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Category Archives: Product Development
Customer Experience And Loyalty Starts And Ends With The Product!
Back in 2011 I asked this question: Customer Experience: What About The 'Product'? And I ended that conversation with the following assertion:
The product is not in one domain and Customer Experience in another domain. Any serious examination of the Customer Experience has to grapple with the product and how well it does the job that the customer is hiring it to do. That means designing that product so that it is both useful (does the job) and usable (easy/intuitive) to use.
Today, I stand by that conversation. In particular, the necessity and critical importance of the 'product' (the core product or service which calls forth the customer to reach out and interact with the organisation which is selling that product or service) to any serious work on improving-transforming the customer's experience of the organisation.
I also find that I was wrong. How so? Today, I'd sum up that conversation differently. How would I sum it up? As follows:
The 'product' is not in one domain and Customer Experience in another domain. Any serious examination of the Customer Experience (as in the customer's experience) has to grapple with the 'product' and how well it does the job that the customer is hiring it to do. That means designing the 'product' so that it is useful (does the job), usable (easy/intuitive to use), and sensuous (evokes the senses and calls forth awe). When you get the 'product' right you will learn that in a substantial-meaningful way that the customer's experience and loyalty start and end with the design of the 'product'. If you have the right product then you can concentrate on marketing (advertising, distributing) it. Little need to waste your time on the latest corporate nonsense: customer experience management as in customer interaction management across a multitude of interaction channels.
What has led me to this way of summing up the matter? Apple. In particular, Apple's latest financial results - the largest quarterly corporate profit of any company. Let's look into the quarterly figures a little bit more: revenue of $75bn, profit of $18bn, and Apple sold 34,000 iPhones per hour. Allow me to share this paragraph with you (bolding mine):
Apple chief executive Tim Cook called the company's sales "phenomenal" and said the company had sold 34,000 iPhones an hour every day of the quarter. "This volume is hard to comprehend," Cook said.
I am now going to make my most controversial assertion. Ready? I say that the field of Customer Experience Management (as in customer interaction management) is attractive to and for the mediocre. Yes, the mediocre! You know the folks that do not design-sell great 'products'. 'Products' that do not simplify-enrich the lives of our fellow human beings. Look if you make a great product then the world beats a path to your door -including overcoming any hurdles along the path. Only CXM fools ignore the critical importance of the 'product'. Isn't the product the reason that the customer takes action – to actual reach out to the business in the first place?
The Beauty Of Apple
I wonder if you have noticed something about the world of business? You may have not noticed it as this feature of business life is pervasive, so enduring, that lies in the background. I found myself reawakened to this feature recently.
Some consultants and sales folks were carrying around and using the standard issue company owned laptops made by the likes of Dell, IBM, HP, Toshiba…. Others were carrying around and using Apple MacBook laptops (Air, Pro) – they had purchased these themselves out of their own money.
What is it that I observed? I noticed that the consultants and sales people using Apple MacBook laptops handled their laptops as if these were sacred objects. I noticed these folks look, actually look, at their MacBooks as I look at landscapes that catch my eye and take my breath away. I noticed that these folks displayed their MacBooks so that all could see. And I noticed that these folks carried their MacBooks with a certain kind of pride. Most importantly, I noticed a certain kind of affection, even reverence, between the consultants and their MacBooks.
What about the consultants and sales people carrying around the corporate issue laptops made by the likes of Dell, IBM, HP, Toshiba..? I noticed these folks showed no pride, no reverence, no affection for their laptops. They treated them as functional machines – mere tools to do a job. They dragged them out of their cases. They plonked them on the table. When not using them them 'hid' them by putting papers on top of them….
Have you figured out what feature of the business world I am talking about? I am talking about the lack of beauty in the world of business! I am talking about:
- conversations devoid of the beauty of genuine human warmth-friendliness;
- products that function yet are devoid of beauty;
- offices that are devoid of colour, fragrance, plants, flowers and have the feel of a factory in many ways;
- call-centres in run down parts of the country where the human spirit sinks as the body arrives for work;
- retail stores that have the look and feel of hospitals….
I notice that some folks have been putting Apple down due to the lack of innovative industry making, coffer filling-overflowing, products. This may be the case.
I notice that the same folks that put down Apple for its lack of innovation point towards Samsung for its innovation especially in the area of smartphones. What I have not yet experienced is an Apple customer handing in their iPhone for a Samsung Galaxy. Why not? It occurs to me that Samsung products lack that which pervades the Apple products: beauty that calls forth awe, affection, even reverence.
How can you and your organisation cater for and meet one of the most fundamental human needs: beauty? If you have got around to designing customer experiences then ask yourself if you have even considered this need for beauty?
Marketing and Customer Experience: 6 Core Emotional Needs That Shape Human Behaviour (Part 2 – Control)
If you read the first post of this series you may remember that Mark Ingwer in his book Empathetic Marketing asserts that there are 6 core emotional needs of customers: control, self-expression, growth, recognition, belonging, and care. In this post I share my thoughts and Mark's assertions-insights regarding the primary emotional need: CONTROL.
Satisfying the need for control provides the best access for building customer loyalty
Mark Ingwer is bold in his assertion when it comes to the need for control and the access it provides the smart business:
… satisfying the control needs of the consumer, more than any individual need discussed in this book, holds the most potential for a company to build loyalty to a brand, product, or service through intrinsic motivation, which is the internal sense of satisfaction with the purchasing process and the resulting purchase.
Through the iPod and iTunes, Apple handed control of music over to the music listener. Through the iPhone, iPad and the apps store, Apple handed over much more control over these devices to the user such that each iPhone, each iPad, can truly be customised to the user by the user. Please notice the genius here. By handing so much control over to the user and making it easy for the user to exercise this control, Apple has created a context where each iPhone, iPad is unique and thus irreplaceable. Hence, the value if iCloud.
Why is the need for control such a vital need?
Think for a moment about the last time that you did not have any control over an important aspect of your life. What showed up for you in your body? What emotions surfaced? Was it a pleasant experience? An experience you want to repeat? If you are human then it is likely that this experience was a deeply unsettling one when it occurred. Here's what Mark Ingwer says on this matter
The need for control fuels our motivation in every aspect of our lives. Positioned near the individuality pole of the needs continuum, control is essential to our every day functioning. We see how this need influences our lives most profoundly when we're not in control. Some of life's worst and most stressful predicaments are colored by feelings of helplessness – events in which we are unable to prevent or alter the inevitable.
I invite you to consider the direction of human progress. Is this progress, as in increasing control over that which showed up an threatening for us or made life uncertain or merely difficult? Do you doubt that our ideal, even if unstated, is to have complete dominion (control) over that which shows up on planet Earth. And then our galaxy and eventually the universe. Why might this be? Here's Mark Ingwer again:
Many situations that fall outside the purview of personal agency hit us in the gut. We feel insecure. We feel small. We fear losing control. And we strive to regain that control. Not only does that loss of control prevent us from achieving our specific outcomes, but it is also often wrenching evidence that signifies our relative insignificance in a large (and largely random) universe.
When we feel in control of external events, in control of ourselves, and in control of our core relationships, we have a broader and more satisfying feeling of contentment and confidence …. we can't grow as individuals without attending properly to this need.
Customer service and the power of control
Why is it that I do most of my shopping online and do all of my banking online? Because I experience being in control of the shopping process, the banking process. Why is it that I dread having to call up most call-centres? Because, even before I pick up the call I expect a long-tedious-unpleasant experience where I am at the mercy of the IVR, long waiting times, call-centre agents who lack the expertise-will-freedom to actually help me ….. Here is what Mark Ingwer says on the matter:
Nothing reveals the power of control – and the destructive power of lack of control – than customer service situations. Companies that sell services or routinely interact with their customers in service settings must pay special attention to a customer's sense of control.
Poor customer service results when proxy control is ineffective. If the proxy does not behave as the customer desires, the customer loses control of the situation.
If you are wondering what proxy control is then think about wanting to do your banking online and finding that the website is out of operation. Or imagine needing cash, turning up at the ATM and finding that it is out of order and there are no other ATMs available. Or imagine, ringing up the call-centre and coming face to face with an call-centre agent who speaks with an accent you find hard to understand. Or imagine going to the restaurant with the family, having eaten your meal, finding your young ones tired, looking for a waiter to pay the bill, and the waiter seems to take forever to come back to take your payment. You are desperate to go home and yet cannot do so until the waiter comes over to you and takes your payment.
What advice does Mark Ingwer have for marketers and customer experience specialists?
What I like about Mark Ingwer's book is the practical suggestions that he provides at the end of each chapter. Here is his advice for marketers and customer experience specialists, as it shows up for me:
1. Review your core marketing message. It should say to customers: you can be in the driver's seat – assuming products and service can deliver.
2. Examine the customers' experience. Are prospects and customers in control throughout the path to the final sale and afterwards?
3. Simply after-sales processes.
If you want to learn more about these practical recommendations then you will have to buy the book and read it as I do not want to give away Mark's secrets and deprive him of readers for his book.
If you remember only one sentence then remember this one
It occurs to me that when it comes to the end to end customer experience then this is the one sentence that captures it all when it comes to the human need for control:
From start to finish, customers must never sense that they are at the mercy of a company or product.
The last time I was in such a situation I walked out of the cinema, choosing not to watch a film that I really wanted to watch, rather than be at the mercy of the cinema and its staff.
In the next post, I will cover the human need for self-expression. It occurs to me whole industries are based on this need. I thank you for your listening.
Marketing and Customer Experience: The Six Core Emotional Needs That Shape Human Behaviour (Part1)
My primary interest is human beings. The value that I most value is empathy. I find myself moved by the kindness-connection-helpfulness that flows when empathy is present. I have noticed breakthroughs in relationship often generate breakthroughs in performance. Which is why I was happy to take up the offer to read-review-share Mark Ingwer's book Empathetic Marketing.
Let's start with a passage that gets to the heart of the challenge:
The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.
– Daniel Goleman, Vital Lies, Simple Truths: The Psychology of Self Deception
What is it that we fail to notice? I say that we fail to notice that human beings are not just automatons, computing algorithms, merely rational beings. We fail to notice that human beings are emotional-rational-social-embodied human beings. And this has consequences for how we treat customers, treat employees, treat suppliers, treat ourselves. It has consequences for the quality of our relationships and our performance.
Mark Ingwer says we fail to notice the nuances that make us human
What does business psychologist Mark Ingwer say? He says:
What we fail to notice is the powerful effect of our unconscious on behavior and personalities.… To truly understand why people say what they say and do what they do, we must look at the psychodynamic context surrounding consumer decisions.
…. when faced with many options and advertisements ….. we often decide what's best for us by gravitating towards what feels right (or frequently away from what feels wrong).
Even when they claim to desire lifetime relationships with their clients and customers, many businesses tactically distance themselves from the humanity of their interactions. The systemic nature of marketing and business strategy inadvertently depersonalises their audience by using language that groups customers into market segments and targets. People are commonly referred to as "buyers," shoppers," "payers," "non responders," "early adopters," and "eyeballs." But too often what is lost is the nuance that makes them human.
Why does this matter? It matters because when we do not keep 'the nuance that makes us human' at front and centre of our business decisions then we create products and services which flop. We spend fortunes in business to get people to buy our products – become customers – and then we neglect their emotional needs for the rest of the 'customer journey'. This is what Mark Ingwer says:
I contend that emotions and resulting behaviours are the foundation for satisfying complex psychological needs…. And individual's needs are satisfied when he or she is connected meaningfully to others, and through these connections comes to find his or her own unique value and identity. It is a ceaseless, evolving, lifelong endeavour.
.. businesses must have an intimate and conceptual framework for understanding these emotional needs and a passion for meeting them every step of the way.
The heart of the matter: putting full bodied humanity into business?
It occurs to me that Mark Ingwer is pointing at that which shows up for me as the heart of the challenge: putting humanity into business so that the one dimensional picture of human beings becomes alive in all of its many dimensions. There are three sentences in particular that resonates with me and I wish to share with you:
Physical needs create life and keep us living, whereas the emotional needs alluded to earlier are what make life worth living.
Meeting needs is not like climbing a mountain. It's more akin …. to a lifelong game of tug-of-war.
We are beings in conflict, individuals attempting to engage with our many needs outwardly and subconsciously.
What are the fundamental needs that drive shape-drive human behaviour?
Which begs the question, what are these fundamental human needs that shape-drive human behaviour? Mark Ingwer calls attention to two needs in particular: individuality and connectedness. This is what he says:
Throughout life's stages, we balance our primary needs for individuality and connectedness…… These two needs underlie most all human motives and serve as the polar forces of a needs satisfaction model, which I call the Needs Continuum.
Sitting on the left-hand side of the continuum, our need for individuality finds a way to sneak into almost all of our behaviour. Western society values the stalwart, self-reliant man….. We subconsciously take and borrow from every one of our relationships and connections in the world to arrive at a better sense of self.
Sitting at the opposite pole of the continuum, the need for connectedness moves hand in hand with individuality …… The need for connectedness motivates us to prioritise friends and family. We often want to buy higher quality goods and services ……. for them them than we do for ourselves. Connectedness …. defines our role as social beings. It's impossible to live our lives without others with whom to share it. We must be cared for, loved, nurtured. We must be recognised. We must belong to something larger than ourselves.
We need to seek and achieve connectedness in order to thrive and truly know ourselves. Other people are mirrors through which we develop and sustain identity…..to be connected to others is to open the door to sustained personal growth and happiness.
On the continuum between individuality and connectedness are the following six core emotional needs: control, self-expression, growth, recognition, belonging, and care.
When approaching customers or prospects, a business must understand which of the six core needs its products or service addresses and then tailor its marketing and product development to best address that core need
In the next post on this series (based on Mark Ingwer's book Empathetic Marketing) I will explore the powerful human need for control.


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27 Sizzling Pizza Recipes
Gooey cheese, crispy crust, tasty tomatoes — who doesn't love pizza? We've put together a collection of our favorite homemade pizza recipes, with a wide range of toppings and sauces to suit everybody's preferences. Dig in!
Zucchini-Pesto Pizza
With only 1/3 cup of Pecorino, this is the perfect pizza for anyone who's lactose-intolerant. Load zucchini and pesto onto a thin crust; then, brighten with fresh mint leaves and lemon zest.
Get the recipe for Zucchini-Pesto Pizza
Johnny Miller

subset: commoncrawl


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Photographer's Note
This is the Reading Room of a historic library building on the grounds of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), photographed with a 'historic' digital camera in 1998. The library was built in 1909 and designed by Samu Pécz, professor of architecture at the University, and it is considered to be a Gothic masterpiece. The ceiling of this 16.5 m wide hall was built without steel beams using only bricks as in the cathedrals of the middle ages. It suffered serious damages during WWII, but was restored by 1949, and still in use today, but with a less crowded seating arrangement.
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Photo Information
- Copyright: Barnabas Bozoki (bbarna) (824)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 1998-11-11
- Categories: Architecture
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Theme(s): Budapest [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2014-01-11 6:32
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One world, two wheels. Our cycling holidays come in all shapes and sizes; from gentle cycling in the Loire region of France, cycling the High Atlas in Morocco on a fully-supported mountain bike expedition, exploring the length of Vietnam or getting under the skin of the unique culture and cuisine of South East Asia. All cycling holidays are graded, with the percentage of on and off-road riding, and vehicle support indicated in the trip profile. As with an Exodus walking holiday, you need to ensure that you are confident in your own fitness to join some of these cycling departures.
View all our cycling holidays here


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Forging steampunk and avant-garde knitting into an inspiration for others to spin their own visions of a past that never was. Read more
Forging steampunk and avant-garde knitting into an inspiration for others to spin their own visions of a past that never was.
About this project
Who are the Ladies of Mischief
The Ladies of Mischief is a collective of talented ladies who want to take the knitting and steampunk world by storm, combining the two genres into one amazing work of fantastic imagery, story telling, and creative artistry.
We have started up a blog filled with exclusive patterns, stories, journal entries, photographs and more. Please stop by to read up on each of the Ladies and follow all of their adventures.
What are we planning
Our group is publishing a book featuring the work of numerous knitwear designers, costume designers, writers, photographers, illustrators, and independent yarn and fiber artisans. Our goal is to use our talents and skills to publish a book unlike any currently available.
More than just a pattern book or a profit maker for yarn companies, we want to give the knitting community a visually stunning book created exclusively by talented, independent artists. Our book will be plot driven, focusing on the Steampunk theme and a group of fictional characters called The Ladies of Mischief living during the 1890s. In addition to being the featured characters in the story, the Ladies also model and explain the knitting patterns. The patterns will all be designed by local, independent designers within the project and will feature yarns from independent yarn and fiber artisans, most of whom are not widely known to the knitting community.
By combining engaging characters with knitting patterns drawn from the story itself, we are able to create a world for our readers to fall into. In turn, this makes our book as enjoyable to read as it is to knit from. Through the story and patterns our readers will expand their knowledge of knitting and fiber arts, while falling in love with the exciting world of steampunk, just as we have.
In order to achieve this, we are calling upon our individual talents and skills to create a unique team. We have several designers who are experienced at developing patterns. There is a team of technical editors who have long experience with the technical aspects of fibers, materials, and the structure of these when spun. One of us is a talented freelance photographer who will do all of our photography around the city of Seattle and also in house. One member is an experienced costume designer, model, and seamstress who will bring her expertise to our layout, color choice, props, and modeling team. Another member is a local illustrator who will be helping with the drawings and graphic elements featured throughout the book.
How you can help
We have made our initial goal!! But this is not the end of the road.
We still need your help! The goal of 2000 dollars is just the bare bones we need to get off the ground. The actual project funding goal to make this piece truly stunning is just over 4000. I know we can make that! With the higher goal we will be able to fund
- our costume design and production since all of our pieces are made by hand,
- Fund our first printing run so we can get the book out there to shops and other vendors
- Allow us to hire consultants for hair and makeup to make us look stunning for the photo shoots
- Allow us to attend and participate in steamcon 3, Oregon flock and fiber, and many more events throughout the year.
- purchase the much needed photography equipment and lens
- fund marketing and promotion of the book so it can get into as many hands as possible
- buy software needed to pull it all together.
I have also added some new and exciting prizes so if you have not checked out the kickstarter or if you are a backer already go see what is on offer. There are some new levels you can upgrade to. We are now offering tickets to our exciting Seattle Launch party.
Let's show the world that knitting can be inventive, creative, provocative, imaginative, and exciting! Come Join the Ladies of Mischief.
Well there is good news and bad news. The bad is you can not pledge twice. The good news however is, if you would like more then one prize simply increase your pledge to the total amount for both prizes and then pop me a little note telling me which two you want. For instance if you would like to be a VIP at the party and get a special care package in the post then pledge $200 dollars, choose one of the prizes and email me with the second choice.
Pledge $1 or more
2 backers
Our eternal gratitude and admiration.
Pledge $5 or more
1 backer
a special hand written note of thanks mailed to you from one of the Ladies.
Pledge $10 or more
5 backers
A PDF file of one of the patterns from the book sent directly to you before the book is available to the public. You get to be the first person to post pictures of it! We will also officially thank you as a backer on our blog.
Pledge $20 or more
3 backers
A beautiful 5x7 print of the lady of your choice. This will be a gorgeous portrait from our lovely photographer. It will of course be signed by the lady herself.
Pledge $30 or more
10 backers
A PDF file of one of the accessory patterns from the book sent directly to you before the book is available to the public plus enough custom hand dyed yarn (you pick the color, single skein project only) by one of our wonderful dyers to complete the project! This will be really excellent luxurious yarn too.
Pledge $40 or more
38 backers
Your very own copy of the book but each one of the ladies of mischief will personally sign it with a word of thanks.
Pledge $50 or more
2 backers Limited (13 left of 15)
Come and celebrate the launch of the book with tickets for two to the Seattle launch party! You'll get to enjoy an exciting evening of entertainment with the ladies and purchase your own copy of the book right there.
Pledge $70 or more
8 backers
Your own signed copy of the book when it comes out as well as a lovely hand knit item made especially for you by one of the ladies!
Pledge $80 or more
3 backers Limited (7 left of 10)
Come pick up your signed copy of the book at the Seattle launch party. With this prize you will receive tickets for two to this special event along with your copy of the book! You will be sad if you miss out on this exciting event and chance to meet the ladies in person.
Pledge $100 or more
4 backers
a special one of a kind care package put together especially for you filled with wonderful handmade and hand knit items. Each package will be put together by one of the ladies so it will be designed around their taste.
Pledge $100 or more
2 backers Limited (8 left of 10)
VIP tickets for two for the launch party of the book as well as private drinks with the Ladies of Mischief (only good for the Seattle launch).
Pledge $200 or more
0 backers Limited (4 left of 4)
Would you like to be in the book? This is your chance. Come be an extra in a photoshoot. We will dress you up, treat you nice, and fill you up with tea and snacks (Seattle area only.)
Pledge $500 or more
2 backers All gone!
Our amazing photographer will conduct a private 2 hour portrait sitting with you complete with a collection of high quality digital images for you to take home (Seattle area only.)
Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (2 left of 2)
Are you hosting a party this year? If so with this prize the fantastic Scarlett O'Hairdye will perform at your event. Nothing makes a party like your very own steampunk themed burlesque performance. This prize is subject to a mutually acceptable place and time and for the Seattle area only.
Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers
The Ladies of Mischief will personally host a high tea service for you and 4 of your friends. We will bring all the luscious treats, tea, champagne, table settings. Come in costume for a magical afternoon (Seattle area only.)
Funding period
- (30 days)


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Canon's Powershot A3100 IS is the latest in its "A" series of digital cameras, a line that has enjoyed popularity and customer loyalty since A20 launched 10 years ago. Its popularity is mostly due to the "A" series reputation for delivering excellent image quality and dependable performance. Budget-conscious shooters loved earlier "A" series digital cameras because they were like an inexpensive - and slightly stripped down - version of Canon's "G" series digicams.
The A2000 IS, which was introduced in 2008, was the first step in Canon's makeover of the venerable "A" series. The A2000 was an auto-exposure-only point-and-shoot that lacked manual exposure capability, an optical viewfinder and a handgrip. With the A3100 IS, which replaces the popular A1100 IS, Canon's revolutionary "A" series makeover feels complete.
On the surface, the A3100 IS bears a discernible family resemblance to earlier A series digicams, but under the hood presents a major departure from the basic design philosophy that defined its predecessors. The A3100 IS (like its predecessors) provides excellent bang for the buck. Will it help maintain Canon's dominance in this highly competitive market segment? Let's find out.
In general, the A3100 IS's styling is similar to earlier "A" series cameras; its metal alloy and polycarbonate body is compact, stylish (in a practical sort of way) and durable. The camera feels good in the hand - although a bit small - and is easy to operate. Canon's "A" series digicams have always been powered by relatively cheap and universally available AA batteries, but the A3100 IS (and its nearly identical sibling the A3000 IS) are the first "A" series cameras to be powered by proprietary Canon Lithium-ion battery packs.
The A3100 also incorporates a slight redesign of the control array and a new simplified two tab menu system. Its predecessor featured an optical viewfinder and a rudimentary handgrip; the newest PowerShot eschews both. The A3100 IS is smaller (by about 25%) than its predecessor and looks like a shrunken version of earlier A models. Previous "A" series models were very popular with photo enthusiasts and more serious shooters because they provided a useful range of manual exposure options (Aperture Priority mode, Shutter Priority mode and a full Manual exposure mode), but the A3100 IS uses the same auto exposure-only system as the A1100 IS.
Unlike earlier "A" series units, the A3100 IS is thinner, lighter, easier to use than earlier "A" series digicams and easily pocketable. Earlier "A" series cameras were also marketed to a broader demographic, including photo enthusiasts, but the A3100 IS is clearly targeted toward snap-shooters and casual photographers.
Ergonomics and Controls
The A3100 IS's user interface is logical and uncomplicated; all buttons are reasonably large, clearly marked, sensibly placed and easily accessed. Operation is basic and all exposure options are minor variations on the auto exposure theme. The four-way controller and FUNC button provide direct access to the most commonly changed/adjusted (exposure compensation, WB, ISO, My Colors, flash, macro mode, etc.) features and functions. Kudos to Canon for keeping the exposure compensation button at the top position on the compass switch, making minor exposure adjustments (incrementally lightening or darkening images) easy.
The A3100 IS's mode dial is one of the best I've seen with a logical, almost intuitive layout, but its placement (top right hand corner of the camera body) is a bit disconcerting since it is very close to and directly in line with the on/off button and the slightly-too-small shutter button. Ergonomically, the shutter button should always hold the top right hand corner position.
The mode dial has five dedicated scene positions: portrait, landscape, night snapshot, kids & pets, and indoor. In addition, there is a general scene mode position that leads to a list of less commonly used scene modes including face/self-timer, low-light (2.0 megapixels at 1600 ISO), super vivid, poster effect, beach, foliage, snow, fireworks and long shutter. There's also a dedicated face detection mode button. Canon obviously designed the A3100 IS to as easy to use as possible and most purchasers won't have difficulty using it right out of the box.
Menus and Modes
The PowerShot A3100 IS features a simplified two tab version of Canon's classic menu system. The A3100 IS's menu system, accessed via a dedicated button beneath the compass switch, is logical, easy to navigate and simple, since the camera permits only minimal user input. Push the menu button and the "camera/setup" sub-menus appear. The A3100 IS provides an acceptable selection of shooting modes including program, auto, easy and video/movie modes, and a small, but adequate, selection of automatic scene modes. Here's a complete list of the A3100 IS's shooting modes:
Like many currently available point-and-shoots, the A3100 IS doesn't have an optical viewfinder, relying instead on the LCD for all framing/composition, captured image review and menu navigation chores. Most casual shooters don't use optical viewfinders and in many shooting scenarios (macro, festivals, events, portraits), it is quicker and easier to watch the decisive moment come together on the LCD screen than it is through the optical viewfinder.
The A3100 IS may lack a viewfinder, but makes up for it by adding a slightly larger (2.7-inch versus 2.5-inch) LCD screen with double (230K versus 115K) the resolution. The A3100 IS's TFT LCD screen is bright, hue accurate, relatively fluid and automatically boosts gain in dim/low light, and it displays exactly (100% of the image frame) what the lens sees.
The A3100 IS's LCD works fairly well for framing, composition, captured image review and menu navigation. The user-enabled composition grid display is a nice and useful touch, but it is, like all LCD monitors, subject to fading and glare in bright outdoor lighting. The A3100 IS's nifty chronological image review/compare option makes it easy to select the best picture from a sequence of similar images. Photographers who try to "nail" the shot by covering static subjects from various perspectives - like me - will love this feature.
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Belmar Arts
608 River Rd
Belmar, NJ
Tuesday, July 22nd
6:30 - 8:30pm
Photowalking is the act of walking with a camera for the main purpose of capturing images of things you may find interesting.
Join nationally recognized photographer, Michael S. Miller of Visions Photographic Workshops, as you wander one of the premier marinas along the Atlantic Coast at "the golden hour".
This photowalk is designed for you to practice and improve your photography skills; move beyond taking that pretty snapshot and into developing your creative eye. Michael and Beverly will guide you on your journey of creative exploration, giving you suggestions on composition, perspective, and externalizing your mind's eye.
We will meet at The Boatworks, Belmar Arts, 608 River Road, Belmar at 6:30pm and wander over to the Belmar Marina to capture images. Finishing up at the 9th Avenue Pier.
$10/non-BAC member or become a member for $25
If you are a BAC member we ask that you register so we know you plan on being there.
Non-BAC members please contact Beverly directly to register (732-245-6699) or go to the Belmar Arts website and register through paypal Thank you.


text:
Offer Your Best Gifts To God, Who Is Coming Soon
An EasyEnglish Bible Version with Notes (1200 word vocabulary) on the Book of Malachi
The translated Bible text has been through Advanced Checking.
Words in boxes are comments on the text.
A word list at the end explains words with a *star by them.
Malachi is the name of the man who wrote this book. He spoke God's message to the people. Many years ago, a powerful enemy had come. The enemy had sent the people away from their own country. After a long time, they returned home. They built the *temple again. The date when this happened was about 516 *B.C. Malachi wrote this book in about 460 *B.C. God had promised the people that they would have plenty of good things. But they only had a little rain and so their *crops did not grow. They did not have enough food to eat. So, the people thought that perhaps God did not love them. They began to be careless. They did not obey the rules that God had given to them. Malachi found out how the people were thinking. And he put this into words. He then told them what God wanted to say to them. He told them how they could come back to God. And he told them how they could love God again. If they did not do that, there would be bad news for them.
v1 This is the message that God told to Malachi. Malachi knew that he must tell the *Israelites this message.
v2 'I have loved you', says the *Lord. 'But you ask, "How have you loved us?" '
God says that he loves all *Israelites. They are his special people.
'Esau was *Jacob's brother', the *Lord says. 'I have loved *Jacob and all his *descendants.
v3 But I have not loved Esau and his *descendants.
Esau is like my enemy and I have caused trouble for him. Esau's mountains are now empty. Nobody uses the land any longer. There are only *jackals there now. They have the things that Esau used there.'
Esau and *Jacob were brothers who were born at the same time. Esau came out of his mother's body first. So he should have received God's special *blessing. But Esau sold this special *blessing to *Jacob.
v4 Edom may say, 'Our enemies have beaten us. They have knocked our houses down. But we will build them again.' But the *Lord Almighty says, 'They may build. But I will knock everything down. People will call Edom the Very Bad Country. They will say that the people in Edom always have trouble from God. He is very angry with them. v5 You will see it with your own eyes. You will say, "Great is the *Lord, even beyond *Israel's borders." '
Edom (or the Edomites) is the name of a group of people. They were Esau's *descendants. They lived in the mountains. Then powerful enemies fought them. The Edomites had to leave their homes. Nobody lived there any longer.
v6 'A son *respects his father. A servant *respects his master. If I am like a father, show *respect for me as a father. If I am like a master, *respect me as a master', says the *Lord Almighty. 'You are *priests. But you show that you *scorn my name. But you ask, "How have we shown that we have *scorned your name?"
v7 You put food that is not clean on my *altar.
But you ask, "How have we made you not clean?" You have said that the *Lord's table is not important.'
When an *Israelite spoke about God's name, he was speaking about God himself. So to *scorn the name of God was to show no *respect for God.
The *Israelites gave gifts to God. They gave something when they wanted to thank God. They knew that they sometimes did wrong things. So, they also gave something to say sorry to God. They brought their gifts to the *priests. The *priests also offered their own gifts to God. But the food was not clean. That is, it was not really good food. Also, the minds of those who were giving the food were not always clean. That is, they may not have had right thoughts when they gave their gifts to God.
v8 'You bring for *sacrifice animals that cannot see. That is not right. You *sacrifice animals that cannot walk. That is a wrong thing to do. You *sacrifice animals that have an illness. And that is a wrong thing to do, too. Offer these to your ruler. And see what will happen. He will surely not accept you. He will not be happy with you', says the *Lord Almighty.
v9 'Ask God to be kind to us. Explain to him that this is really important to you. Tell him often about this. But your *offerings are not clean. So they will not change how God thinks. He will not accept you', says the *Lord Almighty.
v10 'It would be better if one of you shut the *temple doors! Then you would not light fires that have no value on my *altar. I am not happy with you', says the *Lord Almighty. 'I will not accept any gift from your hands. v11 My name will be great in the whole world, in every country. From the East to the West, people will *respect my name. So, in every place, people will bring *incense to me. They will give clean *offerings to me', says the *Lord Almighty.
v12 'But you are saying that the *Lord's table is not clean. So you are *scorning my name. You say that the food on it has little value. v13 And you say, "The duty that we must do is like a heavy weight on us. We do not want to do this." You think that you are too important to do it', says the *Lord Almighty.
'I will not accept ill animals from you as *sacrifices. I will not accept hurt animals or animals that cannot walk', says the *Lord. v14 'Someone may have a good male as one of his animals. He may promise to give it to God. He says to God, "I will give it." But he may then *sacrifice an animal that is not clean. So God will *curse him. That is because I am a great king', says the *Lord Almighty. 'Everyone on earth will know that my name is very serious. They will *respect it.'
v1 'And now, *priests, I am talking to you. So be careful. v2 If you do not listen', says the *Lord Almighty, 'I will *curse you. If you do not decide to *respect my name, I will *curse your *blessings. You have not yet decided to *respect my name. So I have already *cursed your *blessings.'
The *blessings here may mean the gifts that the people gave to the *priests. They may also mean the words, 'I pray that God will *bless you.' The *priests said those words to the people when the *priests prayed. Already God had started to *curse the *priests' *blessings. This was a very serious thing. Perhaps they could not change things now.
v3 'I will tell your *descendants that they have done wrong things. This is because you have done wrong things. I will tell them that I am not happy with them. I will tell them that they must not do wrong things again. I will cover your faces with the *offal from your *festival *sacrifices. Someone will carry you away with it.'
After someone had given an animal, a *priest killed it. And he cut out the *offal. He then took the *offal outside God's house and he burnt it. Then he had to clean himself so that God would accept him. He could then go into God's house again.
Some *priests gave animals that were not clean. God was not happy with those *priests. The *priests took the *offal outside. In the same way, God would send them away from him. Everyone would see by their faces that they had done wrong things. God does not say here, 'The *priests can wash. They can come back to me.' He would remember that they had done wrong things. Even after they died, he would remember that. God would think of their *descendants as the people who had done wrong things. So the *descendants would have a difficult time.
v4 'I have told you that you must be careful. This is so that my promises with Levi can continue', says the *Lord Almighty.
God wanted the people to stop doing wrong things. That is why God spoke about all these bad things.
Levi was one of *Jacob's sons. From him, God chose the first *priest. God promised *blessings to the *priest if he agreed to obey God. Then the good life that he had with God would continue.
v5 'I promised to Levi a good life and many *blessings. He received what I promised him. So, he did what I asked him to do. He *worshipped me, and he *respected me. He knew that my name is very great. He was afraid of me. So, he was careful when he was with me. v6 He taught what was right. He told people only facts. He often talked to me. And he enjoyed the times when he was with me. He did what was right. And we agreed about how he should live. He caused many people to stop doing wrong things.
v7 *Priests are men that the *Lord Almighty has chosen. They must speak his messages for him. The *priests should tell people what they know about God. They should tell people about what God has asked them all to do. If they did that, everyone would remember these important facts. People should ask the *priests what they need to know. v8 People who love me want to do certain things. But you have stopped doing those things. What you teach causes many people to make mistakes. What I agreed with Levi does not happen any longer', says the *Lord Almighty.
The *priests were those who loved God. So, they usually lived a good life. But now they were not living a good life. This meant that the *priests also taught in a wrong way. People could see that they were doing wrong things. And when people listened to them, the *priests told the people some false things. So, the people started to do wrong things in their lives.
v9 'So people have *scorned you. They have then shown other people what you have done. Everyone now thinks that you are fools. I have caused this to happen. You have not done what I asked you to do. In your jobs as *priests you have not used the same rules for everyone.'
The *priests tried to show to other people that they, the priests, were good. But that was not what they were really like. They did not do everything that God wanted them to do. They only did the things that they wanted to do. They may have been nicer to rich people than they were to poor people.
v10 We all have one Father. One God made us from nothing. We have agreed to do things for each other. But we do not do them. So we *scorn what God agreed with our fathers. We ought not to do this.
Malachi was talking to the *Israelites. By 'fathers', he means the men who lived a long time ago. All *Israelites are their *descendants. He was talking about Abraham, Isaac and *Jacob. Abraham was *Jacob's grandfather. Isaac was *Jacob's father.
v11 Judah's people no longer do the things that God teaches. A very bad thing has happened in *Israel and in Jerusalem. God certainly does not like it. Judah's people have married women who *worship a foreign god. Then they meet with God in a place that he loves. And so they have made that place dirty. v12 I pray that the *Lord will send all people like that away from the *Israelites and from that place. And I do not want them to come back into this group of people. I pray that the *Lord will not let them. Even send away someone like that who is bringing gifts to the *Lord Almighty.
People were making another mistake. Men were marrying wives from families that *worshipped other gods. This would cause a problem. Sometimes the man or wife would not be free to do what he or she wanted. Maybe they would both *worship a false god together. Then they would come to *worship God. So, the place where people came to find God would not be clean. That is, it would be no better than any other place. This is because these two people had done something wrong.
*Israel is the country where the *Israelites lived. Judah was one of *Jacob's sons. Judah was also a part of the country called *Israel. Jerusalem was the capital city of Judah. Malachi wanted the people to remember the promises of a long time ago. That is why he used these places and these names.
v13 Also, you cry. You cry so much that the water covers the *Lord's *altar! The *Lord no longer looks at your gifts. He does not accept them with pleasure from your hands. So, you weep and you shout out in pain. v14 You ask 'Why?' The *Lord was there when you were a young man. He was there when you agreed to marry your wife. He heard what you said. You promised to be with her until the end of your life. He sees that you no longer live together as man and wife. That is why the *Lord no longer accepts your gifts.
v15 The *Lord has made a man and his wife to be as one person. He has made them with a body and a *spirit and they are his. Why should a man and his wife be as one person? It is because the *Lord wants their children to be good. And he wants them to *respect him. So, think carefully about your *spirit. Do not forget the promise that you said to your wife. Do not leave her.
Men and women have a body and they have a *spirit. When a man marries, the man's *spirit and his wife's *spirit come together. God thinks of them as one person. He wants them always to stay together. If they do stay together, their children will feel safe. The children will know that their parents love them. They will be strong and happy. The children will then be good and they will love God.
v16 Sometimes a man and his wife completely leave each other. They decide this with a *judge and with other people there. 'I strongly do not like it when a man and his wife decide never to live together again', says the *Lord God of *Israel. 'If a man leaves his wife like this, the result will be very bad for her. He has done a cruel thing to her. I strongly do not like that', says the *Lord Almighty. 'So watch over your *spirit and do not forget your promise.'
v17 The *Lord is tired from your words. 'Why is he tired? How have we caused that?' you ask. He is tired because of the things that you have said. You say, 'The *Lord sees all who do very bad things. He thinks that they are good. He is happy with them.' Or you say, 'The God who is a fair *judge is not doing anything here.'
v1 'See, I will send someone with my message. He will prepare the way before me. And so the *Lord that you are looking for will return to his *temple. He will come quickly. And you do not know when he will come. It is he that you want so much. The man who brings the message about the promise will come', says the *Lord Almighty.
v2 'But nobody will be able to stand when the *Lord appears. It will be impossible for anyone to remain the same on the day that he comes. That is because he will be like a *refiner's fire. He will be like the soap that people use to make cloths white.'
The purpose of the *refiner is not to destroy but to make the metal clean. So on this difficult day the *Lord will remove from people all that is not good. He will clean what he does not remove.
v3 'He will sit as a *refiner of *silver. The *refiner works until the *silver shines. He will make the *priests clean as a *refiner works with gold and *silver. Then the *Lord will have *righteous people who will bring proper *offerings. v4 The *Lord will accept all the gifts of Judah and Jerusalem that people give in a right way. It will be as it was earlier. It will be as it was a long time ago.'
v5 The *Lord Almighty says, 'So I will come near to you as your *judge. And I will decide how to *punish those who have done wrong things. I will immediately speak against *magicians, *adulterers and *perjurers. I will speak against those who do not pay their workers.
Some women's husbands have died. I will speak against anyone who does cruel things to these wives and to their children. And some of you are deciding things about foreign people in ways that are not fair.
All these people are doing wrong things. They do not think that I am being serious. They are not afraid of me and they do not *respect me.'
The *refiner's fire destroys everything that he does not want. So, God will kill those in the group of people who have nothing good in them.
v6 'I am the *Lord and I do not change. So I have not killed you who are *descendants of *Jacob. v7 I have told you what I want you to do. But you do not listen to me any longer. You have not obeyed me. All *Jacob's *descendants have done the same. Return to me and I will return to you', says the *Lord Almighty. 'But you ask, "How do we return?" v8 A man should not rob God. But you rob me. But you ask, "How do we rob you?" You rob *tithes and *offerings from me. v9 You, and everyone who is an *Israelite, are robbing me. So you are all receiving the results of a *curse. v10 Give me all that is mine. Store it so that there will be food in my house. Do this. And find out what I will do', says the *Lord Almighty. 'You will receive so much *blessing that you will not have enough room for it. It will be like rain that I pour out of the sky. It will be like rain that covers the ground with a lot of water. v11 I will not let insects eat your *crops. The *grapes will not fall from the *vines before they are ready to eat. v12 You will enjoy your land', says the *Lord Almighty. 'So all the people on earth will say that God has *blessed you.'
The house that the writer is talking about here is the *temple. The *temple is where the *Israelites *worshipped. The *Israelites had to give something to keep it beautiful. They also had to give something to the *priests, because the *priests worked there. They gave a *tithe from what a person paid them for their work. They could give more if they wanted to. These gifts were the *offerings.
v13 'You have said cruel words against me', says the *Lord. 'But you ask, "What have we said about you?" v14 You have said, "We work for God. But nothing good happens because of this. We do what he asks us to do. We are sorry when we do wrong things. And we show him that we are sorry. There are no good results from this.
v15 Some people think that they are better than other people. We now think that those people have *blessings from God. Surely, those who do wrong things enjoy a good life. Even those who fight against God do not have trouble." '
v16 Then those people who *respected the *Lord talked to each other. The *Lord listened and he heard. Someone, who was with God, wrote on a *scroll. God watched while this person wrote. He wrote about all the people who *worshipped God. These are the people who *respected God's name. Now everyone would remember these people.
v17 'These people will be mine', says the *Lord Almighty. 'One day I will bring together all my own people. They are worth a lot to me and I really want them. A man is *merciful to his son who works for him. I will be *merciful to my people like that. v18 Then you will again see how the good people are different from the very bad people. Also, some people are God's servants and some people are not God's servants. And you will again see that difference too.'
v1 'This future day is a fact. It will burn like a great fire. It will be like a fire that a man uses to burn *stubble. When this happens, no branch or any part of a plant will be there any longer. The people who have done very bad things are like that *stubble. No bad person will be there any longer. Some people think that they are better than other people. All the people who are like that will burn in the heat.' That is what the *Lord Almighty says.
This fire will destroy everything. It is a like a picture to show what will happen. One day God will kill all the very bad people.
v2 'But for you who *respect my name it will be different. The "Sun of *Righteousness" will rise to make you well. You will go out and you will jump up and down. You will be like baby cows when someone lets them go out of their *stalls. v3 Then you will put your feet down in a heavy way and you will walk on the bad people. They will be like ashes under your feet. All this will happen on the day that I do these things', says the *Lord Almighty.
As the sun will rise on that day, so the Son of God (Jesus) will appear. He is *righteous. The sun can burn with a strong heat and it can cause a fire. But the sun can also make people's bodies well. So, Jesus will come to do this. Those people that *worship the *Lord will become completely well. Their *spirits will be well and their bodies will be well too. They will have no troubles from anyone or from anything that is bad. They will be very, very happy.
v4 'Remember everything that my servant Moses told you. Do not forget the rules that I gave to him at Sinai. They were for all the *Israelites and you must still obey them.'
Moses was a man that God spoke to many years ago. Moses was on a mountain called Sinai. God told him about all the things that the *Israelites must do. That was the first time that God had said those things.
v5 'See. I will send you a man called Elijah. He will speak God's message. He will come before that great and frightening day of the *Lord. v6 He will cause fathers and their children to be friendly again. If not, I will come in a hurry and I will *curse the land.'
Many years after Moses, there lived a man called Elijah. Elijah spoke God's message to the people. God promises that another 'Elijah' will come before the day of the *Lord. About 460 years after Malachi wrote his book, John the *Baptist was born. People thought that he was like Elijah. John told us about Jesus. Soon after that, Jesus came to the earth. Then Jesus told us more about the day when he will come the second time.
adulterer ~ someone who has sex with a person who is not their husband or wife.
altar ~ table of stone or metal. On it, people burn *sacrifices to God.
B.C. ~ before Christ came to earth.
baptise ~ to put a person under water or to put water on a person to show that he or she wants to obey God.
Baptist ~ a person who *baptises people.
bless ~ to give good things to someone.
blessing ~ the good things that God gives to people or does for people.
crops ~ plants that are for food.
curse ~ when someone says bad words against another person or thing. Because of this, something bad might happen to that person or thing. We call these bad words or the bad thing that happens a curse.
descendants ~ a person's children. It also means their children's children and any future person born from any of those people.
festival ~ a time to be happy together with other people; and a time when people eat plenty of good food.
grapes ~ small soft fruit that people use to make drinks with alcohol.
incense ~ something to burn to give a nice smell.
Israel ~ a small country where the *Israelites lived.
Israelites ~ people who are living in *Israel; all *descendants of *Jacob.
jackal ~ a small wild dog.
Jacob ~ one of the first 'fathers' of the *Israelites. A man who loved God.
judge ~ a person who says whether someone has done right things or wrong things.
Lord ~ the special name that God used for himself when he talked to the *Israelites.
Lord Almighty ~ the *Lord of everything, more powerful than everything.
magician ~ someone who causes strange things to happen to surprise people. These things are not usual. He has to use a gift that is not from his own body to do them. This gift is very bad and it is not from God.
merciful ~ a merciful person is a person who is kind to bad people.
offal ~ the inside parts of an animal.
offerings ~ gifts to God.
perjurer ~ someone who does not say what is true. This is after he has promised to speak only true things. Usually this happens when he is standing up in front of a *judge.
priests ~ men that God chose to do a special work for him. They worked in the *temple.
punish ~ to hurt someone for the wrong things that they have done. For example, a person who has robbed another person must go to prison.
refiner ~ a man who makes metal very, very hot. He does this so that any dirty bits will burn away.
respect ~ when someone wants to do right things for another person. That person is important to him or her. This is because that person is special (for example, a father); or that person has authority (for example, a king).
righteous ~ righteous people are people who do right and good things. But God can accept us because Jesus is righteous. Then we are no longer his enemies. So he sees us as righteous too.
righteousness ~ what you have when you are *righteous.
sacrifice ~ an animal that someone kills and gives to God; to kill an animal and to give it to God; food or drink that people gave to God.
scorn ~ when a person decides that someone or something is not important. In fact, he may decide that it has no value at all. He may say something to show that he thinks in this way.
scroll ~ a book where the pages roll up.
silver ~ metal that is valuable and shines like white.
spirit ~ the part of a person that lives when the body dies. The *spirit is the part that we cannot see. The *spirit makes the person different from anyone else.
stalls ~ where people keep animals.
stubble ~ the part of a plant that remains when someone cuts down *crops.
temple ~ a special building where the *Israelites went to *worship God.
tithe ~ one tenth; a tenth part of something.
vine ~ a tree that has *grapes on it.
worship ~ to thank God; to tell him that we know that he is very great.
Irving L. Jensen ~ Jensen's Survey of the Old Testament ~ Moody Press
D. Guthrie, J. A. Motyer, A. M. Stibbs, D. J. Wiseman, eds. ~ The New Bible Commentary Revised ~ IVP
The Lion Concise Bible Handbook ~ Lion Publishing plc
Joyce G. Baldwin ~ Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi ~ Inter-Varsity Press
John B. Taylor ~ The Minor Prophets ~ Scripture Union Bible Study Books
©1997-2012, Wycliffe Associates (UK)
This publication is written in EasyEnglish Level A (1200 words).
April 2012
Visit our website: www.easyenglish.info


text:
Contact Sports Desk: Call: 603-516-2949 / E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Briefs: NFL's Browns interested in former UNH assistant Kelly
Thursday, January 3, 2013
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns have expressed interest in hiring former University of New Hampshire assistant coach and current Oregon head coach Chip Kelly as their next coach. UNH men's basketball falls to Vermont
DURHAM (AP) — The University of New Hampshire men's basketball team fell 64-51 to Vermont on Wednesday night at Lundholm Gym in the America East Conference opener for both teams. |


text:
Yoga 101
by Dana Angelo White in Fitness, November 24, 2012
Diet and exercise go hand in hand for a healthy lifestyle. If getting bendy in yoga poses is your workout of choice, we've got tips on the best way to fuel and hydrate.
Defining Yoga
Nowadays, the ancient art of yoga takes many forms. The very foundation of this craft involves joining mind and body to achieve emotional and physical gratification. When done properly, yoga can help benefit joint and muscle health as well as the neurological and cardiovascular systems.
Some of the most popular types of yoga include Hatha, Vinyasa and Bikram. Hatha is a more basic and simple style while Vinyasa is typically more aggressive and athletic. Bikram classes are conducted in a hot and humid environment – resulting in some super-sweaty participants! There also various types of yoga for pregnant women and moms and babies but be sure to check with your doctor before you start something like this.
For a list of more yoga styles, visit the Lululemon website.
Diet and Hydration Tips
Hydration, hydration, hydration is the key to successful yoga. Whether you're sweating it out Bikram style or hitting up a Hatha class at the local park, the increased blood flow to all regions of the body demands fluid. A rule of thumb for any exercise enthusiast should be: the more you sweat, the more you need to drink afterwards to replenish. It's also helpful to be drinking fluids leading up to class time to help ensure you will stay properly hydrated throughout the session.
Don't forget to eat. It's a common misconception that you don't burn calories during yoga – a 140-pound person can burn more than 400 per hour during an intense session! Fueling properly both before and after workouts will yield maximum results.
Some delightful pre-yoga snacks include: a piece of fruit, crackers and string cheese, a yogurt with granola or a half of a sandwich. These options are best consumed about 2 hours before activity.
After your yoga workout, refuel with a light meal – make sure there's both protein and carbs in there to help tired muscles recover. Soup and a half-sandwich, a large salad with chicken and a whole grain roll or a bowl of cereal or oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and drizzle of honey are all good options.
TELL US: Is yoga on your exercise hit list?
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Advanced Search
E-Portfolios | News
Education startup Pathbrite has released Pathbrite Portfolios for Educators, a tool for instructors to help their students maintain digital evidence of their learning journeys. The company also announced that Pearson Learning Solutions would be integrating the digital portfolio program into LearningStudio, Pearson's cloud-based learning management system for online courses.
Pathbrite, formerly named rrripple, provides an online service to let students collect, organize, and reflect on assignments, research, projects, internships, volunteer work, and job experience. The service is free to school staff and faculty, and pricing for students is $10 a year. It's intended for both high school and college students.
The application allows users to access their portfolios from any kind of computing device, including smart phones, and provides unlimited storage of artifacts and media in the cloud. Among the types of content a user may maintain in the portfolio are videos, presentations, Web sites, papers, photos, transcripts, grades, diplomas, jobs, trips, assessments, and awards. Others besides the instructor may be given permission by the student to view and comment on portfolio contents.
To set up portfolios for students, instructors:
The instructor creates a "portfolio of portfolios" to organize student work for review.
To set up a portfolio, the student creates a profile to store the portfolio, imports artifacts from online sources, groups them into categories, tags them, adds titles and descriptions, and specifies privacy settings to allow others access.
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The adjustable bar table is versatile for many uses. Hydraulics make it usable as an intimate table for two or a bar table at a party! The top is plained wood.
- Rotating top with adjustable height
- Polished chrome pole and base
- Wood top
- Brown top
- Overall Product Dimensions: 26 - 41" H x 23.5" W x 23.5" D
- Table Height: 26 – 41"
- Weight: 25 lbs
Furnished Over 1 Million Homes Since 1997...
I was very satisfied with One Way Furniture Service. I have referred them to many friends, family, and customers. Thank you. Kathy A. Eisele, Boston, MA
Product Review - Lumisource - Adjustable Bar Table - Pub Table
Furniture Brand
Weight & Size
Reference - Sku: BT-ADJ23TW BN - Lumisource - Adjustable Bar Table - Pub Table by Lumisource


text: MEDFORD, Ore. — Amanda Taylor will be the homeowner of Habitat for Humanity's 50th home in the Rogue Valley. "I'm so proud of my community. I love this area. I moved away and came back. There's just nothing like this community," Taylor said. This will be the first time in awhile that Taylor and her … Continue reading »


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"Kyrgyz State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry Mr. Batyrkul Baetov announces the conditional closure of the world's last exporting mercury mine"
Bangkok, Tuesday 20th October 2009 - After two years of intensive training and related assistance from UNITAR, through its Chemicals and Waste Management Programme, the State Secretary for Industry of the Government of Kyrgyzstan announced the conditional closure of the world's last remaining exporting mercury mine.
This announcement, which was made during a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, lead and organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), is the culmination of two years of work with UNITAR, in partnership with UNEP and the Governments of Switzerland and the United-States of America. The project, entitled "Development of an Action Plan to Address Primary Mercury Mining in Kyrgyzstan", comprised intensive activities to assist all Ministries, Agencies and stakeholders outside of government to reach a decision on closure by considering alternatives that better protect human health and the environment from the hazardous impacts of mercury.
This decision feeds into upcoming international negotiations for the development of a legally-binding instrument to control mercury – a highly toxic element that is still used around the world.
For more information please go to: www.unitar.org/cwm/mercury


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U.S. Senate Candidate to Kick off Statewide Coal & Energy Tour Tuesday
(CHARLESTON, WV) – West Virginia Secretary of State and U.S. Senate candidate Natalie Tennant is opposing President Obama's regulations on coal-fired power plants outlined by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy today.
Tennant rejects the President's approach of reducing carbon emissions through regulations that put West Virginia jobs at risk. Instead, Tennant advocates for incentives to help bring affordable advanced coal technology to market.
Tennant will unveil a broad Coal and Energy Jobs Agenda this week as part of a statewide Energy Tour that begins at a coal miner training facility in Raleigh County on Tuesday.
"I will stand up to President Obama, Gina McCarthy, and anyone else who tries to undermine our coal jobs. Washington bureaucrats need to understand, these are not numbers on a balance sheet, they are real people with families to feed," Tennant said. "I refuse to accept that we have to choose between clean air and good-paying jobs when I know West Virginia can lead the way in producing technology that does both."
Tennant has also criticized the EPA for not gathering direct input from West Virginia – which was left out of the EPA's 'listening tour.' Today, the EPA has announced plans for public hearing in Denver, DC, Atlanta and Pittsburgh, and once again Tennant said it's unacceptable that West Virginia was left out.
Tennant says the regulatory approach is the wrong way to go because it requires technology that either does not exist, or is too expensive to implement without causing significant job loss. Instead of imposing regulations, Tennant says Washington should work with West Virginia to bring advanced technologies to market that will reduce carbon emissions, while also protecting jobs and keeping coal strong, competitive and affordable.
Tennant points to work being done at the National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE) at West Virginia University and National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) in Morgantown, as evidence that West Virginia can lead the way in developing advanced coal technologies for the entire country. Tennant brought U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp to tour NRCCE in April (read more).
Tennant also points out that China is already investing in advanced coal technologies and that by targeting coal, the President's plan would put America at a competitive disadvantage.
Tennant has clearly shown she will stand up to President Obama, the EPA, and Senate leadership to put West Virginia and coal jobs first:
- Tennant supports House-passed legislation to block EPA regulations on coal-fired power plants, and the Senate bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin.
- Tennant called on the U.S. Senate to allow a vote on an even stronger amendment to stop the regulations during debate on the Senate Floor earlier this year.
- Tennant has been outspokenly critical of EPA Administrator McCarthy for not including West Virginia on the EPA's 'listening tour' before announcing the regulations.


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This Dancing Old Lady is Your World Series MVP
Quick, who was the Most Valuable Person for the San Francisco Giants in their Game 1 victory?
If you said Pablo Sandoval, who became just the fourth player in baseball history to hit three home runs in a World Series game, you're wrong. It was actually this old lady, who inspired a nation with her incredible dance moves.
Anyone else oddly turned on right now?


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Wayfarer's Cottage (The Quiet House)
A place for contemplative retreat
Dear Friend, The Quiet House of Laity Lodge is an island of everlastingness, of quiet, of contemplation, in a sea of "instant culture." One affliction of our generation is instantitis. Instant coffee, fast food, and microwave dinners: these are the gastronomic symbols of our common haste, our rush, our speed. Exhaustion and rest are not synonymous. Technology and mobile devices leave our souls out of breath. The Quiet House will help us change the way we experience time. Gladly acknowledging our debt to the Catholic monastic tradition and its heritage of silent retreats, we strive to synthesize that multifaceted legacy and its marvelous riches with the more historically Protestant emphasis on a secular priesthood and the ministry of the laity. The vision for a contemplative retreat house was born in the heart of Bill Cody, former Laity Lodge director. In 1978 the generosity of the donors, together with the skill of the builders made his vision a reality. Their obedience to the command "Be still, and know that I am God" ennobles its beauty, enshrines its roof, and hallows its stones.
For thus says the Lord God,
the Holy One of Israel;
In returning and rest shall
you be saved;
In quietness and confidence
shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15
—Howard E. Butt, Jr
Mrs. H. E. Butt, Sr., who did much of the planning and furnishing of the Quiet House, saw it as a place to strengthen families at a time when changing values are threatening the stability of God's primary institution for societal living. A husband and wife having a few days together for thinking, talking, praying, and responding to each other's needs in a quiet, undisturbed, and comfortable place is a major purpose of the Quiet House.
A life of prayer is often difficult, but silence has its own unique ministry.
The Need
Quiet may be the greatest need in our society. Most of us are overscheduled. The part of life most neglected is time alone for reflection with God. Jesus developed the strong rhythm of time alone, time with a few, and time with the crowds. For us the rhythm could be time alone with God, time with our families and friends, and time with our work.
The Answer
The Quiet House provides the gift of silence and an opportunity for stillness, meditation, and prayer for an individual or a married couple.
Hidden among cedars and live oaks on a rugged Texas hill, the rock and copper-roofed house is an ideal place to withdraw from the pressure of busy activities. Many who have given themselves to the silence witness that God reveals himself in it.
We encourage you to bring your own books, especially if they relate to spiritual formation and a contemplative retreat process. Selected books are available to Quiet House guests as supplemental reading.
Reservation Information
The Quiet House is available for one or two adults who desire the gift of silence and time for prayer and meditation. Reservation dates may be requested for two to six days, except for some holidays.
- Sunday arrivals are only available during the summer months of June, July, and August.
- Fee is $100 per night, paid in advance prior to arrival. A nonrefundable deposit equal to one night's stay is required to secure your reservation.
- Check-in time is 3:00-5:00 p.m.
- Check-out time is no later than 1:00 p.m.
Destination point for arrival is The Camp Office. There you will be met by a Guest Services Manager who will transfer you, your food, and luggage into our 4-wheel drive vehicle and transport you up the mountain to the Quiet House.
Guests are responsible for providing and preparing their own food.
The one-bedroom house is furnished with one queen-size bed (including bedding and linens) with a living room, small loft, one bath with tub and shower, kitchen, and breakfast room. The kitchen is equipped with a microwave oven in addition to a conventional oven and stove, refrigerator, coffee pot, utensils, and dishes. Some basic items are provided such as salt, sugar, coffee, tea, and paper goods. Also available is a gazebo, porch swing, hammock and barbecue pit with charcoal and lighter fluid. Each guest is responsible for leaving the house clean.
There is no phone or cell reception at the Quiet House. In case of emergency, there is a two-way radio that will put you in contact with guest services.
The Quiet House is located on the H. E. Butt Foundation Camp property on Highway 83, 12 miles north of Leakey, Texas.
A Ministry of Laity Lodge®
Foundations for Laity Renewal
P. O. Box 290670 Kerrville, Texas 78029-0670


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MEDFORD, Ore. — The bargaining efforts between Jackson County and Sheriff's employees are over.
The Sheriff's Office confirmed that an arbitrator ruled in favor of the county earlier today and that may help prevent dozens of layoffs at the Sheriff's Office. A Jackson County Commissioner says the decision means the 66 employees who received pink slips last month will keep their jobs.
In the negotiations, the Employees Union had sought retroactive pay increases for the last two years. The county said if that were to happen, the Sheriff's Office would be over budget, and would be forced to lay off 66 employees across the board.
Those employees received their pink slips from Sheriff Mike Winters in early February. About half a million dollars will be headed the Association's way.
"The good news is 66 people, men and women, still have a job and so we'll be able to rescind those lay off notices. That's the best news possible. 66 families still have another wage earner in the family," said Jackson County Commissioner Don Skundrick.
County Administrator Danny Jordan said a lack of federal funding, combined with increased PERS costs, would make it impossible to pay all those increased salaries. The county had proposed no retroactive pay increases for the last two years, and modest increases for 2013, which is what the arbitrator ultimately decided on. The decision is only good through the end of the fiscal year, which ends at the end of June.


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Is it weird that the only thing I look forward to on Tuesdays is a TV show?
Bleck. Tuesdays are useless.
as are wednesdays (when it comes on here)
then again, it is quite lovely to look at such pretty people.
does it make you giggle helplessly? it make me giggle helplessly...
These gots peanuts and soap in 'um!
The male actors aren't nearly as pretty, I think.
Well, actually, that Pie Maker's not too bad, but still...
"Politely rude. Briskly vague. Firmly uninformative"
i happen to find the Pie Maker quite pretty and i don't even swing that way...
These gots peanuts and soap in 'um!
it's called "Tila Tequila". back 2 back episodes, Tues from 9-11, on MTV (Canada).
learn it, live it, love it.
the stupidest show in the world... which capitalizes on the current trends of reality TV and bisexuality... which makes lesbians look like complete retards... but it's still better than sitting thru an hour of the L-Word (i used to love TLW and i've seen every season... but it's time for that show to go off the air. it's becoming sickening. enough already!)- save the drama for Osama and your mama.
I do love the show, though I'm not sure about its longevity. At a certain point, quirky only goes so far, and there is no long-term hope for the romance, so can they sustain that? I'm more interested in that then them waking up dead bodies and Scooby-Dooing their way through a different mystery each week.
Any show that has Ellen Greene singing and They Might Be Giants insanity has bought itself a lot of goodwill, though.
"Be like a postage stamp. Stick to one thing until you get there." -- Josh Billings.
Add me on MySpace!
hell to the yes.
lol, i have a blog devoted to that very event actually....well, part of a blog.
These gots peanuts and soap in 'um!
It's not weird... all I look up to in Thursdays is Grey's Anatomy and Gossip Girl (yeah, I know, so what? I like drama...).
" . . . The sun does not shine upon this fair earth to meet frowning eyes, depend upon it." Charles Dickens


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quote:I did, but it was before I started really liking IPAs and it was a bit old for one
quote:I do intend to go back to Calandro's soon and make a beer run. I need another ommegang abbey ale in my life.
quote:I did recieve my ups package today:
quote:this is one of the few beers I've had where I experienced a noticeable difference in can/bottle vs tap
quote:Is that still your winter warmer or a new batch? How is the belgian IPA coming along?
quote:I've enjoyed the beer from taps to party ball things and there is just something I love about the cans. IMO it's the biggest thing to happen to "carnival" since Al Johnson.
quote:That Red Poppy is phenomenal.
quote:but it tastes a lot better on tap.
quote:Fifty Fifty Eclipse EJ12
quote:a 6 pack of Deschutes Jubelale (which is a strong ale),
quote:I had this over the holidays and wasn't terribly impressed. I didn't really see it as a strong ale, it was kind of weak in that department.
quote:How much did that one run you?


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Is Christopher Meloni homesick for the small screen already? The former Law & Order: SVU star will be joining another popular franchise when he shows up in Season 5 of True Blood.
Meloni, who played Detective Elliot Stabler for 12 seasons, caught everyone off-guard when he jumped the SVU ship, and a role in the upcoming Man of Steel hinted at a possible desire to find fame on the big screen. However, as revealed when his name was first connected to True Blood, it looks like Meloni isn't ready to completely leave behind the comfortable confines of the small screen just yet.
TVGuide has recently revealed Meloni is joining the HBO hit series as an "ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill [Stephen Moyer] and Eric [Alexander Skarsgard] in his hands." While it sounds like his presence will definitely make things interesting for Bill and Eric, the character description is a bit on the vague side. Is this new vampire part of the Authority or does he get his power through some other connection with the pair?
True Blood Season 5 is scheduled to air in summer 2013 and Meloni can be seen as Colonel Hardy in Man of Steel when Zack Snyder's vision of Superman arrives in theaters in June 2013.
Here's an interesting question for Stabler fans to ponder. Considering the nature of True Blood, exactly how much of Meloni will be seen in the sometimes-risque series… and are you ready for it?


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Shop now and get Free Value Shipping on most orders over $49 to contiguous 48 states, DC and to all U.S. Military APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
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Say what you want about Charles Darwin, but thereÕs a reason heÕs so famous. ItÕs because ofÑthatÕs rightÑturtles, or, more specifically the great and noble Galapagos tortoise. As great and as reliable as the Turtle Halloween Costume is, just remember that running into the sewers and covering yourself in toxic waste will neither make you teenage, a mutant, or a ninja. It will kill you. DonÕt get killed this Halloween, just wear a cool costume.
Whether ninja or normal or giant and covered in orcs and used as a man-o-war, turtles are pretty fantastic. Dress as one today with the Turtle Halloween Costume. ItÕs simple. ItÕs funny. ItÕs recognizable. WhatÕs not to love about something such as this? Turtle! Turtle! Available in Sizes:
Standard - One Size
Item Includes:
One Piece Body and Gloves
Pictured items not included:
Pants And Shoes
Be the first to write a review
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Turtle Halloween Costume


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Price: Free
Version: 1.0
App Reviewed on: iPhone 3GS
Graphics / Sound Rating:
Gameplay Rating:
Playtime Rating:
Replay Value Rating:
Overall Rating:
Sometimes classic games don't age too well. What was once exciting and compelling can seem laborious and dull upon retrospect. It's a mistake that would be easy to make when starting up Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls for the first time, but sticking with it will reveal a completely worthwhile role-playing experience.
This is a "classic" in practically every sense of the word. There's very little guidance and hardly any of that tutorial nonsense plagued by modern games. Players are essentially left to fend for themselves at first. If they neglect to purchase the proper supplies or leave without a decent party, chances are they're going end up as kobold chow within minutes.
Rigid though the structure may be, Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls does quite well to satisfy that RPG-itch. Character portraits and enemy illustrations are quite pleasant to look at (even if they don't ever actually move), and many of them can be viewed at-will in a gallery. Aside from the expectant quests and loot-gathering, party members can be switched around at-will or custom-made in order to hone the group into a well-oiled killing machine. And after enough progress is made they can switch classes, keeping their current stats and abilities while gaining new ones pertaining to their new role.
The downside to all this "old-school-ness" is that sometimes it gets in the way of the fun. Equipment management is a pain, with items split separately between party members. It amounts to a whole lot of tedious menu-jumping. Buying stuff from the shop is a similar exercise in irritation as money is divvied up by the party and items can only be purchased by an individual. On the dungeoneering side of things, status effects can totally decimate an excursion if the proper spells or items aren't available. I mean, I almost lost my entire party due to poison. Poison!
Another unfortunate issue is that the free content doesn't last very long. Even the most unlucky adventurers should be able to map-out the entire dungeon floor within a couple of hours, and once that's done all that remains is to grind, complete a quest or two, hunt for loot and start training characters in new classes. But overall my biggest gripe is that the buttons aren't very responsive. It seems like a good third of the time I'll tap a button and it just won't respond, forcing me to tap multiple times to get it to register.
It may sound like I disliked my time spent with Wizardry: Labyrinth of Lost Souls, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I certainly wouldn't call it "accessible" or "friendly to casual players," but it's a solid Classic RPG. One that can easily cover the cost of unlocking the whole dungeon, higher character levels and hours upon hours of gameplay (all for a $10 in-app purchase) if given the chance.
Tagged with: Acquire, free, free to play, old school RPG, rpg, turn based RPG, Wizardry, Wizardry: Labyrinth of Souls


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No-Rinse Body Wash
Ready to use. Eliminates odors and is a safe perineal cleanser. Moisturizes as it cleans. The No Rinse Body Wash leaves skin clean, refreshed and odor-free. Gentle on sensitive skin.
No-Rinse Body Wash Features:
- Ready to use, no water needed.
- Leaves skin clean, moisturized and odor-free .
- Gentle on sensitive skin.
- Moisturizes as it cleans.
No-Rinse Body Wash Specifications:
- Contains no alcohol.
- Single - 8 ounce bottle.
- Reduces laundry and linen cost.
Case of 24 No Rinse Body Wash 8 oz bottlesOverweight item. $4.00 additional shipping. UPS Ground only.
Regular price: $89.95
Related items


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Luminita Cuna Travel Articles
- 6 Reasons to Visit Romania
- Sitting at the crossroads of old trade routes that linked Western Europe with the Far East, Romania confuses at first with its … latinity. The mix of Orient and Occident is specific to this country and it sets Romania apart from her Eastern European colleagues.
Read more - Quechua Wedding – Oriente, Ecuador
- Luminita Cuna was invited to a traditional Quechua wedding in Ecuador and found the customs to be both fascinating and charming.
Read more - El Tupe (Botfly) – Ecuador, South America
Luminita Cuna returned from her jungle trip with unforgettable memories, unique pictures - and IT.
Read more


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SCYWF is the youth wing of the Evangelical Alliance Scotland. It is a hub for national Christian youth organisations working across the country. Members, including Alpha Scotland, FireStarts (UK) Ltd, Frontier Youth Trust and Scottish Bible Society, meet regularly with a vision and desire to encourage and enable better Christian youth work through sharing stories, ideas, resources and events such as Deep Impact – an annual youth workers training conference.
The current SCYWF members are:
- Alpha Scotland
- FireStarters (UK) Limited
- Frontier Youth Trust
- International Christian College
- Mission Aviation Fellowship UK
- Salvation Army (ALOVE)
- Scottish Bible Society
- Scripture Union Scotland
- Tearfund
- Urban Saints
- Youth for Christ
- YWAM Scotland
- Wycliffe
- DNA (Friend)
Visit the Deep Impact website for more info on this conference and the work of SCYWF.
You might also be interested in
- 10 Sep 2014 idea: Leading a generation for Jesus
- 20 Jan 2015 Resources for Lent and Easter
- 23 Sep 2014 idea: Risking failure, shifting culture
- 05 Sep 2014 Speaking truth to power
- 31 Aug 2014 Press Release: Evangelical charity launched to rescue Britain's vulnerable children


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The logo I've created for the DREAM Center represents a graphic combination of Art, Childhood, Hope & Earth.
Up to me, the child hand-painting is a universal way to make art for a child, whatever the continent or country he lives in.
Multiple colors stand for the diversity of arts but can also be the colors of a rainbow : a life full of hopes.
The circle is the symbol of the earth, but can also be a safety place to express : just like the DREAM Center.


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T. Mills - She Got A... (Remix) Feat. Ty$ & Kid Ink
She Got A... (Remix) T. Mills Feat. Ty$ & Kid Ink
Ty$ & Kid Ink join Columbia Records Signee T. Mills to remix his Single
Check out She Got A... (Remix), the latest from T. Mills which features a guest appearance from Ty$ & Kid Ink on the assist. The track was released on Tuesday, November 29th, 2011. T. Mills's chances in this game are improving with each new release, and She Got A... (Remix) is no exception - quite the opposite, in fact. It's a nice addition to the impressive catalogue T. Mills has been building over the years. We're definitely anticipating the next move.
Have you heard T. Mills's Diemonds (Prod by The Monsters & The Strangers)? Check out T. Mills's profile page for the most recent info, news, songs, and mixtapes. Make sure to hit T. Mills with a follow and/or like on Twitter.
How's the chemistry here? Can you dig it?


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Hex-Trax is an infinitely configurable track for toy cars (Matchbox, Hot Wheels, etc). It consists of multiple identical Baltic birch plywood pieces based on a hexagonal shape with jigsaw puzzle-like connectors on each side. The pieces are six inches across, and have the familiar feel of wooden toys. Children can construct their own routes by connecting any side of a piece with any side of another piece. The tracks themselves are recessed within the piece, and routes can be straight, curved or even loop around across themselves. What the track looks like and where it goes is up to the creativity of the child.
Hex-Trax is aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 6. This age group is forming abstract problem solving skills and Hex-Trax gives the flexibility to explore any flat surface with an unquestionable favorite: toy cars. Pleasing to the touch, the interlocking pieces are satisfying to connect. This action builds coordination, tactile confidence, and a sense of accomplishment at the completion of a track. The track sits recessed 1/8" below the top surface, and provides a further exercise in spatial motorability and dexterity in terms of keeping the car "on track".
Material and Production:
-Sustainably harvested, low formaldehyde 3/8" Baltic birch plywood
-Low waste due to high yield nesting for CNC production.
-Solvent-free, water-based, zero VOC stain
-Water based urethane finish