text: EMEA | White Paper Q1 2015 Sale and Leasebacks More than Contra-Cyclical? DAMIAN HARRINGTON Regional Director Research | EE Executive Summary • Sale and Leasebacks (SLBs) are not merely contra-cyclical; a recent increase in activity suggests more factors now at play besides the economy. • Unprecedented levels of capital targeting European real estate creating increased liquidity and favourable conditions for disposals. • We see growth opportunities in the Industrial and Logistics field in particular. New sources and forms of capital targeting this sector continue to grow and improved pricing levels are creating favourable sales conditions for occupiers. • The need for strategic investment by both investors and occupiers operating in the European industrial and logistics sector supports the business case for transactions which can provide operating flexibility and facilitate business expansion. SLB transactions, when planned and executed correctly, can be the ideal transaction medium to facilitate these needs. Introduction In 2014 we witnessed a marked increase in Sale and Leaseback (SLB) transactions around the European markets; accounting for 6.4% of market transactions at a value of €3.8 billion, compared with less than 3% at the end of 2013. In this report, we briefly investigate what has driven the sudden rise in SLB transactions in 2014. Whilst high levels of SLB activity during the peak of the financial crisis in Europe show that this type of transaction has tended to be contra-cyclical - i.e. more common in tougher economic environments - the recent increase suggests that the economy is not the sole driver, and there are other factors at play. This report will demonstrate that SLBs need not be reserved for corporates in need of a last-ditch effort to raise cash, and instead, there can be a number of competitive advantages in using SLBs as part of a detailed ownership strategy. In particular, we look at manufacturing and industrial-derived SLBs, and explore the strengths and weaknesses these types of deals present. Figure 1: European Investment Transactions & SLBs 14.00% €250 12.00% €200 10.00% €150 8.00% 6.00% €100 4.00% €50 €- 2.00% 2007 2008 2009 2010 All Deals (Billions) 2011 2012 2013 SLBs% 2014 0.00% A Quick Recap Recent Activity: Key Trends - Offices In 2012, we produced a report which looked at the market for SLBs in Europe. At the time, SLBs accounted for approximately 10% of all investment transactions across Europe from 2007 to mid-2012, when including partial SLB deals, when the seller leases back only part of the sold property. If only full SLB deals are included (i.e. lease term of 1 year minimum remaining), the average drops to 7%. The first obvious trend is that offices have dominated SLB transactions over the two year period, comprising 63% of all deals. Offices are followed by retail (25%), industrial (12%) and then hotels. The report showed that during the peak of the financial crisis in Europe, SLB transactions as a proportion of all sales had reached a lofty 13% (circa €13 billion) in 2008. Since then, as the European investment market has recovered, SLBs as a percentage of all transactions have declined to represent less than 3% of the market as of end 2013, supporting the contracyclical nature discussed in the original study. A recap on the key findings from the original report to provide greater context to the discussion, starting with conditions and considerations impacting the market for SLBs: 1 SLBs can serve the need for corporate entities to raise cash whilst allowing investors to secure longer-term income streams, thus enabling better financial terms – a transaction medium that can benefit both parties. 2 As of mid-2012, freehold assets held by corporate bodies currently constitute an estimated 83% of the total commercial real estate market in Europe. With such low volumes of SLB sales since then, it is clear that the potential scope for SLB activity remains significant, especially if there is a shift in the long held view that 'real estate should remain in corporate hands as a cultural norm'. 3 From an investor perspective, a strong covenant from the vendor will enable an investor to secure more favourable capital financing terms, especially if a vendor can opt to agree to terms longer than 3-5 years. However, if the assets in question are non-prime, too specialist or have limited alternative use value, this could reduce the likelihood of securing favourable lease terms. 4 From an occupier perspective, the major benefits of selling property, relative to selling all or part of a company are that the corporate occupier maintains control over the day-today management and planning of the business, allowing for a capital increase in the business. This is especially the case where the occupier can retain and partially control the use of the space via the lease terms and conditions set out in the sale agreement, and rent can reduce tax liabilities. 5 Re-investing the capital back into the business is critical – historical evidence points to certain companies which did not re-invest their capital, struggling to survive. SLBs need not be, nor should be, a last-ditch effort to raise cash. 6 How assets are valued and how a sale and/or leaseback (or leases) are treated in legal, accounting and financial terms can create significant complexity. While SLBs are a worthwhile transaction medium, they require careful planning and consideration to be successful for both the vendor and purchaser over the established duration of the transaction. Professional real estate, valuation, financial, legal and taxation advice is paramount, enabling a positive transaction for all parties. However, while office deals have been the most dominant sector, retail-derived SLBs surpassed offices in 2013, although offices have since bounced back in 2014. 1% 4.0b 25% 3.5b 3.0b 25% 2.5b 62% 2.0b 1.5b Office Retail Industrial Hotel 1.0b 0.5b 0.0 2012 2014 Germany, the UK and France dominate the list of most active countries with just over 50% of office-based SLB volumes. This is not surprising, given that they have been by far the most liquid investment markets in Europe. Switzerland and the Nordics also feature strongly in the geographic representation, both markets driven by banks' disposals. In fact it is the banks which have been the main source of office-based deals over this time, representing 44% of the total office deals closed between 2012 and H1 2014. Credit Suisse, BAWAG, WestLB-Zentrale, Commerzbank, Credit Agricole and Morgan Stanley have been some of the key vendors in the banking sector, selling their office facilities - in some cases their European HQ – for sizeable sums. Credit Suisse alone has closed four deals worth a reported total of €1.5 billion. The telecoms and public sectors have been other key 'office-based' business sectors sources of activity, particularly in Spain where public sector asset sales have been prevalent in recent years. Outside of the primarily office-based business activities, the other key business sector source of activity has been the manufacturing and automotive sector, accounting for 13% of SLB office sales. Key transactions have included the sale of Phillips' High Tech Campus Eindhoven - where it houses its IT, intellectual property and innovation activities. The campus was sold in a SLB deal worth a reported €425 million back in 2012, coming as part of the company's €800 million cost reduction programme announced in 2011. With this in mind, what trends and insights can we establish from SLB sales activity since mid-2012? 2 2013 Sale and Leasebacks - More than Contra-Cyclical? | Q1 2015 | White Paper | Colliers International Office Derived – SLB Transactions, by Business Sector Banking/Financial/ Insurance 2% Telecoms 5% Public Sector 13% Media/Publishing/ Advertising/Broadcasting 2% 3% 4% 44% Energy/Utilities Real Estate/Construction 6% 9% 12% Business Services/ Consulting Manufacturing & Automotive Retail Transport/Infrastructure In a similar cost-reducing approach, we have also seen the sale of Peugeot's HQ in Paris for a reported €245.5 million, after the company had announced plans to sell €500 million of property assets as part of a €1.5 billion asset disposals program in 2012. This has led to the recent sale of two office buildings located in Milan, in Via Gattamelata and Via Gallarate, owned by the PSA Peugeot Citroën group. The acquisition by real estate fund Pegasus was enabled by PSA Peugeot Citroën signing two longterm leasing contracts on both properties. Key Trends Industrial & Retail Within the industrial sector, we have seen some similar patterns emerge. Yet again the more liquid European markets of the UK (43%), France and Nordic markets (Sweden and Finland) have been the most active. There has been some activity in Europe's manufacturing and distribution core of Benelux and Germany, but only the one deal to date in Eastern Europe – with the 2014 sale by Bang and Olufsen, of its 16,400 m2 premises in Kopřivnice to Palmer Capital on a 15-year lease contract. By sector, there has been a real mix of activity and a range of buyers have been engaging in activity – from institutional investors to logistics providers in primarily single asset deals. There have been sales by a number of packaging and logistics firms – such as Huhtamaki Oyj in Hammenlinna, Finland, acquired by NREP Nordic Strategies Fund. In Sweden, the fund further demonstrated its appetite for the logistics sector with the acquisition of a 46,000 m2 portfolio on an SLB basis with DSV. In Germany, Fiege has acquired the product groups of Pirelli Deutschland GmbH to consolidate the existing small storage locations around Pirelli's production plant in Breuberg into a new Fiege logistics facility in Dieburg, Hesse – thus consolidating the position of Fiege as a leading tyre logistics company. Pirelli will occupy a considerable portion of the new building while the remaining space, in keeping with the multiuser concept, will be available for other customers from Fiege's eight core industries. Union Investment will be the final investor in the Dieburg project, paying a reported €50-€60 million. 3 Other key transactions have included the 18,000 m2 campus of Cargotec in Tampere, Finland by WP Carey for a reported €40 million on a 20-year lease. In Hasselt, Belgium, Coca-Cola Enterprises carried out a SLB of its distribution centre site in May 2014 to MC Capital, a private investor and real estate developer. The site had been under ownership for 40 years and comprises an industrial building of 20,000 m2 with 1,500 m2 of offices on a site of four hectares, and used to be the location of its bottling plant. This activity was stopped several years ago, leaving only the local distribution and events department in situ. Retailers have also been active sources of asset sales. Morrison's, the UK supermarket chain, is selling much of its property portfolio to appease investors, who are unhappy at its loss of market share to discount retailers such as Aldi and Lidl. Five assets totalling circa £300 million have been sold at the time of reporting against a stated objective of £500 million, including the regional distribution centre in Sittingbourne. The company is under pressure to reduce costs to fund plans for £1 billion in price cuts and product improvements over the next three years While some retailers have been forced to trade assets for cash in the face of operating difficulties, some retailers continue to expand. In 2014, Action, known as one of the most successful non-food discount retailers in the Netherlands, announced the sale of its distribution facility in Limburg to WDP on a saleand-leaseback basis for a reported €70 million. This deal came together with plans to build a new distribution centre in Echt, south Limburg. As for retail assets, again the UK has been the most active market (50%), followed by France and Spain. Household names such as Tesco and Sainsbury's have continued to deploy a strategy of utilising SLBs, especially Tesco having concluded SLB transactions worth up to €1.5 billion (including the sale of a JV with British Land for €78 million) - this accounts for 45% of all SLB retail assets. However, they have both been very quiet of late. There were other portfolio sales including for Agrokor in Croatia, with the sale of Konzum retail stores to WP Carey for an estimated €100 million. Odeon Property Group LLC sold their Multiplex cinema portfolio to London Metric Property and their flagship Leicester Square Odeon cinema to Harmsworth Property Trust for a combined total of €107 million. In France, the sale of the Vivarte retail portfolio to La Francaise Asset Management for €175 million, and the Metro 'Cash and Carry' portfolio sale to Hermes for €178 million were the most significant transactions. In Spain, the sale of Caixa Catalunya bank's retail branch portfolio netted €428 million, and accounted for a further 13% of all retail SLBs. Aside from these sizeable portfolios a number of retail facilities also traded hands. Two El Corte Ingles department stores were sold in Spain (€92 million in Barcelona, circa €50 million in Madrid). In the UK, British Land took full control of the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre in London, buying the remaining 50% of shares for £48 million. Sale and Leasebacks - More than Contra-Cyclical? | Q1 2015 | White Paper | Colliers International "…the phone company seeking to trim its debt pile of $37 billion…" TELECOM ITALIA "…it has agreed to sell the site for €120 million ($161.7 million) as part of a restructuring plan…" RCS ITALIA "…The amount positions as the most impressive one since the local authority's decision to shed a part of its property portfolio…" MADRID MUNICIPALITY "…This operation is part of BBVA Group's strategy initiated six years ago to optimize its real-estate portfolio worldwide, by sales and lease back agreements…" BBVA "…sold the property to Crosstree in March to help reduce its debt ahead of its £471million buyout of Best Buy…" CARPHONE WAREHOUSE "…with GE Capital Real Estate's publicised strategy to lower its ownership of commercial properties, selling in advantageous market conditions, and increase its focus on real estate debt lending…" GE CAPITAL RE "…Peugeot announces plans to sell €500 million of property assets as part of a €1.5 billion asset disposals program in February, and was reported by union officials to be considering a sale-leaseback of the head office building, as well as the possible €60 million sale of the Citroën brand's Epinettes site in the north of Paris…" "…The sale is part of long-term plans to reduce the size of the BBC's property portfolio by 30%. The proceeds from the sale, together with the end of running costs for the site will contribute towards BBC's target of achieving annual savings in property expenditure of £47 million pa by 2016/17…" BBC PEUGEOT "…The sale and leaseback of One Angel Square will release the value tied up in a non-trading asset, enabling the Co-operative Group to reinvest these funds in delivering its strategy of growing its core trading businesses to best serve members and customers…" "…After many years of building and investing in the High tech Campus Eindhoven, a change in ownership of its real estate will open up new opportunities for the other companies to access the site, …" THE COOPERATIVE 4 Sale and Leasebacks - More than Contra-Cyclical? | Q1 2015 | White Paper | Colliers International PHILIPS Conclusion In the current climate, there is now a far more diverse range of corporate entities selling off assets on a SLB basis. A brief review of the rationale from some of the biggest deals show the most popular phrases to be 'paying down debt', 'restoring finances', 'unlocking equity' alongside the need to facilitate corporate restructuring and/or more operational flexibility. Historically, the most prominent companies and sectors involved in SLB transactions appear to be those under significant duress. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the banking sector has been the main source of deals over the last couple of years driven by the evolution of European banking reform, under the guise of the European Central Bank (ECB) stress tests which led to the more current Asset Quality Review (AQR). This has seen finance conditions toughen and assets and/or debt held by banks needing to be in line with capital adequacy ratios, prompting a number of SLB deals since 2012. Some of the other major transactions have been by companies beset by both cyclical and structural market challenges postcrisis. Household names such as Tesco, Morrisons and PGA Peugeot appear amongst these companies - albeit Tesco has always adopted a strategy of undertaking SLB transactions as part of their operating model, raising cash to help fund international expansion. Within the industrial and logistics sector at least, there is more of a balanced story, where deals being concluded are helping certain operators to expand their footprint and operations, rather than shrink them. So while the immediate reaction to this overview of activity is that SLB transactions are indeed contra-cyclical - i.e. they are more common in tougher economic environments - the everexpanding industrial and logistics sector has illustrated that this does not have to be the case. In addition to the general benefits of SLBs outlined earlier in this report, there is a combination of contingent and structural factors that, we believe, reinforce the business case for this type of transaction in the industrial sector in the current marketplace: 1 The Unprecedented Levels of Capital Targeting European Real Estate: Real estate transaction levels in core European markets (UK and Germany) are on track to reach new post-crisis highs this year, reflecting the growing interest in real estate as an asset class in Europe and globally. Record European fundraising in 2014 (the highest since 2007) and the arrival of new sources of capital from overseas point to this continuing in 2015, leading to an increase in demand for various forms of real estate product, across the risk spectrum. 2 Growing Investor Interest in Industrial and Logistics Properties: The traditionally high-income component of industrial properties relative to other property types, 5 combined with the e-commerce growth story is attracting unrivalled interest and new pools of capital to the sector. Little surprise then that the industrial and logistics sector was in the top three most popular property types in our 2015 Global Investors Sentiment Survey. Particularly, we're seeing new capital from North America, including many Canadian pension funds, partnering with logistics property specialists to invest in industrial and logistics in Europe. Most of these will consider investments in large, good quality industrial portfolios, and in less strong properties with asset management potential. 3 Window of Opportunity: Industrial and Logistics property values have improved significantly since 2009 - although prices remain below their 2007-2008 peak in the majority of markets - creating favourable conditions for disposals. Capital values have the potential to increase further in the year ahead buoyed by yield compression generally, in response to growing investment demand. In some markets values could increase further via improving occupational conditions. However, economic uncertainty is back on the table in Europe, and a multi-speed economy means trading conditions will continue to be tough for some corporates in the year ahead, limiting rental growth. The prospect of rising interest rates in the UK in 2015, to be followed by Europe in 2016, signals that the current environment is also optimum to investors from a funding perspective. As values close on their peak in the current cycle, this dictates that the window of opportunity for owners to maximize property sales values and for investors to act on lower financing rates, could soon begin to close. 4 Need for Strategic Investment in a Changing Market: Remaining competitive in a fluid and ever-changing marketplace requires timely, strategic investment or risk losing market share and growth opportunities. The expansion of e-commerce and logistics distribution across Europe and, within the manufacturing sphere, the need to keep pace with technological change (automation, robotics or software enhancements) presents significant opportunities and challenges to all businesses operating within this sphere of activity. And all of these factors point to the need for continued investment. SLBs can be instrumental in raising the (extra) capital needed to invest in strategic areas of the business, allowing companies to expand their business and/or geographical footprint. But most of all let's remember that SLBs need not be, nor should be, a last-ditch effort to raise cash. Recent evidence continues to point to the fact they require careful planning and consideration to be successful for both the vendor and purchaser over the established duration of the transaction. Professional real estate, valuation, financial, legal and taxation advice continues to be paramount, enabling a positive transaction for all parties. Sale and Leasebacks - More than Contra-Cyclical? | Q1 2015 | White Paper | Colliers International 485 offices in 63 countries on 6 continents United States: 146 Canada: 44 Latin America: 25 Asia Pacific: 186 EMEA: 84 $2.1 billion in annual revenue 1.46 billion square feet under management 15,800 professionals and staff Primary Author: Damian Harrington Regional Director Research | EE DIRECT +358 400 907 972 [email protected] Contributors: Bruno Berretta Senior Research Analyst | EMEA DIRECT +44 20 7344 6938 [email protected] Zuzanna Baranowska Research Analyst | EMEA DIRECT +44 20 7487 1628 [email protected] Hadley Dean Managing Partner MOBILE +358 401 513 848 [email protected] Tim Davies Head of EMEA Industrial DIRECT +44 117 917 2048 [email protected] Ewen Hill Director, International Investment DIRECT +44 20 7487 1956 [email protected] Colliers International EMEA 50 George Street London W1U 7GA United Kingdom [email protected] About Colliers International Colliers International is a global leader in commercial real estate services, with over 15,800 professionals operating out of more than 485 offices in 63 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation, Colliers International delivers a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and insightful research. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second-most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world. colliers.com Copyright © 2014 Colliers International. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable. While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, we cannot guarantee it. No responsibility is assumed for any inaccuracies. Readers are encouraged to consult their professional advisors prior to acting on any of the material contained in this report.


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SALE Single Jigsaw Bracelet - Chocolate and Gold Studded Suede
- Leather embellished with gold spikes
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- Approximately 1/2" W
- The sizing measurements are the circumference of the bracelet.
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- Custom sizing is also available for a perfect fit!
- This item is eligible for exchange only.
- All Leighelena products are proudly hand made in Austin TX.
*All sale items are final purchase.
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by Patrick D Lyden (Editor)
Thrombolytic therapy is finally starting toreach patients in a variety of settingsall over the world. Formerly in the domain of sub-specialists, thrombolytic therapy now rests in the realm of Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care, Vascular, and Neuro hospital Medicine physicians. Increasingly, non-neurologists use thrombolytic therapy.This is a significant advancementsince the 2nd edition to Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Stroke published, creating a significantneed for a 3rd edition. Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Stroke,3rd editionwill be a practical and thorough reference to all those caring for acute stroke patients.Extensivelyupdated from previous editions, newdata and cases will provide guidance tothis most effective stroke treatment. This text will be of great interest to physicians, residents and advanced practice nurses who treat acute stroke patients.
Note: Only Diamond member can download this ebook. Learn more here!


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The Power DrillMature
Who would have believed that James Baker's life would revolve around a brooding power drill? It was to be a catalyst in his life and his crackerjack wife had no idea that her simple decision would trigger such a domino-effect.
Chapter 1
The Way Out
The power drill lay still. As if it had a life of its own, it seemed to brood.
James Baker looked at it with loathing. He felt as if it had assumed its own persona and he was no longer in control of it. For seventeen months he had submitted to its rule. Well, the worm was about to turn.
It was all Dill's fault. Why the hell had she ever contacted the damned television programme? For that matter, why had he ever allowed himself to be dragged into the scheme? She was always so convincing; all her ideas seemed so novel, so seductive. Each time they thought this was the one; the one that would change the entire course of their lives.
James Baker was a remarkably patient man. His wife was a crackerjack. Sometimes, he would look at her and wonder if she was real. How could one woman have all that energy contained within such a tiny frame? She bewitched him. When he was away from her he couldn't see her pitch-black hair and luminous violet eyes, couldn't feel the waves of magnetism that bound him to her. Only away from her did he feel totally sane.
And now he felt driven to the very edge.
What to do?
The renovation programme which Dill had blithely signed them up to had revealed an even deeper, darker side to her. He had no idea where it might end. It had to stop.


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He claims Francois Pienaar's side were not at full strength and is expecting a tougher contest when the two sides meet again on 22 December.
Venter said: "Saracens have had a lot of injuries and lots of young players have been called up to the side because of the autumn internationals.
"Let us not get carried away with this victory because when we play Saracens again they will be a lot better."
Saracens chief Pienaar said: " London Irish are a very accomplished side who play great rugby. Brendan deserves to take away this victory. We deserved to lose it, but it hurts."
London Irish move into second place in the Zurich Premiership table - just one point behind triple league champions Leicester Tigers.
It is also the second time in just four days that Irish have put seven tries on their opponents, having demolished former European champions Northampton Saints 48-12 on Sunday.Reuse content


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Polished Nickel/Acrylic Accent Table Lamp by Stein World. Slender polished nickel finished candlestick lamp with faceted clear acrylic fonts. The shimmery hardback fabric shade with its silver foil branch details adds sparkle and shine to the overall look. Available at AppliancesConnection
Stein World finds, creates and delivers the finest and most unique hand-painted products from around the world. Established in 1985, Stein World has a rich history as one of the leading pioneers in the furniture industry. For more than 50 years we have developed true partnerships with the exceptional manufacturers and artisans who help us make Stein World products. We are committed to providing classic designs, stylish silhouettes, fashion-forward colors and quality craftsmanship—all at an affordable price. Our accents, mirrors, chairs, lighting, occasional tables, vanity sinks, media consoles and casual dining sets are what make a house a home.
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- Height:27.5"
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David William Hotel
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Everglades Day Two
This morning we started our day at 10am by heading the short distance to the Ernest C. Coe Visitor Center where we did a little shopping for the grandkids and talked with a ranger who gave us some ideas on where to visit. From there we drove 4 miles to Royal Palm. There we walked the boardwalks, the Anhinga Trail, a 1/2 mile loop as well as the Gumbo Limbo Trail, another 1/2 mile loop. Most of the photos posted today are from those two ...
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and Chihuly
... David Fairchild (1869-1954). Dr. Fairchild was known for traveling the world in search of useful plants, but he was also an educator and a renowned scientist. At the age of 22, he created the Section of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction of the United States Department of Agriculture, and for the next 37 years, he traveled the world in search of plants of potential use to the American people. Fairchild visited every continent in the ...
Miami Camping
... budget cutbacks, the gate may be locked and the park un-manned. We are told to simply park on the side of the road and walk in. The Cutler Hammock Nature Trail takes us into Florida's own jungle habitats and filled us with a sense of wonder. Hammocks grow on elevated areas, often just a few inches high, surrounded by wetlands that are too wet to support them. This is where the mammals hang out. The wetlands surrounding them are where ...
Biggest Trade Of 2014
YahooFinance Canada View this email in your browser https://jennyandtom.ravenykfJW.com/?4D4 45768A9164A35998D4482 6A3EE920A4BC Hurry! Biggest Trade Of 2014 Hey jennyandtom.raven I have a new stock recommendation for you. The company is called inspirationmining and it's trading in canada under the symbol ISM. Currently it's priced at right under 10 cents but by next week it should hit 30 or 40 even. I know this because my wife's uncle is the geologist at ...
... have just checked in with American Airlines for tomorrow's flight and it seems that you even get to pick your meal in advance, if you want to - beef stew and yellow rice. Not very enticing but the other option was some weird shrimp thing or pasta ...
Other places to stay in Coral Gables
Hyatt Regency Coral GablesCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | 4 star hotelfrom $141
- Nice hotel!
- Off the Beaten Path
- Good choice
The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral GablesCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | 4 star hotelfrom $235
- A business trip to remember
- Nice with some drawbacks
- Good rates overall, but the little extras will cost lots (May 2004) . . .
Holiday Inn Coral Gables - University1350 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables | 3 star hotelfrom $5
Courtyard Miami Coral GablesCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | 4 star hotelfrom $111
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, a Tribute Portfolio HotelCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | 4 star hotelfrom $144
- Average but not Above
- Nice hotel, but I wouldn't pay full price
- Loved the Omni
Extended Stay America - Miami - Coral GablesCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | 2 star hotelfrom $124
Holiday Inn WarringtonSeaTac Airport, Warrington | 2 star hotelfrom $58
Shamrock Coral GablesCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | Hotel
- Shamrock Coral Gables
Hotel St. MichelCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | 3 star hotelfrom $117
- Small hotel, comfortable and convenient
- Quite a bargain
- Restaurant is not up to past awards
Gables InnCoral Gables/Coconut Grove, Coral Gables | Hotelfrom $87


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When he was in a Soviet labour camp on charges of homosexuality and illegal trafficking in antiquities, the artist and film-maker Sergei Paradjanov invented a new art form, "fleurism", which involved making elaborate wreaths out of dead flowers. He got fellow prisoners to participate, teaching them to make funeral wreaths; there were a lot of funerals.
Paradjanov made over 6,000 art works in the labour camps using any material he could find, from scraps of cloth to tar from a roof. He had applied the same skills to sew costumes for his films and, when he was rehabilitated during perestroika in the 80s, to make his house in Tbilisi, Georgia, a richly decorated salon where people came to look at the Tsar's pictures, seated on chairs he insisted once belonged to Napoleon.
The most ambitious, eye-poppingly seductive expression of Paradjanov's art, and the one that precipitated his years in and out of prison, is his 1968 film The Colour of Pomegranates, a series of mysterious images reflecting on the life of the 18th-century Armenian poet Sayat Nova.
The unreadability of the film was too much for the Soviet authorities. It was banned, then recut against Paradjanov's wishes with chapter titles to make it more explicable. There's an opportunity this week to see the cut closest to Paradjanov's own, which was found in an Armenian studio shortly after his death in 1990. Billed as "the director's cut", it invites comparisons with films that were altered by meddlesome Hollywood studios, like Welles's The Magnificent Ambersons - though, of course, Welles wasn't sent to a gulag.
The Colour of Pomegranates is one of the most sensual art films ever made. Its director was the Soviet equivalent of Salvador Dali or Jean Cocteau, a larger-than-life bohemian, a self-appointed "priest" of art who wanted to create a new cult of aestheticism in the Soviet Union. It was a little foolhardy. There are photos of Paradjanov, full-bearded, floating around the streets of Tbilisi in ornate clothes, lounging on rugs in his dressing gown, as if he were trying to live in an alternative Soviet Union that existed only in his imagination.
Sarkis Paradjanian was born to Armenian parents in 1924 in the old quarter of Tbilisi. His name was Russified to Sergei Paradjanov when he started making films for the Soviet market. He began his career as an assistant director at the Dovzhenko studios (named after the great avant-garde director Alexander Dovzhenko) in Kiev in 1949; by the early 60s, he had directed five socialist realist films.
Then he underwent an extraordinary change, which he claimed was prompted by seeing Andrei Tarkovsky's 1962 film Ivan's Childhood. Paradjanov and Tarkovsky became mutual supporters, the leaders of the Soviet new wave. This was the Khrushchev era; for a brief moment Soviet film-makers were in what looked like an enviable position. They had the resources of a subsidised film industry with a tradition of avant-garde film-making to draw on.
Paradjanov and Tarkovsky shared a fascination with the relationship between film and visual art. Tarkovsky dug deep into Russian art history in his 1966 film about the icon painter Andrei Rublev. Paradjanov was a painter and said this was essential to how he created. "We impoverish ourselves by thinking only in film categories," he said. "Therefore I constantly take up my paintbrush... another system of thinking, different methods of perception and reflections of life are opened up to me."
In 1964 Paradjanov made Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors, a savage story about love and death in a Ukrainian village reaching out to the folk culture of the countryside around Kiev. It was seen as the manifesto for a new Soviet cinema. Paradjanov's use of national cultures in this and The Colour of Pomegranates is deliberately mystifying: in Shadows of Our Forgotten Ancestors, the actors speak a Ukrainian dialect even most Ukrainians couldn't understand and there were no subtitles. "I think the absolute best film-making would be for the deaf and the dumb," said Paradjanov.
He got away with it this time. But The Colour of Pomegranates in 1968 troubled the state deeply. After it was banned, Paradjanov was marginalised and written out of Soviet film culture. A little later he made Kiev Frescoes, a document of the destruction of churches in Kiev. It was accused of "bourgeois subjectivism and mysticism" and the test reels were seized and shredded. Twenty years later they were sent back to Paradjanov in bits.
After his arrest in 1974 he was ostracised from every film studio. During spells outside the camps, when he had no income, he was seen begging and selling family heirlooms in the streets of Tbilisi. "These years of squalor were the best years of my life," he claimed. This was partly because he was fascinated by his fellow outcasts and because poverty made him use all his resources to survive. He described himself as the "priest of the Zone" (the nickname he gave the labour camp, and a reference to Tarkovsky's film Stalker). When Tarkovsky asked how he, Tarkovsky, might become a better film-maker, Paradjanov suggested he spend a year in a Soviet maximum-security prison.
Amazingly, despite poor health, Paradjanov came out of the Zone to see glasnost and have his work supported again by the state, specifically by the Georgian architect of perestroika, Edouard Shevardnadze. It was Shevardnadze who made it possible for Paradjanov to film his last feature, The Legend of the Suram Fortress, in 1984. It's a Georgian folk tale in which a young hero is sealed up in the walls of the fortress to stop it falling down; magic and martyrdom are recurrent themes in Paradjanov's work. When he died he was working on Confession, a film about his childhood in Tbilisi.
Paradjanov explored the suppressed folk cultures of Georgia and the Ukraine, but it is Armenia that claims him. He supervised the creation of the Sergei Paradjanov museum in Yerevan, capital of Armenia. It contains his preserved bedroom, a florid, private world of rugs and lace, where visitors can hear his Maria Callas records. He was especially proud of his display of puppets and dolls. "I want children to visit the exhibition because the time has come to find and to realise the beautiful, the beautiful all around us."
The Colour of Pomegranates itself is a rejection of the cliches of realism. It unveils its images with the confidence of a conjuror. Three pomegranates bleed red blood. A fish writhes between two bones. A boy lies on a roof among hundreds of open books flapping in the sun. It's the story of a poet's life, like Cocteau's The Blood of a Poet, and it is autobiographical: Paradjanov is the poet who is destined to suffer like the poet Sayat Nova, martyred by Persians. It's full of humour and surrealist energy, relishing the sheer cheek of what it gets away with - or rather will not get away with.
You can't miss the eroticism. A row of monks bite sensually into pomegranates, wash each others' feet, then some are carried away half-naked over the others' shoulders. Where are they going? The young poet, on an organic domed roof, peers through the window and the camera cuts to a naked Christ-like figure, bearded like Paradjanov himself, lying on his back while a masseur works on him. He turns his head to stare straight at us. He's enjoying himself.
The Colour of Pomegranates is at the ICA, the Mall, London SW1 (0171-873 0061) from today.


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SDN and NFV: How Arbor Integrates with and Protects the Next Wave of Intelligent Infrastructure
As traditional network architectures come under increasing strain, Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) hold the promise of making networks more open, predictable, flexible, user- and service-friendly and lower cost to operate. These virtualized, software-controlled networking environments, however, do not yet benefit from the range and sophistication of DDoS protections and security available for traditional networks. This presentation focuses on how the delivery of traffic intelligence, threat detection and attack blocking is evolving, regardless of whether BGP and flow or future SDN/NFV-based techniques are in use. Download this presentation to learn how Arbor Networks is adopting its DDoS solution suite to advance protections in SDN- and NFV-based networks. To listen to the original webinar replay, please visit: http://bit.ly/1zxbqA3


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The Chelsea skipper, 32, is taking a break in Portugal with his wife Toni and was seen chatting to a salesman before heading on board.
He was photographed at the helm of the Sunseeker Portofino 40, a two-cabin cruiser, as he took the ship round the marina at Vilamoura.
The boat is the cheapest model in a range of fleets that stretch up to £3 million - equivalent to around five months worth of Terry's £150,000-a-week salary.
A source told The Sun: "He loves the boat. He's looked at several and often talks about wanting one."
It's not the first time images of Terry on the water have gained attention. Online spoof pictures ribbing Terry for stealing the show at sporting events include him crashing the Queen's jubilee pageant and Olympic star Ben Ainslie's sail boat.
Terry's holiday comes as his Chelsea future remains in the balance, with reports that he may move to the continent despite manager Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge.


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Tonight-only hotel deals start a smartphone app arms race, but who does it best?
2012 may go down as the year of the same-day, tonight-only hotel booking via smartphones and tablets as a bevy of travel sites, including Hotel Tonight, Priceline, Travelocity, and Jetsetter, now feature tonight-only hotel deals.
Source: Skift
Author: Dennis Schaal
Skift Take: Everyone wants a little chunk of the last-minute business. It's going to come down to who makes it easiest to find what a user wants with the least number of taps on the smartphone.
Read full story at: http://skift.com/2012/10/11/tonight-only-hotel-deals-start-a-smartphone-app-arms-race-but-who-does-it-best/


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Volleyball Charity Tournament and Silent Auction
Jaime Patteson
Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT)
Who's Going
San Francisco, California
London, United Kingdom
Florence, Italy
Event Details
Can you DIG it?
Charity Volleyball Tournament and Silent Auction
Volleyball Tournament
Children's Activities
Commemorative T-shirts
Fun for all ages
Indoor and Outdoor
Silent Auction
When Jaime started her Journey to lose 120 lbs, she had no idea the impact it would make on her life and the lives of those around her. Inspired by Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings at the 2012 Olympics, Jaime decided to radically change her life and get active and be healthy. Along the way, she has formed many new relationships, learned much about herself, and opened up her life for all to see by a daily blog. The end goal, besides getting healthy and losing weight, was to one day play volleyball again. This event marks one year since Jaime's journey began and she's decided to give back in a big way. Not only will she be playing volleyball, but we will also be raising money for two charities. The first, Good Tidings Foundation, is based in California and sponsored and supported by Kerri Walsh Jennings that is designed to support arts, education, athletics and dreams for youth. The second is a local charity, XXXX, which aims to benefits children locally in getting more active and exploring the possibilities of their bodies and minds.
ALL proceeds from the event will go to charity. The funds will be split equally between the two charities.
"Serve your community"
When & Where
Willobrook Sports Complex
12539 Perry Road
Address Line 2
Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT)
Add to my calendar


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December 2014 – What Do Your Tarot Cards Say For The Month Ahead?
Aries – The Seven of Wands – Upright
Indications: Whenever we get quick and early success on something, we tend to get smug and complacent. Appearance of the Seven of Wands shakes us out of this complacency, because it augurs struggles and hurdles, despite a successful initiation. Appearance of this Card indicates that this may be a time to defend your quarters, projects and, maybe, some of your decisions, which may now be open to scrutiny of others. It also indicates open competition, confrontation of some sort, a challenge, wherein you may be fighting to maintain your superiority or rightful place. The Card may point at a career situation, a venture, a person/ group, which may act as an obstacle. You may look at others for support, and may find yourself reeling under pressure. This Card also appears in a reading, when the subject is about to take part in a competitive sport, an examination, a debate or an elocution contest or paper presentation. So, don't worry, as quite possibly this Card is simply telling you to keep up your fighting spirit, when you take part in such activities.
Lesson: You are new at a place. Rightfully, you need to test the waters and set your boundaries. So, don't go trusting people and situations blindly, before you are sure. Be alert and mindful of jealous people around you. If there is negativity floating around, strengthen your core and mind, and don't let it affect you at any cost, as this is not the time to get down and under. You have to stay at your peak performance, and defend your rightful place, says Ganesha. Don't hesitate in drawing support from the ones whom you love and trust – your family and friends. And, do open up about your doubts and feelings – someone out there may have just the solution, you may have been looking for.
Taurus – The Queen of Swords – Upright
Indications: Your head rules your heart at this time, indicates the Queen of Swords. Well, add this to the fact that you are an Earth Sign – practical, mature, frugal and modest. And, the resulting person shall be an intelligent, detached and logical conservative, bent on following a certain path, which you deem right at the moment. The Queen of Swords Card also points at an approach that you may need to keep or end up keeping this month towards a certain situation, person or the life, in general. This Queen is driven by rationale and intellect, and is independent, decisive and discerning. Nonetheless, note that this is a Queen Card, hence a feminine influence is indicated. So, at this time, you may be required to adopt a firm yet understanding and compassionate approach. At this time, you or someone who has a huge influence on you shall be representing this quick witted, perceptive Queen. And, this person (or you), at this time, shall not hesitate in calling a spade a spade!
Lesson: If you find yourself in such a situation that requires you to collect all your intellectual capacity and maturity, and take an intelligent stand on an issue – do so fairly and unbiasedly. Remain upfront and honest in all you do, and if someone looks up to you for advice or suggestions, help them with your clear and logical reasoning. Don't be driven only by emotions and sympathy. While taking any decision, give priority to your head over your heart, for now, says Ganesha. And, if a close one is compelled to be a little firm with you – don't keep grudges. Understand their perspective.
Gemini – Temperance – Reversed
Indications: 'Temperate' refers to a climate zone that occurs between the hot tropics and the extreme polar zone. On the same lines, the Temperance Card, in a word, represents 'balance' – mild, pleasantly moderate and likeable. The water produced by mixing the hot and cold water by the white-clad angel in the Card's imagery is probably tepid. And, that is the message this Card gives out – mixing of the conscious with the sub-conscious. However, when this Card appears reversed in a reading, as it does now, it indicates a time of extremes or conflict, a general lack of harmony, imbalance, hypocrisy, inequality, wrong judgment and, maybe, frustration and lack of clarity.
Lesson – The reversed position of this Card may indicate that a path that you are about to choose for yourself to tread on is not right. Be careful and steer clear of conflicts or situations, which pressurize you to take hasty action. Think through, and strive for balance. If you have been closed about something, don't bottle up any more – clarify and come out clean. It is most important to regain inner balance, and at such times, it should be your top priority to listen to your 'inner self' – clearly, fairly, honestly and for universal good. Learn from your mistakes. If someone criticises you, try to reason it – possibly, this has a positive side. And, if someone/ something is weighing you down, leave that aside and move on. This time may also imply a need for change – if inaction has been your way of life, go, get moving. And, if you have been running around crazily, slow down to smell the roses.
Cancer – The Two of Wands – Upright
Indications: The Two of Wands appearing in a Tarot reading indicates a time for putting your plans in perspective, progressing and moving ahead – on an idea that you may have already conceptualized and (seed) tested or on a path that you may have been thinking about for long. This Card points at a time full of insights, strategies, reflections, preparation, control, advancement and incubation of ideas. Much like the other 'Two' Cards in a deck, this Card marks a time of making a 'choice'. And, it may be quite a difficult choice to make – what with two ways, each more alluring than the other, beckoning you with zest. You may be quite ambitious and driven at this time, fuelled with a spark of inspiration, raring to go all out to make an all important discovery.
Lesson: Whatever you do now shall have a long-term implication. You know, most probably, already know that, and hence don't hesitate and lose an opportunity to make a choice now. Nonetheless, thing long-term, by all means. Courage and insight should be your buzzwords, while patience and focus shall hold you in a good stead. This may also be a time to take a risk – well, go on, especially if you have thought things through already. Remember, in many ways, the Two of Wands beckons you to move away from your comfort zone and explore a new territory!
Leo – The Five of Swords – Upright
Indications: The Card of Five of Swords represents disagreements, conflict and hostility. Since Swords Cards are typically associated with mental plane and logic, this may simply be a battle of wits, wherein you may be thinking that you have won the war, but may not be really feeling good about it all. There may be hurt, betrayal and loss of trust involved, feels Ganesha. In its upright state, the Card also represents a conquest or ambition (though, largely in its negative manifestation). Thus, this Card may see you being in disagreement with someone or some situation, and generally being aggressive, grumpy, angry, unhappy. You may feel lost in the world, thinking and feeling (most of the times, wrongly) that the whole world's against you. There also is a chance that nothing of the sort may manifest. But, you may simply keep running ruthlessly behind your ambition, or may act boastful and arrogant.
Lesson: Be careful of betrayal or a 'back-stabbing' situation. Don't go on boasting or telling about your internal matters to everyone. You may also have to take a side – choose whether continuing the battle is important or the relationship/ bond / situation. Find out, if this battle (of swords or wits) is well worth your effort and your emotional/ mental investment. You may feel lost or may feel that the world has turned against you/ Don't lose heart! Instead look inside your self – maybe it's you who's pushing away the others!
Virgo – The Hanged man – Reversed
Indications: Spiritual enlightenment or the need for it, time to meditate and break out of old patterns, a crossroads, ultimate surrender, suspended action and a time to stop pushing and trying – the Hanged Man Card, like its imagery, says this and more. This Card also points at a time of transition, martyrdom and self sacrifice. In its reversed position, it indicates a time to take a choice between two opposing directions in your life. You may be feeling disillusioned and unhappy, unable to truly move forward. There may be a general loss of faith and enthusiasm, which may make you rigid, unwilling, uncooperative and inflexible. You may feel that you have already done a lot for others, and thus may be acting absolutely harsh and close-fisted, not ready to sacrifice any more. Alternatively, it is likely that you have been putting off taking a decision – a strategy that may no longer help you.
Lesson: Relax and try going with the flow for a while. Stop feeling worked up for a situation that isn't in your hands. Work to restore your lost faith. And, if you have been feeling cheated or shortchanged lately, speak up and resolve the issue, rather than bottling it all up. Get in touch with your spiritual side to get the necessary spiritual nourishment, which shall rejuvenate you. If a difficult decision has been pending, don't delay taking it any more. And, if this is about a relationship going awry, do make it a point to resolve the matter – but, don't push it too much this month. And, if things seem to have reached a standstill, rather than feeling angry or frustrated, treat this period of suspension as a catalyst for better times ahead.
Libra – The Star – Reversed
Indications: In its upright manifestation, the Star is a Card of hope, promise and wish fulfillment; it is the Card that indicates strength, love and acceptance of self, fertility, optimism and inspiration. However, it appears Reversed in this reading, and thus represents an antithesis of all the positive things the Star depicts. Here, you may be a little out of touch from the reality, maybe stuck in the past, feeling pessimistic, unhappy or hapless. Suffering from low self esteem and lack of faith, you probably may feel directionless, negative and low on courage. You may also have recently begun to feel disengaged from a plenty of things you are pursuing – a career, hobbies, a person. Challenges, setbacks and a need for reassurance are also indicated here.
Lesson: First and foremost, relax! It's not the end of the world. If you harp on the lost and past, and remain in your current negative or listless state, there isn't much that can be achieved. If there have been setbacks, try seeing them from a different perspective, and see what you have gained in the process. Don't lose faith, especially if someone or a situation has betrayed you. This Card's reversal also implies that you need to re-trust your self, the Universe and the energy within you. The Star's appearance also connects with work and career situations, and a reversed Star may manifest a time in your career that requires a firm decision, maybe a major change.
Scorpio – The Lovers – Upright
Indications: The Lovers is interpreted as a happy card, representing a strong, deep connection between two people, harmony, mutual consent, sexual contentment or desire, self-belief, clarity and a feeling of oneness with one's belief-system. However, this Card also indicates choices or dilemmas, often in love, but also in the other realms of life, and also the fact that choosing the right path is of utmost importance or you may alter your life course forever. A blessing in disguise may also be waiting for you!
Lesson: This is the time to stay true to yourself – be genuine and honest, and make your choices very wisely. If you have been facing any major decisions – think through them, don't shove them at the back of your cupboard any more – face them in face! And, don't just go after the easier option. Your own value system may be challenged under the influence of this Card. It will be on you to choose the 'right' answer, for the other one shall be a 'wrong' answer – for you.
Sagittarius – The Queen of Pentacles – Upright
Indications: The Queen of Pentacles Tarot Card is a happy Card. It represents a 'mother like, female' influence that is both capable and caring at once. Pentacles are a symbol representing security, stability and wealth. Thus, this Card represents a time when there would be a good amount of material stability as well as a well-oiled, well managed worldly life, where most needs are cared for. It also indicates an influence of such a nurturing, dedicated, compassionate and independent woman in an individual's life.
Lesson: This Card indicates a need for self-dependence, rather independence, in order to achieve and maintain this balanced and financially secure status. The Queen of Pentacles represents prosperity and security. And, it teaches the person to be more giving and responsible towards others and the society. It is the time to reap and enjoy the fruits of your labour, but it is also a time, when you have to be grateful and appreciative of people and influences who helped you reach this happy, satisfying place, says Ganesha.
Capricorn – The King of Swords – Reversed
Indications: Symbolic of intellectual authority and courage to accomplish your goals, the King of Swords Card demands fairness, justice, clarity of roles and a sternness that comes from knowing and believing what's right and what's not. The Card in its Upright position represents an ability to judge, take command and apply logic. However, in its Reversed position, as it appears for you now – it indicates all things opposite. In one word, this Card represents misuse of power – mental and logical ability. It may be you doing so, or some elder (most likely) male person, who has a fair control on you. This Reversed Card also points at lack of decisiveness, selfish manipulation, aggressive control or tyrannical demands. The issue lies in the fact that, all this may not happen very obviously. The person doing this may do it all pretty charmingly – at least initially.
Lesson: And, you will need to be wary of this, points Ganesha. Yes, there is a very big lesson in the King of Swords appearing Reversed in a reading. Say 'No' to manipulation, if it is coming from someone else, however close that person may be. His (or her) personal interests shall feature the foremost on his agenda, and you will have little to gain. If you find yourself in such a state of mind or being – slow down, look within, ask yourself – 'why are you being like this?'; 'why are you wielding your sword power so indiscreetly?'. On the other hand, if you are the victim – make up your mind, and get out of this situation. At this time, you may also be lacking the requisite mental clarity for taking certain decisions. Buy time, and let this phase pass, says Ganesha.
Aquarius – The Knight of Cups – Upright
Indications: As the other Cups Cards, this one too signifies emotions, feelings and intangible aspects. Appearance of the Knight makes this a Court Card. The defenders and messengers of the Court, the action-oriented Knights indicate a sense of urgency, a sudden burst of energy in a specific area of your life. Unlike other Knights, however, the Knight of Cups indicates a slower momentum, a focused yet not fervent movement. This Card in its Upright position is a happy Card, and implies intuition, feminine power, creative expression, warmth, romance, seduction and a poetic view of life. As with all other Royal Arcana (Court) Cards, the Knight of Cup talks about either you, an event or a person in your life. This Knight urges you to give shape and realism to your dreams, imagination and inspiration.
Lesson: Keep moving ahead. The Knight may come with an open invitation for you to embark on a journey of fulfillment and emotional expression. Take it up, if it appeals to you. However, do take a decision, basis your intuition as well as rationale. Don't let your heart rule your heart, beyond a point. Nonetheless, listen to your inner self first. You will be happy to get the news the messenger (the Knight) brings you now – but, turning into something more fruitful and worthwhile shall be in your hands alone. This Card also urges you to start or execute a pet project that you may have only been thinking about till now – and, this also applies to a hobby or fascination. Your pace on this new endeavour, however, need not be cracking from the very beginning. Start at a moderate pace, but do start!
Pisces – The Ace of Cups – Upright
Indications: The Ace of Cups Card in an Upright position signals good times ahead. The Card is an indicator of compassion, joys, fulfillment, spiritual stability, love and happiness. This may also be a time, when a new relationship begins, or a new addition to the family takes place. If marriage has been on your agenda, the presence of this Card signifies positive circumstances and concrete, happy responses – and so goes for conception, fertility and child bearing. The life and the Universe, at this time, offer you a Cup brimming with emotional and spiritual fulfillment. And, it shall be on you whether you accept this gift or not. There is a lot hidden in this Card that relates to your personal, creative expression – and, possibly, an indication that the time is ripe for exercising the same.
Lesson: The love or the offer of love the Ace of Cup brings is not always the romantic kind. And, this may not last forever – it is transcendent – a passing offer, which you will have to be prepared to reach out and take up. Be generous, compassionate and giving. Give back to the Universe, what you receive, and it shall come back trebled. Keep yourself open – open yourself to the positive energy around you. On the career front, this Card is a significator of a new, long cherished project, which may now see the light of the day, bringing you great joy.
02 Dec 2014
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Win this beautiful book, Japanese Farm Food, by Nancy Singleton Hachisu. Read my review here.
Here is this week's question:
What is your favorite Japanese food?
Sweepstakes Official Rules:
By leaving a comment below you are agreeing to the Official Rules, outlined here. SWEEPSTAKES IS NOW CLOSED.
- Only residents of the U.S. over the age of 18 are eligible to enter.
- Duration: Friday May 31 through Thursday June 6, 2013 at 5 PM Pacific Daylight Time. SWEEPSTAKES IS NOW CLOSED.
- Leave a comment answering the question to enter: What is your favorite Japanese food? You can receive up to 4 additional entries by sharing the link on social media and leaving one comment for each share. 5 entries total per person, please. Extra entries will be deleted.
Tweet, Facebook, Pin, or Google+ the link to the sweepstakes. You can share up to 4 times—no more than two entries per day—for 4 additional entries. (Leave a comment with the link to each mention each time.)
- The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
- Winner will be selected by random number generator within one day of the sweepstakes closing. Winners have 48 hours to respond to their notification email to claim their prize. If they do not respond, another winner will be chosen by random number generator. All prizes will be awarded.
- We are not liable for technical failures or typographical errors, or resolving identity disputes related to the winner.
- We will obtain winners' name and mailing addresses in the notification email. Once prize(s) have been mailed we will maintain that information for up to one year but will not use it for any other purpose.
- This sweepstakes is sponsored by Andrews McNeel Publishing and Recipe Renovator, P.O. Box 34054, San Diego, CA 92163-4054. (619) 365-5065.
- Prize description: One hardcover copy of Japanese Farm Food, retail value $35.00.
Today's post is part of our mission to help you rebuild your health through food and lifestyle choices. Look for posts on Mondays featuring gluten-free, sugar-free recipes made with healthy plant-based ingredients, Wednesday essays, and Friday giveaways (when available).
Here is the book for you to take a look at:


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WAA General Membership Meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month in January 2017, February 2017, March 2017, and May 2017. The meetings will be held the second Thursday of the month in September 2017, October 2017, November 2017, and December 2017.
The meetings are held at the NHC Arboretum 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC. A social with refreshments will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by the business meeting at 6:30 PM and the program. The public is welcome.
May 24, 2017 - Fritzi Huber will present the WAA program for May. She has been an active artist and arts educator, conducting workshops in hand papermaking at locations such as Arrowmont School for Arts and Crafts, Savannah College of Art and Design, the San Antonio Center for Arts and Crafts, and Pyramid Atlantic in Baltimore, Maryland. Her work has been exhibited around the world from Switzerland's Musee du Pays et Val de Charney, Gruyere, Suisse to Brazil's Bienale International de Artes.
When asked about presenting to the WAA, Fritzi says, "As we choose a specific medium to be our primary mode of expression, how important is it to venture off of the main road and explore the shoulders; to learn all, or as many of, the varieties of application for that said medium as possible? My chosen mode of expression is through making paper by hand. I'll address why this is my choice, the various ways of papermaking, how that plays out when fulfilling a conceptual goal, and what keeps me interested in continuing to explore this same medium for over 35 years now. There will also be a brief demonstration of the use of a deckle box to form a fresh sheet of paper. Deckle boxes allow one to make paper with the least amount of time spent preparing, and require very little skill or background."
April 2017 - No meeting
March 22, 2017 - Patti Jenkins is an Wilmington attorney. Patti focuses on protecting the work and the rights of artists. "She will explain what a copyright is and how you can get one; what you should do and what you need to do; and what it protects you against - who can use your stuff and under what parameters and exceptions" (as quoted in the January 2017 issue of Wilma magazine).
February 22, 2017 - Kirah Van Sickle will speak on "The Art of the Critique' - an overview of what judges, gallery owners and you as an artist look for in a dynamic, engaging work of art. How can one improve on fundamentals and create a body of work that reflects your personal voice. Kirah has over 30 years experience of working with galleries, juried shows and exhibits as a fine artist, illustrator, instructor and gallery member. She has a MS in Scientific visualization and a MFA in Painting. Kirah is a Golden certified artist-educator (one of about 45 in the US) which provides her with insight and working knowledge of traditional and contemporary materials for acrylic, oil, watercolor and mixed media.
January 25, 2017 - The WAA is pleased to have Rhonda Bellamy, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Wilmington & NHC, to speach on how WAA and Arts Council can collaborate. Rhonda Bellamy served as interim executive director of the newly formed Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County from its launch in December 2011 and was named to the permanent post in July 2012. Bellamy has served on a variety of arts-related boards, including the Black Arts Alliance, the North Carolina Black Film Festival and the Cameron Art Museum.
A graduate of North Carolina Central University, she was recently honored by the City of Wilmington as one of its Living Legends. Other honors include being named Women of the Year - New Hanover Human Relations Commissions, YWCA Woman of Achievement in the Arts, and one of the 50 Most Influential Arts Leaders (Star News).
The Annual Holiday Dinner and Art Show was held Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Cape Fear Country Club. Over eighty members and their guests attended the festive event enjoying delightful friendships, delicious food and drinks, and the annual Holiday Art Show. This year's Show winners were: Pam McNeill, "Painting I would most like to take home"; Peggy Vineyard, "Best use of color"; and Mary Whitehurst, "Best use of light and shadows".
This year the Board voted to present Lifetime Membership Awards each year at the Holiday Dinner to members who have been devoted in their service and support of the WAA in leadership roles. The 2016 awards were presented to Alouise Fenstermacher, Barbara Tuzzeo, and Pete Paterson.
December 8, 2016 - Our Holiday Party will be at Cape Fear Country Club this year. We shall have a delicious dinner and a show of our work there in CFCC's beautifully decorated and festive rooms. More details to follow nearer the time. Plan to attend - it is always a lot of fun.
November 10, 2016 We are delighted to welcome metal sculptor, Dumay Gorham, as our November presenter. Many of you will be familiar with Dumay's fabulous sculptures, gates and installations around town and in UNCW. He is the creator of the serpent/dragon in the Arboretum lily pond! He will tell us about his fantastical creatures and other metal fabrications of his imaginative mind, and will bring some smaller metal pieces which we can handle, admire and buy!
October 13, 2016 - The WAA Committee Fair was a great success last year. So again, next month, in place of a seated program, we shall have the opportunity to recognize what the different arms of WAA work at, what the many committees do to provide outreach, shows, publicity, communications, hospitality, workshops and programs. You will be able to see where your talents will truly fit in and meet like-minded members who would love to have you join in. Come and get to know our terrific members, new and old.
September 8, 2016 - Charles Robertson's jewel-like encaustic paintings are the result of over 35 years of working and experimenting in this 2000 year-old medium. His choice of subject matter, usually landscapes of large open fields, conveys a feeling of tranquility portrayed by a softness often associated with encaustic painting. He also does still lifes of single objects and abstracts he refers to as "glyphs" or "glyphics". Robertson has exhibited at major galleries throughout the nation and is in numerous private collections. Charles Spoke of his work in encaustics, and gave a demonstration of his technique in this age-old medium.
May 12, 2016 - On May 12th, 2016, Wilmington Art Association welcomed well-known artist and instructor, Joanne Geisel as presenter at our monthly Membership Meeting. Geisel's presentation was titled : "Creating Dynamic Impact with Values". She explained and demonstrated her process as she begins an oil painting. The work at the right is the finished piece from the demonstration. She also shared her thoughts on gallery representation including creating a body of work, resume, cover letter, and researching and approaching galleries. Joanne is an award-winning North Carolina artist, and she is often found painting en plein air in Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington.
March 10, 2016 - Our presenter will be Kelly Starbuck of SALT Studio Photography. A well-known local photographer, Kelly has had work displayed in Town & Country and Southern Living Magazines, on Larry King Live, and in numerous local and national publications. She specializes in photographing pieces of art for shows, and will speak about her background and experiences.
February 11, 2016 - Pastel Demonstration and talk by Bonnie Rogers. Rogers teaches pastel figure drawing at the Cameron Museum School. She will demo a live pastel figure drawing, and is excited to share her passion for pastel with fellow artists. Bonnie is a graduate in Creative Arts from UNCW and was a graphic artist for many years. The picture at the right is the piece that Bonnie created during the meeting.
January 14, 2016 - the speaker will be printmaker, Susan Baehmann. Her talk is entitled "Original Prints versus Giclees". Susan will explain the prints made on an etching press: intaglio, etching and monotypes. She will speak about her background, how she came to printmaking, and her process. She will have examples of her beautiful work which is collected nationwide. Susan says: "My primary interest is in the never-ending variance of moods, shapes, forms and colors to be found in nature. The significance of objects and how they relate to each other on paper become arrangements of my impressions of reality." Social time will begin at 6:30 and the meeting will start at 7 pm.
For complete list of meeting dates and location - General Meeting Dates and Location.
Board of Directors meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Arboretum at 10:00 AM unless otherwise indicated - BOD Meetings Dates
WAA artists painted the actors in the Thalian Associations Childrens Theater production of Elf, Jr which was presented December 1-4. Twenty eight artists participated in the event. Artists took photographs of the children/actors in costume two weeks prior to the event. The paintings were displayed and for sale in the lobby of the Hannah Block Community Art Center during the the performance dates.
The Southeastern Community College invited the WAA Board to exhibit artwork August 22 - September 16, 2016 at the Wyche Gallery on their campus. A reception was held at 5:00 pm September 1, 2016 in the Gallery.
The Silver Arts Exhibition and Sale for Visual & Heritage Arts was held Friday, May 20 - Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the ArtWorks 200 Willard St., Wilmington, NC. Winners qualified for the State Finals held in Raleigh this fall. The Wilmington Art Association sponsored the Visual Arts and the Heritage Arts categories.
List of Heritage award winners
The Wilmington Art Association held the 34th Annual Juried Spring Art Show and Sale on April 8 10, 2016 at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center.
Complete list of award winners
The WAA toke a group of members on a day trip to the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh to see the Special Exhibition of Childe Hassam on March 29, 2016. The cost was $35 and included lunch in the Museum Restaurant, tickets for two special exhibitions and a docent-led tour of the Childe Hassam exhibition.
WAA Meet & Greet
WAA Meet & Greet - Meet your fellow artist on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Arboretum, Oleander Drive, Wilmington. Please join us for drinks and toothsome goodies while spending an hour or two with your fellow WAA member. No business meeting or presenter - just time to relax and get to know us.
The Annual Holiday Dinner and Art Show was held at the Blockade Runner Resort, Wrightsville Beach, NC Thursday, December 16 at 6:00 pm. Winners in the Art Show were by category: This piece would look good in my home.................Liz Hosier I think this piece of art is a prize winner..................John Parker This piece displays the most emotion.....................Neal Keller
WAA artists painted the actors in the Thalian Associations Childrens Theater production of Babes in Toyland. Photographs were taken by the artists of the actors in costume two weeks prior to the event. The paintings were displayed and for sale in the lobby of the Hannah Block Community Art Center during the the performance dates.


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View other listings in Ashgrove, Enoggera, Mitchelton, Gaythorne.
Online 4 months ago
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My name is Elouise i'm 22 and im currently working as a travel agent. I moved to Brisbane 3 months ago from NSW. I am a pretty social person and pretty easy to get along with. I am clean and tidy. Any other questions please ask. Give me a message if you think i'd be a good housemate for you :)
Elouise is also interested in Teaming-Up and starting a new share house.


text:
Yuki had prepared for this.
After school, he had stopped in a store and ought a special stationary with amusing cartoons of rate around the border because it was ironic.
He had even deliberated over buying a special calligraphy pen, because he knew that thinking about it for ten minutes would mean ten minutes longer before this was read.
Yes. He had prepared.
And, for even longer, he had sat at his desk and wondered about what to write. The cute rat-patterned paper mocked him with its blankness.
How does one explain the World in one reasonably short letter?
Yuki slid the paper away and took out his notebook to try for a rough draft.
Dear (he hesitated, and settled on) Tohru,
I want to tell you many things in this letter. You've been very patient with me (he frowned) for too long. I should have explained everything from the beginning; we could have been closer. I was (he stopped, crossed it out, and replaced it with) am a coward.
I have trusted people and that trust has been abused. (Yuki didn't know a better way to say it.)
My mother (he didn't remember; had she met his mother?) is a very beautiful, very self-serving woman, and she gave me to Akito when I was too young.
Akito-san (he realized what he had written and nearly tore a hole in the page crossing it out) Akito (but that was bad, too). (Yuki refused to deal with it and moved on.)
I looked for friends. They forgot me the moment they knew about (he forced himself) the Rat. That's how it felt to me, at that age.
Perhaps that was Hatori, though. He always erased a person's memories, so that I had never existed for them. He made it so that I was nothing. He followed Akito's order no matter (but Yuki crossed out the last sentence; everything came back to Akito!).
I wanted to say something meaningful. (Yuki didn't know if he wanted to leave that, but it stayed.)
I suppose I want to say thank you. (He crossed out the sentence.) Thank you for not betraying me (ridiculous – he removed the last three words) allowing me to trust you.
(Yuki waited. He would tell Tohru about Akito – about everything that had happened. He waited a very long time.)
(The letter ended with…) Love, Yuki.
Yuki copied it over. It was good.
Akito never made it into the final draft.
…It was good enough. For now.


text:
Hljykj.com is a 1 year old domain.
It was registered by li hongguo , who can be reached at . The site is owned by Hailun juyuan fuxikejikaifayouxiangongsi. Registration details show that it was registered on 08 Jan 2016 through xin net technology corporation and will expire on 08 Jan 2021.
The site returns a status code of 400.


text:
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text:
With Melbourne's contract due to expire in 2015, Lord Mayor Robert Doyle voiced his opposition to its escalating costs at Albert Park, claiming it was no longer needed.
That prompted Formula One chief executive Ecclestone to counter that the sport "didn't need" Australia on the calendar.
Australian Grand Prix promoter Ron Walker moved to calm the waters on Tuesday, claiming that Ecclestone appreciated the value of Melbourne and stressing there is an option to extend.
"There is a five-year option there that goes either way, and Mr Ecclestone recognises that this is a great city to come to.
"It is like Montreal. They lost it, and then they turned around and wanted to get it back. It is one of these things that advertises the city on free-to-air television....It is an amazing sport to help publicise the city."
Walker, who believes that the race pumps over $160 million into the local economy, described Ecclestone's reaction as understandable.
"I would say the same thing if I was him," Walker said.
"If you have the mayor of a capital city criticising the race and saying we don't really need it as it is too costly, I would turn around and say: 'Well, I'll give it to President Putin, or to the Prime Minister of India, or Korea.'
"The Mayor of New York wants one for Staten Island. So that is what I would be saying — Bernie doesn't want a race to come to a capital city where it is unwelcome."
Walker stressed the intangible benefits of an event that is free-to-air in terms of publicising the city and even mooted a permanent circuit close to Avalon airport, 55 kilometres south-west of Melbourne's city centre.
"Now that Mr Ecclestone has raised the issue again, maybe we might go to Avalon and look at the plans," Walker said. "It is a lot of money to build it, but then again the government has $1 billion (£618 million) invested in the tennis centre.
"If the government decided to invest in a train line, as we would need public transport there, then it could work for us on a permanent basis.
"It would take about three years to build, and the decision would have to be made next year. Or, as part of the new contract from 2015 going forward."
Meanwhile, Mark Webber has dismissed rumours that Red Bull might have been 'sandbagging' — deliberately underperforming — during winter testing to throw their rivals.
"Yeah, we wish," Webber said. "We would love to have been in a position to sandbag, but testing is so limited now you just can't do that sort of stuff.
"You need to run the car as close as you do on the weekend and learn as much as you can about it in the build-up to the new season."
The Australian, whose best place in his home grand prix remains fifth, claimed that Ferrari were favourites at this stage.
"They had a very solid winter and they're very strong. But you could have six to eight guys fighting for a podium this weekend."


text: To get from Riccione to Termini Imerese by train you can catch one of the 5 trains that everyday travel between these two cities. The first train to Termini Imerese leaves from Riccione at 06:43 and the last train departs at 21:45. If you choose a local train the trip lasts on average 15:46 hours. For your trip from Riccione to Termini Imerese by train you can choose to leave from one of Riccione main stations: Riccione On Wanderio you can compare all schedules, fares and railway companies to Termini Imerese and book the best itinerary starting from Riccione.