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Access Type
Open Access Dissertation
Date of Award
January 2014
Degree Type
Degree Name
Physics and Astronomy
First Advisor
Alexey A. Petrov
In this doctoral dissertation I discuss the phenomenology of some weak interaction decays using a model independent approach by employing effective field theories. I discuss the soft photon contribution and background effect to the rare dimuonic decay of the neutral B meson. I also study some radiative exclusive W boson decays in the standard model in the context of pQCD and SCET. Additionally I invoke leptonic decays of charged mesons to constrain two general models of light dark matter.
Recommended Citation
Yechan Gunja, Aditya, "Weak Decay Studies From An Effective Theory Standpoint" (2014). Wayne State University Dissertations. 1035.


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Laurie & Co. have your Thanksgiving gifts, candles, and inspiration all lined up
and ready to add that certain sparkle to your Holiday gatherings.
The kind of gifts that maybe won't ever make it into a gift bag 😉 LOL
Want to show your friends and family how grateful you are to see them this Thanksgiving?
Be sure to include some of our stellar candles, potpurries, and heartfelt adornments
whether in your home or off to Grandma's house.
I just wish the screen was scratch and sniff so you could take all the
decadent pumpkin, vanilla, gingerbread, and maple candle scents in!

subset: commoncrawl


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new project for REDACTED.
This new breakfast radio show is a bold and hugely effective way for one of the UK's major high-street banks to inform, connect and engage with their staff. We broadcast live to every branch and every customer-care centre across the country. The interactive show generates measurable engagement in customer experience, company strategy and best practice.
We are lucky to be working with the brilliant people at McCann Synergy and a dynamic and forward-thinking internal communications team at the bank.Together we've created something special and unique. This is the future of employee engagement and internal comms.
The demo below will give you flavour of the show, but it's the live (and currently embargoed, naturally) employee interaction that makes the project outstanding.


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Art for People: NYFA's A & AE
In News onIt's no surprise that as an artist I believe art is good. Not just paintings or
sculptures but anything that can make me see new possibilities, open my eyes
to new realities and make me feel some sort of awe inspiring flow that's
bigger than my usual self. And simply put, there are amazing things out there
that make me say "wow, I'm glad to be alive to see that!". But actually getting
out and trying to help artists to make things is a tricky matter; especially
when it's done publicly. When I see people debating about it, I feel helpless.
I have no words to say if someone claims that we have more urgent issues
than people having fun listening to music or painting pictures. And how
do you decide what's good for people and what's not?That's why it's so refreshing and encouraging to see people just going
ahead and doing what they believe by clever ideas and practical solutions.
Last year I had such a moment when I got to know about
the Artists & Audiences Exchange program of New York Foundation for the Arts.
It's a part of their grant program which basically give away money to selected
applicants. But they tell the selected applicants that the part of their money
will be given only if they make up a public program for the people in NY state.OK, so when I got the money from NYFA last year, my response was, "Ah,
what? It's not a free money? I don't get it. They are not just giving it to me?
What???.". Well, that was just before I realized the cleverness and significance
of the program. It's so great to know that there are smart, capable people
looking after arts out there. Thank you NYFA.After thinking about the program for a few months I decided to give a talk at a
local library, Hampton Library, in Bridgehampton, NY. Its building has just
gotten an extensive renovation and the director of the library has been very
positive and welcoming about the idea (my wife used to work there!). So the
talk is going to be on Saturday May 15th 3:00PM. I will be talking about my
sculpture making process with lots of images. It'll be relaxed, informal and
hopefully fun. Please let the library know if you are interested in attending.
I will see you there if you are around!Contact information for the Hampton Library in BridgehamptonFacebook Page for the Hampton Library in BridgehamptonHiroyuki Hamada is a 2009 Artist Fellowship recipient of the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). This presentation is co-sponsored by Artists & Audience Exchange, a NYFA public program.
Talk at Berkshire Community College
In News onWorking with the community college was a special event for me since I myself got
into art when I was in a community college in a small town, Wheeling, West
Virginia. Three years after my father, who worked in the steel industry in Japan,
took his family to the small town in the US, I met a community college teacher,
Karl Jacobson. As a foreign student struggling to get by the school assignments
by basically looking up all the words, Mr. Jacobson's skill in speaking through
his drawings was just beyond magical. Until then, I had no idea that some
shapes and lines on a piece of paper could move people like music or books could.
I was like a grown man with measles: shaken up and helplessly driven away to
pursue what I saw. So having an exhibition and a talk at BCC was my way of
giving back to where I got it.On October 2nd, my wife and I drove up to Berkshires to meet the typical
community college crowd at one of their art class rooms. They were just as they
were at my community college 20 years ago in another state 500 miles away;
they were from all kinds of backgrounds, young and old. I knew that some of them
were there against their own will (sort of), just to get the school credit. So I
wanted to make it as painless and hopefully as fun and interesting as possible.
Two most asked questions in the past talks had been "what are they made of?" and
"how did you do that?". So I simply decided to tell them how I made the pieces:
hands on, practical sorts of information. I got 64 images of sculptures in progress
that included the very first idea sketches and finished pieces with some detail shots;
and I tried to follow the steps as I encouraged them to ask questions.The talk went really smooth. People asked questions that totally complemented the
content of the talk. And nothing beats seeing people coming up to me totally excited
about the work as I am: letting me know that I did share something good with them.
I am pretty sure Mr. Jacobson would have approved of the talk.Here is a picture of Karl Jacobson with one of his amazing paintings, "Musicians".
I still feel weird to think that he is not with us anymore. He passed away early this
year. It was so sudden and totally unexpected to all.He painted amazing pictures that changed my life completely.


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Your First Step Into Formal Property Checking
I've been big on unit testing for a little over 10 years. In fact, I regularly say unit testing is one of the most important engineering skills I've ever learned. Then a few weeks ago I saw the power of formal property checking with Questa® PropCheck and suddenly feel conflicted. Both are productive first steps for verifying low-level RTL functionality. But which is the better option?
A Unit Testing Primer
Traditionally, verification targets chip and sub-system hierarchies; the chip level tier for integration testing and sub-system tier for exhaustive functional testing. Unit testing preempts tradition with a 3rd tier; unit test each individual module in isolation first, then integrate those modules into sub-systems and corresponding chip.
The benefit of unit testing is flushing out low-level, hard-to-find bugs in RTL as you write it, way before anyone else sees them. Verification engineers get RTL that magically works; block and chip level verification runs much more smoothly and predictably as a result. (Note that 'magical' is not hyperbole here. I've unit tested UVM test bench components for years and the before/after difference in code quality is truly night and day. This is why I say it's the most important skill I've ever learned 🙂 .)
Example Unit Tests
To get a feel for unit test granularity, I find low level tests easiest to write because the scope of possible input conditions and outcomes is narrow. To illustrate, we'll look at unit tests that verify the memory write transactions derived from streaming AXI4 bus input.
Let's start with unit tests to verify the write output. Write should be active when valid and ready are asserted:
Next, let's verify concatenated AXI4 data is transferred correctly. This is what data setting/checking looks look like:
Last is to verify the write address to the memory increments and wraps properly:
With those tests, as simple and as focused as they are, we're confident data cycles on the streaming AXI4 are gettng to the memory as intended.
Note: these code snippets are pulled from a working example but they aren't shown verbatim. I tend to group test behaviours into functions and tasks so the real unit tests look like a series of function/task calls. What's inside those functions/tasks is what I have pasted in here. This is better for showing the relevant interactions and checks within each test.
Unit Testing, Formal Style
Now let's switch gears and see what the same tests look like with formal property checking. First let's tackle the write output with a direct 1-to-1 mapping of unit tests to properties:
The data checking is more involved because it models expected data using local variables inside the property. Still though, it's fairly straightforward:
Last is the write address properties to confirm it increments and wraps properly…
Compare and Contrast
Clearly there are a lot of similarities in the two approaches. As I spend more time with PropCheck, it becomes more evident that formal property checking is unit testing by another name. They rely on different technology of course, but they're similarly applicable to verifying low level design structures. Most importantly, both give you the confidence of knowing your RTL works!
An advantage of property checking over unit testing is that the infrastructure requirements are almost negligible; I didn't show the module binding here because it's barely worth discussion. Another probable advantage is that design engineers will ramp-up to being productive faster with property checking. Further, properties look to be more concise in definition, also more comprehensive in what they verify than unit tests. With practice, I'm guessing the effort required for property checking will be less than the effort required for unit testing.
All things considered, I'd recommend both unit testing and formal property checking for verifying RTL; but I'm leaning toward formal property checking as the more productive option. It really hurts to admit that considering my 10+ year history with unit testing, but it's hard to deny. Makes me wish I had a time machine to see PropCheck sooner.
Final note, the complete code example I mentioned earlier includes a full unit test suite and equivalent property suite around a small design module. Interested in the full example? Let me know in the comments. Or you can reach out to me directly at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Want to increase your interior designer salary? Feng Shui courses are the answer you're looking for! Join QC Design School tutor, Ivy Ellerby, as she breaks down 3 reasons why!
The founder of Eastern Design and Home Staging, Ivy is an Accredited Staging Professional and Advanced Feng Shui Design Professional. As a renowned industry expert, she uses her knowledge to help consumers increase profits on home sales and implement new design ideas into their living spaces.
The Key to a Good Interior Designer Salary
A good interior designer always creates a balance of colors, patterns, and textured elements (such as wood and stone). These are all key to making a space look aesthetically pleasing, based on the client's preferences.
Why is this so important? Simply put, the key to a fruitful salary is to give your clients what they ask for – even when their selections contrast drastically from what you'd personally love to do with the space.
Boost Your Salary with Feng Shui Courses
But what happens when a space has followed all of the rules of design and looks great… but somehow feels wrong? Sometimes, a space can feel empty or cold, even after the makeover is complete.
This is where Feng Shui courses can help! This specialized training will teach you all the skills needed to make a space feel as good as it looks!
Fact: Feng Shui Training will Give You a Better Overall Skill-Set!
As a child, I grew up in a small Appalachian Mountain community within the United States. We used to have a saying there: "You're too smart for your own good."
The saying had two different meanings, depending on the tone of the person using it. First, it could reference a person who mistakenly thought they knew everything. Basically, a know-it-all who believed they had all the answers, all the time.
Secondly, it could also reference a person who would bluff others that didn't know anything. For example, that individual could be trying to pull a fast one, in an attempt to appear more knowledgeable. Either way, the person's outcome would eventually be less desirable than expected.
The same thing can be said for interior designers who know a lot about design concepts. Knowing interior design and knowing energy are as different as night and day. Often, interior designers don't know how to analyze and balance the energy of space. They're simply not taught this important aspect in great detail.
This is just one reason why enrolling in Feng Shui courses will be so positive and impactful for your career!
3 Reasons a Feng Shui Course will Increase Your Interior Designer Salary
As an interior designer, you should take Feng Shui courses because they will elevate your design knowledge to a master's level. This type of training expands your knowledge base by teaching you to look beyond color and texture. As a result, you'll understand how to seek balance that supports your client's needs and wants.
Below are a few of the top reasons why Feng Shui training can make your clients happier with your design concepts.
As you read through them, remember: satisfied clients tell other new, potential clients about your business. This will inevitably increase your annual interior designer salary. So basically, Feng Shui courses are practically guaranteed to boost your income!
Reason #1: You'll Master Your 6th Sense
Have you ever walked into a house or office space and instantly felt like something was off? You look around to detect the culprit, but your basic 5 senses detect nothing out of the ordinary. Still, there's just a feeling that something is not quite right.
That's your 6th sense!
Think of your 6th sense as that intuitive instinct that all animals use to survive. For example, have you ever walked down a dark alleyway and suddenly gotten a negative vibe? Something inside of you says, "You are not safe. Get out of here!" So, you choose to stop and take a different route, or ask for an escort.
Your 6th sense is your gut feeling – and you should always trust your gut.
Within the home, there will always be an energetic component to each individual area. Feng Shui courses teaches you about energy, also known as Ch'i. Furthermore, this training teaches you which environmental components make Ch'i move fast, compared to those that slow it down.
A Feng Shui class will help you understand how to read energy in the same way you'd read a floorplan as an interior designer. By applying this Feng Shui knowledge, you can ultimately make a space feel as good as it looks!
Reason #2: You'll Learn to Recognize Poor Architectural Design
Sometimes houses and offices are built in a way that makes its inhabitants feel less than optimal. For instance, I once had client who hired me to do some design work in her house. The reason? She was not sleeping well.
This client had changed her mattress and sleeping habits. For instance, she stopped watching television 2 hours before to bedtime. She even tried changing her diet, also to no avail. As a result, she was desperate for sleep.
Not long after, my client came across an article online that talked about how Feng Shui could help with this dilemma. From there, she hired me. The first time I entered her bedroom, I noticed right away that the space had been magnificently designed.
However, it did not correct the energy disruptions present. This was because the room was oddly shaped. There were key components that I was easily able to identify, all of which contributed to her sleep-deprived state.
Again, the space was beautiful to the eye! But it lacked the key components needed to encourage and enhance sleep.
Feng Shui courses can teach you to compensate for poor architectural design. This way, your clients can avoid common energy-disrupting design choices. Again, it's worth repeating that clients who feel good after working with you, and actually see desirable results, will want to hire you again. They'll be eager to recommend you to others.
What does this mean? You guessed it: a higher interior designer salary for you and your business!
Reason #3: Feng Shui Courses Will Allow You to Expand Your Design Services
Offering more services from your design business definitely gives you the opportunity to increase your interior designer salary. Personally, one way that I maximize the education acquired from my Feng Shui courses is by focusing on the preplanning of fixtures and accessories while the client's house is being built.
Oftentimes, a client will narrow down their selections to 2 or 3 options. Then I meet with them. During this meeting, I give them my professional advice on which type of energy these items will have on the overall energy of the house.
An interior designer is trained to know that certain rooms of the house need to be livelier than others. A Feng Shui course, on the other hand, will teach you how to analyze how much lively energy needs to be added to a space.
Remember: too much or too little of anything can be detrimental. There's a way to determine which colors need to be used, which elements should be present, and even which lighting needs to be implemented within a room.
All of these calculations are based on the physical location of the house. The room placement on the floorplan, the shape of the room, and the client's needs must also be taken into account. This skill-set can be added to any interior designer's repertoire by getting Feng Shui training!
Final Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? Separate yourself from the masses by making sure you have ALL the skills available! This way, you can bring your creative ideas to life!
Earn the ability to make your room designs feel as good as they look. Give your clients the BEST of what the world of design has to offer. Do all of this – and so much more – by enrolling in Feng Shui courses today!


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Gravel road to algae-caked pond. The YMCA pool is now a Walgreens parking lot. Tree static is wind plus leaves. The effect it produces when scanning rough footage—it's the closest I've come: back, forward, spacebar, play, back, forward, again. When I plug in the lamp, I keep my finger between the silver prongs. When you come to, taste iron and charcoal. I'm fine. It's fine.
A young man taught me how to swim. Watch beads of water collect in his collarbones, their canyons. Pavement, gravel, dirt. Swimming is recreational drowning—on this point I will not budge. You've never met a clavicle you didn't like; you've never gummed a collarbone that didn't taste like a little like home. Pondscum. A raft in the water, crushed beer cans litter planks. My father sighs at the sight. Woods flattened after a storm. New vistas, flat maps. Growing older, you glue them together with spit. My father, in all truth, taught me how to swim—the young man only taught me how to flail. You are only bone; you sink like bone. The warped plank of the yard. When did fear become your dominant mode? Poor visual quality, audible hiss, rewind before returning or don't. The walls of the old house are green. Does it make you more or less human? I walk to the edge of the light-blue diving board. When the walls are painted white, it's a different house; don't try to tell me different. What joker made the board resemble clear blue sky? At the far end of the pond, the water swamps. Skunk cabbage. Crush beneath your boot and inhale. Water to mud; water to firm shore. An arm or an arm of algae blooms. Smell Walgreens; smell chlorine. Varnished boards underfoot. Scoop the water, push as much as you can with your thin hands. Years later, a large lake. Muddy beach, long bridge spanning open water. Agenda: Stop treading the warm, dull liquid. Push the air from your lungs. When you sink, feel the surface of the lake like a sky. When you come back up? Breathe water, swallow air.
William VanDenBerg
03 14 16


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I made an attempt to connect Marketo with the company's Google Ads Manager account and received an odd error. In the beginning it popped a red banner above the connection window, saying "Error creating webinar login"; in later attempts it just froze after clicking 'connect'.
Any idea what might cause this?
I made an attempt to repair the connection/connect our Marketo account with our Google Ads Manager account and received the error
Were you able to resolve the issue, Idan Haim? I just had the same thing happen to me.


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It occurred to me that I didn't do a Council Report for the strange little council meeting we held on August 4th. It was so quick, I almost missed it myself, which is interesting as I (as acting Mayor) was the chair! (see photo above, courtesy Councillor Puchmayr)
The meeting was called to allow a public opportunity to be heard on Bylaw No. 7772, 2015. There is a bit of a background story as to why we called a special meeting for this.
There are various rules about how a bylaw can be adopted, and some require public Opportunity to be Heard. The public must be given adequate notice, and have the opportunity to provide a written comment or appear before Council to plead their case about why the Bylaw should or should not be adopted. "Adequate notice" is defined in the Section 94 of the Community Charter (which is why big billboard signs are in front of lots undergoing rezoning, and why there are all those boring drawings in the City Page in the newspaper). There is also a requirement (in Section 135 of the Community Charter) that there must be at least one day between the third reading of a Bylaw and adoption, meaning a Council cannot write up, read, approve, and adopt a bylaw all in one day.
As amendments to Bylaws take Bylaws themselves, the factors above caused us to not be able to amend Bylaw 7509, 2012 during our last meetings of the summer, as it require an amending Bylaw, the aforementioned 7772, 2015. The reason we needed to amend it is just as arcane and bureaucratic.
Bylaw 7509, 2012 was essentially a land-exchange deal between the City and a couple of land owners on Queensborough. You can go through the report and look at the drawings, but essentially, pieces of road allowance were sold to the adjacent land owners to rectify an historic alignment issue. Apparently, one of the landowners never executed the agreement, leaving a stranded piece of land, and was now ready to execute, with a fairly tight deadline for closure. Problem is, the Provincial Land Title Office requirements for registered drawings have changed since 2012, so the work had to be re-surveyed, and since the drawings referred to in the 2012 Bylaw are not the same as the drawings being used in 2015 for the land exchange, an amendment to the 2012 Bylaw was required to refer to the 2015 drawings.
So in the interest of public service, Council agreed to a Special Meeting to allow for proper advertizing, an opportunity to be heard, and adoption of the Bylaw. As no-one submitted any written correspondence, and no-one took the opportunity to be heard at the Special Meeting, council voted to adopt the new Bylaw. The updated drawings are no the Law of the Land.
We also (since we were getting together anyway) adopted Bylaw 7771, 2015 (Development Agreement for Riversky, which was given Third Reading on July 13, 2015), and Bylaw 7740, 2015 (Zoning Amendment for 318 and 328 Agnes, which saw Third Reading on April 27, 2015).
And we were done in 5 minutes, my short tenure in the Mayor's Chair over in the blink of an eye.
We will see you all on August 31st, where Council is Meeting at the Anvil Centre. Yes, we are taking Council on the Road at the end of Summer, meeting in three different neighbourhoods. After the Downtown meeting, we will meet on September 14 at the Queensborough Community Centre, then on September 28th at the Sapperton Pensioners Hall. Should be fun!


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Wood Foot Deck
Enjoy the wood foot deck of the MotoTec Groove Electric Scooter, the mix of technology, lithium battery and powerful motor with the vintage style of this amazing scooter. Be the star of the neighbourhood with this very unique EV.
Rear Hub Motor
Feel the torque, power and performance thanks to a motor located in the hub of the rear wheel. Use propulsion and feel this powerful scooter take you wherever you need to go. Combined with air filled tires, this will smoothen any obstacle on your path.
80's Design
Be the star of the road with this sleek design, very different from the modern electric scooters we see everyday. This look will suit you on your commute and during your holidays with a beachtown and 80's feeling.


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XXI April International Scientific Conference started its work on April 7, 2020
The National Research University Higher School of Economics, a long-time partner of the museum Collection, hosts the 21st April International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development.
This year, the Higher School of Economics announced that the April Conference will be held in a distributed format https://conf.hse.ru/2020
The distributed format ensures maximum opportunities for discussion and debate about the key developments and trends in economy and society. A number of sessions will be held online.
Sectional workshops will run for two months, and the presentation of reports and their discussions will be organized online.
The conference's YouTube channel is also open, it hosts video versions of participants' reports https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwH5S3ybafYquqbw-bzM6Pg/videos
The Conference features a diverse agenda concerning social and economic development in Russia. The major part of reports will include presentations by Russian and international academics, roundtables and plenary sessions with participation of the Russian Federation Government members, governmental officials, business representatives, and leading Russian and foreign experts.
725 representatives from 55 countries have registered to participate in the XXI April Conference. All of them, as well as other researchers and experts, will have the opportunity to discuss the reports that were selected while reviewing. Along with new format workshop sessions, other conference events, including associated ones, will be held.
There is every reason to believe that this year the April International Scientific Conference will not only show results according to its high rating, but also enhance the image of a platform on which the latest outstanding research results are presented and competent discussions on the most challenging and acute problems of social development are held. This year the site becomes virtual for the first time.
We sincerely wish the participants of the conference interesting discussions, fruitful research, health and success!


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Search help from within Genesys Cloud
- From the Help bar, click Search help.
- In the Search help box, type a word or phrase.
Note: Search is not case-sensitive. - Click the article that you want.
- If you do not see an article that helps you, get more help or search the Resource Center.


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Packaging Ideas for Perfume That Steal Customers' Attention
Having a good perfume box design can help your product stand out from the competition and gain consumer attention. So, it is important to look into what works for your specific industry. Here are some of the most popular brands out there with great packaging designs that are proven to be effective.
To create a well-designed product, you must first understand how people will react to it. These labels have been tested over and over again throughout history and have created a lasting impact on consumers everywhere.
Table of Contents
How Do People Run Their Small Perfume Business?
Many people who work with magazines do this, but it is also something that can apply to those who are running their small businesses such as a bar, or art galleries. With this, it would be beneficial to test all of the different variations out on the market and see what works the best.
The reason why this concept creates an instant impact is that it does not require any images from the person looking at it. This is because the package is so descriptive.
Why Do Brands Choose Attractive Logos?
The logo for the company is featured in the lower left-hand corner of the package with their website found to the right of it.
Have you ever seen a perfume package in a store but were too embarrassed to ask for it? It may seem like an easy task, but there is much more to consider than just the price. You have to consider whether or not it looks professional and whether or not you are attracted by the design. One way of doing this is by looking at online reviews. This review will help with the looks, but not with any of the other aspects.
Role of Colorful Packaging
There are different kinds of perfumes for different purposes. Some are for everyday wear and others are for evening wear. The perfume packaging has to embody the spirit of the perfume. Colorful, eye-catching packaging helps in this regard, but it's not enough on its own. There has to be some touch of creativity as well.
Perfumes are meant to be worn with style. The way they are packaged has to reflect the same spirit. There are numerous ways in which the bottles can be packaged. Some of these include:
Create a Memorable Design
In this kind of packaging, the bottle or cap is designed to look like an object from the past or an item from nature. It should be done in such a way that it looks appealing but also has a certain history to it. The packaging should not look futuristic, futuristic is usually seen on luxury perfumes.
Get Help from Art
If you cannot come up with your design, you can always ask an artist to help you create one. You can use their designs as a template and then make changes according to your desires and needs. This helps you save money and also ensures uniformity in the bottles.
How Do Designs Create A Memorable Impression?
The perfume industry is one of the largest in the world, and it's not hard to see why. Perfumes are an integral part of a woman's everyday life and can help create a memorable first impression. Investors have seen this potential and are pouring money into branding perfumes in order to reach consumers more directly. The new trend for perfumes is that they must have a clear, identifiable brand – just as different clothing brands have defined colors, logos, etc., so do perfume brands need recognizable traits that make them stand out from the crowd.
Go Cartoonish
This has become a popular packaging style due to the growing demand for perfumes with quirky stories behind them. If you can come up with a creative story, you can package it in a creative way to appeal to your target market.
Create Special Caps
If you are going for an artistic design, then try adding special caps on the perfume bottles, to enhance their beauty and make them look unique. The caps should be either attractive or stupid depending on what kind of perfume you are trying to sell. Simple caps are boring, keep that in mind. The new perfume is a trendsetter that lets the customer know exactly what they're going to get. It's beautiful, eye-catching, and inspiring. These are some of the qualities that make it stand out from its competitors.
No matter who you are or what your style might be, there's a perfume for you. With these four packaging ideas, the hardest part will be choosing which one to get.
The Modern Classic
With a simple yet striking logo, this design is great for a chic-looking perfume that'll get you noticed at any party.
The idea of perfume packaging is exciting, but often it leaves a lot to be desired. It could use some innovative and original ideas. So I thought I'd put this list together for you to see which ones might cut your company.
There are so many ways that you can take your design for a new perfume and make it unique, interesting, or even more effective. So here are 4 of my favorite fun perfume ideas that you can try today!
Engraved Wood-Grain Box
This is an elegant way to package your product, as well as make them both feel special and luxurious. The idea of the wooden box makes them feel like a quality product. You will make your product at its peak with this packaging. Different designs and attractive colors make them more appealing.
If you are in a plight to choose fragrances for the perfumes that you sell, then you might want to pick up some packaging ideas. This article is about how different packaging ideas for perfume can help your customers love the fragrance and make them so eager to use it. You should take time from your busy schedule, or have your designers do this task for you, and make sure that they pack up all of their products beautifully to entice customers with their amazing scent.


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As the government and the media continue to tout the rising COVID-19 death count, a new study predicts there could be as many as 75,000 deaths during the pandemic – but not from the virus.
The study, conducted by the Well Being Trust, calls them "deaths of despair," fatalities attributed to suicide, drug and alcohol abuse stemming from isolation, the loss of income and the destruction of their livelihood.
"Deaths of despair are tied to multiple factors, like unemployment, fear and dread, and isolation," said study co-author Benjamin Miller. "Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were already an unprecedented number of deaths of despair. We wanted to estimate how this pandemic would change that number moving forward."
Loneliness, limited access to affordable health care, trauma and financial concerns, housing and food insecurity all contribute to the death count, the Well Being Trust said. Endless social isolation and a near-constant fear of infection will also negatively affect mental health. And while those who already suffer from anxiety, depression and mental health issues are even more vulnerable, Americans who didn't have addiction problems before the pandemic could easily develop them by picking up bad habits like binge drinking, or drinking in greater quantities beginning earlier in the day. In early April, just a few weeks into the shutdown, liquor sales had already jumped 243 percent.
The only real solution, Miller said, is to get back to normal.
"People have to be working and we have to get people connected to other people," Miller said.
While tens of thousands die each year from these kinds of factors – nearly 182,000 in 2018, by the study's estimation – the COVID-19 pandemic and the massive shutdown it triggered will add thousands more to this year's total.
In a best-case scenario, researchers found only 28,000 additional people will die from despair-related factors if the pandemic ends soon and the economy recovers quickly. But if the shutdown continues, the economy continues to nosedive and the public stays stuck beneath a cloud of fear, the study estimates as many as 150,000 more people will die from these non-COVID factors.
Realistically, an average of about 75,000 deaths should be expected, the authors said.


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Changing the SOLIDWORKS PDM License Server
Article by Andrew Lidstone, CSWE updated February 5, 2020
Changing the computer that is used as the SOLIDWORKS PDM License Server is actually very easy and can be accomplished quickly in a single step, even if there are many users or multiple vaults involved.
On any client computer, open the PDM Administration console and log into any vault as the Admin user.
Double click on the "Licensing" node to open the "Set License" dialogue.
On the Server List tab, click "Add…" then enter the port number (the default licensing port is 25734) and name of the new license server using the format 25734@servername.
Once you have added the new SOLIDWORKS PDM License Server, you can remove the existing server by selecting it in the list and clicking "Remove".
The License node information is shared among all vaults whose databases reside on the same instance of Microsoft SQL Server, so if you have multiple vaults, you should only have to edit the License node once.
Once this change is made, all users should Exit out of SOLIDWORKS PDM and log back in so they can begin using the new SOLIDWORKS PDM License Server.
NOTE: If users do not log out, after about a 1 hour grace period, they will no longer be able to access the vault until they right-click on the PDM "blueberry" and Exit the software.
Related Links
Want to do more with SOLIDWORKS PDM?
Our Certified SOLIDWORKS PDM Experts can help you to:


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A separate registration form must be completed for each person. If you are an adult or teenager, please select the Teens and Adults ticket prior to payment. Ages 6-12, select the Age 6-12 ticket.
Everyone will depart Anchorage building at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, February 19, and the Valley building at 9:00 a.m.
We will return to the Valley building at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 21, and the Anchorage building at 5:00 p.m.
Bookings are no longer available for this event.


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Map Notes:
Detailed site plan made for the Canterbury Green Apartments in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Note: unfortunately you're not getting hi-res maps on your mobile device. We highly recommend you view our hi-res maps on a tablet or full-size display using a wifi connection to truly be able to see the quality and detail of our work!


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Kristi Short, Tasting Room Manager
Our newest team member has been with Vanessa Vineyard for about 5 months now and we are excited to share a little more about her. You can find Kristi in person at our Tasting Room this summer.
Where did your love of wine come from?
I've always found wine very fascinating, the history, the traditions, I've just always loved it.
What is your favourite Vanessa Vineyard wine?
It is hard to pick just one, but I think I'd go with the Right Bank.
Do you have any pets?
I have one cat and her name is Shula.
What do you like to do during your time off?
I either like to head to the beach and relax or go golfing.
What was the best advice you have received?
Never sell yourself short!
Secret spot in the Similkameen Valley?
Before starting at Vanessa Vineyard, I hadn't ventured out into the Similkameen Valley too much. I live in Osoyoos, but definitely looking forward to finding some hiking or fishing spots this summer.
Our team may be small but our expertise is vast. Thanks to our extraordinary people, we are able to craft profound wines that reflect this truly distinctive vineyard. Learn more about our team here.


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It's been a long time since we tackled a project around the house. And even longer since the last time I mentioned shiplap here on the blog. Six years ago to be exact, we dove head first into the shiplap craze when we DIY'd a main focal wall in our living room. We still love the look and for about a year now I've been wanting to carry it into some … [Read more...]
Outdoor Christmas Porch
This has been the start of a strange winter here in Wisconsin. Once we hit October, we kind of skipped right over any sort of fall we had left and went straight into winter. Cold winter. Gray days. Cold winter, gray days, with no snow. (insert frowney face) If it's going to be 19 degrees and bleak outside at least let it be pretty with … [Read more...]


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113 El Kasr El Aini St.
Books & Stationery
Lena Alsayegh
When the AUC's
main campus moved from the heart of Downtown Cairo to the heart of…New Cairo,
the old campus' historic buildings were treated to a facelift. The AUC Press' Bookstore changed buildings, and
its new location is ultra modern with a state-of-the-art design.
What used to be the
cramped administrative offices of the AUC registrar in Sheikh Rihan Palace were
knocked down to create a single space over two levels, with large square structural
columns that double as bookshelves, and high dark ceilings with fibre optic
lights dispersed by crystals, creating a twinkling sky ambiance inspired by
ancient Egyptian tombs. The innovative
space also includes a café that spills out onto a garden terrace with palm
trees and water-landscaping.
Opened in
November 2009 on the eve of the AUC Press' 50th anniversary, the store is one
of five AUC Press Bookstores in Cairo,
which boast the most comprehensive collection of English-language books and
more than 20,000 titles.
Contemporary and
elegant, the two floors of books are nicely laid out and the well-stocked, well-marked
dark wooden shelves are divided by section. The upper floor holds mostly
language materials and non-fiction, and the lower highlights literature, Egyptian
art and archaeology, including beautiful large coffee-table books, and all the
standards of Naguib Mahfouz, Alaa El Aswany, Khaled Al Khamissi and more.
Prices are
standard of the AUC Press and therefore aren't exactly a bargain; but there are
frequent sales that offer reasonable discounts and are worth holding out
for. The staff are helpful and
knowledgeable; and the bookstore offers special orders of any book published in
the US or UK as long as it's still in print.
As always, AUC's high security can be slightly annoying; and you have to
leave your ID at the door when you go in. However, if you're not a felon and
are due for some book-browsing, it's well worth the visit.


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National Cheesy Socks Day on January 21 every year is a day that defines your personal taste and style. This means it's all about loving and honoring cheesy sock patterns and how adorable they look on you. Yes, your love for cheesy socks is shared by thousands of people across the world, and now is the time that you can go all out by flaunting your favorite pair! Use this day to hold a cheesy sock party where all of the fad's fans can congregate. It's time to tell the world which types of socks you favor!
History of National Cheesy Socks Day
Fashion is incorporated into literally everything an individual wears, including socks. Yes, as the times have evolved, so have the type of socks that people wear. Since it is currently fashionable to wear anything patterned and funky, a plethora of delightful ideas have entered the market— this includes socks with cheese prints on them. They're known as cheesy socks, and they're ideal for anyone who wants to stand out or try something new. In fact, cheesy socks are so popular that many firms have specific design lines for them.
But how did we reach a point where socks became a fashion statement? Here's a little history. The term 'sock' actually originates from the Greek word 'sykhos.' When the Romans started to take inspiration from the Greeks, socks started to be called 'soccus.'
Socks are now worn as a fashion statement, although they were originally designed to keep people's feet warm because there were no heaters at the time. However, gradually the purpose of socks changed and they became a representation of wealth. This led to the introduction of different garments to create socks. The rich of course went for the most expensive garment in the market. In the Middle Ages, brightly colored socks became the latest accessory and were also sported in a way that they were always in view for others to admire. This means that socks did not end at the ankle and instead were worn up till the knee. It wasn't till after the late 17th century that cotton trousers replaced the importance of one showing off their socks. Today, people prefer to wear socks that go up to the ankle.
National Cheesy Socks Day timeline
Socks are made from leather or matted animal hair.
Romans make fitted socks by sewing fabrics together.
Nylon is invented and it's used to make socks that are elastic and comfortable.
Ankle socks become a trend.
National Cheesy Socks Day FAQs
What day is National Dock Day?
National Sock Day is celebrated on December 4.
Who invented odd socks day?
The Andy and the Odd Socks team came up with the idea for Odd Socks Day in 2017
How do people celebrate National Sock Day?
People celebrate National Sock Day by wearing their favorite socks.
How to Celebrate National Cheesy Socks Day
Wear your favorite cheesy socks
On this day, pick up a pair of your favorite cheesy socks and flaunt them for the world to admire. Also, make sure you wear an outfit that allows the socks to be visible.
Gift someone cheesy socks
Do you want others to love cheesy socks too? Take advantage of the day and gift a pair with a funky design to a friend.
Shop 'til you drop
This is a great day to add to your cheesy sock collection by purchasing some new unique styles. Make sure to use all of the appropriate hashtags when posting about your shopping spree on social media.
5 Fun Facts About Socks
The oldest socks
They are 1,600 years old.
China produces the most socks
The Datang district is known as 'Sock City.' It produces 40% of the world's socks yearly.
Socks make you sleep
Wearing socks increases the blood flow and reduces the core body temperature.
Absorbing heat
Dark-colored socks absorb heat and keep the feet warm.
The largest sock collection
Ashan Fernando in Berkley owns 660 pairs of socks.
Why We Love National Cheesy Socks Day
It increases business
This is the perfect day to introduce cheesy sock designs to the public and increase the sales of different stores.
It defines trends
The National Cheesy Socks Day highlights the trend of wearing funky cheesy socks and gives people an opportunity to be themselves.
It gives people a chance to flaunt their socks
If you're a cheesy sock fan, today is the day to show off your favorite cheesy sock without fear of being judged.
National Cheesy Socks Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
2025 | January 21 | Tuesday |
2026 | January 21 | Wednesday |
2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
2028 | January 21 | Friday |
2029 | January 21 | Sunday |


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Pictured above is Winston, or "Downtown Winston" as he is sometimes referred in DTLA, our latest Pet of the Week.
He hails from downtown Los Angeles, and can be seen walking the streets, interacting with all the folks in the area.
Winston is a rather stunning Maltese/Poodle mix, otherwise known as a "Maltipoo," a very popular and expensive designer dog breed these days.
He loves to be pampered, and is often spoon-fed his meals because he has a mother that cares about him very deeply.
He's a mild-mannered pooch that rarely barks, but loves attention and loves to play with whatever you throw his way.
Vital stats:
Name: Winston
Breed: Maltipoo
Size: Toy
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Age: 1.5 years
Sex: Male
Loves: To chill
(photo: courtesy of his owner Jon)


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It's overdone, overused, and ridiculous. We could greatly reduce our garbage output if there was less packaging, and if more of it were biodegradable. So this is a good step, that at least one gaming company is switching to cardboard packaging.
The new packaging replaces the now-standard plastic DVD case used for most game discs with a folded, reinforced cardboard sleeve made of 100% recycled fiber. The shrinkwrap surrounding that package has also been replaced with a low-density LDPE polyethylene that's highly recyclable. Even the ink on the cardboard has been changed out for a vegetable-and-water-based version (so it's technically vegan if you're desperate for a snack).
I haven't bought any games or DVDs, so this isn't going to make any difference to my purchasing habits. What would, though, is food packaging. We've been having those Beyond Meat burgers* maybe once a week, and they're ridiculous — I think they throw away any ecological advantage by the absurd packaging. They're individually nestled in plastic wells, sealed in plastic, and then enclosed in a cardboard wrapper. Why? Are they fragile or something? Or are they just trying to make them look like a prestige item? Whatever, stop it.
*Also, on a completely different point, I've been noticing that there's been significant variability in the texture, week by week. It makes me wonder how they're made, and whether there might by some pressure on the process by their popularity.


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The popularity of vaping cannabis has skyrocketed. This contemporary smoking substitute has gained popularity as a possibly healthier alternative. Vaping is gentler on the lungs because there is no combustion or harmful chemicals. Furthermore, lower temperatures assist to retain each strain's unique flavor.
The key to unleashing whatever benefits a strain has to give is temperature management. If you want to get the advantages of a CBD-rich strain, for example, you must heat it to the compound's boiling point of 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, the calming terpene linalool isn't released until the temperature reaches 388 degrees Fahrenheit. The strength of a strain can also be determined by its temperature; greater temperatures tend to accentuate effects, whilst lower temperatures provide a more mild, mellow sensation.
Why temperature matters for vaping
The cannabis plant is a factory for organic chemicals. It generates trichomes, which are tiny mushroom-shaped outgrowths. These microscopic structures produce resin rich in psychoactive and therapeutic compounds.
There are over 100 cannabinoids, over 100 terpenes, and several flavonoids in this collection. Cannabis users may customize the concentration of particular chemicals in each hit by adjusting the vaporization temperature.
Other major and minor cannabinoids are receiving greater attention in science. CBG (cannabigerol) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in studies. THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a cannabinoid that can assist to inhibit the effects of THC while also combating pain and inflammation.
Cannabichromene (CBC) appears to decrease swelling in mammalian brain cells while also preserving them. As science develops, more data will inevitably emerge.
Ideal temperature ranges for cannabis
At different temperatures, cannabis users might expect varied psychotropic effects. This varies based on the person and cannabis strain. The following is a temperature guideline for the most prevalent cannabis compounds:
Low: 246–320 degrees Fahrenheit
THC can be liberated by vaping in this range of temperatures. This level also targets a variety of terpenes, which contribute to the pleasant flavor and medicinal benefits of cannabis.
- THC: 314 degrees Fahrenheit: THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. THC passes across the blood-brain barrier and activates CB1 receptors in the brain. THC causes a rapid increase in the neurotransmitter dopamine by altering the firing pattern of neurons. Euphoria, cheerfulness, and a rise in hunger ensue as a result of this. THC at high doses can create a profoundly changed state of consciousness, which might make some users anxious.
- Caryophyllene: 246 degrees Fahrenheit: In most strains of weed, caryophyllene is the most prevalent terpene. Because of its existence in foods like black peppercorn and its impact on the CB2 receptor, the molecule is also known as a dietary cannabinoid. By decreasing inflammation, caryophyllene may aid with pain management.
- beta-Sitosterol: 273 degrees Fahrenheit: One of the flavonoids present in cannabis is beta-Sitosterol. The chemical has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- alpha-Pinene: 312 degrees Fahrenheit: Rosemary and pine flavors are added using alpha-Pinene. The terpene has anti-anxiety properties and may assist to mitigate THC's negative effects, including impairment of short-term memory. Pinene and THC may work together to improve pulmonary airflow.
Low-Medium: 320–356 degrees Fahrenheit
When you vape at this temperature, you're inviting some really intriguing compounds into the mix. This is the best range for releasing CBD alongside essential terpenes if you're smoking high-CBD flower. If you're vaping high-THC flower, this temperature will release a lot more terpenes.
- CBD: 356 degrees Fahrenheit: CBD has a soothing and relaxing effect, but unlike THC it is non-psychoactive. CBD, on the other hand, is thought to counteract some of THC's effects by temporarily inhibiting CB1 receptors. CBD also is thought to work through a variety of additional biochemical mechanisms to reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant and neuroprotective benefits.
- Myrcene: 334 degrees Fahrenheit: The most prevalent terpene in cannabis is myrcene, which becomes accessible at this temperature range. Grapes, spice, and earthiness are some of the flavors provided by the molecule. Myrcene is the terpene responsible for most indica strains' calming effects.
- Delta-8-THC: 352 degrees Fahrenheit: Delta-8-THC gives this temperature range a mild psychedelic effect. It's a THC analog that binds to CB1 receptors and has appetite-stimulating, anti-nausea, pain-relieving, anti-anxiety, and neuroprotective properties. Delta-8-THC, on the other hand, is found in extremely tiny levels in cannabis. It also has a lesser hallucinogenic potency than its more well-known cousin.
- Cineole: 348 degrees Fahrenheit: Cineole is a terpene that has a lot of potential. It's one of the most important components of eucalyptus, yet it's uncommon in today's cannabis strains. Antiviral, analgesic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties have been established for this terpene. Cineole improves cerebral blood flow as well.
- Limonene: 350 degrees Fahrenheit: Limonene imparts citrus notes to cannabis smoke. The chemical enhances THC's cerebral and pleasurable effects. In animal studies, limonene decreased anxiety and boosted levels of serotonin and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
- p-Cymene: 350 degrees Fahrenheit: Found in both thyme and cumin is p-Cymene. It has a citrusy and sweet flavor and demonstrates a sedative effect according to animal studies.
- Apigenin: 352 degrees Fahrenheit: This molecule is the main anxiolytic agent present in chamomile flowers and has anti-anxiety properties. It works on the same receptors as benzodiazepines but does not produce amnesia or drowsiness, which is impressive. Although there is significant potential for apigenin to be developed as a cancer chemopreventive drug, human clinical studies investigating its influence on disease prevention have not been undertaken.
Medium-High: 356-390 degrees Fahrenheit
The medicinal effects of cannabis vapor are enhanced by this temperature bracket. A sedative and calming effect is also added by the administration of a specific cannabinoid.
- CBN: 365 degrees Fahrenheit: The first cannabinoid isolated from cannabis was CBN (cannabinol). It is not produced by enzymatic processes in the plant, unlike other cannabinoids. CBN, on the other hand, is the consequence of THC breakdown. CBN will provide a sedative component to the high, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. CBN has also shown potential as an anticonvulsant and may help with psoriasis symptoms.
- Cannflavin A: 356 degrees Fahrenheit: Cannflavin A is a flavonoid that may be found in higher concentrations in cannabis leaves. The chemical has anti-inflammatory effects that are remarkable.
- Linalool: 388 degrees Fahrenheit: Linalool gives many weed strains a strong floral fragrance with notes of lemon and lavender. A number of cannabis' putative medicinal effects are credited to linalool. Anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and immunopotentiation characteristics are all present in the molecule, which enhances numerous immune activities directly.
High: 390 degrees Fahrenheit and above
This is the extreme of the temperature range. More helpful terpenes and cannabinoids may be found here. Things, on the other hand, are starting to heat up. This is when vaping resembles smoking, and certain harmful chemicals are converted to gases.
This temperature range is considered to liberate all of the therapeutic components found in cannabis flower, however, it is a delicate balance between vaporization and the release of detrimental toxins.
- Benzene: 392–689 degrees Fahrenheit: While the majority of the chemicals listed above are considered helpful, benzene is not one of them. One of the reasons why many cannabis users are quitting smoking is because of this carcinogen. The carcinogenic characteristics of benzene have long been known; high amounts of benzene have been linked to an increased incidence of leukemia in individuals. Benzene has a boiling point of 176 degrees Fahrenheit, but it has been proved that some vape types can remove the molecule up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. There is currently no verified value for the benzene vaporization point in cannabis use. According to some reports, the temperature might reach 689 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Terpineol: 424 degrees Fahrenheit: Terpineol has a light lilac fragrance and is often found in cosmetics and perfumes. The terpene has been shown to have sedative, antimalarial, antioxidant, antibacterial properties, among other things.
- THCV: 428 degrees Fahrenheit: At higher temperatures, THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) evaporates. This cannabinoid is a derivative of THC that exists in trace amounts. There are, however, cannabinoid-rich varieties. CB1 receptors are activated and blocked by THCV. Anticonvulsant effects have been linked to cannabinoids, and they have been found to help with inflammation and pain. THCV may also help with fat metabolism and weight reduction.
- Pulegone: 435 degrees Fahrenheit: It could be worth it to heat your vaporizer to these degrees to get this terpene. The chemical has sedative and memory-enhancing properties. Pulegone may also help with fevers, according to some research.
- Quercetin: 482 degrees Fahrenheit: Quercetin is a flavonoid found in cannabis that has antioxidant properties comparable to vitamin C. The chemical also has antiviral and anticancer properties.


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Tarifa 2012
Tarifa is the southernmost town in Spain, with a spectacular view across the Gibraltar Strait to Morocco. It used to be a fishing village, but these days it is a tourist destination, like so many others on the Costa del Sol and the Costa de la Luz, as well as a starting point for quick boat trips to Tangiers.
Whale watching is a particular attraction in Tarifa, with dolphins, sperm whales and pilot whales being sighted regularly and fin whales passing through occasionally. These species are abundant because the Strait is a nutritionally rich area. On a net basis, water continually flows eastward into and through the Strait, due to an evaporation rate within the Mediterranean basin higher than the combined inflow of all the rivers that empty into it. That also creates a deep counter current that resurfaces shortly into the Atlantic and is then taken back to the Med with all nutritional material that was gathered from the bottom of the seas.
Additionally, end of July, early August, there is the tuna migration from the Mediterranean into the Atlantic, which attracts orcas. Moroccan fishermen catch tuna on long lines and the orcas wait for the catch to get exhausted and become an easy prey before being hauled on board. Apart from the general whale watching boat trips, there are special orca trips that last a bit longer and focus on the area around the small tuna fishing boats. More details can be found in the book "Walvissen kijken in Europa" (in Dutch only) by
Martijn de Jonge
We visited Tarifa in the first week of August 2012 and spent most of our time on the various boats, trying our photographic luck with the various whale species during the day and enjoying the late Spanish dinners after sundown.
Fishermen, boats & whales
Pilot whales
Sperm whales
Tuna fishing
Landscapes & others


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The Transport Sector is in the middle of a transformation paradigm where decision-makers are negatively affected by strong lobbying activities. In order to make sustainable and long-term decisions, a holistic view is required
– The solution is closer than you think – Renewable Synthetic Fuels
Heavy vehicles have a life cycle of at least ten years, and often longer than that. The entire logistics industry faces an extensive challenge if we are unable to run vehicles on sustainable fuels for their full service life. An effective conversion is therefore both about achieving the goal of electrification but also about finding effective solutions for the least possible climate impact on the way there.
With a long-term perspective on the environment and climate, Sweden as a nation should ensure that we can use the vehicles that roll on our roads during their full life. The vision of a complete transition to electric power for heavy vehicles on our roads before 2040-2050 is greatly exaggerated.
In order to cope with the transition to greener transport on land, air and sea the public sector needs to met with a stable and secure infrastructure for heavy transport for both today's and tomorrow's vehicles. Otherwise we risk missing the target.
All fuel and engine alternatives must be considered before deciding what to prioritize and support by decision makers.
The choice of which road to take / decide is of utmost importance to be able to make a sustainable transition to a fossil-independent transport sector and circular society.
The solution is closer than you think.
SEE LINK "Swestep-The Game Changer"
SWESTEP – Next Generation Recycling Technology
Swestep's CC process (Catalytic Conversion Process // Feedstock Recycling and Energy Recovery) is a sustainable recycling solution for the production of renewable synthetic fuels.


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As moms-to-be, women often spend a lot of time researching the best birthing environment and agonizing over every detail, from who will support us during labor to what position we will birth in, or what those first moments earthside will look like as you meet your baby. Or, maybe you're a fly by the seat of your maternity pants kind of girl and didn't plan much.
Whether you plan every detail or not, sometimes birth doesn't go as we envisioned. We might be left with lingering disappointments, or even years of heartache.
I spoke with several moms whose births took a different turn than they'd hoped.Their planned home births turned into hospital transfer, or their child ended up in the NICU after birth, or they'd hoped for a natural hospital birth, but ended up with a c-section. Others had the birth they wanted, but experienced unsupportive staff during their labor.
Personally, even when I've achieved the home birth I'd wanted, there were still parts of the process that I had to grieve and let go of—like when I lost so much blood that it affected my first few hours of bonding with my newborn, or the disappointment I felt when my best friend couldn't attend a birth. Our grief can stem from something seemingly minor or a huge shift in plans– either way, the feelings are valid.
So what can moms do after a birth doesn't go as planned?
Talk About It.
Find safe people to talk through your birth with— people who are willing to just listen and relate. Talking through my births with my close friends and my midwives helped hash out some of the disappointments I felt and gain their insight into what happened and why. It can help for future births to take note of what worked and what didn't.
Online communities are another place to discuss a birth that didn't go as planned. Birth Without Fear is a great resource— they support women educating ourselves during pregnancy so we know our options, and they also understand the value of sharing our stories to process the birth. If you can attend one of the "Find Your Village" events that owner January Harshe travels around hosting, it's a wonderful opportunity to share your story and be with other like-minded people.
Some mommas seek counseling as a way of finding peace when a birth doesn't go as we'd planned or hoped. If you find yourself needing extra support, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional.
Enjoy Your Cute Baby.
Overwhelmingly, every mom I asked said the reward of their cute baby was the light at the end of the tunnel. They all agreed that the heartache and struggles of bringing their baby into this world was worth it once that baby was safe and in their arms.
Focus On What Matters.
Shifting our gaze from the hardships to the truth of what really matters helps. "I told myself that my son is alive and healthy. That's all that matters and I'm okay," Ashley C. said after her plan to have her baby at a birth center morphed into a hospital birth with a belittling and unsupportive doctor. Finding joy in the simple things can usher some sunshine into our sad hearts. Jacqui experienced two unexpectedly complicated c-section births due to preeclamsia and HELLP syndrome. She urges mommas to keep in mind that "The ultimate result should be a healthy baby and healthy mama, regardless of how it came about."
Know You Did Your Best.
Julissa had planned a home birth but when her daughter was transverse (the baby laying sideways instead of head down) she had to have a c-section. She found peace with knowing she had done everything she could to turn her baby, from seeking chiropractic care to having doctors perform a version to try and manually move the baby into a better position. Sometimes our babies choose their own births for a reason. Cling to the fact that you did the best you could with the knowledge you had at the time.
When Deanna decided to transfer from home to a hospital after a grueling four day labor, she decided to get an epidural so she could get some much needed rest and more effectively push. Initially she felt defeated, but she says eventually she realized what she did accomplish in her long labor. She says, "No, I didn't get my home birth, but the strength it took to last that long was more than enough to give me the confidence I would've needed to have my second and third child at home, unassisted. I was badass!" With time, the shift in perspective can help soothe the ache and help us move towards a position of strength and pride.
Try Again, Maybe.
Several moms told me they didn't find true peace until they had a subsequent birth go as planned. "I did not find peace until I actually achieved a VBA2C. It was devastating," remarked Ashley F. She was determined her fourth child to be a vaginal birth— and she succeeded! If your family doesn't feel complete yet and having another is an option, arm yourself with knowledge and the right staff to try again for the birth you dream of.
Meanwhile, other women said they found a level of peace knowing that while they didn't get the births they imagined, they'll never have to go through the experience again! Do what is best for you.
However your plans and memories of birth shape up to be, it can be a beautiful thing to work through. I love writing my birth stories out to encourage other mommas, and so my children can know the details of their birthday when they're older, but also as a way to process the occasion. You don't have to be a writer like me to write your story— just write from the heart. No matter how your birth went, it can be healing to let the memories flow.


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Seal Program Guidelines
Download Section 1 Verification form.
The Boyle County Schools Work Ready Committee, working with local businesses, industries and school personnel, has developed the Work Ethics Seal program with a unique set of specific criteria to identify students whose hard work, attendance and extracurricular involvement distinguish them from their peers.
Students receiving the Work Ethics Seal should have an advantage when seeking employment, as it easily identifies potential employees who possess a demonstrated work ethic. When listed on college applications, it shows that the student has learned the value of active involvement in school, and identifies the student as one who will attend class regularly and work diligently at their education. Student's participation in the Work Ethics Seal program is voluntary and the pursuit of the certification program will be the exclusive responsibility of the student.
In order to qualify, students must achieve the proceeding criteria before January of their senior year:
Section 1: Teamwork, Leadership, Collaboration & Responsibility Download Section 1 Verification form.
Be actively involved in at least two of the following at any point from August of their freshman year through December of their senior year:
• Participation in an organized team or individual sport (at least 2 seasons) and receive the coach or sponsor recommendation
• A minimum of 4 consecutive months of employment at a part-time job/mentorship/entrepreneurship/internship
• A minimum of 20 documented hours of community service
Section 2: Knowledge, Problem Solving, & Critical Thinking
ThinkingSatisfy one of the following, which include the Workplace Ethics Instruction Program (Essential Skills taught in this program include but are not limited to Adaptability, Diligence, Initiative, Knowledge, Reliability, Remaining Drug Free, and Working Well with Others).
• Certified College and/or Career Ready
• Successful completion of a Career Pathway
• Completion of a Workforce Training Program or Earn an Industry Certificate
Section 3: Reliability & Responsibility
Meet all requirements below, verified by the High School Counselor:
• Maintain a minimum of 95% attendance
• Receive no more than 2 unexcused absences and/or tardies to school per year
• Zero level 2 behavior incidents documented in Infinite Campus
• Maintain a cumulative, unweighted 3.0 GPA
• Drug Free- voluntarily participate in the random student drug testing pool
Students must complete and submit an application form, available in the counseling office, for Section 1 by January 10th. Students will obtain appropriate signatures and contact information for each submission for Section 1. Individuals signing the submission forms may be contacted to ensure validity of information.
Students earning a Work Ethics Seal will wear a special cord at graduation and have the Work Ethics Seal affixed to their diplomas.


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Brief: Our clients were a UK research funding organisation and a global blue chip personal products business with a leadership position in FMCG. Our challenge was to identify the unique elements of economies in terms of skills and workforce in two large geographic areas of the UK, the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Growth Engine.
Approach: The project required us to gather, clean, organise and aggregate data and generate unique ways to present data to the client to ensure that the difference across areas due to population levels and skills did not introduce bias in to the assessment of the clustering and critical mass of innovative skills. In essence, we had to be able to properly identify and characterise hotspots of activity and skills without simply saying that they are in those centres with the greatest population. We used a variety of datasets to map businesses, employment, education performance, transport infrastructure, innovation activity and other indicators of activity that could identify clusters of excellence and skills. We examined more than 50 indicators from over 2 million records and used them to describe in detail the core strengths of each geography.
Conclusion: We developed a framework model for describing place, its unique attributes and changes over time. The model identified where certain industries and skill sets were more likely to be found, showing how people were moving within areas for living and work, as well as major transport infrastructure and the movement of goods. Using our insights, the clients have been able to produce a short list of areas that could support the type of investment in manufacturing that they are interested in developing.
Impact: The clients have used the model to identify hotspots of activity to further develop commensurate with the skills of the area.


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The Old Broke Montana Rancher Remembers a Very Dear Friend
I'd like to tell you about a buddy of mine. He was as good a friend as I've ever had, and I still think about him all the time. If you've ever lost a friend, and I think most people have, then you know how it is: you can imagine what they would say to you in a conversation, almost hear how they would say it. George, rest his soul, is that way for me.
He passed away a few years back. He was a few years younger than me, but his refusal to give up his smoking habit finally led to his death. I suppose that to someone young (and when you're as old as me, everyone seems young), he might have seemed like an old man when he passed on, but if the world was run the way I'd have it, he'd have stuck around much longer. His bad habit of smoking was his singular defect, and he could easily get through a pack a day. I pointed out many times that the cigarettes were cutting his wind, and that he should stick to pot, since he'd be smoking it less, but enjoying it more. But George would only smile and tell me to shut up.
Less than ten days before he left us for good, you could still plainly see the twinkle, the mischief, and the simple good cheer in his eyes.
We had been peas in a pod, brothers from another mother as they used to say, but no two peas sharing a pod were ever more different than my old pal George and me. We came from very different backgrounds, for one. George looked like a hippie, acted like a hippie, was laid back like a hippie; he embodied hippieness in the same way that I was a redneck, looked like a redneck, and acted like a redneck, and well, just plain was redneck. Simple as that. I fixed things with wire and duct tape. My hair was as short as his was long.
He and his Mom, and Dads family had moved from some part of Texas. I never did ask exactly what part. I grew up in central Montana, so there alone was a huge difference. You might think that Texas and Montana are pretty much the same thing, but there are nuances that delineate at least marginally different cultural heritages, not the least of which are that a Montanan thinks in acres, and a Texan thinks in sections.
I met him in 1975 when I moved to his adopted hometown of Forsyth, Montana. It was, then, a sleepy little town on the banks of the Yellowstone River. However, there were boom times on the way, and the town was destined to wake up in a hurry. The coal boom was about to hit hard, and the BN Railroad was starting to run coal trains about 10 minutes apart to the big cities in the east. They had just announced that the town of Colstrip was to get four big coal-fired power plants. Units 1 and 2 were to start building right away, with units 3 and 4 destined to be twice that size. Construction would start in the next year or so.
At that time I only knew one person who lived there, and that one person told me that Burlington Northern (it had not yet acquired the SF of BNSF) would be hiring on some help very soon. So, I applied, got interviewed, and got hired. I was told to start on Monday. During the weekend, feeling a little like I'd just signed up for the Marines or was about to go to war, I hit the local taverns to enjoy my last days of freedom. That's when I met George. With all due respect to Forsyth, I wouldn't say that the bar that afternoon was full of a bevy of smiles. Rather, in the Budweiser-scented half-light, there were a lot of lined faces, weathered old men staring into their mugs, and cowboys whose body language indicated that after a long day of roping they were only interested in one or two things: a fight or a romantic dalliance, and I wasn't in the mood to provide either. But I did notice a shaggy bear of man wearing a goofy, slightly narcotic-looking smile. It was George, of course.
Seemingly out of nowhere, George asked me if I had ever "fired a doobie." I had no clue what he meant, but not wanting to lose face, I said, as cooly as I could muster, "sure, on occasion."
So he got up from the barstool and said, "this is an occasion." Off we went to the parking lot, until we reentered the tavern giggling like school girls a few minutes later. It might be a cliche to say we were fast friends, but some cliches are cliche for a reason. Anyway, that's how I met George.
He ended up also taking a job on the rails so we worked the Colstrip local together. That local, Forsyth to Colstrip, carried virtually every carload of material that would become the power plants.
Over the next few weeks, I met the rest of his family. His mother was always extremely kind and generous to me even though her favorite son had taken to hanging out with such an inveterate redneck. It probably made matters worse that the redneck boy had a fairly obvious crush on her daughter Kay. Nothing ever came of the crush, to Kay's credit - unlike her brother, she knew well enough to stear clear of rednecks.
So anyway George's mother would always drop what she was doing, put on a pot of coffee, and chat amiably whenever I came around, which turned out to be quite often, because it turned out George, only lived across the alley and down a few doors from her house. So if he wasn't home, I checked his mother's place. Often he could be found pulling weeds in his mom's garden. Sometimes his sister was there too, and I would take the opportunity to ogle her as politely as I could manage. The house I shared with by brother Neal was about the same distance to George's house as his was to his mother's, and my brother, after meeting the family, took the same shine to them as I did.
One of the things I admired about George, though I dont' think I ever told him as much, was that he possessed a wise man's aversion to extended hard work. Now, I'm not trying to say he was lazy exactly, just that he didn't have the same zeal that I had to work as hard as possible for as much time as possible. For my part it was (and is) the product of Catholic guilt, an impoverished childhood, and a mother who gained no small enjoyment from pointing out the defects in whatever labor I'd performed around the ranch. And, with the benefit of hindsight, all that hard work didn't really amount to much - my back's always sore and I'm just as poor as ever.
I have reached the conclusion that George was the wiser of the two of us, at least in terms of what constituted the meaning of life. His disinclination to strenuous industry now seems to me the better way.
Don't take this wrong, he was a good man to work with, and reliable. I just think the family circumstances made it just a little easier for him to take a day off, since he just didn't seem to need the money.
I remember one day he said, "let's take a little car ride."
So we head northeast of Forsyth in my old pickup truck. We eventually ended up on top of a huge ridge that seemed a mighty long distance out on a dirt road. He commented that if it were to rain, we'd be here a while. It was a god-forsaken desert of dirt, rocks, and cactus. I remember asking him, "you think you, can you find your way home from here?"
Two of Montana's major rivers originate in Yellowstone park, and drain out to the north and then both, eventually, run west to east with the Yellowstone turning south again near Glendive and dumping into the Missouri not far from Sidney Montana. Imagine being on that ridge in the middle of the state, realizing that if a rain drop lands just right, half would drain south into the Yellowstone, and the other half would drain north into the Missouri.
Ignoring my question, he said, "look out there, that's called the 'devils dancing ground.'"
I said, "what is?"
He pointed to the southeast, "---that."
"Look closer,"
And sure enough, way out there I could see perhaps 50 or 60 miniature swirling dervishes, often called dust devils. Some not so miniature, either, maybe 100 to 200 feet high, all spinning at once.
He said, "the Indians tribes used to call this the Devil's Dancing Ground." We stood there silently a moment, looking out over a big chunk of Central Montana, our big beautiful state. I was sufficiently awed to forget that I had asked him a question that had, in fact, concerned me at least a little - did he know where we were?
And then he said, "welcome to the ranch!"
"As far as you can see in any direction." That had to be nine, ten, and might well have been way more sections of land. At that moment I began to understand two things about George: why he didn't feel the need to go to work that day, and that Texans might just see the world a little differently.
But then, maybe we weren't so different after all. George and I both had a passion for camping - canoe camping, in particular. We camped and canoed down the Yellowstone River from Yankee Jim, just out of Yellowstone Park, all the way to the end of the river at Fort Union several times. We floated the Big Horn from just out of the canyon all the way to the Yellowstone, and then on home to Forsyth, also several times. We floated the Mighty Missouri River from below the dams near Great Falls the whole length to James Kip State Park probably a half-dozen times. He, my brother, and I were damn fine camping buddies. True River Rats. And if I reflect on it, which I hesitate to do because it comes with at least a little sadness to do so, I begin to realize these may have been the happiest days of my life.
Eventually, my brother and I purchased our ranch, "The Wild Rose," about 25 miles downriver from Forsyth, meaning we could float from Forsyth to the ranch, which we did many, many times. I'd have a fifth or so of Jim Beam, largely eschewing George's generous offer of wacky tobaccy, with which he was always more than liberal. My brother, though, was all too happy to accept.
Now, all these years later, it's nearly impossible for me to wrap my head around the sad fact that those great big power plants we drove supplies to are just as worn down now as we are, the men contracted to help build them. Even the railroad has all but shut down, and Forsyth is again just a sleepy little town with a river running through it. And George, well, George is gone too.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss George. The endless conversations about the stars, old Westerns, bands we liked, girls we saw, the railroad business, motorcycles, and all the other flotsam out of which our lives were assembled. George was a philosopher, in his way, and a very good friend. I will forever miss that impish look in his eye.
Life was good, then; I had good friends, we lived in good times.
I reckon just about everyone has a few friends they hold especially dear. If they're still around, treasure them. If not, celebrate their memories.
I don't know how else to close this, since I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm getting a bit misty. So I'll pour a couple shots of rye. One for me, and one for George, wherever he is.
A toast, to great friends!
Gary Shelton was born in Lewistown in 1951 and has been a rancher, a railroader, a biker, a teacher, a hippie, and a cowboy. Now he's trying his hand at writing in the earnest hope that he'll make enough at it to make a downpayment on an RV. Hell, scratch that. Enough to buy the whole RV. He can be reached at [email protected] for complaints, criticisms, and recriminations. Compliments can be sent to the same place, but we request you don't send them - it'll make his head big.
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THANK YOU!!!!! I grew up in forsyth my whole life right around the corner from George Kay and the boys.
I knew it had to be you. I will continue to read your articles. If you ever get to Lewistown I would love to see you. I'm glad to find you and oh, we love being broke ranchers too.


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Strawberry Lemon Cake is a beautiful (and yummy) way to doctor up a plain old cake. Serve this easy dessert all summer! You'll love the flavors!
There are some days you just need a quick, amazing tasting, but easy to make dessert. Strawberry Lemon Cake is just that. I love making a cake from scratch – but I'll be the first to admit that I don't do it every single time. (Don't tell anyone!) I like jazzing up a box cake (yes it is easy and tastes nothing like boxed cake).
I used a lemon box cake for this – but to be honest – if you don't have one? Use a vanilla/yellow and you can add a drop or two of lemon extract and it will come out delicious!
I also poked around this cake. I wouldn't call it a true poke cake because most of the strawberry topping didn't go super down into the cake – but it was worth doing. It didn't just lay on top it did go in a bit! It's worth it believe me!
Want another super easy, tasty dessert? Try one of these:
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Truffles
Strawberry White Chocolate Trifle
Strawberry Lemon Cake


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Dear Decaturish – Rieker did a lot for Avondale
Former mayor Ed Rieker explains the city's annexation plans during an Oct. 1, 2014 work session. He announced his resignation on Oct. 2, 2014 Photo by Dan WhisenhuntWe accept letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and are typically 400 to 800 words in length. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and content. To send your letter to the editor, email it [email protected]. Note about this letter: Ed Rieker announced his resignation as Avondale Estates mayor on Thursday. For more on that story, click here.
Dear Decaturish,
We moved to AE in 2010. Since that time we've seen so many improvements in our neighborhood and Tudor Village. We've seen new businesses spring up that bring convenience, vibrancy, good press, and new neighbors; the revitalization of abandoned buildings; plans and visions coming to life; the establishment of The Museum School; the continuation and growth of neighborhood festivals and celebrations; and the renovation of our beautiful lake. Avondale is now a really cool place to live! Ed Rieker, you've done more than your part to set AE on the path to healthy re-development and increasing property values, and I'd like to express gratitude for your volunteer service, along with regret that we'll no longer have your leadership. Blessings to you!
– Samantha Harrell


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More on Kid Modeling, and Kid Role-Modeling
So, where did I leave off? Oh yeah, dragging my two-year-old to New York for a Huggies casting.
Well, it started with an old modeling friend calling to see if my eight-year-old wanted to do an acting camp with her ten-year-old in New York last summer. Seemed like a great way to get away from my four-kid household and spend some quality time with a girlfriend in my favorite city and J, a dancer and extrovert, was up for it. So we signed up our kids for casting director Madelyn Burns acting camp at Performing Options. It's pricey but run by actual casting directors and concludes with a showcase for actual agents. The waiting room has "Dance Moms" potential—Southern moms hanging around for six hours each day gabbing about their kids (h-ello, it's New York! There are a gazillion better things to do!). Anyway, the kids loved it, and after day 2, Madelyn approached me and asked if J had an agent. She said, "That kid needs an agent." Who am I to argue? Next thing I know he interviews at Shirley Grant (management company that launched the Jonas Brothers and reps many of the kids on Broadway) and he's signed on.
Now on top of dance classes four days a week here and Saturday afternoons at Alvin Ailey in the city, we're running to auditions in New York after school. Luckily, only about four a month. Unluckily, they seem to come in batches, so we're bouncing in and out of the city like pinballs some weeks. It's exciting, though, and only a tad depressing that many of the auditions are held in the same places I used to frequent as talent not stage mom. Now there is a new crop of poreless vixens crowding the places, texting and using slang words I don't understand.
I know, what's all this have to do with the Huggies casting? Well, my old partner (Tear Sheet) was holding a casting for Joe Fresh and needed toddlers. He asked if I could bring mine. But she needed representation. I asked J's booker if they'd rep her for the casting. Why? Temporary insanity? Equal opportunity model mom? I don't know, but I emailed some pics of her and they agreed. The Joe Fresh job didn't pan out, but then out of the blue the agency calls with a Huggies casting for her. I can't really say no (cardinal rule: You don't say no to your agent—or your son's agent). So I have to come up with an outfit for her with no stain on it by the next morning and figure out what to do with her hair (fourth child—haircuts don't happen). And BTW, aspiring model moms, castings generally come in the day before, sometimes the day of. You don't get advance notice.
On the train platform, it's funny, because there is a little girl about the same age as T, all dressed up, with her dad. For a second I think maybe they are going to the same place. Then I realize how ridiculous that is, seeing as we are in Connecticut, an hour from New York, there are numerous stops in between, and many things a dad and daughter might be doing, the least likely of which is an outing to a Huggies casting in New York.
We have a really nice ride to the city. From Norwalk on (5 minutes in), T gets up at each stop and chirps, "We're in New Yoik?!" (For some reason she has a Brooklyn accent.) Her enthusiasm is not diminished by the ten times that I have to respond, "No, not yet." At the casting, guess who we run into? Yep the dad and his little cutie pie. I let him know I'm relieved I am not the only lunatic living in our town.
Despite the large crowd in the waiting room at the casting agency, they shuffle the kids in and out swiftly. This is one thing I've noticed on auditions with J, they definitely respect kids' limited attention spans and move 'em through. It's remarkable. At this audition, I also notice that most of these little tykes are not New Yorkers. They are dressed up in fancy frocks that scream New Jersey and Long Island. The casting directors aren't going to care about that. What they care about is if your toddler will happily leave you and head off with a stranger into a different room where they must smile, laugh, act cute and forget all about mommy. The boy before us comes out in tears. I try to distract T so she doesn't get any ideas.
She must not have because I was told she was "great" and got a call later that day saying she had to go back the next day for a callback. And the day after that there might be a fitting. Seriously, for a two-year-old modeling diapers?
After the struggle of trying to come up with a second unstained outfit, we headed in again the following morning. T was still game. I was not sure what to wish for. Again I was told she was "great" and that "she by far has the coolest wardrobe of all the kids we've seen." Wow, I duped them. She was wearing pink Converse high tops, and her "MC Hammer pants" (that's what my husband calls them). Most of her clothes are hand-me-downs, but they came from the sale box of a French vendor at the Christmas Fair at a friend's kids' school in England. They are really cool. We left with a coupon for a free package of Huggies (nice) and went up to Toys R Us in Times Square for a ride on the ferris wheel. Luckily T did not get a call for the fitting or the job, because she would have shown up in something from Carter's and her cool girl image would have been shattered.
That might be it for T's modeling career. Unless someone figures out a way to clone stage moms. But if any of my kids do venture into the field again, I'll take the advice I just gave a friend. She tries hard to raise her girls as smart, resourceful, ambitious leaders (like herself) and shuns shallow values. But her daughter, who likes acting and singing and has her mom's gorgeous Mexican-American looks, is often told she should model. My friend of course worries about the superficial nature of this industry and the messages it sends. I say, her daughter should use modeling as a platform to become a spokesperson for what she believes in (as many models have) and donate part of what she makes, so that modeling is a means to an end. It's when it's the be all and end all that it's a problem.
Up next: my interview with Good Morning America's Lara Spencer, a supermom and now an author as well as TV personality (her book, I Brake for Yard Sales, is out!).


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