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Hugh Jackman
"I'm in the business of illusion"
Hugh Jackman
Musical star, actor, model and Oscar host: Hugh Jackman is an all-rounder. In an interview, he talks about his fear of singing, about big egos, small problems and the end of Wolverine.
Mr. Jackman, In The Greatest Showman, you portray the famous circus showman P.T. Barnum. Is he a role model?
He is an inspiration, but I am quite different from him. We may share how we believe in connecting with an audience and making it feel that it's special, that it's not just another night. Barnum was also a marketing genius, who said, "There's no such thing as bad publicity."
Who's the greatest showman of our time?
Steve Jobs was one and Richard Branson is, too. I also understand the comparison to Trump. Both he and Barnum understand the media and what people want, and they both published populist books about how to make money: Barnum, The Art of Money Getting, and Trump, The Art of the Deal.
Do you admire successful people like that?
I admire great athletes and the Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, the founder of microcredit, and Deepak Chopra, the spiritual writer. But the greatest hero I ever met was Nelson Mandela. What I admire about Barnum is how he influenced the way we think. The idea that your talent, your imagination, your hard work can define you and your success.
What's your relationship to the art of making money?
Very clear, very healthy. I didn't have much money in the beginning when I met my wife, who is also an actor, and neither did she. But we were as happy as we are now. This goes for my family, too. Whenever my mother was given something for Christmas, you knew someone else would be getting it for their birthday. She once said the best present that she ever got from me were the 20 home-cooked dinners I once gave her. I'm probably the least materialist person you'll ever meet, and that's the big difference between P. T. Barnum and me.
When did you first get interested in show business?
When I sang in a school concert at age 5. I never felt like a singer, but I was always doing it. Then, when I got a job in Beauty and the Beast in 1995, my contract included singing lessons paid for by the producer. It was clear that I was not a slam-dunk song-and-dance man. Anyway, singing scared the crap out of me.
That bad?
Once, in 1997, I had to sing the Australian national anthem at the Bledisloe Cup, a big rugby match between Australia and New Zealand – in front of 100 000 spectators. People had been booed off in the past, but I said I would sing. I had the only anxiety attack I ever had in my life the night before. Walking out, I asked myself: "Why am I doing this?"
How did you overcome your fear?
That's something I learned to do as a kid. My older brothers used to do crazy things, like jumping off very high cliffs into the ocean. When I was afraid to try, they made fun of me. So I learned how to face challenges. But my singing role in the musical Oklahoma was actually a stepping stone to Hollywood for me. When I was meeting with agents there, they all said, "You were incredible in Oklahoma!" I asked, "Did you see the show?" They answered, "No, but we heard about it."
On a more serious note, you suffer from skin cancer and have had to have surgery several times …
That was ultimately just a small health problem. Basal cell carcinoma, nothing anyone ever died of. It's just something you have to watch. I mention it because I want people to get regular check-ups and use sunscreen, something I didn't do as a kid.
You sound so relaxed about it …
That's probably because I've been doing transcendental meditation since 1992. Not for the religious experience but as a technique. I do it twice a day and it helps to calm my mind.
Has it improved your life, too?
Definitely. My level of happiness, my capacity for embracing people and situations. It has also increased my ability to trust myself and not get overwhelmed. And I am far more efficient than I used to be. Above all, it keeps me grounded, which is particularly important since I work in the business of illusion.
So why do you appear to be losing interest in your work? You refuse to return to the X-Men films as Wolverine …
That's not why. A little bit of me thinks: It's the first time you have been fully satisfied seeing the character on the screen! But what sparked the ending was a discussion I had with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. When I asked him why he ended his legendary show, he said, "If you leave at the right time, you are propelled into whatever is next with a sense of energy and excitement. But if you stay too long…" That rang true to me.
At the start of filming the first X-Men movie, I thought I was going
to get fired any minute
Did you really have a hard time getting into the role?
At the start of filming the first X-Men movie, I thought I was going to get fired any minute. I wanted to please the director, but what I was doing didn't feel right, so I thought, "I'm just going to do what I want. If I go down, I'll go down swinging, not feeling meek." Actually, he liked what I was doing better than before!
Are there any perks to no longer being Wolverine?
The training was crazy. Don't do it. You can't eat carbohydrates and you feel flat and drained.
At least you became the Sexiest Man Alive …
I took that with a little smile. I know it was lobbied for by the studio at the time. Nothing but illusions! Believe me, I know who I am and what is real and what isn't.


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Kids These Days Have No Idea How a Walkman Works
The act of listening to music has come a long way since the invention of the bulky and ridiculous looking phonograph in the late 1800s. But with vinyl and record players super-hot these days, it's only a matter of time before cassettes make their big comeback.
Too bad kids these days have no idea how cassette players even work. In the above video, a bunch of them struggle with the basic uses of the Walkman, the portable cassette player that was a precursor to iPods.
The video includes some facts about the cassette player at the bottom of the screen throughout, so the seven-minute clip is both funny and educational! The hilarious video features a bunch of adorable children trying to figure out what this "thing" that they're given is actually used for. One even confuses it for a phone and then wishes it was an iPhone.
Our favorite quote comes from nine-year-old Shannon, who says, "So when you wanted to hear a song, you had to press the fast-forward button and just guess?" Yes, buddy, yes we did.

subset: commoncrawl


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What is acoustic neuroma?
Benign tumor can affect hearing, balance
Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous (benign) and usually slow-growing tumor that develops on the main nerve leading from your inner ear to your brain. Because branches of this nerve directly influence your balance and hearing, pressure from an acoustic neuroma can cause hearing loss, ringing in your ear and unsteadiness.
Also known as vestibular schwannoma, acoustic neuroma is an uncommon cause of hearing loss. Acoustic neuroma usually grows slowly or not at all, but in a few cases it may grow rapidly and become large enough to press against the brain and interfere with vital functions.
Treatments for acoustic neuroma include regular monitoring, radiation and surgical removal.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acoustic-neuroma/basics/definition/con-20023851


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Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 18:24 - Best Latin Quotes, Words of Wisdom, Proverbs and Sayings, Popular Latin Phrases, Mottos, SlogansThis just in! The international soccer sensation and tattoo icon David Beckham added a new Latin phrase to his repertoire: De integro. "Telegraph" translates "De Integro" as "Again from the start". Fair enough. What's more interesting, the footballer's lovely wife Victoria followed suit with the exact copy of her husband's new motto.
Posted by Administrator
Posted by Administrator
The phrase is also reminiscent of Eclogue 4:
magnus ab integro saeclorum nascitur ordo.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jh ... ham118.xml
See also:
Beckham's tattoo


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Wireless for Sustainability
Discover how Huawei's vision to build a fully connected, intelligent world supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and transforms people's lives.Learn More
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy >
Huawei SingleRAN Pro is featured with three contents of All in One, Agile Architecture, Automation, to help operators deploy 5G target network.
"Thin Client, Broad Pipe, Cloud APPs" is a typical business mode in 5G era, and Cloud AR/VR will be the key application, which can be used for games, education, trainings, etc.
This is an open platform dedicated to explore the future applications, drive innovations and foster ecosystem together with operators and industry partners.
5G should have the performance advantages of 100 billion connections, 1ms latency, 10Gbps throughput to meet the requirement of "Fully Connected World".
LTE will keep evolution to create a foundation network for full services to brace new business opportunities.


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You need to find an image for the tray icon. I just searched dog on google image search and found one. When you have your image, resize it to 16x16 and save it as a gif or jpeg in your project directory.
Now you need to create a few objects that represent the system tray, the system tray icon, its popup menu, and the items in the popup menu.
Create an Image object to represent the tray image: Image dogImage = Toolkit.getDefaultToolkit().getImage(./dog.jpg) If you use netbeans place your dog.jpg image in your projects root dir. On my windows box this is My Documents/NetBeansProjects/FrameTest.
Now you need to create a SystemTray object: SystemTray sysTray = SystemTray.getSystemTray();
Your next step is to create the popup menu: Popupmenu menu = new PopupMenu();
Next you need to create a MenuItem object which will be added to the popup menu: MenuItem item1 = new MenuItem("Exit");
Now that you have your menu item, you need to add it to the popup menu with PopUpMenu's .add() method: menu.add(item1);
Next, you add an ActionListener to the menu item so that it does something when you click on it.
You now create your Tray icon object: TrayIcon tray = new TrayIcon(dogImage, "App", menu); SystemTray takes 3 arguments, the Image for the tray, a String for the tooltip when you hover your cursor over the tray icon, and the PopUp Menu.
Finally, you take the TrayIcon you created and add it to the SystemTray.
This may sound complicated, but it was pretty easy to do. Here's my working code.
public class FrameTest { private JFrame frame; private Image dogImage; private SystemTray sysTray; private PopupMenu menu; private MenuItem item1; private TrayIcon trayIcon; //constructor public FrameTest() { initComponents(); //basic stuff. frame.setSize(300,300); frame.setDefaultCloseOperation(JFrame.EXIT_ON_CLOSE); frame.setVisible(true); } private void initComponents() { //create jframe frame = new JFrame("Frame Test"); //check to see if system tray is supported on OS. if (SystemTray.isSupported()) { sysTray = SystemTray.getSystemTray(); //create dog image dogImage = Toolkit.getDefaultToolkit().getImage("./dog.jpg"); //create popupmenu menu = new PopupMenu(); //create item item1 = new MenuItem("Exit"); //add item to menu menu.add(item1); //add action listener to the item in the popup menu item1.addActionListener(new ActionListener() { public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e) { System.exit(0); } }); //create system tray icon. trayIcon = new TrayIcon(dogImage, "Dog App.", menu); //add the tray icon to the system tray. try { sysTray.add(trayIcon); } catch(AWTException e) { System.out.println(e.getMessage()); } } }//end FrameTest constructor //main public static void main(String[]args) { SwingUtilities.invokeLater(new Runnable(){ public void run() { new FrameTest(); } }); }//end main() }//end FrameTest Class
One feature I like in applications that take advantage of the system tray is the ability to minimize an application to the system tray. My favorite Bittorrent app, vuze, allows you to do this. As vuze is written in Java, I started thinking about how easy it would be to implement this, and surprisingly, it is very easy.
Here's how to modify the code in my system tray example (above) to minimize your app to the system tray so that it takes up no space on your task bar:
The first thing you need to do is modify the JFrame's default close operation. Search the constructor for:
and set it to:
This makes it so that instead of exiting when you click 'x' in the title bar, the applications hides itself from view and takes up no space on your task bar. Great. First part done, but now how do we bring it back? It's surprisingly simple. All we do is set the frame to visible.
We need to add another item to the popup menu we created in my first post. We add this to the top of the class, under MenuItem item1:
private MenuItem item2;
Now, in the initComponents() method we add:
item2 = new MenuItem("Show app"); //add actionListener to second menu item item2.addActionListener(new ActionListerner() { public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e) { frame.setVisible(true); } }); //add second item to popup menu menu.add(item2);
That's it! When you close the app by click x at the top of the app, it should hide and minimize to the system tray. Right clicking on the tray icon should allow you to then "show app" to bring it back.
This post has been edited by farrell2k: 08 September 2011 - 02:42 PM


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New White Sox hitting coach Jeff Manto has a different view when it comes to taking pitches. telling The Mully and Hanley Show that walks set up double-play balls.
"Do we want Adam Dunn taking a ball (when it is) off the plate with a man on third and the infield back and you got (Justin) Verlander throwing and he walks him? I don't know," Manto said.
"What happens is that you set up the double play. If you (hit) into a double play, you get out of the inning. We give high five for taking the walk, but we have arguably the most prolific left-handed hitter in the game at the plate. He can drive that run in."
Great! More swinging outside of the zone.


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New York will acquire easements on more than 104,000 acres of Adirondack forest lands in what is described as the third largest land acquisition in the state's history.
ALBANY, N.Y. The state will acquire easements on more than 104,000 acres of Adirondack forest lands in what is described as the third largest land acquisition in New York history.
"During the past ten years, New York has led the nation in land conservation efforts, successfully protecting nearly 800,000 acres of open space for future generations," said Gov. George E. Pataki in a press release Tuesday announcing the acquisition. "Today's agreement marks another milestone in our protection of the Adirondack Park that will preserve more than 100,000 acres of prime forest land and open up new public recreational access, while continuing to sustain a critical aspect of the north country's economy."
The deal covers the Sable Highlands region of Franklin and Clinton counties in the 6 million-acre park.
The state will acquire easements on more than 84,000 acres of forest land that the Lyme Timber Co., Hanover, N.H., bought from Domtar Industries, a Canadian company, for $17.47 million. Lyme Timber will manage the property and harvest its timber while maintaining the property's current Forest Stewardship Council certification, considered the "gold standard" for sustainable forest management.
Lyme Timber, a 29-year-old limited partnership that specializes in the acquisition of large forest tracts, will hire 30 to 50 foresters, loggers and truckers to harvest and transport timber from the property, maintaining jobs for contractors previously employed by Domtar.
The state also will acquire 19,960 acres that the Nature Conservancy bought from Domtar for nearly $6.26 million.
Domtar, a Montreal-based producer of wood and paper products, has owned and managed the timberlands being acquired in the deal since 1962 and is being paid $23.73 million for the entire 104,400 acres. Domtar and Lyme Timber have a long-term fiber supply agreement that will ensure that wood fiber produced from the land will continue to be provided to Domtar facilities.
Of the Nature Conservancy lands, 16,918 acres will be added to the State Forest Preserve including Lyon Mountain and its state fire tower, the highest peak in the northern region of the park, and a portion of Ellenberg Mountain. The remaining 3,042 acres, located in the town of Dannemora, will become state forest land.
The state's cost for the easements will depend on a state-administered appraisal process. Local property taxes will continue to be paid on all of the properties.
"I'm sure many people will be excited by the vast new recreational opportunities this land deal will create for area residents and tourists," said state Sen. Elizabeth O'C. Little, R-Queensbury. "It's a balanced plan that also will help sustain a critical component of our north country economy, timber harvesting, while ensuring property taxes critical to local governments continue to be paid."
The agreement requires sustainable forest management and timber harvesting on the Lyme Timber easement, prohibits residential development and restricts subdivision, and creates a balance of public recreational access and continued traditional private recreational leasing on the property.
The agreement provides full public recreation rights to more than 47,000 acres of lands and waters that are not under public lease agreement and have not previously been open to the public. Public recreational opportunities will include hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
Partial public recreation rights, including opening more than 44 miles of recreational corridors for public motorized access, will be acquired on more than 56,000 acres of Lyme Timber's lands that are currently leased to private hunting clubs. The agreement also permanently secures public hiking trails on Lyon Mountain, Owls Head and the Norton Range. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will prepare management plans to administer public uses of the property.
Lyme Timber is retaining the right to maintain private recreational leases, and no hunting clubs on its land will be eliminated. Public access to leased lands will be allowed on several long-distance roads and trails designated for public use by snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles.
Source: Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News


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These oven-baked fries warm up with dipping sauce flavor!
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Preheat oven to 500ºF.
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Place each potato half, cut-side down, on cutting board and cut 1/4-inch lengthwise slices. Place potato slices in a large mixing bowl and toss with desired seasoning mixture or salt and pepper.
Line two baking sheets with foil and spray the foil lightly with cooking spray. Divide potatoes between the two baking pans. Bake potatoes in preheated oven for about 10 minutes; remove from oven and turn over potato slices. Return pans to the oven and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until potatoes are lightly browned and fork tender.
Serve with Dipping Sauces for Mild, Medium and Hot Idaho Potato Fries (Dipping Sauce recipes: click on recipe link below).
Can be served with ketchup or bottled hot sauce, if desired.
Dipping Sauces and other serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional analysis and may not be gluten/dairy-free, if gluten/dairy-free is required.


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Regional Resources and Links
Metro - is the directly elected regional government that serves more than 1.3 million residents in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, and the 24 cities in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
DLCD - The Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) is the administrative arm of the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC).
Statewide Planning Goals - Since 1973, Oregon has maintained a strong statewide program for land use planning. The foundation of that program is a set of 19 Statewide Planning Goals.
LUBA –The Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) was created by legislation in 1979 (ORS Chapter 197) and has exclusive jurisdiction to review all governmental land use decisions, whether legislative or quasi-judicial in nature.
APA – The American Planning Association (APA) is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities.
Clackamas County
Department of Land Conservation & Development
Statewide Planning Goals
Land Use Board of Appeals
American Planning Association


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Shayma, the geeky Kuwaiti lady who brough you BarCamp, has asked me to bring your attention to Imagine Cup 2012.
Imagine Cup is an annual worldwide competition held by Microsoft for student between the age of 16 to 26 years old. Kuwaiti participants would go to Dubai and compete against other students from around the Gulf region, and the top three teams would advance to the worldwide finals (hosted in a different country each year). Last year, a team from AUK represented Kuwait in the worldwide finals in New York.
This year, for the first time, Imagine Cup will be hosting a local competition in Kuwait, and the team that wins first place in the software design category will advance to the worldwide finals in Sydney, Australia!
Also for the first time, Zain will be sponsoring a Mobile Development Contest for Windows Phone 7. Winners will not advance to the worldwide finals, but will receive all sorts of gifts and prizes from Zain.
Don't miss this opportunity; go to ImagineCupGulf.com and register before 28th February. The finals will be held on 12th April, 2012 at The Regency Kuwait and attendance is open to all.
Update: Added the banner
Checkout the presentation: Link.


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Apple dart: Computer company disses SNL
When SNL Financial reached went live in January with the hosting of Apple Computers' investor relations website, it was a much-ballyhooed occasion for the Charlottesville-based firm. Only months later, however, SNL could no longer reap the fruits of the Apple alliance and was instead served a dinner-sized portion of crow.
Faster than you can download the latest Coldplay single to your iPod, Apple took its account to international finance giant Thomson Financial.
"We're not exactly sure why, but we haven't spent time focusing on it," says SNL president Mike Chinn.
According to Chinn, not only did Thomson lure Apple's business away from SNL– Thomson also happens to be the company that lost the Apple account to SNL in the first place.
While Chinn was forthcoming in discussing the loss of Apple's business, the Thomson representatives contacted by The Hook were oddly mum about gaining it back, declining by deadline to disclose any information about the deal or their investor relations web-hosting business in general.
The bad Apple experience doesn't seem to have upset Chinn's cart. He says SNL has signed up 45 new web-hosting clients thus far this year to bring the number to a grand total of 325. Says Chinn, "In terms of all the website hosting, we just had our biggest month yet."
SNL boss Chinn: "It hasn't hurt the rest of the business."


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It's very easy to pin a record from the library catalog to one of your boards.
I'm going to assume that you have already added the Pin It button to your browser's bookmarks toolbar. If not, you'll find more information on that on the Pinterest Goodie page.
Step One:
Go to the full record page in the library catalog, and click on the Pin It button.
Step Two:
Pinterest will give you a choice of which image you want to choose, the logo or the cover image. Click on the cover image.
Step Three:
Choose one of your boards or use the option to Create New Board at the bottom of the dropdown list. Edit the description for your pin if you'd like. (In this case, I would probably just remove the word "Catalog."
Step Four:
Click Pin It, and you should see the Success message, with option to see your pin, tweet it or post on Facebook.
Pinterest Catalog Tips
- Pin Description:
What do you want to include in the Pin description — just the title and author or a summary or recommendation? It's totally up to you, and it may depend on the nature of the board. For example, a board that's called "Picture Books about Butterflies" may not need summaries, but for a board called "Staff Favorites" you may want to add more information, like who selected it and why. When I first started pinning books from the catalog, I added the summaries from the catalog to the description because I thought that made it a better booklist, but I stopped doing that routinely because I just felt it made the board look to cluttered. Also, speed was an issue — the more time I spent editing each pin, the more time it takes.
You may want to leave the description blank, and assume that the cover images themselves display the titles in an attractive, graphic way. One problem with this is that for some cover images, the title isn't clear on a thumbnail image. Also, having the title and author on the page makes it easy to find a particular book on the page, using the browser option to find text on the page. I use this all the time when I want to add more images to an existing board, and can't remember if I have already added a particular book. Doing the Find command and a quick search is easier for me than trying to spot the matching cover image in a sea of red and pink hearts on the Valentine's Day board!
If you highlight text on the page before you click the Pin It button, that's the text that will appear in the description.
- Multiple Editions:
What if there are multiple editions of the book in the catalog, and you want to link to all of them, not just a single title record? I select the record with the best cover image, and Pin that as usual. Then I choose Edit for that pin (the edit option appear when you hover over the pin) and replace the URL with the URL to an author/title search (limited in any way that's appropriate.)
For an example, see this pin: Katy and the Big Snow.
You can use this same technique to create other search links. For example, you could have a board called Explorers and pins for Columbus, Magellan, etc., with each being a catalog search link displaying a single cover image but linking to multiple titles.
- Larger Cover Images
You can get larger cover images for your pins with a little extra effort. Instead of pinning directly from the full record page of the catalog, click on the cover image to display a larger image (if available.) Use the Pin It button to pin that image. You'll need to immediately edit the pin to fix the URL to link to the permalink for the record (which you'll find on the bottom of the page) and to add the title and author (if desired.)
Here's the difference in image size for a typical book:
- No Image, No Pin
If there's no image, there's no way to add a pin using the Pin It button. You'll need to find an image from another source, or create your own. (You could make your own READ style photos of someone holding up the open book!) Once you have the image on your computer, go to the Add+ menu, choose Upload a Pin. Browse and select your image. You then have the option to select a board, add a description and save your pin. You'll need to edit your new pin to add the URL to a the catalog link to the individual catalog record or an appropriate search.
Note: These examples use NOBLE's Evergreen catalog, but should work with most other library catalog systems.


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The Department of Public Relations and Exhibition Management aims to increase the Academy's visibility in the public eye, targeting certain groups, and to position the university as a venue for artistic practice on the highest level. Thus, this department is responsible for organizing curated exhibition series and related events at the Academy, and serves as the main communication platform for any of its activities both internally and externally.
Scope of activity
1. Public Relations in general
- Marketing PR
- Press relations
- Academy journal
- Website / Newsletter
2. Exhibition and event management
3. Letting of venues
4. Alumni Club
Head of the Department
Members of staff


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Dog kennels in Torquay – There is an alternative!
The Devon Dog Boarding Crew
Relaxing after a long walk - Much nicer than kennels!
Ted enjoys the Devon countryside
- The Devon Dog Boarding Crew
- Relaxing after a long walk - Much nicer than kennels!
- Ted enjoys the Devon countryside
Would you like YOUR dog to be having just a great a holiday as you are? Now its possible with home dog boarding in Torquay, a great alternative to dog kennels.
With Devon Dog Boarding your dog stays with a real family enjoying all their regular creature comforts. We are a family run business and we aim to provide you and your dog with a 'home from home' experience. We wouldn't want to leave our dogs anywhere we didn't feel happy with, and we wouldn't expect you to either!
Our costs are reasonable and there are no 'hidden extras'. You can contact us for any reason, to make a booking enquiry or you can sign up to our newsletter.
Get in touch today and tell us about YOUR dog!.
Our host families in the Torquay area
Our host families are carefully chosen and have to meet our strict criteria. They must be home based, have a secure garden, and love dogs. Ideally we like to place your dog close to their home location but it is more important to match the right hosts with the right dog. If required we can provide transport for your dog to and from the hosts.
Recruiting host families in Torquay
If you feel you would like to be considered we would love to hear from you. We always need more host families.
You can learn more about the benefits and apply to host here.
Owners feedback…
Jasper is always very excited when we drop him off with his host family and clearly has a great time. We would highly recommend DDB, they treated our dog as part of the family, are sensitive, flexible and willing to go that extra mile!
more testimonials…


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spiraea 'ogon,' extra-early and late-fall star
I HAVE TO HAND IT to extra-early and extra-late garden performers for knowing to do their thing when it's really needed—just when the gardener may be giving up hope. Today's star: Spiraea thunbergii 'Ogon,' just beginning to turn brilliant butterscotch seven months after flowering, then sporting chartreuse foliage since; the butterscotch phase will last till around Christmas, when the leaves will drop). Like winterberry hollies (in the background in the photo of 'Ogon,' above), and ornamental grasses, I'm grateful for the visual warmth they provide right now. Any extra-late stars still shouting at your place?


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Tri-Cross And Tri-Cross Eco Version
Description: Tri-Cross is a multi-player, abstract thinking game that challenges players to think strategically, anticipate moves and problem solve in a unique way.Being hailed by educators as the "new chess," Tri-Cross has six optional variations of play, varying in degrees of difficulty, making it an instant favorite among strategists, parents and teachers. Since making its debut at the 2008 New York Toy Fair, Tri-Cross has gained nationwide attention and won several industry and educational awards and approval rates. Tri-Cross is recommended for 2-4 players ages 8 and up. The new Tri-Cross Eco Version: instead of a hard game board and large cube-shaped pieces that arrive in a cardboard box, the new eco-version comes in a recycled canvas drawstring bag complete with a poly-cotton roll-up cloth board and square playing pieces.
Price: $19.99 to $24.99 Visit the Website
City On Our Knees By TobyMac
Description: Bestselling recording artist TobyMac has a passion for inspiring Christians to step out and take action for their faith. Through compelling stories and Scripture, City on Our Knees will illustrate how Christians past (such as Wesley, Wilberforce, MLK) and present have set aside differences, come together in unity, and stepped forward in action and prayer. Readers will be encouraged and inspired to do the same, summoning the commitment, courage, and devotion to bring a city to its knees.
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin: The Illustrated History Of The Heaviest Band Of All Time
Description: This all-star tribute to one of the biggest rock 'n' roll bands ever features glorious concert and behind-the-scenes photography from top names in rock photography, from their first 1968 show as Led Zeppelin through the 2007 reunion. Also included are more than 200 rare concert posters, backstage passes, tickets, LPs and singles, T-shirts, buttons, and more from the United States, UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Japan, all comprising a book as epic as the band it honors. And if that's not enough, top American and English rock journalists from Rolling Stone, Creem, Billboard, cover every Zeppelin LP in depth, while some of rock's top performers reflect on the band's legacy. An appendix features the complete discography.
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
Amish Fiction At Its Best!
Description: NY Times Best Selling Author Cindy Woodsmall Knows How to Sell Plain & Simple. Sisters of the Quilt: The Complete Trilogy Released for One Low price of $19.99! When the Heart Cries Her life among her Amish community brutally interrupted, seventeen-year-old Hannah Lapp faces questions neither family, nor fiancé, nor even faith can easily answer. The first book in the series ignites a broader understanding of others' beliefs and a strength to deal with pain in their own lives. When the Morning Comes Rejected by those she loves, Hannah Lapp leaves her Amish community seeking refuge in the outside world outside, leaving her family and friends to wrestle with the painful truths emerging in the wake of her disappearance. As she struggles to find her place in the confusing Englischer world, her family and friends deal with the turbulent aftermath of her departure. When the Soul Mends In this series conclusion, Hannah Lapp hoping to help her sister, reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community she fled in disgrace over two years earlier. Hidden truths reveal her former fiancé, she must choose whether to return to the Plain life or to the Englischer man who adores her.
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
NEW DVD: "7 Days In Haiti" Shares A Dynamic Firsthand Look At Devastation Following The Haiti Earthquake
Description: On Jan. 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a devastating 7.0 earthquake. What was it like to witness the devastation firsthand? "7 Days in Haiti" is a powerful three part series that is a raw, dynamic and heartbreaking look at the aftermath of the Haitian Earthquake. This DVD contains over 90 minutes of footage, in three episodes, and is an authoritative documentation of the days after the disaster. In the immediate aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Haiti, modern day missionaries Tim Scott and Will Decker of the captivating reality series "Travel the Road" enter the capital of Port-Au-Prince to find a city in chaos. Their mission, to find hope amidst this tragedy, brings them to the downtown district where they witness the miraculous rescue of a man trapped beneath rubble for 15-days, without food or water. But soon after, violence erupts when rogue Haitian police begin shooting civilians for scavenging. Street riots, gunfights and civil unrest threaten to tear apart the city, and when all hope seems lost Tim and Will make contact with local believers who show them the power of the human spirit and an unshakeable faith for a better future.
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
Book: The Joy Of Compassionate Connecting
Description: The author describes the Way of Christ through Nonviolent Communication (NVC). The teachings of Jesus exemplify values of love, mutual respect, responsibility and compassion. This text is a guide showing how NVC facilitates living in integrity with these values. Many personal stories demonstrate how a Christ follower can use NVC to turn troubled relationships into joy-filled connections. This book is an invitation for the reader to rediscover Christian principles and apply them in everyday communication—to experience the treasures Jesus taught us by transforming our relationships with compassionate connecting, ultimately partaking in the spirit-filled life.
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
Ultimate Ears 100 Noise - Isolating Earphones
Description: Music is as diverse as the people who listen to it. With this in mind, Ultimate Ears has just introduced the Ultimate Ears 100 Noise-Isolating Earphones in five music genre-inspired designs. Whether your MP3 player is filled with electro beats or urban funk, the Ultimate Ears 100 Earphones allow listeners to express their personal music preferences. And, because these earphones are tuned by the same engineers who tune stage earphones for 75% of the world's top touring artists, you know you're getting superior acoustics.
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
Naruto Illustration Book
Description: Perfect for the NARUTO manga or anime fan! This soft cover edition is offered by the Shonen Jump imprint and features nearly 100 pages of original illustrations by NARUTO creator Masashi Kishimoto. Included are a variety of character portraits depicting the young ninja in action, as well as his cohorts including Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi. Plus, a color pull-out double-sided poster and a sticker sheet!
Price: $19.99 Visit the Website
Newly Released Self Help Book Offers The Secrets To Happiness And Well-being!
Description: Are you trying to make changes in your life, yet you find yourself digging deeper into a hole? Do you want tools to feel more confident, self-empowered and successful? The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life: How to Get Through Life's Holes Without Getting Stuck In Them! will help you get through the holes in your life without getting stuck in them! This whimsical yet informative book uses the analogy of Swiss cheese as a metaphor for life itself. After all, life is not smooth and predictable like Cream Cheese or American, but rather life is like Swiss with all its holes. Full of cartoons, client examples and mini-lessons, this book will not only help you through life's holes but will make you more whole! This book offers readers the tools to "Think Straight, Feel Great!" Co-authors Judy Belmont, MS and Lora Shor, MS are psychotherapists and wellness speakers that have joined forces to offer readers the ten secrets to a happy and resilient life. Available also in a full color gift version, this book is the only self help book you will even need! It's fun and easy reading style makes it perfect for teens and adults!
Price: $19.99 to $24.99 Visit the Website
Guitar Apprentice
Description: Guitar Apprentice is the new animated guitar-learning method that gets you playing hit songs right away. Guitar Apprentice takes hit guitar songs and breaks them down in to 15 different levels of difficulty. From the very start, you're playing great guitar songs with a full band, supplying only a chord or two at first on a real guitar. You can work on songs at super slow speeds when you want to, and by the time you're done, you'll be playing 100% of the song - including solos. At every level, Guitar Apprentice shows you visually, exactly what and when to play, so you go at your own pace and never get lost. And because you're playing real songs the whole time, you'll say goodbye to boring practice! All you need is Guitar Apprentice and your own guitar to learn great guitar songs like: Hey Jude Can't Buy Me Love Get Back Sharp Dressed Man You Really Got Me Takin' Care of Business Shine Hit Me With Your Best Shot …and more! No More Games...Play For Real! Available now at all Guitar Center locations.
Price: $19.99 to $24.99 Visit the Website
Vampire Knight Vol. 1
Description: Rated 'T+' for Older Teens. VAMPIRE KNIGHT takes audiences to Cross Academy, which is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!
Price: $19.97 Visit the Website
Chippy Chipmunk Parties In The Garden
Description: This award-winning book is based on delightful and humorous photographs of a chipmunk's charming antics as he explores the author's garden. Based in a natural setting, this story enlightens as well as entertains. The eighty-six photographs give the reader a close-up view of the Eastern Chipmunk, and provide interesting expressions not available to the naked eye. For children of all ages, nature lovers, and the young at heart. To complete this wonderful photographic sojourn with the familiar chipmunk, the book adds factual details....The photos and descriptions create a delightful narrative and introduction to nature study. Winner of 13 book awards! Another reviewer writes, "Bluebirds, cardinals, a cottontail rabbit, a squirrel, a couple of turtles become participants in the little drama that takes place before the author's camera. Your child will follow with curiosity the events in the life of this intrepid chipmunk whether it is looking for food or staying alert for signs of predators. She will identify with its fears and anxieties and enjoy seeing how it solves the little problems of its life successfully. The author captures originally the wonderment of the natural realm and the photographs are both intriguing and remarkable in their ability to follow the chipmunk through his ordeal."
Price: $19.95
Street Smarts: Beyond The Diploma
Description: It's no secret that most young adults come out of high school and college with a heavy dose of book smarts, and an absence of real-world, practical knowledge (street smarts). From the publisher of the award-winning series The Skinny On™ comes an invaluable resource for young adults: STREET SMARTS: Beyond the Diploma, by Jim Randel Rand Media Co. Trade Paperback Original; April 2011; $19.95. STREET SMARTS bridges the gap between book smarts … and street smarts. Drawing on a prestigious Advisory Board of leaders in business, education, sports, arts, and the military, STREET SMARTS delivers 125 lessons to help young adults succeed in the real world. Topics covered include credit cards, networking, self-promotion, identity theft, police procedures, vocabulary, communication skills, and personal development. QR Codes on each page send the reader to continually updated content on the website, bridging the print world and the digital world using this technology for the first time in history. This book would be excellent for anyone looking for real world advice from successful people to help them excel in life and career!
Price: $19.95 Visit the Website
The California Directory Of Fine Wineries
Description: The California Directory of Fine Wineries — Fifth Edition — By K. Reka Badger and Marty Olmstead Photographs By Robert Holmes The classic full-color guide to California's most prestigious wineries The California Directory of Fine Wineries leads readers through world-famous Napa, home of the state's most recognized cellar landmarks. It reveals scenic back roads on the way to Sonoma's premier wineries while boldly exploring the hidden vineyards of rustic Mendocino, where the winemakers themselves pour visitors a glass of their specialty. In addition to the logistics of tasting fine wines, this essential visitor's guide takes travelers on a visual expedition of the wineries' inspired architecture, lavish salons, museum-quality art exhibitions, and magnificent gardens. Covering both glamorous estate and intimate, family-owned vineyards, this fully updated fifth edition of The California Directory of Fine Wineries is the essential winery guide for tourists and locals alike. Available nationwide at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, independent booksellers and fine gift boutiques and in California at BevMo!, Bristol Farms and select Northern California Whole Foods Markets.
Price: $19.95 Visit the Website
Active Imagination Activity Book By Kelly Tilley
Description: Childhood is a time filled with new motor challenges and all kinds of hurdles; Kids are busy learning to tie their shoes, zipper their jackets, ride a bicycle, negotiate the , and write their names. All of these skills require kids to have strength, coordination, and the ability to focus and attend. The activities in this book "Active Imagination Activity Book" tap into what kids love best ‑ PLAY. The activities pictured in this book provide fun, easy, and imaginative exercises to build your child's skills that are necessary for meeting the challenges of everyday life at home, school, and out in the community.
Price: $19.95 Visit the Website
FineArtAmerica.com: The Amazon Of Art
Description: FineArtAmerica.com (http://fineartamerica.com) is the premier online marketplace for buying, selling and creating fine art prints, greeting cards and original works of art. It's the first art site for independent artists and the place to find a wide mix of compelling art in a range of price points. Whether you're buying or selling art, FineArtAmerica is the best online source for independent art, ranging from paintings and sculpture to photography and jewelry. If you're shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, you can choose from more than 988,000 fine art prints, photo prints, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other works of art from 44,494 independent artists. For artists looking to find or expand their audience, FineArtAmerica gives them all the services they need to create an online business, including their own artist websites (http://artistwebsites.com). Once you find an image you like, you have the choice of framed prints, simple print, stretched canvas, fine art originals or even greeting cards http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/holiday/all. Or you can upload your own image and order prints for a completely personalized gift. FineArtAmerica (http://fineartamerica.com) puts thousands of art galleries at your fingertips.
Price: $19.00 Visit the Website
Finding Howard Stern
Description: Want to read the book that Howard Stern would not approve? Want to read a book Howard Stern won't talk about on-air? Want to read a book about the behind the scenes experiences of an intern for the Howard Stern Show? The book is the true story of a college student who was given the opportunity to intern for Howard Stern in the summer of 2009 and his personal journey working for the most listened to radio talk show host in the history of broadcasting. The book takes Adam "The Tapes" intern through an adventure in which he meets and befriends many of the shows cast members and he contributes to the content and success of the Stern Show. Adam "The Tapes" intern takes the readers on a behind the scenes look at an intern's life, from creating content for the show to sitting in production meetings where ideas for the show are chosen by Howard. It is a great read and will keep you up all night till you find out how his summer ends. www.FindingHowardStern.com
Price: $18.99 Visit the Website
LA Philharmonic LIVE In HD In Movie Theatres Nationwide
Description: One of the world's top orchestras – the LA Philharmonic – has announced a unique gift opportunity for classical music lovers across the country. The best part? You don't have to purchase an airline ticket to participate. To make world-class orchestral performances accessible to all, the LA Phil is embarking on an innovative program called LA Phil LIVE. By teaming with NCM Fathom, a division of National Cinemedia, the LA Phil will simulcast live in high-definition three programs led by the dynamic conductor Gustavo Dudamel from iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles to movie theatres nationwide. Through this program, attendees will experience the dramatic sights and sounds of the one-and-only Gustavo accompanied by the LA Phil orchestra. Each broadcast will also include an insider's look at the LA Phil including never-seen-before footage including exclusive interviews with Gustavo, world-renowned guest soloists, and the orchestra's musicians. The LA Phil LIVE experience will be shared in local movie theaters through multiple HD cameras and in thrilling 5.1 surround sound. Here's a quick look at performance dates with tickets that can be purchased for friends and family for the inaugural 2011 in-theatre series: * January 9, 2011: Dudamel Conducts Beethoven * March 13, 2011: Dudamel Conducts Tchaikovsky * June 5, 2011: Dudamel Conducts Brahms Participating theatres and information on how to buy tickets can be found at LAPhil.com/LAPhilLIVE.
Price: $18.00 to $22.00 Visit the Website
Adidas TRON Collection
Description: For fans and fashion afficiados alike--it's the adidas TRON collection. The special edition line is inspired by the movie's digital world and features glow-in-the-dark and 3D jackets, sweatshirts, and tees. Your readers can now get closer to the life of a program gladiator with this gear that is built for battle on the Grid as well as designed with style for the End of Line Club. The new TRON collection is available online at www.Shopadidas.com as well at the adidas pop-up store in Culver City – it's the only brick & mortar location in the country selling the adidas TRON gear. Pop-up Store Location (through December 23) Royal/T Café, Store and Artspace 8910 Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232
Price: $18.00 to $70.00 Visit the Website
Every Woman's Guide To Simple And Gracious Hospitality
Description: True hospitality is not about being perfect, cooking a fancy meal, or spending a lot of money. Rather, it's about an open door and an open heart. Popular blogger Sandy Coughlin offers a simple but savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes. Emphasizing the forgotten goal of entertaining--connecting deeply with others--she shows how women can use the gifts and talents God gave them to reach out in love. Includes more than 40 recipes. Hardcover
Price: $17.99 Visit the Website
Dreams And Schemes: My Decade Of Fun In The Sun
Description: Dreams and Schemes: My Decade of Fun in the Sun by Los Angeles' columnist Steve Lopez, is a collection of his most controversial, irreverent, trouble-making, and heart-warming columns. He writes through the eyes of the region and its people, unflinchingly taking on the movers and shakers, and poking about in places where other reporters wouldn't dare go. This collection offers an entertaining and insightful look into the workings of modern-day life that will delight not only people who know the players and locations well, but will resonate with people anywhere because people, politics, and situations that catch Lopez's eye are universal. Whether read straight through, read at random, or read aloud to share with someone, the columns will amuse and enlighten readers from 20 to 90. Kirkus Reviews writes, "The sheer variety and accessibility of the columnist's subject matter is a draw, while the author's engaging prose speaks for itself. There's something for everyone in this smart, comprehensive anthology of West Coast city living."
Price: $17.95 Visit the Website
After The Wilfire, The True Story Of A Phoenix Rising From The Ashes
Description: Disasters happen everyday. We see them on the news, and if it's a big enough disaster, it may be the topic of discussion for several days. But what happens after the dust settles and the news vans move on to the next story? What happens in the weeks, months and even years following the disaster? Some choose the path of victim while others choose the path of survivor. Whatever path is chosen, for the people affected, the story is just beginning. This is the story of one such beginning. In November 2007, a wildfire started by a few ignorant young men having an illegal party in a Malibu canyon cave changed the lives of several hundred people, leaving many of these people sad, scared and homeless. What would you do if you lost everything? For Jeff Donovan, this fire turned out to be a cleansing, a liberation of sorts. Suddenly, life had changed and Jeff decided to change with it. Join Jeff as he picks up the pieces and embarks on a spiritual journey.
Price: $17.00 Visit the Website
K-Y Brand Kissable Sensations
Description: With the distinct and delicious experience of decadent chocolate and refreshing strawberry, Kissable Sensations™ encourages couples to explore each other and discover pleasurable foreplay like never before imagined. Kissable Sensations™ is intended to be used all over the body, wherever you like to kiss or be kissed; making it the perfect foreplay tool for increased pleasure to help couples explore or revitalize their intimate connection.
Price: $16.99 to $19.99 Visit the Website
Multimedia Gallery Dear Baby, I'm Watching Over You
Description: How does a parent in the U.S. armed forces explain to a young child the concept of service to country and about why they are away so often? This warm and beautifully illustrated story of enduring love across distance and time helps children understand all the tender ways the parent still "watches over you."
Whether a child is a baby, toddler, or teen, they want to hear all the small and loving ways that connect them to their absent parent each day so that they know mom or dad is always, always watching over them.
There are over a million active duty soldiers in the U.S. Army alone. Many of them have gone on long and repeated tours of duty creating a challenging situation for military families. The 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimated there are approximately 25 million veterans, many who faced similar challenges in keeping close bonds with their children while deployed or away on training.
This book is for all the soldiers and for their spouses and families who have sacrificed along with them. It's a love letter from a parent to a child that puts into words the small and precious moments keeping that bond alive through distance and hardship. It also addresses the larger issue of patriotism and duty felt by the soldiers.
Price: $16.95
The Attitude Girl, A Compelling Winner Of 8 Literary Awards!
Description: Raising children has never been easy… And guiding them through adolescence in our tumultuous modern world? Maddening! Today's teens want entertainment! What they need, however, is a little bit of guidance. Written for young adults, ages 15 and up, and their parents, The Attitude Girl is an inspirational, timely book that gives them both… Everyone thinks Vicky has an attitude problem, but in her eyes, she's simply being honest about what she thinks and feels. If people can't handle it, well… it's their problem! The novel recounts a young woman's coming of age, with a little bit of sassiness and a lot of heart. Jam-packed with emotional conflict, trials & tribulations, romance and humor, the book follows outspoken, materialistic 17-year-old Victoria Benson on her rocky road to adulthood as she struggles with financial setbacks, idealism, loss and forgiveness along the way. Selected the Best Young Adult Novel of the Year by 2010 Premier Book Awards, The Attitude Girl also placed as a Finalist of the 2010 National Indie Excellence Awards, was named a First-place Winner at the 2009 London Book Festival and in the Arizona Authors Association Annual Literary contest, and additionally received four Honorable Mentions in 2009/2010 literary competitions.
Price: $16.95 Visit the Website
Turquoise Tally
Description: Welcome to the colorful town of Artbox Alley! The fashionable Turquoise Tally works here in the wig shop but she has a problem with her hair - the style never sticks!!! She asks Mr. Mad Maroon Moe to make her a magical potion, or a sticky doo-goo, but when he takes a look at her hair he discovers that she is always wearing a wig! She is using her wigs to cover up a secret. With the help of Gramala Gray & Moe's magic potion, she learns to be proud of that secret under her wig. She is no longer embarrassed by it and passes on that lesson to all of her customers at the wig shop!
Price: $16.95 Visit the Website
New Detective Novel, Testarossa, By Julie Dolcemaschio
Description: From acclaimed writer Julie Dolcemaschio comes a raw and intimate look at LA's finest as they navigate crime, corruption, drugs, murder and love in her new breakthrough crime fiction novel, Testarossa. In this intricately woven tale, we meet John Testarossa, an LAPD cop with an NYPD attitude, who along with his partner becomes involved in a murder investigation straight out of recent headlines. Ambition, sports and the drugs that notoriously keep some athletes competitive collide in this intriguing story of greed and vengeance. Fueled by a love of good crime fiction and inspired by the heartbreak her son felt witnessing his sports idols admission of steroid use, Dolcemaschio lands detective John Testarossa and his partner Alex Ortiz in the middle of an intense investigation centered on competitive sports, drug use, and ultimately murder. As we follow the detectives through this intriguing case, as well as others, we see the true commitment these people have, both to the law and to the City of Angles. And when one senseless act of violence, threatens to destroy the deep bond of these partners, Testarossa must come face to face with what may be his ultimate undoing.
Price: $16.90 Visit the Website
A Year With God
Description: A Year with God is a daily devotional for men and women focusing on Bible passages where God actually spoke to his people. The author follows each reading with a brief explanation about the context and how readers can benefit from its message in their own daily challenges. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hear God speak? Adam knew the sound. Moses and Abraham talked with God. But the concept is so strange to us. We hear people talk all the time. There are probably people talking around you as you read this. Are their words helpful to you? Can their words change your life? A Year with God is a 365-day study on the words God spoke to His people in the Old Testament and how those words reveal His nature. "In reading what God actually said, we can discover what really matters to God," Nettlehorst says. Each day's reading focuses on scriptures where God is specifically quoted—in conversation with someone, revealed in a dream, or presented by an angelic proclamation. From topics like hope, faith, and joy to fear, doubt, and sadness, A Year with God takes the very words of God and applies them to life's daily challenges.
Price: $15.99 Visit the Website
A Beautiful Zen Children's Book!
Description: Based on an ancient and beloved Zen fable, "Maybe (A Little Zen for Little Ones)" is about a wise girl who experiences a series of events that at first seem lucky (or unlucky) but then turn out to be quite the opposite. A bike disappears, but then she gets a new one. She hurts herself, but then she enjoys a nice day at home. For each incident, was what happened good luck? Maybe. Was it bad luck? Maybe. Or, perhaps the girl simply does not get caught up in the emotion of the moment, because she can never know what that event might lead to, good or bad . . . A Little Zen for Little Ones™ puts classic and new Zen stories in an accessible context for today's kids (and adults!). With children as central characters and narratives that reflect modern culture, these stories help us examine our values as our world becomes more complex and confusing. After all, if our children can get a little bit of Zen in their lives, perhaps they'll grow up to be adults with a little bit of Zen as well. Wouldn't that be great for all of us?
Price: $15.99 Visit the Website
Purrfect Puzzles - Cathedral Collection
Description: In an agreement with acclaimed international photographer Achim Bednorz, Purrfect Puzzles is releasing three high-end puzzles featuring some of Bednorz' most famous religious architecture images. The new 1000-piece puzzles, which are sold in bookstores, religious shops, and specialty retailers in the U.S. and Europe, present Bednorz photos of La Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in San Francesco, and Lincoln Cathedral in England.
Price: $15.95 Visit the Website
"Paul McCartney's Solo Must Career 1970-2010" By John Cherry
Description: Paul McCartney's Solo Music Career 1970-2010 (Paperback, 210 pages, $15.95) presents a comprehensive and meticulously-researched retrospective on one of the world's most successful singer/songwriters. Filled with fascinating details about the legendary ex-Beatle, Paul McCartney's Solo Career 1970-2010 chronicles both the successes and failures of McCartney's work as a solo artist—from his devastating departure from The Beatles in the 70s; to a rollercoaster decade of success and disappointments in the 80s; to his return to touring, and reigniting his career. In this thorough and in-depth examination of the last four decades of Paul McCartney's solo career, author John Cherry provides a detailed and thorough guide to McCartney's music, influences, and lyrical interpretation. Moreover, Paul McCartney's Solo Career 1970-2010 includes a careful review of McCartney's songs, an eye-opening look at McCartney's musicianship and the wide range of instruments he was able to play, as well as the vast and diverse group of musicians who played with McCartney over the years.
Price: $15.95 Visit the Website
Description: Hieroglyphics are beautiful, fascinating, enduring images. So too are the poems in Dr. Susan Marc Lawley's Hieroglyphics of the Heart, a collection of poetry full of nuggets of wisdom gained through a life well lived. The book escavates generations of stories and decodes the universal messages and emotions they hold. This book is especially suited for those in the midst of reinvention or anyone searching for a deeper meaning to everyday life. "I was inspired to write this book because I believe it is often hard to express authentic emotions in our society; we push them down rather than release them," says Dr. Lawley. "We often talk in code or jargon to one another. This book is about being real and saying what is true. It is about transforming our conversations from undecipherable hieroglyphics to meaningful connections." $15, www.amazon.com or www.Arseya.com
Price: $15.00 Visit the Website
The New Dance Mix USA Vol. 2 Mixed By DJ Louie DeVito
Description: Phase One Communications is proud to announce the next installment of their dance mix series, The New Dance Mix USA Vol. 2 in-stores and available for purchase now. The 17- track compilation combines the sounds of electronic dance music with today's most popular tracks. The album was mixed by the legendary Louie DeVito and is a continuous blend of dance remixes featuring top artists like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, KE$HA, Chris Brown, Britney Spears, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Selena Gomez, Pitbull, Taio Cruz, Kelly Rowland, T-Pain, Afrojack, Erick Morillo and more. The New Dance Mix USA Vol. 2 also features several new singles from Phase One artists including "Freak Out" by Chessa & The Skinny Kidz feat. Paul Couture and JoJo Pellegrino, "City Girls" by B. Martin & Xavier White, and "Minnie The Moocher (James Anthony Club Mix)" by DJ Leon Cormack.
Price: $15.00 Visit the Website


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Resource Manual to Support Application of the Protocol on SEA
The material in this Manual is provided for information only and does not constitute formal legal or other professional advice. The authors (see copyright) assume no liability for actions undertaken that rely on the information contained in this Manual.
The Manual is provided 'as is', without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. The United Nations specifically does not make any warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the Manual.
The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this Manual are those of the various United Nations staff members, consultants and advisers to the United Nations Secretariat who prepared the Manual and do not necessarily represent the views of the United Nations or its Member States.


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I've been trying to find a way to let readers hear character songs without having to make them download or break laws (sorta). Youtube is the answer! Yes I like choosing songs for my characters, even worse I do it in both English and Japanese since I listen to soo much Japanese. I'll update thread as I find songs that fit in either language, the English songs will be more accurate as theme songs since the lyrics usually matter in those when in the Japanese they mostly don't, just something about the voice and its tone that fits. You were welcomed to make suggestions, Bean has suggested quite a few of these. Songs with a * marked next to them means I'd be interested in a video that is either full version or not live. Not all videos here are from Youtube, let me know when a link doesn't work, sometimes they come and go.
Pay no attention to the actual video itself this is just to get you the song, the video does not reflect the character at all.
Emergency Exit
English Singing Voices
Bob (just try to get over the chorus/title, it's still way too badass for Bob : P): http://youtube.com/watch?v=5dOOmATor80
*Karl: http://youtube.com/watch?v=i6N0sNMKFO4
Kyran: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WUITn7I9-f0
Jurinjo: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7ezSGqbuo0g
Fred: http://youtube.com/watch?v=hdtcjST6fFU
Mystery Character: http://youtube.com/watch?v=4pKt7qkVdOA
Japanese Singing Voices
Eddie: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6XhqYjYtggE
*Saya: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-T8_ZF69DRQ
*Sal: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-x2ASaDM0JA
Vladic: http://youtube.com/watch?v=b2UbzaO-yvE& ... ed&search=
Nights: http://youtube.com/watch?v=J1cYAFMdcpo
Undead Friend
English Singing Voices
Wylie: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WrXhLGLO0RA
Japanese Singing Voices:
Orrick and Darwin: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYHBCDhqt44 (Dunno why just always seemed fitting for them. The deeper voice is Darwin, Orrick is probably deeper then his voice but I'll try to find a fitting English song for it.)
Mahalah: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dlx8WnkURmQ
Brigger: http://www.livevideo.com/video/DarkMess ... y-4-u.aspx
Haley: http://youtube.com/watch?v=A0fZ5bbVlyo
*Orange Ghost: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-zOO7n3yps
*Rufus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk60nyC8N8M
Brigger and Mahalah together: http://www.veoh.com/videos/e119378ehJZZPFD
(the picture I drew inspired by song here: http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h65/eecomics/DD.jpg )
Yes Brigger is supposed to sound like a girl.


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The PFCongres PHP conference (in April of 2010) has officially opened its Call for Papers today and will be open until February 8th, 2010.
PFCongres is the web development conference in the Netherlands and welcomes everyone, including expert PHP-professionals, ultimate beginners, and everyone in between. Also, we do not only focus on PHP, but welcome talks on front-end and back-end development as well as enterprise related presentations. Please do not hesitate to propose, even if you are not sure your talk fits in our subject range.
You can submit your talk idea (accepting both Dutch and English sessions) on their submission form. They're also looking for sponsors for the event to help out with some of the costs of putting on a conference like this. If you're interested in helping out, send them an email.


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This bag is made in the shape of a 6 sided die and is made out of brown satin fabric. This bag is fully lined and has a drawstring closure. It is surface washable and may washed in the washing machine however it will lose some of the stiffness in the sides of the bag if it is.
Big SoftD is currently away and is not accepting orders. You may still browse their shop and add items to your favorites or wish list.


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User:Matthewbauer/Kiosk user
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Sometimes it's nice to have a gmail user to give people without accounts on your computer a quick way to access their Gmail account (this can be easily modified to use Yahoo or any other service) this is easy as Linux is so configurable.
#!/bin/sh sudo useradd -p password gmail sudo cat /etc/shadow | sed "s|gmail:.*:\([0-9]*\):\([0-9]*\):\([0-9]*\):\([0-9]*\):::|gmail::\1:\2:\3:\4:::|" | sudo tee /etc/shadow # Remove password from gmail user. sudo pacman -S ratpoison pacman -S uzbl-tabbed cd /home/gmail echo "exec ratpoison" > .xinitrc echo "exec uzbl-browser google.com/mail" > .ratpoisonrc mkdir -p .config/uzbl echo "set always_insert_mode = 1" > .config/uzbl/config
And that should be it, you can now login with your login manager as gmail and go straight to your gmail.


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This month, Venus shifts from the evening to the morning sky. For the next few days, look for it low in the southwest at dusk. If no buildings or trees block the view, you can still make out Venus in the twilight; it outshines everything in the sky but the Sun and the Moon. Notice how it appears lower on the horizon each night and is soon completely gone.
On Jan. 10, Venus passes between Earth and Sun ("inferior conjunction"), which would normally make it invisible to us. This time, however, Venus passes above the Sun from our perspective, which means the sharp-eyed observers with clear horizons can observe Venus both at dawn and at twilight for a few days around Jan. 10. After this, you can watch Venus emerge in the morning sky, visible in the southeast at dawn.
Venus remains a morning star for almost all of 2014.
Mercury briefly enters the evening sky this month, right as Venus leaves. Look for it low on the horizon during the last half of January. Although not nearly as bright as Venus, it easily outshines the dim stars near it. Thus, any "star" you see in twilight over the point of sunset late this month is probably Mercury.
Jupiter will remain well placed for evening observing all winter and into the spring (as the Earth passed between it and the Sun on Jan. 5). Look for it in the east at dusk and almost overhead later in the evening.
Mars remains in the morning sky. It continues to brighten a bit in the southwest at dawn.
Saturn has reappeared in the pre-dawn sky. Face south-southeast right before sunup to see it.
In January, the Big Dipper is only partly risen at dusk. As the Big Dipper sets, though, Cassiopeia rises. This is a pattern of five stars in a distinct W (or M) shape which lies directly across the North Star from the Big Dipper. Look for Cassiopeia high in the north on fall and winter evenings.
Watch for the Great Square of Pegasus in the west at dusk. Taurus the Bull is high in the south. Look for the Pleiades star cluster above reddish Aldebaran. Dazzling Orion the Hunter takes center stage on winter evenings. Surrounding Orion are the brilliant stars of winter.
Orion's belt points down to Sirius, the Dog Star, which outshines all other stars we ever see at night. The Little Dog Star, Procyon, rises with Sirius and is level with Orion's shoulder as they swing towards the south. To the upper left of Orion's shoulder is Gemini, the Twins, which contains Jupiter this winter.
New: Jan. 1, 5:15 a.m.; Jan. 30, 3:40 p.m.
1st Quarter: Jan. 7, 9:40 p.m.
Full: Jan. 15, 10:53 p.m.
Last Quarter: Jan. 23, 11:21 p.m.
At 5:59 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 4, the Earth is as close to the Sun as it will get this year; this is called perihelion. Keep in mind that Earth's orbit is so close to being a perfect circle that its perihelion distance is 0.98 AU, where 1 AU (astronomical unit) is defined as the average Earth-Sun distance. This 2% difference is too small to influence our seasons; the tilt of the Earth's axis toward or away from the Sun dominates this small effect. That's why it's so cold right now (even here in Houston!) and so hot in July.
Although the winter solstice is the shortest day, the earliest sunset occurred on about December 2, and the latest sunrise will occur January 10. That's because the Earth speeds up on its orbit near perihelion. This acceleration shifts sunrise, local noon, and sunset slightly later each day at this time of year. The effect is smaller than that of the Sun taking a low path across the sky, which normally dominates in causing earlier sunsets and later sunrises. But the Sun's apparent path varies very little near the solstice itself, allowing the secondary effect of the Earth being nearer to the Sun to predominate.
For most people, then, (those who witness sunset but sleep through sunrise), days will seem to lengthen much more than they actually are. Early risers, on the other hand, will find sunrise occurs even later than last month, at least until late January.
The New Moon of Jan. 30 is the second New Moon after the winter solstice. It therefore marks Chinese New Year. On this date, the Year of the Snake ends and the Year of the Horse begins.
Visit the HMNS website to see this month's Planetarium schedule
On most clear Saturday nights at the George Observatory, you can hear me do live star tours on the observation deck with a green laser pointer. If you're there, listen for my announcement. We're also hosting telescope classes on Jan. 11, so if you or someone you know received one over the holidays come by and let us help you set it up!


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Hey dude. I think you're taking the whole "party like you're on fire" thing a little too literally here. You're supposed to be dead!
But I guess this amusing glitch is fine too. It makes death a little less depressing, at least.
Far Cry 3 Glitches: We Blame the Drugs [Gameranx]


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A third, and likely final, wave of layoffs at Little Rock-based Acxiom Corp. began on Wednesday (Feb. 26) as the database marketer continued its push to realign its workforce to meet changing industry demands. Acxiom indicated in November 2013 it would cut its overall labor force by March in an effort to save $20-$30 million annually. Approximately 200 workers nationwide were part of the latest round of layoffs with around 100 in Arkansas.
A third, and likely final, wave of layoffs at Little Rock-based Acxiom Corp. began on Wednesday (Feb. 26) as the database marketer continued its push to realign its workforce to meet changing industry demands. Acxiom indicated in November 2013 it would cut its overall labor force by March in an effort to save $20-$30 million annually. Approximately 200 workers nationwide were part of the latest round of layoffs with around 100 in Arkansas.
Dillard's profits fall in fourth quarter, full year
Sales slipped and profits fell as Dillard's reported its fourth quarter and full year earnings. The Little Rock-based retailer reported fourth quarter net income of $119.1 million on sales of $2.08 billion. One year ago, Dillard's posted profits of $161.4 million on sales of $2.15 billion.
For the full year Dillard's recorded $323.7 million on lower sales of $6.69 billion. In its last fiscal year, Dillard's posted $336 million on revenue of $6.75 billion.
Windstream boosts bottom line in 2013
Little Rock-based Windstream Corp. posted 2013 fourth quarter earnings of $118.4 million, a huge improvement from $10.1 million a year ago. Revenues for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2013 were $1.49 billion, down 3 percent from $1.53 billion in 2012′s fourth quarter.
For the full year, Windstream reported net income of $241 million on revenue of $5.99 billion compared to a $168 million profit on revenue and sales of $6.14 billion one year ago.
Deltic Timber earnings more than double
Deltic Timber Corp. posted slightly lower fourth quarter earnings, but the El Dorado-based timber and real estate company scored big with full-year net income more than doubling its previous year's profits. Deltic Timber fourth quarter net income was $2.3 million compared to net income of $2.4 million one year ago. For the full year, Deltic's profits topped $26.2 million, up from $9.2 million in 2012. Revenues climbed higher in 2013 to $164.92 million, a 33% increase from $123.77 million in 2012.
Roadrunner acquires Rich Logistics
Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. acquired Little Rock-based Rich Logistics. In addition, Roadrunner acquired Everett Transportation Inc., a contractor working exclusively for Rich Logistics. The total value of the transaction was approximately $48 million. Rich Logistics transports products throughout the U.S. and Mexico utilizing a combination of independent contractors and employee drivers.
Gov. Beebe, AEDC seed Innovation Hub with $575,000
Gov. Mike Beebe, Rep. Warwick Sabin, D-Little Rock, and AEDC director Grant Tennille revealed a $575,000 infrastructure grant to the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, which held a "wall breaking" ceremony at a downtown North Little Rock building that will house the group's efforts. The money will be specifically used to remodel the building to allow for an entrepreneurial program center that will feature a network of resources, programs and educational opportunities to attract, develop and retain emerging Arkansas talent.
U.S. Chamber official warns against fracking over-regulation
A U.S. Chamber of Commerce official warned an Arkansas audience that over-regulation of fracking practices in the oil and gas industry could cost jobs, tax revenue, and the overall economy. Karen Harbert, the President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy, was a featured speaker at an Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA luncheon held at Heifer International's world headquarters. Harbert touted a litany of energy statistics that highlighted that in the next 35 years the world's electricity demand will increase by 140%. She said the ability to harvest resources for energy needed to be as diversified as possible.
Roby Brock, a freelance journalist based in Little Rock, writes weekly for the Arkansas News Bureau. His weekly television program airs at 10 p.m. Sundays in Central and Northwest Arkansas. His e-mail address is email@example.com; his website address is www.talkbusiness.net


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12 oz. Mouse Episode 7
Cartoon : 12 oz. Mouse
Parents need to know that although this animated series (part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup) features animals and might appear harmless at very first glance, watching for even a few minutes will convince you that this isn't one for the kids. Protagonist Mouse Fitzgerald is an unapologetic alcoholic who doesn't follow rules, and the other characters in his world aren't much better. Toss in some bathroom humor (in one episode a character relieves himself in a car, filling it to the roof with urine) and violence (a pig's throat is cut, and the animal is gutted), and you get the idea.
Related Series
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Saddleback Church necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 675 diseños de 211 diseñadores freelance.
Saddleback Church
We are a church with global influence that is expressed through local community campuses, soon to be international.
Our church has had a global influence, mainly with training local pastors, for over 20 years. Now, we are prayerfully considering branching out with campuses in other countries other than the United States. I have included an image that shows some of our logos through the years. Saddleback Church has very humble beginnings and started as a small local church in the suburbs of Orange Country, California. A local landmark is the Saddleback mountain range, which is seen in the top two logos. Our current logo simplified the logo to just a signature "s". With the possible move to international campuses, we see the need to change our logo so that it is not a letter of the English language, but still has the look and feel of Saddleback Church.
To the left of the logos, you will see some of the icons we use in our teaching of pastors about our philosophy of church vision and structure. For example, the top left image takes the bottom two and put them together as a logo (Fig. 1) that has been used in our church. The centric circles (Fig. 2) is a pathway that we intentionally move our attenders toward commitment. The baseball diamond (Fig. 3) is another pathway we use to fulfill God's purposes in their lives. These are both very important in our purpose driven model of church, which will be used across the board in all Saddleback Churches.
The new logo design that we are looking for will incorporate these elements, without the use of the mountains or the signature "s". We are open to your creativity here, but large crosses are not necessary in the logo design. The cross of Christ is central to our beliefs, but our desire is to be a vibrant church that is all about the community in which the campus is located, and giving care and help to individuals that leads them to God and life change.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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shaunad necesitaba un nuevo diseño de página web y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 24 diseños de 4 diseñadores freelance.
Comprehensive Services
We are a private behavioral health practice that has been in operation for 20+ years. We do awesome stuff, changing peoples lives for the better. We offer traditional behavioral therapy services, and medication management as well as alternative therapies like neurofeedback (brain training), hypnosis, and biofeedback. We offer relief, change, and growth, working with every client to ensure their needs are met. We love what we do, knowing that we can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Helping others to realize their potential gives us the opportunity to realize ours - hence we are rewarded.
Everyone! All people of all ages can benefit from our services. We work with individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families to give them the most comprehensive approach to meet their needs for symptom relief, self-betterment and performance enhancement.
Our aim is to spread the understanding that anyone can benefit form behavioral health therapies. Our "typical" client is one who comes to us after they have survived a trauma, or while in a desperate state of depression, anxiety, loneliness, or grief. Clients also come to us frequently if they or a loved one is going through marital or parental challenges, or perhaps their child is struggling in school. We work with people suffering from or with symptoms of any number of diagnosis (ADD/ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Symptom, brain injuries, stroke victims, eating disorders, learning disorders, etc). But, we also love to see clients who use behavioral therapy as a preventative measure or even maintenance and performance enhancement.
We aim to work with the clients who appreciate methods alternative to, or in addition to medication. We are unique in the mental health community because we choose to medicate clients only when medically necessary and if the client feels that medication is the only way to get symptom relief.
A website that is calming yet up-beat and positive.
We want an aesthetically appealing home page with our location and contact information. We have no color scheme, style or taglines. FEEL FREE TO BE CREATIVE!
Should not be overwhelming with information but welcoming and inviting for exploration.
Needs to have information about our services. Because we tailor each client's therapy to match their needs it needs to be understood that there is no "preset" therapy determination.
The website needs to be user-friendly so that even those who are not web-savvy can still navigate around and get the information they are looking for.
We want clients to link to a page with our business and intake paperwork so clients can download it, print it our and complete it. This should also have our contact information: 1555 Bethel Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43220. Phone #: (614)442-0664, Fax #: (614)442-0620 This page could be called "Getting Started" or something like that. Not sure if I should include that pprwrk here or not.
The website should have images of families, couples, individuals, and children. Also, we want images that represent tranquility, happiness, positive change, thought, intellect and health.
Neurofeedback and Biofeedback therapies use state of the art technology and this should appeal to clients. We want the concept of working with the brain and the body for mental health purposes to stimulate interest - in particular for those who are interested in the alternative approach to medication. Not sure if we include the content for that or not.
I have included our new logo colors have not been decided.
I will upload more information soon, stay tuned! (Sorry, I don't fully understand how this works yet).
CONTENT: Home Page; Comprehensive Services is a well-established practice with over a dozen clinicians that cover a wide spectrum of therapy approaches and focus areas. We provide comprehensive behavioral health care services to adults, adolescents, and children in individual, group, marital and/or family consultation.
We have a personal investment in the positive experience of all our clients and strive to create an environment that is supportive, respectful of differences, and mutually participative. We also rely on the belief that therapy is a collaborative effort in which clients and therapists work together to identify goals and work toward achieving them.
In order to provide the best counseling, we focus on each client's individual needs and provide a personalized and unique counseling experience. The delivery of these services is based on the worth and dignity of each person, and is delivered in a personalized and confidential manner. Services are available to all persons regardless of race, creed, sexuality, nationality, gender, age, or disability.
To serve each client's needs, we offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches including conventional psychotherapy, medication management, hypnotherapy, neurofeedback, and biofeedback.
Testing/Assessment page: TESTING AND ASSESSMENTS
Evaluations offered at Comprehensive Services include but are not limited to the following:
•Psychological testing for psychiatric, mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties
•Substance abuse and chemical dependency assessment and psychological testing
•Dual diagnosis assessment and psychological evaluation
•Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Evaluation
•Learning Disability testing
•Career skill set assessment and testing
Numerous sources may request an evaluation of an individual, including physicians, attorneys, educators, and employers. This information can then be used to receive disability benefits for education, help find a diagnosis for treatment, as well as other purposes. Testing can also be used as a starting place for counseling. With the results, therapists can formulate an efficient and beneficial therapy approach.
If you are interested in learning more about assessment services, you may contact our intake department at 614-442-0664 to request more specific information.
ABOUT US: Mission Statement
Comprehensive Services' mission is to deliver the highest quality services in a cost-effective manner, while utilizing qualified behavioral health care professionals. We are dedicated to promoting the dignity and wellbeing of our clients, as well as all who are involved in their care. We strive to assure that our services are rendered in a competent and compassionate manner that is completely confidential.
To insure the client's complete privacy, all information concerning clients, whether obtained through direct contact with the client, the client's records, conversations with therapists, physicians, peers or family members, must be held in the strictest confidence. Information will not be released without the signed consent of the individual receiving the services, or in circumstances dictated by state or federal law.
We offer a diversified staff of professionals, including licensed psychologists and social workers, chemical dependency counselors, licensed professional clinical counselors, and psychiatrists. Male and female professionals are available. Our staff has the experience and training necessary to allow us to assist each individual, couple, or family to address specific needs and problems in an effective and efficient manner
Comprehensive Services is always accepting resumes for the following licensed professionals: Psychologists, Psychiatrists, LPCCs, LISWs, and Clinical Registered Nurse Practitioners
We will also be having a Contact Us, Links and Resources, Staff Directory, Alternative Therapies, and a Counseling/Psychotherapy page


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Honda showed off a new Fit that only travels 100 miles, tops out at 90 mph and will likely be slower than the current version when it goes on sale in 2012. Also, it's electric powered, so there's that.
Thirteen years after unveiling its first EV in L.A., Honda says the world has finally caught up. The production electric Fit that goes to the United States and Europe in 2012 will sport the three-mode driving system from the CR-Z hybrid and software that "trains" drivers to use as little energy as possible.<\/p>
Honda will also supply a charging system that will be able to alert an owner to the vehicle's remaining energy wherever the holder is, with or without an internet connection. <\/p>
Takanobu Ito, Honda president and CEO, said the new Fit would still be fun to drive, but that "ultimately we must use no petroleum." <\/p>
Photos by: Nick McGlynn<\/a><\/p>


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After last night's tiresome presidential debate, President Obama's supporters were replete with what Groucho Marks used to call "departee" – suggestions on what the president should have said. That's a pretty good indicator about how the debate turned out.
The evening featured another remarkable shifting of shape, a new Etch-a-Sketch, by Mitt Romney. Romney, filled with earnest intensity, simply walked away from much of his campaign to date. Ignore the centerpiece of his platform – his plan to cut tax rates by 20%, eliminate the estate and gift tax, sustain the carried interest and capital gains tax breaks, paid for by eliminating unspecified loopholes. Simple addition and subtraction shows that ends up handing the wealthy a huge tax break that must be paid by the middle class paying more, most notably by losing deductions for their home mortgages or their health care.
Well, forget about it. Last night, Romney announced that he wouldn't let taxes go up on anyone – or apparently down on anyone either. His bold idea, as the president said, is… well "never mind."
And so it went, as Romney shamelessly squared every circle. Regulation is "essential," but just not Dodd-Frank. The man from Bain, his campaign raking in dough from disgruntled Wall Street bankers, claimed to be opposed to Dodd-Frank because it was a boon to "New York City bankers." Who knew?
And Romney's for covering pre-existing conditions, letting kids stay on their parents' health care plans, aiding seniors with the cost of prescription drugs and every other thing that polls well – just not for Obamacare, which he lied is a government takeover of health care. Mitt waxed eloquent on the benefits of competition among insurance companies in health care, proving that he can sell strychnine as an elixir. He's for more teachers, and won't cut education. He's for those in trouble, and waxed rhapsodic on how America will always care for them. And so it went.
The president largely seemed detached, often listless in response to Romney's shifting shapes. He called on Romney to supply a few details, questioned why all his plans are secret if they are so good.
But secret plans and skimpy details aren't really what's missing in Romney. What's missing is any sense of shame when it comes to making a sale. He'll pitch it flat, and pitch it sharp. He'll paint it black and peddle it white. He's a true conservative on Monday, a raging moderate today, an enlightened reformer on Wednesday. The president looked exasperated just trying to figure out what Romney Romney was peddling last night.
Romney's stumbling campaign has gotten brutal reviews from the punditry. But last night demonstrated his strength. We know who he is. He believes in more tax breaks for the wealthy, less regulation on the corporations, more corporate trade deals, more money for the military, deep and debilitating cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, and every domestic program. He is the tribune of the 1 percent, the champion of trickle down. The full catastrophe that got us into the mess we are in. But he's prepared to abandon that agenda to sell it, and do so without even a glimmer of recognition that he forcefully argued the reverse last month.
Romney truly is the man from Bain. There he "harvested" profits from companies, by arguing with a straight face that taking on massive debt would benefit the company and its workers. Of course, Bain would pocket its piece up front, but Bain would assure executives and workers we're all in this together. Right.
Now he's pushing tax cuts and deregulation, but don't worry. This is different than all previous plans. We're all in this together. And if he can sell that, we're all in big trouble.


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Release Date: 2008 |
Album Rating: 4.0If you haven't heard this (which I'm guessing is everyone but BallsToTheWall) you pretty much need to right now.
Hmmm, Olafur Arnalds and Elend are in the 'members also liked' section - I may have to check this out for sure.
Once again, very nice review Crysis; you have my vote.
Digging: Echolyn - Echolyn (II)
Album Rating: 4.0Thank you, this isn't really like Olafur Arnalds, but then again I can't compare it to anything at all. You just have to hear it. "The Origin: The Point of No Return" is probably the best song I've heard in quite a long time.
nice and short. recently i've been trying to cut down my reviews and keep ending up with a little more than a page single-spaced on ms word (with paragraph breaks). sort of frustrating. this is good
Album Rating: 4.0Yeah mine are typically just about one full page, three or four paragraphs. It makes for an easy read but it gives you enough space to say what you want.
Album Rating: 4.0This is sounding real good. Great review, bro.
this looks good. pos fo the review
This sounds really, really good.
Will listen when I have a chance.
Album Rating: 4.0Definitely do it, this album is unbelievable.
Believe it or not, I actually deleted this out of my library a few weeks ago when I cleaned out my itunes. Maybe I'll have to download it again.
Album Rating: 4.0Yeah man, give it another spin. Most of the album I loved right away but a few songs took a few listens to really get.
Album Rating: 4.0My nig Crysis. That's what i'm talking about. Killer album/review/etc.
Digging: Currents - The Way It Ends
Album Rating: 4.0Balls, thanks so much for this rec dude
Album Rating: 4.0Man this is so beast.
sooooooo dubious
doobie us
wait this isnt the same as the ambient Vindensång is it?
Album Rating: 4.0This is the same Vindensang.
Album Rating: 4.5Just downloaded, haven't listened to it yet. Sounds like it should be good though. I've been in sort of an ambient mood lately.
Album Rating: 4.5looking forward to this.
Bands: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


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I'm sure some of you, when you first read the title of this blog thing that I miss home. However, it means that I am literally sick at home. This is going to be a short blog due to the fact that I am still sick.
Monday, I left OSU work early because I suddenly didn't feel well at all. After making zucchini bread (which is delicious by the way), I went straight to bed, and Tuesday morning woke up feeling like a semi had just ran over me. After calling in sick, Benjamin says "well you sure don't sound like it's going to be difficult for them to believe you're sick". That, of course, made me feel so much better. Tuesday night, I decided to try to see if I felt well enough to make some salsa with the veggies out of my in-laws' gardens. The salsa, like the zucchini bread, is also amazing – and I forgot to mention the zucchini was home grown as well. Wednesday morning arrived and feeling just as horrible as Tuesday, I crawled onto the couch and camped out all day.
Good news is, I caught up on my reading. Bad news is I missed the interviews I scheduled last week. I know I wasn't on the interview board, but it still would have been really great experience to see the entire process. Additionally, I missed a visit to the plant by a very special guest today…none other than Dr. E. Gordon Gee himself! Dr. Gee and I – we're almost on first name basis. Seriously! When I was in the marching band, he knew my name, but it's been a few years and we haven't had as frequent contact as before. See the picture below. I'm just to the right of Dr. Gee in the picture. That's at the Fiesta Bowl practice in January 2009.
And finally, so that you all can have something to do the next time you're home sick, I leave you with one of the two recipes which got me through my hopefully ending sickness. Happy cooking!
Chocolate Zucchini Bread (Weight Watcher Friendly)
2 C sugar
3/4 C Egg Substitute
1/3 C Canola Oil
2 T Water
1 T Vanilla Extract
2 1/2 C Shredded Zucchini
2 1/2 C All Purpose Flour
1/2 C Unsweetened Cocoa
1 t Baking Soda
1 t Ground Cinnamon
1/4 t Baking Powder
Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Coat 2-4×8″ loaf pans with nonstick spray
In medium bowl, use an electric mixer and beat sugar, egg substitute, oil, water and vanilla at medium speed
Stir in zucchini
Add dry ingredients and stir until moistened; divide batter between pans
Bake until toothpick comes out clean
Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes
Remove loaves from pan and allow to cool completely on wire rack
This recipe freezes well