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]]>The post HMK 100th Anniversary Celebration: 1914 to 2014 appeared first on HMK.
]]>One of the most rewarding experiences for HMK as a company was committing to build a home for Habitat for Humanity on Bethlehem's south side. Our staff provided more than 500 volunteer hours of service over a nine-day period to complete the exterior construction of a new home for a local family.
We are a locally-owned small business and we feel it is very important to give back to the community which has allowed us to prosper for the last 100 years. HMK would not have grown into the Lehigh Valley's largest independent insurance agency without our clients and our company partners. Thank you all for being an important part of our success.
—Bill Kreitz
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]]>In addition to a multi-phase corporate campus in Houston, Texas, the Allentown-based Serfass Construction Company is putting the finishing touches on high-rise condominiums in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The future looks bright for this privately held, family-owned business that has tripled revenue projections in the last three years.
Meet the key players who are shining a new light in construction at Serfass:
To understand and really appreciate the extraordinary growth – despite the last five years of recession – we need to look back to 1948, the year Elmer Serfass founded the company bearing his name.
Initially a painting business, Elmer seized an opportunity to build a church, coincidentally called Hope Church, in 1959, thus christening the commercial construction division of the business. For many years the firm specialized in small residential remodeling projects and operated out of what was known as the Greenawald's Building on Albright Avenue in Allentown. One successful project led to another. Capacity grew, especially during the last two decades of the twentieth century, mostly fueled by repeat business and referrals.
Additional family members joined the management team including third generation Kevin Serfass who hit the ground running in 2009 following his graduation from Drexel University's Construction Management Program. Kevin and David Serfass, in partnership with Matthias and Fay Fenstermacher, have choreographed the firm's emergence into the Construction Management and Design-to-Build arenas. Kevin is particularly proud of the company's innovative technology-based approach to project management which features web-based virtual modeling. This technique was used in 2010 to erect the new state-of-the-art company headquarters on Mauch Chunk Road in Allentown, just five miles north of the original office.
But it's not just the exterior of the modern facility that impresses a first-time visitor. The warm, welcoming, light infused lobby is accented with three larger-than-life vertical banners which punctuate the Serfass brand: TRADITION LEADERSHIP DELIVERY.
Once you get to know the company and the people behind the brand, you can easily understand why customers use these three words over and over again to describe Serfass Construction. Their reputation in the marketplace has served them well, particularly over the last five years. Kevin Serfass explains, "We believe we are especially well positioned to take advantage of the recovering economy. During the recession when other firms were laying people off, we were hiring. This allowed us to pick up some of the best project managers and superintendents in the area." The company anticipates continued growth in the northeast and Texas as more people discover the value and expertise that Serfass Construction has to offer. Kevin continues, " For many clients a new building will be their largest capital expenditure so we try to make the building experience easy and fun while delivering high value for their investment." Tom Schantz, Co-Owner of the Sands Event Center in Bethlehem agrees. "Serfass Construction met and exceeded our expectations on this fast-tracked project. Between design and time challenges, they met every goal we set. We will be using Serfass on additional projects we have in the works."
Apparently many other people share the same sentiment as Mr. Schantz because the pipeline of prospective projects at Serfass is full of promise.
Let's take a look at some of Serfass Construction's crown jewels:
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You can't pick up a local newspaper or magazine without seeing the name Boyle Construction! In addition to completing prestigious projects such as the renovation of the famed four-story Crayola building in Easton, this Allentown-based business received the Chamber's 2013 Excellence in Business Award. This summer Boyle Construction began a $10.1 million redevelopment project on the Hoover-Mason Trestle. This project is a unique half-mile, elevated train trestle between the Sands Casino and the ArtsQuest campus on Bethlehem's Southside. This project is similar to New York City's High Line Park, but our visitors will have the opportunity to get close-up views of the steel blast furnaces. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2014.
A June 7, 2013 groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by The Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts for their new building at East Third and Polk Streets in Bethlehem's Southside.
Bill Hindle of HindlePower was the keynote speaker click here at the Chamber's Excellence in Business Awards reception in June of 2013. He also accepted the EIB award on behalf of his firm for companies with 25-100 employees.
"Old Saucon" is the newest project for Blair Custom Homes. The 66-acre gated community is located primarily in Upper Saucon Township, just off of Route 378 and Old Saucon Road. John Blair, president, calls the 55 and older development the "new urbanism." The project is valued at $40 million and will take approximately four years to complete.
The Lehigh Valley Business Journal hosted Business-of-the-Year awards which included many HMK clients. Among the finalists were Altitude Marketing, ServPro of Easton, Bethlehem & Whitehall, Wesley Works Real Estate and Central Veterinary Referral Center.
Congratulations to Mike Gausling and Originate Ventures for being selected for the inaugural Governor's ImPAct Awards in Hershey last May. Originate Ventures received the Entrepreneur Impact Award. Atlas Machining and Welding was a Small Business ImPAct Award finalist and Follett Corporation was a Jobs First award finalist.
At a height of 165', Two City Center will be the tallest building erected in the Lehigh Valley in 40 years – 12 stories and 325,000 SF of Class A office, retail, and restaurant space. While the size of Two City Center may be impressive, the bigger story is what it represents: a venerable heritage strongly connected to the permanent revitalization of our community. North Star Construction Management is proud to be part of both.
Lehigh Valley Style dedicated a page to Emily Hoffert and her father, Paul, who own and manage Jumbars restaurant on Chelsea Avenue in Bethlehem. The father-daughter duo will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of their family-owned café which has become a favorite for residents from all over the Lehigh Valley.
The Manufacturer's Resource Center received public accolades from a client when their story was told in a March issue of the Lehigh Valley Business Journal. Highwood USA of Tamaqua credited the MRC with the company's exponential growth since its inception in 2004.
Green Business Solutions is the newest addition to EMS Environmental Inc. Now, in addition to the ability to clean up the environment, Green Business Solutions can assist clients in reducing energy, resource and waste costs while also obtaining valuable utility incentives.
The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce's 96th Annual Dinner, hosted in May at Steel Stacks featured several HMK clients. The Milestone Award was presented to The Peep of Just Born in recognition of the 60th year anniversary of the PEEPS® Brand. Christine Ussler of Artefact received a Downtown Visionary Award and The Honorable Gordon Mowrer, former Mayor of Bethlehem and former president of HMK Insurance, also received a Downtown Visionary Award.
Several HMK clients were among those honored as Women of Influence by the Lehigh Valley Business Journal. Congratulations to Maureen Holland Thompson of Concannon Miller, Christa Duelberg Kraftician of Spillman Farmer, Silvia Hoffman of MKSD Architects and Christine Ussler of Artefact.
The company known as the area's largest native law firm was featured in the Lehigh Valley Business Journal's Behind the List section this spring. Kevin Reid, a partner with King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, fielded the questions and talked about the firm's growth over the last decade.
Industrial development is on the upswing, according to industry expert Linda Dietrick of the Dietrick Group. In her 8th Annual Commercial Real Estate presentation hosted at Revolutions Entertainment Center in early May, Linda addressed 285 professionals who came to hear the latest news and forecast for the industry.
The Morning Call shed some new light on the recently renovated Point Phillips Hotel in Bath with a very favorable article on the dining pleasures at Dan Tanczos' establishment. Located in Moore Township on Point Phillips Road, the former tavern has been totally renovated and now welcomes guests who have an appetite for smokehouse fare, steaks, seafood or even some Pennsylvania Dutch specialties.
How many business owners can say they sell fun to people? That's exactly what Tomias Hinchcliff, owner of Genesis Bicycles in Easton said when asked "What's the best part of your job?" The question was posed by the Lehigh Valley Business Journal and a nice article appeared in June. For bicycle newbies and experienced enthusiasts, be sure to check out the Thursday at 6:00 p.m. group excursions from Genesis Bicycles which always include a stop for ice cream.
It took Joel Gilley, President of Promus Financial quite some time and thoughtful deliberation to come up with the name for his company eight years ago. Promus is Latin for steward – one who manages property, finances, or affairs for another. The moniker is perfect for the entrepreneur whose firm helps corporations and financial institutions retain their best people through the use of targeted, strategic compensation programs. Promus also works with business owners on wealth maximization strategies.
Stations Café owners, Kevin and Jane Buscemi, specialize in healthy, natural and organic foods at their café and catering business on Main Street in Bethlehem. Customers rave that Kevin's flatbreads are the best!
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]]>The post HMK Clients In The News: Winter 2012 appeared first on HMK.
]]>Lehigh Valley based African Mecca Safaris can make your adventurous dreams come true! Ali Raza Visram and his tour company have hosted 2,237 trips to Africa including Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania. They are the experienced experts! In this photo Ali enjoys a moment with a two- year-old elephant, Jabulani, which in Zulu language means Happiness. The photo was taken in the Okavango Delta, outside the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. Of particular interest is the fact that Jabulani is an orphan but thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, she is able to live life as normally as possible in her natural habitat.
Lehigh Valley Business journal featured Servpro of Easton, Bethlehem and Whitehall in the September Behind the List section. Vice President Stephen Davis and his company have been cleaning and restoring businesses in the Lehigh Valley for two decades. The firm also received the Chamber's 2012 Excellence in Business award.
Wildlands Conservancy announced the preservation of 30 acres of high-value fields, wetlands and woodlands in Williams Township, thanks to the generosity and foresight of longtime residents, the Dreisbach family.
Main Street in Bethlehem is just about to get even better! Look for the Corked Wine Bar & Restaurant to open in the spring, just north of historic Hotel Bethlehem. Restaurateurs Giuseppe and Nicolo Grisafi also own the popular Roma Ristorante and Taste of Italy, both located off of Airport Road, so the Main Street venture is bound to be a success.
MKSD Architects and Boyle Construction announced the completion of the new headquarters building for the Delaware Valley Municipal Management Association in Horsham, Pa. The original building was completely gutted and renovated to fit the needs of the growing association.
San Antonio, Texas was the site for The American Subcontractors national construction awards in the spring of 2012. Awards for Best Practices were bestowed on five companies, two of which are Allentown-based HMK clients. Congratulations to F. A. Rohrbach and Ondra-Huyett Associates. F. A. Rohrbach also received the Excellence in Ethics Award for the fourth year in a row!
Sean Boyle, president and CEO of Boyle Construction and his company were featured in a June publication of Lehigh Valley Business. The article highlighted the company's success under Sean's leadership. 2012 marks the 35th year of business for Boyle Construction.
Working Dog Press is the fast growing commercial print division of Bethlehem Business Forms. Company President, Fred Fenselau, reports that BBF serves over 400 physician practices while Working Dog Press specializes in color copying, offset printing, mailing services and design for general business, non-profits and community organizations.
Lou Tepes, owner of Tepes Construction was the interviewee of choice for the Lehigh Valley Business journal's inaugural "Leads & Leads" section. The article showcased Lou's optimistic outlook on the homebuilding industry and the success of his own Northampton County company.
Bethlehem's Lincoln Fire Station on Easton Avenue got a construction face lift that involved four HMK clients! CC Inc. Construction Services, Scheuermann Excavating, William Elek Ltd. Plumbing & Heating and West Side Hammer Electric all made contributions to the successful project.
The Morning Call's ninth Annual Reader's Choice Awards included almost two dozen HMK clients. Congratulations to the Cosmopolitan, Johnny's Bagel & Deli, Egypt Star Bakery, Fegley's Brew Works, Beck's Land and Sea House, Roma Ristorante, Allentown Brew Works, Melt, Palram Americas Group, West Side Hammer Electric, Morris Black, Plantique, Sobrinski Painting, Kuhns & Anthony Paving, S. Agentis/Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Holencik Roofing, Wesley Works, Putt U Miniature Golf, Brown Daub Dealerships, and OAA Orthopaedic Specialists.
Jenga Construction is building a 7500 square foot addition to the Weyerbacher Brewing building on Line Street in Easton. Dan Weirback, president, said the expansion will triple output capacity for the brewer.
The three key principals of Just Born, Co-CEO's David Shaffer and Ross Born and President/COO David Yale were the subject of a Lehigh Valley Business journal front page article sub titled One Sweet Ride. According to the article, the company's focus on improved infrastructure and innovation are a priority this year to grow its beloved brands which include PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG'S PEANUT CHEWS®. Just Born is the 10th largest candy company in the USA and is celebrating almost 90 years of candy making!
Joanne Kostecky Garden Design continues to win awards – this time they received the national Perennial Plant Association's Merit Award. Joanne and her staff designed and installed the patio and the plantings which include a flagstone path and beautiful garden.
Commercial real estate and development firm Dunn Twiggar brought East Stroudsburg University to the Valley with the lease of prime commercial space at 60 West Broad Street in Bethlehem.
Al Kortze, president of Keystone Consulting Engineers provided Lehigh Valley Business journal readers valuable information on how the firm has remained strong and viable during the downturn in the nations struggling economy.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania's CEO Chad Paul provided meaningful answers to the Lehigh Valley Business' column "Scorecard." Paul identified and discussed the challenges his organization faces as a result of funding cuts. Despite the reductions, Ben Franklin Technology Partners has earned "international recognition as the gold standard in technology-based economic development."
Lehigh Valley Business journal identified the fastest growing companies in the Lehigh Valley and among them is HMK client Follett Corporation.
Justin Bazella of the Bazella Group accepted the Dury Diehl Award as 2012 Tradesman of the Year during the 13th annual awards dinner sponsored by the JGPCO and Iron Hill Management.
Concannon Miller and Company was recognized at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting as the recipient of the Milestone Award.
Ben Franklin TechVentures2® was recognized as a Sustainable Community by the Lehigh Valley Branch of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council (LV-DVGBC) at an event attracting more than 100 community and business leaders on November 26th. TechVentures was one of three nominees in the private project category.
The Lehigh Valley Builders awards for 2012 were announced in December during a function hosted at the Visions Bar of the Sands Casino. HMK clients among the winners include: Curtis E Schneck, Inc., Ruhmel Contracting, Inc., Erwin Forrest Builders LLC, CMG of Easton, Inc., Anthony Construction/Anthony Builders, Reen Homes, Creative Closets, Ltd., and Plantique, Inc.
The City of Allentown, in partnership with the Allentown Economic Development Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation's Land Recycling Initiative, retained Cornerstone Consulting Engineers and Architectural, Inc., to complete a Site Reuse Study for the former Neuweiler Brewery Site. The study was conducted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing physical amenities, local and regional economic markets, and potentially available funding in order to determine the feasibility of the proposed reuse alternatives for the site.
Dual Temp cooled things off at the http://gopunt.com/cheap/propecia-online-pharmacy.php Amazon facility in Breinigsville, Pa., by helicopter lifting and installing 40 roof-top air conditioning units this summer. Watch the incredible video in time-lapse photography on You Tube: Dual Temp Lift Video.
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Based in Phoenixville, VideoRay produces "swimming underwater cameras" known as MicroROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles). Bentley founded VideoRay in 1999 to make this valuable technology more affordable and accessible to people who wanted to explore and capture the aquatic world for security, recreation, and educational purposes. MicroROVs have a multitude of applications, including homeland and port security, search and recovery missions for drowning victims and objects, and infrastructure and tank inspections. In many missions, MicroROVs provide a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative method to diver deployment in dangerous environments. Every day, hundreds of ROVs work underwater to protect and inspect harbors, vessels, infrastructure, and water sources all over the world.
Bentley first discovered underwater ROVs while serving as the best man in his friend's wedding on the North Pole. However, the Arctic venue wasn't the only unusual aspect of the wedding. "Bob waited until I accepted the job to tell me it involved jumping out of a perfectly good airplane strapped to his chest."
After the wedding – and a smooth landing for the groomsmen – Bentley visited the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology in 1999. The Moscow research center, famous for their Mir submersible which explored the Titanic, was working on a new ROV small enough to penetrate other areas of shipwrecks inaccessible to larger ROVs.
Fascinated by the idea of the MicroROV – and its potential commercial value – Bentley began investigating the technology. His research led to Inuktun, a Canadian-based company with a design for an 8 pound ROV. Only a few months after his f irst ROV encounter in Russia, Bentley had licensed Inuktun's technology, and built a makeshift workshop above his garage.
Since the very first system's debut in 2000, VideoRay has delivered more than 2,500 ROV systems to customers on all seven continents. Bentley originally envisioned a clientele mainly made up of marine biologists, yacht owners, museum curators, and divers. After 9/11, that base spread to law enforcement agencies, militaries, and government agencies, and the original swimming camera now bristles with sonars, positioning systems, and sophisticated sensors. The United States Coast Guard standardized their ROVs to VideoRay systems in 2003 and awarded VideoRay a $2.2 million contract to upgrade their entire fleet in 2011.
Just as its customer base and products have fluctuated over the last twelve years, VideoRay as a company has expanded and shifted to accommodate the implications of being the largest volume seller of MicroROVs and the global leader in MicroROV technology. After the fledgling company outgrew his garage, Bentley moved production to a warehouse at Bentley Systems, the software company he founded in 1986 with his brothers. By 2005, VideoRay was in full swing and Bentley left his position at Bentley Systems to focus on VideoRay full time.
When VideoRay needed yet another place to expand, the up and coming company turned to a barn in Phoenixville, Pa. Built in 1817, the Mennonite barn, owned by Homer Kolb, was most recently used as an aircraft factory. Renovated in 2005, the barn now holds VideoRay's 35 employees, including research and development, production engineers, technical support, sales and marketing, and administrative departments. Bentley designed the barn to be "reminiscent of the Keebler elves' treehouse." There are no cubicles or corner offices; just an open plan that allows constant communication and transparency between departments and employees.
The first floor houses "the warehouse" with production, shipping, and dozens of shelves stocked with ROVs, parts, and accessories, as well as a 3,000 gallon test tank and a workshop for product repairs. Software and electrical engineers sit on the second floor directly across from accounting, human resources, and sales and marketing.
While it may sound like a chaotic setting for a multimillion dollar corporation, VideoRay's eccentric headquarters offer an easy analogy for the company's overall unconventional approach. Many employees believe the openness of the company's office encourages more productivity and employee interaction. Purchasing manager Nancy Steiginga noted that "management puts a great deal of trust in the employees which encourages accountability. When your boss trusts you to get something done right, it inspires you to live up to their expectations. The flexibility and 'honor code' at VideoRay has created a much more productive atmosphere than any job where I punched a clock."
Perhaps the best endorsement for the VideoRay approach is the company's remarkable success. VideoRay revenues have increased 35 percent on average every year since 2007 despite economic woes from a global recession. Even with this significant business and revenue growth, nearly every aspect of VideoRay still operates out of the barn. Dealers in 33 countries provide a global reach for VideoRay owners across the globe, but every purchase order comes directly to the Phoenixville facility where the ROVs are designed, manufactured, shipped, and repaired.
VideoRay continues to do big things in spite of its small home. Dark Secrets of the Lusitania, a recently aired National Geographic special, features footage from a VideoRay exploration of the RMS Lusitania off the Irish coast. The ROV captured images of interior compartments and recovered artifacts that have not been seen since the ship's sinking in 1917!
After almost seven years in the barn, VideoRay has again grown too large for its facility. As this article is being written, VideoRay is moving out of the barn and into a newly renovated building in downtown Pottstown.
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]]>HMK Insurance and Concannon Miller recently hosted a seminar on the healthcare bill and its implications. All 275 clients and guests requested a video of the seminar.
Below are links to three segments of the presentation, each approximately 40 minutes.
We are committed to keeping you informed about the law and will schedule a post-election seminar for clients in November. Please contact Maureen O'Meara at HMK at 610-868-8507 ext. 242 for additional information.
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]]>The post Wood Products & Building Material Dealers Safety Group Earns 4% Dividend appeared first on HMK.
The Safety Group is composed of 32 Pennsylvania-based industry leaders serving the wood products manufacturing and the building material marketplace. The group completed the dividend period with a 24.3% loss ratio which entitled plan participants to a 4% dividend payment.
The successful year was attained through the commitment of the plan participants to safety and loss prevention practices. The participation of each participant's management, employees and the support of the professional loss control representatives from Berkley MidAtlantic resulted in an excellent return for all.
The Alliance of Wood Products & Building Material Dealers is an exclusive program of the Insurance Alliance of Central Pennsylvania. The program is open to Pennsylvania based operations engaged in the manufacture of wood products and the retail sale and wholesale distribution of building materials. All lines of insurance except Umbrella and Boiler & Machinery are eligible for the dividend.
If you are interested in applying for coverage in this unique and exclusive program please contact the Plan Administrators:
John Eltringham
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]]>Filmtech, an Allentown manufacturer of agricultural film and hygiene products, is part of Sigma's 36-plant organization of industry- related businesses located throughout North America.
Filmtech is garnering attention because it is on the cusp of increasing capacity by 60%.You might be thinking what kind of manufacturer dares to challenge the odds in today's ailing economy?
The answer has something to do with the uniqueness of a high-demand product for farmers and everything to do with Earl Jaskol, Filmtech's founder and president, who is aggressively installing multi-million dollar equipment and increasing his workforce.
To understand Jaskol's ambition and Filmtech's projected growth spurt amidst a national downturn in manufacturing, all you need to do is take a look at our food chain. There's a good chance that the tomato on the salad you ate this week was grown by Florida farmers who used Filmtech's Grozone brand mulch. This sophisticated product is one of the new VIF (virtually impenetrable film) mulch products on the market today which actually enables farmers to use fewer fumigant applications.
And that's just the beginning of the company's contribution to a greener and healthier planet. Filmtech's goal is the reclamation of 100% of its scrap. In addition, Jaskol's firm is introducing products that are biodegradable which means that farmers don't have to pick them up at the end of the season.
Filmtech was originally founded in 1985 in Easton. Jaskol moved the operation to Allentown in 1999 to access rail siding. The last five years have been hectic but the company's growth has literally exploded since early 2009. Later on this year, when a new line and upgrades to other lines are fully operational, Filmtech's production capacity is expected to increase 90%.
"We're overloaded and short-staffed and our current office space is temporary," cites Earl. "In March, we achieved record-breaking sales and our summer production will most likely eclipse that."
Parent company Sigma Plastics, financially the soundest of its peers in the flexible film and bag peer group, has made this growth possible. All 36 locations combined used over 1.5 billion pounds of resin in 2009. The company has over 60 million pounds of combined silo storage and its rail sidings hold over 200 rail cars. Today, Sigma Plastics is the number one producer of stretch film in the United States and is a leader in the production of several other types of commodity film and bags. Filmtech's product line and the company's affiliation with The Sigma Plastics Group have clearly put this Allentown operation on the map.
Filmtech is upgrading its plant to a state-of-the-art facility and is putting in place a dynamic staff to be a quality producer in the 21st Century. Sixty percent growth is just the beginning.


text: omnivore Archive 27 Oct 2016 Making the Case for Peter Case By Bill Kopp Americana, powerpop, reissue Listeners who had been following the work of Peter Case may have been confused – frustrated, even – upon first hearing his self-titled 1986 debut album. The work he had done up to that point was highly appealing, sure-footed power pop and/or indie rock (though the latter term wasn't in use back then). As one-third Read More 10 Nov 2014 November Hundred-word Reviews, Part 1 By Bill Kopp pop, prog, rawk, reissue, review Once again, it's time for a run of hundred-word reviews. My inbox has been overflowing of late, and even after removing the material that I deem not worth my time (nor yours), I'm left with far too many discs to cover in my customary manner (500-800 word reviews). So herewith are twenty-five –count 'em, twenty-five Read More 28 Jul 2014 Album Review: Bobby Patterson – I Got More Soul! By Bill Kopp new release, r&b, review, soul If you happened upon a spin of I Got More Soul!, the new album from Bobby Patterson, you could be forgiven for thinking he's the latest in young new recording artists playing an authentic 21st century brand of classic southern soul. Patterson name-checks Johnnie Taylor, BB King and other soul/blues/r&b giants in the title track, Read More 23 Apr 2014 Album Review: Jaco Pastorius – Modern American Music…Period! The Criteria Sessions By Bill Kopp instrumental, jazz, new release, vinyl This week, I'm quite busy attending Moogfest 2014 here in Asheville NC, the adopted of hometown of both myself and the late Dr. R.A. Moog, for whom the five day event is named. I hope and plan to bring extensive coverage to this blog very soon. In the meantime, here are some shorter-than-usual reviews. Please Read More 14 Jan 2014 EP Review: Old 97's and Waylon Jennings By Bill Kopp alt-country, new release, review The argument is often put forth – and not wholly without merit – that modern commercial country and western is an extension of rock music. The thinking goes that today's c&w superstars craft songs that have much in common musically with "classic rock," and that what they do to change it has more to do Read More 27 Nov 2013 Album Review: Jellyfish — Radio Jellyfish By Bill Kopp new release, pop, powerpop, rawk, review It's pointless (not to mention plain wrong) to argue against the assertion that the "unplugged" concept had played itself out by the middle of the 1990s. But the format – originally devised (with others) by Jules Shear – was itself a good one: stripped-down, intimate live performances of rock songs. That concept was oft-abused and Read More 08 Oct 2013 Album Review: Various Artists — CBGB: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack By Bill Kopp compilation, new release, new wave, punk, soundtrack When endeavoring to judge the merits of a soundtrack album, there's always the quandary of what measure to use. Should one judge it on the merits, strictly as a thematic collection of songs? Or measure it as an audio companion to the film? With regard to CBGB: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, I'm going with the Read More 22 Jul 2013 Album Review: The Three O'Clock – The Hidden World Revealed By Bill Kopp compilation, new release, pop, psych, rawk, review The whole so-called "paisley underground" scene happened during my college years. Like many of my generation, I had expanded my listening experiences beyond classic rock into what would eventually be known as "college rock." And through my experience working in a record store, I was exposed to even more then-current music, much of it – Read More

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It seems like every year around this time, everyone in my family gets a little bit of cabin fever. We've all been cooped up together for several weeks, and there are still several more weeks of cold, snowy weather ahead of us. We each feel restless and sometimes a little cranky.
This year, we decided to try to get out of the house a little more often. Now, I have to admit that your entertainment choices are somewhat limited here in northern Utah (skiing and snowboarding can get really expensive really fast!) That being said, our family has found itself browsing around several interior design shops and boutiques lately. The girls love that sort of stuff, and I can tolerate it.
In fact, there are a few current trends that I really enjoy. By far, the most common style I saw in those stores could be categorized as "Mediterranean" or "Tuscan". It seems that, in general, style is starting to move away from the sleek, ultramodern home. More people seem to favor a more rustic and classical feel.
After spending a good portion of my holiday vacation perusing through interior décor emporiums, I came back to work and found myself drawn to our Tuscan Style House Plans. I really do like the rustic aura and the Old World charm that they all exhibit. Just check out NDG-1142, for example.
I'm not going to go into detail about this wonderful Tuscan Home Plan, but I do want to encourage you to Check It Out! And while you're at it, why not go through the rest of our great Mediterranean and Tuscan House Plans?
Sensational Ways to Put Focus on the Bathroom Floor
Homeowners' Guide to Spring Home & Yard Cleanup
Modern Style House Design Gets a Lift from Rising Women Architects


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Filtering as you drink, the Bobble 500 ml Water Bottle makes tap water taste fresher, purer and better. The Bobble Water Bottle is made from recycled plastics and much more economical and environmentally friendly than buying single-use bottles. The bottle features an activated carbon filter that attracts chemicals and impurities, removing them from your drinking water. The filter lasts for approximately 300 refills before it needs replacing, so you can enjoy fresh, pure water drink after drink. Ideal for on the go, the Bobble 500 ml Water Bottle offers an eco-friendly and stylish design.
Check stock and price


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Objective: To compare the clinical effectiveness of point-of-care testing (PoCT) and that of pathology laboratory testing, as measured by therapeutic control in chronic conditions.
Design: Multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial using non-inferiority analysis.
Setting: 53 Australian general practices in urban, rural and remote areas across three Australian states, September 2005 to February 2007.
Participants: 4968 patients with established type 1 or type 2 diabetes, established hyperlipidaemia, or taking anticoagulant therapy.
Intervention: The intervention group (3010 patients in 30 practices) had blood and urine samples tested by PoCT devices in their general practices, and the control group (1958 patients in 23 practices) had samples tested by their usual pathology laboratories.
Main outcome measures: The proportion of patients and of tests with results in the target range, and change in test results from baseline.
Results: For the proportion of patients with results in the target range, PoCT was found to be non-inferior to pathology laboratory testing for measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), urine albumin, albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR), total cholesterol and triglyceride levels but not for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level and international normalised ratio (INR). For the proportion of tests with results in the target range, PoCT was found to be non-inferior to pathology laboratory testing for measuring all variables except HDL cholesterol. For the proportion of patients showing an improvement in their test result from baseline, PoCT was non-inferior to pathology laboratory testing for HbA1c, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but not for HDL cholesterol level.
Conclusions: This study provides important evidence for those considering the introduction of PoCT into general practice. For all tests except INR and HDL cholesterol, the PoCT approach demonstrated the same or better clinical effectiveness than pathology laboratory testing.
Trial registration: Australian Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612607000628448.
Point-of-care testing (PoCT) provides the treating general practitioner with immediate test results and has the potential to improve monitoring of chronic conditions, therapeutic control and clinical efficiency, and to enhance clinical decision making within the timeframe of the consultation.1-3 PoCT not only provides an alternative method of pathology testing, but also allows a different style of patient management compared with traditional pathology laboratory testing. Demand for PoCT in general practice is increasing; however, there is a little evidence about its benefits, particularly relating to clinical outcomes.
We undertook a large multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial to determine the safety, clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and satisfaction with PoCT in general practice. As part of this trial, we investigated whether therapeutic control was the same or better in patients with chronic conditions managed using PoCT compared with pathology laboratory testing. Here, we report this clinical effectiveness component of the larger trial.
The Point of Care Testing in General Practice Trial has been described previously, with details of the methods, rationale, recruitment process and baseline characteristics.4 Random allocation to the intervention or control group was at the practice level and was stratified by geographic area (urban, rural or remote).
Each practice in the intervention group was provided with a CoaguChek S analyser (Roche Diagnostics) to measure international normalised ratio (INR), a DCA 2000 analyser (Siemens HealthCare Diagnostics [formerly Bayer Australia], Melbourne, Vic) to measure glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), urine albumin level and albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR), and a Cholestech LDX analyser (Point of Care Diagnostics, Sydney, NSW) to measure blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol). The devices were selected based on analytical performance and other criteria, such as track record in published literature and evaluation under Australian conditions.
Practice staff who undertook PoCT were trained to be competent in using each device, and internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assurance (EQA) tests were conducted. Practices allocated to the intervention group were required to participate in a quality management program designed for the trial, involving an accreditation process, and IQC and EQA testing to monitor the analytical performance of the PoCT devices. The accreditation process and training were based on the Interim standards for point of care testing in general practice developed by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.5
All pathology laboratories utilised by the general practices also participated in the trial. Pathology laboratories participated in their own EQA program and were accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities.
Results for HbA1c, urine albumin and ACR, total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL cholesterol, and INR tests performed between September 2005 and February 2007 were sent to the trial team. Over this period, patients presented to their GPs for testing according to their usual schedule. The intervention group had their tests performed with a PoCT device in the practice and were given the results immediately. Those in the control group had their tests performed by the usual pathology laboratory, and received the results either by telephone or at a follow-up visit.
During the first 6 months of the study, intervention patients had dual tests performed, by PoCT and their usual pathology laboratory, to assess whether the two methods had clinically acceptable agreement.
The trial was approved by five relevant independent Australian Human Research Ethics Committees and registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN 12612605000272695).
Two approaches were taken to measure therapeutic control for each test. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with results in the target range, based on results of the most recent test. The secondary outcome was the proportion of tests with results in the target range. The therapeutic target ranges used for the seven tests were based on published clinical guidelines (Box 1).6-9 In addition, the study investigated any reduction in the test result from baseline (for HbA1c, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels) and any increase (for HDL cholesterol level).
Analysis was performed using an identity binomial model. If this model failed to converge, a logistic regression model was used to obtain estimates of the proportion within target range in each treatment group, and the variance of the difference was estimated using the delta method. Adjustment was made for prespecified baseline covariates4 and for clustering at the practice level using generalised estimating equations. Multiple imputation was used to impute missing values for baseline covariates and the last test result. Statistical significance was assessed at the 0.05 level using a one-sided test for non-inferiority, and results are presented with 90% two-sided confidence intervals.10 The non-inferiority margin for the difference in percentages (intervention minus control) was determined a priori by an expert clinical group to be − 7%. No adjustments were made for multiple comparisons.
Data were contributed to the study by 53 general practices and 23 pathology laboratories. The practices were located across three states of Australia, in urban (8 intervention, 9 control), rural (9 intervention, 6 control) and remote (13 intervention, 8 control) areas. Practice characteristics were similar across treatment groups: 10% of the intervention practices and 8.7% of the control practices were solo practices; 40% (intervention) and 39.1% (control) had more than three GPs; 96.7% (intervention) and 91.3% (control) bulk billed; and 90% (intervention) and 95.7% (control) were accredited.
From these practices, 4968 patients (3010 intervention and 1958 control patients) participated in the study. Of the patients, 3819 had hyperlipidaemia, 1967 had type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and 944 were taking anticoagulant therapy (some patients had more than one condition). Patient baseline characteristics were similar in the different treatment groups (detailed elsewhere4).
Analysis of the proportion of patients whose test results were in the target range showed that PoCT is non-inferior to pathology laboratory testing (ie, the same or better) for HbA1c, urine albumin level, ACR, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but not for INR and HDL cholesterol level (Box 2).
A similar analysis of the proportion of tests that gave results in the target range showed that PoCT is non-inferior to pathology laboratory testing for HbA1c, urine albumin level, ACR, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and INR but not for HDL cholesterol level (Box 2).
The study also found that PoCT is non-inferior to pathology laboratory testing in relation to the proportion of patients showing an improvement in their test results from baseline for:
HbA1c (57.3% [PoCT] v 44.9% [pathology laboratory]; difference, 12.4% [90% CI, 6.5% to 18.4%], P < 0.001);
total cholesterol level (74.2% v 57.4%; difference, 16.8% [90% CI, 12.3% to 21.4%], P < 0.001); and
triglyceride level (54.9% v 51.1%; difference, 3.8% [90% CI, − 0.9% to 8.6%], P < 0.001);
INR was not included in the analysis as a reduction in INR may or may not be an improvement, depending on whether the previous INR result was below, within or above the target range. The urine albumin level and ACR were also not included, as it was not a requirement of the trial design.
In addition, we found no evidence of effect modification by geographic location for any of the outcome measures.
The results of the non-inferiority analyses in this study are encouraging. For most tests and outcome measures, the influence of PoCT on therapeutic control was found to be the same or better than pathology laboratory testing. Although results for HbA1c, urine albumin, ACR, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were consistent in terms of demonstrating non-inferiority, INR produced mixed results. The study was unable to conclude that PoCT is the same or better than laboratory testing for therapeutic control of HDL cholesterol levels. In addition, assessment of the increase in HDL cholesterol levels from baseline to the end of the study found no improvements in either the PoCT or pathology laboratory group; in fact, both groups showed a decrease in mean HDL cholesterol.
This study had some limitations. The proportion of patients and of tests with results in the target range are commonly used in measuring clinical effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy. However, measuring the time spent in the range may have provided a different result. The non-inferiority margin of − 7% may have been too conservative. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is another important subfraction of a lipid profile that was not part of the trial design,11 and an investigation including all subfractions could be an area for further research.
A strength of the study is that it was a multicentre, randomised controlled trial, with a large number of participants who provided a large dataset for analysis.
To our knowledge, this is the first randomised controlled trial to investigate PoCT in general practice using non-inferiority tests. Our results provide evidence that managing patients using PoCT for all tests except INR and HDL cholesterol results in the same or better therapeutic control than traditional pathology laboratory testing. The delivery of health care using PoCT provides an effective alternative to pathology laboratory testing, which in turn can enhance good management of chronic disease. In addition, our study helps redress the lack of evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of PoCT in general practice.
1 Target ranges by condition and test
HbA1c = glycated haemoglobin proportion. |
2 Percentage of patients and tests with results in the target range


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Fujifilm has today announced the FinePix Z3 Zoom camera sporting 5.1 million pixels, ISO up to 1600 and a 36-108mm lens. A marginal update to the Z2, the Z3 adds Intelligent-Flash mode and a higher resolution 2.5-inch screen. The Z3 will be available in silver, metallic blue and light pink. Must be why it's marketed at us ladies...after all, we can't use anything but a pink camera now, can we?
Press Release:
FinePix Z3: Sociable, stylish and reliable – a ladies' favorite
Fujifilm today announced the launch of FinePix Z3, the 3rd generation of the iconic 'Z' series design. With a re-designed body and funky new colours, the FinePix Z3 will appeal to the most fashion conscious customers, and is likely to be particularly popular with female owners. Women now buy almost as many digital cameras as men, however the FinePix Z3's appeal to this market is more than the usual 'slim camera' story.
Research has shown that the majority of pictures taken by women are 'people pictures' in low light situations and taken in close proximity. Ironically, it is exactly this kind of situation that spells trouble for conventional digital cameras. Blurry shots, unnatural-looking flash and a complete absence of background detail mean that very few photos from social events make it into the picture frame or onto the mantelpiece.
With Fujifilm's Super CCD and Real Photo Processor II, it is possible that the 'delete' button will be one of the Z3's least-used controls. Here is why the Z3 could spell the end for spoiled shots:
- High sensitivity (up to ISO1600) with minimum 'noise' will help to reduce the blur caused not only by handshake, but also subject movement. The FinePix Z3 operates with a much faster shutter speed than conventional cameras.
- The Intelligent-Flash system ingeniously combines both a clear, well-exposed background and natural skin tones on subjects in the foreground. No more washed-out faces with dark backgrounds!
- The innovative Dual-Shooting Mode takes two consecutive shots (one with flash and one without flash) giving users the choice between the two – almost like being guided by a seasoned expert.
FinePix Z3 features at a glance:
- Super CCD HR sensor delivering 5.1 million effective pixels
- RP (Real Photo) Processor II resulting significantly less noise by enhanced double noise reduction and delivering enhanced color reproduction across entire sensitivity range
- Intelligent Flash achieving the optimum combination of high sensitivity and natural skin tones
- Anti-blur button setting up ultra-fast shutter speed to minimize the risk of blurry images
- 14 pre-programmed scene positions including Dual-Shooting mode (Natural Light without Flash & With Flash) which takes two consecutive shots giving the flexibility for choosing preferred picture
- Non-extending refractive optical zoom lens with 3x optical zoom
- Sensitivity range of ISO 64-1600 for low-noise photography in all conditions
- Slim and Stylish body, wrapped by Monocoque rear shell
- High resolution (230K Pixels) 2.5 inch LCD screen with reinforced, scratch-resistant glass
- Continuous shooting mode for action photography
- 10 MB Internal Memory for being ready-to-shoot
- TV-quality VGA movie recording of 30 frames per second with sound
- PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC
Joining an impressive line-up of Fujifilm FinePix digital cameras featuring the breakthrough Real Photo Technology, the FinePix Z3 will be available in 3 colours, Silver, Metallic Blue and Light Pink.
Adrian Clarke, Fujifilm's Director of Consumer Products, said "This is camera that fits right into a night out. So many slim cameras are marketed as the 'ultimate party accessory', yet they amount to little more than electronic jewellery, unable to cope in the dark world of indoor, sociable photography. The FinePix Z3 Zoom is the ideal blend between a very serious low-light picture-taking tool and head-turning design."
FinePix Z3 Zoom specifications
Sensor | 1/2.5 " Type CCD |
Image sizes | 2592 x 1944 2736 x 1824 (3:2) 2048 x 1536 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 |
Movie clips | 640 x 480 @ 30fps 320 x 240 @ 30fps Monaural sound |
File formats | JPEG Exif v2.2 DPOF AVI Motion JPEG |
Lens | 36 - 108mm equiv 3x optical zoom F3.5 - 4.2 |
Image stabilization | No |
Conversion lenses | No |
Digital zoom | up to 5.7x |
Focus | Auto focus |
Focus distance | Normal: approx 60cm - infinity Macro: approx 8cm (wide) |
Metering | TTL 256 zone |
ISO sensitivity | Auto ISO 64 ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400 ISO 800 ISO 1600 |
Shuttter speed | 4 - 1/1000 sec |
Aperture | F3.5 / F5.0 / F8 3 steps |
Modes | Auto Anti-Blur Scene Position Macro Movie Burst / Continuous |
Scene modes | Natural Light Natural Light with Flash Portrait Landscape Sport Night Fireworks Sunset Snow Beach Museum Party Flower Close-up Text |
White balance | Auto Manual (Fine, Shade, Fluorescent Light (Daylight, Warm White & Cool White), Incandescent Light |
Self timer | 2 or 10 sec |
Continuous shooting | Top-3 (max 2.2 fps up to 3 frames) Final-3 (max 2.2 fps up to 3 frames) Long-period (max 0.7 fps up to memory card size) |
Flash | Auto Red-eye reduction On / Off Slow sync Red-eye reduction + slow sync Range: Wide approx 0.3 - 3.0m Tele approx 0.6 - 2.3m |
Viewfinder | No |
LCD monitor | 2.5-inch 230,000 pixels |
Connectivity | NTSC / PAL USB 2.0 High speed |
Print compliance | PictBridge DPOF Exif Print 2.2 |
Storage | xD-Picture Card 10MB internal memory |
Power | Rechargeable battery NP-40 AC adapter AC-5VC |
Weight (no batt) | 130 g (4.6 oz) |
Dimensions | 92.7 x 56.7 x 27.8 mm (3.6 x 2.2 x 1.1 in) |


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Weight Loss Surgery Support Groups
The Bariatric Weight Loss Center offers a free support group open to anyone who has had, or is considering having, weight loss surgery.
The group meets on the following days:
- The second Monday of each month from 6 - 7 PM in the Blue Ridge Room at Lanier Park.
- The second Friday of each month from 10 - 11 AM in Suite 260 at Lanier Park.
Call 770-219-0597 for more information or fill out our "Contact Us" form here.


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Peter Ralston: Reliquary
Sometimes an image just looks the way you feel on a certain day.
I guess that given this particular day that's why I'm sharing this one.
More Sightings
Hang Together
Les Graves
Noon, January
Today it's cold, blowy, snowing again, the winter is starting to feel long, and it's all just plain grey.
I was exercising creative trespass and I was in That Place I go when my eye, heart and camera are all firing together. Family aside, it's my favorite place in the world.
I vividly remember making this image years ago and I didn't feel this way that long ago day.
But this farm has changed dramatically since then. Not really a farm any more. I think she's gone.
And I've changed a lot, what doesn't? The "me" of all those years ago is not gone, per se, just different, changed.
Onward... into the enigma.
On this day.
Ralston Gallery is in Rockport Village, at 23 Main Street, Rockport. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. -6 p.m., or by chance or appointment. Peter and Terri live only a minute away and are more than happy to open on short notice. Phone: 230-7225; Gallery Manager, Terri Ralston.
Peter Ralston's work has been seen in countless books and magazines, featured on network television and has been exhibited in galleries, collections and museums throughout the United Sates and abroad. In 2003, Peter received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Colby College in recognition for his photography work and for cofounding the Island Institute. Ralston Gallery opened in 2010, at the head of Rockport Harbor. Peter also offers photography workshops in coastal Maine, Newfoundland and Labrador.


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Recycling beautiful vintage images into cleaned up and enlarged digi images. Use as image transfers on the surface of your choice, or in your scrapbooking and cardmaking crafts. Printables. One of a kind pieces and offered as a gift. Payment is your comments.
Wonderful image! Love the people a lot. Thank you. Edwina Brown


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text:
how to tissue paper pom pom.zip - download 2015
Name: how to tissue paper pom pom.zip
Release: 2015
Type: WinZip
Total Downloads: 14196
License model: Shareware
Language: English
Last updated on: 01/28/2015 11:42:13
Supported OS: Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
Keys:01/28/2015 11:42:13
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Being a parent is hard. Like, worn-down-with-exhaustion, just-want-to-sleep-until-they're-eighteen kind of hard. When my kids were babies and toddlers it was a physical exhaustion: pushing through the days on little to no sleep, nursing on demand,… More
Hard Things {Thankful Thursday – Vol 2}
I caught a glimpse of her on the trampoline as I wiped the dining room table clean. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her long blonde hair dancing wildly in each gust of wind. I turned to watch her and my heart fell. She wasn't jumping or rolling or dancing the way she usually does. She was sitting, legs crossed, back to the wind. Just sitting. No smile crossed her lips. Instead, she scowled unblinkingly across the yard.
This little girl of mine is always feeling something big. Whether it's ecstatic joy or the darkest sadness, she doesn't ever seem to just . . .be. So when something hard comes along, I know to expect big feelings. And big tears.
And sometimes I just don't understand that.
See, while she's out in the wind, leaning into her feelings, acknowledging her own hurt, I'm inside furiously wiping counters and tables, straightening pillows and making beds. Desperately avoiding the hurt and the tears. I used to be really good at this. My husband and sister like to point out all the times I didn't cry when I should've. I'm been called the Ice Queen.
So maybe it's the fact that I'm over 30 now and my body is just done with it, or maybe I'm just tired of holding it all in, but I put my towel down and walked out into the wind and sat next to my daughter. We scowled at the yard together while our hair whipped our faces and we cried together and we told each other how this hard thing is just the worst. And then we bounced. And we laughed.
We felt our way through yesterday. We let ourselves cry and yell and then smile and laugh.
Today, as hard as this is to write and as much as it doesn't make sense, I'm thankful for hard things. I'm thankful for the strength that's uncovered and the vulnerability revealed. I'm thankful for all the feelings that bring us closer to the people we care about.
I'm thankful for hard things because at the end of them I can look back and see how God has worked everything together and how He's gotten me through.
I know there will be more tears and that this particular hard thing is far from over. And when it's over, a new hard thing will come in its place. We can chose to dwell on the hardness, on the pain and the struggle. Or, even amidst the tears and sadness, we can embrace our feelings and then fight to chose joy.
What are you thankful for?
Dance {Five Minute Friday}
This post is part of a community post. Every Friday, a one-word prompt is announced. You get to free-write for five minutes. No editing, no out-lining. Just writing the thoughts as they come. If you'd like to participate, you can find all the info you need here.
When I hear the word dance I immediately think of two things: my sister awkwardly dancing in the car on road trips with unexplainable confidence and Lee Ann Womack's country song from the early 2000s.
Have you heard it?
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
Get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens.
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance.
I hope you dance.
It's such a pretty song and it meant so much to me the year I graduated high school that I actually wanted to sing it at my graduation. I didn't tell anyone that, I was just waiting for someone to recognize my amazing musical talent and put me on the stage. I guess the meaning of all the words didn't really sink in back then. When I look at the lyrics, I think every other line seemed important.
Not losing my sense of wonder, feeling small in this great big world, loving people? Those all made sense to my 18 year old brain. I had the whole world in front of me! How could anyone lose their wonder?
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance. . . I hope you dance.
Every now and then, I still belt this song out with my best country accent. But the words that hold meaning have changed. I've looked back and I've seen myself "sitting it out" more than dancing, fearing those looming mountains and backing out more than I'd like to admit.
Why do we do that? How can we feel the excitement and pull of our most precious dreams and then bury it? Are we so afraid of failure that we don't see the possibility of all our dreams coming true right before our eyes? Or are we, even now, afraid that once that dream has been achieved or, heaven forbid, failed that there is nothing else for us, that the world holds no more wonder? That there is a limit on dreaming?
It's time to stop living like that. It's time to embrace that skipping heart beat and thrill of excitement, time to push fears aside and go after our biggest dreams. To reconsider selling out on ourselves. Time to embrace those mountains and valleys. Love wildly, live confidently. It's time to dance.
And my dancing will be different from yours and yours will be different from that girl and that other girl. Maybe you can bust out a moonwalk or pop-n-lock or a twerk and look freaking fantastic doing it. That's awesome! Dance away, love! Or maybe you're more like me and your best move is a step-tap. Maybe you get a little crazy and raise the roof every now and then. Or maybe you're a line-dancer or ballerina.
It doesn't matter how you do it, the point is this: you do your dance and I'll do mine. We live our lives and chase our dreams, embracing the risks we are taking. Knowing life won't end at the end of our dreams. We just get new dreams.
And a new dance.
Thankful Thursdays {Vol 1}
Last year, on a whim, I decided to start a new tradition on the blog. I was having a rough time family-wise: my husband was out of state for work for months and it was dragging on far longer than we expected, we were in our second year of homeschooling and I was frustrated, and we were waiting, waiting, waiting to find out if we were moving the next summer or not.
I needed a way out of the gloom. I needed something to focus on besides all my yucky feelings. So I started making lists of things I was thankful for, no matter how small or unexpected, in a desperate attempt to turn things around. It's funny how something as simple as writing down things that make you smile can change your whole outlook on a situation or even your life.
So Thursdays around here will be full of giving thanks. It's kinda the theme of my whole blog, really. Keeping my eyes open and looking for the good instead of focusing on the bad or the frustrating or the annoying. I've lived that life and I don't want it back. I don't want to be the bitter, complaining girl who doesn't realize how good she's got it.
For the month of November, I'm being terribly original and posting a #DaysofThanks post of Facebook and Instagram along with a picture. This week I'm going to share those posts with all of you!
Disclaimer: All these pictures were taken with my phone, so they're not especially awesome.
Day 1: We took a short road trip to the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. Specifically to a tiny town called Calico Rock. We needed a quick getaway to someplace with a real "fall" feel, but we didn't have much time. Coffee and road trips with my favorite people (and faithful dog)? Yes, please!
Day 2: We did some exploring on our vacation rental lands. The kids LOVE the outdoors, but, unfortunately, in hot, humid, mountain-less central Oklahoma, they don't have much to explore. We found some stuff! Heart-shaped cacti, snails, lizards, caves, and cliffs. I don't know what it is, but I just don't enjoy my kids wandering next to huge drop-offs. I picture them slipping and falling to their deaths. Tell me I'm not the only one! Adventure in the unknown. . .Nature, wildlife, wonder. . .and not falling off cliffs.
Day 3: Like I said, this trip was short. But it was relaxing and fun. And we found fall.
Day 4: We watched the Country Music Awards. I'm not really sure why, since neither my husband nor I really enjoy country music. Except Reba. We love Reba. And may I just say that she is rocking 60 years old. Rocking it.
Also, when Chris Stapleton walked up on stage, my daughter said in her best country accent, "Now that's country." Yes. Now excuse me while I download his album. . .
Now, my husband doesn't really post of Facebook. Ever. I think he posted 5 times during the CMAs. All insults on country music. He was cracking himself up because he thought he was being so clever. I was afraid he'd lose friends over it. We have some die-hard country fans in our lives.
So I'm thankful to have a husband who makes me laugh. I can't imagine our lives if we took ourselves too seriously.
So what are you thankful for? What small things can you focus on to turn your attention from the unpleasant or downright terrible things in your life? I encourage you to look for the bright spots in your life this November.
P.S. He hates me for posting that picture of him. 😉
Kids {A 31days Post}
It seems to have happened so suddenly. This year my oldest boy is not interested in face paint. He doesn't want his whole face painted like a tiger and he has no use for a cute little picture painted onto his cheek. His Halloween costume is more subtle than his brother's and sister's: jeans and an orange t-shirt with "Camp Half-Blood" printed in black across the front. He's Percy Jackson.
And then yesterday we took the boys to get their hair cut and he got up from the chair looking three years older. He's got the awkward gait of a teenager, he talks about more grown-up things, and I can't remember the last time he held my hand.
My husband caught me giving our son moony eyes this morning. I just can't help it. Out of nowhere my chubby little baby has morphed into this handsome, kind, intelligent man-child before my eyes and I feel blind sighted. I feel cheated. I'm more than a little annoyed that nobody pointed out the obvious to me 10 years ago: they grow up. And fast.
(Okay, maybe someone pointed it out, but I was too busy rolling my eyes because I was up to my elbows in diapers and toddler toys and Thomas the Tank Engine so I didn't believe them.)
It feels like we've officially closed the door on the season of little children. Our youngest is 7. I still see her as my baby. She holds my hand and cuddles. But she can tie her own shoes and make her own lunch. Walking through a parking lot is no longer a desperate race for our lives. They can all do multiplication and read chapter books. They make their beds in a way that actually looks like they made their beds.
I've had a chance to come up for air and see how far we've come, how much they've grown. And now that I've seen it, I've been feeling this aching need to slow down and soak in all the details of these people I've been trusted with, to stop time just a little before we head into these teenage years.
I know the years to come will be filled with their own kind of joy and laughter and love, but these "littles" years were so fleeting and I'm sad to see them go. They've gone from first smiles to first steps to first days of school. Each more celebrated than the last. Now we're creeping up on first crushes and first cars and first dates.
So every morning, I'll hold on to those hugs as long as I can. I'll read all the books and listen to all the silly stories and off-the-wall ideas. I'll kiss those soft cheeks and nose tips as often as I can.
And someday (probably soon), my son will catch me giving him moony eyes.
And he'll just shake his head and say "Geez, Mom."
The Past {A 31days Post}
Yesterday, I had a rare chance at two and a half hours alone in the middle of a weekday. Actually, it's not rare. I get it every Thursday afternoon, but I usually sit at the farm and write (in the blistering heat) while my kids have horseback riding lessons.
Alone time doesn't feel luxurious when your constantly swatting at flies who are swarming to the sweat pouring down your neck.
So this week I took the opportunity to run some errands (I know. Glamorous, right?). We needed a couple things for dinner and I needed coffee. I ran my errands and still had about an hour before the kids were done so I stopped in a quaint little coffee shop. I was in a college town and the place was filled with young twenty-somethings all decked out in leggings and long sweaters with their laptops and earbuds. Each one had a notebook, pen, and coffee mug next to their computer.
Enter college envy. Oh, to be young and be expected to learn. Likes it's your job. To have to sit and read and write for hours. To need to go to the library. I drove back to the farm (with an amazing cappuccino in hand) feeling very old and fighting back tears for what I had missed out on.
I dropped out of college after two years because I had our first baby (and also, I couldn't decide what to major in. I wanted to learn ALL THE THINGS). And I've never gone back. And until yesterday in that coffee shop, I never knew how much I wish I could've finished.
You see, I'm a big, fat nerd. I've even got the big nerd glasses to prove it. I love books and paper and new ideas and new information. I love lining equations up and working them out. I love writing papers and doing research and taking notes. I get so excited when I learn something I didn't know. There are so many cool and interesting facts to learn and ideas to ponder! I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
But if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't change a thing. While I could never decide what to major in during college, I always knew "mom" was the title I craved the most.
I dreamed of spending days lost to snuggles and laughter and learning and playing. I still do. And I'm living that dream now as my son curls next to me with his pile of books. I wanted to carry a baby in my body, bring him into the world, and walk him to adulthood, marveling in the growth and changes it takes to turn one tiny human into an adult capable of making a difference in the world.
We can look back on the past and dream about what might have been. We can also look back and smile because of what actually is.
This is important. This is where I belong. This is who I am.
Fall. . .Finally {A 31days Post}
I love everything about fall. The colors, the crispness in the air, the smell, the coziness. All of it. I'm a little behind the times when it comes to pumpkin recipes, but that's because a week ago it was still 94 degrees. But I'm totally immersed in it now. Pumpkin creamer, pumpkin pancakes and, yesterday and today, pumpkin muffins. The best ones ever.
Fall for our family means settling in. Settling in to our home, our routines, and our family. Friends have mostly gone back to school and the focus comes back to each other. Everything about fall signals us to slow down and breathe deeply.
I don't know why, but the only fall decor I can fully commit to is pumpkins. I've got so many different sizes and styles. Real, fake, glittery, light up, fabric. I won't turn away a good pumpkin.
Especially in my food. There's something about the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon baking together. It's warm and relaxing and perfectly fitting for this season of settling in. I can't claim this recipe. I found it through Pinterest over at Lovely Little Kitchen. The only thing I did differently was leave out the cloves and nutmeg. Because A) I don't like cloves and B)we didn't have any nutmeg. So I added a little extra cinnamon to make up for it.
Like I said, I've made these the last two days in a row. My dog was even inspired to scale the kitchen counter to eat the leftovers. (We had words, you can be sure.)
So whip these up with a mug of pumpkin flavored coffee (or chai tea!) and get ready for amazing.
Best Ever Pumpkin Muffins!
-1 3/4 cup flour
-1 cup sugar
-1/2 cup brown sugar
-1 tsp baking soda
-1/2 tsp salt
-2 tsp cinnamon
-1/4 tsp ground cloves
-1/4 tsp nutmeg
-2 eggs
-1 15 oz can pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
-1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place 12 paper liners into each well of your muffin pan.
- Measure out the flour, sugars, baking soda, salt, and spices in a medium bowl and whisk it all together.
- In a bigger bowl, lightly whisk eggs, add remaining ingredients and mix.
- Add dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups almost to the top.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
And be sure to check out Lovely Little Kitchen's blog for more deliciousness!
Running {A 31days Post}
Every fall I get the urge to run. Maybe the cooler weather breathes life back into everything and makes me want to feel my heart pound, but it usually only lasts for one run. Maybe two. Because then I suddenly remember that running's no joke. Everything bounces and jiggles and my nose runs and my legs itch and my chest hurts from trying to catch enough oxygen to keep me from keeling over. My shoelaces are too tight, my dog keeps stopping to pee on everything, and it's a lot windier than I thought.
Let me just say I'm not a runner. I've tried to be for as long as I can remember. I signed up for a half marathon 6 years ago or so, but I ended up hurting my knee during another race and I couldn't run it. I've had that "runner's high" exactly one time in my life. My husband is one of those people who can sit and eat Cheetos 364 days a year and then run a marathon on the 365th with absolutely no training. So annoying. I skip a day and have to start back at day one.
Needless to say, the running urge hit strong last week with the appearance of fall in Oklahoma. I tried to ignore it, even tried other workouts in it's place, but nothing worked. So one night I tucked my 10 year old into bed and asked him if he wanted to run with me in the morning. He replied with an enthusiastic, "I guess so" and a nice, exasperated sigh.
And so we ran. Probably not even a mile. And my feet hurt and I couldn't breathe and the wind picked up right towards the end just like it always does. But this time, I pushed myself because my son was with me.
You see, this sweet boy of mine seems to have inherited his mother's lack of perseverance. Something gets hard or uncomfortable and he gives up, just like me.
It's funny what our kids can teach us about ourselves.
We pushed through it and whooped and high-fived in the driveway early on a Sunday morning. Then we talked about pushing ourselves to be better and recognizing our weaknesses and working to overcome them. We talked about how some things won't always come easy for us, but that doesn't mean we can't try or that we have to give up.
My son reminded me that I can do hard things and that there's grace to be found in the stretching and the growing and the trying. While I was trying to teach him to never give up, I guess I was teaching myself the same thing.


text:
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The University of St. Thomas Cameron School of Business, in conjunction with the Center for Business Ethics, celebrated the third annual Mass for Commerce on Oct. 29 at the Chapel of St. Basil, in honor of the Center for Business Ethics' 15 years of service.
The Mass for Commerce is an important occasion for exchange, encounter and relationship- tenets of business that complement the University's mission of educating leaders of faith and character.
"The Mass is an opportunity to bring together and remind women and men of faith of all professions and at all levels of business of the necessity to incorporate their faith into their daily lives," said Dr. Michele Simms, professor of Management. "Work represents a good for everyone. We are stewards, not owners, who work together as persons of faith in building our world."
Father Mike Buentello, CSB, celebrated the Mass this year for 45 people. Previous celebrants of the Mass included Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston. The Mass is celebrated annually and is open to all faiths.


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EventsML-G2 is an XML news exchange standard of the IPTC, the International Press Telecommunications Council. It optimizes the sharing of event information such as meetings, sports events, elections, even rocket launches — virtually anything that can be broadly classified as an "event."
The news industry's ongoing need to maintain calendars of events led to development of EventsML-G2. It is not a calendaring standard, but rather a way for news agencies to share event information to populate their own calendars. The events need not have fixed starting or ending dates, nor do they even need to have a fixed length. EventsML-G2 can contain enough metadata to describe most any announced human activity.
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19.03.17 22:48
Muslims in Mannaar expose systemic inability of SL State in delivering justice to victims
Muslims in Mannaar expose systemic inability of SL State in delivering justice to victims
Eight Tamils arrested over East Chief Secretary's killing[TamilNet, Tuesday, 17 July 2007, 17:11 GMT]Sri Lanka Army (SLA) and police, on Tuesday morning, launched a combined cordon and search operation in selected areas in Trincomalee town close to the East Provincial Secretariat located along Inner Harbour Road, following the killing of Mr.H.M.Herat Abeyeweera, Chief Secretary Monday evening. Eight Tamils were taken into custody. The arrested included the driver of Mr.Abeyeweera's vehicle and four employees working in his office, police sources said. According to the latest investigation report, the police had found that Mr.Abeyeweera had been shot and killed by a person who entered his office room with a file, sources said. |
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Romans 6:30-8New International Version (NIV)Released From the Law, Bound to Christ7 Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives? 2 For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him. 3 So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. 4 So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. 5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh,[a] the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. The Law and Sin7 What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "You shall not covet."[b] 8 But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead. 9 Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died. 10 I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death. 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death. 12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good. 13 Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. 14 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God's law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature[d] a slave to the law of sin. Life Through the Spirit8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[e] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[f] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[g] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[h] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[i] his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[j] And by him we cry, "Abba,[k] Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Present Suffering and Future Glory18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[l] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[m] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Footnotes:
Cross references:
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Since Medellín is the capital of the region and the seat of business, many tour companies offering routes throughout the region can be found there. The Corporación Turístico del Suroeste Antioqueño (Cra. 65, 8B-91, Oficina 248 C.C Terminal del Sur. Tel: 361-2022, E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com) is a good place to start, as it offers rafting trips, coffee tours through Jardín, tours into the Eje Cafetero, trips to Jericó, horseback excursions through the southwest and other options.
Other Tour Operator pages in Tierra Paisa that may be of interest: Medellín Tours ,
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Room Sunlight Wallpaper 1920x1080 Room, Sunlight
Room Sunlight Wallpaper was added in 12 Jul 2012. 1275 users has viewed and downloaded this wallpaper. Approximately 367,2 mb bandwith was consumed. You can download Room Sunlight Wallpaper for free. All you need to do is help us grow by sharing this wallpaper if you like it :)
sunlight wallpaper, sinar matahari, sinar matahari, sunlight wallpaper, Sunlight room.
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Fantasia LED Fairy Lights, Silver Wire, Cool White
In stock
These extraordinary light strings have 20 very tiny white LEDs on extra small diameter wire that has been silver plated in a special process. The silver wire adds to the ambiance and light reflection. Cannot be used where it might get wet.
- Bulb Type: Cool White LED Fairy Lights
- Light Count: 20
- Lighted Length: 40 in
- Bulb Spacing: 2 in
- Lead Length: 23 in
- Tail Length: 0 in
- Wire Color: Silver
- Battery Type: 3xAA batteries (Not included)
- Battery Pack Size: 2.5x1.75x.75 in
- Grade: Indoor use
- Special Feature: Waterproof light strand (but not battery pack)
- Special Feature: Can be used with 20 AA battery power pack (BPP-3201) or 4.5V plug-in adapter (ADAP-LLAS-1000) for longer life


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What does this mean? The language we use really matters. It shapes outcomes. Words change our perceptions. What we hear and what we say can bend reality. This is not trivial.
Darren Rowse recently conducted a poll on his ProBlogger site to determine the proportion of male/female readers. In this post he considered what the resultant stats and the m/f balance in commenting might mean re gender and blogging
I love seeing the tags you've used: language and memory. Why not psychology, webword, attention, and research? Do you already use these tags for other material? Are these totally new tags or does my posting just what predefined buckets?
The good things about tags is that they are so bottoms up. Tags and clouds and whatnot simply emerge. The downside is that structure and organization only becomes evident when many users contribute. Until that happens, you've got noise.
I need to re-read these articles:
Ontology is Overrated: Categories, Links, and Tags
http://www.shirky.com/writings/ontology_overrated.htmlMarket populism in the folksonomies debate
http://atomiq.org/archives/2005/04/market_populism_in_the_folksonomies_debate.htmlSemi-structured meta-data has a posse: A response to Gene Smith
http://tagsonomy.com/index.php/semi-structured-meta-data-has-a-posse-a-response-to-gene-smith/Have you seen all of these?
Hi webmaster! xbl
Hi webmaster! xtc


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Of Chemistry
of Arts and Sciences
of Graduate Studies and Research
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza
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48 hours in Milan: hotels, restaurants and places to visit
Get ahead of the Fashion Week crowds and visit Italy's style capital
Get ahead of the Fashion Week crowds and visit Italy's style capital
Colourful, retro and skittish shows challenge the traditionally understated elegance of Italian labels
Anna Wintour has placed a Louboutined heel on yet another rung of the Establishment ladder.
Clean lines and cat's eye glasses evoke memory of repressed secretaries
It wasn't just the champagne cocktails, celebrity-filled front rows or, indeed, the clothes on the catwalks that kept the demanding audience of London Fashion Week entertained yesterday.
The Principe is a bastion of old-guard glamour among the minimalist hotels that are cropping up across Milan. There's marble everywhere, Murano glass fittings and wood-panelled walls. All in all the hotel's decadent interiors stand out against the Armani-grey furnishings and raw cement surfaces that prevail elsewhere.