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Your Garden: Kym Pokorny
Mason bees: a plant's friend
The gardening season is young, but mason bees are out for their short but productive foray into the blooms of your backyard.
These solitary native bees — most commonly the blue orchard mason bee (Osmia lignaria) — get busy before honeybees and set to work on early-flowering plants like forsythia, pieris and especially fruit trees.
"Mason bees fill a spot in the season when other pollinators are not out," said Brooke Edmunds, a horticulturist with Oregon State University's Extension Service. "They're really important for fruit trees, especially in cool, wet areas."
As honeybees continue to struggle for survival, mason bees take on a bigger role in the backyard garden, according to Edmunds. Both serious and casual gardeners welcome these earnest pollinators to get better yields of fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Mason bees are smaller than honeybees, have a bluish hue and are often mistaken for flies. Rarely do you have to worry about being stung because these unaggressive bees live alone and have no hive to protect.
Unlike honeybees that fly up to four miles to find their preferred food, mason bees don't go much farther than 300 feet. They move in a zigzag pattern, which makes them especially efficient pollinators for small spaces, according to Edmunds.
The single-minded bees live to bring nectar and pollen back to the nest for their larvae that hatch from eggs laid between walls made of mud — another material the female bees must haul back to the nest. Leaving patches of mud close to nesting areas in trees or other wood will help attract them, Edmunds said.
You can also encourage mason bees by creating a garden that includes plants that bloom during their excursions in March to mid- or late May.
Consider plants such as crabapples, redbud, flowering currant, elderberry, huckleberry, Oregon grape and lupine.
Even the often-dreaded dandelion is a great source of food.
If you want to introduce the bees rather than wait for them to arrive in the garden, Edmunds recommends purchasing a nesting house, which contains straws filled with cocoons that hatch in spring. They're available online or at garden centers.
Alternately, you can drill holes into a solid piece of untreated wood. Make the holes five-16ths of an inch in diameter, six inches deep and three-fourths of an inch apart. Insert paper straws with cocoons inside the holes.
Whatever you end up using, hang houses or containers under eaves or other protected areas where they'll be protected from wind, rain and sun.
Some people will bring the cocoon-filled houses inside over winter to keep them out of reach of predators. They'll also spend time removing cocoons and washing off mites or parasites and reinserting them into clean straws.
"There are two schools of thought," Edmunds said. "Some people want to get into high maintenance and harvest, clean and store cocoons. But that's not necessary. You can always buy additional cocoons each year. And, of course, give the bees the plants they need to keep them around."
Feel free to use our paper straws to make the perfect bee hive!


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The work of compliance continues to come out in the limelight the previous years, compliance agents were not known to the public and were very few; unlike know that they are increasingly sought for by companies and firms. As the work of the officer for compliance continues to increase, they should be ready for thorough scrutiny from SEC.
CCO group's report that their members are feeling desperate and are preparing for additional scrutiny as well as more enforcement rules this year. According to the Chief Executive Officer and founder of The Regulatory Fundamentals Group LLC, Deborah Prutzman, the regulators are not changing the work of compliance experts, but they want to meet their expectations no matter at it takes.
In an interview with the president and manager of the Investment Adviser Association in Washington, Karen Barr, the tone of SEC on the investigation of agents of compliance is turning skeptical. They are not clear on what they will do.
Concern are being raised on the trend of holding compliance workers responsible in situations in which agencies think things could have been handled in a different way. Andrew Ceresney, the SEC Enforcement Director, said that there is no guessing and no trend on the professional judgment of a Compliance agent.
The recent compulsion should reinforce the role of the CCO by showing the importance of enough compliance resources, transparency, and cooperation within the company. Mr. Barr says that the anxiety is high and asks how one can attract the experienced and best compliance officers as it's not good to remove qualified individuals from the profession. Unless clear rules and guidelines are put in place for investigation, the compliance managers will always look behind their back.
Helane Morrison, who was formerly a director of the SEC, is the Principal, Managing Director, Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel and a member of the Executive Committee of Hall Capital Partners LLC. Ms. Morrison studied at the Northwestern University where she had a B.S. in journalism. At the Law School, University of California at Berkeley, she acquired a J.D.
Morrison is an accessional speaker of subjects related to compliance and legal issues influencing investment advisers and private capital. She is a board member of the Regional Parks Foundation and a sub-committee member of Hedge Fund. From 1999 to 2007, Helane was the Head of San Francisco Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 1996 to 1999, she headed the enforcement department of Sec office in San Francisco. For more information about Helane Morrison connect with her on LinkedIn or visit: http://www.hallcapital.com/team/corporate/helane-l-morrison.php.

subset: commoncrawl


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750cc ? What's that mean?
What to call the Sparkplug Coffee bag sizes?
We're thinking of changing the names of our coffee sizes. And would love your help figuring this out.
Everyone who takes the survey receives a coupon to save on a coffee purchase.
AND we're giving away a Sparkplug Coffee gift pack (retail value $50) to one randomly selected person after the survey closes.
If you've already taken the survey (and included your name and email), we'll add you to the gift pack draw. THANK YOU!
* you must give your name and a valid email to be entered into the draw for the gift pack. Only one entry per email address.


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Warm your belly with this rich, decadent Thick and Creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate. The perfect treat to enjoy while strolling around the neighborhood looking at the christmas lights. Want to kick it up a notch? You can always put a wee tipple of somethin' somethin' in there for the adults in the party (but shhh you didn't hear it from me)!
Cold nights just beg for a big batch of hot chocolate to be served up to warm big and little bellies alike. Make yours a Thick and Creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate to get a little bit of extra goodness in there, or simply to use up that last bit of pumpkin puree you have hanging out in the fridge following your Holiday baking. And I know we all have that halfa can hanging out in there.
Topping Suggestions To Send Your Thick and Creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate Over The Edge
There are so many toppings to choose from when serving up this decadent drink. Choose from:
- whipped cream,
- a sprinkle of cinnamon,
- some actual sprinkles,
- marshmallows,
- and/or a little swirl of melted chocolate or syrup.
You are only limited by your imagination (and the sweetness level you can handle) so go wild.
Where do you like to enjoy a seasonal hot chocolate? Our local neighborhood has crazy good Christmas lights and decorations, so we like to get all rugged up and head out after dark and stroll the streets. If we are feeling particularly festive we will add a little tipple of something to the adults drinks just because 🙂
Tried the Thick and Creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate and looking for another drink to warm you up? Check out these delicious offerings that can be made in the slow cooker to fill your house with that great Holiday feel and smell.
Warm your belly with this rich, decadent and creamy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate. The perfect treat to enjoy while strolling around the neighborhood looking at the christmas lights.
- 4 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole milk (or low fat if you prefer)
- whipped cream, cinnamon powder and sprinkles to serve
Into a medium sized saucepan add the pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Slowly add in the milk, whisking as you go.
Turn the heat to low and stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of cocoa powder remaining.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to stir occasionally so that nothing sticks.
Once the mixture is smooth and has reached the desired temperature, remove from the heat and ladle into mugs. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or some actual sprinkles.


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Everybody has probably seen or heard of GoPro, the company that built a huge ecosystem and cult following of sports film-making gear. Many viral videos of extreme sports have further fueled the demand for more action cameras, especially since GoPro's aren't exactly cheap. Even more so as VR and 360 videos become more popular.
MOFILY, founded in 2014, has already released what they claim is the world's smallest waterproof wearable camera YoCam. They also have a charging dock for the new USB C Macbook Pro.
This year at AppWorks Demo Day 14 MOFILY announced a new 360º camera (not on their website yet). Features include better image stitching for the two 4k 180º images, wireless streaming (high compression available for slow connections), and high mobility.
It seems MOFILY is once again aiming for a low price (~<$200 USD), which would place them well under the price needed to achieve full 360º with GoPro (often over $1000 for multiple cameras) or Kodak (~$400). This makes it very competitive if they can deliver on a product at the promised quality.
每個人應該都見過或聽說過GoPro,該公司構建了一個巨大的生態系統,且崇尚運動製片設備。許多流傳的極限運動影片進一步推動了對更多動作相機的需求,特別是因為 GoPro 的價格並不算便宜。 VR和360度的影片越來越受歡迎。
MOFILY 成立於2014年,已發布他們聲稱是世界上最小的防水穿戴式相機 YoCam。他們還有一個新的USB C Macbook Pro的充電底座。


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Lake Maggiore holds beautiful places and villages, You will walk along tree-lined avenue and ornate gardens admiring their beautiful colors, you will discover small villages full of culture and history and finally you will taste typical products
Meeting at the tourist information office of Sesto Calende at 10.00am where you will meet the guide
First you will reach the village of Cerro, at 3 km from Laveno and there you will visit the Museum of portery inside Perabò Palace. The International Museum of Ceramic Design is a collection of works of art of the ceramic's history of Laveno Mombello. From 1856 it has been the house of important works.
After the visit you will go back to Laveno and take the cableway leading to Sasso del Ferro Mount. once on the top of it you will have lunch on a beautiful panoramic terrace, you will see Lake Maggiore, Rosa Mount and the shore from Piedmont.
In the afternoon you will reach Casalzuigno for the visit of Villa della Porta Bozzolo. The sumptuous Villa of the XVI Century belongs to FAI (National Trust of Italy) and lies inside a green park. Here you can relax and have a pleasant walk in the baroque garden where you can admire the water plays in the fountains. You should visit the lawn "of the theatre" where there is one of the biggest flowerbeds in Europe.
Inside the villa there are frescoes of religious life and particular flower decorations.
Then you can decide if you want to come back or go to Arcumeggia, hamlet of Casalzuigno and a real painted village. The Via Cruces, made up of 14 stations, starts from the churchyard of the church "Sant'Ambrogio"and
Finally you will go back home
MIDeC: tuesday: 10.00-12.30 - wednesday, thursday, friday: 10.00-12.30 14.30-17.30 - saturday and sunday: 10.00-12.30 15.00-18.00 - entrance with fee only during exhibition
Villa della Porta Bozzolo: everyday except monday and tuesday: 10.00-18.00 - entrance with fee
Price per person: € 20,00
The rate includes: lunch on Sasso del Ferro Mount; cableway return ticket
The rate does not include: Means of transport; Entrance to the MIDeC; Entrance to Villa della Porta Bozzolo;
Possible services: Guide (€ 290,00 - 30 pax max)
Lunch proposal: choice of a dish from the menu, water
Compulsory booking at Tourist information office of Laveno Mombello
Copyright © 2019 Ippovie PadanePowered by osCommerce


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Private Internet Access is one of the most popular VPN services available in the market. However, does it really live up to the expectations? We're here to discover that as we delve in deeper at some of the important aspects in regard to anonymity in this Private Internet Access review.
What Is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access is a VPN that can be used by almost any users– ranging from tech savvy individuals to beginners who want to modify their network settings.
Notable Features
Here are some of the things you can enjoy with Private Internet Access:
– Private Internet Access doesn't keep any logs at all. This includes, but not limited to, DNS, traffic data, or metadata. For them, PRIVACY is their policy.
– Kill Switch: This would ensure that the traffic is only routed through the VPN, and in case that the connection gets terminated, this would stop traffic.
– Ipv6 Leak Protection: This protects the clients from harmful websites that might steal their private information.
– DNS Leak Protection: It's a built-in program to ensure that DNS requests process through the VPN is safe and private.
– Shared IP System: Private Internet access mix clients' traffic together with other clients' traffic by using a shared-IP system that's anonymous. This would give the guarantee that the users will easily blend in the crowd.
Payment Options
Private Internet Access uses several payment systems, such as Amazon, PayPal, Stellar, Bitcoin, Google, Ripple, CashU, PIA Gift cards, and many more.
Is BitTorrent and Other File-Sharing Traffic Allowed?
Private Internet Access doesn't attempt to filter, censor, monitor, or interfere with the user's activity in any way. That means the use of BitTorrent is allowed.
Final Words
Overall, PIA is a good service, with a connection speed that's really good. Although there were instances where the Windows app auto reconnects, but this isn't really an issue at all.


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Farmers now have a new tool to help manage drought conditions with DEKALB® Genuity® DroughtGard® Hybrids.


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By Gary Haynes, Lansing State Journal
Gary Haynes is a fifth generation Michigan farmer with fields in three counties, including Eaton County, which is considering whether solar panels will be allowed on farmland.
My family has farmed for five generations in mid-Michigan. Today I grow corn, wheat and soybeans in Eaton, Ingham and Jackson Counties. Like anyone in agriculture, I believe farmland should be preserved for the future and that we should do all we can to protect our air, land and water for future generations. In addition, we should seek opportunities to bring new jobs and new investment to rural communities throughout Michigan. Solar energy is one way to fulfill all of those goals. Right now, Eaton County is considering whether solar panels will be allowed on farmland in the county, and for multiple reasons, this is simply the right thing to do. First, solar energy and farmland preservation go hand in hand. Click here to continue reading.
Photo by Rob Davis, Fresh Energy
- Farmers harvest the sun's energy and save, by Lura Roti, South Dakota Farmers Union, Farm Forum
- Two-sided green: Conservative group promotes renewable energy as good for business, LaCrosse Tribune
- Sunny Start to 2018 for American Solar Power, Inside Sources
- Solar 'Incentives' Are Busting Out All Over, Competitive Enterprise Institute
A new report by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) examines solar power incentive programs in 25 states. The report considers five categories of "direct" incentives: federal tax incentives, state tax credits, state rebates, utility programs (such as net metering), and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Amazingly, in eight states (Massachusetts, California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Arizona, New Hampshire, and Minnesota), incentives exceed 100 percent of the costs of installing solar PV systems.
- Nebraska Incentives: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
- Iowa Incentives: Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)
- GOP Lawmaker, Conservative Groups Express Interest In Renewable Energy Businesses:
State Senator Talks Economic Development At MREA, Wisconsin Public Radio
- Driving on sunshine at the MREA's annual energy fair, WSAW
- Madison College installs state's largest rooftop solar energy project, WMTV
- Mendocino College board votes to move forward with Solar Power Purchase Agreement, Ukiah Daily Journal
- Updated: New US Solar Record — 2.155 Cents Per kWh! (with Escalator for Inflation), CleanTechnica. Notably, not even 5 years ago, 2–3¢/kWh solar was projected for 2050. Nevada Power is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, a Warren Buffet company.
- German company to build 100 MW solar project in Texas, San Antonio Express News
- AT&T Expands its Renewable Energy Program with NextEra Energy Resources, PR Newswire
- Samsung Plans to Use 100% Renewable Energy by 2020, Fortune
- Consumers Energy to file plan for no coal, 43% renewables, Utility Dive
Consumers Energy announced Wednesday that it will soon file a long-term plan with Michigan regulators that calls for shuttering the Karn coal-fired power plant in 2023, eliminating coal use and more than tripling renewable energy utilization in just over a decade.
- Massachusetts Senate passes bill that would eliminate caps on net metering, increase RPS, Solar Power World
- Solar Industry Welcomes Mass. Senate's Passage of Clean Energy Bill, Urges State House to Follow, Vote for More Solar Jobs, Investment, SEIA Press Release
- G6 backs a carbon price and "just transition," but Trump isolates U.S. further on climate, trade, by Mark Conway, Iowa City Climate Advocates, Iowa City Press-Citizen


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Other Views
America's ratings warning a wake-up call for South Carolina, too
Last week's decision by Standard and Poor's to slap a "negative" credit outlook on the federal government is a wake-up call for policymakers in South Carolina.
This unprecedented action -- and the credit downgrade that would inevitably follow if Washington politicians fail to rein in deficit spending -- represents a clear and present economic danger to our nation. Closer to home, it's a stark reminder of the fundamental choices facing state leaders who have been tasked with the stewardship of your money.
Will we cap the growth of state spending and implement the reforms necessary to get our fiscal house in order? Or will we follow the example of Washington and continue to spend recklessly while making promises we cannot keep?
While a balanced budget requirement affords South Carolinians some protection against the rampant waste we see in Washington, by no means is our state government proceeding on sound financial footing. In addition to spending record amounts of money in the state budget, our unfunded liabilities are reaching dangerous levels. This combination adds explosive power to a ticking time bomb -- one that will gain even more destructive force if we do not take steps now to correct the problems.
The current unfunded actuarial accrued liability of our state pension fund is $13.5 billion, up from $11.9 billion just one year ago. Meanwhile, the latest actuarial valuation would increase the fund's amortization period from 30 years to 37.6 years. Clearly, these numbers are moving in the wrong direction.
Unless our state wants to end up like Washington, its leaders must take immediate steps to relieve the strain on our retirement system. Unfortunately, some of our leaders don't even want to acknowledge that the problem exists.
Recently, I attempted to introduce the latest actuarial report into the public record and to recognize the pension fund deficit. But that effort of transparency was rebuffed, effectively putting taxpayers on the hook for all costs associated with its growing imbalance.
How much money are we talking about? In the upcoming fiscal year, the report estimates that the employer (i.e. taxpayer) contribution to the system must be increased by $88.9 million. That money will now have to come directly from public funds, meaning it won't be available for tax relief or to pay for things like teachers, police officers or prison guards.
How do we keep this from happening in the future?
First, we must consider alternatives to our "defined benefit" system, including moving South Carolina toward a "defined contribution" system. Under a defined contribution plan, retirement benefits would be provided based on what employees actually pay into the system in addition to whatever investment return is generated by the state's fund managers. The defined benefit system guarantees payouts without any thought as to whether the money is there to fund them.
Second, for future employees, South Carolina must scrap its costly 28-year retirement plan and return to a 30-year standard.
Third, we must close the Teacher and Employee Retention Incentive (TERI) program to new participants. This well-intentioned program has been a huge drain on our system.
Without prompt attention, our system will continue to hemorrhage billions of dollars -- with South Carolina's taxpayers liable for these losses.
South Carolina cannot afford to follow the example of Washington. We must unite the stakeholders -- government employees, retires and taxpayers, in an honest effort to maintain our promises and to do so in a manner that is affordable. As the state's treasurer, trustee of the retirement system and the custodian of the pension funds, it is my responsibility to push for these reforms that will place our state on a more responsible fiscal course and preserve our state's AAA credit rating.
Curtis Loftis is treasurer of South Carolina.


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Consumers must be aware at all times how much they are paying for Internet services and what wireless or mobile data speed they get. Rotten WiFi team tested Lithuanian mobile providers' – Tele2, Bite Lietuva and Omnitel, which is part of TeliaSonera Group – 3G and 4G networks (download and upload speed) in a 300 kilometer highway between Vilnius and Klaipeda cities. Test was conducted in 21 stops under equal conditions, using the same measurement equipment – Samsung Galaxy S4 mobiles with installed Rotten WiFi app. The experiment was implemented on September 26, 2014.
The results revealed that the highest recorded mobile Internet speed was 72.73 Mbps, provided by Omnitel. Bite Lietuva and Tele2 highest download speeds were 4 times slower; although it should be pointed out, that right now only Omnitel provides 4G network in Lithuania.
Prices for the Internet in Lithuania are among the lowest in Europe. For about 12-15 dollars per month you can get a plan with mobile data up to 2 GB. And for additional couple dollars double it.
As competition is very fierce between operators and prices remain very similar, everyone looks at the quality. So naturally raises a question – why have slow Internet if money is the same? People have constantly monitor information in the market of mobile operators and see what they are paying for.
Available in all main platforms – iOS, Android, and Web – Rotten WiFi app is being used in more than 165 countries. The app consumers have made over 18.000 speed tests of 3G and 4G LTE in more than 6700 places worldwide and the collected data revealed that recorded average download speed is 3.01 Mbps, upload – 1.48 Mbps, resulting clients' satisfaction rate 3.35/10 based on NPS (Net Promoter Score) method. Such data signals that there is plenty room for Telco companies and Internet service providers for improvement.
4G network is rapidly covering the world and operators are investing in LTE. There are more than 140 countries where this network is available or planning to roll out and eventually the majority of customers will be using better quality network service.
The Rotten WiFi app, created by a Lithuanian team is spreading globally performing as public WiFi, 3G and 4G Watchdog, helping everyone to find out the best and avoid rotten Internet places as well as sending a clear message for the providers about the quality of network they provide.
The Android app can be downloaded here.
The iOS app can be downloaded here.


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Futura, the product-development department, now has five members of staff.
A market analysis department is established.
Photography department is established.
LEGO France, British LEGO Ltd., LEGO Belgium and LEGO Sweden are established.
The machines in the production are now so automatic that one operator can handle two machines at a time.
LEGO gives the municipality of Billund approx. 20 acres of land and DKK 50,000 for a sports ground.
Selected Product News 1959
Bilo-fix (wood + plastic)
The current LEGO stud-and-tube coupling system is patented. The new coupling principle makes models much more stable.
Ole Kirk Kristiansen passes away and Godtfred Kirk Christiansen becomes head of the company.
The first telex machine and photocopier in Billund.
140 employees in Billund.
Selected Product News 1958
Sloping (roof tile) bricks
Letter Bricks
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen is appointed Managing Director.
The LEGO Brick's interlocking principle is invented.
LEGO Schweiz is established.
The LEGO Group celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Selected Product News 1957
International and Danish flags
A LEGO brick with light inside
The first foreign sales company is established in Hohenwestedt, Germany under the name LEGO Spielwaren GmbH.
The company buys its first own truck.
Selected Product News 1956
Bicyclists and motorcyclists (little plastic figures)
After further developing the LEGO Bricks, the company launches the revolutionary "LEGO System of Play" – creating an new play platform.
The first real export of LEGO begins. First country is Sweden.
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen demonstrates the new product at a toy fair in Nuremberg, Germany. Reactions are not positive.
Selected Product News 1955
LEGO System of Play: 28 sets and 8 vehicles plus supplementary elements
The word LEGO is officially registered in Denmark on 1st May.
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen travels to England and meets a purchasing agent on the ferry. They talk about toys. The agent thinks that toys lack idea and system. This spawns the LEGO System idea in the mind of Godtfred Kirk Christiansen.
Selected Product News 1954
The Beam brick
LEGO windows and doors
The Automatic Binding Bricks get a new name: "LEGO Mursten" ("LEGO Bricks").
The name LEGO is printed inside all bricks.
The first application for registration of the trademark. The Danish registration is accepted on the 1 May 1954.
Selected Product News 1953
"Gift Boxes" containing a plastic Chevrolet building car
Plastic ambulance
Ole Kirk's plans to expand, and a plant is built. It costs DKK 350,000.
The company now has its first canteen.
Selected Product News 1952
Big plastic and wooden cars
The first ever film about LEGO is shot. The photographer is Christian Lund, and the film is black and white with no sound.
Plastic toys account for half of the company's output.
Selected Product News 1951
The building base with 10 x 20 studs
The plastic tractor (Ferguson) – both as a building set and as a finished model
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, son of the founder, Ole Kirk Kristiansen, is appointed Junior Vice President the day he turns 30.
Selected Product News 1950
Three sets containing plastic bricks aimed at Kindergardens


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sI have to tell you straight up that I think American Girl Dolls are stupid.
It's not necessarily the doll that's stupid, but paying $100 for one is!
My kiddo got one for Christmas from her aunt and uncle.
So she wants new clothes for it. Do you know how much that crap costs?!? ONE outfit will run anywhere from $30-$50! Are you kidding me?? I don't even spend that kind of money on my own clothes, or the kid's clothes, so why in the world would I spend that on clothes for an overpriced doll!
Ok now that I've told you what I think about that, I can't disappoint the kiddo.
If she wants new clothes, new clothes she will get.
She has a birthday next week...the big double digits...10!
I picked up this pattern a couple weeks ago for $1 at a pattern sale at Joann.
I decided to start with look F down in the bottom right corner. It seemed easy enough. I only used fabric I had on hand because it was raining and let's face it, I melt. I think I will try look C this weekend.
My pictures aren't the best, but it's pretty stinkin cute!
So for the cost of the pattern the kiddo gets some new clothes.
I'd say that's waaaaay better than the $30 at the store :)
Score 1 for mom!
Much Love~


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Los Nevados – Mountains in Merida
Why go to Merida?Merida was founded in 1558 by the Spanish captain Juan Rodriquez Suarez. The former population of 25,000 inhabitants has grown to more than 215,000 over the years. It is one of Venezuela´s linchpins in the west, with its ancient cathedral from the year 1803 and an ice cream parlour, "Heladeria Coromoto" which is entered in the "Guinness Book of Records" with more than 800 different types of ice cream, as well as all the other unique sights, it promises rich variety for everyone. Moreover you can find the second oldest university of Venezuela here which has its origins in a priest seminar of 1785.
Merida and its natureThis city is located on a tableland at an altitude of 1630m between the rivers Rio Albarregas and Rio Chama. It is surrounded by two mountain chains, Sierra Nevada in the Southeast and Sierra La Culata in the Northwest. This makes Merida something very special. The highest mountain of Venezuela, Pico Bolivar which has a height of 4985m is very close to Merida. From there you could start tours to the Llanos or interesting and challenging mountain climbs to the bordering mountain ranges. If you like it a little bit more exciting, you could take the chance and do some paragliding, canoying or rafting to make your stay something very special.
Our tour 3 days Los Nevados
Day 1- Arrival – tour with the donkey – overnight stay in a mountain village
The journey is very charming with regard to the landscape because the small Andes village Los Nevados is imposingly framed by the greatest mountains of Venezuela. On this trekking tour heights of 1600m up to 4200 m are going to be defeated and for botanists it is a must because the 4 climatic zones provide a very diverse vegetation. Los Nevados is found on 2700m height and it is like picture-perfect. With donkeys on the paved ways and wooden shutters… The time seems just to stand still and you are attracted by this lovely mountain village. After a 4 to 5 hours ride in a four by four jeep you will arrive at the mountain village. In the afternoon there will be time to explore this nearly untouched spot a little more or one coud just simply fall onto the hammock and veg out a little. Each of the Posada´s rooms has its own bath and it is decorated very nicely so that you will be able to totally enjoy your stay.
Day 2 - Ascent into the Sierra Nevada
On the second day one will conquer heights of 2700m up to 4000m on a donkey. One gets the chance here to allow the unique vegetation to sink in. Now it is time for a refreshment. There will be a romantic picnic right in the middle of nature that you can enjoy surrounded by clear mountain air. In the afternoon it will go a few meters down the mountain to the rustic camp again where you will sleep on beds covered with cow skin. The inimitable outlook make this lodging unequalled. The mountain panorama of Pico Bolivar surrounded by Merida and the Sierra Nevada make the heart of every adventurer flutter.
Day 3 - Hike downwards / return to Merida
The last day starts off with a hike into the rain forest on which one will get an extensive expression of the glory and of the variety of this country. After 4 hours of jungle it goes back to civilization again and you will drive back to Merida by jeep.
On Request
transport guide 2 overnight stays in tents and beds full board entry to the national park


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In this Section:
Updated: Mon 12 Nov 2018
Subject Leader: Simon Etheridge
Examination Board: OCR
A-Level Syllabus: H573
Examinations: 100%
Coursework: None
"In a prospective candidate, I look for the ability to work in a team. My company believes a diverse group of people working together enhances performance as a business. The collective skills, knowledge and background of our people are the strength behind our success. Religious Studies Advanced Level, with its understanding of different cultures, peoples and ethical decisions, would be a very good preparation to develop such skills of the workplace." (Accountant at an international company, email to TBSHS)
"An understanding of morality and religion provides us all with a sense of right and wrong in the decisions we take later in life. Most religions enjoy a version of the Ten Commandments and these form an excellent basis by which to live. Whether God is involved, to me, is an optional extra." (Jon Snow, Channel 4 News Presenter and journalist of forty years, email to TBSHS)
"Studying Religious Studies at A-Level proved to be an enlightening and thought provoking experience. It has had growing importance on my CV, with employers always interested to see that a potential employee has learnt about ethics and morality, and has a good understanding of other cultures and beliefs. ." (Aaron Savage, Former Student, A-Level Religious Studies, President of Interact)
What is A-Level Religious Studies?
Religious Studies involves studying "The Big Questions" of life. Religious believers, agnostics and atheists enjoy the subject as we contemplate and debate both the views of great thinkers and particular moral dilemmas. Religious Studies is a course to meet an ever changing world with connections to the News and Ethics. The subject has produced sound results for over twenty five years.
What makes a good Religious Studies student?
A good Religious Student engages, thinks, questions, shares, communicates, collaborates, cares, empathises, reads, writes in a structured manner, reflects, self-critiques, organises, studies independently, takes a stand and teaches.
What can I expect to learn in Religious Studies?
Philosophy of Religion and Ethics entails a compelling and interactive engagement with key religious and moral debates concerning arguments for and against God, Miracles and Life after Death as well as key moral issues from Sexual Ethics to Feminist Theology and how we approach them. Students study a particular religion (at present Christianity) in a contemporary and moral setting.
Where could Religious Studies take me?
Religious Studies is an excellent qualification for any career which involves working with people from Business, the Law and Politics to Journalism the Media and the Caring Professions. The wonder of Religious Studies at Advanced Level and beyond is the connections made with all subjects – Philosophy, Science, Literature, History, Geography, Drama, Economics, Psychology, Sociology and Politics. Religious Studies is a traditional and academic discipline respected by all universities and employers.
© Copyright The Bishop's Stortford High School 2019
Contact Us
How To Find Us


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Does your business need a website?
The overwhelming use of the Internet makes it abundantly clear that every business should have a website, especially a small business. Without a website, you could be missing out on opportunities to increase sales and gain new customers.
Here are several strong reason to have a website for your small business.
1. Your business has competition. If your competitors have a website, your business cannot survive without one. This is especially true if the bulk of your business isn't the result of word-of-mouth. Local retailers, online sellers and manufacturers use websites to communicate with existing customer and to gain the loyalty of new customers. While all of your competition may not have a website, you may be losing customers to those that do. Once they're on your customer's website, they may not have an incentive to look elsewhere.
2. Your business needs to build new relationships to thrive. The website allows you to send your customers and potential customers monthly emails or newsletters. By staying in touch with customers, your brand can become better known while making it easier for your customers to understand your business. A website can also be a great customer service tool, allowing your customers to reach your 24-7.
3. A website can give your small business credibility. First impressions are still important in every facet of life. A well-designed and functional website can give your business the credibility it needs to make a good, first impression. You may even discover that the majority of customers are willing to do business with you because you provide a website. If your website is functional an easy to navigate, that's like extra icing on the cake for customers.
4. Every business owner is aware of the power of business cards. They're an effective and inexpensive way to advertise a product or service. Your website can be a new, digital business card. Only it has the potential to reach hundreds, even thousands more customers than a conventional business card. Properly designed and optimized for search, your website can provide a convenient way for new and potential customers to communicate with you at their convenience.
5. Your website will give you the power of advertising, without the cost. Websites can offer a very inexpensive method to let the world know about your products or services. A also allows you to communicate valuable information in easier and less expensive ways than other forms of conventional advertising. Your website can be like a silent partner, working faithfully to help grow you business 24/7. Send emails, offer special deals and publicize sales. The sky is the limit with an effective website.
If you're interested in website design for small business ask about my services, which include strategic website design/development, book/contact form features/email and newsletters/social networking integration, attractive designs, and full e-commerce shop functions.


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Hey everyone! Today I'm very excited to share the first of two ILNP Winter collections for 2015! This is the Holiday 2015 set, which consists of seven shades: one new Ultra Chrome Flakie, and six new Precious Metals silver flake metallics!
Ready to take a look?
First, here is ILNP- Empire:
Empire is a strongly yellow-toned gold with the Precious Metals flake finish. You could also maybe consider this a very pale yellow.
Artificial light, two coats:
I don't think this is very flattering on me, but it's going to be so pretty on the right skin tone!
Let's not forget about the holo that runs through the Precious Metals finish!
Formula: It's excellent- just like the other Precious Metals I've tried. It goes on super smoothly right where you want it, and builds to opacity easily in two coats! The flakes in this are very smooth, so there's no need for Gelous or anything like that to smooth them- just whatever top coat you have on hand.
Next, here is ILNP- Ferris Wheel:
Ferris Wheel is a new Ultra Chrome Flakie mix containing magenta, orange, yellow, and green metallic flakies that all color-shift to various other hues. Straight-on, though, the mix looks very festive!
Artificial light, one coat over white:
Here is four coats of Ferris Wheel on its own at near-opacity:
And, here it is (one coat) over Empire:
I thought it looked so pretty over this one!
Formula: It's just like every other Ultra Chrome Flakie I've ever tried, which is nice! The flakies are well-suspended, glide over nail easily, and the density is just right for one-coat topping over other colors. If you want it opaque on its own, using a sponge will absorb extra base and build opacity faster.
Now, the first of the greens, ILNP- Limelight:
Limelight is a lighter, yellow-toned grassy green with the Precious Metals flake finish.
Artificial light, two coats:
Formula: It seems to be identical to the other Precious Metals! Very easy to apply & control, opaque in two easy coats, and dry-down is very quick.
Now, the other green, ILNP- Lucky One:
Lucky One is a blue-toned, saturated green with the Precious Metals flake finish.
Artificial light, two coats:
Up close:
Holo time!
Formula: This is becoming repetitive, but it's great! Easy two coat opacity and a breeze to apply!
Here is the blue, ILNP- Time In A Bottle:
Time In A Bottle is a very blue-leaning teal with the Precious Metals flake finish.
Artificial light, two coats:
Holo sparkle!
Formula: It's great! Very similar to the others, but nearly opaque in one coat, although I did use two for swatches.
Next, ILNP- XO:
XO is a warm-leaning medium purple with the Precious Metals flake finish.
Artificial light, two coats:
Up close:
Formula: It's the same great texture as the others- not much else to say!
Finally, here is ILNP- Cherry Luxe:
Cherry Luxe is a cool-toned (blue-based) saturated red with the Precious Metals flake finish.
Artificial light, two coats:
Formula: The same as the others- which is to say, excellent!
Quick Comparison:
The only new Precious Metals here are Empire and Juliette, of course, as the rest don't currently have any siblings which could be construed as dupish or even very similar. Juliette is from the Winter 2015 collection, which I'll be showing you soon, but it needed to be in this photo!
Empire, I'd say, is a bit similar to Money Bin, but it's definitely more gold-toned whereas Money Bin is more yellow. I prefer Empire! Also, I don't know if you can tell or not from the photo, but these newer Precious Metals seem to have a slightly higher proportion of silver flake...which is awesome!
Overall, Ah! I love these! I've been all about this finish since Barbra released the first two, Fame & Happily Ever After, in the Spring 2015 collection. It's just so insanely metallic and eye-catching in person.
Couple the fact that they're so beautiful with super, ridiculously easy formulas (not even kidding), and I'm totally sold. So, yes, these get an A+ from me! My personal favorites are Cherry Luxe, Limelight, and Lucky One!
ILNP | available for pre-order 9.20 | $9 ($10/ea after pre-order period)
What do you think?
Which is your favorite shade?
*Disclosure: polishes in this post were provided to me as press samples for honest review, and all opinions are my own.


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If you or someone that you love has suffered a serious personal injury, it's important to have dependable legal representation on your side.
At the law offices of Simien & Simien, our Lake Charles injury lawyers are here to help and work quickly to obtain the justice that you deserve.
To find out how we can help you, contact us today via the options listed below:
Call Toll-Free: (800) 374-8422
Your Legal Questions, Answered
Learn about your legal rights during your case review:
- Your consultation is 100% FREE & CONFIDENTIAL
- There is ZERO obligation to hire our firm
- There are NO upfront costs to you to file a lawsuit
- You don't pay ANYTHING unless we obtain a verdict or settlement for you
Your case is unique - you deserve personal attention, consistent communication about your case, and a lawyer who understands how much you deserve for the pain and suffering only you have endured.
Simien & Simien LLC
Capital One Tower,
Suite 1270
Lake Charles, LA 70629
Phone: 337-436-2121
Directions To Our Lake Charles Office
NORTH from Lake Charles Regional Airport
- Head northeast on Airport Blvd toward Common St
- Turn LEFT onto Alamo St
- Turn RIGHT onto Ryan St and head NORTH
- Keep heading NORTH on Ryan St past Lock Park
- Take a LEFT onto Clarence St
- Turn RIGHT and head NORTH on Lake Shore Drive
- The law offices of Simien & Simien are located at Suite 1270, One Lakeshore Drive
WEST From Lacassine
- Merge onto I-10 and head WEST
- Keep heading WEST on I-10 past Kayouche Coulee Golf Course
- Take Exit 30B and merge onto southbound Ryan St
- Turn RIGHT onto W. Mill St and head WEST
- Turn LEFT onto Lakeshore Drive and head SOUTH
- The Lake Charles office of Simien & Simien is located on the RIGHT at Suite 1270, One Lakeshore Drive
Our Practice Areas
Louisiana law firm Simien & Simien is proud to be your neighbor, and offer the representation Lake Charles residents deserve. If you're in need of representation on one of the areas of law we practice, contact us for a free, no-obligation conversation about your rights.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We're proud to provide full-service legal solutions for injury and negligence victims throughout the Calcasieu Parish area through our Broad St office:
- City Center
- Grand Chenier / Grand Lake
- Hayes
- Route 397
- Goosport
- Mallard Junction
- Bridge Junction
- Greinwich Village
- Hipple
- Prien
- Moss Lake
- Westlake
- Sulphur
- Carlyss
- Iowa
- Bell City
- Gillis
- Hackberry
Simien & Simien - Toll Free: (800) 374-8422


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Fantasy Nurse Bustier Lingerie Costume
This sexy Fantasy Nurse Lingerie Costume features a sheer black mesh bustier with red stretch lace bust, adjustable shoulder/garter straps and red trim, includes matching g-string and Nurse's headband.
Ideal for: Womens sexy erotic fantasy lingerie, naughty nurses playwear, role play outfits and Fantasy Nurse Bustier Lingerie Costume.
Includes: Bustier, G-String and Headpiece only (Stockings are not included but are available separately)
This item comes in sizes: One Size: UK 8-14
SKU: co1965 (sale)
Regular Price: £21.69
Special Price £9.69
Product Description
Material: Polyester/Spandex
Care instructions: Hand wash separately, drip dry
Colour: Black/Red
Care instructions: Hand wash separately, drip dry
Colour: Black/Red
Additional Information
Additional Information


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Press Releases
Press releases are a great tool for generating additional traffic and credibility for your website. Because each web page on a website represents a possible entrance or doorway, press releases are perfect for targeting specific keywords that are important to your business.
As search engines like Google replace traditional business directories like the Yellow Pages, press releases should be a tool towards the top of your toolbox. Why are press releases great for Internet marketing?
- Dedicated web page on your site than can target niche keywords
- Press releases often get picked up by 3rd party websites if you pay for a distribution service which often leads to more links into your website from other websites
- Press releases are often posted on the website of your business partner if it is a press release involving 2 or more companies
- Press releases often help a company to help establish credibility in an industry
- Press releases are well-suited for leveraging any social media online marketing (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) that a company may be doing
Recommended Action Steps for Leveraging Press Releases for Digital Marketing
If you are not doing any regular press releases, then you should. If you are looking for assistance with press release copywriting, please contact us. Sarah Viscardi, who is a contractor for Websults, has a Masters Degree in Public Relations (PR) from Syracuse University and has crafted several successful press release campaigns for Websults' clients.
If you are already doing press releases on a regular basis, you should make sure that these press releases are being posted to your website.
In addition, you should consider having a search engine marketing specialist help you review and edit your press releases to help with SEO. Websults can assist with these press release reviews to help maximize their value.
Lastly, if you are not distributing press releases online, you may be missing out on maximizing their value. Websults recommends PRweb.com for online press release distribution.
Some of the benefits of this PR distribution product include:
- Improved rankings on search engines like Google
- Ability to drive search results with targeted keywords
- Builds your inbound link network to increase your credibility in search engines
Please see our article on link building to understand why Link Building is so important to a successful website. For more information on retaining a internet marketing consultant for your organization, please contact us using our online form.


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Event box
Pilates Mat Exercise
Use your breath to strengthen your core and improve flexibility and balance.
This free program is open to the public- no registration required.
Contact the Mills River Library at 890-1850 for more information.
- Date:
- Monday, August 20, 2018
- Time:
- 9:30am - 10:30am
- Campus:
- Mills River Branch
- Categories:
- Adult Programs
Event Organizer
Jennifer Miller


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Happy Scrapping!
Tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day!
These are some of the pages I made as samples for my CMC's National Scrapbook Day crop. She holds her event a week early, so these are from last week end. I have two more to post tomorrow. All papers used are CM and are from the goodie pack that she gave out. Inks are Close to My Heart. Actual pages are CM refills in Spargo.
On a personal note I had breakfast this morning with some very wonderful friends! We are now planning to make it a priority to get together once a month and I am so happy about that!
I am off to pot some pansies and then make some candy bars. Going to dinner with DH tonight at the Goal Line Tavern outside of Hooversville. It is under new ownership and they are trying some new menu items that Ken wants to sample.
Take Care, Be Blessed, & Happy Scrapping!


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Riis Park Beach Bazaar is proud to announce its new fall/winter restaurant partner, The Dropout – a new restaurant headed by Chef Julia Steinberg. Born and raised in Rockaway, Julia's impressive background includes running kitchens for Rockaway Seafood, Whit's End, Red Hook Lobster Pound and this summers' very popular Bay 9 stand out, Rockaway Clam Bar. In addition to the above, Julia accelerated her personal culinary training at Chef's Club (New York, NY) under Chef Didier Elena, where she studied a more traditional approach to fine dining. Julia hosts regular solo pop-ups at local favorite eating establishments which routinely sell out hours after their announcement. Over the years Julia has developed her own personal touch of service, style and farm-to-table consciousness, which became reflected in her menu design and private dining experiences. We very much look forward to hosting Julia's premiere solo venture as a restaurateur and Executive Chef.
The menu will change weekly, rotating seasonal offerings, such as fresh carpaccio or tartare, homemade potato gnocchi with homegrown basil and grilled chicken, oregano lemon chicken with shredded sprouts, homemade short rib ramen with kale and poached egg, Togarashi shriimp with dashi broth and parsnip puree, sautéed pork fat edamame, among many others.
The Dropout will open Friday, September 29 and will feature recipes from Julia's personal playbook as well as new items that she hopes become a staple among her community's, and NYC's, regular cravings.
Each off season, Riis Park Beach Bazaar transforms our summer hub at the iconic Bay 9 Art Deco pavilion into Riis Point – a gorgeous seaside destination for curated food and drink with flat screens showing football, hockey, basketball and more…all within our heated dining room with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean! Heading into our 3rd fall and winter season, RPBB has established itself as one of NYC's premiere oceanfront dining and event spaces. Riis Point has been lauded as a foodie destination that helped make Rockaway a next "hot" neighborhood in NYC and a reason to visit the beach year-round.
The Dropout at Riis Point continues our tradition of offering up a fun (and delicious!) beach get away – any time, any day, 12 months a year. In addition to The Dropout, we also feature one-off, fun, programming through the entire off season, including our third annual two day – two weekend Oktoberfest on September 30/October 1 and October 7/8 – the first and only oceanfront Oktoberfest in New York City. Other activities in the works include game nights, music from local and visiting artists, a local holiday market and many more reasons to come with friends or meet new ones here. Initial hours will be Wednesday through Monday, 5PM to 10PM, with longer weekend hours and bar specials offered throughout the football season. Weekend Brunch Service will begin from 11AM to 4PM.
Accompanied by Riis Point's Top-Shelf Spirits, Cold Beer, Spectacular Views and Specialty Cocktails, The Dropout at Riis Point offers Rockaway, and NYC-at-large, a reason to keep the beach in mind throughout the year!
And don't forget – parking is now FREE through Memorial Day 2018!


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RoyaltyClaim is an information service offering music rights-holders a database of unclaimed music entitlements from royalty collection sources from around the world. Users can view data import trends right on their dashboard. Statistics on recent im...Show all
Company (Acquired)
West Hollywood,
California, United States
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(Patent / Application)


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"wonderful experience with everything and more than expected, loved every minute..."
"the experience with Comealong surpassed any of these previous experiences with different companies..."
"It was great. I wish I could do it again..."
"Great value for money..."
"Everyday included new experiences and adventures..."
"It was an UNFORGETTABLE! holiday, that we won't forget..."
Visit our Testimonials page to read more.


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If Nerdist keeps up its current trend, it'll have to change its name to The Puppet Channel.
Chris Hardwick's YouTube Original has released a Yuletide video featuring the Miskreant Puppets, a hand-piloted sketch comedy group affiliated with Brian Henson's Henson Alternative subsection of the Jim Henson Company. In their official YouTube debut, the Miskreants present viewers with a foul, lewdly constructed rendition of 'The 12 Days of Christmas'.
In my mind, this is a clear improvement over the original song. While some of the new items such as drunken crabs or slapping hot dogs are purely nonsensical, it's not like the original song made any sense to begin with. After all, what the heck is a 'colly bird'? Why exactly are lords leaping? And what exactly is a partridge doing in a pear tree? The Miskreant Puppets understand that if a song is not going to make any sense, you might as well have some fun with it.
Of course, this is hardly the first time a Jim Henson Company property has appeared on Nerdist. The home of the legendary Muppets is one of the channel's founding partners, and recent features have made that fact abundantly clear; in addition to showing up in several Nerdist music videos, Henson Company puppets are currently starring in the channel's highest-profile scripted series, Neil Patrick Harris' Neil's Puppet Dreams.
If you ask me, Nerdist is moving away from its dorky roots and embracing its inner child. Is this a problem? Not at all, because the Muppets are awesome, and if you don't think so, you're wrong.


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Catholic Campaign for Human Development approves $14M in grants
June 20, 2014
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the US bishops' domestic anti-poverty program, has approved $14 million in grants "to empower poor and low-income communities to overcome poverty and injustice," according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
$10 million has been allocated to "regular annual" grants, which "will support community-based organizations addressing the structural causes of poverty, such as unjust immigration and criminal justice policies, as well as organizations promoting economic development, through initiatives such as cooperatives and community lending institutions."
$4 million has been allocated to "strategic national" grants, which include
support for the launching of a Catholic institute dedicated to addressing systemic economic and social problems along the Mexico-U.S. border; the promotion of community land trusts on nationwide scale to promote affordable homeownership; a statewide organizing effort to promote quality public education for poor and low-income communities in Pennsylvania; and support for a major initiative of the Washington State Catholic Conference to both get African American and farmworker communities engaged in the public square and to create support networks for expecting families.
"The bishops also voted to provide support to four targeted dioceses across the country to increase enrollment in Catholic schools of Latino and Hispanic children, who often lack the means to attend," according to the USCCB.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Bishops' Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Approves Over $14 Million in Grants to Combat Poverty, Injustice (USCCB)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
Posted by: normnuke -
Jun. 21, 2014 3:00 PM ET USA
Why do I suspect that 'getting African and farmworker communities engaged in the public square' really means herding them to the polls to vote dem?
Posted by: [email protected] -
Jun. 21, 2014 2:35 PM ET USA
All high minded titles of support. Unjust Immigration? What is unjust is the invasion of someone's country with the end of being supported by them. We are being targeted and I don't hear anything from the Church. I do not trust the USCCB to provide an honest use of funds provided to them. Hundreds of billions have been provided to reduce poverty by we the taxpayers through our efficient leaders and we have more poverty in the end. Wise up America. We are doing the wrong thing.
Posted by: mrschips19308196 -
Jun. 20, 2014 8:46 PM ET USA
We give only to Aid to the Church in Need.....and not to CRS or CCHD. I can really trust them.
Posted by: Defender -
Jun. 20, 2014 11:08 AM ET USA
"The bishops also voted to provide support to four targeted dioceses across the country to increase enrollment in Catholic schools of Latino and Hispanic children, who often lack the means to attend." It doesn't matter where you live, every time a school closes, the ill effects will soon affect the parish and the community. The USCCB needs to halt all school closures everywhere instead of sending the money overseas - regardless of their ethnicity.
Posted by: jg23753479 -
Jun. 20, 2014 9:10 AM ET USA
I wish there were more details and some kind of independent analysis of what these programs really do. The names of projects receiving donations all sound high-minded, but I can't escape the feeling they may merely be covering for more liberal political "remedies" of the type we've seen far too much of since the days of Lyndon Johnson and his disastrous "War on Poverty". I wish I could trust the bishops more, but after the many scandals I simply cannot.


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The newly elected Kouga Council will have to vote on the 2011/12 municipal budget on Thursday at a council meeting to be held in Humansdorp.
The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) will also have to be approved at the same meeting.
Residents can brace themselves for a 8,1 % increase in rates and property taxes, which is 2 % more than the 6 % advocated by the national treasury.
The new block tariff system for electricity will kick in as well this financial year. Residents who use more than 600 units of electricity can expect to pay around 30 % more every month.
The much vaunted R 37 million upgrade to the Jeffreys Bay sewage system that the previous Mayor Robbie Dennis is on record as saying would begin in May this year, is conspicuous by its absence from the budget.
This is despite the fact that some of the big developments, like the Fountains Mall have already handed over considerable amounts of money in augmentation fees that were meant for the upgrade of infrastructure in the town.
Just how the budget will solve the cash flow problems facing the Kouga Municipality remains to be seen.


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These Boise apartments opened 9 months late. Now their developer is suing the builder
The developer of a newly opened Downtown apartment building is suing the building contractor, alleging that it took nearly nine months longer than their contract specified to finish the building. The Roost Project LLC, the company formed by Los Angeles Read more


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SHR's core business migration strengths are built on its extensive and long standing association with both local and overseas based companies, in securing the relevant visas that provide work entitlements.
Value is added by the provision of consulting advice to clients planning the importation of skilled foreign labour from countries that currently require skills assessments and other assessment criteria to meet Australian visa requirements. SHR has expanded its capability into international recruitment through assistance to clients in identifying needs; resourcing labour; and advising on and managing the process from recruitment through to visa approval and mobilisation. Finally SHR can assist clients with the strategic planning of immigration activity that assesses alternatives and develops plans where outcomes are cost effective and with a whole of project focus.
SHR's business migration service focuses on:
- Development of client specific migration strategy;
- Conducting all business immigration activity;
- Conducting all visa activity for international skilled labour;
- Monitoring for immigration compliance;
- Establishment of migration agreements for Australian and Overseas clients (SBS, Labour Agreements, Enterprise Migration Agreements);
- Providing migration law advice; and
- Providing strategic advice and ongoing management of foreign labour and their visas to ensure compliance with Australian immigration requirements.
Registered Migration Agent 0956230. All advice is provided by Registered Migration Agents under the Code of Conduct for Migration Agents administered by the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) – Code of Conduct – which can be accessed directly via this web site – https://www.mara.gov.au/using-an-agent/working-with-your-agent/what-to-expect-from-your-agent/.
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Over 1.8 million nonprofits and charities for donors, volunteers and funders
155 pageviews
Causes: Civil Rights, Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy, Community & Neighborhood Development, Economic Development, Human Services, Urban League
Mission: To provide comprehensive community and social services in areas of education, employment, training, housing, and health.
Programs: Education : to empower the community with knowledge, attitude and value through service.
housing and community services : to assist the community in maintaining safe affordable housing unit in the community.
workforce development & training : to develop the climate, resources and skills to support full participation in the free enterprise system for african-americans and other minorities.
special projects: 114,772 economic development: 115,222 health initiatives: 137,217


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"White Ass" Stout
We thought we'd do something a little different. From the minds of the brewers at Baying Hound, they embarked on making a stout… but white.
It has a deceivingly lower ABV, weighing in at only 3%. A blend of malts was used to aid in a slightly thicker body to give it that stout like mouth feel. Refreshing!


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"Send Me Away"
Send me away with my duffel and my papers
Got an apple saved for later cause, Momma, you say
It's a day by train there
Send me away with my ball cap and my sneakers
With my jeans and holey t-shirts
With my flooded reddened features
You told me youre hard up, Momma
Said the state's gonna take me if I ain't a good baby
You told me to clean up, Momma
This house ain't about to get broke over a bruise and a dirty living room
Send me to Memphis, hundred dollars for your sister and a letter
I swear it ain't my choice, they want the boy, my check dont meet his needs
He got a cripple leg, he's just thirteen, don't make me beg,
Don't put me on my knees. Oh Jesus please. Oh Jesus please.
You told me to buck up baby
Said it ain't really leaving cause youll come for me later
You told me it's tough for a lady like you
If you could choose I'd be staying. If that's true you wouldn't have to say it
I read your letter. I take the money. I skip the train and sell the ticket
Now I gone near four years in the streets and only my only is fear turning the corner
Just to meet you face to face
And I tried to obey that day but I was having trouble playing your lame legged anchor weight
And I wouldn't be afraid if I knew you'd see your baby's eyes through his beard and dirty rag disguise
Now it's me that's hard up, Momma
If you didn't want me
You could have said so, I would have let go
I thought we could get up, Momma
And my braced and bound knees were so weak, why couldn't your heart keep up with me?
©2006 Nicholas Hohman


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Good-Looking, Great-Smelling Scent Therapy from 21 Drops/
I've always been a believer in the mood-altering power of scent. I apply this concept every time I use natural fragrance blends or essential oils to make myself happy, calm or energized. But the idea that aromatherapy affects the body in ways that go far beyond mood truly fascinates me. Could it be that aromatherapy actually has the potential to help us digest, sleep well, cure a headache or relieve PMS? What if there were fragrance blends to boost immunity or relieve muscle aches?
There are.
In the 21 Drops line of essential oil blends, you'll find aromatherapy formulas to address all of the problems mentioned above, plus blends to de-stress you, help you focus, add passion to your love life, curb cravings and more...21 custom-blended solutions to life's most universal complaints.
What I find to be unique about 21 Drops (besides its super-stylish and colorful rubber packaging- as the brand says, it's 'Aromatherapy in a little black dress.') is the instruction on where to apply the oil blends to relieve specific maladies. Blend #14, Immunity, instructs to apply to the throat, wrists and back of neck when symptoms first appear. And # 11, De-Stress, recommends that you apply to temples, wrists, collarbone and front of the neck. Knowing when and where to apply is key to aromatherapy that works!
Today I'm using blend #3, Strength, to power through my Monday.
Each .25 oz rollerball ($28) is small enough to pocket and take with you on a plane, to work, out to dinner in a chic pocketbook- wherever you need it most. Be warned, the vibrant packaging and deeply satisfying scent blends will make you want to collect several. But you are doing something good for your body, so go ahead. Next time you need a hand, go straight to the power of your nose!


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Cost is $5 per person. Maximum per family is $25.00. Come enjoy a good time of fellowship around the tables!Find out more »
Meet in the Choir Room located behind the worship center.Find out more »
Join others to pray in the Fellowship Hall, located in the 2 story Education Building.Find out more »
A variety of studies are offered each Wednesday evening. Check your bulletin or call church office to see what the current studies are and where they are located.Find out more »
Meet on 2nd Floor of FLCFind out more »
meet on 2nd floor of FLCFind out more »
Meet in Preschool Area on 1st Floor of FLCFind out more »
Located in the Choir room (behind the worship center)Find out more »


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Hot Topics
The New York Faerie Festival
June 28-30, 2013
One of the most unique Festivals of the year. Fairies, elves and fantastic creatures gather in wooded hollows of Ouguaga, NY. With enchanting music and colorful pageantry they invite you to join them in celebrating nature's wonders and the magic of imagination. Jugglers, jousters, minstrels, puppeteers, craftsmen and more! Plus great wholesome food too. Get the whole family in costume and join the fun. www.nyfaeriefest.com.


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Exalted Utterances Home PageNext Discourse
Udāna 7: Cullavaggo
The Chapter (including) the Short (Discourses)
10: The Discourse about Udena
Thus I heard:
at one time the Gracious One was dwelling near Kosambī, in Ghosita's Monastery.
Then at that time when King Udena had gone to the pleasure park, the inner quarters (of the palace) were burnt down, and five hundred women died with (Queen) Sāmāvatī at their head.
Then many monks, having dressed in the morning time, after picking up their bowls and robes, entered Kosambī for alms, and after walking for alms in Kosambī, while returning from the alms-round after the meal, went to the Gracious One, and after going and worshipping the Gracious One, they sat down on one side.
While sat on one side those monks said this to the Gracious One: "Here, reverend Sir, when King Udena had gone to the pleasure park, the inner quarters (of the palace) were burnt down, and five hundred women died with (Queen) Sāmāvatī at their head. What is the destination of the female lay followers, reverend Sir, what is their future state?"
"There are in this female lay followers who are stream-enterers, monks, there are once-returners, there are non-returners - none of those female lay followers died, monks, without (having attained some) result." Anipphala is a double negative, which sometimes occurs in Pāḷi in emphatic sense. More literally the sentence reads: all of those lay disciples died, monks, not without (having attained some) result.01
Then the Gracious One, having understood the significance of it, on that occasion uttered this exalted utterance:
"The world, in bondage to delusion, is looked on as being beautiful, SED gives the following definitions for bhavyarūpa: good figure or form; handsome, beautiful - which seems appropriate here.02
The fool, in bondage to cleaving, is surrounded by darkness.
It seems like it is eternal, This verse, especially the last line, is very difficult, the translation follows the main Commentarial explanation, with the addition of but in brackets to give it some sort of sense. Khāyati is a passive verb, and cannot be in construction with the nominative bālo. The line passato natthi kiñcanaṁ, recurs in 8.2 below. The tradition has also found the lines difficult is shown by the readings in the Sanskrit, Divyāvadāna, pg 534, and Udānavarga (27.6). There is also a reading bhavarūpo va dissati in the Commentary.03 (but) there is nothing (to hold to) for the one who sees."
Exalted Utterances Home PageNext Discourse
last updated: November 2011


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1 option(s) to choose from.
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What started as a simple string and pedal sales catalog has grown exponentially over the past thirty years. The early days were a time where catalogs didn't have much of a presence in the industry, but what began as a college dorm room operation grew rapidly. In 1986 we moved to a full product offering and 64-page catalog, which over the years has grown to 162 pages. Join the AMS family and get your free catalog now!
Copyright © 1996-2019 American Musical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved. American Musical Supply reserves the right to correct pricing and/or product specifications in the event of typographical errors found in our print catalog or on our website. If a product is listed at an incorrect price due to such errors or because of inaccurate information received from a supplier, American Musical Supply shall have the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed, whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged. If your credit card has already been charged for the purchase and your order is canceled, American Musical Supply will issue a credit to your credit card account in the amount of the charge.


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During Spring 2002, the Justice Center conducted the Anchorage Adult Criminal Victimization Survey (AACVS) to gather data from residents about their experiences with crime as well as their perceptions of their neighborhoods, the city, and the local police. The Alaska Justice Forum plans to present highlights from the survey over several issues. This first article in the series will address perceptions of neighborhood and city quality of life, neighborhood conditions, and fear of crime.
The AACVS instrument was an almost exact replica of the instrument used in the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) data collection program, which began in 1973. The NCVS questions are comprehensive, addressing both violent and property victimizations regardless of whether the victimizations were actually reported to law enforcement. The Anchorage survey included an additional series of questions based on the COPS Addendum of the U.S. Department of Justice, Community-Oriented Policing Services. These included items pertaining to fear of crime, quality of life, perceptions of the police, and personal safety measures.
The survey was administered between April 1, 2002 and June 30, 2002 to residents of Anchorage; eligible respondents were residents age 18 or older contacted via a household (non-business) line. Telephone calls were primarily made on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM, although calls were generally not made during the dinner hours between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. A random-digit dialing (RDD) method that generates numbers using a computer program was used to make calls. Use of this method increased the likelihood that the residents surveyed were, in fact, representative of Anchorage residents, since each household with a telephone had an equal chance of being contacted.
Interviewers explained the purpose of the study to potential respondents in each household, guaranteed confidentiality, and asked for participation. It should be noted that households were randomly called, but no random selection of individuals within households occurred. While such randomization was attempted in the first few days of survey administration, interviewers quickly realized that the number of callbacks necessary to secure an interview with a randomly selected respondent would be both time and cost prohibitive. Participating respondents within a household were selected simply based on who was willing to answer the survey questions (in most cases this was the individual answering the telephone). The overall survey cooperation rate (number of completed interviews divided by the sum of completed interviews, refusals, terminations, hearing/language problems, and respondent unavailable) was approximately 60 percent, based on a total of 781 secured interviews.
As shown in Table 1, a comparison of AACVS respondent characteristics and Anchorage Census 2000 data shows strong similarities, but two key differences are worth noting. First, AACVS respondents were disproportionately female. Second, a smaller proportion of AACVS respondents reported household incomes of $50,000 or more, although this difference is likely due to the larger number of respondents who refused to answer the income question.
Neighborhood and City Quality of Life
All respondents were asked to identify their level of satisfaction with the quality of life in their neighborhood and in their city. Overall, more than 92 percent of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of life in their neighborhood, while more than 86 percent were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of life in the city. The ratings were based on a four-point scale (very dissatisfied, dissatisfied, satisfied, very satisfied), with four indicating the highest level of satisfaction. Note in Table 2 that although residents were generally satisfied, their mean rating for satisfaction with the quality of life in the city (3.03) was considerably lower than their rating for neighborhood quality of life (3.35). In other words, as a group, the respondents were more satisfied with the quality of life within their neighborhoods than they were with the quality of life in the city as a whole (p<.001).
While overall satisfaction levels were high, several significant differences across demographic characteristics emerged in the data. With regard to city quality of life, males (3.10) were more satisfied than females (3.00, p<.05); white respondents (3.08) were more satisfied than Alaska Native/American Indian respondents (2.77, p<.01); and those with higher household incomes were more satisfied than those with lower household incomes (p<.05). Significant differences were also found in ratings of neighborhood quality of life. Younger respondents were less satisfied with neighborhood quality of life than older respondents (p<.001), and respondents with higher household incomes were more satisfied than those with lower household incomes (p<.05).
Neighborhood Conditions
A series of questions in the COPS Addendum portion of the AACVS asked respondents whether or not disorderly conditions existed in their neighborhood. These conditions included disorderly behaviors (illegal public drinking/drug use, public drug sales, prostitution, panhandling/begging, loitering/hanging out, truancy, transients or homeless sleeping on streets or benches) and disorderly conditions (abandoned cars/buildings, rundown/neglected buildings, poor lighting, overgrown shrubs/trees, trash, empty lots, vandalism or graffiti). The most commonly cited condition, identified by 23 percent of respondents, was poor neighborhood lighting. Other common conditions included empty lots (19.1%), illegal public drinking/drug use (19.1%), vandalism/graffiti (18.8%), loitering/hanging out (18.4%), overgrown trees and shrubs (17.9%), rundown/neglected buildings (15.4%), trash (15.1%), truancy (15.1%), and abandoned cars/buildings (14.1%). Less common were transients/homeless sleeping on streets or benches (10.6%), panhandling/begging (10.2%), public drug sales (8.6%), and prostitution (4.9%).
Neighborhood and City Fear of Crime
Survey respondents were asked several questions concerning their level of fear in their neighborhood and the city. Once again, a four-point scale (not at all fearful, not very fearful, somewhat fearful, very fearful) was used; higher mean scores indicate higher levels of fear. As shown in Table 3, respondents indicated that they were not overly fearful of crime in their neighborhood. The mean rating (1.91) was very close to "not very fearful" on the four-point scale. Only about 1 in 5 respondents (20.5%) acknowledged being very fearful or somewhat fearful of crime in their neighborhood. The analysis revealed that female respondents were more fearful than male respondents (p<.01). In addition, the large number of respondents answering "don't know" to the household income question (n=36) had significantly lower levels of fear than respondents in other income categories. Finally, Alaska Natives/American Indians exhibited more neighborhood fear than other racial groups (p<.05).
Respondents' level of fear in their city (2.41) was higher than respondent level of fear in their neighborhood (1.91), with the differences statistically significant (p<.001). Nearly half (46.6%) of all respondents expressed some fear (either somewhat fearful or very fearful) about crime in their city. Again, female respondents reported higher levels of fear than male respondents (p<.001). Respondents with household incomes in the $10,000-$19,999 and $30,000-$39,999 categories also reported higher levels of fear in the city (p<.05).
This brief descriptive analysis suggests that most Anchorage residents are satisfied with the quality of life in their city and neighborhood and are not generally fearful of crime. It will be possible to conduct more sophisticated analyses with the survey data in order to examine relationships between variables. For example, what factors affect respondent fear? Do disorderly conditions in a respondent's neighborhood cause them to express more fear about crime?
The complete results of this analysis will be available in a final report later this spring. Matthew Giblin is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at York College of Pennsylvania. From 2000 to 2002, he was a research associate with the Justice Center.


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MARIANNA � Chipola kept up its hot streak at the plate and Michael Mader did the rest in leading the Indians to the state tournament Monday.
MARIANNA � Chipola kept up its hot streak at the plate and Michael Mader did the rest in leading the Indians to the state tournament Monday.
Mader, a Marianna product, won his eighth game and Chipola its fifth in a row after beating visiting Gulf Coast 7-3 to clinch second place in the Panhandle Conference. GC needed wins Monday and Wednesday over Chipola to advance to the state tournament. Instead, the Commodores� swoon culminated with a fifth loss in seven games.
Bert Givens was 3 for 3 and Chase Nyman and Josh Barber each had two hits in helping Chipola build a 6-0 lead through three innings. The Indians improved to 34-19 overall and 11-8 in conference games. The teams will still play Wednesday�s 5 p.m. game in what will be the final home game for 10 GC sophomores.
Mader was efficient with six strikeouts one walk and one hit batter while scattering six hits over eight innings. The Indians backed him with 10 hits.
�It was a big game, but I treated it like any other,� said Mader, who improved to 8-3. �I just wanted to pitch well against them (the Commodores) again.�
Sacrifice fly outs by Givens and Ian Rice gave Chipola a 2-0 lead after one inning against GC starter and loser Dalton Kelley. The right-hander made a rare start for a taxed pitching staff and gave up four runs on four hits with one walk and three hit batsmen before being replaced by ace Brendan Leach after 2 1/3 innings.
Leach also struggled to record outs in third, hitting one batter and surrendering singles to Barber and Cameron Gibson, the latter�s for two runs. Mader held GC (30-20, 9-10) scoreless until Kevin Husum�s ground out plated Tyler Weir in the fifth to make the tally 7-1 in favor of Chipola.
Trevin Hall hit a solo home run in the eighth and was 2 for 4 to lead the Commodores. Husum tripled and scored in the eighth and Danny Aviles doubled for GC, which had the bases loaded with one out in the third but was unable to score. The lack of a big hit was a problem that plagued the team down the stretch. GC started 5-1 but is 4-9 since.
Monday�s game was a must-win that didn�t materialize. However, there were prior chances in the nine previous losses that if reversed would have negated the dire final days. The what-ifs didn�t matter after Chipola beat GC for the second time in four meetings, however.
�We got beat by a better team today and Michael Mader is one of the best pitchers in this conference,� GC coach Mike Kandler said. �They built a lead for him and you have to tip your cap to the kid.�
Chipola joins Tallahasee in representing the Panhandle in the state tournament starting May 9 in Lakeland. Tallahassee won the conference title with a 16-4 mark.
Chipola rebounded from sluggish performances in early schedule to surge into the postseason. The offense came around and solid pitching from the lefty Mader and others didn�t hurt either.
�We�re starting to show good signs,� Chipola coach Jeff Johnson said. �Our pitchers have really come on and allowed our hitters to progress.�
Added Mader: �We�re peaking at the right time. I think we�ll be one of the tougher teams to beat at state.�


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Help remove Undesirable #1 from your home
We're not talking about this cute pooch. But his dander might be a problem you should address.
Building sciences research has shown that highly efficient filtration of the outside air before it is delivered to the home is one of the best ways to reduce the level of particles suspended in your home's air.
These compact units can be installed on the existing ductwork of your furnace/air handler or can be used as an independent system mounted in the attic, crawl space or closet.
Homes that utilize traditional HVAC systems, hydronic radiant heating, or the popular ductless mini-split solutions can all benefit by having fresh, filtered air at all times. The best Indoor Air Quality depends on a combination of ventilation and filtration. Coupling a Fresh Air Appliance with a filtration unit provides your home the best of both worlds, fresh clean air, filtered and distributed around your home while saving energy.
Art nr: 40219
CM 3000 HEPA Filtration UnitThis collar mount inline model features a 240 cfm built-in fan and three filters: pre-filter, carbon filter and a true certified HEPA filter. Comes with two pieces of UL Listed 8" flex duct and hanging chains.
Art nr: 40217
DM 3000P HEPA Filtration UnitThis duct mount model features a 240 cfm built-in fan and three filters plus an integrated pressure switch, which energizes the unit any time furnace/air handler operates.
Art nr: 40304
FB 6 Inline Filter Box MERV13FB6 collar mount inline model features an 80-90% efficiency filter. Can be installed on the existing supply air ductwork along with an inline fan.


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I have this blog as a place to share my creative self -- be it card making, music playing, scrapbooking, altered art, home decor, or whatever direction my art takes me. My dogs are always a part of my home life, so they have to be a part of my blog, too.
Friday, May 1, 2015
For You -- and for QKR Stampede
4 comments:
The tag on that cute hat...so funny. This is so adorable. Love those chunky teeth and that pretty sparkly ribbon across the border. Another treasure. Have a happy weekend sweet lady! Do something nice for YOU! hugs..Donna KReplyDelete
Oh my word Julie I love, love this card the colours and so lovely and that image is awesome what a beauty she is.ReplyDelete
lorraine x
OMGOSH.... this one just makes me smile.... what a CUTE bunny image.... lovely card! :)ReplyDelete
Scrappers Anonymous
Overload of Cuteness my friend!! The bunny image is adorable!ReplyDelete
Have a wonderful day,
Crafting With Creative M


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Just Released!
Posted July 3, 2012on:
Kate Evans and Paul Anderson are finally married, settling in, and starting a family. They rejoice when Kate finds she is pregnant, but soon it is clear that there are hurdles ahead. Should she continue in her dangerous profession as an Alaskan bush pilot? Can she really fall into the role of a wife? Then tragedy strikes, life begins to unravel, and Kate fears she may have lost Paul for good.
Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the recently released Joy Takes Flight, book three in the Alaskan Skies series, the popular Sydney Cover series and the bestselling Journey of Eleven Moons.
She enjoys speaking for women's groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.


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A Squeaky Wheel Comes Clean
It's strangely easy to be brave when nobody expects you to be. You are the deus ex machina, sweeping in and rescuing with your words, your actions, your bravado. But then the standing ovation comes and who can take a bow without feeling awkward and out of place?
Maybe you've noticed, or maybe you haven't, but it's been a little quiet around here. Or rather, it's been a little less than deep around here.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Here's what happened: a year ago this month I started working on a book and when you start writing a book people in the know start talking about your platform and your reach and whether there will be a market for your words. So instead of scribbling your words on scraps of paper and in the margins of life, crafting sentences while you drive and wait and walk, you instead start working on an author's lifeline: readers.
Did you know that the real worth of an author's work is not in her bound or published words? It's in how many people read those bound and published words. No one wants to say that of course, except the publishers when they're squabbling over whose mark will be on the binding. Everyone else still wants to talk about your words and how they are needed and unusual and pretty and pithy and such. But deep down you suspect the real worth of your words is what someone will pay for them.
Sometimes they will pay for them with their emotions and sometimes their pennies, but pay for them, they will.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A few someones have told me I am courageous and I look down at my person: can't they see this? This frail and fearful lot? Can't they see that whatever worth I have is not what I can do but Whose I am? I can put on a show, but the Author is the Finisher and the Principal Player.
I am studying Romans 6:13 this week, "Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness." The chapter is about sin and how we, like Christ, have died to sin—but what is sin if not the full spectrum of brokenness touching our every part? Hear me when I say I struggle to say fear is a sin, but whatever does not proceed from faith is sin, and fear is the lack of faith. See?
A year ago I took what had previously proceeded from faith and continued the work in fear: would I ever measure up? Would anyone important ever read me? What constituted success? Would I know it when it came? Would anyone care about a book if I even wrote it?
And now here I am, people expecting me to be brave and confident, to have the words and the theology and the answers, and the truth is, dear readers, I spent more time presenting myself to you than to God this year. Or at least more energy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not discouraged. I can trust He is actually the God in the Machine and I am simply a gear or a bolt, or more likely a squeaky wheel or rusty washer, and we can move on from here (hopefully). I am not brave and I am not strong and I am not whatever good thing you think I am.
I'm just one person with words inside of me about a God I love and Who loves me and that's the only story I have to tell.
And for His glory I want to tell it well.


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With a world first, the new PistenBully 100, Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG presented the next vehicle generation vehicle at the Interalpin 2015. With impressive innovative concepts this multi-talent takes the PistenBully product range in a completely new direction.
Alongside its innovative brothers, the PistenBully 600 E+ and the ParkPro with the latest TIER 4 F engine technology, the new PistenBully 100 also sets genuine standards in its sector.
Most powerful engine in its class
It's not just the horsepower of the new PistenBully 100 that's impressive with 240 hp (176 kW). Power development across the whole rev range is also market leading: at almost 950 Nm the powerful engine achieves torque that is 18 % higher than that of the PistenBully 100 SCR.
Thanks to the Tier 4F exhaust technology, it also has an extremely low environmental impact. The interesting thing is that it comes prepared for TIER 5: the foundations for the next stage of engine technology have already been laid in the new PistenBully 100. And thanks to optional retrofitting with a diesel particle filter, the new PistenBully 100 is the only vehicle of this sizethat can be used indoors and in countries that already require a diesel particle filter.
Solid base
A great deal of optimisation work has also been performed on the chassis and frame: the new axle technology is more stable and delivers 60 % higher load capacity. Four axles ensure greater ride comfort and the best gradability.
Comfortable cab
The driver's cab has also seen some changes: drivers will find the same standardised operating concept in all new-generation vehicles. So they will instantly feel at home in any vehicle. As the customised keys can be freely assigned, every vehicle can also be adapted to suit a driver's particular needs.The completely new intuitive control concept enables the driver to control all attachments with just one hand: The new PistenBully 100 is the first snow groomer to have a double steering function in the joystick. This patented solution means that it's easy to realise four simultaneous movements of the blade – and without frequent changes of grip.
The developers at Kässbohrer Geländefahrzeug AG have also realised many other improvements: the optimised comfort seat with additional adjustment options is ergonomic and now even softer sprung. The new cab design offers increased head and shoulder room and perfect all-round visibility. The powerful heating package prevents every type of icing and tarnish. The optional air conditioning system is – just like in a car – integrated in the vehicle, removing the need for a roof add-on. The all-round lighting with LEDs, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, double sliding heated windows, a 10" display as standard and an innovative sound-proofing and heat insulation concept make the driver's cab even more comfortable.
New hydraulics
The new drive train with new hydraulics facilitates lots of improvements: maximum thrust and increased drive output and performance, as well as higher tensile force, lower revs at the same speed and, thus, fuel savings and reduced noise, plus simultaneous control of front and rear attachments.
New tiller generation
Individual and independent setting of the tiller and track setters in terms of tiller depth is now possible for the first time. Likewise, the contact pressure of the tiller and the track setters can also be set independently of each other. The new tiller shaft with more teeth – just like on the AlpineFlexTiller – it works the snow at the highest quality and achieves improved slope appearance. These new tillers are available in different widths (up to almost 5-metre working width with hydraulic folding finisher), in order to meet diverse requirements, guaranteeing use in small mountain ski resorts as well.
Track setter in perfection
The track setters can be removed quickly and easily without tools when not required, saving weight and fuel. The redesign has also achieved improved terrain adaptation and a clearer view of the tiller.
Power – blade
Even more snow can now be moved thanks to a higher snow guard. Additional functions make work easier.
New combined tracks
The new PistenBully 100 is equipped with completely new combined tracks. This new development also leads to several advantages: the reduced number of parts decreases storage volumes and costs for customers, while a new drive wheel increases drive comfort thanks to fewer vibrations, and automatic chain tensioning ensures lower wear and tear.
The only one for passenger transport
Only the new PistenBully 100 offers the option of attaching 5 and 8/10-passenger cabs.
So, let's get going!


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Good News: Another Giveaway!
Joanne L Gallery, Cinnamon
If you've been visiting the blog a lot lately, you might have noticed we partnered with a few bloggers for fantastic giveaways!
Melany's Guydlines teamed up with us to give away $300 sitewide credit! Just imagine the possibilities if you won the gift card — you could get a new print for your gallery wall, a new painting for your living room and much more!
Melany shares her snarky commentary and hilarious stories on her blog. Check out some of her content and enter here for your chance to win! Good luck!