 others at the same time."
The lack of a guaranteed, hourly income has other implications. "The number of hours multiplied by €7.50 provided a basic income and we could get housing with that," he says, referring to many landlords' practice of requiring proof of revenue before leasing their property.
Some of the couriers being paid under the new system are unperturbed by the per-delivery scheme, as they speed around trying to make as many deliveries as possible. "Having worked for Foodora, which pays an hourly €7.50 plus €2 per delivery, I can say that I prefer the per-delivery scheme because it's more advantageous if you do three or four orders in an hour," Thomas Depasse told FRANCE 24.
But Jérôme Pimot, co-founder of the Collectif des Livreurs Autonomes de Paris (CLAP) a collective of independent delivery people, believes that the lack of an hourly rate increases the pressure to cycle fast, and therefore increases the risk for accidents. "This means that you're paid to go fast in Paris, in a hyper-urban and hyper-hostile universe," Pimot, a former courier, told TV channel France3.
Protection wanted
Arthur Hay, secretary of the CGT union of bicycle couriers in the Gironde, near Bordeaux, has called for the hourly contract to be reinstated as an optional payment scheme.
"We want a power of negotiation because our demands are never listened to," Hay told French daily L'Humanité. "Before sitting down at a table with them, we want the complete cancellation of this decision to eliminate the hourly contracts and [a clause stating that] the couriers have the choice between the €5 [delivery] contract or the hourly contract."
He added that the couriers, who have an independent "auto-entrepreneur" status, needed the protection of a union in order to argue for better working conditions. The "auto-entrepreneur" status was implemented in 2009 by former president Nicolas Sarkozy to offer an alternative to the traditional salary system, liberating people to operate as independent workers and freeing up companies to hire collaborators without offering them a contract.
'Macronisation' of workplace
Several observers have taken to social media to criticise Deliveroo's payment scheme, believing that the couriers will earn less than the minimum hourly wage of €9.76.
"It's Macronisation! Sorry! Uberisation," wrote David Foit, a left-wing activist, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron's views on the free market economy and to the Uber car service.
Indeed, Macron has vowed to create more opportunities for international start-ups. "We want the pioneers, the innovators, the entrepreneurs of the whole world to come to France and work with us on green technologies, food technologies, artificial intelligence, on all the possible innovation," he said at a Paris gadget show called Vivatech in June, according to AP. "I want France to be a nation that works with and for startups, and a nation that thinks and moves like a startup," he added.
As Deliveroo's couriers adjust to their new contracts, observers are keen to see how working conditions may change during Macron's presidency.


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When you are a first-time parent, you are bombarded with a lot! You can find online all sort of lists telling you the essential things to buy before your newborn arrives, or all of the things you need to do before your baby comes home. Or other less encouraging lists like you should find time to do these things before the baby arrives because you will not have time to do them once your baby comes.
The truth is, I realized that most of the things that people tell you to be essential for your baby´s arrival are not as necessary as one would think. [Read more…] about 3 Tips to Organize Your Home for Baby
Hi, I´m Heidi and I am a Food Science and Technology Engineer with a Master´s Degree, but I am also a stay-at-home-mom. Up until very recently I worked for a multinational company, then I decided that I did not want to miss all the important milestones and quality time of my daughter, so I decided to become a freelancer. I love to do research, read and write articles about Food Benefits, and share my experiences and life-savior tips as a mom. Stay tuned to read parenting lessons, cooking tips, and much more.