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Duties & Responsibilities of a Travel Agent Consultant
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A travel agent consultant must not only love travel but also working with people. A travel agent spends much of her time talking with clients on the phone or meeting with them in person. A professional, polished appearance is also imperative for a travel agent consultant.
Make yourself a competitive standout in your industry by becoming a specialist on a particular part of the world. If African safaris are your passion, show it off with pictures on your desk and computer desktop. If you're a cruise lover, make your customers feel the cruise experience through your offshore mementos proudly displayed on your desktop.
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Travel agent consultants are hospitality industry professionals who help customers plan travel experiences. Travel agent consultants do not just book airline tickets, cruises and all-inclusive vacations; the modern travel agent is a consultant who may specialise in particular regions of the world and has an intimate knowledge of the industry. The consultant advises customers on prices, options and must-see attractions in parts of the world. Like a well-trained real estate agent or other sales professional, travel agent consultant gets to know their clients and learn their needs.
Core Competencies
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A winning personality, the ability to deal with competing demands on your time, and a clear focus on sales goals are key competencies for any travel agent consultant. Acting as a consummate relationship builder is also a competency a travel agent consultant must possess. Learning about the needs and wants of your clients is a must-have. This professional must also have strong analytical abilities and be able to assess travel destinations, give honest advice to customers, and solve problems, such as airline ticket issues, quickly and efficiently.
Ryan McVay/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Travel agent consultants may have a commission-only based salary, a salaried or per-hour position, or a position that combines these pay options. Like other professions, the compensation for a travel agent consultant rises as the agent gains experience in the field and is also dependent on the employer. The pay rates will vary depending on the competitiveness of the given employer.
Profiessional Development Training
Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
Attending training is compulsory for a travel agent consultant. Whether it is learning about a new reservation system for a particular airline or travel company, attending a session on a new law affecting the travel industry, or updating sales training, this profession requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Travel agent consultants also complete familiarisation training. Much like members of the media attend press conferences to learn more about a topic, travel agent consultants travel to other parts of the world to learn about travel destinations.
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images


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Here are the Top Daily Living Social Deals for 08/22/12. Many of these deals are national. It also does not matter what city you live in to get local deals. Please don't forget to read the fine print.
Online Deals
Nationwide Deals: Get a leg up with this deal from Udemy, a popular hub for a breadth of educational opportunities: Pay $69 (regularly $500) for a Microsoft Office training bundle, including courses on Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Nationwide Deals: For $10 (regularly $29), you'll get a ten-foot USB data cable, compatible with your iPhone 4/4S, iPad, and iPod.
Nationwide Deals: Score a smooth finish for your tresses with today's deal from ISO Beauty. Pay $48 for a Proliss Infusion hair straightener, which is available in many playful designs (regularly $300).
Nationwide Deals: Pay $25 for a Back to Work package featuring a bevy of brand-name products (a $50 value) from Shoplet.com.
Some Local and Travel Deals
Dallas: For $10, get $20 to spend on Mediterranean food and non-alcoholic drinks at this Lower Greenville family restaurant, Cafe Izmir.
Cobb County: Pay $10 for $20 to spend on food and drink from Johnny's New York Style Pizza in Marietta.
Chicago: Pay $5 today and you'll get $10 to spend on food and drink at Kai Sushi, powered by Takeout & Delivery from LivingSocial.
NYC Citywide: Visit the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular". Snag an orchestra ticket or first mezzanine ticket and pay $69 to $89 (a $117.30 to $156.90 value), or pay $59 to $69 (a $96.80 to $117.30 value) for a second mezzanine ticket.
Living Social Escapes: Stay at The Deerfield Valley Inn, nestled in the lush Green Mountains of West Dover, Vermont, less than two hours northeast of Albany. Retreat to a time before texts and traffic with this week's Escape: a two-night stay for two in a Standard ($245) or Deluxe Room ($275) at this 1885 inn, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Living Social Escapes: Escape to Hunter Mountain Hotel & Spa, a weight-loss retreat in the Catskill Mountains of Hunter, New York. Gear up for a three-night stay for one ($469) or two ($798) guests in one of the hotel's 25 country-style rooms. For an extended expedition, opt for a seven-night stay for one ($995) or two ($1,819) guests, or a 14-night stay for one ($1,790) or two ($3,190) guests.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, the most distributed moonshine in the country, announces today the launch of the second phase of their all...
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, the most distributed moonshine in the country, announces today the launch of the second phase of their all-new "C'mon Live A Little" marketing campaign. Following the huge success from Phase 1 of their "Manifesto Video" which has received over 1 million views on YouTube since June 29th. The brand is now ready to introduce their new spokesperson, Gatlin T. Wolf III.
Gatlin T. Wolf III embodies everything Ole Smoky stands for: living in the now, taking chances, and instigating mischievous behavior. The goal of the campaign is to reach out to a broader audience, therefore the brand wanted to create a character that relates to millennials. With his dapper style and confident aura, Gatlin represents the modern drinking man.
"Ole Smoky Moonshine is all about taking chances and having fun," says John Cochran, CEO of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine. "Gatlin is going to encourage consumers to live a little on the wild side by firing them up to try our moonshine. Who wouldn't want to take a shot of moonshine to kick start the night?"
This second phase of the campaign will include three 15-second vignette videos, created by Standard Time, a Los Angeles based creative shop. Each video begins with ordinary people going about their daily lives until the call of the wolf.
"The inspiration behind the wolf is the red wolf that roams the Appalachian Mountains", explains Michael Sharp, founder of Standard Time. "He represents the instigator of good times. We all have a wolf inside of us that we want to let out, and Ole Smoky Moonshine's Gatlin T. Wolf III will do just that."
The first of the three videos launched today through digital agency, VaynerMedia, a bicoastal shop that manages the brand's social and digital media planning. The remaining videos will be released in the weeks to come.
"Because we are going after millennials with the new campaign, we are utilizing digital strategies to reach this target audience," says Matt Seigel, VP and Head of LA at VaynerMedia. "This will help ensure Ole Smoky Moonshine stands out from its competitors."
Creative Credits:
Ad Agency: Standard Time LA
ECD/Founder Michael Sharp
ACD/Copywriter Spencer Somers
ACD/AD Josh Kopeika
Digital Creative Lead Jake Levin
Producer Monica Bunch
AAE Holly Langley
Client: Ole Smoky Moonshine
CEO John Cochran
VP Marketing Meg Bruno
Marketing Manager Stephanie Warner
Production Company: A Common Thread
Executive Producer J.P. McMahon and Tristan Drew
Line Producer Jason Richardson
Director Eli Green
Cinematographer Logan Triplett
Editor Adam Svatek
Editorial Company: Beast Editorial
Music/SFX: Wolf At The Door
Post Production: Brewster Parsons


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Remember tax and suggestions. Not a cash saving tip – however one factor to positively concentrate on. Should you've not travelled within the US before, you may get caught out by the truth that taxes aren't typically included on the prices of things – as a substitute they're added when the bill is totalled. If you're used to gross sales tax being included (much like in Europe), this would possibly present a bit of little bit of bill shock! In addition to, tipping may be very normal throughout the USA for service, with tip quantities typically starting from from 10 – 20%.
In relation to travel in Japan, your largest expense is greater than prone to be a JR cross The easiest way to find this country is by practice, and by looking for this pass, you will be saving an enormous amount of cash in your journey. Your finances moreover is determined by your journey model — it could possibly prevent cash by staying in hostels and couchsurfing to splurge on actions like scuba diving and bungee leaping. All of it boils all the way down to what your priorities are.
If you happen to may be using a automobile for travel, this half accommodates a calculator that will assist to estimate the cost of gasoline for trip, in addition to a space for coming into the estimated complete variety of miles (miles can then be used as an expense multiplier).
How do you worth vary for long term travel?
It is a widespread misunderstanding that Japan is an expensive place to journey. Surveys show that numerous worldwide guests are surprised with how low cost Japan shall be regardless of the generally fine quality of merchandise and corporations and particularly when the yen is weak. The reality is that with cautious planning and a little know-how, it is simple to take pleasure in a finances journey in Japan.
Essential rule in your journey funds is flexibility. Be strict along along with your expenditure to make sure you will not run out of money halfway or return residence to a huge credit card invoice, however permitting for on-the-road splurges will take the stress out of your journey. The worst price vary is a sequence at your leg pulling you away from top-of-the-line (if slightly dearer) journey experiences. What would a visit to New Zealand be with out attempting the famous bungee leap? Just a little planning initially of the journey will save penny pinching, grouchy haggling and worrying about being ripped off on the worth of getting enjoyable together with your journey.
Purchase tickets ahead of time when potential.
Sooner than you begin leafing by the use of brochures or purchasing on-line, you first must define your journey priorities. For many who're not prepared to simply settle for something nonetheless a primary-shelf expertise, you are possibly going to have to avoid wasting up before you splurge. Then again, if your predominant priorities are to experience a particular culture, research more about historical past, and even merely take only a few days to chill out, you can seemingly accomplish such goals on the cheap.
There's a cause why Thailand remains so in model with backpackers – it's obtained idyllic islands , a wealthy tradition, seaside-huts aplenty, tantalising cuisine and adventures galore, and all on the market at often staggeringly low costs. These are the world superpowers of funds travel. It's doable and generally pretty easy to get by on as little as $15 in just a few of them offered you are ready to powerful it just a little bit bit and resist the tempting vacationer buses, eating places and inns and follow hostels, native transport and local eating places.
I'm going over July this yr and wondering if the prices change a lot with the seasons. In spite of everything, there is likely to be further costs like transportation to and from the airport. Fast meals is normally low price and whereas it could not sit nicely with the 5 a day rule you can always buy further carrots and bananas to compensate.


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Well I think I finally put in at least 60 hours total studying over the past 5-6 weeks. I'll probably be about ready to sit for this test about 60 more hours in. I'm 450 pages into my CVoice book currently on Chapter 5 and I went through at least 10 hours worth of training videos so really I probably put about 70 hours in. I finally received the IPExpert videos so I'm going to go through those and try to lab what I can with the exercises they provide. I went through the older CBTNuggets material and a lot of Kevin Wallace material. I'm also still creating and going through my Mnemosyne's, I have over 115 flash card questions now.
My current phone network is about 80% complete, I can call from one site to the other via the WAN but not the PSTN yet. Also I haven't configured my branch site to make calls through the PSTN but everything is good on the HQ and the PSTN (plus vice versa). I'll be testing and throwing up voice translation profiles/rules on my branch router tomorrow. Voice Translations always give me a headache looking at the syntax ever since I first encountered them in CCNA: Voice. I'm going to be diving deep into this until I can wrap my head around the common regular expressions:


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On July 31, 2015, it is the birthday of our group company which established 10 year.
Qingdao Lianyi wood products factory: Our main products is plate and they are exported to Japan. After developed for several years, we have much more experience for development of our wood flooring.
Qingdao Lianyi wood products co., LTD.; as the development of Chinese market and real estate industry , We keenly found the market opportunity and spent $3 million on the flooring construction for the three branch factories in 2002 and created a large wood floor production base. We buy the Germany advanced line equipment and use UV paint with the international standard flooring for producing "lianyi" wood floor.
Qingdao Lianyi Senyuan import & export co., LTD: it has established for better cooperation with foreign clients. It grew our export power and export to the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and South Korea and so on.
Qingdao Lianyi wood products group co., LTD. established.
After the establishment, first of all, realize scale economic benefit. Play to the advantages of each branch company; realize the optimum combination of capital, technology, talent, formed with the production development and service of comprehensive ability.
After established our group in 2006, which greatly enhance the overall strength of enterprises, competition ability. The Integrated management company also set up and began operations, in less than ten years' time, has established 11 braches including Qingdao lianyi real estate co., LTD., Qingdao kailin furniture co., LTD, Hong Kong yongxingda international trade co., LTD, Qingdao xing heyuan real estate co., LTD, Qingdao haiyuan guangtong international trade co., LTD, Qingdao tilapia seed multiplication farm, Qingdao yueming tea technology co., LTD. They are growing the company's power.


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Type: Music
1- Music for little Mozart classes, 4-6 yrs piano and singing class
2- Group voice
3- Group piano
4- Group Guitar
Summer Workshops
$170 for 6 one hour sessions
Rock Guitar for kids: Make learning fun by playing the best classic rock songs from the 1960's, 1970's, 1980's and beyond. Learn songs from the Rolling Stones to AC/DC and The White Stripes. In this class we will focus on the authentic song parts and complete song performance.
Easy Ukulele Class: Learn fun and easy popular songs on the ukulele. If you are interested in playing familiar songs the whole family loves, then this class is for you. We will begin with basic ukulele chords and then add melodies. All levels welcome.
Disney Songbook Learn to sing and play your favorite Disney songs.
Note reading and Rhythm Work on reading music fast
Advanced Classes
Sight reading for pianists: Saturdays 3:30-4:30 June 15th-July 27th
Music Theory: Saturdays 4:30-5:30 June 15th-July 27th
Music appreciation and history: Sundays 3-4 June 16th-July 28th
Advanced Jazz Improvisation for Adults. Have you ever wanted to learn how to solo over advanced jazz changes? In this class we will be diving into jazz standards and decoding the theory on the guitar fretboard to create original and spontaneous solos over walking bass lines. This class is perfect if you want to move past modal solos and unlock the beauty of chord tone soloing and advanced harmony.
Jazz Chord Theory "Learn how to play Jazz chords like you've always wanted to"
Songwriting Learn to craft your own songsConnect:
Address: 8125 W. Manchester Ave., Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Phone Number: 310-751-6830
Email: [email protected]


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This meal was similar to the izakaya vegetables that I wrote about before, but the sauce was quite different this time.
Yusuke grilled okra, sliced zucchini, and whole crimini mushrooms directly on the rack of a hot oven (or rather on tin foil on the rack) since we don't have a barbecue or griddle. He also toasted white onion slices in a dry frying pan, with the rings held together by toothpicks.
He wanted to use orange or apple juice as a yakitori sauce base, but we didn't have any. Instead, he peeled and then grated apples and sautéed them in a sauce pan. He then added soy sauce, white wine, lemon juice, mirin, brown sugar (white sugar would also work), ginger and garlic. He simmered the entire mixture on the stove for 30 minutes or so.
To eat, we dipped the veggies into the sauce, adding in addition a sprinkle of shichimi and sesame seeds. Yusuke also added sesame oil to his bowl: an option according to personal preference, he says.


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I need to create what are essentially 'postcards'. That is each page will contain a photo with a caption underneath. One per page, all images are the same dimensions. There are about 100 images that need to be added with different captions.
This really isn't a technically a template because the image will be different on each page and I'm not sure if there's any built in way of doing this - or if I need a macro or something else altogether.
Ideally I need to be able to resize the images after they've been imported into the document, but that's not essential.
(Word is not essential - something that would create PDFs would be fine too)


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"For myself, I want no advantage over my fellow man, and if he is weaker than I, all the more is it my duty to help him." —Eugene V. Debs
Monday, April 19, 2010
wanting a fair world
via Too Much Weekly
4 comments:
But the poor CEO's work so hard. Practically nobody would take the job without that kind of compensation. /end whiny voiceReplyDelete
So I've just been reading a twenty years out of date book by Thomas Geoghegan called Which Side Are You On? Trying to be for labor when it's flat on its back and this bit made me think of you:ReplyDelete
"In Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities, supposed novel of our time, the hero, an investment banker, discovers the 'other class' when he takes a wrong turn and runs over a black kid in a ghetto. Imagine if Wolfe had written a novel in which an investment banker runs over a middle-aged steelworker. It would not even have occurred to Wolfe. Nor would it sell. Yet it happens every day."
Damn. That's a good one.ReplyDelete
Geoghegan's got lots of good bits in there. One of these days I'll have to try finding the newer revised edition of the book. Of course, by the time I get around to it, that one will probably be twenty years out of date.ReplyDelete


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post5728352957123353218..comments2019-08-28T16:09:20.971-07:00Comments on LA DOLCE VITA CALIFORNIA: Journal: Conquering Table MountainKirsten Honeymanhttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-29112805100891744612017-06-08T16:16:03.691-07:002017-06-08T16:16:03.691-07:00Texted the info to your mobile number. Hope it wen...Texted the info to your mobile number. Hope it went through! Cheers - KirstenKirsten Honeymanhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-21907202826837138752017-06-07T19:01:01.873-07:002017-06-07T19:01:01.873-07:00Hello Kirsten, what a lovely account- I hadnt seen...Hello Kirsten, what a lovely account- I hadnt seen it before. I need a lesson from you. we are hoping to be in Carmel late on Saturday night and so will hopefully see you on Sunday morning for tea, lunch or a hike. my SA number is 27 83 409 0600. please can you send me your mobile as my emails are down again. (not working), love firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-86726039698442428422017-01-05T12:19:57.756-08:002017-01-05T12:19:57.756-08:00What a fabulous adventure! Am passing through Sout...What a fabulous adventure! Am passing through South Africa this spring on my way to Namibia - wish I had time to stop and head to Cape Town!Cocoa and Lavenderhttps://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-83964099062613887012017-01-01T14:50:22.670-08:002017-01-01T14:50:22.670-08:00Thanks for your kind words, Mimi. It was be tough ...Thanks for your kind words, Mimi. It was be tough or spend the night on the mountain! Kirsten Honeymanhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-48016833563894659042017-01-01T13:09:50.595-08:002017-01-01T13:09:50.595-08:00absolutely fabulous photos and narrative, Kirsten....absolutely fabulous photos and narrative, Kirsten. thank you for sharing. and this validates the idea that we old people can be pretty tough!miriam firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-19279583495096520392017-01-01T12:27:14.567-08:002017-01-01T12:27:14.567-08:00Death march, indeed! What an adventure you had. So...Death march, indeed! What an adventure you had. So happy we missed it as I would be unable to tackle such a trek.Bracey Tiedehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-65477721632253709362017-01-01T12:14:29.740-08:002017-01-01T12:14:29.740-08:00Wonderful tale and wonderful journey!Wonderful tale and wonderful journey!Jolene email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-16462412546849128622017-01-01T11:51:14.774-08:002017-01-01T11:51:14.774-08:00thanks for this. awesome mountain. what a hike.thanks for this. awesome mountain. what a hike.Charles email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-56846551875919429622017-01-01T06:44:35.269-08:002017-01-01T06:44:35.269-08:00That was the best story about Table Mountain I hav...That was the best story about Table Mountain I have ever read. Remind me never to go on a hike with you, beyond the borders of your property in Carmel Valley. I don't think my feet would take a Honeyman Death March.

Seriously, congratulations on surviving the hike up and down. I've been to Cape Town six times since 1993 and have only made it to the top of the mountain three times--and all by cable car. And, other than a handful of Cape Towners, I don't think I know anyone who has hiked both ways in one day.

Your photos are spectacular and remind me how much I love the Cape Town area. Richard G email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-3279748703670362309.post-4422198295427523142017-01-01T06:39:14.791-08:002017-01-01T06:39:14.791-08:00to quote Helen Keller - "Life is either a daring ...to quote Helen Keller -

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all"

This must be your philosophy as well. What a remarkable day, Kirsten, so beautifully documented.
Thanks so much for a New Year's day treat!

Big Smile,
SandyAlexandra firstname.lastname@example.com


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Skinstitut Vitamin C 100 percent 10g
$33.81 $49.00
or make 4 interest-free payments of $8.46 AUD fortnightly with More info
This product is currently sold out.
Incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare is proved to stimulate the growth of collagen which gives strength and structure to your skin. Skinstitut's Vitamin C comes in a pure powder form in a 100% concentraion and does not suffer from limitations that most vitamin C products do. As this comes in a powder form, it is best used with your favourite Skinstitut Moisturiser or Serum. This powder is very so it won't irritate the skin but produces real results. Vitain C will help your skin be brighter, feel smother and look younger. Try Skinstitut's unique way of incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare - you won't be disappointed.
- Protects against free radical damage
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How to use:
- Apply twice daily on clean, dry skin.
- Mix one tiny shake of powder, a grain of rice amount with your favourite Skinstitut product.
- Can also be mixed with Retinol, Laser Aid, Hydrating Mask, Even Blend Serum, Enzymatic Micro Peel, Age Defence SPF 50+ or Skinstitut Moisture Defence.
- Warning: Overuse could result in redness and peeling.
- Avoid eye area.
- 1 x Vitamin C 100% 10g


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- Wed, 09/14/2005 - 12:00
By Chietigj Bajpaee |Asia Times
HONG KONG - A notable feature of 2004 was the volatility in oil prices - New York light sweet crude prices reached a peak of US$55.67 on October 25, ending the year up 33.6% at $43.45 per barrel. While a number of supply-side and supply-chain factors have contributed to this situation, the most significant long-term factor contributing to rising oil prices is an increase in Asian demand, most notably from China. China's unprecedented growth not only makes it a driver of a long-term increase in energy prices, but also the most vulnerable to rising oil prices.
China, which has been a net oil importer since 1993, is the world's number two oil consumer after the US and has accounted for 40% of the world's crude oil demand growth since 2000. China's proven oil reserves stand at 18 trillion barrels, and oil imports account for one-third of its crude oil consumption.
China has initiated numerous policies to cope with its increasing energy needs, including stepping up exploration activities within its own borders, diversifying beyond oil to access other energy resources, such as nuclear power, coal, natural gas and renewable energy resources, promoting energy conservation and encouraging investment into energy-friendly technologies such as hydrogen-powered fuel cells and coal gasification.
China has also joined the United States and Japan in developing strategic petroleum reserves, with the creation of 75 days of emergency reserves in four locations in Zhejiang, Shandong and Liaoning provinces.
Nevertheless, in the face of sporadic power shortages, growing car ownership and air travel across China and the importance of energy to strategically important and growing industries such as agriculture, construction, and steel and cement manufacturing, pressure is going to mount on China to access energy resources on the world stage.
As a result, energy security has become an area of vital importance to China's stability and security. China is stepping up efforts to secure sea lanes and transport routes that are vital for oil shipments, and diversifying beyond the volatile Middle East to find energy resources in other regions, such as Africa, the Caspian, Russia, the Americas and the East and South China Sea region.
However, just as China has for centuries engaged in competition for leadership of Asia, the developing world and status on the world stage, so the need for energy security has now raised the possibility of further competition and confrontation in the energy sphere.
This competition has so far been limited to the economic sphere through state-owned oil and gas companies such as China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), its subsidiary PetroChina and China National Offshore Oil Corporation. However, as oil prices rise and China imports an increasing amount of its energy needs, the competition is likely to spill over into the political and military spheres. There are already indications of this.
China's quest for energy resources on the world stage is creating a destabilizing effect on international and regional security. Fueled by the lack of a coherent multilateral approach to energy security in Asia and by China's already tense relations with neighboring states, the competition for energy resources may prove to be the spark for regional and international conflict. In many cases, China is vying for energy resources in some of the most unstable parts of the world. Its involvement in regions with raging conflicts could potentially draw it into the disputes, escalating a regional conflict into an international conflict.
Sino-Japanese energy competition
While Sino-Japanese trade has reached unprecedented levels in recent years, the economic progress could be unraveled by political and military confrontation, and by energy competition. China continues to have tense relations with Japan as a result of a number of issues. These issues include, but are not limited to, Chinese opposition to a Japanese permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, former Taiwanese president Lee Teng Hui's visit to Japan at the end of 2004, and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's annual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine that honors Japan's war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals.
There has also been discussion in Japan about cutting its overseas development assistance to China in the presence of China's improving standard of living, high growth levels and confrontational relations with Japan. These tensions are likely to be further enflamed by both states' quest for energy security. Both states are net oil importers, with Japan importing as much as 80% of its oil needs.
In an attempt to access energy resources closer to home and diversifying beyond the Middle East, Japan and China have been actively lobbying Moscow for an oil pipeline. Beijing is pushing for a 2,400 kilometer route from Angarsk in Siberia to Daqing in China's northeast Heilongjiang province, while Tokyo favors a 4,000 kilometer pipeline from Taishet to the Pacific port of Nakhodka.
The Japanese-backed proposal was announced the winner at the end of 2004. However, with the sometimes tense relations between Japan and Russia, as seen most recently over Koizumi's sail around the disputed Northern Territories/ Southern Kurils on September 2, and Japan and Russia not having signed a formal peace treaty ending the hostilities of World War II, the construction of the pipeline may still experience several delays. Furthermore, China is not yet out of the picture as there are still discussions to build a branch from the Japanese pipeline to China by 2020.
Closer to home, a territorial dispute between China and Japan in the East China Sea, which both sides claim as their exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is being further fueled by reports of vast supplies of oil and gas in the region. The disputed territory includes the Diaoyu or Senkaku islands and the Chunxiao gas field northeast of Taiwan, which, according to a 1999 Japanese survey, holds 200 billion cubic meters of gas. Japan regards the median line as its border, while China claims jurisdiction over the entire continental shelf. In 2003, China began drilling in the area after the Japanese rejected a Chinese proposal to develop the field jointly. Although the Chunxiao gas field is on the Chinese side of the median line, Japan claims that China may be siphoning energy resources on the Japanese side.
The competition recently took the form of a military confrontation following the incursion of a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine into Japanese waters off the Okinawa islands on November 10 last year. The intrusion was followed by a two-day chase across the East China Sea. While China offered a swift apology for the incursion, this was soon followed by the intrusion of a Chinese research vessel into Japanese waters near the island of Okinotori. The vessel is believed to have been surveying the seabed for oil and gas drilling purposes. This was the 34th maritime research exercise by Chinese vessels within Japan's EEZ in 2004, up from eight in 2003, with China not giving prior notification in 21 of the 34 cases.
Adding to these tensions is Japan's shift from its post-war pacifist and defensive posture toward a more active military role in the region, as seen with the current deployment of its Self Defense Forces to Iraq. Furthermore, Japan has for the first time identified China as a potential security threat in its National Defense Program Outline released in December 2004. Three issues have been identified that could spark a conflict between China and Japan: natural resources in the disputed East China Sea, the disputed status of the Senkaku or Diaoyu islands and Japanese support for the US in a conflict with China over Taiwan. Mistrust and animosities rooted in Japanese atrocities during World War II combined with a confrontation over tangible issues, such as territory and energy resources, and a more active role by both states on the world stage create a recipe for a volatile situation.
Securing sea lanes
To China's south, another long-standing maritime territorial dispute in the South China Sea over the Spratly and Paracel islands threatens to be further enflamed by China's quest for energy security. The 130 islands making up the Paracel islands, which have been occupied by China since 1974, are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. The 400 islands of the Spratly islands are claimed partially by the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia, and are fully claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan and China.
Relations between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have improved with China signing up to ASEAN's Treaty of Amity of Friendship and Cooperation in 2003 and all sides signing the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002. Nevertheless, tensions remain. In violation of the 2002 agreement, five states have permanent military garrisons on the atolls in addition to surveillance facilities under the guise of "bird watching" towers, weather huts and tourist facilities. The fact that Taiwan is not a signatory to any of these agreements is also a cause for concern.
A particular source of tension derives from the sometimes volatile relations between China and Vietnam. Most recently, China has commenced joint pre-exploration studies with the Philippines in the South China Sea, which has been openly opposed by Vietnam. China, meanwhile, has protested to PetroVietnam welcoming international bids for drilling and exploration activities in the disputed waters and Vietnam starting commercial flights and tours of the disputed territory.
Both states have engaged in sporadic clashes on at least four occasions, the most violent of which took place in 1988 in which the Chinese sank three Vietnamese naval vessels, killing 76 sailors. Sino-Vietnamese tensions have recently taken a back seat to the burgeoning trade relationship between both states, with China now becoming Vietnam's third-largest trading partner. A hotline was also established between both states in August 2004 as part of a commitment to resolve land and sea border disputes by peaceful means. However, as China expands its naval power projection capabilities and becomes increasingly desperate to access potential energy resources in the region, conflict may once again overtake cooperation.
These regional territorial disputes also have the potential to escalate into international conflicts, given the importance of the waterways to international trade and the number of bilateral security commitments between regional states and major world powers, such as between the US and the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, and between numerous Western powers and their former colonies (eg the British to Malaysia and Singapore, the French to Vietnam). For example, following the Chinese occupation in February 1995 of the Mischief Reef, which is 135 miles west of the Philippine islands of Palawan, the US conducted naval exercises with the Philippines close to the disputed territory. The joint exercises may be regarded as a warning to China's increasingly aggressive posturing in the region.
Also in Southeast Asia, China is pushing to secure the narrow Malacca Strait, which experiences 40% of the world's piracy. As much as 80% of China's oil imports flow through the 630 mile-long strait, which is just 1.5 miles wide at its narrowest point. Like Japan and the US, China is pushing to acquire a national fleet of very large crude carriers, or VLCCs, that could be employed in the case of supply disruptions brought on by an accident or terrorist attack along the Malacca Strait or a US-led blockade during a conflict over Taiwan. Currently, only 10% of China's crude oil imports come aboard Chinese vessels. China's growing anxiety over the security of its oil imports was demonstrated in June 2004, when China conducted its first anti-terror exercise simulating an attack on an oil tanker.
China is also looking into bypassing the straits with discussions for a pipeline to Myanmar, as well as possibly Bangladesh, Pakistan or Thailand. Pakistan looks like an unlikely candidate given the threat of terrorist attacks on pipelines traversing its territory. A pipeline through Bangladesh would have to cross the territory of strategic competitor India. Increasing sectarian violence in southern Thailand coupled with the country's close relationship with the US make a pipeline through Thailand unlikely as well. This leaves Myanmar as the most likely option, with a 1,250 kilometer pipeline from the deepwater port of Sittwe on the Bay of Bengal to Kunming in Yunnan province. Coupled with India's desire to access energy resources within Myanmar and Myanmar's proximity to India's troubled northeast insurgencies, Myanmar has become a potential stage for Sino-Indian energy competition.
Central Asia: The new great game
On its western borders, China has been an active player in the new great game. As part of its "Go West" development policy, China's longest pipeline, the 4,200 kilometer Tarim Basin to Shanghai gas pipeline, came online in August 2004. China's west-to-east pipeline could potentially be extended to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and even further to Iran and the Caspian Sea. In October 2004, construction began on a 988 kilometer pipeline from Atasu in northwestern Kazakhstan to Alataw Pass in China's Xinjiang province, which will carry 10 million tons of oil a year once it is completed in 2005. The Chinese are also helping to develop oil fields in Uzbekistan and hydroelectric power projects in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
China's growing engagement with Central Asia has been motivated by a number of strategic interests. China led the creation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which began as the Shanghai Five in 1996. This body was formed in the presence of a civil war in Tajikistan, Taliban rule in Afghanistan, a series of terrorist attacks in Xinjiang, and Islamist revivalism in Uzbekistan under the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan/Turkestan (IMU/IMT) and more recently by Hizb-ut Tahrir.
SCO has moved from resolving border disputes to fighting the "three evils" of extremism, terrorism and fundamentalism and promoting greater economic integration and development in Central Asia and China's west. The Central Asian states have agreed to China's "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence", as well as subscribing to China's viewpoint on numerous regional and international issues, including Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and the need for a multipolar world. Under the aegis of the SCO, China has also expanded its military presence in Central Asia, establishing an anti-terror center in Tashkent and engaging in its first joint military exercises with a foreign army in Kyrgyzstan in 2002.
However, China's increasing presence in Central Asia has been accompanied by a Russian reengagement with the region, an increasing US presence following September 11 as well as an increasing role by India (using its historical links), Saudi Arabia and Pakistan (using their religious links), Turkey and Iran (using their cultural links) and South Korea and Japan (that are relying on economic links to the region).
Numerous overlapping power blocs are emerging in the region, which spill over into the energy arena. For example, improving Sino-Indian relations have manifested in the energy sphere, with the chairman of Xinjiang autonomous region, Ismail Tiliwandi, making a trip to India in October 2004 to discuss transport links and a Sino-Indian natural gas pipeline project. With a growing military presence in the region and increasing desperation to access the region's energy resources, it is conceivable that Central Asia could re-emerge as the stage for future great power conflicts.
China expands in the Middle East
China has also attempted to improve relations with its already-established oil suppliers, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, by selling them military technology, investing in their industries and energy infrastructure and looking the other way with respect to their human-rights records.
Currently, China derives 13.6% of its oil imports from Iran. In March 2004, China signed a $100 million deal with Iran to import 10 million tons of liquefied natural gas over a 25-year period in exchange for Chinese investment in Iran's oil and gas exploration, petrochemical and pipeline infrastructure.
Growing Sino-Iranian relations are undermining US sanctions against Iran. The Bush administration has sanctioned Chinese companies 62 times for violating US or international controls on the transfer of weapons technology to Iran and other states.
The US Central Intelligence Agency has submitted a report to US Congress stating that Chinese companies have "helped Iran move toward its goal of becoming self-sufficient in the production of ballistic missiles". In the ongoing controversy over Iran's uranium enrichment program, China has also opposed bringing the issue before the UN Security Council, and has even threatened to veto any resolution that is brought against Iran.
As Saudi-US relations have soured in the post-September 11 world, the Saudi-US strategic partnership may be supplanted by a Sino-Saudi partnership. Saudi oil shipments to the US declined in 2004, while they increased to China. Sinopec has won the right to explore for natural gas in Saudi Arabia's al-Khali Basin and Saudi Arabia has agreed to build a refinery for natural gas in Fujian in exchange for Chinese investment in Saudi Arabia's bauxite and phosphate industry. Cooperation in the economic and energy spheres complements an already burgeoning relationship in the military sphere, as seen with China selling Saudi Arabia Silkworm missiles during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, and both states having strong relations with Pakistan.
Russia: Revival of the strategic triangle
Russia is China's fifth-largest crude oil supplier, with LuKoil now replacing Yukos as China's main supplier of Russian oil. China is expected to import at least 10 million tons of oil from Russia in 2005 and 15 million in 2006, while Russian rail shipment capacity is expected to increase from 20 million tons in 2004 to 60 million tons by 2006.
The controversy over the sale of Yugansk, which produces 60% of Yukos' oil output and pumps 11% of Russia's oil, has also highlighted the increasing presence of Chinese energy companies in Russia. While the mysterious buyer, Baikal Finance Group, ended up selling its stake in Yugansk to Rosneft in December, which may be acquired by Russian state-owned Gazprom, this does not preclude the possibility of Yukos' assets being acquired by China. China's CNPC has allegedly been offered a 20% percent stake in Yukos and provided a $6 billion loan to Rosneft to purchase Yugansk.
China's support for Russia's accession into the World Trade Organization and growing Sino-Russian trade and cooperation in the fight against terrorism is further cementing Sino-Russian relations. Sino-Russian energy relations appear to be mirroring political and military relations. Just as China increasingly relies on Russian energy resources, so it also constitutes Russia's biggest buyer of Russian military hardware. Russia and China are also to engage in their largest joint military exercises later this year.
In fact, growing Sino-Russian energy cooperation resurrects former Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov's idea for a strategic triangle between Russia, India and China. These states are bound together by their shared interests in the fight against terrorism, the push for a multipolar world and respect for the principles of state sovereignty and non-intervention with regards to their respective "separatist" movements in Chechnya, Kashmir and Taiwan.
Now the energy sector can be added to this list of shared interests. India and China are already collaborating in the energy sphere, with India holding a 20% stake and China a 50% stake in the development of the Yahavaran oil field in Iran. China Gas Holdings has also established an alliance with India's largest energy conglomerate, Gail. With India and China vying for assets in Yukos, Sino-Indian-Russian collaboration in the energy sphere could be further cemented.
Stepping on US toes in Africa and the Americas
As China has made limited progress in accessing energy resources on its doorsteps due to poor relations with neighboring states, it has shown growing interest in accessing energy resources further afield.
For example, a consortium 40% owned by China's CNPC pumps over 300,000 barrels per day in Sudan. China is also a major supplier of arms to the Sudanese government, which has just concluded a peace agreement with the main rebel group in the south, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), ending 20 years of conflict sparked over the allocation of oil revenues. The Sudanese government is still engaged in a conflict in the Darfur region of western Sudan using proxy militias. China is also vying for energy resources in Angola and other energy-rich African states by offering arms and aid for oil.
China is also acquiring energy resources in the Americas. While attending the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Chile in November 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao announced an energy deal with Brazil worth $10 billion, supplementing a $1.3 billion deal between Sinopec and Petrobras for a 2000 kilometer natural gas pipeline.
China is also acquiring oil assets in Ecuador, as well as investing in offshore petroleum projects in Argentina. During Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's visit to Beijing last December and Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong's visit to Venezuela in January, China also committed to develop Venezuela's energy infrastructure by investing $350 million in 15 oil fields and $60 million in a gas project in Venezuela.
On January 20, during Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's visit to Beijing, China and Canada also signed a joint statement on energy cooperation which included accessing Canada's oil sands and uranium resources. China's growing energy interests in the Americas have been accompanied by a growing involvement in the region's security.
In October, China sent a UN peacekeeping contingent to Haiti in its first military deployment to Latin America. Ironically, Haiti is one of only 25 states that recognize Taiwan rather than China. The US is looking on with caution as China encroaches on a region that has traditionally been under its sphere of influence and a major supplier of energy resources. Venezuela and Canada together provide the US with a quarter of its energy imports.
Friction between China and the West has so far focused on the question of China's undervalued exchange rate, its human-rights record and relations with "rogue" states. However, competition over energy resources is now becoming an additional area of contention.
China's growing presence on the international energy stage could ultimately bring it into confrontation with the world's largest energy consumer, the US. While China and the US have launched the US-China Energy Policy Dialogue, both states are also engaged in a competition for energy resources in Russia, the Caspian, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa. This competition could potentially combine with other areas of friction. For example, in the event of China engaging in a conflict with Taiwan, Japan or India or internal repression such as a repeat of the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, the US could censure China's actions by an oil embargo or by blocking vital sea lanes in the Malacca Strait, thus sparking a wider conflict.
It is not by coincidence that China has made progress in resolving its border disputes with India and Russia, while failing to make progress on territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea and in the South China Sea, given that the latter involve access to potential oil and gas resources. In this context, China's claim to pursuing a "peaceful ascendancy" policy and putting aside areas of disagreement in favor of creating a stable environment for economic development is limited to areas where China's vital strategic interests are not threatened.
Chietigj Bajpaee is a researcher for Civic Exchange, a Hong Kong-based political think-tank. He has been a researcher for the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies and a Risk Analyst for a New York-based risk management company. He has a graduate degree in international relations from the London School of Economics and an undergraduate degree in economics and government from Wesleyan and Oxford Universities.


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Is there anything technology can't do? Drive cars, fly planes, beat us at chess, accelerate genetic engineering, secure endless supply of renewable energy, design robots to make more robots, diagnose and repair problems in everything from factory machinery to the human body, elevate artificial intelligence to the level of continuous learning and adaptation – no problem seems to be beyond it, except one: the problem of leaving the vast majority of humankind with little prospect of finding paid employment, because there will come a time when anything we can do, some labour-saving technology can do better (and much more cheaply).
Tech'gemony is coming. Contrary to the mantra of tech giants claiming that they are simply striving to make the world a better place for everyone, the trajectory of their power expansion points unequivocally to dominance by a few with no accountability to those whose livelihood they put at risk.
In the name of 'progress', the tech leaders build up their business empires by disrupting existing socio-economic arrangements. By continuously coming up with new, faster, more reliable approaches that render human input redundant, they amass wealth at an unprecedented rate.
As their financial resources rise exponentially, they are able to accelerate the wider adoption of business models that lead to even fewer paid jobs and more precarious employment, squeeze out firms that are lagging behind in applying labour-saving alternatives, acquire more land and assets, and buy up potential rivals who will henceforth serve their corporate goals.
At the same time, their economic strength enables them to avoid paying taxes by exploiting every possible loophole and contesting any public authority's demand they don't like with the best lawyers money can buy.
When the number of paid jobs not yet eliminated by technology dwindles to the point where there are simply not enough people with sufficient income to buy the output from tech-dominated industries, a critical choice will arise. Either the powerful corporations offer to provide their services for free (given free renewable energy sources, recyclable materials, machines with machine-building capability, it is a feasible option), or they turn inward and limit the access to their products/services to themselves. The former represents the utopian version many have talked about, forgetting that corporations dedicated to avoiding paying taxes to meet basic public needs are unlikely to share all they produce for nothing in return. The latter option is the far more likely dystopian scenario that will greet us.
What happens next will be the closing off of land, buildings, facilities that are owned by these corporations. Within their private 'sovereign' domain, with the help of the most advanced and ever improving technology, they can get whatever they want. But outside their well-guarded territories, the 99.9% will increasingly struggle as they can no longer afford to obtain the things that have become dependent on technology to produce – clean water, filtering out of polluted air, medication, safe food, fuel supply, and countless others.
While the few, having bought up most of the planet, can dispense with monetary transactions, and live in their earthly paradise with continuously improving technological solutions to every challenge they encounter; most of the world will be shut out in a rapid regression back to a Hobbesian form of life that is inescapably poor, nasty, brutish and short.
Of course it does not have to be like that. But if Tech'gemony is to be halted, governments must act now to curb tech-based corporate powers, and ensure that the fruits of technological innovation are to be shared on an open and democratic basis.
The digital clock is ticking.


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Berenice - Draped Longline Dress
An all time fave with the rich and soft cupro's texture. We are mad about this drapped and deep v-neck. Perfect for the summer weddings.
Do not wash
Do not bleach
Do not tumble dry
Iron up to 110ºC/230ºF
Dry clean
Model is wearing size S. Fits true to size, please order your usual size.Size Guide


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Time keeps coming up
Various conversations.
Various forms.
How differently we all need it - use it - understand it.
How we estimate it - or don't.
How it passes. How it passes
Beth, great post.
A tormenting thought: as of a certain point, history was no longer real. Without noticing it, all mankind suddenly left reality; everything happening since then was supposedly not true; but we supposedly didn't notice. Our task would now be to find that point, and as long as we didn't have it, we would be forced to abide in our present destruction.
-- Elias Cannetti
Thanks for posting this here!


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Destination weddings are preferred by many couples who want to make the day truely memorable. The guest list, if there is one, tends to be shorter because of travel costs, space, and extended time commitments. People can easily get one day off and drive a few towns over for a wedding. Not everyone can spend a weekend or longer attending a wedding.
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This year it is estimated that 14,000 women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most common cancer for women.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 65,000 individual members and over 300 Member Groups.
BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible. It is represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, symbolic of its focus on the woman diagnosed with breast cancer and all those around her.
Some of the key ways in which BCNA helps are through: information packs written by women for women, including the My Journey Kit for women with early breast cancer, and the Hope & Hurdles Pack for women with secondary breast cancer; The Beacon and The Inside Story – free quarterly magazines, including stories from women and articles about the latest breast cancer treatment, research, care and support; information forums – bringing women together and focusing on the latest breast cancer advances and key issues for women; leading campaigns on key breast cancer issues; the Online Network at www.bcna.org.au – connecting Australians affected by breast cancer.
Konica Minolta and employees support Breast Cancer Network Australia through:
• Workplace giving
• Volunteering
• Providing printing support
For more information on Breast Cancer Network Australia visit www.bcna.org.au.
Visit our blog to read the latest news on our charity partner engagement.
Konica Minolta staff in Melbourne deliver equipment to the Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Raelene Boyle visits Konica Minolta Head Office in Sydney during Breast Cancer month, October 2013. Staff show their support for BCNA through fundraising activities and dressing in pink!
Konica will send you information on news, offers, and industry insights.


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This event is free and open to the public and will take place at the bookshop.
Tali Nay will read from and sign her new memoir, Newbie.
Tali Nay's fourth memoir takes you to New York City, a place to which she moved in order to pursue her dream of becoming a gemologist. From her study of gems to her love of city sweets to her disgruntled, cat-hating neighbor, you'll root for her every step of the way. Newbie is not just a book about city life and what it takes for a small-town girl to adjust. It's also a book about lifelong dreams and what can happen when we conquer risk and fear and doubt in our quest to achieve them.
Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of Newbie from The King's English.
GET YOUR COPY NOW! Pre-order your signed copy of Newbie today, by either calling the store at 801-484-9100 or ordering online. Please specify if you will be attending the event and if you want your book personalized.


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Around The World
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.
Our tips and tricks for a smooth celebration.
What kind of event are you having? Is it a large occasion with hundreds of guests, a casual cocktail party or a kid's birthday celebration?
Let us spark your imagination with this list of essentials. Our ideas and advice will help you get started, arranging a marvellous event in the perfect party house.
Pace yourself.
The shopping can take a couple of trips so check your stock a few days before; cook what you can ahead of time; arrange a chef and bar staff so they can source top ingredients; even the cleaning and arranging of furniture can be done several hours early.
You have plenty of time so don't frazzle yourself with last-minute necessities. That time should be spent enjoying dressing up and greeting your guests.
Remember: the prep begins when you've decided on a fabulous venue.
Tip #1: Write/type a plan on your calendar and endeavour to stick to it.
Spectacular properties are our forté so let us find a house for you with excellent party features like a hot tub, waterside views or a rooftop terrace.
It's essential to have a chic space for entertaining guests for a casual soiree, luxurious dining area if you're planning a formal dinner or large grounds with shrubs and hidden spaces for large celebrations.
Tip #2: Pick a property with a special feature like a games room, swimming pool or hot tub and you'll find the entertainment takes care of itself.
Tip #3: Variety is your friend - look for venues with a mix of quiet snugs and large social spaces.
Park Grange (sleeps 24), Suffolk
Estuary View (sleeps 26), Gloucestershire
The Skyscraper (sleeps 18), Suffolk
Cliff House (sleeps 10), Devon
Before arriving at your destination treat your guests to a surprise invite sent through the post or, even better, hand-delivered.
Add a personal touch, something to make the invite really stand out and give the guests a taste of what is to come. If it's a small gathering, hand-write to each attendee or for larger groups, make use of themed stamps and photos for quick ways to personalise each letter.
Tip #4: Entice your guests with unique and memorable creations such as origami cards, a short video or an interactive dot-to-dot invite.
Fresh and seasonal cuisine makes for delicious dining so do some research on the region you're headed to, then get chopping or hire a private chef to do the hard work for you.
For a chill party with a relaxed atmosphere canapés and buffet options allow guests to dip into the dishes when they fancy, keeping people on their feet and mingling.
Tip #5: If you are including a sit-down dinner but want to ensure party energy remains lively, provide a tapas-style dinner. Picky eaters will thank you.
Formal dinners and fine dining are essential for elegant occasions, they provide the opportunity to create wonderful centrepieces, highlight local delicacies and have fun with the presentation of the meal.
If in doubt whether to provide light buffet-style or a sit down three-course dinner, have both!
Tip #6: Create a VIP menu for vegans and those with allergies (that's Veggie Important People).
The eternal conundrum, do you dip your toe into the exhaustive world of cocktails or stick with the classic mix of champagne and wines?
There's nothing like hearing the pop of a champagne cork to mark a celebration. Hiring a sommelier to select the perfect meal pairings will only increase guests' enjoyment of the dining.
For anyone looking to add a little spice to their party here are a couple of cocktail options – one with gin and one alcohol-free to suit every palette:
Bramble Cocktail: Mix together lemon juice, sugar syrup and a shot of your favourite choice of gin. Pour over crushed ice then drizzle with Creme de Mure. Garnish with lemon twist or fresh blackberries.
Elderflower Mocktail: Squeeze lemon over crushed ice. Add 75ml elderflower cordial and 1ltr sparkling water than gradually add sugar for a little sweetening. Slice any remaining lemon to add as garnish with a sprig of mint.
Adding sugar or salt to the rim of a glass: Dribble lemon/lime juice or honey onto a plate. Dip the top of the glass in and twist then do the same with a plate sprinkled with either sugar or salt – take your pick!
Like the invites, these can and should be personalised. Anything can make a wonderful party favour, from traditional mini bottles of drink and perfumes to the more unusual tiny coffee jars, plants or biscuits personalised to the taste of each attendee.
Leave your guests with a memento to remind them of all the fun they had while partying away.
Tip #7: Bring a camera or two to pass around so people can snap their own polaroid pics. Makes great entertainment and wonderful DIY party favours.
Tip #8: Lighting is everything.
If you are outdoors, time your party to ensure guests arrive to watch the sunset. If you're inside, then add strategically placed lamps and lights to warm rooms and light up particularly stunning features.
For simplicity and elegance drape fairy lights across the venue – they always provide a magical backdrop to any soiree or dinner.
Canapés and sweet treats become part of the décor and a perfect venue will act as a stunning backdrop.
Suspend garlands from beams, place stylish signage throughout the venue and create magnificent centrepieces using flowers or incredible artwork.
Interactive projects provide lovely entertainment for guests who will enjoy having the complete freedom to choose what they would like to do. DIY stations also encourage people to mingle as they investigate the different options on offer.
If your party is child-friendly, it's a great way to keep the little ones entertained. Ideas include make-your-own party favours or contributions to a group project you unveil after dinner or on social media.
Tip #9: Want to avoid the hassle of hiring a bartender? Set up a drinks station where guests can try their hand at making new cocktails or quietly pour themselves a craft beer.
Great music can set the atmosphere for your party. Whether you're in need of upbeat dance hits that will get people on their feet or nostalgic songs and instrumentals to play in the background during dinner, ensure you find something to suit your party style.
For bigger gatherings nothing beats a live band. Work with the musicians to tailor the songs in the set to suit your special occasion.
Tip #10: Spotify and YouTube are great places to source ready-made playlists.
If it's a birthday, an anniversary or engagement, there will be a special someone (or plural someones) at the centre of attention.
For these guests of honour presents are lovely, but an excellent host knows that to truly spoil a person you must see to it that they are enjoying themselves. There's certainly no need to be at their beck-and-call, your guest of honour will no doubt want time to mingle with friends and family, but it is always a smart idea to do check-backs to ensure everyone is comfortable and having a fab time!
Have you got all you need for the perfect party? We've created a short checklist, so you know you have got it all sussed out.
Get started by choosing the perfect venue from our collection of party houses.
Want more? Browse through a variety of different properties . . . we have country houses for relaxed get-togethers, beach retreats for special occasions by the sea and luxury venues for ceremonies with a picture-perfect backdrop.
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By Connor Loblein
One day, when I was about seven, my Mom and I heard a very loud crying noise. She said she thought it might be coming from a big bush by the fence. In the past, she had seen cats go under there when they were moving their kittens. We started to walk toward the bush, but the crying kept seeming as if it were coming from farther away. Sure enough, when we got to the bush, there wasn't anything there, but we could still hear the sound of a small kitten crying, very loudly. Next, we started walking down the driveway, and still couldn't find the kitten. Now, it sounded even farther away. We thought it was coming from the park next to us.
We started walking over to the park when my mom thought she saw a little tiny thing up on one of the large decorative rocks. As we got closer, we realized it was a kitten. I could tell he was really scared because he kept shaking and crying. Just as I reached out to pick him up, he jumped down from the rock and took off running. I went after him. Every time I would get close, he would run away another ten feet or so. This went on for about twenty-thirty minutes. Then, he stopped under some playground equipment. I went over and sat next to him and started talking to him very quietly. I didn't want to scare him more; I wanted to let him know that everything was going to be alright. After quite some time, I reached out and picked him up. He immediately snuggled close to me. Mom said it looked like he melted into me. That was it. From that moment on, he was my new kitty.
He was a very sick kitty and Mom thought that he was probably dumped at the park because of it. He had a cold, fleas, and ringworm (which we figured out a couple of weeks later). Mom figured he was probably only about four weeks old because he wasn't even eating solid food yet. But, none of that mattered. We gave him wet food, got rid of the fleas and ringworm, and nursed him back to health. Today, he is still with us and whenever I pick him up, he still snuggles under my chin. He is a big healthy Siamese cat. I named him Bentley. From that very first day, he became mine and I became his.


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as and EDM lover I wanted to change the genre of the whole track. The chords that I made are doing their job very well in this track . A layered Lead melody with some powerful sounds for the energy ..
48 comments
Amazing remix
Voted for sure
Please checkout my latest track and tell me what do you think
A awesome remix brother...love it...voted ✌😬
I´ll vote for your track if you´ll vote for my latest "Mr. Sponge the Technofant Demo". it´s a win-win-deal.
I am also in for Follow4Follow on Soundcloud. In this way we can reach bigger audience way more faster. You get in touch
with my followers and I do so with yours. Become new followers for free. Nothing to pay, just a follow. C U on Soundcloud;-) ggggd
Hey Hey! Nice track I like it & voted!
Btw, recently uploaded new song (actually remix - The Him remix contest). I would love you to check it out and then drop a fat VOTE on it if it sounds dope for you ;)
I like the sounds used in your track, especially the progressions before the refrain. But during the refrain, give the quarter synth chords a little break - they really sound nice and fit well but use them in a lower dose, not permanently. Great work anyway!
Thanks for your feedback, highly appreciated
I'll be working on this in the future
Thanks bro .. <3
COOL! Check PLEASE my Nothing On Us remix now;)
Great work very melodic!!!
Voted back
Super cool track! Voted back :)
Great track !!!
Vote !
Avicii is this you?....check out my remix!
Jimmi your remix is very catchy! But I know you can commit more! you vote!
Really awesome take on the track! The melodic vibe is perfect. If you could take a look at my remix of the track, I would really appreciate it! Well done!
Hey, jimmy,
thank you for your comment to my song somewhere,
if you want you can listen to my new song"state of mind",
I`Vote back for you,
good luck with the contest here,
love and peace
Hey Jimmi, this was a really dope remix. I hope you make it far in the contest. You have my vote
With that said, i do hope you can vote back on my latest track 'Domains' and leave some feedback. It would mean a lot
nice remix thanks for the vote and support thanks again this is a really good remix
tank you brother
nice and clean EDM, great vocal work, clear and good sound qlty on the beats, great use of instruments! voted
and thanks for your comment!
Everything above this is my honest opinion, because I actually listen to your tracks!
Please check out my new track I WANT MONEY and vote if u like it. thanks
Love the bass <3
nice! excellent melody, voted!
Great remix!
You have my vote ;)
Check please my new single "Let Me Go"
Good luck in chart!


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On Monday 8 February, industry and education gathered at Leeds College of Building to welcome WISE, experts on increasing gender balance in science, technology and engineering in the UK, to their new office in the College.
8 February 2016
Over 130 people from industry and education gathered at Leeds College of Building today to welcome WISE to its new office within the College.
The organisation's Royal Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, unveiled a commemorative plaque and addressed the guests, who included representatives from major firms like Balfour Beatty, BAM Nuttall, Jacobs Engineering, Mott Macdonald, Rolls-Royce plc and Sky as well as representatives from the Universities, the new University Technical College, Leeds City Council Leader Judith Blake and former Apprentice Star Claire Young.
The Princess Royal commented on the need to improve links between schools and employers to give girls better information about the opportunities on their doorstep to find their niche in science, technology, engineering or construction.
Ian Billyard, Principal of Leeds College of Building and President of the Yorkshire Federation of Builders, said: "As the UK's only specialist building and construction college, we are delighted to celebrate our partnership with WISE at this official opening.
"Welcoming WISE to our brand new Hunslet campus is just one of the demonstrable ways in which we are championing the role of women in construction, engineering and the built environment. With higher level engineering and building services apprenticeships available, there has never been a better opportunity to join the industry. I would urge young women in Leeds and the region as a whole to take a serious look at the fantastic career opportunities available."
Helen Wollaston, WISE Chief Executive, called on schools, colleges, employers and business leaders to play their part. She said: "By turning away from maths, physics and computing, girls rule themselves out of a whole range of jobs where they could do really well. WISE provides resources to show girls and their families the kind of jobs which would suit them. Most girls are never told about these opportunities, or told construction and engineering is not for them. In this day and age that simply isn't true. We don't want girls to lose out and we can't afford to let local industry lose out either by missing half of their potential talent pool."
WISE shared solutions for schools and for employers and guest speaker Beth West, Commercial Director of High Speed Two, explained why they are looking for people from all backgrounds to deliver HS2 in the region. Guests also heard from a panel of students, apprentices and women working in construction, which was chaired by two members of the WISE Young Women's Board, Kathryn Grant of British Sugar and Stephanie Newman of Rolls-Royce plc.
According to the Leeds Enterprise Partnership, construction, which currently represents 5% of the region's workforce, is expected to grow by 11% in the next 10 years, generating a total of 42,000 job opportunities for local people. Ian adds: "Our college is training the next generation of people to meet this need and today has been a very successful event that will no doubt raise the profile of the host of opportunities there are available to women in construction, engineering and the built environment."
"It was an amazing opportunity to have met HRH The Princess Royal and I am touched at her support to this industry as a patron to WISE and in encouraging more women to join the industry. I love working in the built environment, everyday is always different and gives me such satisfaction of being part of great projects that make such a difference to everyday lives." Katie Louise Davies, Apprentice at Balfour Beatty


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- Running
- Cross Training
- Weightlifting
- Hiking
Comfy but just a touch big
These shorts are super comfortable, they are just a little big on me. I usually wear XS in shorts because I like them tight but these are just a little loose. They're still super comfy on and the pockets are very convenient. I needed shorts with pockets for when I work out outside my apartment and need to keep my keys and phone on me and these do the trick!
Rated 5 out of 5
Rated 5 out of 5
Rated 1 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Runs Small, 0 is True to Size and 2 is Runs Big


text: Danya Taymor (Director, Graveyard Shift) is a director and translator based in New York. Recent work includes Pass Over (Lincoln Center Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company); queens (Lincoln Center Theater); Esai's Table (Cherry Lane Theater); Everybody (The Juilliard School); The Sensuality Party (The New Group); Wyoming (Lesser America); My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer, The Place We Built, I Hate Fucking Mexicans (The Flea; co-translation); Flat Sam (PlayPenn). Her production of Antoinette Nwandu's Pass Over was filmed by Spike Lee and premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Taymor is an alumna of the Women's Project Lab, Sundance Theatre Lab, Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, Van Lier Fellowship and the 2050 Fellowship at New York Theatre Workshop. She is a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop, an artist in residence at Theatre for a New Audience, a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre and an associate artist at The Flea. Upcoming work includes Familiar (Steppenwolf Theatre Company) and Daddy (Vineyard Theatre/The New Group). Television credits include Chicago P.D., Crisis, Bobby & Iza, Sirens and Battleground.


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A major rural property agency for Cumbria and the north of England has announced a rebrand.
H&H Land and Property has rebranded as H&H Land & Estates, incorporating three rural land and property agencies in Cumbria - Michael CL Hodgson, H&H King and the recently acquired Smeatons.
H&H Land & Estates is part of H&H Group PLC and compromises nine offices, 65 employees and dozens of services for property and landowners across the North of England and Scottish Borders.
H&H Land & Estates has its head office and base for the forestry, development, environmental and planning departments at the Borderway Mart, in Carlisle.
The company said it had evolved and grown in recent years and now has departments covering agricultural services, development and planning, auctioneering, land, farms, rural and residential sales and lettings.
Managing director Colin Tomlinson said: "After consultation we have chosen a name which embraces all areas of the businesses - H&H Land & Estates - to unify all areas under one brand with a strong identity.
"Choosing to rebrand is never a decision made lightly but in doing so we are responding to the increasing complexity of the land and property sector, the changing face of land agency work, and the increasing diversity of customer requirements.
"In looking at our vision we are acknowledging our roots, the needs of clients, the changing marketplace and the demands of the industry.
"A farming or rural business may wish to develop environmental schemes, may need advice on farm diversification, or succession planning.
"It may be considering grant applications, renewable opportunities or utility claims.
"An owner may have land to let, may be looking for a tenant, or may have a cottage to let.
"The list is long and never has it been more important that as rural agents we ensure that we provide the appropriate platform of support."
He said H&H Land & Estate's business divisions across Cumbria, the north east of England and Scottish Borders could now provide all these services.


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Every piece of evidence that you will be able to produce that corroborates your claim will be likely to play a critical role in your case. With that in mind, you should collect any and all records associated with your accident, including: a copy of the police report, copies of any testimony transcripts that are available, copies of the any medical records, and photographs of the scene.
Since every case will present its own challenges, you should speak with one of the rollover accident attorneys at the Willis Law Firm about the evidence that you may need to produce as part of your claim. To discuss your situation with one of our attorneys, please call our offices at 800-883-9858 today.


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Bathtub Material
For 35 years and over 450,000 bathtubs sold, we have proven to have a time tested product.
Bathtubs made with this proprietary process are the strongest bathtubs in the world. Its high level of impact resistance makes it perfect for daily use. We are confident you will love our AcraStone that we back it with a limited lifetime warranty. Our process makes for a sturdy tub without excessive flex.
We put in twice the labor required compared to a conventional bathtub. See product benefits below.
1) AcraStone™ Quality
Our AcraStone is the only material durable enough to carry our exclusive Limited Lifetime warranty. You can count on your American Bath Factory bathtub to be beautiful, strong and dependable for years to come. AcraStone is thick, strong, and warm to the touch. The color is chip and wear resistant with a porcelain-like surface inside and out. No other bathtub in the industry, including cast iron bathtubs can beat AcraStone's features.
2) Double Acrylic Shell
AcraStone bathtubs are layered with thick acrylic on the inside surface, then with an ABS Backing, an AcraStone stone/resin compound, another layer of ABS Backing and another thick acrylic layer on the outside surface. Our exclusive process creates a strong and high quality clawfoot tub with a beautiful shine inside and out.
3) Thick Acrylic Surface
Our clawfoot tubs are 1/2" thick or thicker, depending on the style of the bathtub. The high gloss surface material is 1/4" thick and can be buffed to repair scratches or simply to restore its beautiful shine.
4) Stronger but lighter than Cast Iron
Our bathtubs are lighter, stronger, and more durable than a cast iron bathtub. A cast iron bathtub requires more floor support, more labor to install, and is more expensive to transport.
5) Better Heat Retention
AcraStone bathtubs have a natural warmth and smooth feel. The thickness of our bathtubs combine to preserve heat retention longer than a cast iron bathtubs
6) Champagne Massage® Air-Jet system
You will feel like you are floating on air while bathing in your Champagne Massage® bathtub by American Bath Factory. Air is forced through precisely placed air channels and comes out the strategically placed air-jets, creating invigorating bubbles for a relaxing and therapeutic bath massage.
7) Hand Crafted Design
American Bath Factory has prided themselves on workmanship and has paid close attention to even the little details in each product for decades.
8) Limited Lifetime Warranty
Our AcraStone Clawfoot Tubs are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty which gives you confidence in quality and peace of mind in your American Bath Factory purchase.


text: I love reading comments and e-mails from fellow runners. Really – you guys make my day! The question I am most frequently asked my family, friends, and new runners is: How do you run 13.1 miles? Plain and simple: I do not. WHAT?! I repeat…I do NOT run 13.1 miles consistently. I am a big […]Read More Run-Walk-Run


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Barack Obama Loves The Pope
U.S. President Barack Obama's popularity is in the tank … while Pope Francis, the new leader of the Catholic Church, was just named Time Magazine's "Person of the Year."
No wonder Obama is doing everything he can to invoke the pontiff these days …
According to reporter Kathleen Hennessey of The Los Angeles Times, "when a White House speechwriter turned in a draft of a major speech on economic policy this month, President Obama sent it back with an unusual instruction: Add a reference to the pope."
And so the final version of Obama's speech included this quote from Pope Francis: "How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses 2 points?"
Really, Obama? Really?
Like "Republican" George W. Bush, Obama has done everything within his power to bail Wall Street out of its bad decisions – sticking the rest of us with the multi-trillion dollar bill.
Obama had a chance to change the Federal Reserve's policy of printing money for Wall Street at the expense of working Americans, but he choose not to. In fact he renominated big government interventionist Ben Bernanke for a second term as Fed Chair – and recently named another interventionist as his successor.
Gotta "spread that wealth around," ya know?
Similarly, Obama had a chance to pump more money into the economy on numerous occasions – but instead opted for a failed bureaucratic bailout (part of $5 trillion worth of deficit spending).
Now this guy's teleprompter … errr, speechwriter … wants Obama to lament the plight of the very people his administration has screwed over (while taking a pot shot at the people he has bailed out)?
Sheesh …
Oh well … luckily for Obama most of the sheeple aren't paying attention.


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Brazos Place
Brazos Place Condos for Sale in Austin
The Brazos Place Condominiums are located in the heart of downtown Austin featuring 12 stories with one and two bedroom floor plans. Originally built as the Commodore Perry Hotel, the building was renovated as residences and renamed Brazos Place. The luxury condo units offer spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Interior features include private balconies, gourmet kitchens, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, jetted tubs, polished concrete floors, walk-in closets, and exposed duct work. Residents also enjoy building amenities as well including a landscaped rooftop terrace, additional storage, a 24-hour fitness center, valet, and concierge service.
Buying a Condo in Brazos Place
We can also help you whether you are looking to buy or lease condos, townhomes, high rises, duplexes or houses in downtown Austin. If you're looking to live downtown, check out our website to start your search. Simply click on any featured listing below for details on Brazos Place condos for sale in Austin. With a variety of condos and apartments to choose from in the city, our Austin REALTORS can help you locate the perfect condo community to suit your specific needs. Register for FREE to save your favorite listings and to receive email alerts of new condo listings!


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Jamie Kueber
Jamie Kueber purchased Bruhn Optical in December of 2016. She graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry and is a Bemidji State University Alumnus. Dr. Kueber grew up in Park Rapids and graduated from the Park Rapids High School.
Some of her previous recognitions include the COVD Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy from Indiana University and the Biology Student of the Year Award from Bemidji State University. Jamie has also done research on retinal imaging of individuals with diabetes and macular degeneration at Indiana University. She was also her class liaison for the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the American Optometric Student Association.
Dr. Kueber is married to Thomas Kueber and has six children. She enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her kids.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Shannon Norton
Shannon has over 10 years of optical experience and is ABO Certified (American Board of Opticianry). She strives to ensure every patient has a wonderful experience at Kueber Eye Care. In her free time Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and 3 kids.
Email: email@example.com
Naoma Mikel
Naoma has lived in Park Rapids for the last 6 years and grew up in Nevis. She has 22 years management and customer service experience. Naoma strives to make sure every customer has the best possible experience at Kueber Eye Care. In her free time she enjoys watching her son play football, baseball, basketball,and track. When she isn't watching her son in his sports she is watching her daughter's volleyball, basketball, or softball. She loves the outdoors, especially at the beach.
Email: email@example.com
Maria Kohrs
Maria has over five years of optical experience. Maria strives on providing the best optical experience possible for each patient. When Maria is not working she enjoys simply being with her husband and their two children.
Stop by our clinic today, Maria looks forward to helping you with your optical needs.
Email: email@example.com
Andrea Yliniemi
Andrea has always worked in some kind of customer service position and loves helping people. Andrea has been in the insurance administration field for almost 5 years and enjoys the challenge and detective work it involves. In her spare time Andrea likes to fish, camp, read and be with her family.
Email: email@example.com


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Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
On a search to find the lightest backpacking setup, our tester chose the Q-Core SLX as his favorite sleeping pad. The pad packs down to the size of a Nalgene and weighs 16 ounces. Our tester especially loved the quilted top, "which you'll gain a deep appreciation for sometime around night four on the trail," he wrote.


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The kitchen garden behind the Pond House in Elizabeth Park is deliciously overgrown
as the end of the growing season approaches.
as the end of the growing season approaches.
A snowbird shows photos from southwest Florida and southern New England and other places he goes.
It's sad to see all of the plants come to the end of their beauty for a few months.
It certainly seems to be overwhelming the building.
A perfect description!
That creeper looks rather nice, softening the structure as though it was fur or hair.
Lovely profusion of green. Well seen and captured.
i can help you cut some haha
I look a bit like that when I'm in need of a haircut!
We've had a bunch of freezing nights. Our overgrown places are quickly losing the lushness you show here. Enjoy your last days of deliciousness.


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We can also provide custom built fuel tanks and tool boxes to meet your specific needs.
A 3 piece cross kit consists of two 21 inch long embossed sections that you attach to the side of the drawer to hold the dividers, and three cross dividers cut to fit the width of the drawer.
4 Truck-Accessories
600 Fox Ridge Road
Eldridge, IA 52748
Phone 563-285-6003
Fax 563-285-8670


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F5 Networks Training
Fast Lane partners with Westcon Academy to deliver Authorized F5 Networks training.
F5 Networks Inc. provides solutions that make applications secure, fast, and available for everyone, helping to dramatically improve efficiency and allow organisations to get the most out of their IT investment.
Develop your skills and knowledge of network-based applications, security and cloud computing. Book a course today!
F5 Networks Training
Need more information? Don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be glad to assist!
+32 2 609 0093 | email@example.com
F5 Training
- Administering BIG-IP (TRG-BIG-OP-ADMIN)
- Configuring BIG-IP LTM: Local Traffic Manager (TRG-BIG-LTM-CFG-3)
- Configuring BIG-IP GTM: Global Traffic Manager (TRG-BIG-GTM-IL)
- Configuring BIG-IP APM: Access Policy Manager (TRG-BIG-EGW-APM)
- Configuring BIG-IP ASM: Application Security Manager (TRG-BIG-ASM-ESS)


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Pure Costumes
Pure Costumes is your source for online Halloween costume shopping year-round. Whether you are planning your next theme party or want to have a standout costume for Halloween, Pure Costumes is sure to have the costumes you want at the prices you need.
We carry a huge selection of costumes for toddlers, kids, tweens, teens, adults, and plus size adults. We also have a great variety of wigs and accessories.www.purecostumes.com
I Will Pray
Once upon a midnite habit... ©2020 Jaded & Meeks, Inc.
Confession | Congregation | Sundries | RSS
Confession | Congregation | Sundries | RSS


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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Class of 2018: Commencing the protestby The Stylus
Students may endure four years of rigorous coursework in hopes of one day receiving the satisfaction of getting that cap and gown, walking across that stage and smiling for pictures for Mom and Dad, but they don't always give a care in the world about who is standing up on that stage imparting wisdom upon them for life. In the case of this year's undergraduate commencement, there have been talks of opposition regarding The College at Brockport's choice for the undergraduate ceremony speaker, for reasons which trace back to the core values imparted upon us at this majority liberal institution.
The 2018 commencement speaker has been announced as John Faso, class of 1974. Faso was a 2016 elect to represent the 19th district of New York in congress, tracing his career in politics all the way back to Brockport. Faso seems like a kind, seasoned politician on his Wikipedia page, but members of The Stylus staff are concerned with his history
of congressional voting, which he has utilized to align his votes with President Donald Trump's, 84.7 percent of the time.
When looking at Faso's political history, there are definitely ideas which stand out. While he has seemingly not outright aligned himself directly with discriminatory legislation, he has actively been involved with controversial projects, such as a proposed fracking pipeline between New York and Pennsylvania, for which he acted as a public affairs consultant. As a generation concerned about long-lasting environmental impact, we cannot stand behind someone involved in such a treacherous endeavor which many back for financial gain.
Additionally, Faso has outwardly stated he wishes he could support the defunding of critical reproductive hub Planned Parenthood, but urged his fellow GOP members not to garner support for such an act, as doing so would result in a political disaster. Not only does opposing access to reproductive health and safety set off red flags amongst our staff, but this makes it clear he is uncomfortable in some of his decisions.
Interestingly, in an interview with thedailystar.com, Faso suggested the opposite in 2016 while campaigning.
"Do I agree with much of what [Trump] has said? No," Faso said. "But I also don't agree with much of what Hillary Clinton has said."
Based on the outrageous, corrupt propositions Trump has made and continues to dispel before Congress, and the aforementioned statistic, it is safe to say that he agrees with A LOT of what Trump says these days.
All in all, it seems strange for Brockport to choose Faso as the undergraduate commencement speaker. For all the campaigning the college does to ingrain the importance of adversity, acceptance and the idea of building a "better Brockport," the choice seems out of character. Sure, it's unlikely Faso will get up there and try to persuade thousands of twenty-somethings to defund Planned Parenthood, but it boils down to the principle of the thing. How many among this year's graduating class fight tirelessly day in and day out for the rights of others, as well as themselves, all to receive a final reminder that their alma matter does not place firm value in the messages conveyed during one of the most important days of their lives?
Meanwhile, the planned speaker for the graduate ceremony is set to be Faith Prather, another distinguished graduate of the college. Prather, however, does NOT go to work in the morning with the intention of defunding the Affordable Care Act. Rather, she is a black woman with a proud history of championing for diversity and integrity, planning on retiring from her position of associate professor of public administration this spring. Prather notably co-founded the Women's Center on campus, which has evolved into what students now recognize as the Center for Select Respect, an organization which works to tie in the campus community with diverse populations and social issues. Prather works with the Office of Diversity to ensure worthy speakers are brought before students to convey messages of inclusion. It is our belief at The Stylus that Prather more accurately reflects the image Brockport strives to obtain — one which celebrates those who uplift.
Both commencement speakers should reflect the views of the student body majority; Prather got to where she is today because of honesty and community engagement, while Faso continues to ride the backs of insidious ideals. If there are students, be they graduates or not, present at commencement who are unhappy with Faso as a speaker selection, it will be with good reason. Any possible disruption will not take away value from the money spent on graduation tickets – it will instead hopefully be a reminder that students can always take back power when they are made to feel disenfranchised by such a higher authority.


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Under the existing provisions, long term capital gains from sale of listed equity shares or units of equity oriented fund or units of business trusts is exempt from tax by way of section 10(38). New section 112A has been introduced in Finance Bill, 2018 which has withdrawn this exemption. The Memorandum explaining the bill stated: […]Continue reading
I. Income Tax Slab Rates in case of Individual (Resident as well as Non-Resident) less than 60 years of age on last day of the relevant previous year (Both Men and Women)/HUF/AOP/BOI or any other artificial juridical person: II. Income Tax Slab Rates in case Resident Senior Citizen more than 60 years old but less […]Continue reading
An advertisement of Morgan Stanley once said "You must pay taxes but there's no law that says you gotta leave a tip". This advertisement aptly identifies that people are poor at tax planning. And as you are aware that 31st March is arriving, so we have decided to enlighten you on some basics of tax […]Continue reading
Last updated: February 3, 2018 Any Profits / gains arising from sale of equity shares and mutual funds (being held as Capital Asset) is charged to tax under income from 'Capital Gains'. Taxability depends upon the nature of capital asset, which can be either Long term or Short term. Meaning of Short Term Capital Asset […]Continue reading
The current government had been consistently urging every citizen to link Aadhaar with PAN. This is one of the many steps taken by the government recently towards curbing the ill practices relating to tax evasions. By linking the Aadhaar with PAN it will be easy for the Government to track all the financial transactions undertaken […]Continue reading
There are penal provisions in the Income Tax Act, 1961 if you don't file your return on or before due date (234A) or if there is delay in payment of Advance Tax (234B) or there is default in paying installments of Advance Tax (234C).In this post we will discuss on calculation of penalty i.e. interest […]Continue reading