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Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipsticks launched at the start of the new year, and frankly, we haven't heard too much buzz about them.
Maybelline already has a Stain Gloss and Lip Color (the standard double-sided sponge applicator lip color with a clear conditioning balm on the opposite end), but they added a lipstick to the line, promising 14 hours of non-drying, comfortable wear.
Available in 20 shades: Perpetual Peony, Ultimate Blush, Fuschia Forever, Eternal Rose, Beige For Good, Never Ending Nude, Ceaseless Caramel, Consistently Truffle, Lasting Chestnut, Pout on Pink, Ravishing Rouge, Eduring Ruby, Timeless Crimson, Continuous Cranberry, Keep Me Coral, Infinite Iris, Till Mauve Do Us Part, Please Stay Plum, Endless Raisin, Wine and Forever.
I have Please Stay Plum, a deep, creamy wine.
I think the 14-hour claim is really alluring, as we all want our lipstick to last all day, but it also makes some of us weary because usually along with "long-lasting" lipstick formulas, you're usually left with lips that are shriveled, crying for moisture.
Surprisingly it's not the case for these lipsticks. They apply smooth and even without dragging or tugging at the lips.
Please Stay Plum in particular applies opaque with one coat, and deepens with additional coats.
It's a little difficult to describe the texture. It dries at about 80% on the lips, and has very faint tacky feel when rubbing the lips together. Although the lipstick is almost dry on the lips, the actual formula doesn't feel drying.
A quick wipe of clear lipgloss on top takes away that tacky feeling and makes this lipstick feel so much more moisturizing.
These lipsticks have a sweet, fruity scent, which I can only smell upon application. It doesn't bother me, but I know that it may bother those who are sensitive to scented lip products.
A common misconception about this lipstick is that because it's claimed to last for 14-hours, you'd expect it to be transfer-resistant. There are no claims that this lipstick won't transfer. In no way does it transfer as much as a standard lipstick, but when drinking, it will transfer on the cup. The color holds up really well after drinking my usual Venti Coffee at Starbucks (which normally it would've completely worn off) and eating a meal.
Does it last for 14-hours? No. The darker shades will have the best lasting power because they leave a bit of a stain behind – the shade I have has good lasting power (after 4 hours, I could use a touch-up), but I'm sure it will differ with the lighter, nude and pink shades.
Overall, I can't say I'm impressed with this lipstick, but the fact that it lasts longer than my standard lipstick and isn't drying on my lips is pretty impressive. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the color selection from the line, but I think I might end up trying one other shade – Perpetual Peony (a soft pink).
Price: Around $7 at your local drugstore, but the price may vary on location.


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redrobot wrote:it is not "wrong".
it is wrong because you can choose not to inflict death and pain but you do not make that choice. you prefer death and pain. you are not a dog.
Again with the presumptions and personal accusations. YOU don't know what I choose to eat, however, kindness does not seem to be a particular concern. You've stated you have objections to Tolkiens forms of rule in a fictional world, totalitarianism for the choices others make doesn't seem to follow suit.
It is very fortunate that we all have choices in life.. in many areas of our lives.

subset: commoncrawl


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Maria Tettamanti and Sara Liss
Chris Hudnall and Daniel Deshe
David Cid
Michelle and Jason Rubell
Fernanda Domit, Christian De Berardinis and Lara Shriftman
Guests by Juvia's vertical garden
Krista Richmon welcomes guests with Facundo cocktails.
Krista Richmon welcomes guests with Facundo cocktails.
The Party
The Bacardi family has a storied legacy that can fill volumes, and its latest accomplishment certainly merits a few of those chapters. The powers-that-be at the spirits giant gathered a select group of Miami tastemakers for the launch of its Art of Rum Series, a new program with the purpose of introducing the Facundo Rum Collection, the company's exclusive collection of premium sipping rums.
The Crowd
The intimate guest list at Juvia in Miami Beach included the likes of art collectors Jason and Michelle Rubell, attorney Daniel Novela, interior designer Fabio Lopes, Bal Harbour Shops Marketing Director Cheryl Stephenson and event consultant John Lin.
The Highlights
With introductions and getting-to-know-you chatter out of the way, guests were led to Juvia's dining room for a dinner that paired each of the Facundo marques—Neo, Eximo, Exquisito and Paraiso—with signature dishes from the restaurant's menu. Diners were captivated as Bacardi Brand Master David Cid waxed eloquently about the nuances between each of the different rums and how they're made. Following the decadent meal, a number of guests ventured outside to Juvia's terrace to puff on cigars as they swirled and sampled Facundo's ultimate sip, Paraiso, which is aged up to 23 years in oak barrels. –Photography by World Red Eye
Photography by:


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The table is set with a pinecone theme that reflects the decorations in the rest of StoneGable.
Beautiful table, Yvonne. I love those pine cone bowls. Thanks for hosting.ReplyDelete
Your table is beautiful, Yvonne! I love the woodlands elements here.
Thanks so much for hosting!
Your table is elegant yet warm and homey at the same time. The brown and green are such a refreshing change from all the red and sparkle. I love that you have a traditional menu, that is so meaningful, not to mention a delicious sounding combination! Thanks for hosting and Happy Holidays,
What a gorgeous tablescape!!!
Thanks so much for hosting
Your table is perfection! I love the brown and especially the little touches. The fresh greenery, the napkin rings, the chargers. I think it's all just fabulous! Thank you for joining me for this party. I thought it all turned out well and was very fun!ReplyDelete
Thanks for hosting, Yvonne. Your table is just lovely. I love the woodsy look to it. So naturally beautiful. Have a wonderful weekend~
Beautiful tablescape, thank you so much for hosting!ReplyDelete
I love your pine cone theme. I don't usually think of browns as it applies to Christmas but you do it beautifully. I love the candles and the bowls. Everything looks gorgeous. Is the recipe for the Christmas casserole posted somewhere? xo DianaReplyDelete
Yvonne, Your table is stunning! Love the pine cones and little cedars. Gorgeous! Thanks for hosting.ReplyDelete
Gorgeous as always! Thanks for hosting! XO, AimeeReplyDelete
Such a gorgeous table! I'm coming over! heehee I'm looking forward to all of this inspiration, I'm super behind this year. Thank you for hosting us! Merry Christmas!
xoxoxo, Andrea
Your table is gorgeous Yvonne and those glasses are my all time fav in Blogland-enjoy:@)ReplyDelete
I adore the simplicity but BEAUTY of this table! I used pinecone candles today too!!!! I also have those same pinecone bowls:) I think I will use most of the items on your menu for our brunch too~! I am getting so excited for next week to get here and our guests to arrive!!!!!!!!!! I love the cedars along the center of the table. XO, PinkyReplyDelete
This is my favorite tablescape ever, hands-down. It's perfection!!! I want those pinecone bowls, they're calling my name!! You're pretty much the greatest :)
What a lovely nature inspired tablescape for Christmas Brunch!!!
The menus sounds divinely delicious!!!
May all your guests be blessed with the merriment of the Christmas Season!
Thanks for hosting!!!
wowser!...I have those brown goblets,I think I got 'em @ JCP.Now I need those great pinecone bowls,oh wait I need for you to just pack up this entire setting and send by Santa,he can just leave under my tree.
Yvonne your tablescape is incredible! So loving this..the photo's are perfect.
Jo @ LoblollyLane
Gorgeous tablescape Yvonne. Thank you for hosting!ReplyDelete
It looks beautiful Yvonne. I like the browns and green against the white. Very earthy. Merry Christmas!ReplyDelete
Everything you do is so beautiful Yvonne, and this table does not disappoint. The pine-cones are festive and not your usual Christmas decor for the table. Well done!!ReplyDelete
This is my kind of table! I love the earthy colors, and the brown ribbed stems and pine cone candles are the perfect touch. Thanks for hosting, and Merry Christmas!ReplyDelete
Yvonne~ Your table is beautiful!!! I love everything about it especially the check napkins with a little napkin ring bling! Thanks for hosting!ReplyDelete
I am happy to be linking here this week, thanks so much for this wonderful party. Happy Thursday & Happy Holidays too!{Hugs}
Your table is beautiful! I love the colors & those pine cone candles are fantastic!ReplyDelete
This table is absolutely stunning!!! Love the Christmas nature theme...so pretty!!!ReplyDelete
Yvonne, your table is gorgeous!! I'm totally smitten with pinecones this year and I'm using them in everything. And your pinecone bowls are so fun!!
Thanks for all the effort that has gone into this wonderful homespun linky party. I've enjoyed every stop.
Wishing you the Merriest of Christmases!
Yvonne I love your tablescape and the pinecone theme is so beautiful and inviting!
Art by Karena
Yvonne...love the beautiful natural setting of your table...the sugar cones are wonderful...and really love those "pine cone" bowls...I am so loving the more serene woodland look...a nice departure from the usual red and greens...I am preparing to go more "green" and natural next year!!..Your table is such an inspiration...Thanks for hosting Yvonne!!...ReplyDelete
What a beautiful tablescape! We also have the same menu each Christmas morning, but it isn't as elaborate as yours! Yours sounds wonderful! We have sausage pinwheels, scrambled eggs, and orange rolls!
Thanks so much for hosting!
Yvonne…we are adding your wonderful traditions to our Christmas brunch this year! Your table setting is fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing this!ReplyDelete
Lovely tablescape. Well done!ReplyDelete
That is a beautiful tablescape. I really like the contrast of the dark brown and white....ReplyDelete
Yvonne, this is one of my favorite tables ever. I love the natural elements and the colors of this tablescape. I'd love to dine here on Christmas Day and enjoy that delicious brunch menu. Thanks for hosting...........SarahReplyDelete
Hi Yvonne,
Everything looks so beautiful!
Such a warm and welcoming table for everyone.
I love the glasses, I must add them to my wish list.
xx Coty
I'm in this time, Yvonne. I loved doing this so much. Merry Christmas to you and your family.ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for hosting!ReplyDelete
Holy cow...this is GORGEOUS!! I love brown and green and and a pineconeaholic....buy them constantly:) Your table settings are so beautiful! Please make a book, everyone will want it.
I know what I am doing with my free afternoon on Sat....going through all these posts. The information and talent is astounding. Thanks Yvonne!
What a beautiful table you have set for Christmas Brunch.
Love everything about this table.
Your menu for brunch sounds delicious. I am thinking
of making your casserole for Christam morning at our home.
Beautiful table, Yvonne. I love the cedars in the urns and the great idea of using the place card holders as a take home gift. Thanks for hosting.ReplyDelete
This is a perfect table for brunch, Yvonne! I love all the natural elements mixed with just a few sparkles. The napkins are particularly pretty.ReplyDelete
This was the EXACT type of urn I was seeking for my recent feather tree post! You must share your source. :)
It is a truly lovely scene you created.
Laura, I found this urn at a local greenhouse called Ken's Gardens, in Smoketown, Pa.
They were very white and shiny... sorta cheap looking... but the shape was great. So I antiqued them. I think they will work with all kinds of decor. Hope this helps!
Yvonne, you've created such a soothing, natural Christmas table for your guests to enjoy and feel special. Your menu sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing your talents and inspiration.ReplyDelete
Yvonne, as always you have done a beautiful, inspirational job. My favorite details are the gorgeous brown stemware, the checked napkins with the embellished napkin rings and the cute pinecone bowls which are now probably unavailable. :(. Thanks for sharing!ReplyDelete
Your table is beautiful and your menu is very similar to what we look forward to every Christmas morning. Thank you for hosting!ReplyDelete
Wow...lovely holiday style!! You have a fabulous blog! Thanks so much for hosting!! Have a wonderful time over the holidays!ReplyDelete
Yvonne, you've created such a lovely Christmas table for your family and friends. I really like the natural touches. I love the beautiful brown goblets and the pine cone candles. The urns are just perfect for the look. Thanks for sharing your talents and always inspiring us.
Have a wonderl Christmas.
Hello Yvonne: What an amazingly beautiful tablescape you've created. I love the pinecone bowls and the brown stemware in particular, but it is all so lovely together, and your brunch menu sounds delicious. Thank you so much for hosting the party today, and I wish you a wonderful weekend!ReplyDelete
What a festive brunch you will have - your table is stunning! Love the pine cone trees - and your menu sounds amazing (I adore pizzelles)!
Yvonne- what a great look you've created on your table! Love the lemon-cedars in their planters. This is a very comfortable, warm and inviting table. The pinecone candles look perfect with it! Yum on the menu too!ReplyDelete
Your tablescape is lovely...enjoy the Holidays and thanks for hosting!ReplyDelete
I love the mood of this beautiful table. Wonderful colors! Thanks for hosting! Happy Christmas!ReplyDelete
Thank you hosting Yvonne. As usual you have set a gorgeous table. It's warm and inviting. The cedars look so lovely in the urns. Thank you for hosting. Happy holidaysReplyDelete
Love the tablescape, Yvonne! Thanks for hosting!...hugs...DebbieReplyDelete
Exquisite tablescape, Yvonne. Every detail is so thoughtful and lovely! Thanks so much for hosting.
gorgeous! love the greens in the urns. and thanks for hosting.ReplyDelete
I absolutely love the pinecone theme! Such a gorgeous table setting. I'd love to have dinner with you! :)
Thanks for hosting this fun party. I linked up my grandma's easy cobbler recipe. Hope you're having a great weekend!
Just came across your blog, and love it! This Table is absolutely lovely!ReplyDelete
Wow, tres gorgeous! I'm impressed that you found so many cone-themed pieces.
Thank you for hosting.
Awww your table setting looks so fantabulous! I'm sure that celebration would be very nice as family gathered around and enjoy the sumptous meals on that. I love the Christmas table decorations and wares you used. Elegant and homey :)ReplyDelete
Stone Gable


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Can You Pass The U.S. Citizenship Test? [QUIZ]
On Wednesday, in Yakima, FBI and ICE agents raided homes, cars and restaurants for illegal immigrants. These people may not be U.S. Citizens, but do you think you could pass the U.S. Citizenship test? Take the quiz and see.
When immigrants become citizens take the test, they're quizzed from 100 questions about United States history and facts about laws and presidents. See if you would pass.
These are actual questions from the test written in multiple choice.


text:
RosterPro™ and Fee Invoices
Automatic invoices
Each line of the summary displays registration activities for a particular month. When you click on the month in the left hand side of the summary, the monthly invoice statement for registration and insurance, travel passes, secondary registrations, and risk management passes will be displayed.
Once a month each club should be reviewing this statement, printing a copy and sending it along with your payments to the state office. Individuals should be making payments to their club and the club should be sending the payments monthly to the state office.
Payments will no longer be sent to your district commissioner or district registrar. All fees should be paid directly to the state office. PLEASE BE SURE TO PRINT AND INCLUDE YOUR STATEMENT WITH YOUR PAYMENT. Failure to include your statement will delay your payment being reconciled to your account. Checks or money orders are to be made payable to NYSWYSA. NO CASH Please!
Any questions regarding your payments should be directed to Donna at the state office.


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Read more: Dramatic scenes as Archbishops wash abuse victim's feet - SEE POLL
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has suspended 21 priests following accusations of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior with minors. This is the largest suspension taken by the Roman Catholic Church in its history, the President of BishopAccountability.org told "The New York Times."
This action follows a damning grand jury report issued on February 10. It accused the archdiocese of a massive cover-up stretching over decades. The report said as many as 37 priests remained active in the community despite the serious accusations against them.
As of now 21 of these 37 priests have been suspended, and three have been placed on administrative leave. Five others would also have been suspended, but the archdiocese said three of them were no longer active and the other two no longer served in the archdiocese.
A statement issued by the archdiocese said the accusations ranged from "sexual abuse of a minor to boundary issues with minors." It did not name the 21 priests who were suspended.
Initially Cardinal Justin Rigali denied there were any active priests in the archdiocese "who have an admitted or established allegation of sexual abuse of a minor against them."
Just days later he placed three of the priests on leave. The statement released on Tuesday did not explain why he was initially so sure about their innocence, or why they had not been suspended earlier.
Leonard Norman Primiano, a Roman Catholic and chairman of the religious studies department at Cabrini College in nearby Radnor, Pennsylvania, called the suspensions "astonishing."
Rigali apologized for the behavior of the offending priests. "I am truly sorry for the harm done to the victims of sexual abuse, as well as to the members of our community who suffer as a result of this great evil and crime," he said.
The priests who have been suspended cannot celebrate Mass, wear collars or hear confessions. They were given just a few hours to leave their parishes.
Once their identities become public, it is believed that there could be a dam-breaking effect, just like Boston in 2002, when the initial reports lead to further sexual-abuse claims.
Since the grand jury filed the report two more people have file complaints. Lawyer Jeff Anderson, who represents these two people, said he had received dozens of calls from others.
He said, "We're approaching this with a new vigor. Like Boston, this is a watershed moment, where all of a sudden the secrets are no longer kept and permission is given to break the silence to this whole survivors' community."
The Catholic Church could face a payout of millions of dollars in settlements if the complaints are upheld. Membership and parochial school enrollment in the church have declined.
Last week the archdiocese announced that it was closing seven schools in June. Forty schools in Philadelphia have been closed since 2006.
Read more: Dramatic scenes as Archbishops wash abuse victim's feet - SEE POLL


text:
By: Dr. Jack Stephens
President and Founder
Pets Best Insurance
Spaying and neutering is as important for your pet's health as it is your pocketbook. Some of the reasons why you should consider spaying or neutering include:
1. Spaying eliminates the possibility of your pet being afflicted with pyometra. Pyometra is a quickly-developing infection in the uterus, secondary to abnormal lining of the uterus which will result in severe pet health issues or death if untreated. Emergency surgical removal of the uterus is required and once a pet has developed pyometra it is much more expensive to treat than the preventative spay.
2. Spaying eliminates false pregnancy– a condition that mimics pregnancy and can cause painful swollen breasts, vomiting, diarrhea and weight gain. Although not life threatening, false pregnancy does require medications and medical treatment.
3. Spaying eliminates the chance of ovarian and uterine cancer.
4. Spaying, when performed at an early age, can reduce the chance of breast tumors.
5. Spaying eliminates complications from pregnancy, such as eclampsia (milk fever), abortion, retained placenta and general difficulties giving birth which may require a C-section surgery.
6. Spaying eliminates the chance of developing uterine infections.
1. Neutering eliminates the chances of developing testicular tumors or infection.
2. If done early, neutering can reduce objectionable behavior associated with hormones.
3. Neutering decrease the chances of males roaming for females in heat, which often results in fights with other males and/or being hit by a car.
4. Neutering can reduce aggression towards humans.
Or Call 877-738-7237 to Add a Pet to Your Current Policy
Ultimately, spaying and neutering helps society by not adding to the pet overpopulation problems. Too many pets end up in shelters or are euthanized because there are simply not enough homes. Spaying and neutering can also save you money in the long-run by avoiding the many costly medical conditions listed above.
For more information about pet health or pet insurance, visit Pets Best Insurance.


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|Religious affiliation:
|Southern Baptist
|Institution Type:
|Private not-for-profit
|Campus Setting:
|Southeast Small city
|Highest Degree Offered:
|Master's degree
|Level of Institution:
|Four or more years
|Other academic year
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Shorter University -CAPP program is ideal for the working adult. 4 hours of class once a week and meeting with a learning team 4 hours once a week does not…
The mission of Shorter College is to provide quality higher education, enabling and encouraging student commitment to active life-long learning, personal spiritual values, responsible citizenship, and community and societal leadership in a global context.
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text:
Coming to the harsh parts; I was heartbroken and crumbling under stresses. Wallowing in self-loathing, being unable to let go of the pain of betrayals and disappointments. In my head, I was pretending just fine. But apparently, this time I could not do a very good job.
I was sitting alone on the swing placed in far corner of the living room, lost in my thoughts. One of my cousin came and sat next to me and out of the blue asked me, "Z why are you so sad? What happened?". I was shook by his sudden blunt question. I stared at him in shock. Initially I thought he was just messing with me, so I said, "No I am not. Why would you say that? Who told you?"
"Then how do "YOU" know?".
"I just know."
"How? Are you pulling my leg? Did somebody put you up to this?"
"No, why would I joke about this. I can see it on your face. Tell me. Why are you so sad. Who hurt you?", he said looking me in the eyes.
I still could not believe him. Cuz I least expected it from him to see it. I kept gruelling him to the point of annoyance about who told him, how did he figure out or was he just reverse psychology'ing me to get the information out of me. He was adamant about my sadness being so obvious and considering the fact that we knew each other since diapers, he could totally see it.
"You've been hurt, right? This past year something has changed, right? What is it?" and I was dumbfounded, unable to tell him anything. "Z you have to talk about this. Have you talked to anybody? You can tell me. "
Another cousin also said the same thing to me about looking stressed. He also kept asking me what's wrong. Another family member also said, I look like I'm having anxiety. And quiet frankly I was. My grandmother passed away this year in April. She was a center-point for the whole family and her loss took a tremendous toll on everybody, including me. There were other things going on in my life (on a much serious and personal level) I had no control over whatsoever and I felt like free falling. Things were building fast and I felt crushed. I was like a ticking time bomb waiting to explode any minute under the weigh of it all and that is exactly what happened. My insecurities were falling over me like broken mountains and I was getting crushed under the weigh of it all. The high rise mountains took years to hold their ground- strong and firm, and when the earth beneath my feet crumbled, so did they. Shook to their core.
On my way back from another city after my Grandmother's death, I was on the verge of emotional breakdown. Somethings happened before I left and that triggered the long kept emotions. I had not cried with my heart full in a while. And this time the dam was breaking while I was hanging by a thread. All through my long journey back I was holding back the tears. I knew once I cry I wont be able to stop for a long while. when my dad came to pick me up from the bus station, I sat in the car trying to keep my emotions in check. He asked me how my time there was and what did I do there etc. I kept quiet not answering the first few times he asked me this question cuz I knew the moment I open my mouth, words will spill and so will my tears. I barely cry in front of anybody even my parents. But this time, the flood of pain was too much for me to hold inside of me and I broke. I cried during the whole 45 min ride back home. And kept crying even after I reached. I said a lot of things to my dad that should not have been said. But at that point I did not care. Probably cux things needed to be said. And there was no way this could have been avoided.
There are moments of strength hidden within the most painful of experiences. There was this one last time of absolute shatter, absolute heart break, absolute pain. I sat with my back to the wall trying to catch my breath between sobs. I looked at my friend with swollen eyes, "What's wrong with me?Why can't I stop crying?" I asked her after unsuccessfully trying to stop my tears since past 3 hours. She looked down for few seconds thinking, looked up and replied with careful consideration; "Z you're just immensely disappointed. You were lowkey expecting and you probably didn't know."
I laughed as tears uncontrollably started to roll down my cheeks again. "Wow. This is so ironic. Every single thing I did and said up until now, every single plan of action… was just to save myself from getting disappointed. yet here I am. Hurt to my very core." I am glad I had a friend with me that day. The first time someone was physically there for me. I just could not stop crying. Every time I would try, tears would betray me. The pain crashing into my heart like ocean waves and I felt like I was drowning. I put my head in her lap and said through the sobs, "I feel like I let people use me…I let them." I just could not get over the pain of what had just happened. Basically, me letting the same thing happen to myself over a hundred times.
That was the day I knew I had enough. Enough of being used. Enough of being treated like a recyclable trash. I finally did find the strength in me to take care of myself. As much painful and scarring as the whole time had been, I find peace in knowing that life is really fair and nothing goes unaccountable. Maybe some day I will find forgiveness in me, for my past and for my present. But I have not. Not yet. I'd be lying if I said I did. This is not a happy ending. But it is an ending at least. An ending I have to accept as it is.
If anybody knows me, they know I'm an overthinker. I overthink to the point of self-destruction. That is one thing I've been learning to deal with because it has made me nothing but miserable. I will not say I found the most healthy way out of this chronic overthinking cycle. But I found the only way I could. I shut myself out to every human interaction. I discovered the more I socialize and the more I talk to people, the more I tend to think over and over. So I keep a lot of emotional distance now. Anything to keep me from getting disappointed from people I cared the most about. And now it feels like I've managed to build this wall around me where I don't allow anybody to see me emotionally vulnerable although many people confide in me for their emotional support. There are a lot of things that stress me out, that generally shouldn't, because I cannot deal with stress anymore. Everything seems to spill out of my glass of patience because its already overflowing.
When I see my whole life spread out in front of me, and I see where I am right now? It's a scary scary thought. I know one thing for sure that if this is how I continue to be, things are only gonna go downhill from here. I know things need to be changed and confronted on a much deeper level of understanding than I can understand alone. So for the first time, I've found the enough strength in me to seek some help. I am ready for the repercussions if it comes to that. But I am making an effort to save and change myself. I would be thankful if you send positive vibes my way for this new journey and help me understand & bid farewell to an era. Maybe I shall be back soon to pick up this baby of mine from where I left it off. But first I'm gonna try to take care of myself. This time for real. With actions. Because actions always prove why words mean nothing.


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Please don your tinfoil hat - all that follows is speculation based on in-game evidence. It is not canonical lore endorsed by Blizzard.
One of the big reveals of Wrath of the Lich King is the Curse of Flesh. Upon our arrival in Ulduar's Halls of Stone, we escort Brann Bronzebeard to the Tribunal of Ages, a repository of Titan knowledge. After a fierce battle with the Tribunal's defense systems, Brann manages to access the Tribunal's information and learns the history of Azeroth, including how the Titans created Azeroth and how the Old Gods came to infest it, and how the Titan's creations of stone and iron were infected by the Curse of Flesh, making them more easily assimilated by the Old Gods. After defeating and imprisoning the Old Gods, the Titans re-engineered their creations to ensure they were no longer susceptible to the Curse... leaving the ones they'd already created to suffer it, and slowly change into the dwarves, gnomes, humans, troggs and their offshoots. Thus was Azeroth peopled in many cases.
It sounds plausible enough. But there are some problems with it - namely, not all of the Titans information sources agree with it. For instance, the first Titan trove accessed by the mortal races of Azeroth was in Uldaman, in the Badlands. This Titan complex, lying in the heart of the Eastern Kingdoms, is potentially the source of the dwarves and gnomes who live nearby in the mountains of Khaz Modan.
The Lore Keeper of Norgannon we meet at the end of Uldaman tells us that the Titans deviated from their normal plan when creating seed races.
What does this mean? Rather than the typical biomass construction foundation used by the Creators implies that the use of stone and other materials in the Titan constructs of Azeroth is not standard. This is not what the Titans usually do. Why did they do it on Azeroth, then? They appear to have done it quite extensively as well - the Earthen, the Mechagnomes, the Vrykul, the Mogu, the Tol'vir - a whole host of inorganic entities, using 'a cross-section of Azeroth's crust' to construct them. And why is the resilience of Azeroth's essence so remarkable?
A cross-section of Azeroth's crust was used as the foundation for the Earthen's synthesis rather than the typical biomass construction foundation used by the Creators.
Research on the world's composition led the Creators to theorize that an enhanced being could be synthesized that would epitomize the resiliency of this world's essence. This was accomplished by choosing to use a blend of Azeroth's various stone core compounds as the foundation.


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"The Trigonale is now entering its sixth year, and is thus in comparison with other festivals a young enterprise. Nevertheless, since its inauguration, the Trigonale has noticeably made a difference to the Carinthian music scene. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)
Category: Festival/Workshops/Summer Schools/Conferences / Europe
Added on: Jul 20, 2008 | Hits: 4354


text:
Instructions: Select a
gallery to view or click on a photo to see enlarged. When viewing in enlarged mode, use your left & right arrow keys to scroll between photos and the escape key to exit enlarged mode.
© 2020 The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10028. All rights reserved. Credits


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Jetyo's HDV-T900 solar-powered camcorder is probably not suitable for any nefarious nighttime activities you might have planned for that special anniversary, and judging from how long it would take to recharge, it's probably not good at much else either.
Engadget did the maths, and by their rough estimate the 120mAh solar cell would require about 25 hours of sunlight to recharge just one of the four AA batteries in this camcorder.
In any event, specs!
SDHC memory cards
fixed zoom/8x digital zoom
3-in digital display
Pretty thin, and the four consecutive days of recharging (one per battery) kind of leads me to pass on this one. I mean, I doubt they could even film an episode of House on this thing. [Jetyo via Engadget]


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Important Notice
Arrangement regarding the regional outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Asia
and 11 Special Announcements
Change Language
Dream Cruises Loyalty Programme (DreamElite) ("Programme") is managed and operated by Dream Cruises Management Limited, its direct and indirect holding companies, subsidiaries and affiliates ("Dream Cruises"). These Terms and Conditions form an agreement between each member of the Programme ("Member") and Dream Cruises. Dream Cruises reserves the right to amend or supplement any or all of these Terms and Conditions from time to time at its absolute discretion without prior notice to the Members. Dream Cruises will inform the Members of material changes to the Terms and Conditions where applicable.
General Provisions
1. Membership of the Programme is open to individuals aged 18 or above. Member may register up to 3 family members (aged between 2 and 17) to become a Junior Member of the Programme, for which there are separate rules. There is no corporate membership. Membership is accepted at the sole discretion of Dream Cruises.
2. There is currently no enrolment fee for the membership of the Programme.
3. Membership enrolment can be made online at the dedicated member website loyalty.dreamcruiseline.com ("Member Website"), through the onboard intranet enrolment form, by completing a written enrolment form or by registering directly with Dream Cruises Customer Contact Centre.
4. Application for membership will not be processed unless the enrolment form is completed fully, accurately and duly signed. All applicants must carefully read these Terms and Conditions before submission of enrolment forms (applicable for both on-line and written enrolment forms), and an application will only be accepted if the applicant confirms his/her agreement to these Terms and Conditions.
5. Each Member will be assigned with a membership number. By using such number and associated benefits, Members shall be deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and other terms and conditions that may be issued from time to time by Dream Cruises.
6. Each Member may hold only one Member's account and create one Family Account at any time. Duplicate accounts will be subject to cancellation. Dream Cruises reserves the right to merge and consolidate the details to the earliest Member's account. Any Dream Points earned will be transferred to the earliest Member's account. Dream Cruises shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the cancellation of duplicate accounts.
7. Members who enroled by completing the written enrolment form or registering directly with Dream Cruises Customer Contact Centre are required to activate their Member's account online.
8. Membership of the Programme is not transferable and shall only be used by the Member.
9. Dream Cruises reserve the right to modify the structure, benefits or other features of the Programme from time to time without prior notice to Members. In no event shall Dream Cruises be liable for any loss or damage arising therefrom.
Earning Dream Points (Not applicable to Junior Member)
10. Members who are tour guides or employees of Dream Cruises are ineligible to earn Dream Points under any circumstances.
11. Dream Points are awarded based on the total number of qualifying cruise nights and qualifying onboard spending on participating Dream Cruises vessel(s).
12. To earn Dream Points, Members must quote their membership number at the time of reservation.
13. Dream Points can only be earned when Members have enroled into the Programme. If the enrolment is made onboard before check-out, Dream Points will be earned for all qualifying cruise nights and qualifying spending of the same cruise trip.
14. Dream Points can only be earned by booking of cruise trips by Members paying standard fares. Dream Points are earned based on the stateroom category booked at the time of reservation.
15. The earning of Dream Points for booking at special promotional fares is subject to the relevant promotion terms and conditions.
16. Cruise trips booked by Members by gift vouchers, prize letters, MICE, chartered cruises, redemption points or credits are not eligible to earn Dream Points.
17. A Member can earn 200 Dream Points per qualifying cruise night in a stateroom (i.e. Balcony Deluxe Class or below) or 400 Dream Points per qualifying cruise night in a suite or above. Dream Points will only be awarded to the Members who physically occupied the stateroom / suite on board.
18. If a Member shares a stateroom/suite with other Member(s), all Members will earn Dream Points based on the total number of qualifying cruise night(s).
19. If a Member settles payment with his/her Genting Points, such Member must settle the bill separately from other Members/non-Members in order to earn Dream Points.
20. Dream Points will not be earned for "no-show" situation and cancellation charges.
21. Subject to Clause 22 below, Dream Points will only be earned for all qualifying spending properly charged to the stateroom access card where payments have been received in full by Dream Cruises.
22. Qualifying spending shall mean spending onboard for Member's own consumption, use or enjoyment on specialty restaurants, spa and beauty treatments, Wi-Fi packages, shore excursions, retail purchase, photo corner and any other spending as Dream Cruises may as its sole and absolute discretion determine from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, Member will not earn Dream Points for spending incurred for and on behalf of other person(s) except his/her travel companions. Any attempt to earn Dream Points through fraud, dishonesty, deceit or unauthorized mean is strictly prohibited and will result in forfeiture of all Dream Points and termination of membership. Should Dream Cruises suspect any fraudulent, irregular or unauthorized activity relating to a Member's account and/or accumulation of Dream Points, Dream Cruises may at its sole and absolute discretion forfeit the relevant Dream Points and/or terminate the membership.
23. Subject to Clause 22 above, Dream Points will be earned at the rate of one Dream Point for one U.S. dollar of qualifying spending. Local currencies will be converted to U.S. dollars for the purpose of Dream Points calculations. A pre-determined conversion rate will be used and may be revised at any time at the sole and absolute discretion of Dream Cruises. Dream Points will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
24, For qualifying spending, the maximum number of Dream Points that a Member can earn is 10,000 Dream Points per single transaction.
25. Members may earn bonus Dream Points through specific promotional activities. Terms and conditions will apply to such promotional activities.
26. Dream Points will not be earned for spending on gaming, gratuities, medical treatment, service charges, visa fee, port charges, duties and taxes.
27. Any onboard benefits and/or privileges enjoyed by Members in connection with gift vouchers, prize letters, redemption points or credits are not eligible to earn Dream Points.
28. Dream Points have no monetary or cash value and cannot be sold, bartered, exchanged for cash, swapped or transferred in any format amongst Members or between Members and non-Members.
29. Dream Points may take up to four weeks after the Member completes the cruise trip to be credited to the Member's account.
30. Dream Points are valid for 36 months counting from the date of credit to the Member's account.
31. Members may check the total number of Dream Points earned by logging in their online membership account at the Member Website.
32. Members may submit claim for missing Dream Points in respect of the qualifying cruise nights and qualifying spending within 6 months from the date of disembarkation. Members shall submit such claim to DreamElite Member Services Team by providing his/her full name, DreamElite membership number and other relevant cruise information. Any decision made by Dream Cruises in respect of such claim shall be final.
33. Dream Cruises reserve the right at any time to cancel or invalidate the Dream Points credited incorrectly in the Member's account.
Membership Tiers, Benefits and Privileges (Not applicable to Junior Member)
34. There are 4 membership tiers in DreamElite - General, Jade, Sapphire and Diamond. Different membership tiers will be assigned to Members based on the number of Dream Points earned.
• General: for Members who have successfully enrolled to the Programme and who have earned 0
to 499 Dream Points in the last 36 months
• Jade: for Members who have earned 500 to 4,999 Dream Points in the last 36 months
• Sapphire: for Members who have earned 5,000 to 29,999 Dream Points in the last 36 months
• Diamond: for Members who have earned 30,000 Dream Points or above in the last 36 months
35. When a Member has earned enough Dream Points or when Dream Points expire, his or her membership tier will be upgraded or downgraded in accordance with the hreshold set out in Clause 34 above.
36. Members will receive a series of membership benefits and privileges depending on their membership tier. The full list of membership benefits and privileges will be published on Member Website. The terms and conditions applicable to such benefits and privileges are subject to change from time to time without prior notice to Members.
37. Most of the benefits and privileges will be pushed to Members in the form of "e-Vouchers". Members may access their online membership accounts at Member Website to view the available "e-Vouchers". Members must present the specified "e-Vouchers" when they redeem the relevant benefits and privileges. Dream Cruises reserve the right to disqualify any Member who fails to present the "e-Vouchers" to enjoy the relevant benefits and privileges.
38. Members must present their Dream Cruises "e-Membership Card" together with the "e-Vouchers" in order to enjoy respective benefits and privileges.
39. Dream Cruises will use its best endeavours to ensure the availability of the benefits and privileges to Members. If any of the benefits and privileges cannot be made available to Members, Dream Cruises shall have no responsibility and shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising therefrom (including refund).
40. For promotion restricted to a particular country/region, the eligibility will be determined by the Member's country/region of residency as registered with Dream Cruises.
41. It is the responsibility of Members to provide correct contact information and to be aware of any promotion published on Dream Cruises' website www.dreamcruiseline.com and the Member Website. In no event shall Dream Cruises be liable for any loss or damage arising from non-receipt of the benefits and privileges by Members.
Family Account and Junior Membership
42. A Member aged 18 or above (Principal Member) has an option to invite family members to register into a Family Account at no cost. A Principal Member can register a maximum of 5 family members who aged 18 or above and are members of DreamElite ("Adult Member") and 3 supplementary members who aged between 2 and 17 ("Junior Member") into a Family Account.
43. Members may create the Family Account via online enrolment at Member Website or by completing a written enrolment form available onboard.
44. The Principal Member must be the legal parent or legal guardian of the Junior Member. Dream Cruises reserve the right to request for supporting documents to prove the relationship between the Principal Member and the Junior Member at any time.
45. Principal Member, Adult Member and Junior Member can only be registered into one Family Account at any time.
46. Upon successful registration into the Family Account: (a) the Principal Member must activate the Junior Member's member account online; and (b) each Junior Member will be assigned a membership number.
47. Changes to the Family Account such as addition or removal of a Junior Member can only be requested by the Principal Member who created the Family Account. Such request must be in writing addressed to DreamElite Member Services Team and will be handled by Dream Cruises on a discretionary basis. Adult Member(s) being registered into a Family Account would have the right to request removal from such Family Account. Such request must be in writing addressed to DreamElite Member Services Team and will be handled by Dream Cruises.
48. Junior Members are not eligible to earn Dream Points based on cruise nights and onboard spending.
49. There is no membership tier associated with Junior Member.
50. Each Junior Member may enjoy seasonal benefits and privileges when sailing on participating Dream Cruises vessel(s) with the Principal Member or Adult Member(s) successfully registered into the same Family Account. Such benefits and privileges will be communicated to the Principal Member prior to embarkation or onboard and are subject to change from time to time without prior notice to Principal Member.
51. Most of the benefits and privileges will be pushed to Junior Members in the form of "e-Vouchers". Principal Member may access the online membership accounts of the Junior Members at Member Website to view the available "e-Vouchers". Junior Members (failing which Principal Member or Adult Member) must present the specified "e-Vouchers" and their DreamElite "e-Membership Card" when they redeem the relevant benefits and privileges. Dream Cruises reserve the right to disqualify Junior Members to enjoy the relevant benefits and privileges for failing to present the "e-Vouchers" and their DreamElite "e-Membership Card".
52. Dream Cruises will use its best endeavours to ensure the availability of the benefits and privileges to Junior Members. If any of the benefits and privileges cannot be made available to Junior Members, Dream Cruises shall have no responsibility and shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising therefrom (including refund).
53. The Principal Member shall be fully responsible for the action(s) of the Junior Member registered under his/her Family Account.
54. Any information about the benefits and privileges available to Junior Members will be directly communicated to Principal Member only.
55. The Junior Membership will be terminated automatically upon (a) the Junior Member reaching the age of 18; or (b) the termination of the membership of the Principal Member who registered for such Junior Membership.
56. Upon reaching the age of 18, the Junior Member will be invited to join the Programme as ordinary member. Upon acceptance, the Junior Member will inherit the Junior Membership number and start to earn Dream Points based on qualifying cruise nights and qualifying onboard spending.Membership tier will commence from General with Dream Points start at zero.
Termination of Membership / the Programme
57. If Member has breached or Dream Cruises have reasonable ground to believe that Member has breached these Terms and Conditions, Dream Cruises may suspend or terminate the membership and/or seek to recover any damages and losses to Dream Cruises and/or Dream Cruises' partners arising from and/or in relation to the Member's breach.
58. Termination of membership for whatever reason will result in the cancellation of all earned Dream Points, unused benefits and privileges and any associated Family Account or Junior Membership, if applicable.
59. In the event that Dream Cruises plans to terminate the Programme, Dream Cruises shall give the Members prior notice on the Member Website or notify the Members by other means of communications that Dream Cruises deems appropriate.
Other Provisions
60. The personal data that is collected from you is required for the application of the Programme, the operation and management of the Programme and delivery of benefits and privileges to Members. You are not obliged to supply the personal data, however, if you do not provide the personal data, we may not be able to process your application and provide relevant services to you. Your attention is drawn to the privacy policy posted on Dream Cruises' website www.dreamcruiseline.com. A hard copy of the privacy policy will also be provided upon request.
61. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong SAR. Members shall submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong SAR.
62. Any part of these Terms and Conditions which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction is ineffective as to that jurisdiction only to the extent of the prohibition or unenforceability. That does not invalidate the remaining parts of these Terms and Conditions nor affect the validity or enforceability of that part in any other jurisdiction.
63. Dream Cruises reserve the right of final determination in case of any dispute.
64. These Terms and Conditions have been translated into Chinese. If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity between the Chinese version and the English version, the English versions shall prevail.
65. For the purposes of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Ordinance, Chapter 623 of the Laws of Hong Kong, these Terms and Conditions are not intended to, and do not, give any person who is not a party to it any right to enforce any of these terms.
Last Updated Date: 2018-03-01
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Staff Picks: 5 of our Favorite Obagi® Products
05.26.2015, 14:25 CDT | Posted In: Acne & Blemishes, Prevention & Protection, Signs of Aging, Products
If you're anything like us, it's hard to pick a favorite Obagi product. But, we took on the challenge, and here are the top picks from 5 of our staff members…
Lauren, Marketing
Professional-C™ Serum 15%
"When I use the Pro-C serum, I feel like I'm doing something to defend my face from certain things that I don't even think about – like smog and pollution. Plus, it smells fabulous!"
Learn more about Lauren's pick – Professional-C Serum.
Michelle, Customer Service
Obagi360™ Exfoliating Cleanser
"This is my favorite product right now! You just use a small amount, lather it together, and it creates a really nice foam. You can feel the beads working, but it's not harsh or scratchy."
Learn more about Michelle's pick – Obagi360.
Greg, Sales
Gentle Rejuvenation System
"I have sensitive skin, and I prefer a simple skin care regimen. For me, the Gentle Rejuvenation products are perfect! Hard working, multi-tasking products that help keep me looking young and that my skin can tolerate!"
Learn more about Greg's pick – Gentle Rejuvenation System.
Medina, Sales
Blue Peel RADIANCE®
"This peel makes my face shine, but what I love most is that the process takes only a few minutes at the doctor's office, and then I can go – there's no down time."
Learn more about Medina's pick – Blue Peel RADIANCE.*
Jessy, Marketing
CLENZIderm M.D.™ Pore Therapy
"The texture, color, and consistency of Pore Therapy are exactly like water, which makes it easy to apply, and it feels like I have nothing on. I normally don't like the feeling of wearing something heavy on my face, so I feel very comfortable using the product daily."
Learn more about Jessy's pick – Pore Therapy.
*Sun Alert: Because this product may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, be certain you have adequate sunscreen protection while using this product and for a week after you discontinue use.


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Optical Sensors
Excellence for your production line
Optical process sensors bring a new kind of certainty to your production line. They combine all the most wanted and needed features in beverage production. They are maintenance-free, have a small footprint, and are certified hygienic (EHEDG).
Optical sensors – Excellence for your production line
Keep an eye on your beverage production – with optical sensors and process analyzers
During production, time and costs are crucial factors. Thus, all parameters which influence these two factors are under strict observation and continuous optimization. For process optimization and process control a wide range of process instrumentation is applied. Depending on its use, the specific process sensor has to fulfill many requirements, including compliance with legal regulations and also meeting users' requirements, such as minimum total costs of ownership (TCO), little to no maintenance, fast measurement, accurate and reliable results, hygienic design, and many more. Optical sensors have proven to stand for all these properties, offering a neat solution for straightforward use and direct measurement of parameters during production.
With the use of optical sensors in your production line you experience a new kind of certainty. Anton Paar as a world leader for process instrumentation in the beverage industries takes the next step in measurements with a new generation of optical sensors, which offer:
- Immediate start of measurement right out of the box, no manual adjustment necessary.
- Ensure hygienic process conditions: sensors fulfilling all requirements of the EHEDG design guidelines make regular cleaning convenient.
- Always an eye on your product: the inline measurement happens directly where production takes place, ensuring you the necessary awareness.
- Save time and gain certainty with easy comparison to the laboratory reference by linking both areas with the Davis 5 software.
- Suiting your specific application needs with decades of process knowledge packed inside the sensors.
With optical sensors from Anton Paar you always keep an eye on your production and your production parameters – continuously and reliably.
You want to know more?
Please click on the name of the product you are interested in or contact us directly.
Carbo 520 Optical
Crystal clear benefits with the cutting-edge optical measuring principle
Carbonation is a key element in the taste and perceived freshness of a beverage.
Having the right concentration of dissolved CO2 in the beverage is therefore essential.
Carbo 520 Optical is based on the optical principle called Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) and comes with a unique model for exact CO2 concentration measurement which is not influenced by the turbidity, color, sugar, or other contents of the medium.
Oxy 510
The Oxygenius: Oxy 510 inline sensor
Oxy 510 is based on the optical principle called fluorescence phase shift. This principle enables you to determine dissolved oxygen (DO) independent of the medium and other dissolved gases.
Oxy 510 is equipped with Toolmaster™ and the Statemaster feature to ensure proper functioning during the process. With one sensor two measuring ranges (the trace range and wide range) can be served by simply changing the sensor caps.
L-Rix 510/520
The world's first inline refractometer with soldered optics
L-Rix 510/520 can be immersed directly in the production liquid. It continuously displays the refractive index or sugar concentration at the process temperature allowing 24-hour production control.
L-Rix 510/520 uses soldered optics, which dramatically extends the instrument's service life, increases reliability and safety, and reduces costs. The units can operate for more than 100,000 hours without requiring any maintenance. Once adjusted at Anton Paar's headquarters, L-Rix 510/520 operates with the stored adjustment values for its entire lifetime. L-Rix 510/520 is not influenced by stray light which enables measurement in production lines with see-through windows.
Cobrix 5600
Cobrix 5600 ensures the world-class brand excellence of beverages
Cobrix 5600 represents a universal system for all beverage parameters. It measures all types of your current and future soft drinks, beers, and alcoholic beverages.
The Cobrix 5600 system provides the highest accuracy and repeatability in the market for measuring %Diet or TA and key parameters like CO2, O2, °Brix, sugar inversion, alcohol, and many more.
L-Col 6100
The new accessory for color measurement for inline beverage analyzers
The L-Col 6100 color sensor is ideal for use with Anton Paar's inline beverage analyzers. Optionally implemented in new or existing installations it further extends the key parameter determination in all kinds of beverages. The color measurement is compliant to MEBAK® and includes turbidity compensation. It allows monitoring of the color of beer, wine, soft drinks, spirits, and liqueurs during the entire production process.


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Don't know where to start or what to do?
Take this challenge. In 30 days, you will determine if your company is cut out for social media.
You may find yourself asking What is social media all about?
Social Media Surrounds Us
Social media is a hot topic these days. Your friends are using it, your employees are using it, even some of your competitors are using it.
CNN and ESPN broadcasters ask you to become a fan on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Business associates are sending you LinkedIn requests. People are rating movies on Netflix and products on Amazon. Even small businesses list their Facebook fan pages on their signs as you drive through town.
Social media seems to be everywhere.
Do you at times wonder "everyone else is doing it, but why should we?"
Good question.
It might not make sense for your company to utilize social media as part of your integrated marketing strategy. It all depends on many things.
What are your goals? Who do you sell to and where do they seek out your kind of products or services?
Social media does not cost a lot of money, but the time commitment and resources that it takes to build a social media program can be demanding.
Here is a 30 day test to see if you can successfully incorporate social media into your marketing and PR mix.
Week 1 – Fish Where the Fish Are
Chris Brogan, a social media expert, say to Fish Where the Fish Are. And he's right. Where did your customers find you? Do you know? If not, ask them.
Your customers can give you a wealth of information with a simple survey. Offer a free giveaway or chance to win a larger prize and ask them a few questions.
Do they belong to associations? Do they go online to forums, message boards and industry blogs? Which search engines do they use? Do they still use the yellow pages or do they go online? Put together a list of 5 – 10 questions for your customers. Send out a free survey and analyze their responses.
Have your sales and customer service teams ask where call-ins heard about you (if they don't already.) Put together a list of these responses and the survey answers and you should be getting a good idea where your customers are finding you.
Week 2 & 3 – Listen
Start slow. Listen. Go where your customers are online. If you don't know, ask them.
Start a spreadsheet of forums, message boards, industry blogs, etc.
Take time to set up some listening posts about your company and industry.
Set up news alerts for your brand and industry keywords on Google, Yahoo and Bing.
Look up your brand and keywords on Social Mention and Twitter Search. Set up alerts – Social Mention has different tabs, so you can set up an alert for each category.
Search blogs through Technorati and Google Blog Search.
Bookmark LinkedIn Answers under the appropriate categories or set up the RSS feed in a Reader and check daily.
Look up any blog comments about your company or industry through BackType.
Yacktrack lets you search for comments on your content from various sources, such as Blogger, Digg, FriendFeed, Stumbleupon, and WordPress blogs.
Use boardtracker.com to get instant alerts from threads citing your name. Boardreader and Big Boards are other tools that work similar to this one.
Use iGoogle or Netvibes to set up a dashboard with these sites and RSS feeds.
Now that you have set up your listening posts, check them in an RSS feed a few times a week.
This will help you get an idea about what people are saying about you, your competitors, your industry.
You will be able to track trends and hot topics and will be ready to take the next step in social media.
Week 4 – Comment
Once you set up your listening posts, schedule 1-2 hours a week to monitor and comment on any relevant blogs, articles, etc.
Answer at least one LinkedIn question in each of the categories that applies to your business. Make sure you have a free company page set up in LinkedIn.
If people are talking about your brand in a good or bad way, respond directly to them and offer your help.
Build trust and relationships. You may be surprised how helpful the social media community can be.
End of the Month
By now you should have an idea of what social media is about.
Hopefully by doing this challenge you will learn more about your business, your customers and yourself. Social media does not cost a lot of money, but it sure involves lots of time.
In 30 days, if you find that you do not have the time or resources to do these basic monitoring tasks, you might not be ready for a full social media strategy.
If you are able to do these monitoring tasks, then you are ready to take the next steps in social media which will be covered in the next post.


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Tag Archives for " Workplace adaptability "
In this edition: The connections between organisational culture, leadership style, organisational learning and innovation capability. Developing organisational ambidexterity – the implications for HR, L&D and OD. Why professionals agree to things that go against their professional beliefs. How you cope with uncertainty predicts how see the world Does the reputation of your organisation make any […]Read more


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Felton ready to thank fans at Supanova
BRITISH actor Tom Felton is nothing like his alter-ego Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter series.
While he plays a spoiled, arrogant bully in all eight movies, he was actually incredibly friendly and humble while speaking to me from LA.
Felton will be returning to Brisbane this weekend for the pop culture convention Supanova and is looking forward to meeting his Aussie fans.
"I had a great time last time in Australia and seemed like we didn't get to much time to meet everyone obviously, so they invited me back this year," he said.
"I don't need my arm twisted to come back to Australia - I've been really excited about it.
"People seem to think we started off to make eight films, and actually it was quite the opposite.
"It was only through the success and the support we had worldwide that we managed to stay there for the duration really. So I am always keen to come out to and say thank you personally."
With hundreds of fans expected to line up at Supanova, Felton said it still surprises him just how popular the series is on despite the last movie being released over a year ago.
"It is quite incredible," he said.
"I guess we all kind of expected people to move on slightly, but there are lots of people still keeping the Harry Potter flame burning so to speak."
Another reason the actor is looking forward to returning to Australia is to catch up with his brother in Melbourne and maybe see some cricket.
"He's been there about six years," he said.
"He went out backpacking for six months and never came back. To be honest with you I don't blame him, after my trip out there I could see why.
"I am looking forward to hearing his Australian accent.
Felton said he still pinches himself on just how lucky he was to play Draco Malfoy for 10 years.
"He is just so enjoyable," he said.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him. It was a great ability to vent all the frustration and anger of day to day life through him.
"He was very good fun and it got more interesting as the years got on, which was nice.
"(at the end of the series) there was an inkling of hope for him, a lot of it is left unsaid which is one of the beauties of the book.
"It is kind of left up to the audiences interpretation. It was nice to see some good side of him at least."
And what is next for the 25-year-old?
"Right now I am working on an English period drama called Belle," he said.
"A lot of the things I have been working on the release dates are a bit up in the air for next year, so lots of things to look forward to including a film called Therese and mini TV series Labyrinth.
"The one I am playing now is not such a nice guy. But I won't lie, I do enjoy playing people that aren't so friendly or nice.
"But I actually have some other chances to play other things as well, one quite heroic and one very sickly meek child type role, so very different and very contrasting and I am hoping that broadens my horizons."
For any fans wondering if the actor has been sorted on the Pottermore website, he admitted he hadn't got that far.
"We signed up ages ago when they first set up the website but I haven't been sorted yet," he laughed.
"I am still awaiting my destiny. I don't think I could face it if it was anything but Slytherin to be honest with you."


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Posts Tagged 'Painting'
I painted a picture of myself
The last time I painted I was about 14. I used oil paints back then. Recently I read a book about painting and got excited again. Luckily there were acrylic painting sets and canvases on sale in Lidl (the pan-European cheap grocery store chain) so I bought them. Then I took a picture of myself, drew that and colored it. Drawing took about half an hour and coloring about two hours. So here's my first painting in adult age and the first ever acrylic painting:
It's name is "Cultural aristocrat". I think it's pretty damn good considering that it's been twenty years since my last painting. Reading the book really helped.


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Announcements of best servers Lineage 2
Servers with selected parameters was not found
Every day around the world, a large number of La2 servers are opening, but in order to unleash the server it will take days, weeks and even months.Our Lineage 2 server announcements will help you much faster promote L2 server. Adding your server to the list of OpenServers.ru you get a plus to online at the start!
In the list on the site you will find only new servers, tested and quality projects. With the description of the server you can see on the project's website.With the help of the server search system on our site, you can easily select a project for the game with any rates: GvE, RvR, Interlude+ , High Five, Multiprofession, Classic, PVP-Craft.


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(MEDIA GENERAL) — After 108 years of waiting for another World Series ring, the Chicago Cubs ended the longest championship drought in major American professional sports history. Though no other American sports franchise has reached the century mark for years without a title, there are 10 teams that have gone more than 50 years without winning it all. Some of these teams have resided in more than three cities, but their trophy cases are devoid of championship hardware. Others have been competitive for decades but have been unable to claim a title for more than half a century.
Here's a list of those 10 teams that have gone more than 50 years without a championship:
10. San Diego Chargers
Unlike some of these teams on the list, the Chargers have remained fairly competitive over the years, but the playoffs have been a challenge for the franchise. The Chargers have made the playoffs 15 times since winning their last championship 53 years ago when they were still in LA and played in the AFL. But the team's only Super Bowl appearance came in 1995 when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in a 49-26 blowout.
9. Tennessee Titans
The Titans came just a yard short of having a chance to send Super Bowl XXXIV to overtime against the St. Louis Rams. If the Titans had completed the comeback, it would have been the franchise's first league championship in franchise history, which includes the 47 years it spent in Houston. Sixteen years after their Super Bowl loss in 2000, the Titans have made the playoffs just five times. The franchise's championship drought currently sits at 55 years.
8. Houston Astros
The Astros are another original Houston team that's been close to a title in the last couple decades but have been unable to win the World Series in the franchise's 53-year history. They won the NLCS in 2005 but were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the World Series. For nearly a decade after the 2005 World Series sweep, the Astros became cellar dwellers, but after bringing up some good, young talent, there's been a glimmer of hope for the franchise to get back to its winning ways.
7. Texas Rangers
The Rangers were perhaps the closest of any team on this list to ending their championship drought. In Game 6 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2011 World Series, the Rangers were just a strike away from their first-ever title. But the Cardinals were able to rally late to win the game and would go onto to win Game 7. The Rangers haven't been back to the World Series since thus they still do not have a championship in their 56-year history as a franchise.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have also gone 56 years without a title since they last won the NFL championship in 1960. However, the team has been competitive in the NFL's modern era. They've been to the Super Bowl twice since their last championship. The Eagles lost to the Raiders in Super Bowl XV and came up short once more in 2004 in Super Bowl against the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick led New England Patriots. Although the Eagles have yet to win a Super Bowl, they've made the playoffs in 10 of their last 16 seasons.
5. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks franchise has been located in four different cities, but the team has won zero championships in their 58-year history. The Hawks went through a rough patch of not making the playoffs from 2000 to 2007, but they've managed to make the postseason in a weak Eastern Conference for nine consecutive years. Atlanta finished the 2014-15 season with their best record in franchise history (60-22) and won the East, but lost in the Conference finals to the LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers.
4. Detroit Lions
There aren't too many professional teams that share a past as futile as the Detroit Lions. After winning their last championship 59 years ago in 1957, the Lions have won just one playoff game and that was in 1991. And since that last playoff win, they've managed to lose the NFC Wild Card game seven times. After missing out on the post season for eight consecutive years, the Lions set a league benchmark for futility in 2008 when they became the first team in the NFL to go 0-16. In recent years, the team has been competitive since head coach Jim Caldwell took over in 2014, but the team still has a long way to go before it becomes a Super Bowl contender.
3. Sacramento Kings
Like four other franchises on this list, the Sacramento Kings have relocated more times than they've won championships. The Kings lone NBA title came 65 years ago in 1951 when they were known as the Rochester Royals. The team would eventually move to Cincinnati, then to Kansas City before making Sacramento its home. The Kings were at their best in the late-90s and early 2000s when they had stars Mike Bibby, Chris Webber, and Peja Stojakovic, but were never able to make it past the Western Conference Finals. Since the team's last playoff appearance in 2006, it has yet to finish the regular season with a winning-percentage better than .500.
2. Cleveland Indians
Oh, how close the Cleveland Indians were to ending their 68-year World Series drought. If it weren't for the would-be No.1 team on the list, the Cubs, the "Tribe" may be celebrating with LeBron and the Cavs, who won their franchise-first title in June. Some may call it karma after all the "Warriors blew a 3-1 series lead" jokes made their rounds on social media after the Cavs came back to beat Golden State in the NBA Finals. But Indians fans have a lot to look forward to after many experts thought this year's team only had Wild-Card potential, at best. It's an exciting time to be a sports fan in Cleveland unless you only pull for the Browns, who haven't won a Super Bowl in 48 years.
1. Arizona Cardinals
Fans who just started following the NFL probably wouldn't think the Arizona Cardinals would top this list, given their recent success. But the Cardinals franchise bests the Indians by one year in the "consecutive years without a championship" category. Sixty-nine years and two relocations ago, the Chicago Cardinals won the team's second NFL championship in 1947. The following year, the Cardinals lost in the championship game before missing the playoffs for 26 consecutive seasons. During the past three decades, the Cardinals have made the playoffs just five times. However, things have never been going a lot better for one of the league's oldest franchises. Arizona made it to the Super Bowl in 2008 and won the NFC West just last season. This year, they've been up-and-down, as they're off to a 3-4 start. But as history suggests, things could be much, much worse.


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|Pullman Bangkok King Power – a lifestyle hotel for a truly 'resort in the city' experience.
This Bangkok City Hotel is ideally located for business or leisure travellers, only moments away from Victory Monument BTS Skytrain Station
and within easy reach of the Airport Rail Link. Featuring 354 newly designed rooms and suites renovated to the latest Pullman standards,
each offering a modern feel with state of the art connectivity facilities to keep you in touch with the outside world,
making Pullman perfect for global nomads. Experience award winning and trendsetting bars and restaurants throughout the hotel,
take a swim in Bangkok's largest infinity pool overlooking the lush botanical garden or rejuvenate at the Le Spa with a pampering signature
treatment – it's all waiting for you to explore.
The perfect venue for meeting and incentives, Pullman Bangkok King Power offers 2 expansive Ballrooms catering for up to 600 delegates as well as extensive meeting facilities ideal for training session or seminars. Make your journey in Bangkok more convenient with our luggage delivery service. Simply drop your bag at our concierge and pick it up at the airport.
|Immerse yourself in our playground and be fully connected throughout at this Bangkok City Hotel. "The Junction at Pullman" offers guests an area to work and play, ideal for business talks and informal meetings on the go, or evening entertainment. Located in the heart of the hotel "The Junction at Pullman" transforms from day to night, with gourmet coffees and tapas-style snacks throughout the day to signature cocktails by night – it's the perfect nomad's playground. The hotel also offers a state of the art business center with full secretarial support or a place to have a quiet moment. Stay connected throughout your stay at Pullman Bangkok King Power with complimentary Wi-Fi.
|Every one of the 354 guestrooms and suites at this Bangkok city hotel offers a comfort Pullman bed and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet. A Bangkok City Hotel, which is spacious and comfortable, the Pullman Bangkok King Power rooms are decorated in a modern contemporary Asian style and fitted with the latest technology, to support the cutting-edge lifestyle of today's nomadic business and leisure travellers. Make your journey in Bangkok more convenient with our luggage delivery service. Simply drop your bag at our concierge and pick it up at the airport.
|Superior Room (32 Sqm.)
Our Superior Rooms feature complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi music connectivity, tea & coffee making facilities and a rain shower and bathtub.
A genuine urban escape from the hustle and bustle of the teeming metropolis our contemporarily-designed Superior Rooms instantly make you feel at home with full-length floor-to-ceiling windows, bamboo flooring and a range of complimentary C.O. Bigelow bath and skincare amenities for that all-important personal pampering.
Superior Room guests also receive 10% and 20% discount vouchers to use at the King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex adjacent to this Bangkok city hotel.
|Deluxe Room (32 Sqm.)
Our Deluxe Rooms feature bamboo flooring, 49″ LED Smart TV, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi music connectivity, USB charging points, tea & coffee making facilities and a rain shower and bathtub.
Conceived and crafted with comfort and connectivity firmly in mind our newly-designed Deluxe Rooms come replete with exotic touches such as bamboo flooring and a range of complimentary bath and skincare amenities from renowned New York apothecary C.O. Bigelow, ensuring a stay that redefines satisfaction.
Deluxe Room guests at this Bangkok city hotel also receive 15% and 20% discount vouchers to use at the King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex adjacent to the hotel.
|Deluxe Room with Balcony (36 Sqm.)
A brand new room type featuring a generous of space with private garden-view balconies, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, USB charging points, Wi-Fi music connectivity, tea & coffee making facilities and a rain shower and bathtub.
Offering the added element of a spacious private balcony with views of the hotel's lush, verdant gardens our brand-new Deluxe Rooms with Balconies are perfectly suited for the urban escapist who desires those little touches that make a great stay truly memorable, including 2 complimentary mini bar drinks per day, free local calls and C.O. Bigelow's opulent range of bath and skincare products.
Deluxe Room with Balcony guests also receive 15% and 20% discount vouchers to use at the King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex adjacent to this Bangkok city hotel.
|Executive Room (32 Sqm.)
Our Executive Rooms offer sweeping views of the city, a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary high speed Wi-FI, USB charging points, Wi-Fi music connectivity, a shower and bathtub and full Executive privileges with a host of extras.
Truly defining an urban escape with our newly-renovated Executive Rooms at this Bangkok city hotel you'll enjoy full access to the newly designed Executive Club Floor Lounge, personalized check-in and late check-out, complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails in the lounge, 2 free mini bar soft drinks per day, free local calls and premium bathroom amenities from New York's C.O.
Bigelow plus exclusive Pullman Bangkok King Power accoutrements such as an access to the King Power Executive Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport upon departure and 15% and 20% King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex discount vouchers.
|Suite (64 Sqm.)
An expansive of urban sanctuary with a private living room opens to commanding view, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, USB charging points, Wi-Fi music connectivity, Espresso coffee machines, C.O. Bigelow amenities from New York, personalized pillow menu, in-room fitness kit and bathtub and rain shower.
Pullman's vision of " Our World Is Your Playground" is epitomized in our opulently-designed Suites with class-leading interior space, Thai teakwood flooring, a commanding upper floor location with unrivalled views and every conceivable amenity for the global explorer for which standard simply isn't enough, including full Executive Level privileges and a host of exclusive Pullman extras.
Suite guests also receive 15% and 20% discount vouchers to use at the King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex adjacent to this Bangkok city hotel.
|The Junction at Pullman
The Junction at Pullman redefines the concept of the lobby by offering the perfect blend of business and pleasure with its 3 distinct zones: Welcome Area, Cosmopolitan Hub, and Rotative Food and Beverage Outlet. The Junction at Pullman opens daily from 08.00 – 23.00 hrs. and has brought an incredibly diverse DJ line-up rocking the decks for your aural pleasure every Thursday – Saturday from 18.30 – 20.30 hrs.
The Junction is part of the journey; a meeting point between friends, colleagues, strangers. It is the perfect place to meet for business, complemented by hyper modern furnishing and the choice of social and semi-private spaces. The best coffee shop in Bangkok is where barista meets pop-up bar and when morning pastries meet tapastries. The Junction rotative food and beverage means you can have a coffee or a juice in the morning, a healthy salad or a wrap at lunch, a meeting over a cup of tea, pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, The Junction serves what you want, when you want it.
|Cuisine Unplugged
With a spectacular array of fresh and imported produce prepared by our culinary team, Cuisine Unplugged offers guests some of the best hotel buffets in Bangkok. Savor the signature dishes cooked live from organic and Royal Project ingredients in our show kitchen and served fresh as well as our rotating monthly special promotions that offer greater value compared to other Bangkok city hotels.
Breakfast: International breakfast buffet (06.00-10.30 hrs.)
Lunch: International buffet (11.30-14.30 hrs.)
Dinner: Seafood buffet (18.00-22.30 hrs.)
Sunday Brunch: Grand Sunday Brunch with free flow beverages and Kid's Corner (12.00-15.00 hrs.)
|Wine Bar
A hip and happening wine bar in Bangkok like no other in town – Wine Pub. Offering a unique offer in Bangkok of 48 Wines by the glass, more than 140 references of Wine by the bottle around the world. Whether you come alone or with your friends, you can enjoy a variety of French A la Carte menus and new sharing set in Wine Pub Menu including French cheeses and cold cuts, succulent Côte de Boeuf, exquisite Canadian Lobster and a sensational Seafood Platter at the best wine bar in Bangkok. A set of 6 drink coupons is also available to purchase in advance to enjoy drinks including wine, beer and cocktails every Friday night.3
Open Daily: 18.00 – 01.00 hrs.
Location: 2nd floor of the Glass Tower
|Glen Bar
Be excited by one of the best bars in Bangkok, Glen Bar! Meet the latest destination bar with a private mezzanine space stylishly designed with a contemporary Thai interior inspired by a concept known as 'Very Thai'. Glen Bar also features up to 2 live bands from Thursday to Saturday, making it one of the best bars in Bangkok to hang out after work, on weekends or simply the ideal place to host a private party to remember.
Open Daily : 18.00-01.00 hrs.
|Pool Bar
Enjoy the open-air pool bar and enjoy your favorite cocktail or a gourmet coffee. Snack on the menu with a selection of salads, sandwiches, grilled items, including Desserts and homemade ice creams.
Open Daily : 06.00-19.00 hrs.
With 20 function rooms and event venues including two elegant ballrooms catering for up to 600 delegates along
with multipurpose meeting rooms on the "Second" and "Sixth", Pullman Bangkok King Power is one of Bangkok's leading Meeting
and Convention venues, ideal for gatherings ranging from corporate events and seminars to exhibitions and gala dinners.
With two dedicated meeting floors and two ballrooms with private foyers, Pullman Bangkok King Power is one of the most versatile meeting
rooms in Bangkok with full support from highly experienced teams to ensure a successful meeting every time.
'The Second'
'The Second' meeting rooms have been designed with a unique concept to inspire and engage through the use of the uncomplicated colors and an inviting atmosphere. The Second offers the perfect Bangkok hotel meeting rooms for meetings catering up to 50-100 guests with shared foyer. The Second meeting rooms open up to a beautiful botanical garden with outdoor seatings to unwind and Wine Pub, the first wine bar in Bangkok, serving bistronomy dishes and 48 wines by the glass.
'The Sixth'
'The Sixth' meeting rooms have been designed with a unique concept to inspire and engage through the use of the stylish colors and inviting natural daylight. Located on the 6th floor of the Glass Tower, 5 meeting rooms deliver our hospitality with our Pullman signature 'Get Closer' service. 'The Sixth' meeting rooms come with its signature 'Chill Out Space' that bridges five Bangkok hotel meeting rooms together creatively with its open space that is suitable for socializing over delicious meeting breaks.
'Chill-out space'
Chill-out space is a private or socialize area at 'The Sixth' decorated in the stylish interior designed to unwind, relax and socialize. The 2 Chill-out spaces can be tailored-made for your meetings and events in Bangkok. With its lively colors and daylight feature, the Chill Out Space is a perfect area to have a memorable break after a meeting.
|The Second
|The Sixth
|Chill out space
|Infinity Ballroom
|Eternity Ballroom
Discover the newly designed Pullman Spa, renowned for being one of the best spas in Bangkok, featuring a contemporary Thai vibe in a tranquil environment at Pullman Bangkok King Power. A veritable haven of peace for global nomads, the Pullman Spa features 8 private treatment rooms including an LPG® endermologie slimming treatment room, Moroccan Hammam room, spa suite and treatment rooms with steam room and Jacuzzi. Rejuvenate your body and soul with a selection of health and beauty treatments from LPG® endermologie slimming treatments to Hammam ritual, Traditional Thai massages, facial treatments by the world famous Laboratoires Filorga brand and body treatments by the Asian-inspired Pañpuri brand. Pullman Spa is on the 4th floor of Pullman Bangkok King Power, a five-minute walk from BTS SkyTrain Victory Monument Station.
Open: 10.00 – 22.00 hrs.
Fitness Center
Pullman Fit at our Bangkok city hotel gives global nomads the possibility to exercise using the finest fitness equipment that will satisfy the needs of all health aficionados and can work out your tension and ensure your stay in peak condition during your visit to Bangkok. The latest generation of Smith Machine for a total body workout is also available at Pullman Fit on the 4th floor at Pullman Bangkok King Power.
Open: 6.00 – 22.00 hrs.
|Fitness Center
|Swimming Pool
|Located on Rangnam Road we are a Bangkok City Hotel near the BTS skytrain and expressway.
Ideal location in Bangkok city allows easy access to major attractions and business centres being just minutes away from Siam Square,
Victory Monument and King Power Duty Free Downtown Complex is literally next door.
Transfer to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport is approximately 45 minutes and the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link – Phayathai Station
is within walking distance.
By Car:
From the Victory Monument Circle exit to Phayathai Road, then turn left to Rangnam Road.
From Sri Ayudthaya Road, turn left to the hotel after the Ajinomoto Building
From Ratchaprarop Road, turn left onto Rangnam Road at the Caltex gas station
By the expressway: From the Urban-Second Stage Expressway, follow the signs to Victory Monument
By BTS sky train:
- Victory Monument Station (exit no.2) on the Sukhumvit Line. Take the free hotel shuttle (Tuk-Tuk) near Century Shopping Mall on Soi Rangnam.
- Phayathai Station on the Sukhumvit Line. It is 7 minutes' walking distance to the back entrance of the hotel.
By Airport Rail Link: Phayathai Station
Car Parking:
This Bangkok City Hotel offers undercover car parking accommodating over 700 cars on one floor. There are 3 entrances for access and 3 exits to depart via Sri Ayudthaya Road and Rangnam Road. Parking is complimentary for hotel guests.


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Bronx Eats: Destination-Worthy Tamales & More From Tamales Ebenezer, Mott Haven
The best food from the street.
A good, to say nothing of consistent, tamal is hard to come by in New York. And you probably are not expecting to find such a tamal in Mott Haven, where roast chicken rules. But then you smell the wafts of steamed masa near the corner of Willis Avenue on 138th, and spot a vendor with several steamers beside a rolling kitchen cart. Follow the scent and you will land squarely in Guerrero, the Mexican state where the stand's cook, Carmen, and her children hail from. They call their business Tamales Ebenezer.
Every day for the last eight years, Carmen has woken up at 4 a.m. to begin molding her masa. "We don't take no days off," her son Neo, who helps run the stand, told me. "Holidays, rain, snow. Every day." It is a good thing for us, but for those from afar the commitment must be reciprocated. Neo sets up shop at 6 in the morning, and business is brisk.
A Southern Californian who speaks of tamales in reverent tones, Serious Eats barbecue bureau chief James Boo is not above the occasional morning jaunt to Ebenezer from his distant digs in Prospect Heights. James—who introduced me to the stand—takes these trips seriously and, on our first visit, bought all of the remaining tamales oaxaqeuños ($2.50 each; regular-sized tamales for $1.50 in corn husks are available as well). A trip to Ebenezer requires that James wake up at 5:00 to make it to work on time. And he does so happily.
Before diving fork-first into Carmen's tamal roja, I had not experienced the primal appeal of tamales here in New York. Like countless others, I had been the unfortunate foil of far too many dried and withered twigs of masa on our streets. While I had found a tamal here and there that proved satisfying, none before had provoked such cravings.
Here on 138th, however, I relished the masa and it seemed to relish me, too. It was a lard-induced high. Offered in four flavors (verde, roja, rajas, and mole), Carmen's oaxaqeuños are the size of tightly wrapped burritos. On weekdays, she cooks 30 to 40 of each; during the weekends that number rises as high as 70. Hot and bright, the verde zaps you like the morning sun after a night of long drinking; the roja has the deeper flavor of smoked chilies. There was an excellent prickly rajas—chicken with tomatoes, strips of poblano, onion, herbs, and chilies—that was what I imagine Marcella Hazan's tamales might taste like after a few lessons with Diana Kennedy. Available only on the weekends, the rich and velvety mole poblano is the proper companion for the champurrado ($4 for a large, $2 for a small). Plastic plates and spoons are provided for curbside eating.
Ever in pursuit of a greater tamal, James produced a tamal verde and asked me to bring it to Lina of El Atoradero. When I made it to the store, she returned my gesture with a fork and a wary eye. Expressing her belief that most people here don't know how to cook tamales, she took a bite and then another.
"The sauce is good. But the masa is not soft enough. You see?" she asked, stabbing the tamal."They didn't cook it for long enough." I asked her how long she cooks her tamales, and she said an hour; at Ebeneezer, the quoted time was 40 minutes. I agreed that the masa was blocky, but found the texture pleasing.
Lina's standards are very high, and her predilection for soft masa is evident in the crumble-prone Guatemalan tamal ($3) sold at her store. Like many Mexican immigrants in New York, Lina is originally from Puebla, and I take this to be a reasonable explanation for her dissatisfaction with the masa. Guerrero borders Puebla, but in Mexico there are tamales made of roughly crushed corn, leavened with wood ash, and cooked in adobe ovens.
Must every tamal be the same? Insistent on the differences in the tastes of the Guerrerenses and Poblanos, Neo explained that when his mother started her tamal stand she offered atoles de frutas. Popular in Guerrero, they did not sell here. "The Poblanos didn't get it," he offered, with partisan edge. "All they know is the champurrado and the plain atole."
What has been a success, however, are their Sunday morning goat specials. It is here where Carmen's cooking shines brightest. A stand-in for barbacoa, there is chivo ($10/lb.): at least one goat dressed in a red chili paste and cooked between layers of avocado and banana leaves. The meat is super tender, its natural gameyness spiked by the sauce and the floral flavors imparted by the leaves.
But the real star is the consomme ($6): clean and full bodied, its savory flavor seems to run deeper than the pot it was cooked in. A squeeze of lime adds a tart spark, the onion and cilantro a welcome crunch. Both are necessary. This is a soup infused with the love and dedication of cooking for years on end, without the thought of a break. Someday this must end; for now, it should be cherished.
Carmen, however, does not limit herself to street side hawking alone; she caters for local families and groups in the neighborhood, offering food that goes beyond Ebeneezer's straightforward menu. While you won't get her to leaven your masa with wood ash, tamal fillings can be modified—something I found out when Neo mentioned a local's plead for roasted eggplant tamales. There are other regular items to be ordered, as well, including a dish of chicken and tamal de frijol in mole poblano sauce or, if you've got a sweet tooth, tamales de dulce. (Just do not forget to order ahead of time.) The neighborhood is changing, as Neo claims the number of Guerrerenses in New York is on the rise. One can only hope this will spell the return of the atoles de frutas. An atole de tamarindo, a favorite of his, would not be half bad right now.
Tamales Ebeneezer
Across from 353 East 138th Street, Bronx, NY 10454 (map) Personal number for orders upon request
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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Auto Publishers Price Starting at
*Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your atual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors.VIEW OUR INVENTORY
A model and configuration for every truck need; fuel-efficient powertrain lineup; strong towing and payload ratings; standout refinement and ride comfort
There are just a few minor changes to the Ford F-150 lineup for 2014. F-150 XLT models and all trims above that now get HID headlamps. New 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted accents are now standard on XLT and STX models, while Limited models offer a new Marina Blue naturally perforated specialty leather. Elsewhere in the lineup, a new power-telescoping and power-folding trailer-towing mirror is available, several new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs are on offer and Sunset Metallic is a new exterior hue.


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X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has retained her crown as the world's best-dressed female celebrity.
The results, which also saw model Katie Price named as worst-dressed woman, were compiled from around 14,000 votes from the magazine's readers.
The British actor Robert Pattinson, was named the best-dressed man.
The results appear in the May edition of the magazine.