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Vermat - Government subsidized program for the profitable improvement of material efficiency (Efficiency analysis)
Today's available technologies and management methods for the profitable improvement of material efficiency in production and product exploitation contain significant reserves for the increase in competitiveness and growth. With small and mid-size companies (KMUs) these reserves can be traced back mainly to business management and technical know-how deficits. An efficiency analysis with focus an materials usage and utilization will show these savings potentials.
For the exemplary development of these reserves with KMUs the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) has set up a program for the consulting of small and mid-size companies regarding the profitable improvement of material efficiency. This program puts special emphasis on giving a better understanding of the necessary technology and management know-how by qualified consultants who are close to the KMUs. The first step on this way is an efficiency analysis (professional first consultation).
The German Agency for Material Efficiency (demea) has been charged with the implementation of this program. The efficiency analysis will be carried out by certified consultants who are close to the KMUs.
KORN CONSULT is one of the consultant companies authorized by the German Agency for Material Efficiency. Professional experience of many years in this area, a thorough understanding of technical and business management aspects in production (product cycles), analytical capabilities and experience with KMUs are a prerequisite for the certification as a consultant. The efficiency analysis (professional first consulting) can be subsidized up to 67 % or 10,000 Euros. In case of complex material flows a consolidation consultation up to 33% or 99,000 Euros can be subsidized.
Please contact us if you want to know whether or not your company meets the requirements for a subsidy of an efficiency analysis (professional first consultation).


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|The Chaplain in The Meaning of Life
Bernard Williams (1929-2003) famously discusses this question in his essay 'The Makropulos case: reflections on the tedium of immortality'. I shall defend one particular premise in Williams's argument that an immortal life would be meaningless against Donald Bruckner's objections, to highlight some reasons for thinking Williams is correct.
While non-human life might have some meaning, I shall only discuss the issues as they relate to individual human lives. I shall assume that the life is to be embodied, since some considerations, such as personal identity, are slightly different if the life is to be unembodied. Maybe mortal life has no meaning either, but, if it does, I take that to mean that there is, in fact, a reason to get up in the morning, to earn a wage, to maintain oneself and to carry on living. The sort of meaning we need is some 'point, purpose, significance or value' (Belshaw, 2014, p.136).
There are subjective and objective accounts of meaning. Life's meaning seems heavily tied to a personal valuer, but such values may disappear once the valuer dies. A more objective account is sought which stands outside of individual lives. Timeless value might more easily offer meaning to immortal lives, being independent of life, continuing or not.
Williams's argument
Bernard Williams suggests that '[i]mmortality, or a state without death, would be meaningless' and 'intolerable' (Williams, 1973, p.82). The intolerability follows from the lack of meaning a person would inevitably (Williams thinks) experience in an eternal life; boredom would result. He presents a dilemma:
1) Eternal life is either one person's life, and therefore inevitably boring, or
2) Eternal life becomes a series of unconnected person's lives, so one would not be immortal.
I'm not sure that even the second option escapes inevitable boredom, and bodily continuity may provide a reason to care about future identities; but, granting Williams's claim, I shall concentrate on the first horn.
Williams makes a distinction between categorical and contingent desires. The categorical/contingent distinction is conditional on life; desires that are not contingent on being alive are categorical. Contingent desires might include eating or reading a good book. Categorical desires are those that would drive one through life even if no contingent desires were being met. Williams illustrates this through the example of a man contemplating suicide:
If he does decide to undergo [what lay before him], then some desire propels him on into the future, and that desire at least is not one that operates conditionally on his being alive, since it itself resolves the question of whether he is going to be alive. He has an unconditional, or (as I shall say) a categorical desire. (p.85-86)I'm not sure this distinction is altogether valid. For example, someone might judge that some contingent desires will be satisfied tomorrow; one might not be hungry today, since one's appetite has been satisfied for the moment, but one knows that, come tomorrow, hunger will return, so a fresh opportunity to satisfy one's renewed appetite can be anticipated. Is that not then a categorical desire? Williams suggests this may be when he says that a basic categorical desire might be one 'that future desires of mine will be born and satisfied' (p.87). If the categorical desire is to acquire or satisfy future contingent desires then those contingent desires surely become categorical (being the object of a categorical desire)?
|Nadja Michael as Emilia Marty, aka Elina Makropulos, in Věc Makropulos.
Photo by Cory Weaver.
Williams says:
The point is rather that boredom, as sometimes in more ordinary circumstances, would be not just a tiresome effect, but a reaction almost perceptual in character to the poverty of one's relation to the environment. (p.95)This 'almost perceptual' response is a reaction to eternity: what happens to the categorical desires, such as nurturing family, when there is no end in sight? His suggestion is that they will inevitably evaporate, and unless there is a guarantee against this, we should reject immortality. Formally the argument can be stated:
Premise 1: In order for one's life to be meaningful (and 'recognisably human' – Angelic lives are irrelevant), one must have a set of categorical desires that one wishes to satisfy.Bruckner's objections
Premise 2: Contingent desires alone cannot make life meaningful.
Premise 3: If one lived forever in a recognisably human form, one would exhaust one's set of categorical desires and become bored and apathetic as a result.
Conclusion: Living forever in a recognisably human form would not be meaningful.
(Sinnicks, 2015)
Bruckner challenges P3 and suggests that categorical desires will not run out. He offers three objections:
1) That 'the natural degradation of our memories would help to keep endlessly repeated experiences interesting' (Bruckner, 2012, p.626)Memory decay
2) That people naturally regain a taste for an activity once some time has elapsed.
3) That human ingenuity will generate new categorical desires.
Bruckner makes the reasonable point that our memories are not perfect and we would forget the experiences that had once satisfied categorical desires, so they would become unsatisfied once more. He gives the example of 20 careers of 40 years each, which would give a gap of 760 years between careers:
So pursuing that career again would provide a new-feeling, worthwhile, and enjoyable experience. One would be coming at it fresh. (p.630)
Further, forgetting one's own children, as EM does, illustrates how immortality would strip life of meaning. Perhaps EM could experience afresh the pain and joy of childbirth, but if she is at the same time forgetting the ends of that pain and joy, she is replacing an independent-of-self meaningful value (family) with a dependent-on-self less meaningful one (pain and joy). In Williams's terms, she is losing a categorical desire while retaining a less meaningful contingent one.
Rejuvenation of Desire
Bruckner writes that 'careers, ways of life, and other long-term pursuits are correctly classed as repeatable pleasures that would keep our immortal lives interesting.' (p.632). He observes that short term desires, such as sex and eating revive after being satiated, and so too can longer term desires, such as gardening and teaching.
This is another reasonable observation about normal life but I'm not sure it entirely engages with Williams's distinction between categorical and contingent desires. No doubt contingent desires can be satisfied and then rejuvenated after a while, but can the same be said for categorical desires eternally? Williams's challenge is that if it cannot be shown that this is the case, immortality should be rejected ('Nothing less will do for eternity than something that makes boredom unthinkable' – Williams, p.95). If there is the chance that categorical desires can be exhausted at any time, then one should not want an eternal life. And since eternity is forever, it is inevitable that at some point there will be no categorical desires, even if they could be rejuvenated at a later time.
How plausible is this claim? Bruckner suggests it is holding immortal lives to a standard that we do not demand for mortal lives 'which we think are perfectly worth living even given the risk of reaching a state of chronic boredom.' (Bruckner, p.637). But Williams is pointing out that it is inevitable that one will exhaust categorical desires, not that there is a risk of it, in an immortal life, because we know some people do appear to exhaust their categorical desires in less than 100 year-old lives (and commit suicide). Therefore, there is a quantifiable risk per year, so in an eternity of years, there will be an incidence of categorical desire exhaustion.
So Williams demands that boredom be unthinkable. One episode of categorical desire exhaustion must be avoided even if some desires might subsequently be revived. I suggest this is because meaning involves looking forward with hope, and should categorical desires (the reasons that drive us on) be exhausted at any time, we will fall into despair, with nothing to bridge the period of ennui until a categorical desire rejuvenates. What is the attraction of an immortal life if we know at the outset that we will, definitely, fall into despair at some point?
Human Ingenuity
While the first two objections address the question of the exhaustion of similar experiences, the third suggests that 'human ingenuity changes them and creates new ones' (p.632-633). Looking at my life today compared to my life as a teenager illustrates the point. I engage in many activities reliant on technological innovations, such as social media and 4GL computer programming, which were almost inconceivable when I was a teenager. Innovation generates new experiences that might provide a basis for new categorical desires. As Bruckner writes:
Riding a bicycle is good as a means of transportation and of exercise, but is also enjoyable in its own right. (p.634)True enough, but there are at least two objections here:
1) We are not making the right evaluation of our categorical desires, andFirst, if we take computer programming, for instance, our categorical desire may be to write a ground-breaking piece of software that mediates all international disputes to the satisfaction of all parties. Or, it may be to achieve world peace. The first looks like a new desire, but is in fact a way of achieving the second, pre-existing, desire. The suspicion is that however much technology advances it just provides new ways to pursue a finite list of human categorical desires. Unless the nature of humanity changes, these desires will not, and part of being recognisably human is to have a certain limited set of categorical desires.
2) We are assuming infinite human ingenuity.
But even if we allow that we can create new human categorical desires, there is a second objection: while human ingenuity seems capable of expanding our desires for a very long time, it's not obvious that human ingenuity can increase them ad infinitum. We have finite tools at our disposal; a brain limited to the power of its thinking ability, a body limited to its physical constraints, so it may be safer to conclude that our ingenuity is finite too.
Williams provides an account of meaning which exists outside individual lives but is not everlasting. Bruckner counters by offering reasons to believe that desires giving meaning will recur indefinitely. But Williams's 'almost perceptual' response takes human nature into account, suggesting such recurrences will become tiresome and meaningless. Bruckner's objections are unconvincing because they address the lengthening of life but don't full engage its eternity. There may be other, more convincing, objections, and the other premises may be problematic, but from this limited analysis I think there is some truth in the statement 'an immortal life would be a meaningless life'.
Belshaw, C. (2014) The Value of Life (A333 Book 4), Milton Keynes, The Open University.
Bruckner (2012), 'Against the Tedium of Immortality', International Journal of Philosophical Studies vol.20, no.5.
Sinnicks, M. (2015) A333, 4. The Value of Life [Powerpoint presentation to A333 tutor group, Tonbridge]
Williams, B. (1973) 'The Makropulos case: reflections on the tedium of immortality', in Williams, B. (ed.) Problems of the Self, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, pp. 82–100.
For further reading on Bernard Williams's argument, and the challenges and refinements to it, I recommend the following pieces by John Danaher:

subset: commoncrawl


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September 28-29, 2018
Classically trained in pattern making and draping, Roxanne Heptner founded Wilt in 2009 on a mission to create a line of beautifully shaped, uncomplicated tees. Clean lines, uneven hems and playful proportions that would give women a soft, lived-in alternative to what was not being offered in the market.
Wilt garments are made with a tailor's attention to detail. Every garment is draped on the body to get fit and fold. Wilt's hemline inventions are unique silhouettes catalogued by offbeat names like the big backslant, the shrunken boyfriend and the fishtail.


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Inside the Makers Workshop: Brad Wreyford
"I was raised in the industrial South with a fondness for old cotton gins, oil derricks, and mill towns. My grandfathers were the first artists I knew. They were both truck farmers who spent off days plowing rows for squash and greens or picking melons from the patch. Gardening was my initial artistic activity. I remember how straight those rows were. The varying shades of mustard, collard and turnip greens against burnt ochre earth and the brightness of peppers and sliced melons were some of my first chromatic experiences.
"I began making art in my early twenties. My path was set to be a mathematician or an engineer, but my hands felt left out. I have a love of materials. I need to get my hands dirty. This curiosity has developed my skills in welding, woodworking, and painting. There has always been within me the need to doodle and twiddle with any available material. Consequently, art is a form of journaling for me. The work I produce reflects all facets of my psyche, usually in complicated layers of chronology."
"I am of the mind that the best artists are those who are always seeking new experiences. I can't create on an empty tank. The pain and joy of new visual and emotional discovery charge the creative battery inside me. Currently, I am processing what it means to be a father. I am fascinated with the mental and motor development of my daughters. In their world everything is new, flat, and unexplored. Only the brightest colors and most engaging machinations will hold her attention. There is complete uncertainty and complete security in their lives. It is my goal to create and explore with the same fearlessness and curiosity; to unlearn the mystery and secrets of life; to grow young in my perceptions. Tripping over toys, putting on p-j's, and watching Curious George are the sources of my visual information. I am drawing clouds, bananas, stars and birdies. The colors I am reaching for come straight from my daughter's wardrobe and toy bin. When I think about how she sees the world I encounter a refreshing flatness and simplicity that allows for new discovery and re-discovery of that which I ignore daily."
"My recent paintings are formatted horizontally much like film rolls or comic strips. Each painting is made of multiple stills all vying for the viewers attention. This arrangement implies a passage of time; a progression of strong ideas and actions much like the day-to-day chronology of our family photo albums.
The pieces also explore the harmony between unity and individualism; the whole made up of the parts; a family."
Visit www.bradwreyford.com for more!


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I had fun putting together this set of moody black and white landscapes taken on Dartmoor on New Year's Day. I hope you like it.
Monthly Archives: November 2013
The little iron church
The tiny, corrugated iron, 'mission' church of St. George is in the hamlet of West End, near Esher in Surrey. It was built in 1879 on land given by Queen Victoria so that the poor labourers of the village might be able to worship without the steep, muddy climb into Esher. Despite its temporary nature, the church, which overlooks the cricket green, is currently 134 not out!
Many thanks to my friend, Tony Antoniou, who kindly popped round yesterday to re-calibrate my monitor and at the same time showed me how to get better results from the HDR facility in Photoshop CC. This photo is my first effort using the tool properly. Tony is a talented photographer with a flair for environmental portraits and image manipulation. Do pop over and have a look at his website.
Inevitably green
Clearing out old files, still, I came across some shots of greenfly from May and June and thought they made a set of greedy, green, garden pests. With apologies to all the gardeners out there.
A couple of these shots are as much if not more about the background than the aphids themselves.
They are a little bit pretty seen singly like this? Not convinced? 😉
Over on my Facebook page I am giving away a 2014 calendar to one winner chosen on Monday next week from those who nominate a Surrey beauty spot. Do visit if you're local. I am planning to compile a list of nominated Surrey locations to photograph in 2014, with a view to making a 2015 calendar from the best images.
The Shed Gallery
Seeing your work exhibited has to be one of the greatest thrills available in photography. Liberated from the hard drive, your images come to life, and take on new meaning as they resonate with the other exhibited images. People actually come to see them, and contemplate them, in real time, and not just because they want you to visit their blog/photostream/FB page/twitter feed. Well hung, a collection of images becomes a body of work. And, let's face it, exhibiting your own work is just plain cool.
Staging an exhibition is a huge undertaking, and not just in terms of the obvious challenges: deciding on your image criteria (theme, style etc), choosing your best images, getting them printed to an exhibition standard, mounting and framing and making an aesthetically pleasing hanging plan. Obviously, you have to find a venue. Then, depending on your venue, you have to think about publicity, stewardship and pricing (if your work is for sale). As that last point hints, it's not a cheap project either. Just a little bit of research locally has led me to conclude that a solo exhibition is going to cost well into four figures. And the harsh reality is that most exhibiting photographers fail to sell enough prints even to begin to make a significant dent in all that investment.
Yet, this year I have had the pleasure of having images exhibited in three (soon to be four) prestigious exhibitions. Am I broke now? No, because last Autumn I joined The Shed Gallery. I was on holiday in Lyme Regis, on Dorset's beautiful Jurassic Coast, when I came across an exhibition at The Malthouse. The images were all printed on aluminium, which gave the exhibition an edgy, current vibe, and worked well in the space. I also liked the way the photography mingled with original pieces of art, paintings and sculptures, giving an added layer of texture and interest. The exhibition was by The Shed Gallery, and I got chatting to one of its owners, Chelsea Davine, herself a talented artist and photographer. The Shed is an online gallery specialising in aluminium prints. There are plenty of ways of selling photography on-line but The Shed offers the added benefit of staging real exhibitions of selected works and also has hanging space in Chelsea's Barcelona Gallery.
Since joining, I have had my work exhibited in London, Bristol and Lyme, and am delighted to be one of the featured photographers at a second exhibition in Lyme next month. I have more than recouped my membership fee in sales and I have had the pleasure of exhibiting without any of the effort or financial risk; Chelsea and her business partner Ben do all the work! In January, I attended the private view of The Shed's Albion exhibition, at the Cock 'n' Bull Gallery under The Tramshed restaurant in trendy Shoreditch. I mingled with celebrities sipping champagne and actually looking at my work! I have also met, either online or in person, some very nice people, and enjoyed some inspirational images.
Sadly, I can't attend the winter exhibition as I will be in Australia, but if you are in Dorset between 17th December and 6th January, do consider popping into our exhibition. And if you want to know more about The Shed, just pop over to the website and have a look round, visit The Shed's blog, or feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.
Still Autumn, just…
There is a heavy hint of change in the air. The trees no longer bask in full Autumn glory. Instead, their leaves billow under the wheels of passing vehicles. Twice this week my day has begun with scraping frost from car windows. Staying out to photograph the sunset, my hands and feet became numb from the cold.
Perhaps in sympathy, it's been all change in my digital life this week. I have finally downloaded Photoshop Creative Cloud and Lightroom 5. For photographers there's a special subscription deal for just under £9 a month. That's a huge discount, but hurry, it ends on 2nd December. It will take me a while to get to grips with Lightroom as I haven't used it before but PS CC seems fairly intuitive, not too much of a leap from CS4.
One of the things that's much improved from CS4 is the HDR facility. The image below is my first attempt. Just three exposures blended by PS CC. It's certainly light years ahead of what CS4 would have produced but I'm still not sure about it. I had to tweak a lot to get it to look even vaguely natural. Perhaps it's a good thing I have ordered some ND graduated filters so I can do it in camera instead!
Just to make life even harder, I also upgraded my iMac operating system from Snow Leopard to Mavericks. It seems mostly familiar but for some inexplicable reason I now have to scroll in the opposite direction. Mighty confusing! There's probably a setting I need to tick somewhere. (Scratches head bemusedly.)
And, just to add to it all, I have finally given up on Redbubble and am working on creating a new website with Photium. More on that soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these further images from my walk last week along the Wey Navigation towpath.
Autumn Falls
Last week I shared a picture of Coulson's Weir on the Wey Navigation, Weybridge. This is another shot of the same place, taken on the same day but a couple of hours later. The light has become warmer and a cluster of oak leaves has fallen giving me some seasonal foreground. In fact, I like this one better than the first shot. I think the person on the bridge helps the composition, although I know a few very good landscapers who absolutely hate seeing people in their shots. I suppose this is not exactly a wild place and so a bit of human interest seems fitting. Which image do you prefer? And what are your views on figures in landscapes?
I realise I have been wittering on about the Wey Navigation recently but haven't really explained what it is. I did a few posts about it last year, but that is a long time ago in blog-land! A longer post on the Navigation is in the pipeline, plus one on technique, and one on selling your images online. But first my incredibly slow internet has to finish downloading OS X Mavericks. So far, 8 hours and not even close to the middle of the progress bar! Rant over.
The wonderful Wey
Two more shots from my stroll along my local stretch of the Wey Navigation in Weybridge. The top one is a panorama, stitched from five separate vertical images to make a big 11000 by 7000 (approx) pixel file, which will make a mighty print, if I ever print it. The lower image is the same viewpoint as my moonrise shot last month.
I am now writing for a local website once a week and the second shot featured in my article last week.


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By: Joseph Cammarata
The past decade has been one filled with new studies and information confirming the risks athletes face when they suffer concussions. Today, growing evidence has helped illustrate the profound and devastating effects of traumatic brain injuries, including one recent study in which researchers found chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in 99% of former NFL athletes. These studies have also helped raise awareness among parents and lawmakers who believe preventative steps are critical to helping youth athletes avoid terrible fates. Fortunately, as a new study suggests, those steps have already made a difference.
In a study published by the American Journal of Public Health last Thursday, researchers explored how new laws passed in states across the country, as well as the District of Columbia, have succeeded in reducing rates of repeated concussions among teenage and high school athletes. Many of these laws, which vary in scope and strength, were enacted within the past 10 years – including DC's own, The Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011, which I drafted.
Here are a few key details from the recent study:
- The number of concussions among teen athletes increased immediately after each new law was passed – a point attributed to greater awareness and improved reporting guidelines.
- After an average of 2.6 years following newly enacted laws, reported numbers of repeat concussions began to significantly decline, which indicates the positive effects of these laws.
- Of the estimated 2.7 million reported concussions analyzed by the study between 2005 and 2016, 89% were new injuries, and 11% were recurrent concussions.
- Football was notably the leader when it came to sports where high school athletes faced the greatest concussion risks (more than twice the concussion rate when compared to soccer).
- Concussion rates among high school athletes were five times higher during games than during practice.
Since 2009, all 50 states and the District of Columbia have adopted measures to protect student athletes from serious injuries that can occur when there is a blind focus on winning. Although participation in sports teaches tremendous lessons about strategy, goals, competition and team dynamics, those lessons should never come at the expense of injuries that can have devastating life-long consequences, especially among youth athletes.
As the study shows, prioritizing safety has been critical to not only reducing concussion risks, but also to changing the public's view about the potential long-term effects of suffering a concussion. The findings in the study validate the work we have done and continue to do to advocate for and protect youth athletes and others from the harmful effects of a concussion.
How DC's Concussion Law Shapes Up
Several years ago, I drafted the Athletic Concussion Protection Act of 2011, which became law in the District of Columbia. The Act was developed specifically to address the notable issues present in all youth sports (18 and under) and to provide a format for identification and management of injury, and education of all those participating in the sport, to include athletes, parents and coaches. This includes clear protocol and guidelines that must be followed by school-run athletic programs and non-school affiliated youth sports organizations, as well as stressing the importance of recognizing warning signs and mandated courses of action that should be taken which can summed up by the watch-phrase– "When in doubt, take them out." The Act was the broadest in the nation in that it applies not only to public and private schools but also to youth recreation leagues.
By tracking the positive results of youth concussion protection laws, there is hope that similar measures can be taken to prioritize safety at all levels of sports. Additionally, these types of studies can aid lawmakers and advocates, such as us, to continue making improvements that allow for even better prevention and response.


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Copy of Architec Arch
Sale price
Regular price
Have Back Pain?
The Architec Arch stretches out your lower back & restores your natural back curve.
Relieve Tension And Stress
Many daily activites such as, extended computer usage, or sitting all day, can lead to spine and posture imbalances. The Architec Arch is designed to relieve the stress and tension placed on your lower back.
Fully Adjustable!
Designed for people of all ages, the Architec Arch's ergonomic design includes a multi-level arch with 3 adjustable settings so that it works for people of all ages and body types.
Is This Right For Me?
This product is perfect for those with a tight thoracic spine and for people that tend to slouch with rounded shoulders. However, it is NOT for those with scoliosis, acute herniated discs or bulging discs.


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Posts about #budgeting_1
25 05 16
Plants and benches in Kontula – visualising participatory budgeting
Read more >>>
Participatory budgeting is a form of direct democracy where citizens actually have a say in how part of the city budget is allocated. The total public budget cannot easily be allocated based on local preferences only - any budgeting decision usually needs considerable amounts of data and analysis to actually uphold the commitments the city has made to the communities and services that depend on it. However, on the lower level of budgeting - allocating funds between several competing projects or funds ...


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World Wetlands Day 25th March 2012
Photos taken at Bicentennial Park Day 25th March 2012.
A great informative day at the Emu Park Bicentennial Park World Wetlands Day.
The day was sponsored the the Rockhampton Regional Council, Emu Park Bushcare Group, Fitzroy Water and the Capricorn Conservation Council, Cap Coast Landcare and CQ Waste Management along with others.
Pics by Rob Tait


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The rest of the property is just as unconventional, decorated with splashes of loud primary colors—shocking at first, but once clients have explored the streets of Willemstad, with their brightly painted buildings in shades of turquoise, yellow and coral, the design scheme seems oddly at peace with the local ambiance. The Caribbean theme continues at Nautilus, the resort's main restaurant serving international fare sprinkled with island delicacies. Upstairs, the Express-o Coffee Shop is a nod to Willemstad's chic side, as well as a recognition of business travelers who pass through the resort. The Starbucks-esque space serves up coffee and light snacks, and happens to connect to a business lounge. And for a selection of after dinner drinks mixed with the island's favorite libation—blue (or orange or white) curaçao—stop by Blue Bar.
The resort is also home to the full-service Aqua Spa with eight treatment rooms, including suites for couples, and a sun deck. Its fitness center is stocked with strength training and cardio equipment for fitting in workouts between sightseeing and relaxing at the beach club. The rooms themselves are of standard size, with amenities like mini-fridges, high-speed Internet access and flat-screen TVs. Clients can upgrade to one of the resort's 14 suites, including two 1-bedroom Majestic Suites that sit on the corners of the building with balconies that look out to the sea, the Queen Juliana Bridge and the Willemstad harbor. Verschoor says it's all designed to appeal to "the typical Renaissance guest—we call them young at heart. They look for a tropical destination, but they want to do more than just lay on the beach. They like to be able to walk around the property, go into the downtown area and explore." The surroundings of the resort lend themselves particularly well to active couples, particularly shoppers; though not much in the local area will appeal to young children, families traveling with teens also have plenty to explore.
If a client stayed at and enjoyed the Renaissance Aruba, adds Verschoor, they'll likely have just as great a time in at the Curaçao property.
Despite a client's penchant for exploring, Verschoor says, the Renaissance isn't currently offering packages that include activities because, "people right now are looking at the best deal with the best rates. People shop by rates these days and it's been like that for a year already." So instead, the resort is offering rates up to 50 percent off through April 8; starting April 9 and running through Dec. 22, rates will be discounted as much as 30 percent. Rates start at $339 per room per night before the discounts.


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Yahoo! Finance: "Trumark Hires Veteran Developer to Grow Master Planned Community Business"
COO Peter Kiesecker to Acquire and Manage Properties for Trumark Communities
Posted May 29, 2015 2:34 PM
NEWPORT BEACH, CA- (May 29, 2015) – Trumark Communities announced that it has hired Peter Kiesecker, a former executive at Standard Pacific Homes with more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, as chief operating officer of its newly launched master planned community business called Trumark Communities.
"We have met with Peter several times over the years and have been impressed with his leadership skills, market insights and ability to execute a business plan," said Michael Maples, co-founder of Trumark. "We are honored to have him join the Trumark team and to lead this important new platform for us." Read Full Story


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/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/TCOMCMYK-blue-tagling.png 0 0 gal /wp-content/uploads/2014/03/TCOMCMYK-blue-tagling.png gal2016-03-31 14:08:062016-03-31 14:08:06A Beginner's Guide to Aerostats
A Beginner's Guide to Aerostats
…In the last 30 years and even more so in recent years, as threats and technology have evolved and the need for 24/7 ISR has increased, helium-filled balloons—aerostats—have returned to the field. They are increasingly recognized as useful tools for long-term continuous ISR, as they overcome the greatest disadvantage of aircraft-based systems – limited fuel and flight time. They may also provide a visual deterrence to illegal activity, as they are lowered only for refueling and maintenance sessions…
Continue reading the FULL ARTICLE HERE ON MONGABAY WILDTECH


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- This event has passed.
Crescent City Farmers Market at Crescent Park
March 4 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 3:00pm on Wednesday, repeating until December 30, 2020
Event Navigation
Our historic French Market location got hip and relocated to the Bywater neighborhood! Find us at the Rusty Rainbow – the footbridge to Crescent Park – located at Chartres and Piety. With expanded offerings, you'll find a full selection of produce, proteins, bread, and value-added goods. Stop by the market on Wednesdays from 3-7pm on your way home from work or school for your groceries and enjoy the sweet tunes of local musicians underwritten by the French Market Corporation!
|Children's Events
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|Special Events


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Representatives of various shipping and fishing companies, Majuro Stevedoring and Terminal Company, Mobil Oil Micronesia, as well as other port stakeholders, gathered at Marshall Islands Resort on Friday, December 13, to hear and discuss preliminary conclusions and recommendations associated with the ongoing Port of Majuro Master Plan. Captain Joe Tiobech, assistant director of RMIPA, who opened the meeting, expressed the intent of RMIPA to gain insights of local stakeholders and welcomed any comments to the preliminary information provided by Lyon Associates, Inc., the consultants retained by RMIPA to prepare the plan.
Lyon Associates representatives Sean Dunckel and Jim Pedersen, initially provided an overview of the master plan progress and explained how port stakeholders and the general public will be able to access the soon-to-be published draft master plan report. The draft Port of Majuro Master Plan will become available in early 2014 via RMIPA's new website rmipa.com
Their subsequent presentation outlined preliminary conclusions, port improvement objectives, and specific strategies tied to achieving those objectives. The findings of the Lyon Associates team included conclusions and recommendations associated with Calalin Channel, port fairway, and vessel moorage area; Uliga Dock; Delap Dock; port management, operations and maintenance, and related economic development opportunities.
A substantive discussion of the recommended port improvement objectives and strategies followed the Lyon Associates team presentation. Constructive comments and insights were shared and discussed by meeting participants. Their insights will help enable the refinement of the consultant's preliminary conclusions and recommendations.
The update of the master plan progress, as well as preliminary conclusions and recommendations, was subsequently presented and discussed with the RMIPA Board of Directors and executives staff on Friday, December 13. The Board of Directors provided further comments and insights based upon their knowledge of port issues and operations, and their vision for future port improvements. During this meeting, the RMIPA was also led through a prioritization of recommended port improvement objectives to facilitate the consultant's scheduling of more specific port improvement strategies.


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Blue October - Razorblade (from "Argue With a Tree")
Argue with a Tree... is the first live CD/DVD by Blue October, and their fourth CD overall. The title of the album is a lyric in the song "Weight of the World". The album was recorded live on June 4, 2004, at Lakewood Theater in Dallas, Texas, and released as a double CD and DVD in the United States in 2004 by Brando/Universal Records. The set includes live versions of songs from all of Blue October's studio albums, as well as the unreleased track "PRN." It is the only Blue October release to feature bass guitarist Piper Skih.
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He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt.
He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.(Albert Einstein)


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Dental Implants | Virginia Beach, VA
Dental Implants
In the past, dentures were the only option available for people who suffered tooth loss due to decay, periodontal disease or injury. With advancements in technology and materials, dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular method for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made with titanium supports surgically fused with your jaw bone. The titanium posts provide a strong foundation for the attachment of natural-looking prosthetic teeth.
Dental implants have proven to be a excellent long-term option for restoring your smile. If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, the dental professionals at the Gentle Dental Center of Virginia Beach will guide you through every step of the decision. It is our aim to educate you on the best options for treatment and partner with you to meet and exceed your smile goals.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
There are many benefits to having dental implants. Most patients find having permanent teeth placed to be easier to care for and maintain than removable dentures. Other benefits include:
- Improved appearance. Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth. They are a permanent treatment for missing teeth and integrate naturally into your smile. You can floss and brush your dental implants like natural teeth. You can smile, laugh and speak with confidence.
- Increased comfort. Implants are part of your natural smile and eliminate the discomfort of removable dentures. Eating is as easy and comfortable as before because dental implants function like natural teeth. There are no dietary restrictions with dental implants. You can eat your favorite foods anytime.
- Improved oral health. Dental bridges can be difficult to clean. With implants, you will have easier access between teeth to continue oral hygiene routines leading to better overall oral health.
- Durable. Dental implants are made with high-quality, durable material made to last a lifetime.
- Convenient. Removing dentures is inconvenient. Dental implants are permanent and do not require messy adhesives to hold them in place.
- Preventing bone loss. Bone loss can be prevented by giving the jawbone a replacement tooth with a root that can exert the same pressure as natural teeth. Consistent pressure through chewing maintains the integrity of the bone and prevents atrophy.


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Most people want to live and work in a world of partnerships. Partnership means that everyone is on the same team, working together towards a common goal. Everyone contributes in different ways, but all have an equal vested interest.
This is no different when the relationship is between an agency and affiliates, or, as we prefer to call them at AP, marketing partners. As an agency, we spend a lot of time and effort working towards our clients' goals, keeping accounts serviced to the highest level, and building strategic partnerships. When focusing on so many performance-based facets for our clients' programs, it can be easy to forget that we are someone's client too: the marketing partners'.
Here are four things to keep in mind when building and maintaining a quality relationship with your marketing partners and being a good client to them:
1. What is good for the goose is good for the gander
As an agency, we appreciate how important it is for our clients to provides us with as much information and data as possible. To be strategic and service their account to the best of our ability, we may need information that is outside the scope of our day-to-day work. For example, performance trends for other marketing channels, internal operational changes, or even new products or services that may be outside our program offerings.
This is also true for our marketing partners. In order for them to provide us – and the brand they are promoting – with the best content and partnership possible, they too need quality information, data, and resources. If the flow of information from our client stops with us, then we hinder their ability to meet expectations. So, just as we expect our clients to be a good partner to us, we need to do the same for our marketing partners (aka "affiliates").
2. You catch more flies with honey
Our marketing partners' success equates to our success and, ultimately, to our client's success. If our expectation is for a marketing partner to always perform at the highest level, even if that means making sacrifices to ensure that this happens (e.g. taking a smaller margin or a lower commission to help improve performance metrics), then we need to treat them with the same appreciation and respect that we expect to receive from our clients. If a campaign is successful, share in that success with them; communicate to them that you value their efforts; and treat them like the valued partner they are.
3. The sum of the parts is greater than the whole
All parts of a partnership have different strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the table. That is what ultimately makes the strongest whole. For example, as an agency, our clients rely on our affiliate expertise, strategic approach, and creative collaboration. They may have some of those capabilities, but perhaps not to the depth and degree to which we do. Or, they may just not have the internal bandwidth to manage the day-to-day aspects of a program.
This same idea holds true for our marketing partners. They often have content expertise, ideas, experiences, relationships, and creative ideas that we lack within our agency. By being open to our marketing partners' perspectives and listening to their feedback, we're able to offer more value to our clients and be a better client to them; as a result, everybody wins.
4. Heart to heart
It is never easy to be the bearer of bad news or to have conversations that you know may become confrontational. When it comes to addressing required changes with a partner, be it to their program or poor performance, it is important to share the reasoning behind why the relationship needs to change. In most cases, these decisions are based on improving the overall health of the program, not because of a something personal, so be sure to communicate that effectively.
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." – Henry Ford
At the end of the of the day, your agency, your clients, and your marketing partners are all a part of the same team. You are partners with a common goal, so be sure to treat each other in ways that reflect that.
To learn more about our approach to working with clients and marketing partners, listen to our Outperform podcast episode, "What the Heck are Performance Partnerships?"


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C.W: Warriers Brand is a unique, different cool style of clothing that has its own unique look and style that even a customer can customize their own way on how they want it on their shirt.
H.P: When was Warriers Clothingline started?
C.W: In 2001... I came up with the idea to start this clothing line and I knew it had to be different from the rest of clothing line that was out there at the time.
C.W: Two things:There is a bible verse from Revelation Chapter 4 to Chapter 7 that speaks about the 7 seals even most of our reggae artist sing about it also, the meaning for the 7 seals is completion so god sends his angel to earth to complete a mission with the 7 seals he gave them, and how the logo started there is a tile that is at one of the Warriers Brand members house that have a unique letter W on it so I grew it from the tile an when I went home the logo was completed the same week.
C.W: Yes, I was working at the time and I was late for work and I had to get the logo officially Done by a Graphic Artist and when she asked me about the spelling she was going to charge me extra to change it so I told her no let it stay because I already spelt it that way when I drew the logo. Now, when you Goggle the name its the first thing you likely will see come up.
H.P: Finish the sentence .. I cannot live without my......
C.W: My ability to stay focused, real friends, the Warriers Brand, God, knowing where i'm coming from.
H.P: Where can we find your clothing?C.W: At this present moment I don't have a store so all the orders that I receive is delivered or wherever they feel comfortable meeting up with me, it a wonderful feeling to see that when a customer get their shirt or merino the look on their face when they see it is priceless! I even pat myself on the shoulder for a job well Done so I'll do it any day.
Click Here to like Warrier Clothingline on Facebook


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Atlantic County Approaching Record Year for Homicides
A recent killing in Pleasantville puts Atlantic County on a pace to eclipse a number nobody wants to see - a higher number of homicides than the year before.
The Press of Atlantic City reports that there have been 21 homicides in Atlantic County this year (including Monday night's killing of 42-yr-old Willie Hogans Jr.) - last year at this time there were 4 less murders, and this year is just 3 away from eclipsing last year's numbers.
Atlantic City Having One of its Deadliest Years
This shooting is the 4th homicide this year in Pleasantville, which includes a double shooting that killed 2 brothers back in January. According to record, there were only 4 homicides all of last year in Pleasantville.
Monday night's incident happened in the East Lindsay Avenue area of Pleasantville.


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Well, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in our nation's capital.
Students on spring break are sprawled out across the Mall, fleeing nervous chaperones and feeling their tired textbooks come alive.
And thanks to Friday's melodramatic budget compromise, the parade went on. Giant flower petal floats and local marching bands cascaded down Constitution Avenue yesterday under the seasoned direction of Grand Marshall Atticus Shaffer, age 12.
The 3,000 cherry trees we celebrate this week were a gift from Japan in 1912; next year they turn 100. I wonder what these trees would say on their centennial birthday, if they could. First they might thank God they weren't part of the initial batch of seedlings sent from Japan in 1910 which arrived diseased and quickly died off. They might also reflect on the stages in the relationship they symbolize – those warring young adult years, the internment in middle age, and the earth shattering tidal waves of recent weeks. Relationships between nations – like those between people – have their ups and downs…their hours of greed and their hours of need.
So too with political parties, it seems. For a fleeting moment this week the waters calmed and the liberals and the conservatives jumped in the boat at the same time. Ironically, the conditions for compromise were improved by the fact that more folks acted like themselves. The liberals aren't busy triangulating and the conservatives aren't going on about how compassionate they are. Instead, both sides seem content to mix a little pragmatism with the purity they openly profess.
Like the cherry blossoms, however, the sentiment will quickly fade. On Monday we will turn our sights to new fights…the debt ceiling, entitlements, education policy, Afghanistan troop levels, what comes next in Libya…all in the context of a budding presidential campaign. Say hello to the next two years.
Cynicism ought not overwhelm us, however. After all, it is spring – the season of creative construction, of new life and possibility.
And boy, could we use it. This recession, which has left 8.6% of our fellow citizens looking for work, came on the back of a generation defined by the phenomenon economists call 'creative destruction', which in real life means the decline of the middle class. While capital flees to cheaper and more efficient pastures in this age of globalization, further enriching those at the top and giving rise to an emerging global middle class, the American dream dries out like a raisin in the sun.
Consider some of these fun facts:
- The richest 1% of Americans now control 24% of the nation's wealth. In 1915, at the height of the Guilded Age before the income tax existed, that figure was 18%.
- From 1980 to 2005 80% of the total increase in wealth went to the richest 1% while wage growth for low and middle earners actually declined. Check out this graph from the U.S. census bureau on income inequality trends from 1948 to 2000:
- Warren Buffet, the world's 3rd richest person figured in 2007 that he paid about 17.7% of his income in taxes, while his receptionist paid about 30%.
- And General Electric managed to pay no taxes on the $5.1 billion it made in the United States in 2010. In fact, GE claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion last year.
- By the way, in 1965 CEOs made about 24 times more than the average worker. In 2005 it was 262 times more.
- Contrary to our beliefs about ourselves, Americans have a lower chance of moving out of their parents income bracket that do people in Denmark, Sweden, Germany or Canada. The worry that the United States is becoming more like Europe seems valid…not the Europe of today, however, but old Europe…that land of landed aristocracy that our ancestors crossed an ocean to flee.
And the spring looks increasing more like fall for our nation's children:
- American children are twice as likely to live in poverty than adults. So much for that 'unfettered start and fair chance' that Honest Able called for.
- American students rank 17th in the word in science achievement and 25th in math.
- But, at least our pets are living well. 1/2 of our dogs and cats are now overweight or obese, and spending on pets has risen at a rate of 6% during the recession. Just don't tell that to the 1.5 million homeless kids living in America. Sometimes I do tremble for my country when I recall that God is just.
The political question of the age will be how we respond to this generational decline by promoting the general welfare, as our Constitution demands, in ways that are affordable, sustainable, and responsive to the competitive global economy that we created. After the Great Depression, new institutions were erected to do this job for an industrial economy. But those wineskins are aged and bloated and need to be updated before the only option left is to simply stop pouring wine.
The debate on the issue will be led by Midwesterners – Barack Obama of Illinois on the left and Paul Ryan of Wisconsin on the right, perhaps with an assist from Mitch Daniels of Indiana who I predict will win the Republican nomination if he chooses to run.
Fortunately, Midwesterners know how to lead the country through the critical issues of the time. During their legendary Senate and Presidential debates, Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas of Illinois facilitated the national discussion on slavery. Admittedly, these debates eventually gave way to the Civil War, which began 150 years ago this month. Here's hoping its not déjà vu all over again.
And so, we celebrate the arrival of spring – that season of possibility and creative construction, when both plants and people start to stand upright in the sunlight after huddling through the long, cold, lonely winter.
Its about time. It seems like years since it's been here.
As greedy, short-sighted capitalists surround us daily, Warren Buffet provides a dose of humility and wisdom. Listen to him writing on his pledge to give away 99% of his wealth to charity:
"My wealth has come from a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest. Both my children and I won what I call the ovarian lottery. (For starters, the odds against my 1930 birth taking place in the U.S. were at least 30 to 1. My being male and white also removed huge obstacles that a majority of Americans then faced.) My luck was accentuated by my living in a market system that sometimes produces distorted results, though overall it serves our country well. I've worked in an economy that rewards someone who saves the lives of others on a battlefield with a medal, rewards a great teacher with thank-you notes from parents, but rewards those who can detect the mispricing of securities with sums reaching into the billions. In short, fate's distribution of long straws is wildly capricious. The reaction of my family and me to our extraordinary good fortune is not guilt, but rather gratitude. Were we to use more than 1% of my claim checks on ourselves, neither our happiness nor our well-being would be enhanced. In contrast, that remaining 99% can have a huge effect on the health and welfare of others. That reality sets an obvious course for me and my family: Keep all we can conceivably need and distribute the rest to society, for its needs. My pledge starts us down that course."
The circumstances we are born into have something to do with luck? Capitalism works well overall but produces some widely distorted results? There is a point at which more wealth does nothing to enhance well-being and happiness? All obvious truths, but still truths worth making in times like these.
Read Buffett's full comments here, and learn about his and Bill Gates campaign to encourage American billionaires to commit to giving at least 50% of their wealth away philanthropically.


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Alright yall, SXSW is one of the biggest events of the year that people talk about for months in advance but there are plenty of events that you can go to when it's not SXSW season. Here are just a few that are coming up that you should definitely save some money for and check out. In the line up you can find A3C Festival, New York Comic Con, Revolt Music Conference, The World Series, and Red Bull BC. Dive in a bit deeper to get a feel for which event better suits you.
1. A3C Festival – October 8th, 2014 – October 12th, 2014
A3C Festival (All 3 Coast) is the preeminent hip-hop festival in the US. Founded in 2005, A3C has grown from a regional showcase to an internationally celebrated cultural experience including: music, education, art, film, style, pro-audio and more.
2. NY Comic-Con – October 9th, 2014 – October 12th, 2014
New York Comic Con is the largest pop culture event on the East Coast, hosting the latest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and more. You can definitely run into a lot of cosplay, awesome people, and land yourself into a bed of unforgettable creative expression.
3. Revolt Music Conference – October 16th, 2014 – October 19th, 2014
The Revolt Music Conference provides an environment where technology meets influencers, music executives, entrepreneurs, songwriters, designers, producers, bloggers, students, brand managers, marketing executives, publicists, music artists and more. It is the must-attend, one-of-a-kind forum designed to help guests do one thing… understand and navigate the evolution of the music business.
4. MLB World Series – October 21th, 2014 & on
As we all know America's greatest pass-time is none other than Baseball and The World Series is a must go to event every year. Definitely be on the look out for World Series tickets because this event is fun filled and loaded with surprises. This can be anywhere from free give-a-ways, a personal celebrity national anthem, and awesome stories to share with the family and friends leading into the holidays.
5. Red Bull BC One World Final – November 29th, 2014
Red Bull BC One is the most important one-on-one B-Boy competition in the world. Every year, thousands of dancers across the globe vie for a chance to represent at the World Final. Sixteen B-Boys will earn the right to enter into an all-out battle on the Red Bull BC One stage, but only one will be crowned the champion.


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You will require a lot of 2" by 4" pieces of wood, at least 8 as long as you want a side of the pool, and a lot of other ones for the bracing, at least 20 braces will be needed depending on height of pool.
1Build braces for the side of the pool by placing two pieces of wood the length of the pool on the floor. find out what height you want the pool and then cut wood to that length minus the width of the 2" by 4".
2Screw the pieces into the wood at minimum 1" distances and maximum 2" distance.
3Repeat step 1 and 2 until you have 4 braces like this.
4Cut 4 pieces of plywood to the height and length of the braces. Attach them on the front side of the bracing.
5Now you need to build side bracing to hold the water in. You can either design your own bracing or use this one. Build a box of 2" by 4" the height of the pool with another piece of 2" by 4" on the inside going diagonally. Try to make sure the wood on the inside goes from the top of the pool wall to the ground at the bottom of the base.
6Build at least 4 for each side, and attach them to the 2" by 4" on the inside of wall bracing.
7Attach the walls together by either putting them together and screwing the sides in, or you can use a block on the corners and connect them. The first one is the simpler and easier one, you just require long screws.
8Screw the pool walls into the floor from the braces and from the pool walls itself, use many, many, many screws.
9Put the pool liner inside the pool walls you have connected, and then screw 1" by 4" or 1" by 3" into the top of the pool walls to secure the plastic.
10Fill it with water.
Community Q&A
QuestionAll I can find is oval and round pool liners. Where can I find a square one?Community AnswerAny pool supplier will provide liners built to fit any pool you build. Try Doheny's Pool Supplies.
QuestionWhat thickness of plywood is needed?Community AnswerIt all depends on what size the pool is going to be. For any pool larger than 6 foot, use plywood between 25-40mm.
- You do not need to set up a pump to fill the pool, but it would help to keep it clean.
- If you don't put chemicals into the pool or use the new UV method, then the pool will get disgusting over only a few days at max, possibly a day at minimum.
- You can line the floor of the pool with plywood to try to help it, but it doesn't matter.
- Water will leak out, you'll have to clean it up or the floor could be warped depending on how much.
- The deeper the pool is, the greater the water pressure pushes the walls out. Be prepared for catastrophic failure of the walls.


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We all remember the stunning Alice in Wonderland collection they did last year, and now they're back with something a little more abstract. Introducing their new collection, an artistic colour-pop themed around the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
For those of you who may not have come across Basquiat, he was hailed as one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Residing in New York city, he dominated the Manhattan graffiti scene and started his official career selling hand painted post-cards and t-shirts.
He loved the neo-expressionist movement, one that rebelled against minimalism and celebrated colour, and considered Andy Warhol, David Bowie and Debbie Harry among his peers.
Here's a look at the entire collection. It launches exclusively with Selfridges on 27th April and then on www.urbandecay.co.uk from 4th May.
Eyeshadow Palette in Tenant, £35
As well as a selection of wild card colours to compliment his work, this palette acts as a standalone work of art.
The back of the palette comes complete with a wall hanging fixture, so you can use it as a piece of art in your home. I love this touch; it's so unique and I have never seen anything like it in beauty.
Eyeshadow Palette in Gold Griot, £35
Blush Palette in Gallery, £27
I feel like this is going to be a huge success story from this collaboration because the shades are so universal. A deep bronze, two fresh blush shades and a silky illuminator – everything you need for the perfect dewy glow.
Both palettes are adorned with his signature crown at the base of the opening. A little fact: one of the faces of UD, Ruby Rose, loved Basquiat so much that she has had this tattooed on her chest. The collaboration with Basquiat pleased her immensely.
Lipstick in Epigram (comfort matte), £16.50
The packaging on this lipstick is beautiful. I love the box just as much as the bullet itself.
Other shades: Exhibition (comfort matte) and Abstract (cream)
24/7 Glide on Pencil in Post Punk (bright neon green with a hint of pearl), Anatomy (sienna matte) and Vivid (bright teal matte), £16.50 each
Anatomy aside, these 24/7 shades are something really different for Urban Decay and I think longstanding lovers of the brand are going to love the quirkiness of these shades.
The Vault, £160 (value £199)
If you want every single piece from the collection, the vault is a real keepsake and something that you'll enjoy displaying long after your make-up has been used.
Unlike the classic Naked Vault, this is a total work of art and blends lots of different paintings by Basquiat.
The vault, like each palette, can be hung and treasured forever as a work of Basquiat art. It opens and closes with a signature crown clasp.
In addition, the collection features three cosmetic bags priced at £20, £22 and £35. I'll share photos of those as soon as I have them.


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Update #11 – May 10, 2015
Happy Mother's Day! When many of us talk and think about Mother's Day we often have a particular image of a mother in mind, that is, a non-disabled mother. Rarely, do we think of a woman in a wheelchair as a mother for instance. Mothers and parents with disabilities encounter many barriers, including social workers and other health and social service providers who make assumptions about their ability to take care of their children. In an effort to draw attention to some of the challenges that mothers with disabilities face, an article entitled Parents With Disabilities: These Moms Live In Fear Of Losing Their Kids, by P. Tomasi, was published on The Huffington Post Canada website today. Included in this article is an infographic created by the DisAbled Women's Network of Canada about mothering and disability. On the DAWN-RAFH Canada website you can find more resources, about mothering and disability, and women with disabilities more broadly.
Also in time for Mother's Day, on the Spinal Cord Injury BC website, you can find new resources regarding pregnancy and spinal cord injury.
Finally, a reminder that I am still recruiting participants for my study. To be eligible to participate you must identify as a woman with a physical or mobility-limiting disability, be age 18 or older, have given birth in the last 5 years, and live in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Update #12 – May 13, 2015
Update #18 – September 1, 2015
Wow, I can't believe September is already here! I am feeling very excited about my study and as always very thankful to all of the women who have shared their stories with me. Unfortunately, many women have reported encountering barriers to care, including providers who just don't know what might happen, particularly regarding the impact of pregnancy, labour/birth, and in some cases medication on their bodies (and babies) postpartum, and negative attitudes. Stay tuned in the coming months for more study results! (It's not all bad!)
I want to bring your attention to this interesting event happening in Toronto this week: Making space for intimate citizenship, a 3-day event about rights and access to equality in the intimate lives of people with disabilities.
I encourage you to take a look at Lene Andersen's blog, The Seated View. She is a "health care writer, RA [rheumatoid arthritis] and disability advocate, wheelchair user and camera nut."
Finally, I recently came across this awesome initiative to "increase diversity in the toybox" founded by 3 mothers with disabilities in the UK. In short, they are calling on toy companies to make toys that represent the diversity of children (and well, adults). This is incredibly important as there is a dire need for visible role models or representations of people with disabilities in various facets of life. For more about the campaign, check out #ToysLikeMe
Update #19 – September 14, 2015
If you are in Toronto on Saturday, October 3rd, I encourage you to join the Disability Pride March (starting at 1 pm at Queen's Park). Why march?
- To bring recognition of the struggles and value of people with disabilities as we fight against ableism and other forms of oppression.
- To be visible and show that we have a voice in our community and a right to be heard by taking to the streets.
- To celebrate and take pride in ourselves as a community of people with disabilities.
More more information about the March, click here.


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Sleek, supportive, supermodel vibes
What's not to love about this super sexy, '90s supermodel inspired top? The second underwire top in the Monday Swimwear collection, the Maui Top draws attention with its cleavage enhancing demi-cup and delicate shoulder straps, perfected by delicate gold sliders. The top is adjustable around the bust with a soft, simple back tie so it supports you, comfortably, in all the right places.
V front detail
Underwire cups
Adjustable straps and back tie closure with gold hardware details
Tash is a 34D and is wearing a size S.
Our Fit Tips
On the cusp with your cup?
If you're in between sizes please keep in mind the type of coverage that you prefer
Personalized Fit
Most of our tops feature adjustable straps and ties that allow you to customize the fit according to your figure.
Want More Fit help?


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As most are aware, we are modifying the tournament playing dates to a new schedule for 2018, that is aimed to maximize each participant's experience.
We are pleased to announce this year's important dates and registration information for your planning purposes. The link can be found here: Tournament Info
Feel free to reach out to any member of the Invitational Committee if you should have any questions.
Admin Login


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Founded in 1956, the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna and District (CMHA Kelowna) is part of Canada's oldest national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA helps people access the community resources they need to build resilience and support recovery from mental illness.
At CMHA Kelowna, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are seeking individuals who share our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. Our success stories are countless, but there is still work to do. This is where you come in…
We are looking to identify exceptional candidates for casual/on-call Tenant Support Worker positions with our Supportive Housing Programs at Heath House, Gordon Place and Willowbridge. Ideal candidates will share our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization.
Tenant Support Workers within our organization provide assistance, support and basic life skills training to housing program residents. Ensuring the safety and security of the Program Participants and their living environment while encouraging independence, self-responsibility and the healthiest lifestyle possible will be critical to success in this role.
- Provides feedback and input regarding participants' needs, performance, and progress;
- Monitors medication to participants and provides medication reminders, in accordance with established policy;
- Participates in and oversees various participant-focused social and recreational activities;
- Identifies available social, economic, recreational, and educational services and resources in the community that will meet participants' needs. Provides participants with related information;
- Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as statistics, progress reports, and daily logs;
- Receives participant feedback, and inquiries and complaints, and responds as required;
- Perform housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes, and laundry;
- Performs outdoor residence maintenance as required;
- Provides direction to volunteers/practicum students as required;
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Degree or Diploma in Community Social Service or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience or other qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work;
- Class V BC Driver's License;
- Certificates in CPR, First Aid, and Food Safe;
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position;
- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others;
- Ability to operate related equipment;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
- Ability to organize and prioritize;
- Ability to observe and recognize changes in participants;
- Ability to establish and maintain rapport with participants;
- Ability to instruct;
- Ability to analyze and resolve problems;
- Excellent conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
To express your interest in joining our team and being part of one of our Supportive Housing projects, please forward a cover letter and resume to John West, HR Coordinator, at firstname.lastname@example.com outlining your availability (days, evenings, weekends) and your passion for creating a mentally healthy Kelowna. Thank you for your interest in CMHA; we are looking forward to hearing from you.
CMHA is an equity employer and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, people of all sexual orientation and genders, and others who may contribute to our further diversification.
We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.


text: Citi Air was promoted in the year 1998 with a paid up capital of S$ 200,000 and staff strength of four, including the two promoter Directors. Initially our Company started with Air-ticketing only and as we grew in strength, added many travel related services. Currently we are offering to our clients the entire gamut of travel services like Tours, Hotel Reservation, Cruise, Visa services, Cargo, Travel Insurance, Courier and Bus tickets.


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Credit card profits in the Middle East have climbed impressively since 2010 and although the region accounts for just 1.2 percent of the global credit cards industry profit pool, it is the leading region in terms of profitability per card.
The region's credit card business is still in its infancy but growing exponentially. The rate of growth is evidenced by the fact that the number of credit cards grew at nearly four times the global rate between 2010 and 2016. Over the same period, total billed volume on credit cards grew at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 20 percent, joint top with Asia-Pacific.
Much of the growth in the Middle East credit card profit pool metrics is underpinned by the premium card segment's influence in the market, without which profitability of the credit card in the region would be at a much lower rate. The challenge going forward for issuers in the region, is finding the right value proposition for consumers below the premium segment and adopting new approaches to customer segmentation.
Credit Card Profitability: Middle East looks at the region's top cards markets to unmask the peculiar and individual characteristics of these various countries and addresses significant issues, including:
Credit Card Profitability: Middle East also provides you with critical data for each country, including:
Purchase this report from the link at the top of this page, or to find out more about Verisk Financial Research Services subscription packages and enterprise licences, email firstname.lastname@example.com.


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31DC2015beautybeauty bloggeressiefashionfree handedghostsHalloweennail artnail art bloggernailssupernatural
Day 29: Supernatural #31DC2015
Hey y'all! So that took me forever to type, y'all it kept getting corrected to tall. :-/ Oh well!! ;) Today's theme is Supernatural. Really I don't get into this kind of stuff, let alone Halloween so I had to do some inspiration searching that's for sure! I ended up finding a super cute ghost mani that I recreated. ;)
This mani is inspired by Mari_lumme (IG), I actually found this on Pinterest though and it linked me to her blog! :) I am really actually happy with the way these turned out! They were super fun to do and I feel like they are "supernatural" yet not in the dark sense. I don't know if that made sense but hopefully someone gets it. :D lol!! So the base color I used is Essie Power Clutch. I don't know about anyone else but recently when I have been using Essie I feel like it has a stronger smell than other polishes I have been using recently. Have any of you noticed this by chance?
Well all of the details for this look were done with acrylic paints and free handed as usual! :)
So what do you all think of these? I feel like they are great Halloween nails! I never get into Halloween nails that much so for all I know this may be the closest I do! ;) I am honestly ready for the Christmas nails! :D Crazy right, I know! They are just so fun!!!
Happy Painting!
~25 Sweetpeas


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Zen Cart Mod ListA Zen Cart™ mod which shows you some of the key changes that have been made to your cart.
Donate: This is free software. Show your appreciation by supporting my efforts.
Relevance: Zen Cart™ 1.5.1-1.5.x. This functionality is built in to Zen Cart v2 under Tools > System Inspection.
Current Version: 1.2 (version history)
Support Thread: Mod List Support Thread
Cost: Free, but donation appreciated
Installed Cost: $60.00 Buy Professional Installation by That Software Guy
Installation Difficulty: Easy
Installation Instructions: click here
Location: Zen Cart Plugins, under Admin Tools
Download: Mod List in Zen Cart Plugins
Related: You may also be interested in my View Schema contribution.
Overview:If you are a webmaster who has just taken over supporting a cart, or can't recall all the changes you have that need to be ported forward when you upgrade, this mod can help. It shows the following things:
- New admin pages which your mods have created.
- New database tables which your mods have created.
- New modules (shipping, payment, and order total)
- Admin configuration groups which exist but do not have a corresponding menu item (indicating an incomplete upgrade from 1.3.9 or prior).
Here's a screenshot from one of my sites:
Installation Instructions:
- Back up everything! Try this in a test environment prior to installing it on a live shop.
- Unzip the file you have received.
- Upload the files in the admin directory to the renamed admin directory for your cart.
- Run the script mod_list.sql against your database using your Admin panel under Admin > Tools > Install SQL patches.
- The option Mod List will be under Admin >Tools
Major Versions
- 1.2 09/14/2019 - Added 1.5.6 Support
- 1.1 12/01/2015 - Added 1.3.9 Support
- 1.0 11/01/2015 - First Release


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|You are invited to one of the biggest events of the year on First Friday, March 1,
Art in Action: Passport to Creativity,
Artists, Art, Music, Food, Drink, Fun, and an incredible array of creative activities await
in this dynamic artists community where for over 7 years I have enjoyed creating art.
Visit: Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
I will be there with my new work on exhibit while I demonstrate oil painting from life,
studios will be open so stop by and bring some friends to get your creative buzz.
I can't wait!!!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Art in Action: Passport to Creativity March 1, 2013
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


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Frostheim at WoW Insider: With MoP patch 5.2 due to be released in just a couple weeks, Blizzard has released several hunter buffs on the PTR that are designed to bring the hunter specs closer together in DPS output — and from the looks of it, it may well bring the hunter specs closer than at any point in WoW history.
I'm talking insanity of biblical proportions here, BM and MM living together, mass hysteria!
While it's almost all good news, there were some nerfs to hunter PvP in specific — though keep in mind that some of these are sometimes tied directly to abilities that are also being buffed. So let's take a look at the entire list of hunter changes for 5.2, both those from this past week and the others still around from earlier in the 5.2 PTR, and see what it means to the hunter class. . . . read full article


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All You Need to Know about Ante Post Horse Racing Betting
Ante-post horse racing betting is something that many people do, but it is also something that many people do not understand fully, and because of that, they are too worried to try it. The first thing to say is that ante-post betting has its risks, especially on horse racing, and you need to be aware of those, and the implications before you begin betting ante-post.
An ante-post bet is when you place a bet on a horse to win a race in advance of the actual race taking place. Ante-post rules apply for all races until 48 hours before the race, though this is sometimes changed by bookmakers as a promotional offer, so keep your eyes out for when that happens. If you are interesting to choose best bookmaker for horse racing betting, check our best horse racing bookmakers 2020 rating.
Before we go into detail, here are the basic rules of ante-post betting:
- If your horse does not run, you do not receive your stake back,
- Your bet is not valid for any promotions such as best odds guaranteed,
- If backing each way, you get the each way terms at the time of your bet, regardless of how many runners on the day,
- There are no rule 4 deductions if horses in the market do not run.
Non-runner = losing bet
Unlike standard horse bets, if you back ante-post betting and your horse does not run in the race, you do not get your money back this is a losing bet. This is something many people do not realise, but it is of course hugely important and something you need to know before placing your bets.
It does not matter how early you place your ante-post bet, it can be 12 months before the event, or two weeks before the event, if your horse does not run, you do not get your money back. This is one of the risks you take when you are placing ante-post bets, but the big prices available are why people are happy to take that risk.
You are not eligible for best odds guaranteed
When you place an ante-post bet, the price you take on that bet is what you are given and that does not change. Best odds guaranteed is not available and you will not receive this when you place your bet, even if your bookmaker offers this on horse racing.
If you back a horse at 5/1, and you place the best 12 months before the race then 5/1 is what price you will be paid out. If the horse has a poor season and eventually goes off at 20/1 for the race, then that does not matter, you still get 5/1 on your bet. This is one of the risks of ante-post betting, but also one of the benefits because if you are backing early you are likely to get a bigger price, so you could find yourself with 20/1 about a 5/1 shot on the day.
Check the each way terms
If you are backing each way ante-post then it is vital that you check the each way terms of the horse race, and make a note of them so you remember them. When you back ante-post, you get the each way terms at the time your bet is placed, and that sticks with your bet, regardless of how many runners there are on the day.
For example, if you back a horse each way and at the time the bookmakers are offering 1/4 odds 1,2,3, if only six runners turn up to the race then on the day the terms will be 1/4 odds 1,2. However, you still get your bet at the 1,2,3 placings, because you got on early by backing ante-post, and that is your reward for that.
There are no rule 4 deductions on races
When you place an ante-post bet you are taking the price of your horse and it doesn't matter what happens to that market afterwards. One advantage of this is that there are no rule 4 deductions on the market when horses do not run.
For example, if you backed a horse at 10/1 in a normal race, and the 3/1 favourite was withdrawn, you would have a rule 4 on your bet. This does not happen with ante-post betting and is one of the benefits of it. If the favourite does not make the race, for whatever reason, then your bet still stands at the price you were given, no deductions.
The benefits of ante-post betting
Of the four main rules of ante-post betting that we have listed above, two are negatives and two are positives. The two positives are the each way terms and the no rule 4 deductions, and these can really help you out. There is still a thriving market for ante-post betting and it is because of these two benefits, there is nothing better than taking a huge price on an ante-post runner, and seeing them go off favourite, and winning the race later down the line.
Other Horse Racing Bookmakers
The one thing you need to do when you are backing ante-post is to look for value. Think about horses that are certainly going to run in the race you are backing them for, so you do not lose your stake, but look for races where other horses may drop out. There are big prices to be had when it comes to ante-post betting, and if you can strike at the right time, then you are going to land yourself some huge value.
Ante-post betting does have its risks, and you will not get it right every single time. When you place a bet, be prepared to lose that stake, because that is what will happen if your horse does not run. Remember the downside to ante-post betting, but do not forget that there is a huge upside and you could bag yourself something special from the bookmakers for one of the upcoming major horse racing festivals.


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Doctor Who - The Eaters of Light had an Audience Appreciation or AI figure of 81
The Appreciation Index in an indication of how much viewers enjoyed the episode. It is based to the reactions of a selected panel of viewers, who rate the episode shortly after transmission.
The highest score for the evening on the two main channels was for Casualty, which scored 85


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For the 4th year in a row, I will be participating in the ONE WORD 365 challenge. With the ONE WORD challenge, you choose ONE WORD and commit to making it your focus everyday. I also add a corresponding bible verse to round out the challenge. That means you call on that word and verse to guide and plan your day. The ONE WORD challenge puts my goal planning into perspective for the entire year.
"Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."~Ephesians 5:15-17
As I reflected over my past year, I realized that my life has spiraled out of control. It actually took me several weeks to find the perfect word to bring all these feelings to the surface. I finally settled on the word, MANAGE. In the beginning, I was only thinking about time management because I struggle with finding enough time to complete my personal and business goals each and every day and yet, I have the same 24 hours as the next person. My finances are out of control and yet, I know others that are living debt free with less. My career needs to be revamped and yet, I keep making excuses and I am more than capable. My health numbers need to be improved and yet, I know it can be done because I have done it before. My marriage could use a facelift and yet, I know it does because we have both seen better days. My confidence and mental health need a boost and yet, I continue to live in the world of self-doubt and comparison. With that confession, the word MANAGE was a perfect fit. The word encompasses all I want to MANAGE-my personal goals, my business, my finances, my career, my health, my marriage, my confidence, my mental health and anything else that needs to be MANAGEd.
This is the biggest ONE WORD challenge for me to date. To avoid overwhelm, I am focusing on making my goals even SMARTER, using tools to help me MANAGE every aspect of my business and life and being consistent. This year, I have decided to use the Passion Planner and Leonie Dawson's workbooks (affiliate link) to keep me motivated and focused this year.
Here are my other ONE WORD posts:
*I may earn a small commission if you make an affiliate purchase.
Are you participating in the #ONEWORD365 Challenge? What is your word? Please share in the comments below.


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Put all ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glass and dust top w/ nutmeg or cinnamon.
This drink recipe was submitted by one of our fearsome readers, Robyn Basile!
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Use code ACTIVITY30
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To That Special Someone!
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Floral 18th Birthday Photo Frame
- Gift Details
A beautiful floral frame for that all important 18th birthday.
In a silver frame, the words '18th Birthday' are beautifully displayed in amongst the elegant flower design. On the left hand side is a space for a photograph of the birthday girl. This photo frame will make a stylish, contemporary statement in any room.
This frame is silver metal with a floral mount. It measures H22 x W32 x D1cm and holds a 4 x 6" photograph. This great gift also comes in a stylish matching gift box.
Please note: This product cannot be personalised.
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All last weekend were we in the thick of things picking olives in the backyard. Olive picking in Tuscany sounds gorgeous. Seriously, the first time, I decided to give my father-in-law a hand, I was really excited. It's such an Italian thing to do. Collecting olives on a warm autumn's day before stopping for a hearty lunch of bread and red wine, before hauling your harvest to the local olive mill, where donkeys churn an old stone grinder. I mean, there's definitely a Federico Fellini movie about that! Or there should be!
In reality, picking olives is fun for about the first 20 minutes. After that, you find yourself muttering: "I can't believe people pay to do this!" and wondering how a tree can have so much fruit! It's actually really hard work, which is probably why Giulio always invents some last minute excuse to get out of helping!!
By tree 5, the only thing that kept me going was thoughts of the new season olive oil. If you've never had freshly pressed olive oil, you are missing out. The oil we buy in the store is at least five or six months old, if not older. Olive oil starts losing its flavour the moment it's pressed. Even the most expensive bottle won't taste as good as freshly pressed oil.
If you're in Italy around this time (October-November), I recommend looking up the nearest frantoio (olive oil mill) and stopping by. They sell freshly pressed olive oil at about €12 a litre. It sounds like a lot, but this stuff is green gold. Tuscan olive oil is bright and full of flavour with an incredible punchy aftertaste that is, if you can believe it, spicy. Giulio and I have eaten nothing but bruschetta dipped in our olive oil for dinner every night for the last week! It's that delicious!
Which brings me to this recipe. As much as I love olive oil bruschetta, I wanted to make something that would still celebrate the punchy spiciness of the olive oil… but with vegetables… since, you know, vegetables are important.
Chestnuts are in season at the moment and it turns into soup with help of the soup maker. They're creamy and starchy and really filling, so a little bowl goes a long way. It mightn't seem like there aren't a lot of them in this recipe, but trust me, they have a really robust and smoky flavour after you roast them.
Quick and easy, this chestnut soup is winter and the holiday season in a bowl. You can throw it together the night before and have something heartwarming for dinner the next evening. The nuttiness of the chestnuts pair really well with the bright grassy flavours of new season olive oil or any extra virgin olive oil you have in your kitchen pantry.
If you like, you can beef this soup up with fried bacon or pancetta bits, while if you prefer a vegan version, use vegetable stock and replace the milk with extra stock or water. It will be just as delicious!
CREAMY CHESTNUT SOUP with new season olive oil
20 chestnuts
1 leek
1 clove garlic
1 potato, peeled cubed
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
50g unsalted butter
1 cup milk
3-4 slices of day old ciabatta, cubed
1 tsp chilli flakes
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Make a cut or two into each of your chestnuts with a small, sharp knife. Be careful you don't cut your fingers! This will stop them from exploding in the oven.
Place on a oven tray and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and place in a heatproof bowl. Cover with aluminium foil and leave to steam for about 15 minutes. Peel the thick outer skin and furry inner skin to reveal the light brown nut inside. Discard any chestnuts that look rotten or dark brown.
Dice the leek and garlic. Melt half the butter in a heavy-based casserole dish. Add your leeks and garlic and cook over medium-high heat, stirring every so often, until the vegetables have softened and are beginning to brown (about 5 minutes). Add the cubed potato, roasted chestnuts and chicken stock, bring to the boil and then lower the heat, cover and simmer until the vegetables are soft (50 minutes).
Add the remaining butter and the milk and blend the chestnut soup either with a stick blender or in an upright blender until smooth and velvety!
To make the croutons, drizzle a generous amount of olive oil in a pan. Add the bread cubes and fry over high heat until golden. Sprinkle over a little salt and chilli flakes and, if you have it, a drizzle of new season olive oil.
Serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper and croutons for a decadent winter's chestnut soup.


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Foster-to-adopt option creates larger 'Bogart bunch'
When opportunity knocks, you often have to think quickly and follow your heart rather than your head.
It was May 2011 when Midlander Heather Bogart heard from co-workers about three brothers living in a local foster home who were about to be split up because the state couldn't find adoptive parents.
Without much thought, the words "I want them" came out of Bogart's her mouth, straight up from her heart. Knowing nothing about the boys, other than the fact there were 2-year-old twins and a 5-year-old, Bogart immediately felt those were her sons.
She and husband Brian Bogart, a retired Midland Police Department lieutenant, already boasted seven children -- three biological children and four others from previous marriages -- and she "fully expected him to think I had lost it," when she called him on the phone to tell him about the boys.
To Heather's surprise, Brian agreed "fostering-to-adopt" the brothers was something they could do and the couple immediately began researching all the training and licensing necessary to become foster parents.
Their friends and family thought they were a bit nuts for adding three more children to their family -- daughters Brittany, Mandy, Samantha and son Brady currently live at home and range in age from 18 to 6 -- but the Bogarts felt it was right.
They completed the necessary training sessions, home inspections and paperwork to become licensed foster parents -- a process that normally takes four months -- in three weeks to officially become Alex, Adam and Andrew's foster parents on July 21, 2011, exactly two months after the Bogarts learned about them.
"My heart told me this is what we needed to do. I felt immediately that these were my kids without even knowing what they looked like. I know the Lord put them in our lives," Heather Bogart said. "If we were not meant to be their parents, we would not have been able to get everything done we did and have the agencies work as hard as they did to get the boys with us."
Before the day in May 2011 when "the Lord put them in our lives," the Bogarts never knew about the option foster-to-adopt. They'd talked about becoming foster parents once or twice during the course of their marriage but never pursued it due to things they'd seen during Brian's tenure with the Midland Police Department.
"We knew the majority went back to their family or ended up back in foster care and we decided that was not a route we could take. We couldn't have these kids living with us, in our family, and then have to turn them back," Heather Bogart said.
Adding three more children into their family wasn't a seamless transition -- each time a caseworker arrived to check on the children's adjustment, Alex ran, hid and worried he was going to get taken away -- but the Bogarts say it's been a blessing.
"The twins didn't speak a lot when we got them and didn't remember anything from their biological parents or moving between foster homes," Heather Bogart said. "Alex remembered it all and hoped he was going back to his biological mom and dad. He didn't understand why he couldn't live with them and we still talk about that."
On Nov. 13, 2012, the Bogarts completed their family by adopting Alex, Adam and Andrew. Alex will begin second grade this fall and constantly asks his sisters to play with him.
The last two years have been a whirlwind for the family, but Heather Bogart said she's thankful she took a leap of faith and followed her heart.
"As a woman in my mid-30s with four kids already, seven in my family all together, and not living in the Green Tree mansion, it would've been really easy to say 'no.' I couldn't. I truly felt in my heart these were my sons," Heather Bogart said.
If couples feel called to adopt or serve as foster parents, Heather Bogart said they shouldn't let anything stop them.
"We should be able to prove people wrong. Maybe we were too old, we didn't have a big house and we already had kids, but if you set your mind to it and you really want to do it, you can. It's so worth it, not only for the kids, but for you too," Heather Bogart said.
"There's a lot of kids out there that need this. There are so many kids in this area waiting for placement in foster homes and waiting to be adopted," Brian Bogart said.