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Jan 04, 2019
Happy New Year!
Sticking to Your New Year Resolution We have all heard the saying "New Year,...
Happy New Year!
Jan 04, 2019
Sticking to Your New Year Resolution
We have all heard the saying "New Year, New Me" when it comes to bringing in a new year. While this is a great time to make changes that you believe will be beneficial to your life going forward, there are a lot of times when sticking to your resolutions becomes harder than expected. The sky is the limit when it comes to these resolutions but making them realistic gives you the greatest chance of sticking to them. Below are some tips to help you stick to your New Year Resolution.
Start Small- If you have a resolution to exercise more in the New Year, it can be hard to go from 0-100. Help yourself by starting small and working up to your expected goal as you move along. This will increse your chances of sticking to the goal and creating a routine/habit.
Change One Behavior at a Time- If you have more than one resolution, focus on one at a time. Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time so replacing them will take times as well.
Make It Personal- While you are making your goals for the year, think of why it is important to you. By determining your inner motivation, and writing your goals down, you will be personally inspired to stick to it and keep progressing.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection- Perfection is unattainable so making small steps towards your goals are normal and okay. Don't let the image of perfection stop you from seeing all the progress you are making day in and day out.
Accountability- Share your goals with others and ask them to hold you accountable. Think of this as the 'buddy system'. People who tell others about their goals are more likely to accomplish them because they're afraid of failing in front of other people. Use this as motivation!
Dec 04, 2018
Happy Holidays!
While this time of year is often filled with joy and excitement, it can also be...
Happy Holidays!
Dec 04, 2018
While this time of year is often filled with joy and excitement, it can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. As you are preparing for finals and planning your holiday activities, whether it's a trip home or staying put, learning how to deal with these stresses will help you have a more enjoyable holiday.
Here are some tips to help reduce stress this holiday season:
- Let your family know about your plans and preferences for the holiday before you arrive home. Listen to their preferences and plans as well.
- Make certain your plans include your family in some way. Think of some things you have in common with them or things you enjoy doing with them and request to do those things. Include your parents in the planning and scheduling of these activities.
- Discuss with your parents regarding changes, i.e. curfew. Negotiation may need to occur.
- Be prepared for the endless questions from family. How was this semester for you? What's your GPA? What's your major again? What are you going to do with that? Have you met any new friends? What clubs have you joined? Why did you choose that one? There are literally infinite questions that your parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and just about everybody else in your family can and will ask. Be completely prepared to feel like you're being interviewed for a job based on how well this semester went.
- Have a lot of tasks to complete? Make a to-do list in chronological order to minimize stress.
- Gift exchanges! Enjoy the present and try not to worry about what may be lacking.
- Stay active and continue to eat a balanced diet.
- Make time for yourself and your needs, even when hosting guests in your house.
- Keep tabs on your holiday spending. Make a budget and stick to it, no exceptions.
- Learn to say no. It's OK not to do everything.
Renew your lease! Reduce stress down the road and renew your lease before the holidays!
Nov 02, 2018
Sweater Weather!
November is one of the best months of the year! The weather is perfect, there...
Sweater Weather!
Nov 02, 2018
November is one of the best months of the year! The weather is perfect, there is a whole day dedicated primarily to food, and it's the first month of the holiday season. However, November can be a month of highs and lows for college students. Here are 11 thoughts every college student have during this fall favorite:
1. Midterms are over!
You did it! You got through all your midterms and now you can relax.
2. …But that means finals are coming up.
Just kidding, there is no time to relax with finals week approaching. Get ready for lots of caffeine and long nights spent at the library.
3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Because this scrumptious Starbucks drink is only available for a limited time, students have to make sure to stock up on pumpkin spice lattes before the seasons over.
4. No Shave November
Following "Optional October" is "No Shave November," in which people participate by dropping their razors for the whole month. And if you still don't feel like shaving after November, then no worries. "Don't Shave December" — or Decembeard — has you covered.
5. The end of college football
What does one do on a Saturday without football?
6. The beginning of college basketball
Although the football season is coming to a close, basketball season is just beginning. What better cure for a football withdrawal than basketball?
7. Thanksgiving Break
Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays not only because students get to stuff their faces with food and share what they're thankful for, but also because of the break from classes. Goodbye stress, and hello pumpkin pie!
8. Black Friday is upon us
As soon as the last bite of pie is gone and the turkey coma fades, shoppers will be rushing to the store for the season's best sales. Do you dare brave the craziness?
9. Time to catch up on Netflix
Just as you start to feel you have enough free time to catch up on all your shows, Netflix adds on a whole new challenge with a list of new releases all month long!
10. Sweater weather
Pull out your fall sweaters while you can because before you know it, the temperatures will be back up and you'll be wishing for cooler days.
11. It's a great time to Renew
Lock in your space and great low rates by signing up early and renewing your lease! Renew now and save yourself time and money!


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Researchers funded by the Animal Health Foundation announced June 15, 2011, that they have made a major breakthrough in understanding how the insulin form of laminitis occurs.
Drs. Melody de Laat and Chris Pollitt of the Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit at the University of Queensland have discovered that receptors designed to receive insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may be binding to insulin instead in horses with high levels of insulin.
This groundbreaking discovery may enable scientists to develop strategies to try to block IGF-1 receptors from receiving insulin and prevent the disease from occurring.

subset: commoncrawl


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Strengthen your Organization.?Showcase your?Excellence.
The Standards Program awards accreditation to Canadian charities and nonprofits that demonstrate excellence in five areas of operations.?To date, more than 200 organizations have invested in?trust!
|Join the Standards Program
|Donate to Accredited Charities
Accreditation for?Charities
Accreditation is given to charities and nonprofits that have taken action through the Standards Program to bolster trust with the public by identifying and reducing organizational risk, improving board governance practises, being transparent and accountable with finances and fundraising,?and fostering a strong?workforce.
The Trustmark is a symbol of excellence and leadership in the charitable?sector.
A symbol Canadians can?trust.
What are the?Standards?
There are 73 Standards that organizations are expected to meet before they can receive?accreditation.
The Standards are focused into five?areas:
- Board?Governance
- Financial Accountability and?Transparency
- Fundraising
- Staff?Management
- Volunteer?Involvement
To make the Standards Program as accessible as possible, the Standards have been categorized into three levels?based on the size of your organization.
Download the Standards Program handbook using the form below to learn more about the process, the requirements and the?standards.
Download the Standards handbook?now
Sign in and complete your Standards?application
Follow the links below to get access to your online application, as well the online community containing self-assessment tools, resources and volunteer coaches from accredited organizations for?guidance.
When you're ready, your application will be reviewed by program staff, followed by a submission to the peer review?panel.
Standards Application Form
Standards Community


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The Pros & Cons of Iguanas
Iguanas are NOT for everybody.
Here, TPM's Nikki Carvey takes a look at the pros & cons of this very exotic pet.
Pro: They are the closest you'll ever get to owning a dragon.
Con: You're not Harry Potter. Unlike mythical dragons, these reptiles are very real and fussy about their living space. They need a lot. Most like to free roam.
Pro: They are very intelligent and can even be toilet trained. Hopefully, this guy knows how to aim straight.
Con: Iguanas are NOT low maintenance. You may not have to walk him two times a day, but a diet is very important for your iguana. You'll need to know how to make a delicious salad.
No. Salad.
Pro: With proper handling and socialization, this reptile can be very affectionate. Each has its own personality. This guy thinks he's Johnny Depp.
Con: They can also think they're Hannibal Lecter. They can bite and it ain't pretty.
Pro: Iguanas are generally quiet. No annoying barking or meowing to deal with. Although some may like cats quite a lot.
Con: While they may be quiet, iguanas are not exactly pets you can hide from your landlord. They're certainly not small apartment pets. Some grow to 7 feet and they require regulated light and heat or they will die.
Pro: As somebody once said, iguanas are just 'friggin awesome'. Especially in pink.
Con: This lizard can live up to 20 years. That requires commitment. If you're not ready to say "yes" to that, then say, "no."
The bottom line is iguanas are for experienced pet parents only. Someone who knows the costs, (they're classed as 'exotics' so you'll need a special vet,) the care and the commitment.
Which means, if 'friggin awesome' is your best reason for getting one, try this instead:
Or this:
Even this:
But… Uh… not this:
For more information on adopting this magnificent reptile, contact your local iguana rescue or check out greenigsociety.com


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FOOD FOR THOUGHT - April 14, 2004 - Mark R. Vogel - [email protected] - Archive
See also: Onion, Vegetable of the Month; Onion History; Onion Family;
Onion Trivia; New York Bold Onions; Vidalia Onions; Maui Onions;
Kitchen Tips; Onion Quotes
Recipes below
Onions are an indispensable commodity in cuisines the world over. They are highly versatile, lending themselves to a variety of preparations and cooking methods.
Onions are underground bulbs related to the lily family. Choose ones that are firm with no soft spots and store them in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate your onions, (with the exception of leeks and scallions), unless there is an unused portion, which should be wrapped in plastic first. The sooner you use it the better. Use a very sharp knife to cut your onions and make sure your blade is partially imbedded before applying full pressure. Their moist, smooth exterior is ideal for sliding that dull blade right into your unwitting fingers.
So why do they make you cry? When you pierce an onion you cut its cellular network. A series of sulfur-based compounds are released that instantly combine and recombine in a lightening fast succession of chemical reactions. Sulfonic acid is given off and triggers the tear response when you breathe it in. Sorry you asked?
See also Onions & Tears
To highlight the onion's diversity, below are four recipes, each with a different type of onion, and a different cooking technique, (one not cooked at all).
• Two large Spanish onions, peeled and cut in half horizontally.
• Two oz. bread crumbs
• One tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• One tablespoon parsley, chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste
Brush each half of the onion with olive oil and bake in a 350 degree onion until they start to soften.
Remove the onion and scoop out a hole in the center. Do not penetrate all the way through. Leave a base for the stuffing. Also, do not scoop too wide a hole or the onion will lose its structure.
Mix the breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Chop the onion you scooped out and mix it with the breadcrumbs. Moisten the mixture with enough olive oil to hold it together.
Fill the onion halves and return them to the oven until the stuffing is brown, about 30 minutes.
(Calorie counters: skip the cheese and use chicken broth instead of oil to moisten the breadcrumbs)
• Four leeks
• One pint chicken stock
• One oz. butter
• One and a half tablespoons parsley, chopped (or other herbs if you prefer)
• Salt & pepper to taste
Trim the root end of the leeks but not completely. Leave enough for the leek to stay in tact. Then cut the last couple inches of the dark greens. Without cutting the root end, slice the leeks in half lengthwise, give them a quarter turn and slice lengthwise again. Rinse them under running water to remove all the grit in-between the leaves.
Place the leeks in a large skillet and add the chicken stock, butter, half the parsley, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, leave a crack for evaporation, and then simmer until soft, about 20 – 30 minutes.
Sprinkle with the remainder of the parsley just before serving.
(Calorie counters: Skip the butter and use low fat chicken broth).
Traditional onion rings, move over. Garnish your next dish with these scrumptious delectables.
Simply take a bunch of shallots, peel them, and slice them thinly crosswise. Take some all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Dip the shallot slices in milk and then dredge in the flour. Place them in a strainer and bang off the excess flour.
Drop them in 350 degree vegetable oil. They will cook quickly so keep an eye on them. As soon as they're golden brown, remove them from the oil, drain, and sprinkle with additional salt.
For another delicious alternative, broil halved shallots right in the pan with your steak. They will pick up some of the steak's juices as well as bring some of their own flavor to the party.
• One batch of scallions
• One teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Four teaspoons Champagne vinegar
(Ok you can substitute plain white vinegar)
• One small garlic clove
• One teaspoon kosher salt
• Half cup extra virgin olive oil.
Rinse the scallions, trim the root end, and then roughly chop them. Place all of the ingredients except the oil in a food processor and puree. Then add the oil in a slow, thin stream with the processor on until it is incorporated. This dressing will go well with most salads but it will especially enliven blander greens like iceberg or Boston lettuce.
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Please take the time to request permission.


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|Jepson Flora Project: Jepson Interchange
previous taxon |
next taxon
Jepson Interchange (more information)
©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
Annual to tree
Leaves basal or cauline, alternate to whorled, simple to compound
Inflorescence: 1° inflorescence a head, each resembling a flower, 1many, generally arrayed in cymes, generally subtended by ± calyx-like involucre; flowers 1many per head
Flowers bisexual, unisexual, or sterile, ± small, of several types; calyx 0 or modified into pappus of bristles, scales, or awns, which is generally persistent in fruit; corolla radial or bilateral (rarely 0), lobes generally (0)45; stamens 45, anthers generally fused into cylinder around style, often appendaged at tips, bases, or both, filaments generally free, generally attached to corolla near throat; pistil 1, ovary inferior, 1-chambered, 1-seeded, style 1, branches 2, generally hair-tufted at tip, stigmas 2, generally on inside of style branches
Fruit: achene, cylindric to ovoid, generally deciduous with pappus attached
Genera in family: ± 1300 genera, 21,000 species (largest family of dicots): worldwide. Largest family in CA. Also see tribal key to CA genera: Strother 1997 Madroño 44(1):128. See glossary p. 25 for illustrations of general family characteristics.
Species in genus: 1 sp
Etymology: (Greek: odor gland)
Annual < 4 dm, ± densely glandular, ± scabrous and long-hairy, strongly scented; tack- or saucer-shaped glands 0
Stem erect; branchlets many, thread-like, ± spreading
Leaves alternate, sessile, reduced upward; lower 25 cm, linear, entire
Inflorescence: heads many, radiate, in cymes; peduncles spreading, bracts few, 58 mm, narrowly lanceolate; phyllaries 47 mm, partly enfolding ray fruit; chaff scales between ray and disk flowers, 47 mm, fused
Ray flowers 35; ligules deeply 3-lobed, white to reddish, sometimes red-spotted near base
Disk flowers 310; corolla colored like ligule; anthers yellow
Fruit: ray fruit 1.82.7 mm, back rounded to angled, rough, glabrous, inner surface ± flat, beak short, off-center, pappus 0; disk fruit ± angled, tapered at base, ± thinly hairy, pappus of ± 8 scales, long and short
Chromosomes: 2n=18
Ecology: UNCOMMON. Barren, often rocky, exposed hillsides, canyons
Elevation: < 600 m.
Bioregional distribution: Southwestern California (except Channel Islands)
Distribution outside California: Baja California
Synonyms: Calycadenia t. (Nutt.) Torr. & A. Gray


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Nutrients to Avoid in Excess During Pregnancy
Vitamins and minerals are vital in supporting a healthy pregnancy. However, some nutrients can cause problems when taking in excess amounts during pregnancy. Make sure you are not over-doing it with these nutrients during pregnancy.
Vitamin A
Birth defects are associated with vitamin A intake over 10 000IU per day. Birth defects associated with excess vitamin A include malformation of the urinary and genital tract, skull and facial bones and heart.
These defects occur within the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, so avoid consuming more than 5000IU of vitamin A if there is a chance you may become pregnant.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is safe during pregnancy, but consuming high levels during pregnancy may result in a rebound vitamin C deficiency in your baby following delivery. Avoid taking more than 1000-4000mg daily to avoid this effect.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for proper bone and teeth development. However, excess levels can lead to hypercalcemia which can cause placental calcification and fetal arterial stenosis.
From 20 weeks onward 1000-1200IU daily is recommended to promote optimal bone development of the skull and other bones. Research shows that this amount also promotes optimal bone mass later in the child's life.
Proper supplementation is especially important if the third trimester occurs during winter months when inadequate sunlight reaches Canada for skin production of vitamin D.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can inhibit proper coagulation of the blood and should not be taken in high amounts close to delivery. Avoid taking more than 800IU per day from week 36 onward to decrease the risk of excess bleeding during and after delivery.
Calcium is important for both mother's and baby's health during pregnancy. Supplementation can help to prevent pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-term labour.
However, excess amounts can increase the risk of kidney stones for the mother and can lead to hypercalcemia (excess calcium) of the fetus and placenta. Avoid taking more than 1200IU daily.
Also avoid dolomite, bone meal and oyster-shell sources of calcium as these may be contaminated with lead. Instead use professional quality supplements or consume more broccoli, almonds, dark green leafy vegetables, canned salmon (with bones), sesame seeds and enriched soy milk.
Pregnancy is a great time to learn more about nutrients and how they support our health (and the health of our babies). Naturopathic Medicine is a perfect complement to a natural, healthy pregnancy. Book a free 15 minute consultation with Dr. Lisa Watson to learn more about how Naturopathic Medicine can support you, your body, and your baby during pregnancy.


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San Roque Fiesta
Filipino culture is really rich in different traditions and events which some and mostly came from spanish culture,and this event builds their relation with god, family and country men strong. Mostly filipino fests give thanks to god for their succesful life-living andHere are some of the photos from that event
They are the people who participAted the fest who danced and repricented their barangays.
The photos you have seen are the parade of dancers from different barangays of Malanday,Valenzuela,Philppines.
This is the end of the San Roque Parade and almost all the people are coming back to the church of San Roque to offer some Prayers.
The STI -MAGS always go to different places in their area to promote STI, so we, the mags went to the fiesta of San Roque not just to promote the school but also, to share the happiness, and joy in the fiesta.
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PS. Please also always include your contact info for replies!.


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Yep, more acquisitions from a very busy Sundance Film Festival for buyers this week.
First up, David Mackenzie's end-of-the-world love story "Perfect Sense" has found a home with IFC who landed the North American distribution rights for the film. Starring Ewan McGregor and Eva Green, as a chef and an epidemiologist respectively, who embark on a relationship as a crisis plagues the world causing people to lose their sensory perception. And you thought going on blind dates was hard. The film has gotten mostly positive reviews so far out of the fest, with most noting the careful blend of sci-fi, romance and horror in the story. No word on a release date just yet.
Meanwhile, Magnolia has snagged one of the more divisive films of the festival in Mark Pellington's no-budget indie "I Melt With You." As Vulture notes, the walkouts during the press screening were just as numerous as those during "Son Of No One," while those who stayed, "indulged in unintentional laughter not seen since last year's so-bad-it's-good screening of [Joel Schumacher's] 'Twelve.'" Starring Thomas Jane, Rob Lowe, Jeremy Piven, Christian McKay, Carla Gugino and Sasha Grey the film chronicles four dudes who hang out for a weekend, do drugs and revel in their various mid-life crises. Fun!
The film features an astonishingly ace soundtrack — Sex Pistols, X, Cramps, Jane's Addiction, Jesus And Mary Chain, The Cure, Talking Heads and more — and combined with the teaser clips below we not gonna say we're not intrigued.
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.


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Report #: # 12-001
In the early morning hours of January 1, 2012, a person or persons painted racial slurs and set fire to a house at 310 Church Street. The one-alarm fire displaced the two elderly residents and their caregiver. Anne Arundel County Fire Marshals are investigating this ARSON and HATE CRIME and are asking anyone with information to contact Metro Crime Stoppers


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Junior forward Chase Lapworth scored four times Sunday night to lift Bourne High to a 6-4 win over Silver Lake in Division 3 South boys hockey action at the Gallo Ice Arena.
BOURNE - Junior forward Chase Lapworth scored four times Sunday night to lift Bourne High to a 6-4 win over Silver Lake in Division 3 South boys hockey action at the Gallo Ice Arena.
Bourne (16-4-2) advanced to take on Ashland in the section quarter finals.
Silver Lake, the 21st seed in the bracket, fell just short of their second tourney upset in a row. They finish the season with a record of 8-12-4.
The Lakers put the first goal on the scoreboard 7 minutes 45 seconds into the contest. David Marani broke out from mid-ice with Alex Heffernan by his side. Heffernan would play the role of decoy as Marani put a hard shot top shelf over Bourne goaltender Nick Newbold's shoulder for the score.
That advantage lasted only a minute until Lapworth scored his first goal to tie things up.
Bourne added another score before the end of the opening period. While enjoying a 5-on-3 power play they worked the puck swiftly around the Laker offensive zone when Dan Strode finally deposited the puck in the net.
Silver Lake's Kevin Cardarelli and Lapworth traded goals in the middle stanza to make it 3-2 in favor of Bourne, setting up a wild third period that saw both teams double those numbers over the final 15 minutes of action.
Lapworth struck first, completing his hat trick as Bourne surged into a 4-2 lead with 11:26 left to play.
That's when things got weird thanks to three goals in 26 seconds.
Heffernan closed the gap to 4-3, using a sick dangle to get around a Bourne defenseman before firing the puck into the net for a score. Laker fans were still cheering when Bourne's Kyle Casano scored five seconds later to get it back to a two goal lead, 5-3.
Not to be outdone, Silver Lake's Cam Duff charged right back down the ice for a goal to make it 5-4 with 4:05 left.
The Lakers kept up the pressure as they searched for the tying goal. They took a timeout with 1:39 left to exchange goaltender Alden Maguire for an extra skater, but Lapworth capped off his four-goal night with an empty-netter 20 seconds later pushed the Canalmen into the next round of the tourney.
Email the reporter at email@example.com and follow him on Twitter, @David Wolcott1.


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Popular amongst male dancers, the split sole allows the dancer to demonstrate a clear point and offers greater flexibility. Please Note: There is no manufacturer guarantee on this product. Idanceirish is unable to offer any form of guarantee or refund on this product as the shoe has been adapted for Irish Dancing and as such has not been designed with Irish Dancing in mind. Idanceirish will continue to meet the needs and desires of our customers but customers purchase at their own risk.
Please View our shoe sizing guide in the tab below for further assistance


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Hello, hello,
Who am I? Who are you? How should you address me? Is "You," okay for you? What is my name? Stella. And yours?
I'm a dreamer who wishes to run away in the Tardis but not necessarily with any of its known pilots. I was once a student, formally. Once a Theatre Practitioner, informally, and always a lover of history, mystery, philosophy, Christianity and speculation.
Welcome to my blog. About what? My incorrigible love of theatre. Why?
Theatre has a magical glamour. Its stories begin with a playwright or improvising actor. They are coloured with costumes, props and scenery. They are given tone and pace by musical instruments. Nuance, interpretation and energy are delivered by the performer. Response is vital and immediate. Response is the audience's, it transfixes the story in the moment. The moment exists in another world. A magical world, an illusion, a glamour. A world craftily created.
Drama begins with an idea. Drama is not always on the stage.
An idea is as powerful as we allow it to be. Sometimes it can't be contained within the physical confines of the head that incubated it. Sometimes its sibling thoughts making up the mind, will promote it, sending it out through the spoken or written word. Sometimes it's expressed as images, impressions that haven't been shackled to meaning. The idea is fluid when shared.
The Crafty Theatre blog is about ideas inspired by theatre in an unreal world. It's hard to reconcile the loftiness of an ethereal idea with the physicality in which it lives: the head, a network of shooting electrons, a microcosm of the internet. As ideas form and reform within the head, how much more so will they within the universal head/brain/consciousness/internet?
Crafty Theatre is also about translating ideas through the plastic arts. It's about puppets, masks, make up and costumes, as well the history of theatre, theatre culture, theatre of disguise, proxies and pseudonyms.
Crafty Theatre projects are posted on pinterest and facebook. Look for www.facebook.com/CraftyTheatre/ and www.pinterest.com/craftytheatre/. Twitter for updates on fb and pinterest posts – https://twitter.com/TheatreCrafty.
Visit Crafty Theatre's profile on Pinterest.


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Welcome to 2010 Leach Family!!
We FINALLY have internet! After two months of trying to read blogs on my iPhone, Justin finally gave in to my begging. We had to get satellite internet, which actually hasn't been that bad. It's pretty fast and hey-it's better than nothing.
Quick update on us: The store is doing much better. When we took over most all of the employees were new and so there was A LOT of training that had to take place. The store also had dozens of MUCH needed repairs. We tackled the training issue by hauling the kids of to grandparents and Justin and I tag teaming the issues. It is such a blessing to have Justin working side-by-side with me. We didn't think it would work because we are both so hard-headed but it has been great. We understand each other's stresses and frustrations and it helps to have someone on your side. We also hired a trainer from San Angelo to come down for a couple of weeks and really help us on all of the issues. The repairs have been an ongoing issue so corporate has decided to send a general contractor in to access the problems and work up a bid on fixing everything! That was a HUGE blessing. All in all things are settling down and we are finally getting to relax a little and enjoy everything!
The house is going great and I am actually enjoying living in the country (aside from the whole internet issue). I mean it's 9:18 and Brynn JUST woke up and Sadie and still asleep. Yeah, quiet country life has its perks!!! The girls have played outside more in the last two months then they have their entire life!!
I won't go too crazy on the pictures just yet (I did have 328 on my camera) so I will share in little spurts.
We have some friends out here
That part I'm not a big fan of, but I will share other pictures of other friends later that are much nicer.
I have enjoyed this summer so much, just spending time with the girls. They got some makeup from Ginny Pearl and gave each other little makeovers.
Also, we have been in the hay business lately. The girls think that is pretty cool to watch!!
Well, sometimes.....
I really do think the sky is bluer out here....(this is straight out of the camera...no photoshop). I wish there was some way to capture the brightness of the stars out here....
All in all .....we are alive and well and are truly blessed.
I mean....what kid doesn't like to play in the rain naked?!?
Aaaahhh......it's good to be back! It's 9:43 and I 'm going to go wake up Sadie now!


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Temperature for January 2010
In January 2010 the average high temperature in Brownsville, TX was 72.0°F, and this was 0.5°F warmer than the average of 71.5°F. The hottest day in January 2010 was 24 January when the temperature reached 86.0°F. Overnight the average temperature in January is 51.5°F and in 2010 the average overnight temperature was 1.8°F cooler at 49.7°F.


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Estee Lauder is one of the American largest cosmetic company that manufactures and markets skin care, hair care, make-up and fragrances since 1946. Estee Lauder has gained a worldwide reputation for elegance, luxury and superior quality. Estee Lauder products are sold in more than 135 countries.
Make Up
Estee Lauder Sponge for Rs. 200
Note: Prices may change with time


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Mom Allegedly Bought Kid-Sized Prison Uniforms for 4 Children Kept in Windowless Sealed Boxes
A Missouri couple is accused of imprisoning four children — all under the age of 13 — in small, crudely constructed wooden boxes with no light and no bathroom access, PEOPLE confirms.
The children, according to police, were found in good health and likely lived in the home under those conditions for at least two weeks. The victims are between the 5 and 12 years old and include one boy and three girls, according to authorities.
The kids' adoptive mother, a former corrections officer named Laura Cheatham, stands accused with Daryl Head of multiple counts each of kidnapping and endangering the welfare of a child.
The suspects, both 38, have yet to enter pleas and their attorneys could not be reached for comment on Thursday.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, St. Francois Sheriff Daniel Bullock detailed the allegations against them.
"I've seen some pretty nasty things, but nothing this deplorable," Bullock said. "This is the kind of thing that happens somewhere else, not here."
The boxes the children were kept in were "smaller than a jail cell" and lacked windows and plumbing, the sheriff said. Cheatham allegedly even ordered child-sized prison uniforms for her four children to wear.
• Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.
An anonymous tip led investigators to the couple's door on Tuesday.
Head, at first, refused to allow police into their home in Farmington, Bullock said. After officers made their way inside, they allegedly saw Cheatham removing screws — used to keep the box openings securely shut. From inside emerged the four children.
The couple remain in police custody in lieu of $2 million bail.
The state has assumed guardianship of the children.
Source: Read Full Article


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Fri 21 Apr 2017 by Mike Corkhill
As of March, the in-service and on-order fleet of LNG-powered seagoing ships has reached the 200 mark. The fleet hit its double century on 20 March 2017 when Sovcomflot confirmed orders for four ice-class Aframax tankers of 114,000 dwt at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.
That order brings the fleet of LNG-fuelled vessels that are not LNG carriers to 103 ships in service and 97 on order, an increase year on year of 23 per cent. Twelve months ago, when LNG World Shipping last carried out a comprehensive review of the LNG-fuelled fleet, there were 74 such vessels in service and 88 on order.
The list below names the 103 LNG-fuelled ships in service, as of March. We have divided that list into four categories ꟷ passenger ships; tankers and bulk carriers; containers and dry cargo ships; and service and supply ships. Next week, we will publish the list of LNG-fuelled ships on order, as well as sector-specific studies on each of the four ship types.
Source: LNG World Shipping, March 217
* Conversion project
DF: medium-speed, dual-fuel
HPLSDF: high-pressure, low-speed dual-fuel
LPLSDF: low-pressure, low-speed dual-fuel
LNG-fuelled ships in service worldwide, March 2017
By STADT
By Marlink
By Marship Engineering
Mon 20 May 2019
Fri 17 May 2019
Danfoss IXA


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The Residual World::Tag = 'Ontology'
Entries that have been tagged with 'Ontology'.-
'Logical', 'Abstract' or 'Concept' Instead of 'Operational'?
by Nic Plum on Monday 19 April, 2010 - 15:46 GMT
Posted in Architecture Framework • MODAF • TRAK
Tags: concept • definition • language • ontology • operational • perspective • trak
The language used in a framework definition is important to its "user interface". Get it wrong and you build in problems for the long term. It is, however, difficult to get the 'right' name - one that is readily understood and where everyone has the same understanding.
In TRAK we have an 'Operational Perspective' - that provides the elements and viewpoints with which to describe the problem in terms of need, exchanges and behaviour in a way which is free from implementation or any particular solution or technology. The trouble is that the word 'operational' is all too readily associated with the day to day running or operation of the system. This has caused confusion in the rail domain. Of course any confusion can lead to the use of the wrong architectural views or for an unnecessary restriction in scope - all of which can lead to inconsistency and which make it harder to exchange or collaborate on architecture models.
Back to the problem in hand. If we don't use 'Operational' what could we use instead? 'Logical' is a possibility. It is used in other frameworks, such as Zachman, where it is a perspective that represents the logical information systems model which is free from the technology (another perspective). It looks as though MODAF would like to use 'logical' since the pre-amble to the MoD's 'The MODAF Operational (OV) Viewpoint' states 'the OV Views illustrate the Logical Architecture of the enterprise; ie whilst they show what is required to conduct an (operational or business) activity, they do not consider how a solution may manifest itself when implemented.' The trouble is, would the average user equate 'logical' with implementation-free or would they associate mathematics, rules or some alternative "Spockian" image with the term?
'Abstract' is another candidate. Looking in the New Oxford American Dictionary, produced by the Oxford University Press (OUP), that comes with the Apple Dictionary application we have:
adjective |ˈabstrakt|existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence : abstract concepts such as love or beauty.
- dealing with ideas rather than events : the novel was too abstract and esoteric to sustain much attention.
- not based on a particular instance; theoretical : we have been discussing the problem in a very abstract manner.
- (of a word, esp. a noun) denoting an idea, quality, or state rather than a concrete object : abstract words like truth or equality.
- of or relating to abstract art : abstract pictures that look like commercial color charts.
This looks to be promising. It is quite clearly nothing to do with a particular solution or realisation. Is 'Abstract Perspective' only a term that an air-head would use? It certainly seems to be better than keeping the current 'operational'.
Or would it be better just to use 'Concept'....?
Not easy. The request to change the name has been made on SourceForge and it will be interesting to see what comments or reaction develops.
Whatever the outcome there will have to be some changes on the site wiki…. :-(
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External Links
- MODAF. The MODAF Operational (OV) Viewpoint.26th April 2010.
- Sourceforge. TRAK Enterprise Architecture Viewpoints. Feature Request #2989344
A System is a System, Right? Not if You're Head-Modelling
by Nic Plum on Saturday 27 February, 2010 - 16:24 GMT
Posted in Architecture Framework • MODAF • TRAK
Tags: artefact • capability configuration • definition • handbook • head-model • incose • meaning • modaf • ontology • platform • stereotype • system • system of systems • trak
Choosing stereotypes for an enterprise architecture framework isn't easy. In defining something you embed the prevailing view at the time the framework was created. This may later haunt you. With every extra stereotype you add choice and then when you add the poor old architect or modeller into the mix you increase the possibility of inconsistency - the very thing the metamodel is designed to constrain and eliminate. This is illustrated very nicely in trying to place 'System' at the centre of TRAK.
Since we started with MODAF 1.2 this is where the story begins.
In the MODAF System is defined as
The usage of an artefact as a System in a Capability Configuration
and part of the physical architecture.
Technically it is defined as an Artefact alongside Platform. This arose because when the MODAF was originally launched the consensus on what a system is wasn't the currently accepted one with emergence et al and the MODAF quite reasonably took the then accepted view - hence it is a purely man-made thing. No notion of complexity whatsoever.
From the The MODAF System Viewpoint(SV) (17th February 2009):
'Artefacts - Physical objects made for a purpose (e.g. system, sub-system, platform, component or any physical item that occupies space and has attributes)'
'Physical Architectures - Configurations of resources for a purpose (e.g. capability configurations)'
'The physical resources contributing to a capability must either be an organisational resource or a physical asset. That is, a system cannot contribute alone; it must be hosted on a physical asset used by an organisational resource of both. Organisational aspects (e.g. who uses a system) can now be shown on SV-1.'
In short as it is defined in MODAF 1.2:
- system is something physical
- it is man-made
- it can't contain anything else like Organisation, Post or Role, or Software
- it is not the same thing as a Capability Configuration
- systems cannot provide capability
When creating TRAK we found we couldn't use MODAF::System as it didn't fit with either the London Underground view of a system or the INCOSE or ISO ones.
The current INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook defines a system as:
'an integrated set of elements, subsystems, or assemblies that accomplish a defined objective. These elements include products (hardware, software, firmware), processes, people, information, techniques, facilities, services, and other support elements.'
It was therefore impossible to use MODAF::System to represent what is currently accepted to be a system. So what could we use? As a system is a mixture of hard and soft resources it made sense to position at the centre of TRAK:
Immediately therefore this allows us to describe systems
- composed of a mixture of equipment, software and people - not just physical
- composed of just software or of just human stuff - soft systems
and we don't need 'Sub-system' either or 'System of Systems' since the terms just reflect a point of view in the hierarchy of systems and we already have the construct 'System is configured with System' to allow us to represent systems at any level. In fact if we introduced sub-system we would be forcing architects to make a choice and with choice comes difference of opinion and the potential for inconsistency - my Sub-system might be your System and so on.
Now Add People
The choice of metamodel elements is important, particularly when you add people (users of the metamodel) into the mix.
Some of you will be looking at the TRAK metamodel fragment above and thinking ... Capability Configuration. Indeed in MODAF this is where Capability Configuration sits. So is Capability Configuration correct? As defined it cannot be - Capability Configuration is still part of the Physical Architecture.
The bigger problem, however, is that you end up using one element but with the meaning of another. It's easy to see how this might arise - being not allowed to add parts to MODAF::System the architect takes the stereotype that does allow him or her to add the stereotypes that they want - the Capability Configuration. It is possible that they don't even see the problem in doing so. The trouble is that they describe something as a system but use Capability Configuration. Their 'head-model' doesn't fit the meaning of the model elements used.
It is actually worse because in providing MODAF::Platform and MODAF::System there is a choice to be made - when is something a platform and when is it a system? You can almost guarantee that different choices will be made and therefore it makes it more likely that architecture descriptions (models) can't be ported between organisations. In fact the poor modeller has 3 stereotypes that can be used to mean 'system' (in their head) - the MODAF::Capability Configuration, MODAF::System and MODAF::Platform. On the receiving end you can't predict which will have been used.
This is why in TRAK there is only 1 TRAK::System. It's flexible, can be used for hard or soft systems and, importantly, 'there shall only be one' - no sub, super or whatever-system.
You describe the context simply by the system boundary and hierarchy. Easy.
After all a system is a system.
The MODAF is Crown Copyright/MOD
The TRAK Metamodel is released under the GNU Free Documentation License.
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External Links
- MODAF Metamodel 1.2.004
- The MODAF System Viewpoint(SV) 17th February 2009.
- INCOSE‐TP‐2003‐002‐03.2. INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook v. 3.2. January 2010
- TRAK Metamodel. 26th February 2010.
Is this Architecture? Where is the sentence?
by Nic Plum on Sunday 07 February, 2010 - 15:42 GMT
Posted in Architecture Modelling
Tags: meaning • natural language • noun • ontology • relationship • sentence • system authority • tuple • usability • verb
What is architecture when we are modelling? We might have architecture elements but is this enough? Consider the following thought experiment.
On the first line we have 2 things. We don't know what type they are. We can't say anything about them and therefore this cannot be architecture.
On the second line we know that they are both systems and there is some unidentified relationship between them. We know nothing about this relationship in terms of what it is or the direction. This still cannot be architecture.
On the third line we know we have 2 systems and that System A is configured with System B. At last, this is architecture! But why? The fact is that we know how these 2 things relate to each other and this is at the core of architectural modelling. It is about describing relationships between things and placing things in their proper context. In many cases we are probably more concerned with the relationships between architecture elements than the detail of the elements themselves since we can then navigate along these paths or use them in queries to answer questions or discover things. This is one of the key differences in emphasis between an Enterprise Architect using, say, a UML tool, to a Software Designer. It probably also is at the base of a lot of frustration with tools.
At a more general level this is architecture because it provides all the parts of a language to allow us to describe what the situation is - we have 2 nouns and a verb so that we have a proper sentence. Without the verb (the relationship) we do not have a sentence and therefore cannot communicate anything meaningful.
This might sound trivial but it is important. It states that we need 3 things for it to be considered architecture - an object, a verb and the subject of the verb. In other words this looks like a tuple or a triple which is an important construct for an ontology. I suppose I sort of realised this but it was only in trying to define what is mandatory and what is optional for an architecture viewpoint (in ISO 42010 terms) that it became clear that just specifying metamodel elements wasn't enough - the meaning is in the tuples.
The other advantage of treating it like a natural language is that it makes it easy to communicate with folks who aren't UML experts. Take for example the following 2 examples.
Reading from left to right we have;
- Whizzo Dynamics (an organisation) plays the role of system authority which extends to Confabulator (a system)
- System Authority (a role) requires competence in architecture modelling in order to conduct Design System (a function)
and as architecture modelling ought to be about communication this is starting to be both useful and effective from a usability perspective.
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With the "Star Wars" saga being remastered for 3D, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox today officially announced a February 10th 2012 theatrical release date for the first effort of the batch – "Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace".
Those hoping to see "The Empire Strikes Back" on the big screen in 3D will have to wait until around 2016 it would seem as it's expected only one film a year will be churned out.
Until then we'll have to be content with the upcoming Blu-ray release of all six films on September 27th.


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Oregon Pay Equity – Job Profiling – Tigard / Portland
November 7, 2018 @ 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Event Navigation
The Oregon Equal Pay Act of 2017 strengthens existing protections, creates provisions, and requires all employers to conduct a pay equity study. The completion of this work requires considerable resources to complete the initial analysis and ongoing maintenance.
Some portions of the new law are already in effect, others implement on 1/1/2019 and more will take effect on 1/1/2024.
Join us for a review of the law, the important milestones, and a "how to" road map to compliance.
Cost: $150 Per Person / $112.00 Advantage Plan Members
Registration Information
– Seating is limited, and registration is on a "first come, first served" basis.
– Payment for registration must be received one week before the scheduled program date.
– Cancellations also must be received one week before the program date to receive a full refund.
– There are no refunds for "no-shows."
– If you do not receive confirmation of your registration or a reminder notice for the session your registration has not been received
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- Creative
- Animation
- Film Production
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Music Production
- Photography
- UI/UX Design
- Writing
Take advantage of Amanda Gagnon's 6 years of soapmaking experience with this detail-rich class. You'll learn a bit about the history and chemistry of soap, and you'll walk through the cold-process soapmaking technique used in villages thousands of years ago, all the way up to today's farmers market.
You'll also see how soapers create delicious scents without chemical fragrances, and how they color their soaps without dyes. This class is fantastic if you want a creative DIY - especially since you'll be joining soapmakers through the ages to create something natural, organic, and beautiful.
Follow the process of traditional cold-process soapmaking to produce your own 15-bar set of all-natural, artisan soap. You can use all of the ingredients in this list, or skip the extra scent and color for now for basic, pure recipe.
Along the way, you just need to upload pictures of a few steps in the process:
And you will walk away with your own loaf of 15 all-natural, artisan soap bars:
You will find the outline of this class here.


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The bowl and the tank must be disinfected after cleaning by adding bleach. The bleach must be allowed to sit for at least one-half hour. This procedure may have to be repeated several times. It is important that all areas with fungal growth be treated at the same time to eliminate cross contamination.
The presence of fungi in the toilet bowl should not be interpreted as a problem with the drinking water quality. It is very similar to leaving a piece of moist bread on the kitchen counter, sooner or later it will support mold growth. This does not mean the bread was bad, only that when it was left open to the environment it will support growth.
Routine cleaning will not eliminate this organism. Cleaning must be followed by disinfection using a bleach water mixture. All areas must be disinfected to reduce the chance of growth. Serratia will not survive in chlorinated drinking water.


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10 U.S. Code § 8964 - Higher grade after 30 years of service: warrant officers and enlisted members
Historical and Revision Notes
1956 Act
Revised section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
10:594 (1st proviso, less last 39 words; and last proviso).
10:1004 (less 30 words before proviso).
Aug. 21, 1941, ch. 384, § 5 (1st proviso, less last 39 words; and last proviso); restated June 29, 1948, ch. 708, § 203 (c) (1st proviso, less last 39 words; and last proviso), 62 Stat. 1085; May 29, 1954, ch. 249, § 19(f), 68 Stat. 167.
June 29, 1948, ch. 708, § 203(e) (less 30 words before proviso), 62 Stat. 1086.
The words "when his active service plus his service on the retired list totals 30 years" are substituted for the words "upon the completion of thirty years' [years of] service, to include the sum of his active service and his service on the retired list", in 10:594 and 1004. The words "under any provision of law", in 10:594 and 1004; "officer, flight officer, or warrant officer", in 10:594; and "commissioned, warrant, or enlisted", in 10:1004; are omitted as surplusage. 10:594 (last proviso) and 1004 (proviso) are omitted as superseded by section 1372 of this title.
1958 Act
Revised section
Source (U.S. Code)
Source (Statutes at Large)
10 App.:1004.
1987—Pub. L. 100–180 substituted "warrant officers and enlisted members" for "Air Force warrant officers; regular enlisted members" in section catchline, and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each warrant officer of the Air Force, and each enlisted member of the Regular Air Force, who is retired before or after this title is enacted is entitled, when his active service plus his service on the retired list totals 30 years, to be advanced on the retired list to the grade that is equal to the highest grade in which he served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the Secretary of the Air Force."
1984—Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "highest grade" for "highest temporary grade".
1958—Pub. L. 85–861 struck out "after September 8, 1940 and before July 1, 1946" after "Secretary of the Air Force".
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–180 applicable to any reserve enlisted member who completes 30 years of service in Armed Forces before, on, or after Dec. 4, 1987, and no person to be paid retired pay at higher rate by reason of enactment of Pub. L. 100–180 for any period before Dec. 4, 1987, see section 512(f) of Pub. L. 100–180, set out as a note under section 3964 of this title.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


text:
Name: Ghost To Ghost
Actors: Marc Wallace,Buck Adams,TT Boy,Cal Jammer
Actress: Stacy Nichols,Viviana,Nikki Wilde,Mercedes Lynn
Categories: Viviana sex, 1991, United States, English, Michael Carpenter, Stacy Nichols, Viviana, Nikki Wilde, Mercedes Lynn, Marc Wallace, Buck Adams, TT Boy, Cal Jammer, Facial, Lesbian, Latin
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Duration: 82 min
Year: 1991
Country: United States
Director: Michael Carpenter
Language: EnglishViviana sex in "Ghost To Ghost"
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Keywords:Viviana sex1991United StatesEnglishMichael CarpenterStacy NicholsVivianaNikki WildeMercedes LynnMarc WallaceBuck AdamsTT BoyCal JammerFacialLesbianLatin
© 2019 VINTAGEPORNSTARS.MOBI :: Classic Porn Stars from the classic era in the 1970s and 1980s with top retro pornstars, hairy pussies at Vintage Porn Stars mobi.


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The secret to being upgraded on your next flight A British Airways worker has revealed how people are chosen for a upgraded on their flight… Catriona Harvey-Jenner was flying from London Heathrow to San Jose, she decided to ask a British Airways worker how they select who gets an upgrade. It was revealed that flyers […]Read more
How to claim the difference if flight prices drop!
How to claim the difference if flight prices drop! Have you ever kicked yourself after purchasing a flight only to find out that the price has decreased before you're due to fly. This can be extremely annoying but did you know that you can actually get refunded the difference? Many companies offer a price promise guarantee […]Read more
How To Holiday In Orlando On The Cheap
This is my dream holiday but it seems to be so expensive, does it have to be? Find out how to holiday in Orlando on the cheap… It has always been my dream to take my family on holiday to Orlando and it is something we are saving for. It is going to take us […]Read more


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Saudi Gazette – Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, grand mufti and chairman of the Senior Scholars' Commission and Ifta Council, said that the newly formed Islamic Military Alliance will defeat Daesh (the so called IS).
He slammed Daesh, describing it as part of the Israeli army.
In a telephone talk with Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Asheikh said that the members of Daesh are doing a great harm to Islam and Muslims.
"They cannot be considered as followers of Islam. Rather, they are an extension of Kharijites, who rose in revolt against the Islamic caliphate for the first time by labeling Muslims as infidels and permitting their bloodletting."
Referring to a recent threat by Daesh leader against Israel, the grand mufti said: "This threat against Israel is simply a lie. Actually, Daesh is part of the Israeli soldiers."


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M artha Stamps is a native Nashvillian who grew up at her parent's home near Radnor Lake and graduated from Harpeth Hall. Stamps' education about food and land began when she was a child.
"We had all of these trees and all of this shade so there wasn't a whole lot of gardening to do," says Stamps, "but we spent a lot of time in the woods. My mom knew where the pawpaw trees were, and it seems like I was always learning about where to find things and when things were in season. So that education about how food is connected to the land began early on for me."
After Harpeth Hall, Stamps set out to study art and English at the University of Virginia, eventually setting her sights on a future law degree. It was a good plan for an ambitious young woman, but it was soon derailed once Stamps took a job in a small restaurant and got bit by the food bug for good.
"I loved everything about it," she says. "It was this tiny little place that was run by this really artsy couple—they'd serve a different menu every night. Of course, my mom and dad were wondering, 'What happened to law school?'"
After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Stamps returned to Nashville and to the legendary Belle Meade gourmet grocery/to-go stop, the Corner Market. "I'd worked there before I'd gone to culinary school, so it was a great place to come back to," she says. "It was awesome. We had so much fun there." It was at the market that Stamps' slow-food crusade began in earnest.
"I knew that you could find watercress in the local creeks, and I asked my suppliers about it," says Stamps. Her supplier replied that there was no local watercress available, but that it could be imported at a luxury price. That's when Stamps began dealing directly with farmers and doing outreach and education, providing an entryway for everyday Nashvillians to begin asking questions about what they were eating and where it was coming from.
Stamps' progressive efforts in the early 1990s make her a way-out-front early adopter of now-ubiquitous ideas, such as eating organic, sustainable growth, buying local, connecting directly to farmers via CSAs and co-ops, and from-scratch cooking.
Through the 2000s, Martha became one of the region's most important chefs during her tenure at her restaurant Martha's at The Plantation. The setting was ideal for Stamps, lending the perfect atmosphere for her New Southern cuisine and providing her with space to grow a garden that allowed her to source ingredients from just outside the restaurant's back door. It was the garden that brought those menus to life, but also saw Martha's tenure come to an end.
"The Plantation had a problem with the garden," says Stamps. "They didn't like the way that it looked in the winter so I decided it was time to try something new."
Stamps' latest project finds her cooking fresh and healthy meals for the elementary school classes at West End United Methodist Church. That's also where Stamps hosts her Wednesday night "A Place at the Table" meet-ups, where ten bucks gets you a Stamps-prepared, farm-fresh meal, along with a film or lecture that connects back to issues of food and community impacting us right here in Middle Tennessee.
"I was asked to teach some classes," says Stamps, "but then I decided I wanted to feed these kids and it all grew from there." Stamps' work at the church gives her access to their kitchens for her catering business, which has always been an important aspect of her food career.
"The thing I miss most about having a restaurant is playing hostess," she says. "I used to love to sit down in the dining room and chat with my regulars. But catering is great because you get to transform these places into an entirely different setting. For the Wednesday-night meals, I bring in my own tablecloths and we eat off of real china."
Understanding Stamps' cooking and career depends upon understanding her ideas about nutrition, conservation, sustainability, gardening, community, and caring for one's soul. When you do, her winding path looks perfectly direct.
As Stamps herself explains, "When we eat, we miss all of these opportunities for relationship: We can relate to the ground that provided the food, the animal that gave its life, the farmer, the people we're eating with, and that higher part of ourselves that we honor and sustain when we eat healthy food, grown and raised in a responsible, thoughtful way."
Eating is a fundamental activity, and its community proponents, like Stamps, remind us that it's one we can choose to do with a mindfulness and integrity that can nourish much more than just our bodies.
Of course, "slow food" also has its critics, and nowadays it's easy to feel that the "local" label has become little more than a marketing buzzword.
"I was talking with Margot McCormack (co-owner of Margot's Cafe) the other day," says Stamps. "We got on the whole subject of 'local' as just a marketing term. It's gotten to the point where I don't want to even have it on my menu. Why say it's local? Of course your food is local. It had better be local."
"It's in my bones. This (Tennessee) land and its food was something that was instilled in me long ago."


text:
Monday, November 3, 2014
Snowalong Week 6!
This pattern and last week's combined pattern for Snowflakes 5 and 6 are available free in my Payhip store. Snowflake 7 will be free through November 16. Snowflakes 5 and 6 are still free through next Monday.
There is a change in plans concerning the Snowalong linky parties. My Linky Tools free trial subscription is coming to an end and while I was happy to pay for a subscription to enable sharing in the Snowalong, I'm less inclined to do so when there isn't much sharing happening. So, I've updated the Snowalong page to reflect that there will not be any more linky parties.
Some of you have let me know that you plan to make some blocks in the future but just can't fit it into your busy days right now. I know how that goes! (Let's not look at the list of projects I want to start.) I'd still love to see what you make when you find time to make them, so please leave a comment or send me an email (address is on the sidebar) when you have a flake to share, and I'll be happy to share a link to your post in a post here on my blog. Also, the Facebook group will remain, and you can post there anytime.
I hope you've enjoyed the snowflakes I've shared as much as I've enjoyed designing them!
14 comments:
Beautiful! Love the variations. You've shared some beautiful patterns. I hope I can get to them before the snow flies NEXT year! : )ReplyDelete
I have loved seeing everyone's snowflakes. I hope to add another this week and one next week so I can finish my little runner. Then a quilt of all the flakes starting in January =) Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pattern Joanne.ReplyDelete
The patterns are beautiful. They go together so easily. One table runner made so far, with a second in the works. I'll post photos when they are completed.ReplyDelete
Love to follow your Snow-along. I'm amking crochet snowflakes for my booth decoration atm. Come over and have a look: http://kokopellidesign.blogspot.de/. :)ReplyDelete
Thank you again!!ReplyDelete
They're all so pretty!ReplyDelete
Well, thank you so much for doing this Joanne! It's nicer to have these pretty snowflakes inside my house, as opposed to outside! Will keep you posted on what other projects I create with them.ReplyDelete
Thank you for these. I've collected all of them for "some day". I do love paper piecing.ReplyDelete
All your snowflakes looks great! Thank you for sharing!ReplyDelete
Those snowflakes are looking fabulous. I like the two colour scheme. That never happens in my house as I am a scrappy quilter.ReplyDelete
I also love that there are 4 versions to each pattern. Very creative.ReplyDelete
I'd never be able to choose a favorite! I love them all. I just don't have the time or skill to even try them. You've created some real beauties! ---"Love"ReplyDelete
I love this project! Will you be doing another "Sew-A-Long" in 2015? I would like to put it on my list if you are.ReplyDeleteReplies
I'm glad you like it! I don't have any solid plans for a 2015 sewalong at this point. I'll have to see if inspiration strikes, but if it does I'll be blogging about it ahead of time.Delete
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Ideally, your time away from work was (at least, somewhat) relaxing. But that post-vacation zen can go right out the window once you sit down to tackle your inbox and realize there are approximately one million messages waiting for you.
Responding to emails can be stressful any day, but it's even worse when they've been piling up. And feeling that stress, you may set a goal to get through them as quickly as possible—only to commit one of the common mistakes below.
So, take a few minutes to read how you can avoid them: It'll be worth it!
1. Prioritizing Response Time Over Quality
Mathematically, answering as quickly as you can makes sense. If you spend one minute reading an email and one minute replying, you'll get through your list way faster than if you spend five minutes reading and five minutes replying.
And while you're correct that this is not a day to debate internally between "Sounds good!" versus "I agree," you don't want to just fire off a quick reply either.
"Sounds good" or "I agree" work equally well if someone asked if you like their plan, but make no sense if they asked you a specific question about it. Meaning, you're going to get yet another email back from them—and they'll know you didn't read what they wrote the first time.
The Fix
If you have pages of emails to get through and can't curb the desire to reply ASAP, copy and paste a generic response. Try this "I'll be spending today catching up on emails. If you need a response before 5 PM, please email me back and let me know."
Yes, it's an extra step, but if your number one goal is to get back to everyone first thing, it'll allow you to do that, then exhale and take your time responding.
2. Forwarding Everything With "FYI"
In your head, you're sharing a status update so the other person can tell you what to do next. But in your recipient's head, you're saying, this has been taken care of. You're esssentially taking a "hot potato" approach to email, assuming the responsibility falls to whomever got it last—which means there's a good posibility of miscommunication.
This is why as Muse Managing Editor Jenni Maier writes, "Every single email should include a next step (even if that's 'no reply needed')."
When you send a hot potato email, one of two things will happen. You'll get it right back with a question (so all you've done is duplicate work). Or, perhaps worse, they'll say nothing and you'll each think the other person is the one who's taking next steps.
The Fix
Take Maier's advice and make sure messages have a clear intent. If you're sending something along just to close the loop, it's absolutely OK to say that, or even "for your reference." Spelling out exactly what you want from the other person forces you to get clear first—which means you'll catch yourself if what you really need is to take a step yourself before sharing your progress.
3. Responding in the Order They Came In
Your plan to respond to in reverse chronological order is well-intentioned: You want to get back to the person who's been waiting the longest, first. However, it's not a wise plan if your goal is to be as efficient as possible.
Case in point: I worked with someone who went on a two-week vacation, and when he returned, he replied to his oldest emails first. This meant he followed up on my questions to ask if they'd been sorted—before he saw a later chain where his point of contact solved those issues for me.
The "Did you get this?" and "Nevermind! Saw you did!" emails were unnecessary, and if your whole goal is to catch up quickly, you don't want to waste time on them.
The Fix
This is a great time for the LIFO: Last In, First Out approach. Because, as Muse COO Alex Cavoulacos explains, "This technique is predicated on letting the old stuff deal with itself."
In other words, by the time you got to the email someone sent a week ago, it could very well be that they already handled whatever they asked you about. And if they still want your attention sooner rather than later, I'm willing to bet they noted the return date on your OOO and sent a follow-up that was sitting at the top your inbox when you returned.
When you're staring down a week's worth of messages, your temptation may be to just dive in. But if you're thoughtful about how you go about replying, you'll avoid common mistakes and save yourself having to go back and answer them again.
TopicsEmail Mistakes , Succeeding on the Job , Tools & Skills , Mistakes , Email , Syndication , Impress Me by Sara McCord , Communication , Vacations
Photo of person checking email courtesy of Joao Inacio/Getty Images.
Sara McCord is a freelance writer and editor, who most frequently covers the career beat. For nearly three years, she was an editor at The Muse, and she's regularly contributed career advice to Mashable. Her advice has been published across the web (Forbes, Newsweek, Fast Company,TIME, Inc., Business Insider, CNBC and more). Sara has experience managing programs; recruiting, interviewing, and referring job applicants; building strategic partnerships; advising executive directors; and supporting a national network of volunteers. Learn more and send her a note through her website, or follow her on Twitter @sarajmccord.More from this Author


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TrueCrypt is an open-source encryption software that enables you to create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a virtual drive, that can be accessed via a drive letter. Any file that is stored on this virtual drive is automatically encrypted on-the-fly, and can only be... [Read more...]
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text:
Master Series Lektor Zipper Mouth Muzzle
- Half mask muzzle – perfect for medical play scenes
- Built in nose holes for breathing
- Zippered mouth for total lockdown
- Super stretchy straps for a one size fits all perfect fit
Put a muzzle on your plaything with the Master Series Lektor Zipper Mouth Muzzle. This half face mask features two breathing holes and a large zip at the mouth so you can keep your subbie's mouth on total lockdown. This devious mask is reminiscent of face masks and muzzles found in prisons and insane asylums so your medical play scene will be uberkinkified. This high gloss vinyl mask is lined with soft material and covers half the face while the elastic bands at the back secure it in place. Once on, this super slick half mask muzzle gives your sub a sense of confinement without being too overwhelming.
Note, for those kinksters with metal allergies - The inside of the mask has exposed metal where the grommets attach the straps, the make-up of this metal is unknown.
|Master Series
|16.5cm (6.5 inches)
|Yes, stretchy straps
|Does Not Include
|Latex, Phthalates
|Washing Instructions
|Wipe clean
|Neoprene, Vinyl
|Essential Guides


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© University of Kent - Contact | Feedback | Legal | FOI | Cookies
AboutProf. Sakwa joined the School in 1987, was promoted to a professorship in 1996 and was Head of School between 2001 and 2007, and in 2010 he once again took over as Head of School until 2014. While completing his doctorate on Moscow politics during the Civil War (1918-21) he spent a year on a British Council scholarship at Moscow State University (1979-80), and then worked for two years in Moscow in the 'Mir' Science and Technology Publishing House. Before moving to Kent he lectured at the University of Essex and the University of California, Santa Cruz. Prof. Sakwa is an Associate Fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Russian, European and Eurasian Studies (CREES) at the University of Birmingham and since September 2002 a member of Academy of Learned Societies for the Social Sciences.
Contact Information
Rutherford N4.W2
Academic office hours are available on the Moodle Student Guide
Expertise: Russian government and politics Communism and postcommunism Democratisation. Languages: Russian [good] French [intermediate]
Also view these in the Kent Academic Repository
Abstract | View in KAR | View Full Text
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Research Interests
- Democratic development in Russia
- Nature of postcommunism
- Global challenges facing the former communist countries
- Problems of European and global order
Current Projects
- Book on 'Frontline Ukraine: Crisis in the Borderlands', paperback edition
- The Dual State and Reiderstvo in Russia
- The Cold Peace: Russia and the Problem of International Order
Research Supervision
Camille-Renaud Merlen
Russia and the post-sovereign world
Rabekah Everett
The Partial Reform Equilibrium Revisited
Emir Kulov
Party System Institutionalization in the Post-Soviet region: The Case of Kyrgyzstan
Oybek Madiyev
Japan's Nuclear Energy Policy in Central Asia
Nicolo Sartori
What is Energy Security?
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Easter in Lviv 2013
Christmas in Lviv 2013
Photoreport from Night in Lviv
16 - 18 November, guests and residents had an opportunity to spend the "Night in Lviv" - go on night tours in Lviv's museums, churches, theaters, underground, take part in theatrical performances, art performances, workshops, literary readings.
Fans in lviv at day match Portugal - Germany
Lviv City Day 2012
Were held in May 4-6
Lviv by night
Fairs and Festivals
More than 100 different concerts and festivals are held in Lviv annually. Some photos from this events You can find in this album, but it is way better to come and see everything with your own eyes!
Lviv – The Soul of Ukraine
Let's listen to the streets and houses, let's stop and hear the play of a violinist on a square among the buildings.


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The name Bihor was mentioned in 1450 in a document of Dubrovnik archive as «In loco vocato Bichor». However, the town of Bihor can be assumed to have been built well before its first mention. The Turks took Bihor in 1455. According to the Turkish sources, in the mid 16th century, besides side arms, the fort was equipped with cannons, rifles and other necessary tools, while its crew numbered 26 men.
Today, the fortification is in a ruined state, while its walls are partly preserved, some portions up to the height of 3m.
On the terrain, remains of three towers and a water cistern can be identified. The exact location of the entrance cannot be ascertained. Based on the remains of an old graveyard, a church site and house foundations as well as a fresh water spring, we can conclude with great certainty that a lower suburb was situated on the access plateau. Even the present-day hamlet with houses scattered around the area bears the name Podgrade (below the town).


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This was a mid century designer I had never heard of until just recently. It appears his scarce designs are a very rare find these days. He designed for Designs for Moderns and New Dimensions furniture for a very short period in the 1950's.
Here are some of his designs.....grab em' if you ever come across them!


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text: THE SOVIET Ministry of Geology and the US Geological Survey have signed an agreement to cooperate more extensively on research in earth sciences in the future. At the 28th International Geological Congress in Washington this week, Dallas Peck, the director of the USGS, and Deputy Minister Yevgeny Pelmenyov pledged to promote more and better earth sciences in the two countries. Peck said: 'Discussions are already under way on projects involving oil and gas resource assessment techniques, comparative studies of US and Soviet ore deposits and analysis of samples from the Ministry's super-deep drillhole.' Both the US and the USSR will benefit from increased collaboration and access to results. Soviet geologists are keen to compare the tectonics of the Lake Baikal rift in Siberia with the Rio Grande rift, and to examine ore deposits. The big prizes for American earth scientists are samples from the super-deep well in Kola, in the northwest of the USSR,


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Gary Oldman Rips Professional Athletes A New One
By Joanna Robinson | Lists | June 20, 2012 |
By Joanna Robinson | Lists | June 20, 2012 |
Trained thespian and all-around delight Gary Oldman appeared on Jimmy Kimmel last night with a very special message for athletes who think they can act:
The highlight has to be the Gatorade joke, yes? Mostly because it reminded me of this 90s gem. Anyway, for those of you who are wondering if Mr. Oldman was perhaps a touch too harsh, here's a little reminder of what it looks like when basketball players try to act. Yeah, not pretty.
Patrick Ewing--The Exorcist III
Kareem Abdul Jabbar--Airplane
Charles Barkley--"SNL"
Larry Bird--Celtic Pride
Wilt Chamberlain--Conan The Detroyer
Michael Jordan--Space Jam
Oh yes, we saved the worst for last.
Shaquille O'Neal--Kazaam
[h/t Warming Glow]
It's worth noting the exception that proves the rule. The amazingly multi-talented Paul Robeson was both a basketball and football player as well as an actor, singer and activist. They don't make anyone like this anymore.
Paul Robeson--Showboat
Joanna Robinson predicts that there will be a drunken hate watch of Kazaam in her future.


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You are in JA5002
The Hi-Lift Jack Adaptor is a hugely convenient purchase for those looking to use a high-lift jack with standard jacking points on Land Rover Defender vehicles. In addition, the product is suitable for a range of other bumper and sill protection systems on other vehicles for more versatile use.
Compatible with standard jacking points on Land Rover Defender vehicles
Also suitable for other after-market bumper and sill protection systems for versatility
Designed for use with tubular jacking points
Please click here to read about our terms of return policy.
Complete the form below to ask a question about this product. We endeveour to answer all questions as soon as possible. Our parts department operates from Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm.
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Portable depthsounder Norcross (Code 29.028.01)
Range 0.7-60 metres (possibility to select 2.5-200 foot scale). Display of water and air instantaneous temperature. Waterproof up to 61 metres under water (it can also be used by scuba divers). 200-KHz transducer with 20В° cone. LCD backlit display. PINPOINTS system for fish detection. Float with shock resistant rubber cover. Automatic system of display of the last screen. Power: 4 AA batteries with 10-hour continuous capacity.


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Harnessing talent within our company – the Compass Top Chef Competition 2016 came to an end last Wednesday.
The finale was held at the Peermont Hotel School at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg – with talent from across
the country heeding the call for a chance to be crowned as the group's most elite chef.
We witnessed two full months of competition all over the country with chefs travelling far and wide to compete for this year's coveted title.
The contest sought provisional winners, meaning that three chefs from each region of the country would take 1st, 2nd and 3rd place seats – hoping not to be knocked off while a day of cooking in each region went on.
The cooking started off in Cape Town where we saw two fun filled sessions of competitive cooking.
By the end of the day, three regional winners from the Mother City proved their mettle to make it to the national final.
Cape Town Finalists:
1st – Ntombi Ngcoko – Nedbank Clock Tower
2nd – Nicole Apples – PWC
3rd – Thembinkosi Stamper – Discovery Health
We then moved onto Gauteng where two full days of intense competition were to be held.
The top three positions changed hands throughout the day.
By the end of the second session we had again seen the top three paces change hands on numerous occasion with a final three comprising of:
1st – Johan Hannekom – Milpark Netcare
2nd – Rouget Bagley – Nedbank 105 West/Old Mutual
3rd – Yann Dalibanga – Life Flora Hospital
The Kingdom of the Zulu saw chefs from Escourt and Lesotho adding to the competition.
Thank you to Bruce Van Niekerk for bringing these chefs through from far laying units to take their opportunity to display their talent.
Again we had many talented chefs taking part but only three could make it into the final:
1st – Sajana – Nedbank Ridgeside
2nd – Shiraaz Khan – PWC
3rd – Zubaida – Umhlanga Netcare
What is a smell of a KwaZulu-Natal meal without the rich aroma of the spices of a Durban curry?
Of the 68 chefs from across South Africa – 9 emerged as the cream of the crop.
Well done and thank you to all those chefs who participated.
You made this year's competition fun and successful and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.
The top 9 national chefs were to compete against each other for the Compass Top Chef 2016 title.
The much dreaded Mystery Box meant that all the chefs had no opportunity to plan in advance, but put their faith in their skill. The chefs had just 90 minutes to create at least two dishes from the ingredients in the Mystery Box.
As the chefs lifted the box to reveal its contents which only compromised of:
- 4 x fresh prawns
- Walnuts
- ½ chicken
- Port
- Beetroot
- Sour Cream
- Whole pineapple
- Apricots
- Cumin seeds
- Sweet potato
- Baby marrow
- Oyster Mushrooms
The judges moved amongst the stations seeing what the chefs were up to and what their plans were for the ingredients.
While all of this was unfolding, we had Compass employees and clients watching on and mingling around, snacking on freshly baked cakes and brownies from the bakery at Nedbank 135 Rivonia.
With the time ticking down the chefs worked frantically to put together the non-matching ingredients.
Chefs were provided regular time updates and had shouts of panic in return when they realized they were quickly running out of time.
As the time drew to an end the entire audience did the dreaded 10 second countdown the famous phrase "STOP COOKING" ended meal preparation time.
The judging panel had their tasting table set up in view of the audience with one chef after another being called upon to explain their creations and hope that the judges were kind to them.
After a full hour and 10 minutes the judging was complete and we had to round up the chefs to communicate the final results.
Reuben Riffel took us through the judges' findings and explained what and how the judging was finalized.
With bated breath the top three places were announced.
3rd place went to Yann Dalibanga of Life Healthcare Flora Hospital
2nd place was awarded to Rouget Bagley of Nedbank 105 West/Old Mutual
1st place and the overall winner of Compass Top Chef 2016 went to Johan Hannekom from Netcare Milpark
The competition this year was fierce and to make the final was already a sign that there was immense talent to be proud of.
As a little fun we decided to hold a side competition for our much lorded Regional General Managers (supported by a selected Regional Manager) and a team of head office wannabe's in Alan Wintermeyer, Brent Kinnear and Michelle Ackerman.
This group of misfits had an hour and a half to create a cottage pie and some chocolate profiteroles.
What unfolded over the time frame was absolute mayhem and blatant acts of sabotage on each other's dishes.
By the end of the time we had bright yellow choux pastry balls and spicy hot beef mice topped with various food colored mashed potatoes.
With Reuben not too keen on tasting the funny looking outcomes of a chaotic cooking session, we decided to bestow the privilege on the three winners of the Top Chef Competition to judge their bosses.
The final outcome was a Gauteng Medirest team of Dolf Smook and Enid Van Heerden handed the winning Silver plate.
In conclusion, congratulations needs to be given not only all the chefs that competed this year but the management teams and directors of this company.
Thank you to Bidvest for the loan of their test kitchens for the local heats and for supplying the final chefs with hampers to go with their winning prizes.
A massive thank you to Peermont Hotel School for hosting our final and a big thanks to all the judges, both food and HSE- for making the time to take part.
Finally to the Leadership team for organizing this fantastic event that brings out the best of what we represent as a company.
See some of the highlights from the event here:


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win a complete set of the new Winter Distress Paints (that's all six of them) you just need to do the following:
- leave a comment on the post on the FRILLY AND FUNKIE CHALLENGE BLOG
- follow the Frilly and Funkie challenge blog
- add a link to this post on your blog sidebar using this badge. Please add the badge by copying and pasting the code below into an HTML/Java Script gadget on your sidebar. The code will automatically add the badge and a link back to this post.

- and for a second entry you need to Like The Funkie Junkie Boutique Facebook page
Come and join into the fun
Hugs Terry xxxx


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One of the mysteries of the English language finally explained.
Definition of man-root in English:
1Either of two North American ipomoeas with large tuberous roots, Ipomoea leptophylla, of the dry plains east of the Rocky Mountains, and the wild potato vine, I. pandurata.
2Any of several western North American gourds of the genus Marah (family Cucurbitaceae).
3The medicinal root of a ginseng (genus Panax), especially one from Asia.
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in William Hemsley Emory (1811–1887).
Further reading
Top tips for CV writingRead more
In this article we explore how to impress employers with a spot-on CV.


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Then the bogs were drained, the forests were cleared, roads were built, farms spread, suburbs sprawled.... Now there are only a few square miles of shore pine forest left, a tiny fraction of the historical habitat of this interesting little mammal. But if you ask anyone who lives here, "Are there squirrels in Richmond?" the response is likely to be a roll of the eyes and muttered expletives. There are too many squirrels!
But they are thinking of this one, the Eastern Grey Squirrel, which was introduced to Stanley Park in Vancouver about a hundred years ago (yes, the black ones are also Grey Squirrels). Oh what a mistake. They thrived and spread, invaded garages and attics and were captured and transported elsewhere, across the river for example, to here for example, and here too they have thrived and are in our garages and attics. They are a conspicuous feature of almost every neighbourhood. They love the balmy west coast, with life so much easier than in frigid Ontario, where months of hard work are needed to collect and hoard enough acorns and beechnuts to last out the lengthy sub-zero cold spells.
They cannot turn this instinct off. While in Ontario they would be curled up in the hollow of an oak, snoozing though the chilly weather, here they are still foraging, and will continue to forage. A few years ago this led to a file being opened by the RCMP, when a public Christmas light show was being systematically vandalized. Lights were being stolen, dozens every day. Not just the bulbs, but the sockets too, snipped from the lengths of wire. Who would do such a thing? Well, there (above) is the answer. Diurnal bandits, gleefully collecting all those pretty shiny GIANT acorns.
That particular Christmas light show no longer exists, but if you go to that park and dig around in the leaf litter you are almost certain to find buried Christmas lights. Something to puzzle archeologists.Mmmmm, red acorns.


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Nov 10 2016
Zipslide Challenge Final Tally
Final update –
The total amount now passed to Prostate Scotland is just over £121,000.
Today a Bro representing us all was privileged to be invited to be present at the Western Infirmary in Edinburgh when the new robot assisted surgery unit was officially launched by Shona Robison the Secretary for Health.
This now means that robotic systems are in place in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen helping men from all over Scotland. During the launch the Chairman of Prostate Scotland made specific mention of the Charity Zipslide by the Freemasons in Scotland and the fact that the £120k had taken the Blue Horizon Robot Appeal to a conclusion and allowed the robots to be brought into service.
Below is a photo of the plaque which also gives due credit to the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the freemasons of Scotland


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Knights Ridge is a 25 acre property set amongst the rolling hills of Laguna in the southern Hunter Valley. As it is off the main roads and so very quiet, you feel completely secluded but you are only a short 15 minute drive to the charming, historic town of Wollombi and 40 mins from the Hunter Valley's central wine district of Pokolbin. The 'Creekside Cabin' combines Sustainable Living with Comfort. The 3 bedroom, self-contained cabin has been beautifully decked out with all you could need and sleeps up to 8 people. A perfect retreat for couples, families or groups.
There are many local wineries in the Wollombi Valley or venture a little further to the heart of the Hunter and Pokolbin. Wollombi is a gorgeously quaint convict built town with a historic gaol and courthouse, now a museum. Visit the Wollombi Tavern and enjoy the famous Dr Jurds Jungle Juice. The Great North Road in Laguna and Wollombi is also spotted with artistic sculptures, including the giant ants of the The Great Northern Trading Post in Laguna. There are also several properties in the Hunter Valley to enjoy horseriding. If you are lucky enough to stay for a long weekend, the Wollombi Markets are a must see!!
Knights Ridge has a cosy modern and very memorable decor and layout providing many unique places to find moments of retreat. Forget time and watch the sunrise through the mountain vistas while perched on many of the rock lookouts right through to evening creekside sunsets nestling behind the mountain kissed fields. You will never want to leave....
Facilities - modern newly built yet eclectic and rustic with many spaces to retreat to
The renovated kitchen (compact layout) is fully equipped with everything you need to cook and serve a simple meal or an elaborate gourmet spread (including a hooded Weber Q200 BBQ on deck). Toast over gas stove. Small solar bar fridge - larger gas fridge available on request for larger long stay groups. We provide the essentials such as salt, pepper, spices, spreads, rice/olive oil along with tea, coffee & sugar. The Kitchen stove and hot water run on gas but everything else is solar-powered. Water conservation and solar not compatible with air/conditioning or a in the memorable conversations over washing and drying!
Fully serviced with fresh linen (sheets, towels, doona, pillows provided).
Main master front room: rustic queen bed
Second loft room: queen sleigh bed (loft not for use)
Third loft bunk bedroom: two bunk beds, and loft has two floor mattresses on it.
On special request for 4+ night stays a basic room has another bunk enabling 12 guests
Beautiful new bathroom with large frameless shower (no bath) and outlook to a massive rock wall. No hairdryers on solar. Baby bath, toilet and hi-chair available on request. Ecotoilet (looks just like a normal toilet, based on a composting system and there is absolutely no smell!!).
Other inclusions: Torches to spot wildlife at dusk, DVD player with DVDs, sound system with iPod jack input Aux, board games, books, bikes and balls, gas heater, compost for food scraps, cubby house and trampoline for the kiddies and board games. There is FREE WiFi access and a landline – no mobile phone coverage. First aid kit. 10 seater bench table. Combustion fire place. Ceiling fans throughout.
Location and around the Wollombi Valley, lower Hunter
1 hour North from Hornsby, the Wollombi Valley is truly a hidden gem. 40 mins from the main center of the Hunter Valley Pokolbin. Take a unique scenic mountain drive from the Calga Peats Ridge road from the M1 and follow the historic tourist trail of the Great North Road to Laguna, NSW 2325
We will send you detailed directions following your booking.
Yengo Creek turnoff (to Boree) is 1.3km Sydney side (South) of Laguna village
112 Knights Rd(Arm) is 4.4km from Great North Road
Travel 2.2km Westward along Yango Road then left(West) over creek culvert for 70m along Upper Yengo and left again to Boree track for 600m then travel straight onto Knights Road for 1.12Km to reach the 112 wooden signpost (easy level 2WD partly bitumised, mostly rubble road)


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I'm sure this will come as a huge shock, but it appears that Teresa Caputo, the Long Island Medium, might actually be a fraud. Radar Online has a report on some of the fans who went to her shows coming away disappointed and skeptical that she might not be telling the truth about her magical powers.
"Theresa is like a vulture preying on the most vulnerable," investigator Ron Tebo, the creator of fraud whistleblower website SciFake.com, tells Radar. "I think it's despicable."
Tebo, who says he has been privately speaking with Caputo's clients and associates for more than a year, claims the reality star employs old-school psychic techniques such as cold reading— or analyzing someone's body language, clothes, speech and other initial impressions to make a high-probability guess about a subject— and shotgunning —or asking a large audience a vague question for a greater chance of a positive response."She schmoozes with the audience, and wins them over with her big hair, designer shoes and comedy. When they trust her, she goes in for the kill," Tebo explains. "She'll ask the group a question like, 'Who lost an older male relative to heart problems?' It's the oldest trick in the medium's book."
This should be the most obvious thing that should convince everyone that all of these people are frauds. If they truly talk to the dead, why can't the "spirits" just tell them their name? Why do they only give them letters, and always the most commonly used letters?