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Telecom agents make tough transition to managed services
Some telecom agents are partnering with the IT channel and telecom master agents to explore managed services and combat the threat of VoIP.
Telecom agents are beginning to enter the managed services field and are following the well-traveled path of many a data-oriented VAR.
IT resellers have been making the managed IT services transition since at least the late 1990s, looking for new revenue and margin opportunities. Telecom agents now look to managed services for much the same reason: They want a new revenue source to supplement their traditional business lines.
The managed telecom services segue, while easy enough to envision, can prove difficult to execute. Sales often rest on telecom service arbitrage: Can the telecom agent's voice offering beat the customer's current phone bill on price?
A managed services deal, in contrast, may hinge on more complex factors, and the sales cycle may lengthen accordingly. The service itself is another issue: Telecom agents must either acquire the managed services skills and infrastructure or obtain those services through the partnering route.
As for the latter strategy, telecom master agents have emerged as important intermediaries. Telecom master agents provide access to managed services, offer sales training, and, in some cases, broker partnering arrangements with IT VARs. They also maintain contracts with carriers, which helps agents source telecom solutions. Some of those companies now offer to set up their agent partners in the managed services business.
The role of telecom master agents
Justin Chugg, marketing director at Telarus Inc., a telecom master agent based in Sandy, Utah, estimated that about 40% of the company's telecom agents offer a managed services solution. Telarus offers its agent partners a range of services from managed routers to managed security. Telecom agents who sell such services can significantly boost their income.
As a telecom master agent, Outreach Technology LLC, headquartered in Naples, Fla., started looking for new revenue sources a couple of years ago.
"We wanted to look for a tangential revenue stream," said Pete Keane, president at Outreach.
The company decided to cultivate managed services and transition its telecom agents into that space. Keane said agents can expect, on average, to generate $700 in monthly services revenue per customer location. Managed services, however, can add $2,000 in billing to that amount, based on a fairly typical customer environment of two servers and 18 workstations, he said.
With a 15% margin, profits would increase from around $100 per location to $400 in this managed services scenario.
Another motivation for telecom agents: protecting their accounts.
"For years, IT guys have been taking their business and there's nothing they've been able to do about it," said Alex Rogers, CEO of CharTec, a Hardware as a Service provider.
A three-year phone support contract is all that's keeping the customer with a given agent, Jones said. As the pact winds down, the agent becomes vulnerable. An IT reseller can step in with a Voice over IP solution and a wider set of managed IT services, while the agent is limited to voice.
"When a solution provider leaves a gap in their portfolio, it opens the door to another company to take over the deal," Chugg said. Adding managed services to that portfolio helps agents "solidify a complete solution for their clients," he said.
Barriers and challenges facing telecom agents
Rogers said it's much easier for IT specialists to move into the voice space than it is for voice resellers to move into IT. He said the task of preparing telecom agents to sell managed services has been slow going.
"It's a totally different sell," Jones said. "It's not as simple as getting the phone bill and doing the math. They have to go into discovery mode."
Jones said the discovery phase involves asking prospects a few key questions, and their answers help build a managed services sales presentation. Among the questions: How much server downtime did the customer experience in the last year? How much money did it spend on copier maintenance? Is the customer an eight-to-five organization, or does it need after-hours support?
The managed services sales approach marks quite a departure from analyzing a phone bill, Jones said.
"That's been the biggest challenge: getting telecom agents up and trained," he noted.
Lack of managed services knowledge is another barrier.
"Telecom agents don't know what they don't know when it comes to IT managed services," Keane said. "And we were no different."
Keane said attending ASCII Group and CompTIA events helped get his company up to speed on managed services. As for the learning curve, he pointed to the logistics of managing customers with multiple locations as a particularly tricky area.
Partnering options for telecom agents
Teaming up provides one way for telecom agents to plug the managed services gap. A two-pronged partnership between CharTec and Outreach Technology is one example: Outreach agents sell CharTec's managed services, and CharTec's IT-oriented partners provide on-site installation and tech support. The combination expands a telecom agent's portfolio and covers the logistical challenge of providing localized on-site services. CharTec partners obtain more feet on the street in the form of Outreach's network of telecom agents.
The alliance builds ties between agents and IT providers. When a telecom agent finds a business opportunity, Outreach engages the appropriate local CharTec dealer who then signs a contract. The contract spells out the rules of engagement, defining the responsibilities of each party.
In Telarus' case, telecom agents may tap the company's carrier relationships to offer managed services. Telarus' alliance with EarthLink Inc., for instance, lets agents sell a range of managed services including hosted security, managed security, data center and virtualization, managed routers, managed phone systems, managed colocation and managed firewall, Chugg explained.
Bandwave Systems Inc., a Philadelphia bandwidth services VAR, offers a backup and data recovery solution, putting its agents in a position to pick up a piece of business that might otherwise wind up going to an IT provider.
"It's an add-on product for us," said Tom Azelby, managing partner at Bandwave.
In another take on managed services, Bandwave recently debuted its Cable-Connect aggregation service, which pulls together national business cable providers for agents with multi-region projects. Cable-Connect includes a monitoring service that spans end points -- the routers and modems.
John Moore is a Syracuse, N.Y.-based freelance writer, reachable at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Let us know what you think about the story; email Leah Rosin at email@example.com, or follow us on twitter.


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I personally think day two at a festival is the hardest. You get over eager on the Friday and inevitably have a few too many. Sunday's easier as you tend to (not always, mind you) have learned your lesson. So with a slightly delicate head on the Saturday, I started my day with a band to shake off the cobwebs after a long and very wet Friday at Y Not Festival 2013. The band I'm talking about are an act who have been hyped beyond belief by BBC radio in recent months.
Hailing from Sheffield the band consisting of two brothers, Drenge, took to the stage to a swelling crowd as the day was still young. Feedback galore and riffs to shake your insides out they made a hell of a racket for a two piece. Their latest single "Face Like A Skull" got the crowd energised and they went down as easy as the days third real ale. The only problem with the entire thing was the way the drum kit was Mic'd up. The snare was far too loud. I'm one of this people who blinks with incredibly loud noises and I was on and off like an Xbox controller on its last legs. Still, the set was great.
As the ay progressed I explored the grounds a little more. The festival itself is cosy. You don't have to walk any longer than 10 minutes to get to where you want to be. At one point I was approached to be asked if I wanted a back massage by a lovely lady who took donations if it was decent. I declined at this point but I saw many a person take the pair up on their free back rubs. The general atmosphere of the entire fest is something I wish everyone could experience. It's so relaxed and friendly. You can strike up a conversation with anyone and they'll offer one back. Sure, it could be a drunken rambling about their last pair of wellies but it's fun.
Back to the music. Up next on the Big Gin Stage were Swim Deep, another band gaining momentum in the past few months. On the surface they look like every other indie and you can imagine. Shaggy hair and floral shirts, but their delivery of their songs was honest. Considering the hectic year they've had they delivered a solid set and for a mid level band on the bill they pulled in a decent crowd. As I went to grab a coat from my tent, I saw the boys walk off stage and have a kick about with a football before some of their interviews. They seemed relaxed and accomplished. They seemed to have enjoyed their outing in Derbyshire.
Another band who've been thrust into the limelight over the past 6 months are a band we've had endless love for from day one here on SKOA; The 1975. I wandered over to The Quarry tent to be greeted by a sea of people surging 15feet from the entrances. Their was no way in to the tent as the band delivered perfect indie pop to the heaving afternoon crowd. Luckily the sun was shining and I could sit and admire how far the Manchester based band had come in such a short time. Their singles "Sex" and "The City" were greeted with raucous applause and cheers from the crowd. I think they'll be not he main stage of many a festival in 2014.
Back to the main stage now for a throwback of kinds in the form of Ash. A band who Ive personally not listened to in a good 10 years. Which is kind of odd really considering they're probably right at the top of my iTunes collection when it's opened. They opened with "A Life Less Ordinary" before going straight into "A Girl From Mars" which had me bouncing up and down like a teenage boy once more. Not bad for a song that came out when I was 6 years old. The set was stellar and they ended on their biggest hit "Burn Baby Burn" and like that they were gone. Who knows when I'll next listen to them, but they made me happy and that's all you can ask from a live show really.
To the main event of the evening. The second band of brothers to take to the Big Gin Stage on Friday were Wakefield's finest export The Cribs. As the Jarman family took to the stage the crowd was the largest I've witnessed at my two years attending the festival. Heads as far as the eye could see. It's no Glastonbury Pyramid stage but it felt like something special was about to go down, and it did. "Chi-Town" tour the place apart within the opening seconds and the crowd was bouncing, swaying from side to side as it surged. People fell down, they got picked up. The set was purely the hits. It's easy to forget how much great material these lads have. "I'm A Realist" , "Cheat On Me", "Mirror Kissers", "Hey Scenesters" and "Men's Needs" all made an appearance. It was one of those sets where it felt like it ended too quickly. As it ended, another day did also.
Ryan Jarman would later take to twitter to state: I could try to explain how amazing [Y Not Festival ]was last night, but I just can't. One of the best Cribs shows ever." Saturday was a good day.

subset: commoncrawl


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Here's an inside look on what the Beauty with Julie gals have in their makeup kits at all times!
Individual eyelashes are a must for your wedding day! Do you want eyelashes that are darker, longer, more voluminous, and look great in pictures? The Beauty with Julie girls have just what you need! Our individual short lashes provide more volume, while the medium and long lashes are perfect for length. Most of our clients look great in black lashes, but for our fairer clients who have a lighter shade of lashes we recommend using brown eyelashes to avoid any harshness.
It only takes us an additional 5-10 minutes to apply these lashes during your make-up application so it is totally worth it! We use a mild adhesive to glue them onto the lashline one cluster at a time. This is usually done before mascara and foundation. The last step is a light coat of mascara to blend your natural lashes into your new falsies. They can be removed by soaking a warm washcloth on your eye and gently wiping them off, or using an eye makeup remover, baby oil, or makeup wipe. Individual lashes do not attach to your actual eyelashes so don't worry about loosing your real ones! The best part? Many of our clients individual eyelashes last up to 1 week with the proper care. We recommend not letting any water run on them and avoid touching/rubbing your eyes. Honeymooning after your special day? Who wouldn't want their lashes to stay on for days after their wedding?!
Love your lashes Xo


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The blogging landscape has changed dramatically compared to when I first started blogging as an angsty teen in several now-defunct blogging platforms. Just having a blog makes you already cool during that time. Compare that to the present where everyone seems to have a blog from your great-grandma to your pet cockatoo. Now everyone's vying for attention. A survival method that many bloggers have adapted today is to prioritize the building of relationships with fellow bloggers. This isn't how it was when I started blogging.
I always emphasize the importance of actively interacting with other bloggers in many of my previous Blogging Tips posts. I'm not an expert—far from it—and Fujinsei is not popular, but people do come to me seeking for advice on how to get their new blogs noticed. The number one advice I give them is to read other bloggers' posts and comment to start discussions. Perhaps it's pride, but unfortunately a lot of them don't like this advice. They tell me:
"I created a blog for people to read MY posts and make ME popular, not to read OTHER's posts and make THEM popular."
Whoa! Ooo-kaaaay? After that, I channeled my inner phantom and poofed myself out of their ways. Didn't want to be associated with this kind of people, I'm not sorry to say. My point is that this kind of ME as the centre of the universe mentality won't work in today's blogging landscape. How about ride a time machine and go back 10 years before? Perhaps your way of thinking might still work. Who knows?
From ME to WE
I don't think that Fujinsei would be as fun and as fulfilling as it is now, if it weren't for the wonderful blog buddies I've made. You know who you are, Friends of Fujinsei! Most anibloggers here at WordPress know each other, and I'm super proud to be part of this awesome community. Most of us aren't pro bloggers, but that doesn't stop us from aspiring to become better bloggers compared to how we were when we first started. We successfully built this amazing community not because we focused on ME but because we fostered a WE mentality that unites us all.
We are stronger together than we are alone.
Saying all of these, I always make it a priority to read my blog buddies' posts first before everyone else's. After them, I go out of my way to look for oh-my-freaking-gosh-this-is-super-awesome kind of posts. Believe me, I really do enjoy reading other people's posts, especially when their posts are oh-my-freaking-gosh-AWESOME. Unfortunately, however nice I aim to be, I can't always read everyone's posts. That's just not possible. There are many reasons why I may not read your posts. Here are some of them:
10 Reasons Why I'm NOT Reading Your Blog Posts
1. You're a rude, misogynistic, racist, narrow-minded a-hole.
Need I say more?
2. Your post is boring.
Boring post title, boring content. Whenever I see a generic post title that I've seen used in thousands of other posts, I don't even bother reading the rest.
Examples of boring, generic titles:
•"<insert anime title> Review"
•"<insert anime title> Episode <#> Review"
Examples of Intriguing titles:
•"How I Lost Weight Watching Anime and How You Can Do It, Too"
•"10 Evidences that the Anime Industry Will Collapse in 10 Years"
. . .or something along these lines.
Pique my curiosity with an intriguing headline. Interest me. Fascinate me. Tempt me. Annoy me. Infuriate me. I love reading facts equally as I love reading rants, especially conspiracy theories. Make me laugh. Make me cry. And most importantly, make me THINK.
3. You're just reposting exactly what I already read elsewhere.
Please, please, PLEASE don't COPY-PASTE content. That's stealing, which I personally had an infuriating experience before. Of course, you can always cite posts from other websites as long as you give proper credits. But frankly, I'd rather read an original reaction, impression, rant, or opinion than waste my time reading an exact reproduction of an article that I've already read from a more reputable source than your blog.
4. Your post is hard to read.
Big blocks of text. Fonts too distracting. Lots of spelling and grammar errors. Ah, my eyes! How about toning things down a bit? What I care about is the content of your post, not the blinking lights nor the neon colours of your fonts.
5. Your blog is not mobile-friendly.
A fact about me: For the majority of blog posts, I read using my smartphone or tablet. Very convenient. So if you receive a comment from me and it's filled with typos, blame my phone and not my grammar skills, okay? There are so many responsive blog themes available right now. I still don't know why some aren't updating theirs to become mobile-friendly. Just try reading a blog post that isn't mobile-friendly and I guarantee that you'll exhaust your eyes and fingers zooming in and out, scrolling up and down and left and right, trying to read a single sentence. What a hassle.
6. Your post is either TOO SHORT or TOO LONG.
Too short: Why don't you tweet it instead?
Another fact about me: I love reading LONG posts, but please don't make yours novel-length. Don't get me wrong. I won't just read every long post I encounter. I want long posts that have substance. Long posts that make me think. Long posts that teach me new things.
7. Your post has no pictures.
Anime and manga are such visual media. If you're an aniblogger like me, use images for goodness' sake! Yet another fact about me: The first thing I notice is your post title and its featured image (if available). But don't get me wrong. I also read picture-less posts, but only if you've already established yourself as a controversial blogger or a writer of substance. If not, well, too bad.
8. I don't subscribe to your blog.
If I don't follow your blog, how do I even read your posts? You can always introduce yourself to me, of course, but ultimately it all depends on whether I like the content of your blog or not. Focus on providing quality content that are either informative or entertaining or both.
9. Your post got lost in the traffic of my reader.
I think I'm not the only one experiencing this: not all posts by the blogs I follow appear on my WordPress Reader. I suggest that you post regularly; once a week, if you can. If I see your name regularly in my reader, trust me, I'll remember you.
10. Your post isn't relevant to ME!
If your blog is about sports fishing or the quantum dynamics of atomic optics (I absolutely have no idea what the heck this means), don't expect me to read your posts. (shudders) It still shocks me to receive e-mails from random new bloggers asking me to go visit and comment on their blogs when they blog about topics that I wouldn't even be interested in. They don't even take the time to check what type of blogger I am. How rude, insensitive, and disrespectful. Ugh. Know your audience first and research the people who blog about the same topics as you, then contact those bloggers. Don't bother other bloggers that have nothing to do with your field. You're not only wasting their time but yours, as well.
Thank you very much for reading this LONG post until the end. I really appreciate it. I hope that you found this post helpful, or at the very least entertaining. How about you? What are the most common reasons you have for not reading others' posts?
That's all for today, folks. Have an awesome day. Cheers!
Loved what you read? Share this post with your friends. Also feel free to connect and follow Arria on Twitter and this site on Google+. Also like Fujinsei's Facebook page. Thanks!
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$ 8.50
This product is compatible with the E3D cartridge style heater block on the Volcano.
The sock provides the additional benefit of insulating your heat source. This allows for more cooling of your print for better bridges and overhangs without the concern of accidentally cooling your nozzle and causing temperature fluctuations (or the dreaded temp fall error). It also insulates your part from the heat generated from the heater block which will cause some improvement in quality.
It is expected that this sock may become worn or damaged over time, and they're cheap enough that the shipping is more than the cost of one piece, so we've bundled them into multi packs. Your future self will thank us.


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Some great discussions are currently underway on the Unclutterer Forums:
- A Thing A Day: Uncluttering your home one thing at a time (The challenge continues with more than 116 participants. I absolutely love reading about the things people are letting go.)
- The Pantry Clean-Up Game
- Uncluttered vs minimalist
Be sure to check it out and add your thoughts to the mix. Remember, you can start your own thread (which our system calls a "topic") by clicking the "Add New" link under Latest Discussions on the Forum homepage.
If you use an RSS reader to follow your favorite blogs, you can easily keep track of what's going on in our new forums. Add the feed for latest topics or all the latest posts. You can even follow specific topics using the RSS link just below each topic's title, or create an RSS feed of your own by adding topics as favorites.


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Falling America, Rising China and Korea
Market Watch posted an article titled "America is now No.2."
According to the IMF, the U.S. economy is 17.4 trillion dollars, which falls behind China's 17.6 trillion dollars.
Also, the U.S. takes 16.3% of the entire world economy,
which is second to China's 16.5% in terms of purchasing power.
China is Korea's closest country.
So far, America has been No.1 economic power in the world. But now, it is No.2.
Chinese people have preferred Korean products, Korean culture,
and Korean contents since a long time ago.
They all know Korea's famous food, cosmetic products, and clothing brands.
Many Korean firms have advanced into China,
and their stock prices have gone up more than 2 times.
Now, America does not exist in Korean society.
Korea's Samsung picked China's Xiaomi, not Apple, as its competitor.
Black Friday is becoming popular,
but China's Alibaba has already exceeded eBay and Amazon.
There are more people who speak Chinese than English.
Americans must learn Chinese as a requirement for America to grow.
Put down western culture, and learn eastern culture.
Put down forks and use chopsticks.


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Keynote Speakers
We are excited and honoured to announce our four keynote speakers for the conference:
Roger Scruton, visiting Professor in the School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies at the University of St Andrews, UK; Visiting Professor philosophy, Oxford University, UK
Estelle Jorgensen, Faculty in the Center for Research and Residencies, Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, Walden University, USA
Göran Larsson, Professor History of Religions, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Lauri Väkevä, Professor Music Education, Sibelius Academy University of the Arts Helsinki
Roger Scruton, University of Oxford; University of St. Andrews, UK
Why Music Matters
Music engages us in many ways. We listen to it, perform it, dance to it, and sometimes compose it. It accompanies other activities, such as marching, praying, studying, working. And increasingly it occurs in the background of life, piped through loudspeakers in public spaces, sounding in iPods and in the soundtrack of movies. The inescapable nature of music in modern life has accompanied a retreat of the critical faculty. It is no longer considered appropriate or even possible to judge musical taste or to comment on the good or bad ways of listening, the good or bad ways of performing, the good or bad ways of creating music. Music is like the digestive system: it works differently in different people, but no one is to be either praised or blamed for it, and everything goes.
If we take this attitude, however, we find it very hard to say anything coherent about musical education. In the days when people were taught harmony and counterpoint, singing in choirs, and the art of listening to the classical repertoire it seemed clear that there was a musical curriculum. There were things that it was necessary to learn if this art were to be fully opened to the consciousness of the student. Teachers had an idea of seriousness in music, of the difference between the works that have something to say, and those that are mere entertainment, of the musical touchstones, which convey a content that can in some way change the life of the one who encounters them. Was that all an illusion? If it was, then what is the place of music in the curriculum? Is it reduced to the skills required for performance, without regard to the things performed? Do schools have nothing to teach other than acquainting pupils with what they already know, or allowing them to explore whatever repertoire appeals to them?
But if the old idea of music appreciation was not an illusion on what was it founded? Why does music, as it once was taught, really matter? From Plato to Adorno philosophers have given radical and sometimes troubling answers to this question, and I attempt to address it anew, from the perspective of analytical philosophy, by giving a theory of the place of music in the life of the mind.
For a biography and other information regarding Roger Scruton, please visit his webpage: http://www.roger-scruton.com/
Estelle Jorgensen, Indiana University, USA
On the Role of Religion in Music Education
This presentation addresses the following philosophical questions: Why should music education construed broadly critically engage the religions? What problems arise for music education when it engages the religions? How should music educators navigate the intersections of music, education, and religion?
Estelle Jorgensen is Professor Emerita of Music (Music Education) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and Faculty in the Center for Research and Residencies in the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, Walden University, USA. She holds honorary doctorates in music from Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts, Finland, and Andrews University, U.S.A. She is the founder of the Philosophy Special Research Interest Group of the National Association for Music Education and co-founder of the International Society for the Philosophy of Music Education, and has led or contributed to international philosophical symposia in Bloomington, Indiana, USA (1990), Los Angeles, California, USA (1994), Toronto, Ontario, Canada (1997), Birmingham, United Kingdom (2000), Lake Forest, Illinois, USA (2003), London, Ontario (2005), Hamburg, Germany (2007), Helsinki, Finland (2010), and New York City, New York, USA (2013). She is the editor of the Philosophy of Music Education Review and the Counterpoints: Music and Education book series published by Indiana University Press and Philosopher-Teacher-Musician: Contemporary Perspectives on Music Education (1993), and the author of four solo books--In Search of Music Education (1997), Transforming Music Education (2003), The Art of Teaching Music (2008), and Pictures of Music Education (2011)--and numerous articles in leading music education journals internationally.
Göran Larsson, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Why should religious leaders care about music? A cognitive approach to religion and music
It is evident that many religious leaders are concerned about music. Many see music as a way of expressing their beliefs in the form of psalms, hymns and devotional music. Thus it may be seen that music confirms, upholds and teaches religious doctrines and religious ways of life. However, it is also evident that "wrong" musics can be perceived as a threat to individuals' religious identities and convictions. What kinds of music, and indeed considerations of what is music, is also an ongoing debate among many religious leaders. Is the recitation of the Quran music? Is it appropriate for Muslims to listen to Western pop music? Should Christians listen to Heavy Metal music? It is evident that religious leaders are often compelled to take a stance with regards to music. Should their followers listen to music, specific kinds of music, or should they abstain from listening to music at all? From this perspective, music is a pedagogical concern.
In order to discuss and explain why the concerns of religious leaders might be justified with regards to the relations between music and religion, it is also necessary to discuss the cognitive impacts of music on the individual. What happens in the brain and our cognitive systems when we listen to music? Does the brain go through similar experiences when exposed to religious expressions (for example, services, chants, hymns, recitations)?
Göran Larsson is professor of religious studies at the department of literature, history of ideas, and religion at the university of Gothenburg, Sweden. His research is mainly focused on Islam and Muslims in Europe.
For more information about Larsson's research please go to: http://www.lir.gu.se/english/staff/teachers-and-researchers/goran-larsson/
Lauri Väkevä, Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland
Religious repertoire in general music education: spiritual indoctrination or cultural dialogue?
This presentation examines the philosophical, political and cultural implications of religious repertoire in Finnish general music education. Finnish public education is non-denominational by law, meaning that devotional practices should be restricted from teaching (including teaching of religion). Some commentators have stated that this premise is violated by the ongoing tradition of performing Lutheran songs at school events, such as spring and Christmas celebrations, arguing that pupils are either forced to participate in the religious practices of the majority or marginalized from such events as a result of their religious (or non-religious) beliefs.
Theoretically, this discussion can be examined against a historical-ideological tension caused by modern differentiation in Finnish society. The public school curriculum was established largely on Lutheran ideological premises; however, along with other school subjects, music later took later a secular and autonomous character, with pedagogy focusing on holistic musico-artistic development of the child independent of religious upbringing. The present attempt to maintain Lutheran musical practices in secular school can perhaps be seen as one sign of a need to recognize a cultural field of interpenetration that is hoped to unify differentiated aspects of Finnish culture under a set of values allegedly shared by majority of Finns.
Perhaps because of this need, school-based musical-religious practices are today often defended with cultural historical arguments, not infrequently with nationalist overtones. In this discourse, it seems to be sometimes taken for granted that Lutheran music represents something of perennial value in Finnish culture and is therefore worth preserving in public education. It has been also suggested that performing religious repertoire in school events is not really a devotional practice, but part of cultural presentation that should be a part of the upbringing of every Finn. While obviously problematic from the standpoint of religious equity, such arguments hint at the rhetorical possibility of justifying devotional music in school from the standpoint of cultural formation, or Bildung. However, in line with critical theories of Bildung, I will argue that the educational value of such practices cannot be credibly justified in terms of an allegedly unified national cultural tradition, but only as part of critical representation of a variety of cultural beliefs. This necessitates an egalitarian and voluntary approach to musical-devotional practices. While attempts to impose the religious practices of the majority upon all students needs to be criticized, this does not necessitate that Finnish school should not have room for religion-related cultural dialogue, as long as this dialogue allows for a variety of voices to be heard. In such conditions, religious music in school could become a matter of cultural dialogue rather than spiritual indoctrination.
Lauri Väkevä is professor in music education at University of Arts Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland. A co-author of three books, he has also published book chapters and articles in peer-reviewed journals, as well as presented papers in international conferences in the fields of music education, musicology, music history, and popular music studies. His main research interests cover Afro-American music, popular music pedagogy, history of popular music, pragmatist aesthetics, philosophy of music education, informal learning and digital music culture. Aside of academic career, his work assignments have covered working as a musician, music journalist, general music teacher, and instrumental teacher.


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Jane the Virgin Creator Explains That Heart-Stopping Final Twist
Apr 19, 2018 10:00 PM EDT
[Warning: The following contains spoilers for Jane the Virgin's Season 4 finale. Read at your own risk!] We can't believe we've already come to the end of another season of Jane the Virgin. With only 17 episodes, Season 4 was easily the shortest seas… Read more


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The big battle over overseas profits
Because of the law's lax safeguards, firms that took advantage of the tax break in 2004 "did not … significantly increase employment or research and development," Dhammika Dharmapala, an expert on tax policy, and one of the authors of a National Bureau of Economic Research study of the 2004 holiday, told iWatch News.
The language of the law expressly forbade companies from using repatriated funds for stock buybacks or executive compensation. But that did not prevent companies from doing so — the research bureau calculated that from 60 percent to 92 percent of the money repatriated was paid out to shareholders.
Drug giant Pfizer, which repatriated the single largest chunk of cash — $37 billion — announced that it was laying off thousands of employees in 2005. Yet from 2004 through 2006, according to the Senate inquiry, Pfizer repurchased more than $17 billion of its stock and awarded its five most highly compensated executives with shares worth $30 million.
"If you're looking for straight-up, direct job creation, the evidence isn't there," says Michael Mundaca, until this spring assistant secretary of the Treasury for tax policy in the Obama administration.
The financial return for lobbying in the 2004 debate is indicative of why firms have once more embraced the goal. According to one University of Kansas study, companies reaped $220 in tax benefits for every $1 spent on lobbying — a 22,000 percent return.
WIN spent the first nine months of this year actively lobbying for a repatriation bill in Congress. It spent $380,000 to target lawmakers with a total of eight lobbyists, including a former congressman and several former congressional staffers with ties to co-sponsors of the bill.
• Jim McCrery, a former congressman who represented Louisiana's 4th District until 2009.
• Drew Goesl, who served as chief of staff for Rep. Mike Ross and communications director for Sen. Blanche Lincoln, both Arkansas Democrats; Ross is a co-sponsor of the House bill.
• Tucker Shumack, a former legislative assistant for Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), a co-sponsor of the Senate bill.
• Dena Battle, a former legislative director for Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.), who as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has sway over U.S. tax policy.
• Jeff Forbes, a former staff director on the Senate Finance Committee.
• Libby Greer, a former chief of staff for former Rep. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.).


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My love for sarees is undying.
And I have decided to experiment with styling them differently than I usually do.
Take a look at what I will be wearing this Diwali. :)
Saree: FashionandYou | Nose Ring & Bangles: Srinagar, Kashmir
Chain ring: Youshine | On my Lips: Colorbar Oh My Magenta
Chain ring: Youshine | On my Lips: Colorbar Oh My Magenta
I usually pair my sarees with a nice pair of danglers but this time I decided to try something I never had before. A jacket and a stunning Nathni (Nose Ring) to add an edge.
I am on Instagram too. Having lot of fun with daily photos.
Do follow me there.
Also check out my Youtube channel.
Also check out my Youtube channel.


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How is this cycling hunching ergonomically good
Monday, February 29, 2016 1:10:48 AM America/Los_Angeles
Source: Reddit
First, the spine is not meant to be straight, we have an "S" curve in our spine and a proper, fully supported posture on a seat includes that curve. "Sit up straight" is a long held, incorrect approach to posture. What you should think of is "Don't sit on your tail, but, sit tall" while imagining you have a tail coming out where your tailbone is. Horse riders know what I'm talking about.That said, we're talking about riding a bicycle, not sitting. When you are riding, you are supporting yourself at four to five points, depending on situation. Two feet, two hands, and your seat. The way you will risk hurting your back with bad posture is if you put yourself in a position where you use your back to lift, yourself or something else, and the leverage is too great. But on a bike you're just holding yourself up, without major sudden movements, and with assistance from multiple limbs. Also, you build strength in the relevant areas over time further reducing chance of injury.
Still, it's hardly a comfortable position and you can develop muscle fatigue over time which is something a training athlete would need to be aware of so that they don't end up with a minor muscle injury that leads them to a more major back injury. And for some people, it's simply not a tolerable position. Those people will not be professional cyclists.
Anthropologically speaking, humans didn't evolve a skeleton for sitting on our asses anyway, we evolved to crouch, which is interestingly very similar to the position held by a cyclist. You see it quite commonly in more primitive tribes, but, not only there. It's so common in some eastern cultures that it has a nickname of "asian squat."
Racing cyclists try to keep their torsos as low as possible for better aerodynamics. At the same time, they have to keep their hips open so they can push the pedals with force (and avoid sitting on their soft parts). That means they have to have a curved back.
Many competitive cyclists do exercises like yoga to develop the strength and flexibility they need to ride like that. They are also naturally tough people who train themselves to ignore discomfort.


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MiJET Deluxe Wash Station for 8" dia. MiJET - with a rectangular Stainless Steel Solvent Container & Parts Basket. Includes table with butcher block top and wheels, enclosed on three sides with retainer hook for easy removal of container for emptying. Loc-Line nozzle, flow control, pneumatic fluid pump, fluid filter, and hand-held air nozzle.
Part Number: 16-08-WSH-SS
Dimensions: 35" H x 24.25"L x 24.25" Depth
Weight: 142 lbs.


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Total Gym / Strength
The Total Gym Core Trainer targets the core musculature as a whole to enhance abdominal muscle definition while improving overall stability of the trunk. Designed to facilitate a plank, the Core Trainer is built on an incline making it easy to begin at the user's ability level, then allows the exercise specialist to increase the difficulty by changing their body position or adding movement for increased instability.
The Elevate™ Line is Total Gym's revolutionary commercial product range of bodyweight-resistance, single station machines. The unique line is ideal for personal training, as a dedicated self-serve circuit on the gym floor, or as the foundation for a group training program.
The Total Gym Elevate Line features four pieces of equipment to target the legs, upper body and core with over 40 different exercises that can be performed across all stations. Each piece of equipment provides the benefits of functional training using the individual's bodyweight as resistance. Simple to follow instructional images are clearly displayed allowing members to use the equipment straight away.
Further Description: Warranty - 5 years on the frame, 1 year on moving parts
Dimensions - l 1800mm x w 600mm x h 800mm
Weight - 36kg
Maximum User Capacity - 160kg


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Perhaps the most egregious of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' industry ties are those with Big Soda (Coca-Cola and PepsiCo).
In this Time magazine piece, Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity director Kelly Brownell details the beverage industry's tactics — most of which are borrowed from Big Tobacco's playbook — against public health policy.
He even touches on the Academy's ties to these companies in his concluding paragraph:
"The tobacco industry paid scientists who did research disputing links between smoking and lung cancer, the addictive nature of nicotine, and the dangers of second-hand smoke. The soda industry funds scientists who reliably produce research showing no link between SSB consumption and health. The tobacco industry bought favor from community and national organizations by giving large donations. In an ironic twist, Coca Cola and PepsiCo are corporate sponsors of the American Dietetic Association."
The Academy has constantly mentioned its desire to have dietitians recognized as nutrition experts. If this is a big priority, then cutting ties with soda companies should be a top priority.


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They were slashed from something like 26/1 to 6/1 after last night
I was confident we would qualify but the buck lies with him and I wonder if there is some fall out behind the scenes with Collins.His comments about the lack of competition in the Premiership and how we suffer in europe from it seems like a dig at Deliah for signing all that guff from dundeeutd and Hibs. Mackay-Stevens on a free was a worthy signing, I am still scunnered at paying £1.5 for the biting dud Ciftci :/
He offered us nothing in Europe and now he is finally able to play in the league I fully expect him to be restricted to the odd late substitution appearance. Scott Allan signing was funny, because it *********ed off the filth, but lets be real, this is another questionable signing. We would do no worse with Collins in charge, and I do actually believe we would have looked further afield for our signing targets!
Hearts and Aberdeen have both made excellent starts and if this continues the pressure


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Beer News
Monday, 01 February 2016 00:00
Coachella Valley Brewing Company Continues to Put the Valley on the Map by announcing distribution to Nevada with relationship Johnson Brothers, Inc.Written by Erin Peters
Thousand Palms,California February 1,2016 Coachella Valley Brewing Co. ("CVB") is proud to announce expansion of distribution to Nevada starting February 3,2016.
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Monday, 28 September 2015 00:00
QUADRUPLE: FIRESTONE WALKER EARNS TOP HONORS AT GABF FOR 4th TIMEWritten by Erin Peters
Paso Robles, CA—Brewmaster Matt Brynildson and his brewing team at Firestone Walker Brewing Company continue to spin gold, earning "Mid-Size Brewing Company and Mid-Size Brewer of The Year" honors once again at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival® held this weekend in Denver, Colorado.
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Wednesday, 09 September 2015 00:00
Mad River Brewing Announces New CEOWritten by Erin Peters
Blue Lake, CA – Mad River Brewing Company is excited to announce that Tom Del Sarto has joined their team as CEO. Del Sarto comes to Mad River with over 35 years of experience in the beer business. He began his career at Coors West Distributing on the San Francisco peninsula working his way up to Vice President/Managing Partner before transitioning his team to South Bay Beverage, the Miller/Coors distributorship in Santa Clara County. Del Sarto is replacing Charlie Jordan, who has accepted a leadership position with a virtually located company that allows her more flexibility to spend time with family. "It is a very exciting time at Mad River right now," said Ms. Jordan. "I am grateful to the owners for trusting me to lead the company through several changes including the completion of a brand refresh." For the past eight years, Del Sarto has provided consulting services to…
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Monday, 14 September 2015 00:00
Coachella Valley Brewing Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Significant SuccessWritten by Erin Peters
(Thousand Palms, CA) – Locally owned and operated Coachella Valley Brewing Co (CVB) will celebrate its second anniversary of craft beer brewing at its Thousand Palms brewery in October. The first two years of business have brought the company numerous accomplishments, including increased distribution, multiple industry awards, and doubled sales from the previous year. To celebrate its second anniversary with devoted fans and the community, CVB will hold a beer festival-style party at its brewery with live music and food vendors on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 2 – 9 p.m. David Humphrey, CVB Co-founder and CEO, said: "I'm so proud of what the brewery has been able to accomplish in just two short years. We have positioned ourselves for growth without compromising our core values – producing beer that reflects our valley and all that makes it special. The past two years have been an amazing journey and our upcoming…
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Sunday, 13 September 2015 00:02
SB Hustlers to host Shakes'Beer Festival at SB Historical MuseumWritten by Erin Peters
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Wednesday, 24 June 2015 17:44
Lagunitas Brewing Set To Open Next Brewery in Azusa, CAWritten by Erin Peters
(Petaluma,CA) – Owner Tony MacGee casually announced on Twitter that they will be opening their third brewing facility in Azusa, CA. Their new building is already under construction, hoping for launch in early 2017. Here are the tweets:
Wednesday, 17 June 2015 21:12
"We Saw Them Coming" A Watermelon Saison collaboration with Three Weavers Brewing CompanyWritten by Erin Peters
As part of 21st Amendment's launch events in Southern California (June 17th – June 20th ) and the run-up to LA Beer Week, brewmaster Shaun O'Sullivan has teamed up with his good friend Alexandra Nowell, the head brewer at Three Weavers Brewing Company in Inglewood, CA to produce a crisp and delicious watermelon Saison called "We Saw Them Coming." The beer has the refreshing quality of a Belgian-style Saison and the unique and summery quality of real watermelon, and weighs in at 6.3% ABV.
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Friday, 22 May 2015 16:04
VIVA "LA PICCOLA"Written by Erin Peters
Collaborative Cross-Continental Dark Saison to Debut at Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest Paso Robles, CA: Multiple versions of the same collaborative dark saison wild ale—called La Piccola—will be unveiled at the 2015 Firestone Walker Invitational Beer Fest on May 30, capping off a year of cross-continental brewing hijinks between brewmasters Agostino Arioli of Birrificio Italiano and Matt Brynildson of Firestone Walker Brewing Company.
Thursday, 21 May 2015 16:16
Victory Brewing Summer Love Comes in CansWritten by Erin Peters
Victory Brewing Company (Downingtown, PA) is rolling out their first canned offerings 2015. The newly build Parkesburg location has around 5,000 square feet designated for can filling and packaging. First up: Victory Summer Love.
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Wednesday, 29 April 2015 23:54
Green Flash Opens Cellar 3Written by Erin Peters
Poway, CA – On Saturday, May 16th, Green Flash Brewing Co. executives and City of Poway officials will gather in front of a crowd of local beer and art lovers to tap the inaugural cask, marking their much-anticipated public grand opening of Green Flash Cellar 3. The San Diego craft brewery's 2nd regional packaging facility and tasting room is dedicated to the production of rare and barrel-aged Green Flash beers.
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Tuesday, 17 March 2015 00:00
Easy Jack Is BackWritten by Erin Peters
Session IPA Now Available in Cans Year Round Thanks to Brewmaster's Hallertau Hop Quest Paso Robles, CA— Firestone Walker Brewing Company launched Easy Jack last year as a different kind of session IPA, one with surprising complexity fostered by a rare selection of newer hop varieties from around the world. But the brewery learned the hard way what "rare" really meant when it launched Easy Jack as a summer seasonal—and then promptly ran out of the hops by mid-summer, spelling an early end to Easy Jack. Now Firestone Walker is doubling down and re-launching Easy Jack in 2015 as a year-round release, and adding cans to the mix along the way. The difference this time is that Brewmaster Matt Brynildson went the extra 5,000 miles to make sure he doesn't run out of those crucial Easy Jack hops. Indeed, during last September's harvest season, Brynildson traveled to Germany and spent several days…


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Start Influencing
Kika Tech is always happy to work with social media influencers with highly engaged followers. Working with Kika is fun, easy, and rewarding for both you and your followers.
Send us an email and let us know your stats on social media. If we are impressed we will find a way to compensate you and your followers for being part of the Kika Influencer Team!
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allhx has information on about 53,546 addresses in Burlington, organized by street. 20 of the streets are shown below - use the links below or the search box above if the street you're looking for isn't listed.
Recently posted videos:
|5253 Bromley Road Burlington, Ontario
|2292 New Street, Burlington L7R 1J3, Ontario - Virtual Tour
|22 Horning Road, Burlington L7R 3X5, Ontario - Virtual Tour
|5- 2054 Brant Street, Burlington
|4023 Jarvis Crescent, Burlington L7M 4K4, Ontario - Virtual Tour
|671 Demaris Court, Burlington - Rocca Sisters & Associates
|671 Demaris Court, Burlington
|2495 Headon Road, Burlington - Rocca Sisters & Associates
|2495 Headon Road, Burlington
|2322 Redfern Road, Burlington
|4164 Inglewood Drive, Burlington, Ontario - The Invidiata Team
|4164 Inglewood Drive, Burlington, Ontario


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by David Metter
In baseball, one slight alteration in the way a hitter approaches the ball can be the difference between strike one and a home run. If a batter's swing is off by only a few millimeters, or even just a fraction of a millimeter, this makes all the difference in how powerfully they hit the ball, foul it off, or if they strike out entirely.
I believe it's time to take a step back and rethink, rewire, reverse, and reevaluate the way we sell cars today. In order to solve the problems dealerships face when it comes to their operations and overall sales performance, we have to change how we approach the ball. Once again, it's time to disrupt the game and attack from a new angle.
Vendors, dealers, agencies, digital advertisers, partners, and OEMs all have the same end goal - to sell more cars and gain more customers. The dealerships and the experiences customers have at those dealerships determine whether or not people buy cars - so dealer support is what it's all about.
The car business is in desperate need of a complete paradigm shift. Revolution starts with forgetting everything you think you know and making decisions based on facts and a scientific approach.
Thomas Kuhn is an American physicist and philosopher regarded by Stanford as one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, if not the single most influential. The University of California, Berkeley, credits Kuhn for the defining paradigm shifts and the idea of scientific revolution as one in the same.
"Kuhn famously distinguished between normal science, where scientists solve puzzles within a particular framework or paradigm, and revolutionary science, when the paradigm gets overturned."
During times of scientific revolution, anomalies disproving old theories are broken down, and new ones form to take their place in what's known as a "paradigm shift." So how does this relate to selling cars? Science's definition of a paradigm shift is really just a fancy way of saying, "You don't know what you don't know…until you know." Or in other words, you'll never be able to know what you're winning until you know what you're losing.
The fact is, science is the only paradigm to live by in the information age. Undoing everything we think we know is not an easy task, especially for an industry overpopulated with often unjustified ego. There is this mindset that dealers only need to measure themselves against themselves. But when you think about it, that's a myopic way of looking at your business.
So if you sell 200 cars this month and you only sold 170 last month, that means you're improving, right? Not necessarily. To be able to see what's really happening in your market, we need to look at the entire landscape of the opportunities you're working. Selling 200 cars is great, but 240 is better – and having the ability to see all these existing opportunities without spending an additional dollar on your marketing, that's revolutionary.
Another common misconception is that if you don't sell a car within the first week or two of the lead hitting your CRM, that customer is not going buy. Seems logical, right? Wrong – and here's a perfect example…
One of our dealerships was seeing a jump in sales between day 8 and day 14 post-lead in their CRM. They did a great job picking it back up and getting more sales during this time frame. However, in actuality during this same time, more than TWICE as many customers purchased from one of their competitors. The data shows that during days 8-14 when this dealership thought they were killing it with 60 sales, there were 150 customers, marked opportunities in their CRM, that they touched, that went on to buy a car somewhere else. That's a problem.
When we approach this same data set from a scientific perspective, we see something entirely different that our industry has never thought to focus on before – the loss. If we can see all the opportunities you let slide through the cracks, along with the people or sources tied to those defections, we can then see a new side of an often-skewed story. We can't just look at the wins, as there is a lot we can learn from knowing the number of customers our dealership encountered that left to purchase somewhere else.
Because the dealership in the example mentioned above had never been able to compare closed sales versus defections in this capacity, they really had no idea what was going on both in their own store and in their market overall. During a time frame where they thought they were winning, they lost 100 sales to same make competitors and another 50 to competing brands in their market.
So we start to see these ailments, or weakness that start bubbling up to the surface. It's also so important to keep in mind that each and every dealership is unique – and that's fact, not opinion. If you attack the way you sell cars with a science-based approach, you start to see sales and defection data differently than you've ever seen it before and the facts become crystal clear.
Never underestimate the power of knowing what you're losing. Think about it this way; it's a lot like choosing to watch a movie in black and white when you have the option to watch it in 3D HD, multidimensional color. Which would you choose when it comes to the way you view your CRM data?


text: Hello again, it's Megan, the Laughing Librarian. Today I was approached by a ninety something year old women, asking, "How far our Library Services extend?" I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit. I then asked her, "Well, what do you need? And I will sure see what I can do." She said, "My kids think I can learn how to us a laptop and I need help turning it on and off. The lights are driving me crazy." So I had the privileged of helping this lovely lady learn a new skill. We got through several questions. I have to share my favorite one with you guys. She asked, "How do I go about using this like a typewriter?" I told her that she would need to go into Microsoft Word and to type just like you would on a typewriter. She then asked me, "Where on Earth do I put the paper?" I wanted so badly to giggle because this was such a moment of... of course Megan you aren't being as clear as you could etc. and it was so cute. We sorted through this and sent her on her way. She was so happy that she surprised us with hot fudge sundaes. What an awesome Grandma! Way to go! It isn't easy to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, and if it isn't working, seek out help. May you all enjoy a hot fudge sundae sometime soon.


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The programs are basically made up of short, intense courses for specific subjects. Each course will not last long, but you are gaining a lot of knowledge in the process. It's not to the point of cramming too much information into you at once, but it is designed to teach people at a rapid pace. The goal is to help business professionals in their job quickly and effectively, unlike what a traditional school can do for you.
The courses are set up into three main categories of learning. One main course is about learning all of your business foundations. What business foundations will stress is core knowledge in many different types of business like environments. There are many different courses that pertain to this major section.
The next major section of learning revolves around advancing your business skills. Although you do not have to take business foundations before this course, it is stressed to do so depending on the experience you already have in the working world. In this advanced course you will be able to take more specific courses that will be completely relative to your current job.
The last main course available is about evolving your leadership skills in the business arena. Leadership is very important for you to move up in corporations, to further any career, or to start your own business. Leadership will help to teach you how to manage and maintain employees under you, and to help teach other business professionals around you.
The technical professional courses might be set up in a certain order, but you do not have to take every course in any specific order. You can browse through each course and only enroll yourself into the ones you believe will help you in your professional life. This is one of the key selling factors of the program because it allows for many different business professionals to further their learning in a very structured environment.


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Former Sens. John Breaux (D-La.) and Trent Lott (R-Miss.) are plotting an expansion from their new perch at Squire Patton Boggs.
K Street's most famous duo says the merger with an international law firm will help them take their practice to another level.
"We now have the opportunity to convince their clients on a worldwide basis that what happens in Washington affects them," Breaux said. "That's the real opportunity, the cross-over."
Breaux and Lott now control the entire public policy practice at Squire Patton Boggs but say their new managerial role won't keep them from Capitol Hill, where they are frequently seen roaming the halls and chatting up former colleagues.
"We're still doing the same things that we were doing before," Breaux said. "Trent and I both are still down on the Hill, meeting with members, meeting with staff, meeting with the administration."
The merger between Patton Boggs and Squire Sanders resulted in the loss of a lucrative healthcare lobbying practice and a slew of lobbyists, but Lott says the firm is moving quickly to refill its ranks.
"We're looking to bring on more clients and bring on some more good people," he said. "We're on the trail of a couple or more as we speak."
Breaux and Lott formed their own boutique firm, Breaux-Lott Leadership Group, after leaving Congress, and quickly built one of the most successful practices in Washington. Patton Boggs bought the boutique firm in 2010.
Speculation swirled earlier this year that Breaux and Lott might strike out on their own again after the merger deal, especially since the contract that they negotiated in 2010 is set to expire next year. But both men insist they're staying put.
"Trent and I have a large list of clients that we had from the Breaux-Lott days, that are still with us, of course," Breaux said. "And now we have the opportunity to be able to tell these clients that we've had, that not only can we do lobbying work on the Hill, but now we can do transactional work anywhere in the world for them."
Breaux said they're also working to bring Squire's legal clients — especially its multinational ones — into the lobbying realm.
"One of the things we're going to be involved in a little bit is trying to explain to lawyers and companies, like in London, what does public policy do in America, because a lot of them don't understand the importance of it," Lott said.
One of the challenges in courting foreign clients is convincing them that lobbying in the United States is not a shady business that they should steer clear of.
"That's the challenge, to really let these foreign clients know that they need to be involved and that it's not a bad thing," Breaux said. "I think that some foreign entities think that, well, lobbying is not really something you're supposed to do. Of course, that's not the situation in the U.S."
"If you're going to do business in the U.S., presenting your case effectively, honestly, directly to the U.S. Congress is something that is expected of a company," he said.
The lobbying industry has seen a decline in recent years, stemming in large part from a ban on earmarks and overall gridlock in Congress. Breaux and Lott have been in the thick of it.
They left the Senate almost a decade ago — in 2005 and 2007, respectively — but still maintain strong ties to other lawmakers.
They also recall, fondly, the combative rapport they had with each other while serving together in the House and then in the Senate, where Breaux would band together a coalition of Democrats and Republicans to challenge Lott as Senate majority leader.
In the Senate, "You don't need 51 [votes from one party], you could get a centrist group of five Republicans and five Democrats, and if they would stick together on a position on any issue, nobody could pass anything without them," Breaux said.
Lott shot back, "That turkey did the exact same thing to me and to [former Senate Majority Leader] Tom Daschle [D-S.D.]."
"When we were 50-50, he had [former Maine Republican Sen.] Olympia Snowe and a half a dozen other Democrats and Republicans that they even got us in such a box that Tom and I had to come together to address this little runt group who held the balance of power in their hands."
While both former lawmakers lament the disappearance of centrism in politics, they are hopeful that it could someday make a comeback.
Breaux said that he has been in contact with some Democrats in the Senate who know the "key to success" is coming together with Republicans on some policy issues.
"There's a very strong growing interest in them [for]… the next Congress, and even starting to talk after this election, regardless of what happens in the election, of them banding together to try and have a greater influence in policy," he said.
Lott added: "In our business, you take things as they are, not as you would like them to be."


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Souq Deli and Grill
Fresh Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine
Souq Deli bring the sights and scents of authentic, traditional and juicy Mediterranean cuisine to your grocery shopping experience.
Treat yourself to a variety of authentic Mediterranean cuisine while doing your shopping at Souq International Market. We have gathered some of the best-loved recipes and combinations from select Mediterranean regions to please every taste. Whether your appetite is for a light meal or a full dish, Souq International Markets Grill and Deli can prepare your favorite authentic Mediterranean dish for you to enjoy.
Our Exceptionally authentic Mediterranean cuisine ranges from a simple man'oushe, za'atar flatbread to a variety of traditional Kebobs & shawarmas, made fresh, all with Halal Meat.
All of our Signature dishes will include freshly produced mezzes, salads, and kebabs, wood-fired and oven-baked with premium quality ingredients that you will not find in many places, as they are unique to Souq Deli and Grill only.
Try our extraordinary favorites with a contemporary Mediterranean menu full of color and flavor.
In addition, we cater to private parties and corporate events. Inquire with our Catering section for details.
In addition we cater to private parties and corporate events. Inquire with our Catering Department for details.


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Every minute a woman dies due to complications in pregnancy or
childbirth, adding up to half a million women dying every year. Another
10-15 million women suffer serious or long-lasting illnesses or
"No woman should die giving life," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid.
"To have a healthy society, you have to have healthy mothers."
In many countries, however, progress in maternal health has been slow.
In some, the situation has actually deteriorated over the last 20 years.
Small island States today called on industrialized countries to take a leadership role at the Bali Climate Change Conference and adopt targets to keep the world from warming past the point where catastrophic impacts would occur.
"No island should be left behind," said Angus Friday of Grenada, the Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States. These vulnerable countries, he said, are already feeling the impact of climate change in the form of more hurricanes, cyclone and typhoons.
New Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, affirmed the importance of the Millennium Development Goals in his first press conference since the Federal election.
When describing his post-election conversations with world leaders, Mr Rudd declared that climate change and the challenge of achieving the Millennium Development Goals were two key areas he wished to work on.
Over 43.7 million people, in 127 countries have broken the Guinness World Record – set last year at 23.5 million – for the largest number of people to "STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY" in 24 hours. Read Full Press Release »
From all parts of the world, millions stood and spoke out to demand a more urgent political response to the growing crisis of global poverty and inequality. They called on their world leaders to keep their commitments made in the Millennium Development Goals.
Prime Minister John Howard took delivery today of thousands of postcards with a clear message about meeting the goal to halve global poverty by 2015. 24,300 Australians from across the country had sent postcards to encourage the government to keep up the effort to meet the targets of the Millennium Development Goals, set in 2000.


text: This gallery is kept up to date with Stacy Lee's most recent artworks. The gallery is divided into different categories. Each category speaks to a different human emotion. Stacy considers all of her artworks prayers to the God of hope, deliverance, and love. These themes run throughout her art. Please keep checking back for new work as the art journey continues. Enjoy your stay in the gallery!


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The Power of Partnerships
Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) enables the Forest Service to partner with the Idaho Department of Lands to achieve restoration and resilient landscape objectives across ownership boundaries through cooperative agreements.
The goal of GNA in Idaho is to increase the pace and scale of forest and watershed restoration activities on federal forests. These cooperative efforts can help improve forest health, reduce fuels and threats to communities and watersheds from catastrophic wildfires, and create more jobs and economic benefits, including providing more fiber to Idaho forest products markets.
Informational Materials
- GNA Range Highlights - September 2019 (pdf)
- GNA Update - October 2019 (pdf)
- 2017 Review of Idaho GNA Program (pdf)
- Q & A - Updated September 2017
- GNA in Idaho: 2016 Highlights and 2017 Plans (pdf)
- Fact Sheet & Timeline - Updated September 2016
- GNA presentation to Land Board (slides - pdf) - September 19, 2017
- GNA Update to Idaho Legislature (Audio Recording - State Forester presentation starts at 26-minute mark)
- Powerpoint slides (pdf)
- Idaho GNA Presentation, May 2017 (pdf slides)
- Good Neighbor Authority helping with restoration on private lands (pdf)
- Idaho auctions another Good Neighbor Authority timber sale on federal lands (pdf)
- Idaho doubles effort to increase federal land management, expands Good Neighbor Authority to federal rangelands (pdf)
- Idaho auctions Good Neighbor Authority timber sale on Idaho Panhandle National Forests (pdf)
- Land Board Opinion: Good Neighbor Authority improves the lives of citizens and the health of our lands (pdf)
- Governor's Opinion: Idaho leading the way to reduce wildfire, create more jobs on federal lands (pdf)
- News Release: Idaho Good Neighbor Authority projects aim to create jobs, promote healthy lands, reduce fire (pdf)
- News Release: Idaho auctions second Good Neighbor Authority timber sale on federal lands (pdf)
- News Article: Hanna Flats project focuses on forest health (pdf), The Beacon, 6-6-2017
- News Release: Work set to begin on Idaho Good Neighbor Authority projects (pdf)
- Governor's Opinion: IDAHO IS FIGHTING WILDFIRES THROUGH THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS (pdf)
- Governor's Office News Release: IDAHO AUCTIONS FIRST GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY TIMBER SALE ON FEDERAL LANDS (pdf)
Fact Sheets
News & News Releases


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Auburn Banking Co - Auburn
Call (270) 542-4185Directions
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For over 80 years Auburn Banking Company has been a presence in Logan County, taking pride in our community, our customers and our employees. We strive to bring you the most superior products, while still maintaining our home town bank customer service. In this tough economy not all banks are equal. Come in today to see why Auburn Banking Company is.


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One of the Largest Dealers in Texas of Used Heavy Duty Trucks
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10011 N Loop E Fwy,
Houston, TX 77029
Tel: 1.901.443.7364
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We have launched a 15% off on orders over $250 — site wide sale at our sister site, The Well Appointed House. Head on over there and make your lists now! The sale ends soon! The sale details and restrictions as well as the coupon code are on the website! Happy shopping!
15% OFF SITEWIDE SALE on now at The Well Appointed House!
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Paper, OCC & EPS
As one of the leading recycling companies in Ireland, Rehab Recycle is one of the few companies which collects and recycles clean expanded polystyrene (EPS) from businesses, civic amenity sites and industry.
EPS is most commonly used as a packaging material for electronic and electrical equipment. It is a bulky material which will never decompose. Reprocessed, the plastic from polystyrene can be used in a wide array of everyday products such as clothes hangers, CD cases and stationery – transforming a waste problem into a reusable asset.
EPS is collected using reusable environmentally friendly one cubic metre polypropylene sacks. Customers simply fill the bags with polystyrene and Rehab Recycle collects them on either a regular schedule or on a 'call-in' basis.
Rehab Recycle estimate that customers who use the EPS recycling service can save up to 40% on standard waste disposal rates.
A member of Repak, Rehab Recycle recycles your paper and cardboard in line with national and European waste management legislation.
Got confidential documents? No problem – we'll keep your business your business with our confidential document destruction service – click here for more information.
Rehab Recycle is committed to adhering to all relevant legislation and environmental standards. Find out more on our Environment and Compliance page.


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We've built BuildingAnADU.com in an effort to arm people like you with all the information they need to build their own accessory dwelling units.
We'll be posting all kinds of content here -- blog posts, photos, video quick tips, design principles.
We'd urge you to sign up to receive periodic updates from us so that we can let you know when there's new content we think you'll like.


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It gives me pleasure to admit that EPMC is an appropriate institute for project management and methodology studies. EPMC has appropriate tutors with required PMI and other credentials and IT industry experience.
EPMC helps the students through out the journey of a given certification.
Having gone thru 4500 PMP questions created by various authors, sites, etc. I must say EPMC has most challenging and rewarding questions in its question bank. EMPC mock tests or evaluation techniques ensure that the student has seriously studied the PMBOK guide, understood all the concepts, know when to use a given input/output or tool/techniques under a given scenario/situation. These EMPC evaluation techniques ensure that a student clears the certification in the 1st attempt.
I shall not hesitate to recommend EMPC for professional project management and methodology studies and certifications.
Student Testimonials >


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Contact Us
Crime Stoppers
Emergency Call 9-1-1
Non-Emergencies 905-825-4777
The Halton Regional Police Service Public Affairs Unit is pleased to offer residents and visitors a series of informative publications for their reference and/or use.
The documents contained in this section are designed to give readers a high-level overview of HRPS goals, strategies and initiatives.
Take a moment to review:
For more information, contact:
Sergeant Dana Nicholas
Media Relations Officer


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Taking a closer look at the importance of long-term intensification of South Africa's industrialisation process and the movement towards a twenty-first century knowledge economy.
Local manufacturing continues to play a crucial role in terms of the vision of an equitable society as defined by our National Development Plan. The various sectors local manufacturing encompasses also create jobs for a substantial number of South Africans across the board.
The recent Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) document released by the Department of Trade and Industry mention its core objectives as set out in the National Industrial Policy Framework (NIFP) of August 2007: To facilitate diversification beyond our current reliance on traditional commodities and non-tradable services. According to IPAP, this requires the promotion of increased value-addition per capita characterised particularly by movement into non-traditional tradable goods and services that are competitive in both export markets and the domestic economy.
The Plan further highlights the importance of long-term intensification of South Africa's industrialisation process, and movement towards a twenty-first century knowledge economy; the promotion of a more labour-absorbing industrialisation path with a particular emphasis on tradable labour-intensive goods and services and economic linkages that catalyse employment creation; the promotion of a broader-based industrialisation path characterised by greater levels of participation by historically disadvantaged economic citizens and marginalised regions in the mainstream of the industrial economy; and the contribution to industrial development in Africa, with a strong emphasis on building regional productive capabilities, too.
IPAP's central focus on manufacturing derives from a thorough analysis and understanding of its major attributes as a driver of balanced development. It is, as always, worth reiterating the benefits that a strong, well-diversified manufacturing sector bring to the economy as
a whole:
- The manufacturing sector has the highest economic and employment multipliers of any sector. Backward linkages in manufacturing 'pull through' inputs from primary and other manufacturing and services sectors and transform them into higher-value added products, stimulating employment and economic linkages along the entire value chain. At the same time manufacturing provides an added impetus to employment and growth through forward linkages to 'downstream' sectors, including services.
- Manufacturing is central to our export strategy, based on value-added, labour-intensive tradable products that generate revenues which have both a significant positive impact on the balance of trade and impact directly on the non-exporting sub-sectors which form part of domestic value chains. It also reduces SA's vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations/volatility and alleviating 'Dutch disease'-type effects on the currency.
- Manufacturing plays a critical and indispensable role as a driver of innovation and productivity growth. It should increasingly provide the capital goods and equipment inputs required for the infrastructure build programme, which is central to South Africa's growth strategy - while, more generally, 'feeding' locally manufactured inputs into public goods, including transport, health, education and housing. An enhanced role for manufacturing in providing inputs to the infrastructure programme will also be critical in reducing its dependence on imports and mitigating wider vulnerabilities, particularly on the balance of trade.
- The growth and strengthening of the manufacturing sector both requires and is a driver of more energy-efficient, less carbon-intensive growth. Greener manufacturing has a great potential contribution to make in limiting wasteful resource consumption and mitigating the environmental impact of economic development.
- The manufacturing sector generates among the strongest forward and backward linkages across the economy, which are important transmission mechanisms for growth and poverty reduction. This underscores the crucial role manufacturing has in driving growth and employment levels. On the demand side, these linkages create indirect and induced jobs; on the supply side, the linkages come from knowledge and technological spillover effects. Service inputs such as logistics, financial services, ICT, advertising, research and development, office support staff and so forth supports the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing-related services sector also tends to operate in much closer proximity to new technological frontiers, with innovation a key factor in driving both fresh demand and productivity gains across the entire manufacturing landscape.
IPAP states that the global economy has begun to emerge, tentatively and unevenly across countries and economic zones, from the Great Recession precipitated by the financial crisis of 2008. There will, by many accounts, be no quick return to sustained and strong growth in the global economy, while world output is predicted to remain muted over the medium term according to the report.
This includes slow growth and less demand in South Africa's traditional trading partners, the Eurozone, the UK and the US. [The Eurozone averaging a barely positive 0.1% over quarters 1-3 of 2013 both the UK and the US averaging just 1.9% growth over all four quarters of 2013 (the UK up from 0.3% in 2012); the US down from 2.8% in 2012, though showing some recovery - to 3.2% - in 2013].
The Great Recession has both revealed and intensified emerging structural changes and shifts in the balance of economic growth and power in the global economy as per the document. Developing economies are predicted to continue to grow at a significantly faster rate than the developed economies, though that growth will be relatively muted (compared with pre-2008 levels) precisely because of the persistence of depressed demand in the economies of the North.
Developing countries are thus of necessity increasingly focussing on expanded domestic demand and rapid structural change up the value chain.
The IPAP document also mentions a 'new pattern' of global growth is emerging, which places South Africa, along with other emerging economies, in a situation where it must seek to maintain its trade with its traditional trading partners while simultaneously building stronger trade links and enhanced export performance in relation to other emerging economies of the South.
What this tells us, from a policy point of view, is that it is essential that we build sectors and companies that can compete against imports in the domestic economy and more effectively penetrate international export markets.
The IPAP document also points out that South Africa achieved reasonably high growth rates during the 2005-2007 period. But even in this period its growth trajectory was (and remains) encumbered by structural imbalances. Pre-dating the onset of the recession – and despite the fact that South Africa did not experience a significant commodity boom – the domestic economy has continued to attract massive short-term capital inflows into domestic resource and equity shares and the bond market as a direct result of high real interest rates relative to other developing countries. This contributed to preventing the exchange rate from playing its role as a stabiliser of the productive sectors of the economy. Latterly, while the exchange rate has weakened significantly, ongoing currency volatility remains a serious problem, the report indicates.
At the same time, SA's exports remain predominantly commodity-based, while the country's 'export basket' continues on the whole to be characterised by low levels of value addition. This, according to the IPAP report, is in distinct contrast to the situation in a number of other developing countries where policies have been implemented that focus much more strongly on growing the production sectors. The results, for some of these countries, have been both a significant cushioning of the effects of the global economic crisis and the achievement – for example in Brazil - of some striking successes in ameliorating poverty and reducing inequality.
The report also says that South Africa, by contrast, has essentially been 'treading water'. The medium-term outlook is for growth to improve gradually but for the recovery to be less robust than previously forecast. Real GDP growth is projected to recover to 2.7% in 2014 - from the estimated 1.8% in 2013 - and to reach 3.4% in 2015. Looking slightly further ahead – and in a continental perspective – SA's real GDP growth is expected to remain well below the average of 5.4% projected for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2014–16.
If the South African economy is to overcome this lacklustre performance, we must begin to make a decisive break with the entrenched growth model – previously driven by increases in private credit extension and consumption - and move onto a more sustainable path underpinned by growth in the productive and employment creating sectors of the economy, according to the report.
The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), which is a measurement of the Rand's performance against a basket of currencies, declined by 15.2% from March 2012 to September 2013. This, in principle, has the potential to give new impetus to price competitiveness, notwithstanding developments in other emerging markets.
Clearly, developing a stronger export-competitive dynamic cannot be a quick and straightforward matter, the report states. Value-added manufacturers have indeed not yet responded particularly strongly to the recent depreciation of the currency. This relative non-responsiveness – taken together with the large current account deficit – has been interpreted by many economic commentators as proof that SA manufacturing is fundamentally uncompetitive – without taking into account the debilitating impact of long periods of overvaluation followed by sudden sharp depreciations.
In this context, the relatively weak response to the recent depreciation is unsurprising. Manufacturing, according to IPAPI, is based on building up capabilities over considerable periods of time. Long periods of overvaluation and volatility have had a major cumulative effect on investment in equipment and capabilities, leading to a significant overall weakening of the industrial base. When inevitable 'corrections' occur, manufacturing does not respond like a tap that can be turned on and off at will. Manufacturers do not plan only for periods of depreciation; they know well from experience that any depreciation is likely to be followed in due course by periods of appreciation to which they will have to find carefully planned, long term competitive responses, the report says.
At present, therefore, the continuation of a 'mixed' pattern of responses to currency devaluation should be seen as a reflection of the ongoing struggle to adjust, re-tool and reinvest – in the light of a very challenging past five years of uncertainty and volatility compounded by severe external and domestic shocks as per IPAPI.
Meanwhile, South Africa's ballooning current account deficit continues to expose serious macroeconomic vulnerabilities, especially given the role of short-term capital inflows in financing it. Since the advent of targeted IPAP interventions – over and above broader industrial support measures across sectors – a stabilisation in value addition in these sectors has been observed.
According to PAPI, despite the massive growth in credit extended to the private sector, only a tiny proportion has been extended to fixed capital investment: 5.6% in 2011 and 5.5% in 2012. South Africa's relatively high real interest rates have started to compare more positively with those of our main peer competitors. For the first time in many years in 2012 our short term real interest rates were negative. The decline in the real cost of capital has the potential to start creating new impetus for expansion in the manufacturing sector. However, the decline in the real cost of capital may not be a panacea for the expansion of the manufacturing sector, if there is insufficient demand and wide-ranging competitiveness challenges are not addressed, the report says.
In 1994 the manufacturing sector made up 21% of GDP, steadily declining to 12.4% in 2012. Year-on-year manufacturing growth recovered tentatively during 2010 onwards. The volume of manufacturing production seasonally adjusted grew by 0.4% year-on-year in 2010, by 2.8% in 2011 and 1.4% during 2012. In 2013 the overall picture rem-ained uneven and unsteady.
PAPI indicates that on the employment front, however, the picture for manufacturing remains very disquieting. During the recession the economy shed around 1 million jobs with 200 000 jobs being lost in the manufacturing sector. Formal employment growth continues to come predominantly from the services sector, particularly wholesale and retail and the business services sub-sectors. In 2010, manufacturing employment briefly rebounded from its steep post-crisis downward path, but the recovery was short-lived and employment levels have steadily continued to fall. The decline in manufacturing employment levels can be attributed to a range of structural problems set out in IPAP.
Manufactured goods constituted 51.6% of the merchandise export basket in 2012, up from 41.2% in 1994. A few sectors are the main contributors to this trend: machinery and equipment, motor vehicles (including components for auto assembly), refined petroleum products and other chemicals. Manufacturing exports are highly concentrated, with the top 20 manufacturing sub-sectors (out of 120) accounting for 77% of SA's manufacturing export basket in 2012 and – even more strikingly – the top 5% of South African export companies accounting for more than 90% of total exports.
According to Pietman Roos, policy consultant with the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it would be far better if the DTI focused its resources on two or three key industries with the biggest job-creation potential. The sheer scope of IPAP suggests that it is usurping the role of fiscal policy.
"The argument that the business environment makes South Africa's manufacturers internationally uncompetitive and therefore requires government support by way of industrial policy is misplaced. Improving the business climate is not the role of industrial policy but of macroeconomic policy. The motivation behind expansive industrial policy in South Africa is a combination of avoiding policy prioritisation and an archaic view about the role of the state in the economy. The old joke in civil society is that South Africa has become the expert in drawing up strategy documents — but this phenomenon has intensified. South Africa now boasts the National Development Plan (NDP), the New Growth Path and IPAP. Despite some differences in style, each document is similar in the way in which it seeks to cover every conceivable policy avenue without prioritising these policies. These policies are often mutually exclusive.
"Government intervention in the economy implies that the private sector is somehow not capitalising on opportunities. The NDP uses the language of 'directing' industry to exploit niche opportunities. The obvious critique of such a view is that business has already exploited all possible sources of revenue and that once-dormant industries will ultimately fail as soon as government support is withdrawn. Ipap is more aggressive as there is no sunset clause," says Roos.
Michael Meiring


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Book Expo
I was able to participate last weekend in my first ever Book Expo America, which was held at the Javits Center in New York City. What an event. I'll fill in more details later, but briefly, I was a volunteer for the Editorial Freelancers Association, which I am an active member of. I worked the Association's booth on Saturday afternoon, ready to answer questions for the many publishers, authors, freelance editors, and occasional artists or other publishing professionals that stopped by the booth.
I was off work on Friday so I was able to spend the whole day there. I talked to some publishing people I knew, met some authors I knew, some of whom I follow on Twitter, including Chuck Wendig, who was signing copies of his new book, Under the Empyrean Sky.
Because the conference floor gets very crowded, I could only take it in small doses. I spent a large part of my time attending talks about writing, publishing, and social media in the lecture halls downstairs. On Friday I joined in on "Twitter 2.0: Twitter Master Class for Publishing Professionals," given by Cindy Ratzlaff; "Perspectives in Publishing: an Author's Transition from Traditional to Self-Publishing," with Guy Kawasaki and Leigh Haber, and "Self-publishing: Disrupter or Defender of the Book Business," with James McQuivey, Christopher Kenneally, Angela James, and Keith Ogorek. All very informative; I confess that I found Guy Kawasaki's talk very helpful as well as entertaining, but Cindy Ratzlaff also had some great ideas for social media. I took a lot of notes and will pass on some tidbits in another post.
On Saturday, Neil Gaiman was speaking. I was able to snag a seat in the third row on the side, so I had a great view. He was as entertaining in person as I've seen in videos, and he was generous with the audience. He'd signed 1,000 books prior to the event and gave audience members two of his newest books.
As a newbie at the conference, I didn't plan too well. The first day I was carrying too much. I'd brought a shoulder bag with my laptop inside as I had work to do—big mistake. I ended up with nine books, one of which was a hardcover, plus a bunch of business cards and brochures from publishers and other editors and authors.


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Revelation Online'second major update, "Iceborn" is now live! It's a breathtaking Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game set in the lively, fantasy world of Nuanor. Discover an amazing adventure and explore a vibrant world of ancient mystery using the power of character flight without any boundaries.
Fight alongside your friends and guildmates in our second major update, "Iceborn" of Revelation Online is now live! Heroes old and new are ready themselves for the battles that are about to start. Will you take up arms and join up with the majestic Wingar or side with the ferocious Ursids - The time to choose is here, as Iceborn is now live!
A bitter faction war is one of many challenges heading your way in the upcoming Iceborn update of Revelation Online. Prepare yourself for war, hero. All manner of battles and challenges will be heading your way in the upcoming "Iceborn" update on May 23rd – one of which requires you to partake in a region-wide faction war, putting aside your differences and choosing one of two sides to fight for.
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ASC Completes $150 Million Investment
SAM Magazine--Newry, Me., August 9, 1999--American Skiing Company (ASC) has closed its previously announced $150 million investment by Oak Hill Capital Partners, L.P., a private equity investment group. In addition, ASC's lenders have given the company the go ahead on simplifying its capital structure by merging ASC East, Inc. and ASC West, Inc. into the parent company.
Les Otten, CEO and chairman of ASC said, "Our entire organization is energized about the benefit of this transaction to our resort communities, as we now have the resources to continue to execute our development plans."
For more insight into this transaction, check out the Harbaugh Report on this Website.


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We were actually sent this shelf idea from a viewer on instagram! They saw something similar and they wanted our take on it. Butttt we turned around and asked our carpenter friend Chris Palmer to help us with this project AND judge just how well we can each tackle this DIY! If you're here for the Canada/ USA template, it's linked below - keep scrolling! If you have another country you wish to cut out, find an image of the country, blow it up using a poster printer site and print it out!
Stripes sans Stars is Becky's take on the USA shelf project and Pink n Plants is my rendition! I know they look really similar but it's allll in the details. Check out the (pretty funny if I do say so myself) process of how we put these shelves together and see who won the Ultimate DIY Challenge in the video below!
So our friend Chris Palmer has the full tutorial of how to make this spectacular unique shelf on his YouTube channel, linked here. But if you want to know what it might take to tackle the DIY, check out the supplies list below. And for everyone that came here from the video looking for those templates...look no further!
Cost: $30
Difficulty: ✂ ✂ ✂
- Template of country (CANADA, USA, or use Google images to create your own!)
- 1 x 4 knotty pine
- Paint/ stain of your choice
- Hanging hardware (we used D-rings)
- 2-2 1/2 in screws
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Driver
- Electric sander
- Files
- Cloth/ stain rag
- Paintbrush/ roller
- Level
- Ruler
Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog post and (hopefully) Youtube channel! Be sure to let us know if you want to see more Chris Palmer x The Sorry Girls collabs and competitions on instagram, twitter or our YouTube comments!


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We are so looking forward to our beautiful Christingle service at 2.00pm at St Remigius Church this afternoon and seeing all our Lower Prep families.
All children from Nursery to Year 6 have been making their Christingles at school and brought in their Christingle candles, kindly filled with spare change at home (thank you!). Here are some of them waiting to go to the church later. All proceeds to go to The Children's Society.