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Fiscal Affairs Division
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Governor's Budget Recommendation
Executive Office of Public Property
Line Item Information
Executive Office of Public Property
Department of Transportation
Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management
Executive Office of Public Property
The new Executive Office of Public Property will be responsible for the planning, development, and maintenance of the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure; the delivery of transportation services; and the planning, development, repair, construction, and management of the Commonwealth's built assets. The Executive Office will manage and coordinate the activities of the two departments: the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management, which will be responsible for ensuring that these functions are provided in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
The management and coordination by the Executive Office of these two departments will eliminate duplicative management functions, and will encourage the expanded use of private industry's property management expertise. Consolidating the capital planning and spending functions currently being carried out by discrete agencies will also greatly enhance the Weld/Cellucci Administration's ability to determine priority projects and to deploy appropriate resources in response.
The Executive Office will be able to effectively triage competing demands and distribute resources, minimizing adverse effects to the operating budget, and enhancing the Commonwealth's ability to maximize service delivery now and in the future. The coordinated management of the transportation system and public property resources is vital to Massachusetts's economic health and will benefit all citizens, industries, and visitors of the Commonwealth.
In Fiscal Year 1997, the Executive Office of Public Property will have the following objectives:
oversee proposed expansion of the privatization of highway maintenance operations to all highway districts;
develop and file an extensive legislative package to update, strengthen, and improve the legislation resulting from the Ward Commission recommendations to reform public construction practices;
develop a computer-based state-wide tracking system to centrally manage all capital expenditures;
privatize the management of all state office buildings except the State House;
manage and oversee the service delivery of the Regional Transit Authorities; and
continue to monitor and oversee cost savings initiatives at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
The essential state services being consolidated within the Executive Office of Public Property have previously been provided through a number of discrete departments and independent authorities including:
the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction;
the Division of Capital Planning and Operations;
the Metropolitan District Commission;
the Bureau of State Office Buildings; and
the Massachusetts Highway Department.
During Fiscal Year 1996, the planning and delivery of these services were provided by over 1,585 full-time equivalent staff (FTEs). By the end of Fiscal Year 1997, fewer than 1,500 FTEs will provide the same services in the reorganized Executive Office.
Budget Recommendations
The amount recommended for Fiscal Year 1997, will ensure that the new Secretariat will be able to effectively address its mission and objectives. It will also fund the administrative operations at the Office of the Secretary; contract assistance and debt service assistance to the MBTA; maintenance operations at the Department of Transportation, including snow and ice removal and regional transit service; and building construction, and management activities at the Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management.
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Department of Transportation
The new Department of Transportation will be responsible for the preliminary engineering, design, construction, maintenance, and repair of over 12,500 consolidated lane miles of state-designated roads, highways, parkways, and bridges. The Department will also be responsible for reviewing the design and construction of all locally-owned bridges on public-ways in the Commonwealth. In addition, the Department will coordinate surface transportation services.
In Fiscal Year 1997, the Department of Transportation will have the following objectives:
incorporate 660 lane miles of parkways, previously managed by the Metropolitan District Commission, into existing state roadways maintenance activities;
manage all state roadway and bridge construction and/or maintenance projects, including the issuance of relevant permits;
manage and oversee mass transportation services in areas outside the MBTA's districts;
expand privatization initiatives to include remaining highway districts; and
directly manage the service delivery of all Regional Transit Authorities.
All of the Commonwealth's surface transportation maintenance and operations will be managed by a single entity, the Department of Transportation. Currently, many separate agencies provide these same functions, often in the same geographical area. The new Department will coordinate and consolidate the delivery of these services, creating savings from the elimination of existing duplication of services and administrative overhead. The Commonwealth will also realize savings in the economies gained from coordinated purchases of materials such as those used in road repair, and for fighting snow and ice; the consolidation of offices and depots; and the consolidation and more efficient deployment of the heavy equipment fleets currently operated by the Metropolitan District Commission and Massachusetts Highway Department.
As part of its expanded role in providing coordinated surface transportation services, the Department will be responsible for managing the delivery of all services provided by the Commonwealth's Regional Transit Authorities. These authorities provide contracted public transit and bus service to those areas outside the main MBTA district, such as Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and the Pioneer Valley. Each authority currently maintains its own administrative and contract management staff.
The Commonwealth must, by law, provide funds to cover approximately 75% of the Regional Transit Authorities' net cost of service. In addition, the Commonwealth assists the same authorities in the purchase of their rolling stock. The Commonwealth, however, has little or no control over the cost of running these entities.
As part of this consolidation, the Regional Transit Authorities will continue to exist as local service policy boards only. Their capital policy and planning will be provided by the Executive Office of Public Property. Administration and contract management will be provided by the Department of Transportation. This consolidation will establish a more coherent use of financial and capital resources, while providing improved local service delivery.
The essential state services that are being consolidated within the Department of Transportation are currently provided through a number of discreet agencies, departments, and authorities including:
the Massachusetts Highway Department;
the Metropolitan District Commission;
the Executive Office of Transportation and Construction; and
the Regional Transit Authorities.
Budget Recommendations
The amount recommended for the Department of Transportation provides funding for the Office of Mass Transportation Services, the Construction Division, the Maintenance Division, and the Right of Way Office. It also provides funding for district support and facility staff. All core administrative services will be located within or provided by the Office of the Secretary.
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Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management
The Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management will provide real estate services to state government including state building project planning and development; design and construction management; property acquisition and disposition; office building management; and surplus property management. The consolidation and coordination of these functions within the Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management will ensure that the Commonwealth's real property is managed in a cost-effective and efficient manner which will benefit all consumers of state services.
In Fiscal Year 1997, the Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management will pursue the following objectives:
manage the planning, design, construction, and renovation of state buildings;
create an Engineering Design Division to replace the Designer Selection Board;
privatize the management of state surplus property;
oversee the management of the new Massachusetts Information Technology Center in Chelsea; and
privatize the management of the McCormack, Saltonstall, and other state office buildings.
The Department will achieve its building construction and maintenance objectives by actively working with the Secretariat in preparing capital plans, building studies, and master plans for the planning of state building construction projects. The Department will centrally oversee the design, construction, and renovation of state-owned buildings. Finally, the Department will use and oversee private architectural, engineering, construction, and property management firms to efficiently implement its mission.
As part of the Department's plan to maximize building maintenance efficiencies, the Department will continue a preventative maintenance program for state-owned facilities in order to mitigate high capital costs which result from deferred maintenance. In addition, the Department will develop and manage energy conservation projects in state-owned buildings in order to reduce operating costs.
The essential services being consolidated within the Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management were previously provided through a number of discreet agencies and departments including:
the Division of Capital Planning and Operations and its Surplus Property Office; and
the Bureau of State Office Buildings.
Budget Recommendations
The amount recommended for the Department of Public Buildings and Real Estate Management provides funding for the Engineering Design Division, Construction Management Division, and Real Property Services Division. All core administrative functions including audit, fiscal, purchasing, and human resources will be located within or provided by the Office of the Secretary.
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Have you ever had an experience that changes your life, either in whole or in part, forever? Yes, certainly there are life events such as marriage, children, first homes, divorce and death (to name just a few) which irrevocably alter your trajectory and change the landscape in which you exist. Huge milestones such as that are undeniable.
What I am thinking of, though, is much more subtle: the reading of a book that alters your perception of the world; a song that opens you to a new emotion, or brings greater understanding to emotions you're already experiencing; allowing the perfect sky on a perfect day to clarify your purpose on the planet for that minute/ hour/ day. It's on this level that I was introduced to a little something special called Farrow & Ball wallpaper, and my life will never be the same.
Now I know what you're thinking: Seriously? Isn't this a little over the top for wallpaper?
Ordinarily, I would say yes. Yes it is. But what needs to be realized, accepted and wholeheartedly embraced here is that Farrow & Ball papers are no ordinary papers. If I could adequately describe their timeless beauty, their gorgeous color and detail or their fine craftsmanship, I most certainly would. I only wish I was poetic enough to do it justice.
What I can tell you, though, is that not only has my recent introduction to their collection struck an emotional chord and converted me to a rabid F&B advocate, it has also completely turned all my plans for our master bedroom project upside down and on their head. Once again my Multiple Design Personality (MDP) has reared its ugly head and is mucking around with my best laid plans, but is it reasonable - or advisable - to change the design plan of an entire room all on account of a single strip of wallpaper?
On Thursday of last week I along with my friend and colleague Alison was privileged to attend a premiere presentation of the new Farrow & Ball Baroque collection. It was an intimate gathering of 15-odd folks ~ attendees ranged from independent design consultants to long-standing, loyal clients. We were treated to glasses of chilled sparkling wine and fresh, crisp canapes and while doing so, were introduced to the traditional methods of paper creation that Farrow & Ball employs. All of their papers are hand-dyed to create bases in nearly 100 shades. Each order is entirely bespoke and is created at the Farrow & Ball head office in the UK. Designs are applied to the paper bases by roller or by press, depending on the size of the overall pattern, and the application of the paint to the paper base creates a stippled effect called "sea weeding". It's this sea weeding that creates unique patterns within the larger design, and makes each and every inch of paper unique. You and four of your friends might have the same pattern, but no two Farrow & Ball papers are entirely alike.
In my case, I fell in love with the Orangerie design in the new Baroque collection, and I fell hard. In the existing plan, our master bedroom is supposed to be slate gray: walls, ceiling, trim. The idea is to create the look and feel of gray flannel, to create a cocoon. In the centre of the room we have purchased a huge crystal chandelier with a black organza shade, for a touch of glamour in an otherwise very spare room. Our bed is low to the floor, with two round, mismatched bedside tables and arced floor lamps on each side which act as reading lamps. There is an over-sized mirror already in place leaning against one wall, and assorted books and artwork placed casually on the floor to create what we hope is a comfortable, bohemian sort of feel. With my new love of the Orangerie wallpaper, I've realized, my entire vision is in jeopardy, but does it change my life?
The answer is a resounding yes. The knowledge that altered my universe a little bit on its axis on Thursday (that "rocked my world", if you will) is a matter of solidification and clarity: quality makes a difference, and exceptional quality makes an exceptional difference. Even now with only the slimmest understanding of the intricacies and complexities of traditional paper-making, it's clear to me that products created with this type of care and excellence make a difference in how we perceive our spaces, our homes and ourselves. The paper itself is a product among millions - billions? - of others, but sometimes it IS a product that defines who we are and, more importantly, who we aspire to be. Exceptional quality demands a level of appreciation and respect that is reflected on those who appreciate and respect it, and while I am most definitely not an advocate for blatant consumerism and don't believe in buying things simply for the sake of having things, it is an undeniable fact that some things, like nearly all people, are special. What I realized on Thursday is that if our homes are a reflection of ourselves, sometimes feeling special means first surrounding yourself with products that are special.
So now only these very concrete questions remain: How do I reconcile such a complex, rich and detailed pattern into our simple design plan? How do I align the purchases we've already made - the chandelier, the side tables, the reading lamps and the bed - with a new design direction that represents the complete opposite of our aesthetic aim? And if I do throw our master bedroom design train into reverse, will I be run over by my own enthusiasm in the process ... ??

subset: commoncrawl


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David Barton, a self-styled Christian historian who claims to debunk left-wing myths about America, is sure of it: If you studied the Founding Fathers like he has, you would know that "as far as they were concerned, they had already had the entire debate on creationism and evolution."
And the creationists, Barton says, won.
Just one little problem: Charles Darwin's On the Origin of the Species, the founding text of the theory of evolution, wasn't published until 1859. That's, oh, about three-quarters of a century after the founders were active.
David Barton's Make-Believe Version of American History
Current Status: Published (4)
Seeded on Sat Aug 25, 2012 4:37 PM
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How to Choose a Computer Book
How to Choose a Computer Book from Overstock.com. It's easy to find computer books for everything you want to do if you know what to look for.
Joan is the author or coauthor of more than three dozen books about Windows and Office (for the Windows, Mac, and iPad platforms) and three generations of Microsoft Office Specialist certification study guides. Joan is a Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Office Specialist Master (for Office 2013, Office 2010, and Office 2007), Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (for Windows and Windows Server), Microsoft Certified Technology Associate (for Windows), Microsoft Dynamics Specialist, and Microsoft Certified Trainer.
Demonstrate your expertise with Microsoft Office! Designed to help you practice and prepare for the 2013 Excel Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) exam, this all-in-one study guide features:
Use the in-depth exam prep, practice, and review to help advance your proficiency with Microsoft Officeand earn the credential that proves it!
|COMPUTERS / Certification Guides / General
|Publisher Date
|2013-08-15 00:00:00.0
|Microsoft Pr
|Copyright Year
|9.0 in
|7.5 in
|0.5 in
|Unit weight
|0.66 lb
|Professional and scholarly
|Lambert, Joan
|Country of Origin
|United States
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Mos 2013 Study Guide for Microsoft Excel (Paperback)
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Sony VPL-VW90ES Projector Review
Sony VPL-90ES Gamma Modes
Sony now offers 10 different preset gamma modes (#11 is "off" (default). Per Mike's measurements, the gamma mode closest to the target of 2.2 is gamma 4, which averaged 2.23 gamma. (Interestingly, the lower cost VWPRo1, also has gamma 4 as its best at 2.22, essentially identical). Four is a great mode for movies, though purists who remember CRT home theater projectors might be happier with a higher gamma. There is some correlation between the gamma numbers (2,3,8,9, etc.) and their performance, but it seems almost like two groupings, gammas 1-5, and 6-10. I hadn't asked Mike to take a close look to determine what Sony's doing, so he just comes back with the best recommendation, in this case: Gamma 4. The higher gammas aren't "linear."
That is to say, one might just alter the low end darker areas, not the brighter ones, whereas 1-5 are linear. One of the higher ones, for example might have an average gamma of 2.1, but average 2.2, everywhere except for between 10 and 20 IRE, where it might be only 1.8 (that would lighten dark shadow detail).
Sony SXRD panels - (LCoS)
A sort of short history of LCoS panels in projectors: It is true, that the largest percentage of home theater projectors use either DLP or 3LCD technology. Sony uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon, a reflective panel, as opposed to the translucent typical LCD panels. Sony calls their LCoS implementation SXRD. In the under $10,000 price range, JVC and Sony are the primary manufacturers of LCoS home theater projectors. with (in the US), LG making their move (they use Sony panels). We're finally seeing relatively affordable LCoS projectors, which is great news for all of us. Between Sony and LG, you now have a choice under $3000.
But let's concern ourselves now with the more expensive LCoS. The advantages of LCoS, these days, are twofold: First, LCoS panels have, for all practical purposes, invisible pixel structures, way below visibility at normal seating distances with a 1080p projector. Only the 3LCD Panasonic PT-AE4000, with its addition of their SmoothScreen technology, has less visible pixels, and it comes with a price – a slightly softer image.
Pixel visibility, and screen door effect are, effectively, non-issues with this Sony, thanks to the LCoS panels.
The second advantage, it seems, is in terms of black level performance. While some 3LCD and DLP projectors can match some of the LCoS projectors, at this point in time, the Sony, but more so, the JVC LCoS projectors, outperform almost most of the non LCoS competition, in black level performance. And The Sony's are pretty much comparable to all but one or two other brands in blacks.
Individual SXRD panel adjustment
A very nice touch, this Sony allows individual adjustment of each panel for more precise alignment. This feature carried forward from the HW10 and their older more expensive models too. This isn't an end all, there are still limits to the coarseness of the adjustments. If a panel is off 1/3 a pixel, that's too small to compensate for. By breaking the screen down into nine segments, it allows more precise results, than, for example, the single pixel shift design used in the JVC projectors and some others. It's a nice extra to have, although I have to think of it providing only minor benefit, at best.
Let's talk 3D active glasses:
For 3D, of course, the Sony VW90ES uses active glasses which means if you have a lot of friends, more money for glasses. I would recommend looking at 3rd party glasses for your extra pairs, you can probably save money, buy a universal pair that will work on your friends projector if they bought a different brand, and because I don't particularly like the design of these Sony's, although they are comfortable enough for 3D active glasses. I wear glasses, and Sony's glasses fit nicely over mine.
In Sony's attempt at cool glasses, there's a bad reflection (of the image you are watching) off of the glasses design at the top. I find it occasionally annoying. Although now that I think about it, perhaps some black tape can block the reflection. Still, that's sloppy design!
Below, on the left, the Sony VPL-VW90ES, on the right, the Sharp XV-Z17000. You are looking at a 2D image of the two projectors projecting 3D onto one of my screens. The glasses mute most of the Sony's slightly over the top blues you see here. You don't get this feel when viewing in 3D, it looks a lot more natural. The Sharp is a little closer to more accurate if looking at these two, but the Sony does have the "better looking" image, and that's not just me. My wife passed through the room and liked the Sony.
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Retailers may be pushed out thanks to the Barclays Center
Surprise, surprise: Shops in the neighborhoods surrounding the arena have fallen victim to skyrocketing store rents.
Mon Aug 26 2013
Photograph: Jon Klemm
In today's least surprising news, rents are rising (and rising, and rising) near the Barclays Center, and Prospect Heights and Park Slope retailers are starting to worry about getting pushed out. Crain's New York noted yesterday that landlords near the contentious arena, which opened last year, are taking advantage of the resultant foot-traffic influx, and store rents have skyrocketed.
One Park Slope café, the Chocolate Room, saw a massive increase of rent for its Fifth Avenue space. Owner Jon Josepher says business hasn't increased enough to afford $13,500 a month, so he's on the hunt for a new location. "My numbers are flat right now from a year ago," he told Crain's. "It's not like thousands of people are out looking to spend their money." (That aligns with the results of a survey published in The Wall Street Journal in June, which looked at how area businesses were affected by the venue's debut.)
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I stumbled upon this YouTube clip of Avicii giving the camera (folks at home) an insight into his creative process.
I have a theory that humans and software aren't as incompatible as a lot of people in the role of "user experience" preach. All to often I hear the word "usability" that is commonly used as a beating stick for why people should recreate software to suite the authors bias. They will often throw down a lot of fragmented behaviour science / principles of design that leaves the intended audience bedazzled as if to say out loud "ok you win, yo clearly can articulate design in ways that go beyond my simpleton vocabulary".
My theory? we think and act in patterns, we look at software as a series of patterns that we catalogue. Our job as UX practitioners is to give the audience a series of patterns they can lock onto, memorize and work there way around to achieve tasks.
In the case of FL Studio and Avicii, here's a guy using a piece of software to create music that you will no doubt hear on your local radio station at some point. The way he approaches the software in the video is something to see, given how fast and fluid he is with the information being presented. Observing his approach to the tool is simple, he's working with patterns and even more so he's working with audio to underpin these patterns.
It's also nice to know that successful artists like Avicii approach the creative process in a way that's normal 😉


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Savannah dignitaries ceremoniously gouged the first chunks from the City Market parking garage Saturday afternoon to the delight of children and the relief of adults who had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
The sledgehammer pummelling was part of "Wrecking Ball," a downtown celebration marking the start of an two-year construction project that will ultimately raze the 50-year-old parking deck and restore Ellis Square in its place.
Though the dreary weather dampened expectations of a huge turnout, about 150 or so gathered inside the garage to watch the dedication and pick up a few freebies, including bright yellow, not-so-hard hats made from plastic.
"The weather isn't the best, but spirits are high," said Susan Broker, citizen liaison for the city. Her office was responsible for booking musical acts Trae Gurley, Too Blue and Liquid Ginger, and entertaining the kids with face painting, a moon bounce, Magic Marc and the Puppet People.
"We're getting one of Oglethorpe's six original squares back," she said. "There's no reason not to party."
Spectator Brian Bullard drove from Hardeeville with his kids Courtney, 14, and Johnathan, 11, to join in.
"I hated this garage," he said. "It was so hard to get in and out of."
Round tables and chairs festooned with balloons dotted the bottom tier of the garage, but people mostly stood and stamped their feet for warmth as they listened to emcee Sonny Dixon, Mayor Otis Johnson and others talk about the past, present and future of the square.
"This is the first step in correcting a big mistake made 50 years ago when they tore down City Market," Johnson said. "The council takes great pride in having a public and private partnership result in the restoration of Ellis Square."
He also stressed the importance of patronizing downtown businesses during the extensive phases of development. Construction will begin in earnest after the new year.
The $74 million development, called News Place on Ellis Square, includes a 1,088-space underground parking garage, a renovated Savannah Morning News building and the reconstruction of Ellis Square in either a traditional configuration or an elliptical shape.
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Friday, 8 October 2010
An aboriginal art exhibition; latest works by Barbara Weir
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Tomoko and Dale visit the aboriginal artists of Utopia....
Australian Aboriginal Art
Monday, 9 August 2010
Aboriginal Art "Open House" in Melbourne this week
Along with a delightful set of a dozen 18th-century pocket-watch-size miniatures in oval frames picturing a rabbit, a donkey and 10 different species of birds, at Elle Shushan, there's a small, deftly made pastel self-portrait by John Raphael Smith best prices: abstract paintings.
Laverne or Shirley? Boxers or briefs? White meat or dark meat? Oh, the hard questions of our time! In our high-tech society, the question of alkaline or rechargeable batteries has finally landed in this elite group of either/or's. Don't you 18650 batteries sometimes find yourself standing in the battery aisle thinking about eloping with the rechargeable batteries and charger and kicking your relationship with alkaline batteries to the curb? Hang on, cowboy. There's no need to break up with your alkaline batteries —and at the same time, by all means, go ahead and grab those rechargeable batteries and charger. Alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries each have different features that make them attractive, so you really need both!
Even the very notion friv of online multiplayer has changed, with simultaneous player counts ever rising and gamers opening Party Chats to maintain VOIP conversations with friends while they play a game online with strangers. The idea of downloadable content (DLC) is also in its technical toddler-hood, with microtransactions both becoming the norm and becoming more and more robust. The concept of downloading a full multi-gigabyte game, once a total fairy tale, is now a fully realized option with most major game releases. And in just one year, hello kitty gamesthe idea of pre-loading has gone from novelty to a virtual expectation. So what's next? According to some analysts, a full cloud-based gaming solution. Sony has already taken steps in that direction, having turned its Gaikai acquisition into subscription-based PlayStation Now. Microsoft is rumored to be dabbling in streamed games, though it doesn't appear to have made nearly play free subway surfers the progress Sony has. Could this be the final generation of dedicated console hardware? Could the fanboy battles about hardware specifications finally end, with on-site bandwidth holding a trump card over processing power? Absolutely. We are approaching a day when the term "online gaming" morphs to just "gaming." In fact, play free happy wheels online its first days are already upon us. And you need look no further than the smartphone in your pocket to realize it.
Designers and developers must have to work together by sharing their ideas. For the perfect website, wordpress blog themes the work of both should be appreciable. Developers and designers work together for the UI features and minimum site loading time. PHP development professionals make their efforts to include quantity code-base. They work to reduce the code and complexity www.sbi.co.in in development. Web designing professionals include the effective and eye pleasing color combinations.If you've never had an appointment with us on our trips before, I think this is a great opportunity to shed the anxieties and see what its all about! 6pm - 9pm is a great time if you're just finishing work in the CBD too; you can just go on up and have a look at the Aboriginal art works, ask questions, buy some art or get to know us. Knowing my dad, he'll have some nice wine on hand too! He's exceptionally knowledgeable on the aboriginal art and the Utopia juegos artists, and for over 20 years he has grown Mbantua Gallery into an amazing (if I say so) culturally enriched Aboriginal Art gallery from its small general store origins.
If you are thinking of coming along, just give Tim a ring on 0417 809373 or email us so we can give him an indication and he can get back to you with his Apartment number.
Jeannie Mills, Gloria Petyarre and Lena Pwerle. As you can see, you can just relax and flick through paintings or have them held up for you against the living room walls - great way to envisage them in a home environment!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Around the Traps in Aboriginal Art...
Since our last entry Mbantua Gallery has had many new paintings arrive including these three pieces:
Clockwise from right: 'Tyape (Grubs) at Aremela Rockhole' by Gary Bird, 'Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush)' by Thelma Dixon and 'Bush Plum' by Tanya Bird
Tanya has recently returned to painting and told us she had an idea for new paintings using just white, black and grey to convey her subject. She wanted to know if we'd be interested in letting her try some out for us. Of course and we love them!! A lot of men from Tanya's family have happy wheels demo also been keenly painting so keep a look out on Mbantua's website for these more traditional works like Gary's above.
Aboriginal artists Lena Pwerle and Jeannie Mills Pwerl spent a month at our workshop in town in July working on some paintings and going shopping, and I enjoyed listening to their stories and photographing them in action. One of my favourite moments was when I had just sat down with them, completely exhausted after a long day, and Lena told me fascinating stories - particularly about giving birth in the bush. I'll point out that my sister Andrea, who had her first child in May this year, had just stopped in to say a quick hello and after she left I asked Lena what it was like with her many children! She told me there was no help from nurses then and no drugs, just the other ladies of her community who had experienced it before. There was always a camp fire burning nearby, so the hot sand would be put over her afterwards to help the pain, and soak up blood. Lena recalled how her youngest child, Paul, was born 'when the rain was coming' in a dry river bed. After he was born, she couldn't breast feed him so they fed him chewed up bush yams and goanna meet, and kangaroo blood to keep him growing. I was so captivated listening to her talk.
The gallery has some fantastic pieces of their work online right now so I recommend checking it out. Personally I love so many things about this new piece by Lena below, measuring 210x90cm and painted in umber, ash pink and white...the mixed colour combinations throughout the soakages, the way the paints have blended together, the depth and the simple earthy tones. I love it!
Monday, 7 June 2010
Utopia aboriginal art to Brisbane: June 22nd - 25th
"Russle up some wine and cheese, gather your friends together at your home or our apartment and we'll do the rest. We have a presentation that we will attune to your requirements and a brand new host incentive scheme. Or book a private appointment for you and/or a friend to view the art at our CBD apartment."
If you'd like to schedule an appointment or home show during this time, please contact Mbantua Gallery.


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Freshwater Biological Association
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Freshwater Biological Association, often shortened to the FBA, is a British charity started in 1929. It aims are to promote freshwater biology. It publishes identification keys to freshwater plants and animals throughout the world, and also maintains a library of freshwater science.
Membership is open to anyone who is interested in freshwater science. The Association's main offices are in Far Sawrey, on the banks of Windermere in Cumbria.


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I am having a Mommy Makeover in two weeks. For me this means, full tummy tuck, hip lipo, breast augmentation and a lift. Of course as it gets closer the negative information seems to come up in my research. I am 5'4" and 113 pounds. 45 years of age and right now my thighs do not touch at all. Can a tummy tuck cause an adverse affect on my thigh size if there is no weight gain? Thanks for your feedback
Tummy Tucks Affect on Your Thighs?
Doctor Answers 5
Tummy Tucks have positive effect on Thighs and Pubis
Tummy tucks will transmit a "pull" to the anterior thigh skin and visually improve the skin in that area. It should not affect the size or appearance of the medial part of the thighs. Another benefit is the re-positioning of the pubis in an upward and more youthful position. This second benefit can be overdone if the amount of skin taken is excessive.
Tummy tuck and affect on thighs
The tummy tuck should have no adverse affects on the thighs long term. They may appear a bit swollen after surgery but that usually subsides.
Tummy Tuck
Thanks for your question,
No, in general a tummy tuck doesn't make a difference to your thighs. If anything, sometimes a tummy tuck will tighten the skin of the upper thigh but usually there is no real change unless you have had significant weight loss with a lot of loose skin.
If you have liposuction to the thigh as well as your hip you may notice some loosening of the skin but other than this I would not be worried that your planned surgery will adverse effect your thighs.
Good luck with your operation.
Kind regards,
You might also like...
Tummy Tuck Affecting Thigh Size
A tummy tuck should not affect thigh size. If the weight is held stable over time, the thighs should remain the same size. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
Learn more: http://www.hughesplasticsurgery.com/tummy-tuck-photo-galleries.php
Cosmetic Surgery is an Art and a Science
Congrats on going forward with a life changing procedure. I usually advise my patients to have as much done as time allows. Discuss this with your surgeon. Thomas Narsete, M.D.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


text:
My Life as Polluted Pond Scum Paperback
The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle 11
by Bill Myers;
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My Life as Polluted Pond Scum
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Take one monster lurking in the depths of a mysterious lake. Add one glowing figure with powers to summon the creature to the shore. Stir in one Wally McDoogle, who reluctantly stumbles upon the truth:
And you have the recipe for another. . .
Laugh-filled McDoogle disaster.
Being a hero is the last thing on Wally's mind, but the fate of his entire town is at stake. Now he must race against the clock, his own fears, and his world renown klutziness - and learn to trust God - before he has any chance of saving the day,
My Life as Polluted Pond Scum by Bill Myers was published by Thomas Nelson in September 1996 and is our 50834th best seller. The ISBN for My Life as Polluted Pond Scum is 9780849938757.
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Details for My Life as Polluted Pond Scum
|Page last updated
|23rd July 2017
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|Thomas Nelson (September 1996)
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text: An unknown number of British and other foreign gas workers have been killed in Algeria for no better reason than that they were Westerners who became targets for Muslim fanatics, and apparently 'collateral damage' in a rescue attempt. Al Qaeda, which has been in eclipse since the death of Osama Bin Laden almost two years ago, has won itself another bloody headline. And Algeria takes its place in a jigsaw of areas of extremist violence that extends across the globe. Statistically, a Western traveller or expatriate worker is far more likely to die in a motorway smash in the snow than to be murdered by Al Qaeda. But after every new attack, foreigners will continue to feel unsafe – whether they are on the north Kenya coast, in Egyptian resorts, or, now also, across large tracts of North Africa.


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LANDOVER, Md. — The Eagles' Chip Kelly Era got off to an encouraging start Monday night.
The offense and defense both delivered terrific performances in a 33-27 victory over Washington at FedEx Field in the season opener for both teams.
Kelly became the first Eagles' coach to earn a win in his first regular-season game since Rich Kotite in 1991. Both Ray Rhodes and Andy Reid lost their openers in 1995 and 1999, respectively.
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"We played with a lot of energy out there," Kelly said. "I talk to them all the time about how if they play hard, we will always have a chance to win. It's great to get a win, but it's still only one win and we have a lot to learn from this."
There was an air of mystery surrounding the Eagles entering the game. Kelly showed very little of his creative, high-energy offense during the preseason while the defense appeared to be having trouble making the transition to a 3-4 alignment under new defensive coordinator Billy Davis.
They responded by dominating the Redskins for the first three quarters before Kelly took his foot off the offensive accelerator. The Eagles owned a 33-7 lead before the Redskins scored three touchdowns.
Running back LeSean McCoy, wide receiver DeSean Jackson and quarterback Michael Vick led a well-balanced offense that operated with such energy and precision that the Redskins' defense had trouble catching its breath.
McCoy churned through the Redskins for 184 yards on 31 carries. Vick showed why Kelly elected him to be the starting quarterback over Nick Foles, throwing two touchdown passes and running for one. He completed 14 of 24 passes for 196 yards with no interceptions. Jackson showed the explosiveness that makes him one of the NFL's most exciting receivers, catching seven passes for 104 yards and a TD.
The Eagles' defense was just as impressive in the early going, creating three turnovers, two sacks and getting a safety, before Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III began picking it apart.
Cornerback Cary Williams, who had drawn his share of criticism for fighting with opponents and teammates in recent weeks, came through with an acrobatic interception and sack.
Williams was just the third Eagles cornerback since 1960 with a sack and a pick in the same game (Sheldon Brown on Dec. 19, 2004, vs. Dallas, and Lito Sheppard on Sept. 18, 2005, vs. San Francisco).
"I just wanted to go out and put my best foot forward," Williams said. "I take pride in the way I play the game. Every time I step on the field I feel as if I have something to prove. My play is my resume."
Outside linebacker Trent Cole, who is making a transition from defensive end, forced an intentional grounding penalty and also downed Redskins running back Alfred Morris in the end zone for the safety. Cornerback Brandon Boykin snared his first career interception. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans had a sack.
The Eagles jumped on the Redskins at the outset, using a dominant performance by their offense and defense to take a 26-7 halftime lead.
McCoy and Jackson led the offense in the first two quarters. McCoy rushed for 115 yards on 20 carries as part of Kelly's fast-break, read-option offense. When Vick opted to throw, he usually found Jackson. Jackson snared seven passes in the first half for 104 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown.
"I felt like a kid in a sandbox out there," Jackson said. "Everybody was so excited. There wasn't one time when we felt like we could be stopped. I think this team can go a long way. The sky's the limit for us."
Vick also threw a 28-yard TD pass to tight end Brent Celek and scored his 35th career rushing touchdown — tying him with Randall Cunningham and Steve Grogan for eighth place among NFL quarterbacks.
"It was a crazy, crazy game," Vick said. "I've never been a part of anything like that. After the first quarter, I felt like it should be halftime."
The Eagles amassed 322 total yards and 21 first downs while running an incredible 53 plays in the first half.
Defensively, Cole and cornerbacks Williams and Boykin sparked a charge that left Redskins quarterback Griffin bruised, battered and frustrated at halftime.
Vick capped a 62-yard, five-play drive in the second quarter by firing a 28-yard touchdown pass to Celek that put the Eagles ahead 19-7 with 6:10 left in the period.
Celek was all alone in the middle of the Redskins' secondary when he grabbed the pass at the 5-yard line and easily powered through Redskins safety Bacarri Rambo en route to the end zone.
Jackson helped keep the drive alive with a key, 14-yard catch on third-and-eight. The Eagles got an addition 15 yards on the play when Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall hit Jackson out of bounds, touching off a brief scuffle on the sideline.
The Eagles' offense and defense both helped the team earn a 12-7 lead after the first quarter.
Vick threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jackson, place-kicker Alex Henery booted a 48-yard field goal and the defense forced two turnovers and registered a safety.
Kelly's first-ever offensive series started with promise, but ended in disaster with Hall scoring on a controversial, 75-yard fumble return with 11:54 left in the opening quarter.
The Eagles' offense had the Redskins' defense on its heels and gasping for breath at the outset. As expected, Vick and company came out in a no-huddle, hurry-up offense that saw them starting plays with as many as 22 seconds left on the 40-second play clock.
Kelly also showed his daring side, going for it on fourth-and-one and being rewarded when McCoy gained three yards to the 17-yard line. McCoy used his shiftiness to break loose for a 13-yard run to the 4-yard line before disaster struck.
Vick took the shotgun snap at the 10 and attempted a swing pass to McCoy. Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan appeared to deflect the pass at the 9-yard line and it ricocheted backward. Hall casually scooped it up at the Redskins' 25 and jogged to the opposite end zone accompanied by referee Ron Winter, who thrust his arms in the air to signal touchdown.
Replays appeared to show an incomplete pass but there evidently wasn't enough evidence to overturn the original ruling. As a result, Hall scored his fourth career touchdown on a fumble recovery and the Eagles allowed the second-longest fumble recovery return for a TD in their history.
The Eagles wasted little time in bouncing back, however.
Henery made his field goal in their second possession, then the Eagles' defense came up with a big turnover when Cole pried the ball loose from Morris and inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks recovered the fumble.
Vick needed just one play to capitalize on the opportunity, hitting Jackson for a 25-yard touchdown with 8:59 left in the first quarter. The catch was Jackson's 276th career reception, moving him past former running back and current running backs coach Duce Staley into 12th place on the team's alltime list.
Boykin added his first career interception on the Redskins' following possession — the Eagles' defense had an NFL-low 12 takeaways all of last season — then the unit added a safety to give the E
agles a five-point lead.
A terrific punt by new Eagles punter Donnie Jones pinned the Redskins at their own 5-yard line. Morris dropped a pitch from Griffin, fell on it in the end zone and Cole touched him to give the Eagles their first safety since they had one on Dec. 11, 2011, at Miami.
The Eagles ran 30 offensive plays in the first quarter to the Redskins' 6 and had 11 first downs to their one. According to ESPN, the Eagles became the first NFL team to run at least 30 plays in the first quarter of a game since 2009.


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Ray Rice thinks he's on Dancing With the Stars. HIT THE HOLE
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Ray Rice thinks he's on Dancing With the Stars. HIT THE HOLE
Let's score on this drive.
lol, long drive finally stopped and of course, O goes 3 and out.
big mac crushed freeny
WTF Flacco?
Mc Kinnie did his job there...right side of the OL not as much
Good play by Torrey to save the INT
McKinnie mauled Freeney on that play. Took him straight to the ground while Mathis ran right by Oher
Seriously Joe? WTF?
Little nervous Joe? Third would-be INT thrown.
Criminy. Oher looks like shit no matter what side you put him on.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2


text:
VA has positive relationships with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments and is part of the landscape of Indian Country. Every Veteran receives excellent services that are holistic in nature and that lead to optimal health. American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments view the VA as an organization of integrity that advocates for their needs. The VA demonstrates its commitment to Veterans by being culturally competent, respecting the unique sovereign status of Tribes, and reaching Veterans in Indian Country. Veterans know how to access all VA services and benefits and are woven into the fabric of the VA.
Veterans Crisis Line:
1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
Social Media
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420
Last reviewed/updated November 28, 2012.


text:
The attempted burglary was interrupted by the resident and was one of three daytime burglaries that occurred over the last week, with at least two committed by the same team, according to police reports. However, a surveillance camera picked up a shot of the car, which has now been released to the media, along with sketches of the two.
A man was at his home in the 8000 block of Regency Drive at about 11:35 a.m. when he heard his doorbell ring. He chose not to answer the door, but moments later, spotted a man trying to enter the home by forcing open a sliding window on the side yard.
"Upon being seen by the resident, the would-be burglar fled to the street and into an awaiting black, four-door sedan with two occupants," according to a news release. "The vehicle sped out of the Laguna Oaks development toward Foothill Road."
The homeowner called Pleasanton Police Department to report the incident, and as officers were headed to the scene a driver turning onto Stoneridge Drive from Foothill Road saw the occupants of a black sedan throwing several items out of their car.
The driver lost sight of the car near I-680 but drove to the Pleasanton Police Department to report what she had seen. Officers who recovered the discarded property on Stoneridge Drive found miscellaneous items showing an address in the 800 block of Hopkins Way. When police went to that residence, they discovered the home had been broken into and ransacked.
Witnesses described the suspect vehicle in the two cases as being similar to a Cadillac DTS, with gold trim. The suspects are described as one Hispanic male and two black males, all in their mid-20s.


text:
ED Magedson – Founder
Ripoff Report
ATS Systems131 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario Canada
ATS Systems ATS-Systems.com Simple error made worse by horrible custom service and cover up to be fraudulent Toronto Ontario
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I was in the market for a touch screen display, specifically the Lenovo LT1423p. Google shopping listed ATS-Systems.com as the lowest priced vendor for that particular item. I live in New York, and Ats-systems is a company located in Canada. When arriving at the site, the price listed was $462 CAD (An important destinction), which converts to something like $419 US which is a great bargain for the item. Before placing the order I called and specifically asked about the conversion of the price because I didn't want to hastily make the purchase and realize that I had made a mistake in pricing. I was told by the customer service agent the price would be converted during processing. I placed the order and was charged nearly $529 for the product with taxes and free shipping. I called the customer service representative and explained to him my issue, and he kept telling me that because they were in Canada that in Canada there was a Canadian price and American customers saw a different price. He was really rude and condesending, so I told him I just wanted the order canceled, so he kept me on hold for a long period of time and then hung up on me. I called back several times and was sent directly to voicemail and just ignored. I left a message telling them I was contacting my lawyer, BBB and leaving reviews online, I also contacted my bank to challenge the claim. I later recieved some long, inaccurate email about what occurred after I threatened them with a lawsuit.
What I believe happened is the price for the item was mislabeled with a CAD rather than USD and to cover it up they manufactured this ridiculous story. I tend to not claim companies are corrupt. I think what happened here was likely a simple mistake on the backend of the site, coupled with really really really terrible customer service. I'm more concrned that the customer service at ATS is really crappy. If they would have just said, hey the priced was labeled wrong we're very sorry, I would have been very disappointed but I would have understood. Instead the guy was just a jerk on top of trying to mislead me into believe some bs story.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 04/24/2014 08:03 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ats-systems/toronto-ontario-m5/ats-systems-ats-systemscom-simple-error-made-worse-by-horrible-custom-service-and-cover-1141316. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Double-Crested Cormorant
Illustration from Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia/Corbis
Double-Crested Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus auritus
Subspecies of
October 20, 1805, observed on the Columbia River, below the mouth of the Umatilla River, Oregon.
A solidly built black cormorant with orange throat pouch and long neck. Long hooked bill tilted upward when bird swims. In flight, the neck shows a slight crook, not seen in the similar Brandt's cormorant, the larger great cormorant, or the smaller neotropic. Length: 30-35 (76-89 cm).
Deep guttural grunts.
Lakes, rivers, swamps, and coasts.
Breeds locally in interior from Alaska, Manitoba, and Newfoundland south to Mexico and Bahamas. Winters mainly on coasts, north to Alaska and southern New England.
In the West, it is the only cormorant that nests commonly in the interior.
Species information from
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Double-Crested Cormorant
Harbor Seal
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California Hazelnut
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Mountain Balm


text: Showing 1 - 1 of Total 1 Manufacturers/ Suppliers Badhra Metal Pressing Co Send Trade Enquiry BUSINESS PROFILE Nature of Business: ManufacturersProducts Offered: Manufacturers of 3 wheeler auto riksha body parts, wind shield glass frame, side & front mudguard, front & rear flooring, hood pipe, half body complete, chasis complete, bumpher etc. CONTACT DETAILS Street Address: Gala no. 1, Ram Surat Singh Compoud, Ram Mandir Road, Near Lucky Print, Oshiwara Bridge, Goregaon (West) City: Mumbai State: Maharashtra PIN: 400 104 Country: India Phone: +(91)-(22)-56779511/26784802 Fax: +91)-(22)-56779511 Send Trade Enquiry Now


text:
By Barbara De Lollis, USA TODAY
Besides a new HQ, Hilton Hotels Corp. now has a new name and logo.
As the company settles in to its new digs in Tysons Corner in McLean, Va., after relocating HQ from Beverly Hills, Calif., the company today unveiled its new name: "Hilton Worldwide" instead of just plain old "Hilton Hotels."
Hilton Worldwide also gets a new logo instead of the former swirly, blue "H;" this one's sort of like mirror-facing upright bed posts in platinum and gold. It's not a huge design statement, but I'd say it's more serious looking. (For those of you who recall the prior Hilton logo, the new one will clearly look familiar.)
I talked briefly with Hilton Worldwide CEO Christopher Nassetta earlier today about the new symbols. He said they were needed to symbolize the many changes that Hilton's going through, such as its move to the East Coast from the West Coast, and its overseas growth spurt. Hilton's also doing some self-reflecting by updating its company vision, mission statement and key strategic priorities, he said.
"We're really trying to put a stake in ground. We're one of the largest hotel companies in the world, and this is a renewed focus on being the pre-eminent hospitality company," Nassetta told me. "We thought that the name Hilton Worldwide is more reflective of who we are."
HOTEL CHECK-IN: More hotel news and trends
Hilton Worldwide oversees more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries that belong to 10 chains, such as Waldorf Astoria, Embassy Suites, DoubleTree and Homewood Suites. About 130,000 people work for Hilton worldwide.
Although the name and logo change really seems like it's more about business than the traveling public, Nassetta said that the new labeling for Hilton Worldwide's HHonors program should reduce confusion among consumers in the long run. HHonors will share the same mirror-image logo as Hilton Worldwide; but instead of the emphasis on "Hilton," the new name will emphasis "HHonors," with "Hilton Worldwide" in smaller print.
Though loyalty members of any chain tend to best know which chains belong to their loyalty program, Nassetta said it's surprising how many people don't know that the Hilton family encompasses more than just the obvious chains, such as Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn.
Readers: For those of you who belong to a hotel loyalty program — whether Hilton, Marriott, Starwood, InterContinental or Wyndham — can you remember exactly which chains belong to the main corporate parent?
Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.


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I am really curious how the other mother would have handled the situation if it had been reversed.
I agree, and dd and I were always conscious of keeping "special" toys at home (or in the car....or mommy's bag) when with friends. But what if the child realizes when they are out that the toy they brought is too special? What if they intended to share, but then felt unable?
I always said, "dd didn't realize how special that toy is, and she isn't willing to share it right now. Could I please have the toy so I can put it away?" (and then the toy got put away until after the playdate). I've never had a child refuse, and I'm not sure how I would handle it if I had. I would hope that the other mother would support me in getting the toy put away for the duration of the playdate.
Now, if dd were unable to share *any* toys, we would simply go home. It had to be one or two truly special toys--not every toy in the house, lol. But dd never had a lovey, so her special toys were always changing.
My biggest issue is with the idea of forcibly removing a toy from a child's hand, especially when that child has already shown an inclination to take toys from others. Taking a toy from a child just shows that its okay to use force to get your way because you are bigger and stronger. I think when the other child refuses to return the item the two best choices are to patiently and persistently insist that the child return the item, or to model graciousness in allowing the child to play with the toy until they are finished.
In response to the post by junipermuse:
I see your point about not intervening as long as there isn't damage being done to the toy, but I disagree that "just because she became hysterical" isn't a good enough reason or "damaging" in itself. Only the OP knows how her child was reacting - whether in tantrum or truly hurtful hysterics. As a mother, I'm not willing to err on the side of my child hurting b/c others might think it's just a tantrum and see my action as giving in. He depends on me to stand up for him and I see that as my job.
I think when the other child refuses to return the item the two best choices are to patiently and persistently insist that the child return the item, or to model graciousness in allowing the child to play with the toy until they are finished.
I'm also a bit surprised that so many posters felt that the 2.5 boy and his mother were unreasonable in this situation when the actions of the little girl to both abandon a toy and then have a tantrum were really her choices.
I hear you, and I totally agree in theory. I wish this worked all the time. I have a friend who does this with her two boys and it is SO good to watch. I think it's a great thing to do with siblings (and I'm sure you get TONS of practice with siblings )
It's a hard situation. I just know that I do sometimes make the choice to remove a toy from my child's hands and I empathize and explain and talk about it MORE after he's calm and can actually hear me. These things can always become learning experiences. IME my DS remembers everything and seems glad to talk about hard times after the fact, and even what we could do next time to make things better. I would have a much harder time removing a toy from another child's hands, but depending on the level of upset and the reaction from the other parent, I would do it if necessary to get out of there.
I don't know, maybe it's a lesson that if an adult asks you to return a toy and you refuse, that doesn't mean you get to keep it? Just thinking out loud. Maybe I'm a lot less consensual than others of you. There are some things that just have to be done, and I have never yet found myself saying "because I said so" and wouldn't need to in this situation either, but the fact THAT I said so and explained why IS a good enough reason, and if you can't handle doing it yourself I guess I will help get it done. I don't know. Good, thought-provoking stuff
Although it seems that the other mother was a bit over the top to ask that her son " keep the toy for the afternoon", she doesn't have a voice here and may have been misunderstood. It is quite likely and reasonable that she just thought a bit of time would have her son lose interest and the toy easily returned.
But from the little boys perspective he found it just lying there on the ground with nobody using it, so it was legitimately his to use. .
I agree with most everything you said except for the above quotes. I think the big issue with the OP is that the other mother wanted her son to take the toy home with him, not just let him have a turn for a few minutes. She was explaining to the trantruming child how important HER toy was to this boy and that he should be able to take it home with him. I think that is hurtful to a child and that is abuse of adult power. That makes no sense. That's a BIG difference from wanting to explore it, take a turn, taking a LONG turn... that's wanting to transfer ownership! At that point, IMO, the OP should have said it was time to go and we need our toy and leave it to the other mother to get it from the child - they already did patient and persistent.
See, I just don't agree with that logic, and I didn't teach my dd that is true. I taught her to respect ownership....to ask if it is ok to play with another child's toy. When we have guests in our home, it is assumed that we are sharing our toys. But we (dd and I) do not make the same assumption about toys we find laying on the ground. We ask first. If there is no one to ask (for instance, when coming across sand toys in an abandoned sand box), we might use them but are prepared to return them if the owner appears and requests that we do.
I completely hear your concern and really respect it. I've done the best I can to represent what happened, because I really need to solve this--it's not just this incident, but a series of incidents where the extent of the mama's gentle discipline with her kiddo is at the expense of my kiddo. Obviously, I'm not handling things very effectively. And I live in a close-knit neighborhood with this family, and so I don't have the option of just not seeing them anymore. And I'm ok with that--I'd rather find a way to deal with this than to just avoid them.
So many wonderful and different replies....
I think I would have been middle-of-the-road....
In terms of the initial conflict--if my ds were the child who lost the toy, I actually would have been more concerned with helping him manage his emotional outburst until a solution was reached. It sounds like your dd was *really* hysterical. Once it became clear that a swift solution wasn't going to happen with the child who had the toy, I would have focused on helping my own ds calm down. I probably would have held him and just spoken to him quietly, perhaps taking him to another room, because I honestly couldn't brainstorm in the midst of such hysterical strong emotion. I think at 3 I would have kept our focus on a simple message like 'You will be okay until we get the toy back. You are safe and you can calm down when you are ready". And just held ds for comfort until he calmed down.
Somewhere on a small level in that moment, if ds were flipping out and totally losing it emotionally, I would want to model for ds some perspective on what was happening. I wouldn't be inclined to grab the toy and hurry it back into his hands. That wouldn't be my instinct. My instinct would be "whoa, he is totally hysterical, and needs helping calming down".
The situation was that her toy was momentarily in the possession of another child. Feeling hysterical about that--my gut would be to help my child, first, not to be hysterical in a situation like that.
I also want to clarify the above is not because I think the other mother was in the right...I don't. I would feel very concerned if, in the midst of an emotional breakdown, the other mother asked my 3 year old to let her child keep the toy. It would strike me as detached from how my child was processing what happened. I would be hoping at least for a "He will give it back very soon, I know this toy is very special to you". Because on the flip side, if my ds took the toy, my priority would be exactly the same--helping him realize he could handle the situation even if it brought out strong objections and emotions.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by a hysterical toddler. I'm guessing the other mother feels overwhelmed by her son, thus leading her to think he can only "handle" a situation as long as it doesn't upset him at all.
It's easy to get caught up in the original possession of this item--but because this was a playdate and the toy was left on the playing field, so to speak, *ideally* it's a learning opportunity for the kids in handling interpersonal conflicts in a safe environment. Ideally both parents are on the same page in how to resolve those conflicts, but in this case, you weren't.
I would have said to the other mother "it isn't acceptable to me that your son keep the toy after the playday is over. Why don't you help him find a way to give it back while I help my child calm down in another room. Perhaps you can find something to trade for instead. There are some small trinkets he could have in the box beside the backdoor. I'm sure we can find a way to help the kids resolve this problem". Perhaps this mother needs help with clear boundaries as well? It might just be that she needs to hear what your limits are so that she can help her son process them.
I am overwhelmed by how icky this situation was for you and for your dd. That mother handled it horribly!
If I am understanding correctly, this doll is a special attachment object -- a lovey, or sorts. And in that case, IMO, all normal rules of sharing are off. Attachment objects are a special case -- a 2 yo. child thinks of a lovey as an extension of themselves. It IS potentially damaging to feel that terror of loosing it. I don't even necessarily think it should be left at home or in the car, because you never know when she might need it or need to be near it.
The little boy probably didn't understand this, but the mother really should have.
I don't know what I would have done in your shoes. I wouldn't feel comfortable taking it from him forceably with the mother standing right there. But I think she should have. Whatever frustration he might feel as a result would be minor compared to what your dd was going through. I don't know -- I suspect I would have asked the mother to take it. Something like, "That doll is particularly special. DD needs it back now, please. And then I think we'll call it a day."
As far as the overall problem, I think you have two choices. You can practise being very direct and assertive in terms of asking her to take action with her child in each situation that problems arise. Or -- you can sit down over a cup of coffee and gently lay out the problem for her, and ask her for input on how to solve it. You know her best -- and can determine which approach would be better received.
I don't envy you the task!
In my experience, it works.
You don't want one hysterical child and one happy child, that isn't fair to sobbing child and it isn't a very fun playdate if one child is hysterical. If the toy is out of sight both children tend to move on.
I do that with ANY fights over a toy. I have ended up with half a toybox on top of my fridge but they learn eventually.
I explained to him that it's her favorite toy (she carries it around like it's a doll) and asked if he would give it back to her. He refused, so his mama tried to get him to give it to her but he still refused. My DD is sitting there hysterical, begging me incoherently to get it back from him. And the mama is explaining to the little boy "look at how upset she is...it sounds like she's trying to tell you that she really wants her toy back...wow, she's really upset."
When that didn't work, the mama asked my DD if she would leave the toy with her son for the afternoon because "look at how much it means to him." My DD is so hysterical at this point that she's red in the face and stuffing her fist in her mouth. And I'm telling the mama that it's not a good idea, that it seems like my DD is indicating that it's too important of a toy to her. But the mama continued imploring my DD to have empathy for her son and to look at how important it seems to him and would my DD be willing to leave it with him. This went on and on and on.
Does anyone else think dropping the toy to use the potty is significant?
My understanding was that the object was something she was particularly attached to on that given day but was not her long time "attachment object" I personally feel there is a big difference.
|Posting again -- I don't think it is right to expect a 2 yo. to calm down and learn about surviving without their attachment object. I think it is too high an expectation. There are certain sorts of things that we just don't share -- we don't tolerate other people handling. I don't feel comfortable with other people picking up my purse and exploring it, for example. Even close friends.
And with a doll or a teddy that is important, its more than an object. From the child's perspective, its a personality -- her baby. To make it more personal, imagine yourself as the mother of an infant -- and imagine that someone else is holding your baby and refusing to hand it back when you asked for it. Its not rational to expect that you would calm down, or learn to accept that you can be okay without your baby for a minute. You would really just need your baby back -- now.
This little girl has plenty of time to learn that her doll is just an object. She doesn't need to learn that as a toddler.
I think the remedy for the upset dd would be seeing her own mother assert a simple boundary "No, he may not keep it. However we will give you some time alone to help him put down the toy, while dd calms down with me in another room etc....".
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text:
BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Monday, 26 November 2007, at 1502 GMT.
Presenter Vincent Duggleby took your questions on identity protection and credit reports and put them to a panel of experts.
What steps can you take to protect your personal data?
Maybe you think someone has applied for credit in your name and want to know what to do?
How much information is held on your credit report and who uses it?
If there's a mistake on your file how can it be corrected?
Or perhaps you've been turned down for credit and want to know why.
Whatever your concern, our panel of experts was here to give you advice.
Vincent Duggleby was joined by:
Presenter: Vincent Duggleby
Producer: Lesley McAlpine
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Most Popular Now | 56,514 people are reading stories on the site right now.";


text: Plasma enhanced reforming is being commercialized for environmentally protective, non-combustion conversion of waste into hydrogen and other useful products. The process can be applied to a variety of waste materials. Plasma Enhanced Melter (PEM) plants produced by Integrated Environmental Technologies (IET) are presently providing an economic, environmentally superior alternative to incineration and landfilling of medical and hazardous industrial waste. IET is a spinoff from research at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories and MIT. Conversion of municipal waste in larger units can provide a means to economically generate hydrogen from renewable biomass material. The hydrogen could be used for clean electric power generation or possibly as a transportation fuel. In the area of vehicle efficiency applications, very compact (~ 2 liter size) plasmatron reformers are being developed at MIT to facilitate lean, high compression ratio gasoline engine operation by addition of a small amount of onboard generated hydrogen. An attractive new engine concept, the plasmatron enhanced lean boost gasoline engine, is being investigated. This concept could require only a modest cost increase and could provide a 20 to 25% efficiency increase along with significantly reduced emissions of CO2 and urban air pollutants. Widespread use of this technology in cars and light duty vehicles, facilitated by its economic attractiveness, could reduce gasoline use by approximately 20 billion gallons a year.


text:
Bruno Mars joins cast of 'Rio 2'
Listen to Bruno Mars on iHeartRadio
Bruno Mars has been added to the star-studded list of celebrities lending their voices to the upcoming animated sequel Rio 2.
The news was announced on the movie's official Facebook page, along with the news of casting Andy Garcia and Kristin Chenoweth. Original cast members Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, George Lopez and Jesse Eisenberg, will also be on board for the sequel.
Rio 2 is expected out sometime in 2014.
The 2011 original was made by Ice Age director Carlos Saldanha. Rio brought in over 480 million dollars worldwide and even earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its sequel will feature a song from Grammy winner Janelle Monae, who is on board to voice a character as well.
Photo Credit Getty Images


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Q. Are Medicare premiums eligible?
A. Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) premiums are eligible.
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A. Yes
Q. When submitting a premium claim for Medicare Parts A and B, what documentation does the plan administrator need?
A. Each month a claim is filed, the following is needed:


text:
Photo via Streateasy
The 6th Avenue home used in the movie The Squid and the Whale has sold for its asking price of $3.45 million, Brownstoner reports. According to The Real Deal, the 3-story, 3600-square-foot building had been in contract since shortly after it went on the market in June. The previous owners purchased it for 1.6 million in 2007.
More photos of the impressive home are available on Streateasy.


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Welcome to E-Books Directory
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The Dynamic Synapse: Molecular Methods in Ionotropic Receptor Biology
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The Dynamic Synapse: Molecular Methods in Ionotropic Receptor Biology
by Josef T Kittler, Stephen J Moss
Publisher: CRC Press 2006
Bringing together the latest information into one easily accessible resource, this volume explores the diverse tools and technologies used to study synaptic processes. Written by world-renowned leaders in the field, the book delineates newly developed techniques, methods, and conceptual advances used for studying neurotransmitter receptors and other synaptic proteins.
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Glenn Berry eBooks
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Professional SQL Server 2012 Internals and Troubleshooting
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text:
Beef Stroganoff
Vegetarians can easily substitute cooked lentils for beef, and vegans are gonna have to make their own substitutions. Sorry, folks! Beef stroganoff is something my mom has made since forever. It's a Russian recipe, and therefore the whitest of white people food. There are very few ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, half a large onion, diced, 15 to 20 mushrooms, chopped coarsely, 1 can cream of mushroom soup (a traditional Russian ingredient), and 8 ounces of sour cream (I used light, but you can use whatever kind you like. Use full fat! Be a rebel!). My mom always makes it over egg noodles, but Hubby and I like it over white rice. If you want to use rice you need 1 cup (precooked), if you want noodles, you'll have to figure it out yourself (Dammit, Jim! I'm a blogger, not a food scientist!)
Step 1: Get your beef started browning in a pan, get rice or noodles started cooking.
Step 2: Start chopping onions. Hubby likes his diced small, and I like them in large chunks, so we compromised. I cut them into enormous pieces because I'm the boss of the world.
Step 3: Drain the beef when it's done browning (or don't, I'm not a cop).
Step 4: Add onions to beef, keep sauteing.
Step 5: Start laboriously washing mushrooms (it's totally worth it though).
Step 6: Chop the mushrooms. I like big chunks (probably because they take less time to chop), but cut them however small you desire.
Step 7: Add mushrooms to pan, cook them also.
Step 8: Once your veggies are as cooked as you want, turn off the heat and stir in your cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
Step 9: Drain your noodles, or fluff your rice.
Step 10: Put carb of choice in bowl, add stroganoff, and eat!
I didn't take pictures of all the interim steps, because if you're sitting there thinking "But what do chopped up mushrooms look like?!?!" This is not the blog for you. This is a blog for…I'm not sure exactly…but probably shut-ins with lots of time on their hands. I know it looks like a gray mass, but that's generally what white people foods look like. Also, I'm not a food stylist. I always take the pictures when I'm starving, right before I eat the food, which is probably a bad choice, but meh. You can take pretty pictures when you make it. The recipe takes about 20 minutes to make from start to finish, and makes servings for probably 6 normal people, or just 3 for me and Hubby. You could add some garlic, salt, or green onions, but anything else would probably be BLASPHEMY!!!
Basic Fried Rice
I'm sure you have all figured out by now that my "recipes" are just, in fact, conglomerations of whatever random crap I have in the house at the time. For this one, I used chicken, but it is very simple to make this vegetarian or vegan; the variations are at the bottom.
Today we're using one chicken breast, about a half cup of frozen peas, a cup of frozen broccoli, one cup uncooked rice, two scrambled eggs, 1/4 cup chopped onion, and a bunch of teriyaki or soy sauce, whichever you like.
Start by cutting up the chicken really tiny, and sauteeing it in a large sauce pan. Get your rice cooking at the same time, according to the package instructions.
Chop what needs choppin'.
Throw the veggies in to cook with the chicken. You can add some teriyaki or soy sauce, and garlic salt at this point. You can use different vegetables, if you like, such as bell peppers (ew), water chestnuts (EW), or even just a bag of mixed frozen veggies. Once the veggies are almost done, throw in your raw scrambled eggs, and stir them around to cook. I throw teriyaki sauce on top of them while they're cooking so they get some flavor.
Hey, the rice is done! It's so fluffy and delicious! You can also use leftover rice for the recipe. If it's a bit chewy, just throw it into the veggies, once they're cooked, and add about a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Let it cook and stir it around to make sure all the rice gets coated in oil and heated up.
Once the rice and veggies are both ready, you can combine them in the pan, and stir everything together. Add your sauce and spices to taste.
To make this recipe vegetarian, leave out the chicken. You substitute tofu if you want, or add extra scrambled eggs. To make it vegan, leave out the chicken and eggs. I consulted my teriyaki sauce bottle, and it appears to be vegan. Everyone can enjoy my cooking; I'm just that amazing.
That Clever Hangover Cure
First off, I have to tell you all that something very serious has happened. I'm almost out of coffee. There's enough for right now, but after that I have to go to the store!! I'll try to be strong and plow ahead, because that's how much I love you little minions. Enough to inflict my barely-awake, nonsensical ramblings on you. You're welcome.
Friday night, I had a fantastic night. Me and Samantha went dancing at our favorite place, Barbarella, and it was everything girls' night should be: dancing, drinking, gabbing, and pretending to be a lesbian couple so the people hitting on us would go away.
Saturday morning (and by "morning" I mean 2 pm) I paid the price. Not only were my legs sore from jumping around, I was dehydrated and *un-caffeinated*. I know, I don't know how I survived either. I usually function based on a large number of caffeine injections throughout the day, starting at 9am, so I was well below my daily quota by the time I woke up. I am honestly surprised I even regained consciousness.
After scrabbling around in the kitchen blindly, coffee was created, and I gradually fought off my zombie-like state. I then realized food was the other cure for what ailed me, but again, I need to go to the store. I decided finding pants (other than my Mr. Bubble pajama pants) was a ridiculously monumental task, akin to getting the ring back to Mount Doom, so simple food would have to do. This is a recipe I've made before, and I really like it. You will need 2 eggs, 1 cup (uncooked) rice, 1/4 cup onion (or more depending on your preference), and this stuff:
The teriyaki sauce totally makes this dish. It's similar to soy sauce, but with a more complex, savory flavor. I use instant rice, so I start it in the microwave first thing. Then dice up the onion; I like rather large chunks. Start the onion sauteeing in a frying pan in some olive oil or butter. Once they start to get a teeny bit cooked, throw in some of the teriyaki sauce, and stir.
Let the onions cook to your preference. I like mine a little golden, but still crispy. When the onions make you happy, crack the two eggs into the pan, and stir them around. As the eggs are cooking, throw in another tablespoon or two of teriyaki. Let's all keep in mind that when I took the pictures I had not had any caffeine for about 15 hours, so the pictures are a bit blurry. You should all just be amazed at the fact I had the presence of mind to take pictures at all in my handicapped state.
Put half the rice in a bowl, and throw a dash of teriyaki on it, then put half the egg mixture on top. This recipe makes enough for two servings, so you can either share, or eat half, pass out, and reheat the rest when you regain your mental faculties.
I know it sounds weird, but this is really good, simple food, and I've made it many times when I was not hungover in the slightest. It is easy enough to make when brain no workee, which makes it great hangover food.


text:
Go Fish
A Musical Play for Young Singers. A Tuna Fish who can't carry a tune? A Star Fish who can't get an acting job? A seven-legged Octopus? A Zebra Fish with spots? A Tiger Shark who wants to be friends with everyone? Join in the aquatic fun as little Tiger Shark and his unique collection of friends discover how their differences make them each special. This 25-minute musical for primary grades features 5 original songs, easy rhyming dialog, a castload of parts, choreography, and helpful production hints. Performance Time: Approx. 25 minutes. For Grades K-3. Available: Teacher Edition, Reproducible Pak (vocal lines, lyric sheets, dialog), Performance/Accompaniment CD, Preview CD, Classroom Kit.
Our product catalog varies by country due to manufacturer restrictions. If you change the Ship-To country, some or all of the items in your cart may not ship to the new destination.


text:
Even-money favorite Munnings shrugged off a more than four-month layoff and showed his class by recording a one-length score in the $150,000 Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship Stakes (gr. II) (VIDEO) Feb. 13 in South Florida.
Earlier on the card in the $125,000 Hurricane Bertie (gr. III) (VIDEO) for fillies and mares, Zayat Stables' Kays and Jays held off Alex Rankin's Tar Heel Mom for her first graded stakes victory. The 4-year-old daughter of Macho Uno won the 6 1/2-furlong contest by a half-length in 1:16.30 under Jose Lezcano.


text:
Dear Newsvine,
Happy New Year! 2013 is upon us, or nearly, in cases such as mine, and as I watch Fergie give me appalling duckface after appalling duckface on Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve, I thought I would type out this short letter to you all.
What a year it has been on this planet. We had triumph, tragedy, laughs, pain, and an election that lasted far too long for just about everyone. First and foremost, 2012 was a year of firsts. We had the first states to legalize both Marijuana and Gay Marriage through popular vote, we had the first Korean song to annoy every American to the bone (and top every global chart), the first man to break the sound barrier, and most notably, the first Kim and Kanye baby (announced... this morning).
2012 was also a year of tears. The Aurora shooting in Colorado and the Newtown shooting earlier this month rocked this country and revived the gun control debate on Capitol hill. The massacres in Syria, and Afghanistan, both of citizens and American soldiers, have made the news week in and week out. The September 11 tragedy in Libya was also a shock, and we can't leave out the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Speaking of loss, we have lost many familiar folks over the past 12 months. Dick Clark comes to the forefront of my mind as a future member of the media, as well as Neil Armstrong, Whitney Houston, Jerry Nelson (voice of Count von Count), and the Twinkie.
But enough about the bad- THE WORLD DID NOT END! That's right, we have also experienced a lot of good. We've had record lotteries, Obama was re-elected, Kim Jong Il [CENSORED BY THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA], The 2012 London Olympics had me glued to the TV (and ironically, not exercising) for 2 whole weeks, and the baby rumors swirled and swirled... until Kate Middleton finally got pregnant.
Oh, and a guy jumped from space and we put a SUV on Mars... but that wasn't on Earth, so nobody really cares.
And finally, to end our recap, we cannot forget what is happening right now. No, not Fergie's failure at being sexy, but the fiscal cliff, which is now the Fiscal Cliff jump as we are going off it. After months and months of negotiations, absolutely nothing was accomplished in time, as usual. Therefore we will go over the cliff, Congress will officially become one of the most unproductive ever, and, by the way, THEY'RE GETTING A PAY RAISE.
Yeah. You heard that right.
Anyway, happy 2013 everyone. We all have a lot to look forward to. It's a new beginning, a fresh page, and hopefully it'll go down as one of the best years Earth has experienced thus far.
See you then,


text:
10048761, Ring
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