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Love Coconut?! This tropical treat is perfect for those who do! An utterly coconutty duo including a Coconut Body Wash that lathers up into a frothy, foamy concoction and a rich and creamy Coconut Body Butter to help keep skin soft and smooth. What's more there's also a funky flamingo printed shower cap to keep hair dry whilst you're showering away and dreaming of those holidays to come!
In stock
There are no reviews yet.
Pop on Shower Cap to avoid wet hair, jump in shower and lather away with the Coconut Body Wash. Wash off and pat skin dry before applying lashings of Coconut Body Butter.
Body Wash: Water/Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEG-4 Rapeseedamide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates Copolymer, Fragrance/Parfum, Glycerin, Passiflora Edulis (Passionfruit) Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Coumarin. Body Butter: Water/Aqua, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Fragrance/ Parfum, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, Coumarin.

subset: commoncrawl


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20th September 2018
Think hard a carefully about how much you want to spend. It's easy to get carried away with that better and more attractive property, but don't forget you also have bills to pay when you move in! You might also consider renting as a short term option whilst you're saving a deposit. In which case, set you budget sensibly and you'll have more available to save each month.READ MORE


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By Liz Madowo on September 1, 2016
Photos by Charles Ngomo
Hey, Happy new month!! The year has indeed flown by, but the best thing about it, Christmaaaas! I don't know why I love Christmas really, I just do. It's the little child in me.
About a week ago, I and a couple of other peeps went out for dinner at Urban Eatery, courtesy of Shiyenze (Hey giiirrrl) I love people who feed me? Seriously, feed me and we will be friends, FOREVER. I digress… dinner among old and new friends, coupled with good photos. What is better than that?
I'd like to say more about why we were out, apart from feeding of course, but I've gotta run. It shall all be revealed soon…*sprinkles mystery dust*
Outfit Details
Sweater- Gikomba (It was in my let-go pile, then I reclaimed it. Glad I did)
Pants- My friend Akisa
Shoes- iHeart, Lavington Mall ( They're Zara though, I think) Also worn here
Bag- Seen Here
Jewellery- Mr Price ( The neckpiece was the last one, and it was on sale for 400 bob. Fun times)
Thank you for reading. I hope you have a great month.
September 15, 2016 @ 23:39
Glad you did not let that sweater get away.. Lovely
Liz Madowo
September 16, 2016 @ 17:59
Me too, Emily, me too.
Thank you
Find Me On Instagram


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Vacation Bible School - July 30 - Aug 3
5:45 - Dinner
6:15 - 8:00 - Program
Calling all Artic explorers! Vacation Bible School is going to be a BLAST this summer! We will be exploring, learning, laughing, and shining God's light as we explore the coolest book on the planet!
Your friends and neighbors are always welcome!
VBS is open to children ages 3-11. (Older youth are invited to be helpers. Younger children of volunteers may play in the staffed nursery.)
It will be the BEST week of the summer!
Worshipping at the corner of Cabot Ave & Co Rd 8 in rural Dundas for 161 years!
VBS Registration Form


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Everyone at University Prep Academy is committed to the success of your child. We view our school as a family that works together towards common goals, with the primary goal being to get every child to achieve his or her dream of attending college.
The mission statement of Grand Rapids University
Prep Academy
is to provide an environment where urban children can aspire to great things,
achieve academic success and realize their dreams through a rigorous college
preparatory curriculum, a unique school design, and the support of parents and
the community.


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You must verify that you are 21 years of age or older to enter this site. For use by adults twenty one years of age and older. Keep out of the reach of children.
Adults 21 and older can purchase recreational marijuana from OLCC-licensed retail establishments, share or give away recreational marijuana, or grow their own (up to 4 plants per household).
But there are limits.
Recreational consumers of legal age may purchase seeds, immature marijuana plants, cannabinoid products, and useable marijuana from OLCC-licensed retailers. A retailer may not sell more than the following amounts to a customer at any one time or within one day:
If you're 21 and older, you can grow up to 4 plants. (If you do not own your home, be sure to check with your landlord regarding their rules about using marijuana, growing marijuana, or making goods containing marijuana in their home or property.)
Gifting of recreational marijuana to adults 21 and older is allowed, so long as the amount gifted falls within the personal possession limits and no financial consideration is associated with the transfer.
Financial consideration includes: cover charges, admission, donations, tip jars, raffles, fundraiser events, purchase required, barter or sales. It is considered the same as selling marijuana when money, goods or services are exchanged directly or indirectly for marijuana.
Gifting of extracts purchased from a licensed retailer is allowed, but not homemade extracts (as homemade extracts are not allowed under personal possession laws).
Please share this information with someone you know. Some aspects of the law are still being determined. To stay up to date, sign up for the OLCC newsletter e-newsletter or find them online at. www.facebook.com/whatslegalOR | @whatslegalOR
If you have a question that's not answered here, take a look at the full list of FAQs or contact OLCC staff. They will do there best to get you the information you need based on what they know now. Additional information is available at marijuana.oregon.gov.
*This content was posted from the OLCC website - please click here for more information.


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Acer Reports November Consolidated Revenues at NT$23.61 Billion, Highest in 2017
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Dec. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Acer Inc. (TWSE: 2353) announced today its consolidated revenues for November at NT$23.61 billion, up 3.89% year-on-year (YoY) in terms of NT$, or by 9.58% measured in US$, marking the highest this year. Comparing month-on-month, the November consolidated revenues were up by 5.13% in terms of NT$ or 5.66% measured in US$.
Year to date, from January to November, Acer's consolidated revenues reached NT$216.3 billion, up 1.13% YoY in terms of NT$, or by 7.24% measured in US$.
The revenue growth reflects the holiday season's sales demand and Acer's effective product mix strategy for different market segment needs.
About Acer
Founded in 1976, Acer now is one of the world's top ICT companies and has a presence in over 160 countries. As Acer looks into the future, it is focused on enabling a world where hardware, software and services will fuse with one another to open up new possibilities for consumers and businesses alike. From service-oriented technologies to the Internet of Things to gaming and virtual reality, Acer's 7,000+ employees are dedicated to the research, design, marketing, sale, and support of products and solutions that break barriers between people and technology. Please visit www.acer.com for more information.
© 2017 Acer Inc. All rights reserved. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other trademarks, registered trademarks, and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the property of their respective owners. All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices listed are manufacturer suggested retail prices and may vary by location. Applicable sales tax extra.
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/acer-reports-november-consolidated-revenues-at-nt2361-billion-highest-in-2017-300568887.html
SOURCE Acer Incorporated


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As an independent agency operating on Massachusetts' SouthCoast for more than 60 years, Sylvia Group is the trusted one-stop resource clients call on first for objective advice and innovative solutions. With a can-do attitude, high standards and genuine care for the people we serve, we're relentless in pursuing solutions for each client and helping you understand all the details. The result? You can feel confident in your insurance, employee benefits and financial planning decisions.
Our team of experts works with clients to integrate services, helping you manage the various facets of your life, your business and your future under one roof, with people you trust. We work with you to identify concerns, offer objective advice and come up with solutions that fit your needs.
We've grown by hiring bright, hard-working people who share our values of serving our clients and our community. With low turnover – many of our employees have been here more than 20 years – and a commitment to industry education, we offer our collective expertise in an array of related areas. And with a deep commitment to the cities, towns, civic organizations and institutions around us, we offer a network of dependable resources throughout the area to help you with other challenges you may face.
We're a fourth-generation, locally owned agency, proud to carry on our family tradition. Our founder, Louis G. Sylvia, launched the agency in 1950 after working for a national insurance company. He felt he could offer better customer service on his own – and he did. He started with personal lines, working out of his home in New Bedford. His son Vincent P. Sylvia Sr. joined the company in 1960 and became President in 1970. The third generation began when Vincent Sylvia's daughter Maureen Sylvia Armstrong came on board as Agency Manager in 1986. Today, Maureen owns the agency along with partners John Beauregard, Sylvia Group's Executive Vice President, Rosemarie S. Lopes, Vice President and manager of our Financial Services and Employee Benefits divisions, and Andrew Armstrong, an Account Executive and Maureen's son.
Over the years, the agency has grown and moved to larger headquarters. We are now one of the largest agencies in Southeastern Massachusetts, certified as a Woman Owned Business Enterprise with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO). We're proud to be the first recipient of the prestigious Five Star Agency designation from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA), reflecting our continuous commitment to providing superior knowledge, service and value to each client.
"I come in contact with many insurance brokers in the course of my practice – even more so with the advent of the Affordable Care Act requirements. Some are ill-prepared or still in denial. Others call me from the car on the way to a client meeting asking for a summary of the ACA in ten minutes. On the flip side of this coin is the Sylvia Group agency. Their clients are very fortunate to have a broker who is knowledgeable about employee benefit matters. The fact that Sylvia Group invited me, an ERISA lawyer, to conduct a live client seminar on the new ACA employer information reporting requirements indicates to me that they are engaged in the process and they care about their clients."
– RICHARD A. SZCZEBAK, Esq., RAS Law, P.C.
"By giving, advocating and volunteering, Sylvia Group has proven they are dedicated to our community. Whether they are volunteering at one of our Day of Caring events or working with us to provide affordable health insurance and benefits to our employees, Sylvia Group does whatever they can do to make a difference for United Way of Greater New Bedford. The team at Sylvia Group is a trusted group of dedicated professionals, and we thoroughly enjoy working with them."
– MICHELLE N. HANTMAN, President and CEO, United Way of Greater New Bedford
"Sylvia Group is very responsive to our ever-changing needs. Jill White provided us with wonderful support when we moved our child-care program location. She ensured that our coverage was seamless and that it met all of our program, licensing and funding needs. Sylvia Group always assists us immediately when we have questions and/or requests. We know we are in good hands and that they have the best interest of our YWCA participants in mind. It's a pleasure to work with the staff of Sylvia Group; they are truly customer-focused."
– GAIL FORTES, Executive Director, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
"Thanks to John Beauregard and the professionals at Sylvia Group, our MassMEDIC membership has paid immediate dividends. Through the BIO Business Solutions® program, Primo Medical received a significant premium reduction on our Professional Liability policy. In addition, utilizing Chubb as our insurance provider and Sylvia Group as our broker, we're confident that we have business partners who truly understand our insurance needs, provide outstanding loss control services and continue to work with us to lower our total cost of risk."
– CHRISTOPHER LAPLANTE, Chief Financial Officer, Primo Medical Group
"Getting the right insurance to guard against risks is absolutely critical for nonprofits, as well as other businesses; dealing with a costly claim could force a nonprofit to shut down permanently. Going with the Sylvia Group, we made the right decision and have never looked back. They have a thorough knowledge of nonprofits, where risks can oftentimes be more complex. They have gotten to know our mix of services, evaluated our insurance needs and designed an insurance program around our specific insurance coverage needs — allowing us, on a tight budget, to purchase the right amount and type of insurance at the best value. Sylvia Group staff have built strong, personalized helping relationships with our staff. I can sleep at night knowing they make sure that our insurance policies are adequate to cover our risk exposures. I have recommended, without hesitation, the Sylvia Group to my colleagues working in both the nonprofit and for-profit arenas."
- MARIA A. ROSARIO, Executive Director, NorthStar Learning Centers, Inc.
"Sylvia Group is an attentive, professional and knowledgeable insurance agency. They are familiar with the ever-changing rules and regulations when it comes to independent, nonprofit schools., and John Beauregard always goes above and beyond for Friends Academy. Whether it is something small, like registering a new school vehicle, or something bigger, like filing a claim after our greenhouse was destroyed by a hurricane, he treats every question and every claim with utmost importance. Sylvia Group is invested in our program as well; John sponsors and participates in our yearly golf tournament. Sylvia Group is an exceptional insurance company that I would recommend to all my cohorts."
– KATHERINE FURTADO, Chief Financial Officer, Friends Academy
"The Sylvia Group team provides a multitude of services in all aspects of employee benefits. The team's dedication to their clientele is apparent through their willingness to provide trainings in your office, at their business and through valuable webinar resources. They are readily available to answer questions and help with any issues that may arise. CMHS, Inc. appreciates the relationship that we have enjoyed with the Sylvia Group throughout the years."
– JOHN WINTERHALTER, President, Comprehensive Mental Health Systems, Inc.
"I want to thank you for this incredible resource, ThinkHR. We will be accessing it frequently and appreciate Sylvia Group making this available to Advanced Eye Centers."
- PAUL C. ABRANTES, Executive Director, Advanced Eye Centers
"I love your staff. In the first three or four weeks after we moved over to Sylvia Group for our insurance, I have had more communication and attention from them than I had in the seven or eight years we were with our former agency! You have a great team."
– PAT CASSAN, Ocean Explorium
"I just wanted to take the time to recognize what a remarkable job Danielle Andre is doing. I cannot thank her enough for her time, her kindness and her willingness to make sure I'm comfortable with all the necessary changes that occurred from an insurance standpoint. As a whole, every Sylvia Group staff member has been friendly and knowledgeable, but Danielle has certainly gone above and beyond for me."
– SHANNON S., Personal Insurance client
"I so appreciate Julie Jennings' help with Medicare planning. It is a relief to be able to consult with a knowledgeable professional on insurance issues. I have no idea how people do this without such help."
– CHRIS BLACK, Personal Insurance client
"Working with Sylvia Group over recent years has taken our insurance issues from 'groans and moans' to 'no problem.' Rose Lopes, our Account Manager, is one of the most responsive people I have ever worked with. She responds immediately to questions or special requests. It is such a pleasure to work with Rose, who does whatever it takes to find a solution to our needs. We are very pleased… She always has our interests in mind."
– LYNNE FOLEY, Director of Human Resources, Five Star Companies, Inc.
"Sylvia Group is an attentive, professional and knowledgeable insurance agency. They are familiar with the ever-changing rules and regulations when it comes to independent, nonprofit schools, and John Beauregard always goes above and beyond for Friends Academy. Whether it is something small, like registering a new school vehicle, or something bigger, like filing a claim after our greenhouse was destroyed by a hurricane, he treats every question and every claim with utmost importance. Sylvia Group is an exceptional insurance agency that I would recommend to all my cohorts." - KATHERINE FURTADO, Chief Financial Officer, Friends Academy
"Sylvia Group is by far the best insurance agency I have ever dealt with, both personally and in my business. They provide customer support that is not found in other agencies. For example, they take a personal interest in their clients, calls are always taken or returned immediately, and during reviews suggestions are made to offer the most cost effective and comprehensive coverage. When claims occur, they have always been there to facilitate the process. It has truly been a pleasure to have them represent me in my insurance needs."
- WILLIAM N. WHELAN, Chairman, Whelan Associates LLC
Address: 500 Faunce Corner Road • Building 100, Suite 120
Dartmouth, MA 02747 | Office: (508) 995-4553 / (800) 466-5939
© Sylvia Group | Privacy Policy | Developed by Beta Images


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What to Consider When Buying a Top Video Projector under 100
Video projectors are not just for movie-lovers but also for gamers as well. It greatly adds to the thrill of the game to see it projected on a huge screen. Improved technology has made these projectors more affordable to the average household. In fact, you can find the best video projector under 100. However, understanding the specifications of these devices can be confusing. Here is a brief explanation of the specs:
Aspect ratio
This refers to the dimensions of the video image. Video projectors generally offer either the 16:9 ratio or the older 4:3 ratio used in standard TVs. Most people prefer the 16:9 ratio since it provides for a higher quality image, but those who watch mostly older films and regular TV shows may choose 4:3.
This refers to the amount of light emitted by the projector and reflected from the screen. It ranges from 800 lumens to 3,000 lumens. Your choice should be made based on the amount of lighting in the room; the lower the lumens, the less light there should be.
This refers to the sharpness and clarity of the projected image, which in turn is based on the amount of pixels projected. The three resolutions available are 1280×720, 1280×768 and 1920×1080.
What Is the Best Rated Video Projector under 100?
Now that you understand some of the product specifications used to describe the capabilities of the best video projectors, you are ready to go shopping. If you need more help, however, here are our recommendations for the best video projector under 100. We hope one of our suggestions meets your requirements.
Taotaole Mini UC40
The Taotaole is a good entry-level video projector for those who are buying their first one, as well as for buyers who need a portable projector they can bring to where it's required. It has input jacks for a variety of media including USB and Micro USB, VGA, HDMI, SD and AV. This means that whatever you want to watch, you'll likely be able to find a plug for it. The LCD projector uses a 28W LED bulb that has a brightness of 60 lumens, and has an estimated life of 20,000 hours.
The projector has a native resolution of 480×320, although it supports resolutions of up to 640p and 720p. It has a contrast ratio of 300:1, which ensures that there is a sharp differentiation between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites and results in a crisp image. The aspect ratio is 4:3 and you can connect your DVD player or game console to the projector using the AV connector. The kit also includes a remote control, three-in-one AV cable and power adapter.
Click here and check out the best prices for this model on Amazon.com!
FastFox Mini LED Projector
Buyers who are looking for a projector that is easy to use while still having a powerful feature set should consider FastFox's offering. The multi-function interface supports a variety of file formats, including mp3 and WMA audio, JPEG, PNG and BMP images and an assortment of digital video formats, including MPEG1, MPEG2 and MPEG4, FLV, WMV and AVI. The kit also includes a remote control, video cable and power adapter, as well as a user manual.
The single-chip LCD projector uses a 50 lumen 16 watt LED bulb that has a native resolution of 320×240, but is compatible with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 and HD images of 1080p. The contrast resolution is 200:1, providing superior contrast between the blacks and whites of the image and ensuring their sharpness and clarity.
The image size ranges from ten to one-hundred inch diagonally, which can be easily adjusted using the manual focus control. Projection distance ranges from 0.5 meters to 3.5 meters. The projector allows for both front and rear projection as well as lifting.
Click here to visit Amazon and check out the best offers on this model!
Aketek Multimedia Pico Mini
Parents who are looking for a projector that can be used as a learning tool for their children will find the Aketek a good choice. The compact Aketek is highly portable and can be easily carried and installed where it is needed. To extend the life and improve the stability of the projector, the ventilation system has been redesigned. It is also more energy-efficient to ensure low electricity consumption, and has a power consumption of 24 watts. The projector uses a very bright 60 lumen LED lamp with an estimated life of 20,000 hours. The kit also includes a power adapter, AV cable and remote control as well as a user manual.
The projected image ranges from twenty to eighty inches and can be adjusted using the manual focus control. The projection distance ranges from one meter to 3.5 meters and the aspect ratio is 4:3. To ensure a crisp, high-contrast image, the contrast ratio is 400:1. The multi-function interface includes USB, HDMI, VGA, AV and SD inputs. There are also two built-in one-watt speakers.
Click here to visit Amazon.com and find more info!


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The Modern Rules Of List Sports Car | list sports car
If you chase the automotive industry — or if you're cerebration about affairs a new agent anytime soon — this is one of the best times of year to chase the latest releases and developments as automakers about-face their absorption to 2019 and 2020.
Image Source: forbes.com
To accumulate tabs on them all, we've aggregate a account of the new 2019 archetypal year cartage … so far. Accumulate blockage in, as we'll add new cars as they debut.
The Audi A7 was one of the aboriginal arrivals to the "four-door coupe" articulation aback in 2012. In its aboriginal above redesign, the 2019 A7 pulls administration cues from the A8 flagship sedan, including the advanced fascia architecture and autogenous layout. The berth swaps out the MMI punch of antecedent models for a dial-screen layout, including a 10.1-inch high awning and an 8.6-inch lower screen.
The A7 now comes as a balmy hybrid, alive with the 3.0-liter V6 to aftermath 340 application and 368 pound-feet of torque.
The A7 will alpha at $68,000, which is absolutely $1,700 beneath than the approachable model. Availability has not been announced.
Audi is authoritative a baby SUV as its aboriginal banal electric vehicle. It actualization two electric motors, one at the advanced auto and one at the rear. They accomplish 168 application (182 pound-feet of torque) and 188 application (232 pound-feet), respectively. Sport access instantly increases achievement by 13 application (46 pound-feet) and 33 application (30 pound-feet). Power is stored in a 95 kWh array backpack and will accept an estimated ambit of about 210 miles.
The E-Tron starts at $74,800 for the Premium Plus trim and $81,800 for the Prestige trim, agreement it abreast Tesla Archetypal S and Archetypal X entry-level range.
The 3 Series is the cornerstone of the BMW lineup; over 15 actor accept been awash aback 1975. This accepted affluence auto has been redesigned for 2019 with abounding innovations including Reversing Assistant, which annal the aftermost 50 meters of advanced motion and reverses the agent forth the aforementioned path. The 3 Series additionally actualization Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is like Siri for a car.
The 3 Series will be initially offered as the 330i, able with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder authoritative 255 application and 295 pound-feet of torque. It will be abutting by the M340i in 2019 and 330e constituent amalgam in 2020.
Base MSRP for the 2019 BMW 330i is $41,195, while the all-wheel drive 330i xDrive costs $43,245. The new 3 Series is accepted to hit dealers in March 2019.
The BMW M850i actualization a continued hood, and beneath is a twin-turbocharged V8 authoritative 523 application and 553 pound-feet of torque. It sends ability to accepted xDrive all-wheel drive. The convertible variant's roof opens or closes in 15 abnormal at speeds up to 30 afar per hour.
Inside, the 8 Series actualization a 12.3-inch touchscreen. It runs the latest adaptation of BMW's iDrive, and it integrates Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business. Added actualization accommodate a agenda affectation key fob, Bowers & Wilkins stereo, and an accessible M Sport Package.
Base MSRP for the Coupe is $111,895, while the convertible will amount $9,500 more, advancing in at $121,395. The BMW 8 Series is accepted to go on auction in abatement 2019.
You'll instantly admit the BMW X7 not alone for its size, but the admeasurement of its grille. Inside, you'll acquisition three rows and basement for up to seven, or six if you opt for second-row captain's chairs. Agent choices accommodate a 335-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six (xDrive40i), or a twin-turbo V8 (xDrive50i) authoritative 456 application and 479 pound-feet of torque.
As the names suggest, ability is baffled to xDrive all-wheel drive, and the accomplished affair rides on an air abeyance that can lower for easier access. Added accurate tricks accommodate rear-wheel council and an adaptive abeyance arrangement with a camera scanning the alley altitude ahead.
Base MSRP for the xDrive40i is $73,900, while the V8-powered xDrive50i starts at $92,600. BMW is demography orders now.
The 2019 Silverado will counterbalance 450 pounds beneath than the approachable model, acknowledgment to the use of aluminum for the doors, hood, and tailgate. The bed and added above apparatus will still be high-strength steel. A ability tailgate will be available, too. The new Silverado will additionally be accessible with a turbocharged four-cylinder agent and 3.0-liter Duramax agent agent in accession to the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8 gas engines. Ability is baffled through a new 10-speed automated transmission. The Silverado will additionally action activating ammunition administration to shut bottomward alone cylinders and save fuel.
Base MSRP for the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado is $28,300. Some cartage are trickling into dealerships, so you ability be able to acquisition one now. For anybody else, it's still advancing soon.
The Ford Ranger has been absent from the American barter bazaar aback 2011. The Ranger is based on Ford's T6 all-around pickup, but aback it arrives in the U.S. aboriginal abutting year, it will appear with actualization like SYNC 3 infotainment and Wi-Fi that can affix up to 10 accessories up to 50 anxiety from the vehicle. The accepted agent is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder authoritative 310 application and 350 pound-feet of torque.
Ford is already demography orders for the 2019 Ranger, which has a starting amount of $24,000 and is accepted to hit dealerships in aboriginal 2019.
The Mazda3 is the automaker's all-around sales leader, so a redesign gets about as abundant alarum as a sports car. The new 2019 Mazda3 takes a added flush approach. It's 3.2 inches best and beneath than an inch lower, giving it a added affecting stance.
Inside, the agent actualization a clean, luxury-like aesthetic. The touchscreen aloft the birr is now a ample 8.8-inch assemblage that can be controlled via a joystick punch in the centermost console. It will be accessible with gas and agent agent options, as able-bodied as Mazda's new compression-ignition engine, combing the best attributes of both gas and agent engines.
Pricing and availability have not been announced.
This all-wheel drive Prius retains the aboriginal drivetrain up front, but it adds an absolute electric motor to the rear wheels. At speeds up to 6 afar per hour, the rear motor automatically engages — and will appoint as bare — up to 43 afar per hour. Above that, it charcoal able to conserve energy.
EPA estimates for the all-wheel drive Prius are 52/48/50 afar per gallon (city/highway/combined). Compare that with the FWD Prius, which is accepted to acknowledgment 58/53/56 for the LE Eco trim, and 54/50/52 for the blow of the trim lineup.
The Prius AWD-e will alpha at $27,300 for the LE Eco trim and $39,740 for the XLE. Availability has not been announced.
Behind the massive new grille of the 2019 RDX is a new direct-injected 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's akin to a new 10-speed automated transmission. Inside, the RDX gets a new 10.2-inch affectation that's operated via touchpad.
Pricing ranges from $37,300, up to $45,400 for an Advance Package model.
The Ford Edge has been redesigned for 2019, and this ample two-row crossover is loaded with refinements and features. The all-new Edge ST finer replaces the Edge Sport, and it actualization performance-inspired administration backed by a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 authoritative 335 application and 380 pound-feet of torque. Ford will additionally action Titanium as a luxury-minded trim.
The Edge starts at $29,995, while the ST starts at $42,355.
The 2019 Insight is the third Honda agent to abrasion the "Insight" name, and this time around, it's positioned as a backup for the Honda Civic Hybrid. It employs a two-motor full-hybrid arrangement that's able of an absorbing 55 afar per gallon in the city, 49 on the highway, and 52 combined. It additionally has Honda's adapted (and assuredly easy-to-use) infotainment system, as able-bodied as Honda Lane Watch and Honda Sensing assurance technologies.
The 2019 Honda Insight starts at $22,830.
Hyundai's arbitrary Veloster auto continues to action its aberrant 1 2 aperture layout, which actualization one ample aperture on the driver's ancillary and abate front/rear doors on the commuter side. It's all-new central and out, and it continues to action a actual different appearance. Inside, the Veloster gets a aciculate autogenous with a large, amphibian touchscreen. Hyundai's new N achievement band now extends to the Veloster and boasts a turbocharged inline-four authoritative 275 horsepower.
The 2019 Veloster starts at $18,500.
The Jeep Cherokee is one of the best able baby SUVs on the market. The one polarizing aspect to this SUV has been its futuristic-looking advanced end. Jeep heard the criticism, and so it debuted a added accepted advanced fascia with the 2019 edition. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four joins the lineup, putting out 270 application and 295 pound-feet of torque.
The abject Latitude comes in $300 beneath than the approachable model, now priced at $25,190.
The redesigned Kia Forte takes administration afflatus from the new Stinger GT achievement sedan. It is now 3.2 inches longer, acceptance for a added ample interior. The autogenous is additionally added flush and actualization a amphibian infotainment awning agnate to its accumulated cousin: the Hyundai Elantra GT.
Its 2.0-liter inline-four makes 147 application and 132 pound-feet of torque. This agent allotment as abundant as 35 afar per gallon combined.
The 2019 Kia Forte has a abject MSRP of $17,690.
Like the Jeep Wrangler or Porsche 911, the Mini Cooper thrives on the around-the-clock change of its iconic ancestry design. Subtle updates to the two-door, five-door, and convertible variants accommodate new headlight clusters, forth with appendage lights with the Union Jack chip into their design. A 6.5-inch touchscreen is accepted but can be adapted to an 8.8-inch aeronautics system.
The 2019 Mini Cooper starts at $21,900.
For 2019, the Ram loses its iconic "crosshair" grille, emphasizing aberration in administration amid its advanced ambit of trims. Under the hood, the V6 and V8 gas engines now affection eTorque mild-hybrid affiliation for bigger ammunition efficiency. It adds up to 90 pound-feet of torque to the V6 and 130 pound-feet to the V8 engine. A 3.0-liter agent V6 is additionally available.
The Ram 1500 is now accessible with a massive 12-inch touchscreen. This reconfigurable awning is abiding in account layout, abundant like the Tesla Archetypal S. Out back, an accessible hydraulic tailgate lets you accessible and abutting it remotely.
The 2019 Ram 1500 starts at $31,795.
Toyota is demography the about calm Avalon in a added advancing administration with its 2019 model. The adventurous administration is backed by a 3.5-liter V6 authoritative 301 application and 267 pound-feet of torque. A amalgam alternative will additionally be available, and it should advance on the 2018 model's ammunition abridgement of 40 afar per gallon in the burghal and 39 on the highway.
The Avalon gets a spacious, well-equipped cabin, and it's one of the aboriginal Toyota cartage to action Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's additionally accessible with a 1,200-watt JBL complete arrangement and a blush heads-up display.
Base MSRP for the 2019 Toyota Avalon is $35,500.
The absolutely redesigned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is beyond and added abundant than its predecessor. Its 1.4-liter turbocharged abject agent makes aloof 147 horsepower, but with its new eight-speed automated transmission, the agent allotment ammunition abridgement of 30 afar per gallon in the burghal and 40 on the highway. The new-look Jetta gets a far added agreeable interior, complete with a ample touchscreen, ambient lighting, and the "Volkswagen Agenda Cockpit." This 10-inch agenda affectation replaces the accepted apparatus console and has six advice modes.
The 2019 Jetta starts at $18,545.
The Modern Rules Of List Sports Car | list sports car – list sports car
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Screws heree in several shapes and sizes, and can fulfill a variety of purposes for your business. Wood screws are designed and threaded with flat heads for wood. A machine screw is available in hex screw , flat head and rounded head options, and is driven with nuts into tapped holes. Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products. Find fasteners for every project, even hard-to-find nails, screws , bolts and nuts . Save more when you buy in bulk. Hang artwork or build a new deck- we have the fasteners to get the job done the right way.
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I am sure that you are a fan of the videos of OneTechStop. In case you aren't, please subscribe to our YouTube channel, you are gonna love this.
Recently, we published our unboxing and first impressions video of the iPhone X. Now we have a comparison video of the iPhone X to the iconic Nokia N9. Please watch.


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It's official the line-up for Pokolbin Pride 2017 is here
We've just got information that there is a concert at Hope Estate on the same weekend as Pokolbin Pride… our advice is to book accommodation now to avoid high prices or disappointment.
Here's the line-up for the festival so far…
Friday 20th October
- Rainbow Families Lunch 12pm to 3pm – Nanna Kerr's Kitchen
- Bubbles & Beats Welcome Party – Peterson House
Saturday 21st October
- Rainbow Families Lunch 12pm to 3pm -Nanna Kerr's Kitchen
Pokolbin Pride Party – Tamburlaine Organic Wines featuring DJ Mason Andrews, Mel & Jade, Daniel Turner and the fabulous Prada's Priscillas.
Doors Open at 6.30pm with food & DJ – first act at 7.30pm
Sunday 22nd October
- Rainbow Families Lunch 12pm to 3pm – Nanna Kerr's Kitchen
- Recovery Party 12pm to 4pm – Ivanhoe Vineyard
- Community Markets – Draytons Family Wines
- LGBTI Art Expo – Tamburlaine Organic Wines
- Exclusive Tastings for Pokolbin Pride at Participating Wineries and Food venues – watch this space
- Rainbow High Teas at Nanna Kerr's Kitchen from 9am to 4pm


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Cordoba Disney Pixar Coco x Cordoba Mini SP Classical Nylon Guitar & Case
Embark on a musical adventure with the Mini, a fun travel-size nylon string guitar inspired by Coco, an all new film by Disney Pixar.
Perfectly sized for life's adventures (580mm or 22.8 scalelength) and with a durable satin finish, the Mini retains the playability of afull size guitar without losing its impressively loud voice. Built with aspruce top and mahogany back and sides and in standard E tuning, the Mini's tone is bright and full. The beautiful laser-etched design is inspired by the guitars and Mexican heritage featured throughout the film. Comes with a Córdoba gig bag and guitar strap.
Top: Spruce with Laser Etched Coco Design
Back & Sides : Mahogany
Coco, an all new film by Disney Pixar, is an extraordinary film about honouring family and traditions while also following your passions.
Despite his familys baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself magically transported to the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events.
Created in celebration of this exciting 2017 Disney Pixar film, Codoba's limited edition collection of guitars allows you bring the heartwarming magic of Coco into your home through a beautifully made instrument.


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Nigerian Music star Waje is currently in South Africa for the popular Africa Day celebration and she performed live on SABC.
Sporting her new pixie, mohican cut, the singer showed her dapper side in a red Jumpsuit by BCBG Max Azria, a white jacket by Forever New and a gorgeous pair of Dolce&Gabbana shoes.
What do you think'
Credit bellanaija.com


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Nettie's Ramblings
The ramblings and ruminations of romance author, Lynette Rees
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Friday, February 10, 2017
The Workhouse Waif [Available Now!]
When she returned to the Workhouse, the dark foreboding building made her stomach lurch, it was then she realised that she had never been allowed out of its confines on her own during the hours of darkness before, that was another strike against her. It had been daylight when she'd departed…
Eleven-year-old, Megan Hopkins, is an inmate at Merthyr Tydfil Union Workhouse. Megan's family has fallen on hard times. Her hardworking collier father, was killed in a mining accident at Castle Pit Troedyrhiw, and her mother has six mouths to feed, besides her own, so they all find themselves interned at the local workhouse.
One day, Megan has been asked by the matron to fetch some shopping as there's a Board of Guardians meeting that afternoon, she is skipping past the Temperance Hall holding a wicker basket in her hand, when she's stopped in her tracks by the most melodious voice she has ever heard in her life. It's the voice of an angel, called, Kathleen O'Hara.
Megan doesn't realise it, but their paths are about to cross and maybe a little magic is about to occur…
Available here in Kindle and Paperback formats! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workhouse-Waif-Winds-Fortune-Book-ebook/dp/B01M8JN9H4
Eleven-year-old, Megan Hopkins, is an inmate at Merthyr Tydfil Union Workhouse. Megan's family has fallen on hard times. Her hardworking collier father, was killed in a mining accident at Castle Pit Troedyrhiw, and her mother has six mouths to feed, besides her own, so they all find themselves interned at the local workhouse.
One day, Megan has been asked by the matron to fetch some shopping as there's a Board of Guardians meeting that afternoon, she is skipping past the Temperance Hall holding a wicker basket in her hand, when she's stopped in her tracks by the most melodious voice she has ever heard in her life. It's the voice of an angel, called, Kathleen O'Hara.
Megan doesn't realise it, but their paths are about to cross and maybe a little magic is about to occur…
Available here in Kindle and Paperback formats! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workhouse-Waif-Winds-Fortune-Book-ebook/dp/B01M8JN9H4
Sunday, January 01, 2017
Bucket List 2017
I looked at a Bucket List I'd created two years ago and realised I'd achieved most of what I'd set out to do back then. My main aims were to cultivate friendships or let them go if they weren't fulfilling, also to promote myself more as an author and publish more books, which I have done! So it got me thinking that maybe writing things down plants a seed in the subconscious mind regarding these things and to achieving them.
As one of my Facebook friends said today, "You create your own reality and by writing things down it just makes your intentions more powerful!" -- which I whole heartedly agree with!.
So here is my Bucket List for 2017
* To write and publish book #2 in 'The Winds of Fortune' Series
* To have another Amazon Kindle bestselling book this year!
* To keep promoting and advertising myself as an author and my books
* To take every opportunity presented to me to try something new, especially if it takes me out of my comfort zone once in a while!
* To learn to speak Welsh
* To invest time in relationships that are worthwhile but let go of those that drain me of my energy or cause me grief in some way
* To learn to let go of things that don't really matter
* To clear my clutter including: Clothing, books, papers, CDS and DVDS
Hopefully, this time next year I will have achieved some of these things!
Please watch this space!!
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Life in the Victorian Workhouse [Part Two]
|Oliver Twist
The Poor Laws of 1834 made the workhouses even nastier places to be than they already were, the idea being for work to be worse inside for the paupers than it was outside. They were given punishing jobs, such as stone breaking, where big rocks were hit with great force to produce small pieces which were then passed through a sieve and used to build roads. Oakum picking was another job for paupers. Rope was broken up into strands, then yarn and eventually fibres of hemp. These were transported back to ship yards and used to place in planking where it was rotting away. Jobs for paupers removed their dignity and certain jobs such as, oakum picking, made their fingers bleed.
Some people committed suicide rather than face the prospect of going into the workhouse and that wasn't unusual. I read of a case where a husband and wife both took cyanide rather than live that sort of life.
A letter from a lead miner aged 69, said he'd rather die than go into the workhouse. Often people were an accident away from going in there. For example, if the head of the house suddenly died underground or got injured, often the whole family would end up interned and divided once inside.
Workhouses were designed to be unwelcoming and often looked like prisons. They made inmates feel insignificant.
A poster from 1837 showed a variety of fears people had about entering the workhouse, some fears were imagined by people but others turned out to be true. Fears included:
- · Being hung from the rafters
- · Being chained and beaten
- · Pauper bodies being taken for dissection by surgeons
- · Expected to work
- · Punishments meted out to inmates for particular behaviours
- · Diet reduced
- · Held in dark cells for anything from 4 to 12 hours
In the case of pauper bodies being taken for dissection by surgeons, that was true if bodies were unclaimed by families and about working too, as described earlier. Possibly some of the other things could happen too, though being hung from the rafters and chained and beaten should not have, but of course, who knows? It might have occurred.
Fears people felt about entering the workhouse:
- · Shame
- · Separation from family
- · Worries about food and clothing
- · Non provision of relief
- · Harsh treatment from officers
- · Intimidation by other paupers
- · Not being able to get out
- · Lack of medical care
- · Lack of independence
- · Refusal of relief
A letter was sent in 1866 from W. B. Brown, Bethnal Green: Where he claims the Master beat a 15 year old so cruelly she could hardly walk afterwards, but after an inquiry was held by the Board of Guardians it was said that his accusation bore no substance.
Sometimes inmates were given charge of the sick ward and weren't paid for it, so they robbed the other inmates. That was written by a man called John Compre, who was an inmate at a workhouse between 1858-61. He asked that his name not be given to the authorities in case it caused any trouble for him in the future. He obviously feared punishment for speaking out against conditions at that particular workhouse.
A silk weaver questioned if he'd be able to go back out if he entered the workhouse. The only way he could get relief would be to sell his tools, but of course, if he did that and was allowed back out, then he'd have no tools to work with. He asked that the Poor Law Board write to the Board of Guardians to not keep him a pauper. This man obviously wanted to work, but his circumstances went against him. He was interned at the workhouse between 1847 and 1850.
The Guardians did look to make conditions easier sometimes for people.
By 1948, most workhouses were handed over to the National Health Service where they were turned into local and regional hospitals. There might even be one in your home town. Even today, many years after the first Poor Law Workhouse, there is still a stigma attached to certain hospitals that were once the home of the workhouse itself. Many people tell tales of ancestors interned in one, when they trace their family tree. It's almost as if we are still living in the shadow of the workhouse today…
Monday, September 19, 2016
Life in the Victorian Workhouse [Part One]
Men infirm through age or illness
Women infirm through age or illness
Able-bodied men over 15 years
Able-bodied women over 15 years
Boys between 7 and 15
Girls between 7 and 15
Children under the age of 7
The idea behind this was so that people didn't breed, even the elderly were segregated. Each section had its own exercise yard and there were separate boys and girls schools.
The buildings themselves were stark, foreboding places, undecorated and very much like prisons. High walls encompassed the workhouse cutting inmates off from the outside world.
Workhouses contained dormitories, washrooms, workrooms, a 'refractory ward' which was for solitary confinement, a mortuary, bake-house, receiving wards, dining halls and a chapel. Any sick or old person housed on the upper floors would be become a prisoner in the ward because he or she might not be able to manage the stairs.
Space was to a premium. Too many people were crammed into the smallest space possible: for example, eight beds could be put into a narrow dormitory only sixteen feet long; thirty-two men were put into a dormitory 20 feet long; ten children and their attendants were put into a room 10 feet by 15 feet.
The hospital ward took in all cases, so at any one time there may have been patients suffering from any variety of complaints ranging from dysentery to diphtheria, and let us not forget there were several outbreaks of cholera up and down the land during the Victorian era. But sometimes people were better off in the workhouse if they were ill than if they were outside of it as they may not be able to afford good medical care otherwise.
Furniture was basic: cheap wooden beds, flock-filled palliasses as mattresses, only two or three blankets would be provided and pillows considered a luxury, sheets were not provided. Most inmates shared beds. There were no comfy chairs just wooden benches, tables and stools. Seats were not upholstered. Walls were bare apart from lists of rules and regulations and various Bible passages were displayed.
The day began early at 5.00 am with the tolling of the bell. Prayers and breakfast were between 6.00 am and 7.00 am. The inmates were expected to work between 7.00 am and 6.00 pm but they were allowed an hour's break for lunch between midday and 1.00 pm. Prayers were said between 6 and 7.00 pm. Supper took place between 7 and 8.00 pm and then they were expected to go to bed and sleep, when the whole rota began again with the toll of the bell at 5.00 am the following morning.
The sort of work the men were expected to undertake was: bone crushing , stone breaking, oakum picking [which was untying threads from ropes used on ships etc',] and sometimes working in the corn mill or on vegetable plots at the workhouse.
For women, it often involved domestic duties such as working in the laundry, scrubbing floors, blacking leading fire grates, etc.
On admission, the inmates own clothing was removed and sanitised. They were searched and washed and made to wear a uniform and their hair cropped to prevent infestation of head lice. Women wore a shapeless dress which reached ankle length, long stockings and knee length drawers and a poke bonnet. Men wore striped shirts and ill-fitting trousers that were made shorter by tying pieces of string at the knee, thick vest, woollen drawers and socks and a neckerchief and, in wintertime, a coarse jacket.
Meals lacked nutrition for the inmates and often the Board of Guardians got to dine like kings and queens whilst the inmates made do with a thin watery gruel for breakfast, and at other times a thin vegetable soup and piece of bread. Sometimes they had meat but it was very sparse.
Children were sometimes educated inside the workhouse where there was a boys' school and a girls' school, so in that respect, workhouse children might be better educated than those who received no education at all in the community. When children got older they learned new skills and became apprenticed to learn crafts such as carpentry or midwifery. And some workhouses had industrial schools where children learned such skills.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Red Poppies [Seasons of Change book 4]
It's 1916 and Adele Owen from Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales, is standing at the graveside of a dear family member, whilst another was recently killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
It's a time when the Suffragettes are campaigning for 'Votes for Women', and although they are making their mark, women have a long way to go to compete with the men of Great Britain. It's a man's world and women usually have to accept their lot in life, or do they?
Adele is a young nurse who has lofty ambitions -- she yearns to become a doctor during a time when it's quite unusual for women to take up the profession. She has the dilemma of telling her parents of this decision, coupled with the fact she will have to go to London to train.
Once there, at the Royal Free Hospital, she faces opposition from the young men, who are her contemporaries. They think an ex-nurse from a valley town isn't good enough to become a doctor in training, doing all they can to put her off. But unknown to them, Adele has already caught the eye of an eminent surgeon who sees something stoic and worthwhile in her. So much so, he offers to mentor her and plans to take her to the Front with him to work at a casualty clearing station in Ypres, Belgium.
Once there, she is thrown in the deep end, amongst the explosions and horrors of war, not to mention her involvement with shell-shocked soldiers, some of whom, signed up underage to take the King's shilling.
Adele leaves an admirer behind in London, a well-respected physician of his day, who writes to her whilst she's overseas. This will eventually put her in a difficult position where two men vie for her attention. But which one will she choose?
And will she survive the Third Battle of Ypres? Otherwise known as the Battle of Passchendaele...
Available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01HBQ7BU2
Monday, August 22, 2016
Blue Skies [Seasons of Change book 3]
Rebecca Jenkin is a nurse working at The General Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, where she comes into contact with Daniel Evans, an arrogant young doctor. Daniel is someone she prefers to avoid, though with time, his ice-cold exterior begins to thaw as he shows interest in Rebecca, thus begins a courtship between the pair.
At home, things aren't easy for Rebecca. Her father is the chief inspector at the Merthyr Branch of the Glamorgan Constabulary. Her Mother, Kathleen, a former songbird of the big stage, is now middle-aged and forced to take a back seat in life to care for her family. It's become evident her parents' marriage is on rocky ground, as her father's temper and frequent disappearances, affect a previously happy home.
Rebecca is about to have the biggest shock of her life when she discovers something about her father, something so disturbing, it threatens to tear the family apart. Then not long afterwards, there's yet another shock in store, which will cause double the trouble.
Rebecca faces the dilemma of leaving the town she loves to settle in a quiet farming community in West Wales, somewhere she'd never thought she'd see herself living in a million years. And the person responsible for this move is someone she thought she'd never fall in love with.
There's just one problem, he's a married man...
Will she be able to resist him? Or will her strong feelings for an unavailable man, cause her to ride the waves of temptation?
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Dermal Fillers & Injectables
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text: St. John's Medical Center to Light the Town Pink 18-Sep-2013 St. John's Medical Center will recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday, October 1, with "Light the Town Pink," beginning at 5:30 pm on the Jackson Town Square. The annual event features cancer awareness giveaways, brief remarks by hospital and town officials, and a free drawing for ski passes and mammograms. "The medical center and hospital foundation have been working together for several years to grow awareness and resources to address women's health in the Jackson Hole community," said Karen Connelly, communications officer. "We're grateful to see the outpouring of support for breast cancer prevention and treatment. We expect a great turnout." In 2014, St. John's Medical Center and St. John's Hospital Foundation launched #GoPinkJH to heighten awareness around women's health issues. "Even in a small community, most people have been touched in some way by breast cancer. The hospital and foundation want women and men to know what resources are available for prevention and that support is available for care," said Jennifer Simon, St. John's Hospital Foundation Vice President. Raffle prizes at Light the Town Pink include Weekend Peak Pack passes to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a season pass to Snow King Mountain, and gift certificates for mammograms. Each attendee over age 17 will receive one free raffle ticket. Additional tickets are available with a donation to the St. John's Hospital Foundation Women's Health Care Fund. Tickets are available at the event between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. You must be present to win. An after party, sponsored by Soroptomist of Jackson Hole and the Grand Teton Gallery, will take place immediately following at Grand Teton Gallery, 130 West Broadway. Media Contact: Karen Connelly, firstname.lastname@example.com, 307 739 7380 Categories: Press Releases Previous Post | Next Post


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Latest episode
What is upcast?
Who is involved?
How do I get involved?
Music used on the show
Photo gallery
Previous episodes
What is upcast?
upcast is the audio companion to upstart, 'the magazine for emerging journalists'. upcast is recorded weekly at La Trobe University's Bundoora campus and it is hosted by upstart editors Kelly Theobald and Matt de Neef. On each episode of upcast we discuss articles that have been featured on upstart, including asking the authors of these pieces to come in and chat with us. We also chat about upcoming events that are relevant to upstart and emerging journalists and we speak to those who work in the media.
Who is involved?
Hosts: Kelly Theobald & Matt de Neef
Recording & production: Marg Purdam, Matt Smith & Lawrie Zion
Mixing & editing: Matt de Neef & Kelly Theobald
Content management: Matt Smith & Christopher Scanlon
Regular guests: Ben Waterworth (sport)
How do I get involved?
upcast is always looking for contributors. If you have an audio piece you would like us to feature on the program or if you have an idea for a possible audio piece then we would love to hear from you. Similarly, if you have had a written piece on upstart that you think would make for a good upcast discussion topic, please get in touch with us as well. If you have any other ideas or suggestions for upcast we would also love to hear from you. All correspondence should be directed to email@example.com
As well as being available through upstart, you can also get access to upcast via iTunesU. The iTunesU platform is accessed through the iTunes Store and features free content from universities around the world. upcast is available to listen to or download via iTunes thanks to La Trobe's Digital Media Officer, Matt Smith. Click here to visit upcast on iTunesU.
Music used on the show
All music used on upcast is open-source and is available for free download through Jamendo. The intro track is 'Every Little Piece' by Farmertan and the closing track is 'Overthrown' by Josh Woodward.
Photo gallery
The following images are from the recording of the upcast pilot.
Previous episodes
Episode four – Thursday April 29
You can listen to or download episode four of upcast by clicking here or by heading over to iTunesU.
In the fourth episode of upcast we spoke about media ventures taking place at La Trobe University, some new and some not so new.
We spoke with Michael Strazzeri from La Trobe's Media Journalism Students Association (MJSA) about the club's upcoming television program which will air on Channel 31.
We also spoke with Michael Nolan, the Chief Editor of La Trobe's student newspaper Rabelais, who told us some of the paper's history including the story of the gentleman after which the paper is named.
Click the links below to listen to or download some bonus content that we couldn't fit into the show;
– Michael Strazzeri on Channel 31 and digital TV
– Michael Nolan on Rabelais in an ever-changing media landscape
– Michael Nolan on activism in student newspapers
– Michael Nolan on a Rabelais article that had some readers up in arms
Episode three – Thursday April 22
You can listen to or download episode three of upcast by clicking here or by heading over to iTunesU.
Episode three of upcast was all about blogging. We spoke to film blogger Kiefer Findlow about his humble beginnings as a Myspace blogger and his current blog, This Complicates Things.
Our second guest was Meghan Lodwick, a barista of nine years who blogs at For the love of beans!
We rounded things off with a chat to upstart/upcast sports guru Ben Waterworth who spoke about his blog, A Short Sport Thought and gave us an update on the Melbourne Heart and the current AFL season.
Episode two – Thursday March 25
You can listen to or download episode two of upcast by clicking here.
Episode two of upcast is also available for download through iTunesU.
In this episode of upcast we spoke to La Trobe University's Digital Media Officer Matt Smith about his role and about his so-called 'bucket list'. We also spoke to the Journalism Co-ordinator at La Trobe, Lawrie Zion, about the upcoming sports journalism symposium.
Matt & Kelly also discussed the Golden Plains musical festival – as featured in an upstart piece by Kelly – and ethical blogging, as featured by an upstart piece by Matt.
Click on the link below to listen to or download some content that we couldn't fit into the show;
– Matt Smith on Cesar Romero's Joker
Episode one – Thursday March 18
You can listen to or download episode one of upcast by clicking here.
Episode one of upcast is also available for download through iTunesU.
In the pilot episode of upcast we spoke to Ben Waterworth about the upcoming AFL season, to Laura Carroll about her upstart piece about Chatroulette and to Michael Calle about the Matt Damon film Green Zone.


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Mia in the USA – My experience at Prom
When the day of my High School Prom arrived I was astonished at how rapidly time had flown by. Throughout the day my friend and I got together to accessorise our outfits and select our hairstyles, for the upcoming night. We were both so impatient and thrilled for the next few hours to go by, as we helped each other with every minuscule detail, perfecting our desired outfits. In the late afternoon, my date named Tyler picked me up from my house. He's suit had a touch of pink in it, purposely to coordinate my dress and I received a corsage, which matched my dress perfectly. We headed to Tyler's house to have photos such as this one taken. Additionally, we headed to a friends house to have group photos taken. Evidently pictures were a large part of the Prom experience, which I hadn't been aware of. Although my expectations were based on movies, I was surprised at the fact that there were hardly any decorations and nor a bowl of punch! We were seated at tables at the beginning on the night and then we danced until midnight. The night didn't end there because the night concluded with a large sleepover which incorporated late night swimming, and heaps of food. It was a fantastic event, which I will likely cherish for the rest of my life.


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My 21st Birthday!
Turning 21 is exciting for everyone- you don't have to worry about being that one friend that can't go to the bars with the rest of your friends because you're too young and you can legally drink whatever you want at bars and restaurants. I spent my 21st with my friends in San Diego, and it was lovely. Fortunately I didn't have the cliche, non classy 21st birthday where you drink until you can't stand up. I just wanted to have a fun time drinking, dancing, and taking pictures with my girl friends.
I wanted something rather bold for this look, so I wore a metallic blouse from LF and a lace bralette underneath. I wanted the top to stand out, so I wore black skinny jeans and over the knee boots.
Hope you enjoy this look :)


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We've been picking up what you throw away
Writers on the Range
Since March 2010, I've become intimately acquainted with many of the things that people in our society no longer want to live with: empty liquor bottles, deflated soccer balls, the guts of deer, aluminum siding.
My team and I have picked up this stuff on roadsides from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Coast. It's taken us the better half of three years to get this far. We collect garbage as we go, six out of seven days a week, for eight months of the year. We do this to make a statement about America.
That statement is about the sheer immensity of waste. We've hauled away some 188,593 pounds of garbage: ripped plastic, failed kitchen devices, jagged tires, flying Styrofoam, sextoys, beer cans and bottles and outrageously excessive packaging.
Although I do not believe that litter is the biggest environmental catastrophe of our time, I do think it is a powerful indicator that our economy is out of whack – built on the rapid consumption of mostly virgin resources in the form of throwaway packaged goods. We're highly skilled at buying things we don't necessarily need, but we're not very good at disposing of them properly.
Picking up litter from a roadside involves repetitive motion. We all wear neon reflective vests and carry 3-foot-long trash grabbers. With each squeeze of the handle, the rubber suction cups at the other end grasp a piece of rubbish that gets stuffed into the giant bag that we hold fast with our other hand.
Each piece of trash can tell a story, and the story begins inside the Earth, because all materials begin there, and it usually ends in a comingled, massive burial. But aside from the occasional surprising envelope full of cash or the duct-taped live chicken in a box, there is no juicy story behind most of the trash.
Who really cares about the cigarette butt, bubble-wrap or roof shingle? Sent to a 30-acre landfill, most trash just sits there, surrounded by a plastic liner. The waste this signifies is something most of us don't know about, or don't want to know about.
The truth is: We're addicted to consumption, and I've seen a cross-country trail of trash to prove it. Each day that my team walks the roads of this country, I find myself obsessing over our addiction to "stuff."
Each time I pick up an aluminum beer can, I picture a person hurling that can out of a car window; if it's a can of soda pop, I can't help thinking about our dependency on corn. I envision the damming of the Amazon River and the upheaval of its people to bring in bauxite-ore production. With each passing car, I smell oil addiction. And in each economically depressed town I pass, I sense corporate greed that promotes mono-economies like monoculture crops.
Here in the arid West, UV-degraded plastic is so brittle it shatters when touched, releasing a few more of those plastic polymers and persistent organic pollutants that bio-accumulate in our ecosystems.
I admit it: I'm not exempt from my own addiction to what's available in our still-rich culture – but that's also how I understand the need for this ongoing campaign for reform.
Economists call the impacts of drilling, manufacturing, selling and disposing of used up or unwanted products "externalities," but a better term for that is "eternalities," because this stuff is eternal. Nothing ever goes completely "away." Externalities is a term that cloaks impacts on our finite resources and impacts on the health of people and the land.
It takes a lot of mining and industrial might to create what quickly become useless products. These companies – aided by tax breaks and cheap overseas manufacturing – don't take any binding responsibility for the waste they create. Instead, the burden descends on us, individual citizens and our cash-strapped municipalities, to haul away the waste that's created, sometimes reducing some of that waste through community-supported recycling.
It's time to pass a law requiring Extended Producer Responsibility so that companies remain responsible for their products. We have nothing to lose but our growing mountains of trash.
– Jeff Chen is a contributor to Writers on the Range, a service of High Country News (hcn.org). He is the co-founder of Pick Up America, the nation's first coast-to-coast litter pick-up movement. The group of young people celebrated the completion of their trek on Nov. 11 at Ocean Beach, Calif.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
New Castle to illuminate Saturday at Holiday Tree Lighting and Chili Cook-off
Burning Mountain Park in New Castle will illuminate Saturday evening at the town's Holiday Tree Lighting and Chili Cook-off between 5 and 7 p.m.


text:
The focus of this tutorial is to give a better explanation of our Search functionality.
After a brief explanation of all the Search functions, some practical examples will be provided.
This tutorial is available for the following programming languages: {{languages.join(", ")}}. In the setup you can change the programming language.
All the Search queries for Documents are made at the following url:
POST {{url}}/v1/search/documents/{{schema_id || '{schema_id}'}}
The list below details the parameters available for a Search request for Documents:
result_type - mandatory: it defines how the response is displayed. It can assume the following values:
FULL_CONTENT: this result returns the whole Document and also its content.
NO_CONTENT: same as above, except for the fact that the content is empty.
ONLY_ID: it returns only the IDs of the Documents that matched the Search.
COUNT: this query returns only the number of Documents that matched the Search.
filter_type - mandatory: it can be
and or
or based on the logic you want to apply to search parameters.
sort - optional: it is used to define the sorting of results.
filter - mandatory: it defines how the Search is carried out.
All the Search queries for Users are made at the following url:
POST {{url}}/v1/search/users/{{user_schema_id || '{user_schema_id}'}}
Below there is a list of the available parameters for a Search request for Users and a short description of each one:
result_type - mandatory: it defines how the response is displayed. It can assume the following values:
FULL_CONTENT: same as for the Document Search.
COUNT: same as for the Document Search.
EXISTS: it returns a
true if one or more Users matches the query,
false otherwise.
USERNAME_EXISTS: it returns a
true if the username already exists,
false otherwise.
filter_type - mandatory: it can be
and or
or based on the logic you want to apply to search parameters.
sort - optional: it is used to define sorting of results.
filter - mandatory: it defines how the Search is made.
Below there is a list of the available parameters for the
filter_type option and a short description of each one:
eq - (
=): equal, if the value is the same as the one specified.
lt - (
<): less than.
lte - (
<=): less than or equal.
gt - (
>): greater than.
gte - (
>=): greater than or equal.
is - (
=): only for
in: if the value is contained in a list.
An example of the usage of the
in parameter is the following:
The query will return all the Documents which has the
integer field's value contained in the list.
First thing to do is to setup an environment (optional) and install the SDK (mandatory)
(sudo) pip install git+https://github.com/chinoio/chino-python.git
First thing to do is to setup an environment (optional) and install the SDKs (mandatory)
There are two ways to install the SDKs:
If you're using Maven, then edit your project's
pom.xml and add this:
If you're using Gradle, then edit your project's
build.gradle and add this:
allprojects {
repositories {
maven {
url 'https://jitpack.io'
dependencies {
// ...
compile 'com.github.chinoio:chino-java:1.0'
The other method is building the SDKs from source:
git clone https://github.com/chinoio/chino-java.git
cd chino-java
./gradlew build
The output will be in
And if you want a "fat jar" with all the dependencies inside use the following commands:
git clone https://github.com/chinoio/chino-java.git
cd chino-java
./gradlew build shadowJar
In order to perform network operations your Android manifest must include the following permissions:
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET" />
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE" />
Network operations in Android cannot be performed in the main UI Thread. You have to wrap the API calls in an AsyncTask :
Start the AsyncTask passing all the required parameters in an array:
Perform your call inside the method
doInBackground, which is executed asynchronously
Elaborate the results - if it can be done in the async method - and eventually return them
Update your local values and the UI in the method
onPostExecute, which is executed on the UI thread.
Create a subclass of AsyncTask:
Then, from your Activity or class trigger the task like this:
You can use Postman to try our
rest API. We provide a Collection, to be imported in Postman, which allows you to easily test every call in this tutorial.
You can download Postman at this link .
You can integrate the CHINO.io Swift SDK into your project using one of several methods.
To use CocoaPods, a dependency manager for Cocoa projects, you should first install it using the following command:
$ gem install cocoapods
Then navigate to the directory that contains your project and create a new file called Podfile. You can do this either with pod init, or open an existing Podfile, and then add
pod 'ChinoOSXLibrary', :git => 'https://github.com/chinoio/chino-ios.git', :tag => '1.0'
to the main loop. Your Podfile should look something like this:
target '<YOUR_PROJECT_NAME>' do
pod 'ChinoOSXLibrary', :git => 'https://github.com/chinoio/chino-ios.git', :tag => '1.0'
Then, run the following command to install the dependency:
$ pod install
Once your project is integrated with the CHINO.io Swift SDK, you can pull SDK updates using the following command:
$ pod update
Here you can write your customerId and customerKey to have them filled out in the code. It's just for the purpose of the tutorial.
Note: if you use Postman all the calls to create the resources required are present in the Collection.
Click on the following button to add the Collection with the calls of this tutorial in Postman.
Postman will automatically set the values inserted in this page in the environment variables.
Note: if you want to add an environment in Postman, please fill the
customer_id and
customer_key in the box above.
The next step is to create a Repository.
Repositories can be created via the API or via the console. For this first tutorial we create a Repository via the console.
We create a Repository using Postman
Note: without a Repository you can't create Schemas, and without Schemas you can't create Documents in which to store your data.
Once created we copy the (write here your
repository_id) and we use it as
constant in our code.
The Schema represents the structure of the Document we want to store inside Chino. For this tutorial we store the following information:
patient_id : string (indexed) - the ID of the Patient that has been visited
doctor_id : string (indexed) - the ID of the Doctor that performed the visit
visit_type : string (indexed) - a brief description of the type of visit
visit : text (not indexed) - the outcome of the visit
date : datetime (indexed) - timestamp of when the visit was made
Note: you can search for Documents with the indexed fields.
Note: this is the Schema over which we are going to grant Permissions.
We call this schema
Once created, copy the
We create a UserSchema which defines the following attributes of the Users:
name: string (indexed) - the first name of the User
last_name: string (indexed) - the last name of the User
date_birth: date (indexed) - the date of birth
role: text (not indexed) - the role (patient or doctor)
Once created, copy here your
For this tutorial we use a simple case study: a doctor and two patients who share Documents using a Schema. We create the doctor and the patients under the same UserSchema.
Once created, copy here the
user_id of the new doctor:
We create now the two patients under the same UserSchema.
First patient we create:
Once created, copy here the
user_id of the first patient created:
Second patient we create:
Once created, copy here the
user_id of the second patient created:
We create three Documents in order to apply the Search over some data.
First Document we create (we use the id of the first patient):
Second Document we create (we change the date):
Third Document we create (we change the id of the patient, the date and the visit type):
Let's run our first Search query. In this case we want all Documents with the id of the first patient.
Now we retrieve all Documents with the
date value greater than "2017-01-05T00:00:00".
You can search both Documents and Users. Now we search for the first User we created using his
We don't always need all the information about a User. For example, we may want to check if the User with a given
name or
username is registered,
or if User with a known ID satisfies some criteria. Read more about the type of results you can get.
Now we are going to set
result_type to "EXISTS" to verify if a User with the name of our first patient was already registered.
To achieve this, we use the search condition/filter "and" in order to define that we want Documents with a date which is greater than "2017-01-04T00:00:00" and less than "2017-01-05T00:00:00".
This time we set the
result_type to "COUNT", in order to get the number of Documents matching the Search results instead of the actual Documents.
Extra: with the new Search API you can also repeat queries or adjust them based on your user's input: for example, after counting the results we can display the actual Document to the user in a personalized way.
We can use use the search condition "not" to negate a query.
With the search condition/filter "or" we can join the results of different queries.
For example we can search for Documents created after a specific date OR that have a
visit_type that is part of a list of values.
We say that the date must be greater than or equal to "2017-01-06T15:00:00", which would exclude the first two Documents from the result.
But we also define that we want Documents with a
visit_type value from a list which contains the following values: "routine" and "physical_insurance_exams". With this query, the first two Documents are included, too.


text:
By Sanjay Jog www.business-standard.com
The project between Dahisar to Mankhurd via Charkop and Bandra was awarded to Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure in 2009. The company – which built a world class metro between Ghatkopar to Versova after a long delay — subsequently entered into a concession agreement with Maharashtra government. But the project did not get environment clearance and right of way. There was also no clarity on land for a depot at Charkop.
Finally, in November 2013, last year, Reliance Infrastructure terminated the agreement with the government. The MMRDA board says the project will now be implemented by a new body – the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) by 2019. The MMRC plans to fund the project by raising loans from international agencies, with the central government and the state government pitching in the money.
3) Metro III. Project Cost Rs 23,000 crore
Another marquee project by the MMRDA, Metro III is delayed due to lack of various envrionmental clearances and land acquisition. The foundation stone was laid on August 26, 2014 after JICA promised to lend Rs 13,000 crore. The project will be completed by 2019. More info


text:
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text:
Thu, 20 November 2014
Our hero Nick Nitro fights off the stomach flu and general business to bring you a new GBG Drive-By going over the film, GONE GIRL with Ben Affleck, and study the insights behind BIG HERO 6 in this episode of...
THE GOOD, THE BAD and THE GEEKY!
You can support UTMNT by visiting Patreon and donate and support UTMNT through issue one and hopefully beyond! Every little bit helps! Donations can be as small as $1! To find out more information go to http://www.patreon.com/UTMNT
Over 100,000 titles to choose from! Sign up and get a free audiobook and a 14 day trial by clicking here!
Or sign up by visiting http://www.audibletrial.com/GoodBadGeeky
Direct download: GBG_253_-_Gone_Girl_and_Big_Hero_6.mp3
Category:TV, Movies & Popculture -- posted at: 5:02pm EST


text:
- Home Page
- Publications
- Teaching ▼
- Curriculum Vitae
- About Me ▼
- Upcoming Events and Media
- Science/Fiction Interactions
- Lab Coats in Hollywood-Reviews
- Radio and Podcast Interviews
Asharq Al-Awsat, "Hollywood Filmmakers Consult with Experts to Help Viewers Understand Science and Technology," 14 February 2012.
Scientists as Consultants in Hollywood: Book Discussion and Screening of Carl Sagan's Contact Thursday, October 27, 7 PM, B Wechsler Theater, 3rd Floor of Mary Graydon Hall, American University, Washington, DC 20016
Lab Coats in Hollywood: Science and its Role in Films From 2001: A Space Odyssey to Finding Nemo, Monday, October 17, 4:30 PM, Gilman 132, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
Public Lecture on "Lab Coats in Hollywood: Science, Scientists, and Cinema," Wednesday, October 5, 11:30 AM, Cowgill Center, 102, Transylvania University, Lexington, KY 40508
Lab Coats in Hollywood: Scientists' Impact on Cinema, Cinema's Influence on Science, Wednesday, October 5, 11:30 AM, Grace Hall, Lower Level Training Room, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN 46556
Forensic Facts and Fictions, Thursday, September 8, 5 PM, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 4HN
Interview with Sean Moncrieff, Newstalk Radio Ireland, 30 August 2011.
Book Signing and Film Showing (Chicago), Thursday, July 7, 7PM: DOC Films, University of Chicago, Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637
Interview with Mark Lynch, "David A. Kirby: Lab Coats in Hollywood" on Inquiry, WICN National Public Radio, 25 June 2011.
Meet the Author event (Los Angeles), Saturday, June 25, 5PM: Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA 90069
LA Weekly, "David Kirby's Lab Coats in Hollywood Explains How Science Makes Sci-Fi and Comic Book Movies Plausible," 22 June 2011.
Film/Science Workshop, Graduiertenkolleg Mediale Historiographien, Bauhaus-Universitat Weimar, Germany, 5-6 May 2011.
Interview with Heather Stott, BBC Radio Manchester, 29 March 2011.
Interview with Quentin Cooper, BBC 4, Material World, 24 March 2011.
Public Lecture, Skeptics in the Pub, "Big Screen Science," Manchester, 10 February 2011, TV21, 10 Thomas St, 8PM.
Panel Participant, Question, Explore, Discover (QED), "Reaching Out Reasonably," Manchester, 5-6 February 2011, Piccadilly Hotel.
Public Lecture, Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, "Hollywood in White Coats," 26 January 2011, 7PM, Manchester Business School.
USA Today, "Tron Legacy Illuminates Cinema's Science Story," 19 December 2010.
Post- film discussion panelist for special screening of the restored Fritz Lang classic Metropolis at the Cornerhouse Cinema, Manchester, Manchester Science Festival, 25 October 2010.
Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation - Past and Present, Manchester Science Festival, 23 October 2010.
BBC News Online, "Three Films that Would Make Einstein Blush," 23 February 2010.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, "Science Meets Hollywood," 14 February 2010.


text:
#dandelions #flowers #lighting #plants
OLED Dandelion Lights by Takao Inoue
These beautiful lights were designed by cinematographer Takao Inoue as part of a small exhibition on display at Milano Salone earlier this year. The lights are made from real dandelions that have been suspended inside an acrylic block with a miniature OLED light embedded within the stem. You can read more on Spoon & Tamago and catch a brief interview with the designer on Lost at E Minor. (via Spoon & Tamago)
Update: Oh, and here's a video.


text:
f5 1/200 ISO 200 – Grasshopper in the November Garden – 105mm macro
When you think of how many insect species inhabit the earth, it is staggering. There are over one million that are accounted for, and countless many that are still unknown. As gardeners, we run across many arthropods in our gardens. Everything about them is fascinating, from the spiders to the grasshoppers to the bees.
f9 1/125 ISO 320 60mm macro
Urban Critters Sing Louder
Before I get into photographing grasshoppers,
I ran across an interesting study on them. It found that urban grasshoppers sing to their mates louder and at lower frequency than their counterparts in the country. My hoppers are all city dwellers.
The study found the boost in bass tone helps the males to be heard over the prolonged noise of traffic. They noted that the males captured from urban areas sang loudly in a quiet lab when introduced to female grasshoppers just like they did in the city environment serenading their prospective mates – suggesting "it is not a spontaneous behavioral adaptation to noise but a long-term effect." (source) Pretty interesting how nature adapts.
f8 1/125 ISO 200 Nikon D80 18-135mm
I chose the grasshopper as a subject, not because it is pretty, but because there was not much else moving in the garden at this time of year. Next macro post you will see a lethargic bee and some from summer flying around. The grasshopper is interesting though with all the movable and armor-like parts, whether it is in the field or in the city.
f5.6 1/1250 ISO 1000 55-300mm zoom
I am using a macro lens in many of these shots and if you recall from last post, that is a 1:1 relationship. I also used zoom lens too.
f3 1/15 ISO 400 Not an Arthropoda, but a closeup with my compact digital Nikon P510 set on the flower mode (macro). Point and Shoots can take very clear and wonderful images. It is especially helpful that iron frogs don't move. 1/15 is almost impossible to hand hold the camera, which this image was. I am not even sure how I was so steady. Luck I guess.
It is snowing outside or I would have went on an insect safari in the back yard. The frog is about 3 inches high and 6 inches long. Lighting was through a window in my office. Two weeks ago when the images for this post were shot, it was 70° outside and very sunny.
Use What You are Comfortable With
Don't feel if you just had better equipment, you will take better photos. It is a fact that the cameras out there with fancy features will yield better image quality generally, but a good photo comes from the person taking it, not the camera. Many folks with point and shoots take wonderful macro images.
Shoot with the camera, lens and equipment you are most comfortable. You will have more fun and be more successful. One thing I want to mention though. Many of you don't use the macro mode (the flower icon) on your compact cameras and should give it a try. You will be very pleased. Even froggy above is a nice looking portrait, almost like a studio shot.
If I took a guess at how many of my bug shots are usable with my macro lenses, I would say about one-third. My guess at using the zoom lenses increases to about 90%. But the more interesting shots have always been with the macro lens which I am still getting familiar to using.
For the longest time, I was not using the 60mm lens because I just could not be consistent and had many failures. But with practice, I came to love the macro lenses far more than the zooms for closeup work.
The macro images that are poor in quality are the ones where the subject just flies out of the frame, especially the bees. Other reject images are poorly focused or inadequately lighted. Many macro bees went to the trash for a dash out of my frame. The macro lenses take a while to get accustomed to, especially handheld. Holding the camera is where I am most comfortable, and macro fights you with focus on hand holding.
f3.5 1/80 ISO 200 – 105mm macro
In these images, I did not use a tripod. I feel the need to have the flexibility that lets me photograph these tiny creatures how I choose. For instance, I was low to the ground shooting up in the image above. You might need to be able to adjust just a mere fraction of an inch to frame the subject how you want. Honestly though, the images would be a bit sharper if I was using a tripod because with the macro lens, you have limited depth-of-field.
f8 1/125 ISO 200 – 18mm-135mm zoom
If you have been following my series, often a common mistake is always having the subject in the center and lots of environment around it. In most of my photos, I prefer to isolate my subject from the background and have it a bit off-center. I also try to have the eyes of the insect in the sweet spot of the rule of thirds, like in the two images below, one with the grid and one without.
f6.3 1/1600 ISO 1000 – 55-300mm zoom
I learned something really important from a professional nature photographer. Don't discount and dismiss those center shots so readily. It is better to capture the whole creature, especially if it is in flight, than have part of it fly out of the frame. So any insect or bird that hops, flies or scurries, it is better to have them in the frame, than not.
Going in close becomes about discovery, seeing things you would normally not notice. For instance, I never knew grasshoppers were fuzzy! Well, I did know all insects have hairs, like I found out in my post, Snapple Capped the Buzz on Bees, but never looked that close before.
f5 1/200 ISO 320 – 105mm macro
You can see throughout this post, I am not wedded to any particular settings. I do prefer f5 through f8 though. A bit more is in focus without sacrificing too much light. Plus f8 is where many lenses are their sharpest.
Depending on your camera and lens, it will determine whether or not you can fill the frame with the insect or zero in on a portion of the insect's body, like the head or the abdomen. Below, I was much closer with a zoom lens and got a well focused hind end. I like this image though, even better than the one below from the front. Don't go on that though, most photographers would probably say the front image is better.
f8 1/200 ISO 100 – 18-135mm zoom
I find the bodies of arthropods really fascinating architecturally. They are colorful and the segments look like body armor. Even the legs have enormously interesting detail.
f5 1/200 ISO 200 – 105mm macro
The best shots have the focus on the eyes, but including their tiny world can make for a nice image.
f8 1/400 ISO 320 – 60mm macro
The spiders look so much more at home in their webs for instance. Or the grasshopper munching flower petals below.
f8 1/125 ISO 100 – 18-135mm zoom
Choose Your Background
Background plays an important part in macro photography to put the focus on the subject. Choosing them may be as simple as you moving where you are standing, or pointing your camera in a different direction.
Contrasting color is usually a safe bet if you can get it, but the background should not be busy and compete. The out of focus background will make the insect stand out and focus the viewer's attention on the insect. The problem with grasshoppers is they are the color of their surroundings. Where a butterfly contrasts as brightly colored, a grasshopper looks like the grasses and leaves they cling to. This makes blurring the background more important.
f3.2 1/80 ISO 200 – 105mm macro
Be careful of the closest focusing distance of the lens you're using. If you're closer to your subject than that limit allows, your image will be fuzzy and unclear. I was very close to completely unclear in the image below having no zoom. But I just had enough detail to make my photo have some interest. With a macro lens, you move back and forth until your subject is focused. The focusing ring does the detailed focusing.
f3.5 1/80 ISO 200 – 105mm macro
The Technique
To isolate the subject from the background is to use shallow depth-of-field using low f-stops, so here is the skinny on the f-stops.
- The lower the f-stop in number, the larger the opening in the lens. This equals the less depth-of-field and the blurriest background.
- The higher the f-stop, like the high numbers, the smaller the opening in the lens. This equals the greater the depth-of-field and the sharpest background.
- Also be aware, how close your camera is to the subject (working distance) plays a part, as does the lens you are using. With the low f-stop, the example above shows all three factors in play.
f7.1 1/125 ISO 200 – 18-135mm zoom Lots of green environment, not all that close at less than 10:1. Not a true macro.
The f-Stop Also Affects Shutter Speed
- Using a low f-stop means more light is entering the lens and therefore the shutter doesn't need to stay open as long to make a correct exposure, therefore, a faster shutter speed. Faster is good with a handheld camera.
- Using a high f-stop means that less light is entering the lens and the shutter will need to stay open a little longer or a slower shutter speed. This is where you should use a tripod if the shutter speed is below 1/60 second.
f3.2 1/100 ISO 200 – 105mm macro
Reasons to Blur the Background
- Focus and depth-of-field to direct attention to what is important in the photograph.
- Use lack of focus to minimize distractions that cannot be eliminated from the composition.
- Make a more interesting shot, add a sense of art to your work.
F6.3 1/80 ISO 500 60mm macro
Similar to Blurring the Background
A technique often used is to position the camera so that a brightly lit subject is photographed against a dark background. Exposing for a well-lit subject, under full daylight for example, or flash, will cause a dark background to go underexposed and approach black, hence the subject is isolated like in the example above. It was bright daylight with exposure on the Dandelion. When you shoot like this it is almost like a studio shot. Behind the dandelion was distracting road and houses, which I eliminated by forcing the background towards black.
Keeping close-up images simple can give the most dramatic and beautiful results.
Next post is The Buzz on ISO. We got bees in November too.