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If I hear one more time "what is there to do in Connecticut?" I'm going to scream. This is a destination folks. This is not a drive-thru state to Boston or NYC, park your car here, get out and see what the state as to offer, in this blog post it's about the gorgeous Connecticut Read more…
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Connecticut's Beautiful Shoreline Invites You To The Party!
Posted in Middlesex County, New Haven County, New London County, Places To Stay, Travel Also tagged antiques, art galleries, arts and culture, attractions, beaches, Bed and Breakfast, business, chamber of commerce, Connecticut, dancing, day spas, exhibits, family fun, farmer's markets, flea markets, historic inns, Hotels, lodging, malls, motels, nightlife, open studios, orchards, scenic drives, Shoreline, Travel, VisitCTShoreline.com, wineries Comments closed


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Last weekend was a rare summer weekend that was open on our calendar and so we packed the bags and tent and headed to Medora for a camping overnight and adventure. This marked the first time my girls have ever camped and they were bursting with excitement. On Saturday morning, the first word that either of them said was "camping."
We made a reservation at the Medora campground and had a site near the Little Missouri River with a view of the buttes of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Here we made a little lunch (there is a partial burn ban in place) before heading into the town of Medora for some shopping. A pair of cowboy boots and a cap-gun later we were in swimsuits and heading to the City pool. At just $3.00 per person for the day this heated pool was a great place to be on a 90-degree day. From the pool we also ventured to the new Family Fun Center. $8.00 per person equals two-days of unlimited use of the inflatable water slide, rock climbing wall and bungee-jump-trampoline. I lost track of the number of items we went down the slide. My daughters are 4 and 5 1/2 and they had no problems making the stairs and no fears heading down the slide. But I will say that my children have a bit of fearlessness in them. Case in point, the rock climbing wall. The website doesn't say exactly how tall this wall is but in my perspective as their mom – my daughter was hanging 1,900 feet off the ground. The staff were friendly and thorough and safety was never a question for me.
Both girls said that their favorite activity though was the trampoline bungee-jump.
Saturday evening was perfectly picturesque – which also describes what a lot of people were doing following the famous Pitchfork Steak Fondue. If you haven't yet experienced a pitchfork steak fondue, it's literally hundreds of ribeye steaks, speared on pitchforks and fondued! (I should have warned the cook that I was going to take his picture.)
And what can I say about the Medora Musical?! It is one of the best shows I've seen performed at the stunning Burning Hills Amphitheater. The new cast had perfect harmonies, the music was a great blend of modern country, gospel, patriotism and classic themes, the script was fresh and the fiddler is awesome.
Camping was a success. There was a rain shower that went through and yes, it was a little warm and stuffy. Plus, the sunrise was at 5:30 a.m. and I think my daughters were up shortly after that! But nothing can compare to seeing them wake in that golden light and look out on the Badlands with such joy.
Sunday morning we took a drive through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park where we were very soon greeted by buffalo who had taken over a prairie dog town. Just another mile into the park, more buffalo greeted us – including a pair who walked right along our pickup.
We took a hike along the Wind Canyon Trail – which was great for the ages of my daughters. It has a great view of the Little Missouri.
And finally, off into the distance, we saw a herd of wild horses that made my youngest daughter smile like this.
It was an excellent weekend and even though we go to Medora almost annually there are always new things to try and new experiences to share. (This year we didn't pack the golf clubs for Bully Pulpit, which my hubby only mentioned once or twice.)
If you have favorite vacation stories and pictures, please share them with us on our Facebook page!


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Chimborazo, Ecuador, Ecuadors Melting Snow Caps, Global Warming, Melting Glaciers, Volcano Cayambe, Volcano Chimborazo, World Wetland Day, WP Daily Prompt Think Global Act Local
The WordPress Daily Prompt states this: "Think global, act local." Write a post connecting a global issue to a personal one."
"At 6,268 metres (20,564 ft) "Chimbo," the highest peak in Ecuador and the farthest point from the center of the earth on the planet, will forever be branded in our hearts!"
(Above photo and quote from: Mystical Andes, published here on November 16, 2012.)
Several pages on my screen reflected an environmental issue as I pondered today's WordPress Daily Prompt. This post grants me an easy way to share those global concerns with you. Continue reading


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3 Simple things you should know when shopping for a kayak paddle.
It's inevitable, you do your research, you buy a kayak, you quickly choose a PFD but when you're confronted with buying a paddle, it's like you are a deer caught in the headlights. We can't blame you, it can be intimidating when you are staring at the paddle wall in our store or even on our website where we feature rows and rows of paddles. This may sound pushy coming from a retailer but spend the most you can possibly afford. Easier said than done of course, but when you consider the fact that you'll be making up to 1,000 strokes per mile, the difference in a quality paddle will go along way, literally and figuratively speaking. Here is a non-technical quick guide to help get you get outfitted with the proper paddle.
Step 1. Start by determining the type of paddle you need in terms of the activity. You essentially have two types of paddles, one for more leisurely or recreational use and the other for more performance based activities. You can easily tell them apart by the blade shapes (see Figure 1). The top blade is called a high angle blade, which is typically wider and shorter and used for performance or more aggressive paddling. The one on the bottom, is referred to as a low angle blade which is more common and better suited for recreational, touring and leisure kayaking. Chances are, you'll be looking for a low angle blade.
Step 2. Next you want to make sure you pick the lightest and stiffest paddle possible within your budget. If you are not able to "touch" a paddle before you buy one, know that blades constructed of fiberglass and carbon materials will be stiffer than blades such as those made of plastic or plastic blends. This is an important feature because the more the blade flexes, the more energy you lose with each stroke. Fiberglass and Carbon blades will also be lighter. You'll find that paddle shafts are constructed from a variety of different materials and just like blades, shafts made of fiberglass and carbon will typically be lighter and more durable than aluminum.
Before we continue on, if you find that top-to-bottom fiberglass and/or carbon paddles do not meet your budget requirements, you should at least consider purchasing a paddle with a quality shaft. Most manufacturers offer mid-range hybrid paddles that are constructed with reinforced nylon blades and carbon shafts offering some advantages over aluminum and even fiberglass or fiberglass/plastic blend shafts.
Step 3. Sizing a paddle does not have to be a complicated. Sure, this entire article could be about paddle length and you can get into the finer physical details using a variety of algorithms but let's keep it simple. This easy-to-read diagram (compliments of Bending Branches) will help you determine what paddle length you'll need to consider when shopping for a general recreational paddle.
If you plan to purchase a whitewater paddle, sizing can be a bit more complicated based on a variety of different factors. Feel free to contact us so that we can better guide you.
This really can be as easy as 1, 2, 3 but you should consider a few more things. For instance, you may run into a situation where a manufacturer offers different diameter shaft options. If you have smaller hands, consider the smaller diameter shaft. Another feature you'll see on some paddles are bent shafts. Bent shafts simply offer more hand to shaft contact for increased control and help reduce fatigue. Bent shafts may feel a bit odd at first but you'll quickly get the hang of it after just a few trips. This is just my personal opinion but I now use a bent shaft paddle and couldn't imagine using anything else. Another paddle term you will hear is "Feathering" which is usually a function of the Ferrule (see diagram below). This allows for you to adjust the angle of your blades for less wind resistance. Most paddles offer at least 3 angle positions. However, some higher end paddles do offer feathering in shorter more precise increments. Also, you may be wondering what those rubber rings on each side of the paddle are for. They are Drip Rings and are there to keep water from trickling down the shaft, helping to keep your hands dry and blister free.
There you have it, that wasn't too difficult was it? We do advise that once you narrow your interest down to 2-3 paddles, look at the details and options offered by each manufacturer as these deals can vary substantially between brands. Furthermore, most paddle manufacturers do offer some in-depth information each on their own websites. And, of course, if you prefer to just speak to someone, never hesitate to give our customer service team a call at 888-828-3828.
Browse our inventory of high-quality canoe paddles here.
Shop our entire selection of paddles!
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(Recipe Collection)
1 Recipe Created by FLUTTERFLI
Recipes in this Collection
Easy Homemade 'Nutella' (Chocolate Nut Butter)
A friend issued a challenge to cure a Nutella addiction. This recipe was just the ticket! No hydrogenated oils, fewer calories, less fat--and more fiber and protein! Submitted by STEPFANIER
Carbs: 8.5g | Fat: 7.5g | Fiber: 1.7g | Protein: 2.3g | Calories: 101.3
Send this recipe collection to a friend - https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/cookbooks.asp?cookbook=1132781


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Saturday, July 2, 2011
Hope Valley string quilt
47 comments:
Absolutely adore this quilt Angela! Beautiful! Congratulations on your finish!ReplyDelete
Quick question... with Finley's Single Girl quilt... did you use just 1 layer cake or more? I am making 2 twin sized single girl quilts (ambitious I know!) out of Little Apples for my oldest son...
Fantastic! I love Hope Valley!ReplyDelete
And string quilts!! :)
I knew I would love the finished product!! I am about to start on my Hope Valley quilt, although I'm sure it wont be half as pretty as yours! Thanks for the inspiration!!ReplyDelete
I love it! It looks perfect.ReplyDelete
It was worth the effort! It's very pretty!ReplyDelete
Congratulations on finishing the quilt. It's definitely a beauty.ReplyDelete
It turned out so great! Congrats on finishing it up! :) Happy 4th!!ReplyDelete
Your quilt turned out gorgeously! I have those fabrics, but am committed to something dull and mundane.ReplyDelete
Congratulations on a beautiful quilt.
It was so worth the effort this quilt is beautiful!!ReplyDelete
Love how the center string makes it look like the blocks are framed. Very, very nice!ReplyDelete
I LOVE this!! It looks absolutely amazing...great job!!ReplyDelete
Angela, it is beautiful! Really, really pretty.ReplyDelete
Did the sheet wash OK for the back? I've yet to use a sheet and never prewash my fabrics so wondered how it would shrink with the rest of the quilt. And, did you happen to use a sheet that was a cotton poly blend or just cotton?
Hi AngelaReplyDelete
This looks lovely, I love how you picked up the raisin in the binding - such a pretty colour for a girl. I am like you, I have a Hunky Dory jelly roll that is bugging me to make a twin quilt for Scarlett but she'll be in her cot for another year or two so it seems so premature to make it. And like you, I see new collections coming out and my head starts reeling (I also have some Its A Hoot stashed but have since gone off it a bit!). I really loved Griffith Park but have resisted buying any.
Your quilt is so beautiful! Glad you persevered!ReplyDelete
It turned out so nice! I have been wanting to make one myself. I don't know if I told you before but I LOVE the name Finley!:0ReplyDelete
This is beautiful. I NEVER get tired of seeing all the beautiful things made from Hope Valley!ReplyDelete
Very nice!! I've been spending the holiday weekend quilting my Hope Valley quilt (which has sat unfinished for 6+ months).ReplyDelete
That turned out beautifully!ReplyDelete
I love it! Where do we find the pattern?ReplyDelete
it's gorgeous Angela! :)ReplyDelete
I've done only a couple string blocks (for bees) and they ARE tedious! But this is very beautiful. Congratulations on getting it done!
I'm very tempted to copy this wonderful quilt exactly Angela! It's fantastic. I've never made a string block though - maybe I should try one first!ReplyDelete
Hi Angela,ReplyDelete
I love the finished product so much. It must have taken a lot of effort, and the result is absolutely breathtaking. Well done!
Beautiful quilt ~ so glad you persevered with this one. Another great finish!ReplyDelete
It came out beautifully! All your hard work paid off!ReplyDelete
Stunning - simply stunning!ReplyDelete
I think it turned out lovely! Finley will love her big girl bed even more with this on it. Love the choices in solids too!ReplyDelete
Oh, how lovely. The colors in this line are incredible, and you really did them justice with this pattern!! I bet you are so relieved to have it finished!! :)ReplyDelete
What an accomplishment! It is gorgeous!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJuly 3, 2011 at 3:08 AM
I'm absolutely in love with this quilt. So so so so beautiful. Can you tell how much fabric you needed of the Hope Valley line? I ask because I never know how much to buy of fabric I need for a quilt. You know you don't want to run out of fabric and cannot buy it anymore...ReplyDelete
Lovely - I've just finished a string quilt and I agree with you about the repetitive nature of it all.ReplyDelete
I love the quilt and all the different colors. So beautiful!ReplyDelete
Very nice! I love that you stipple these quilts; I'm starting to machine quilt more of my stuff since I've been reading your blog.ReplyDelete
Pat yourself on the back! This is a great finish both aesthetically and emotionally! (I know what a triumph it is to complete a project that's had a long evolution.) Cheers!ReplyDelete
Oh, love it! I started a string quilt about a year and a half ago but it's is sitting all lonely waiting to get worked on again. I started it with the intention of working on it between projects so it wouldn't be so tedious, but now it seems I just go from one project the ntext to the next and the poor pink and yellow and orange strings are all forgotten in the corner. Maybe I'll get them back out...when I finish the 3 things I've got going at the moment! ;)ReplyDelete
Wow that's quite an undertaking...you must be pleased as punch to have it finished, it looks superb and so bright and colourful! I especially love the binding, it really helps the colours to pop up. Lovely work!ReplyDelete
I was wondering, approximately how much material does it take to make a string quilt of that size? It looks perfect!ReplyDelete
This is really lovely - I really like the Knoa coal against the colours!ReplyDelete
...Kona even!ReplyDelete
I love your string quilt. I just made 20 string blocks for a string block exchange and can't wait to see what I get in return. I finally have enough Hope Valley to make a queen quilt. I got the pattern from OhFransson's web site for free. It uses two sheets. One on the top and one for the backing.ReplyDelete
Oh, wow. I just LOVE this quilt. And string quilts are so time consuming. I can't imagine the time you put into this lovely.ReplyDelete
Just stunning! I've never been into Hope Valley, but I'm running to go get some bundles now!ReplyDelete
How much fabric did this use? Would a FQ bundle be enough?
Thank you!
I used more than a FQ set of Hope Valley to make my string quilt. If you are buying some, I'd recommend a half yard bundle. :)ReplyDelete
Beautiful! The colors are fantastic, very elegant use of gray (one of my faves). This encourages me to try out paper piecing--which has always scared me a little...ReplyDelete
It looks really great!ReplyDelete
This is gorgeous! I love this fabric line so much and the string quilts made with it all turn out great!ReplyDelete
It's just beautiful! Saw it on flickr and had to come see more. Lovely! I have a Hope Valley fat quarter set and you've shown me what can come of it. Hope springs eternal...ReplyDelete
I love the colors. I have a string quilt on my to-do list - thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete


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There are 2 news items
NWO to invest 550 million euros in research in the top sectors
NWO will contribute 550 million euros to the 2018-2019 Knowledge and Innovation Contract. With this contract, government, industry and knowledge institutes are underscoring the top sectors' ambitions to strengthen the Dutch knowledge and innovation system. The contract represents a total investment of 4.7 billion euros. NWO's contribution is designated for high-quality scientific research.
NWO will simplify research funding instruments
During the course of 2018, NWO will implement a simplified set of funding instruments in all its domains. From 1 August 2018 onwards, researchers will be able to submit proposals for the first calls published in accordance with this new model. With this measure, the NWO Executive Board intends to create a higher degree of clarity in the research funding and a better connection between the domains for multidisciplinary research proposals.


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History is an encounter with the past, and the past is a history of encounters. Encounters in World Historyis designed to introduce students to both of these sorts of encounters. Using primary and visual sources, the authors employ the encounter theme as a fundamental organizing principle. By nesting sources in thematically integrated chapters, comparison and analysis of sources can be more substantive, while also providing more internal structure for instructors. At the same time, this is a world history reader, and it follows a chronological format. The material has been presented in such a way that instructors can craft their own courses, emphasizing the aspects they think most important. Chapters are organized so that the general theme is presented in a chapter introduction and then revisited in the separate introductions to specific readings. The readers can be used to highlight preferred eras, cultural zones, or themes, or a unique mixture of all three.Thomas Sanders is the author of 'Encounters in World History: Sources and Themes from the Global Past, Volume One', published 2005 under ISBN 9780072451016 and ISBN 0072451017.[read more]
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She wants to give.
A stuffed bunny blanket can turn a bad day into a good day. Just ask Lauren. Her bunny blanket – a gift from her aunt and uncle – always makes her feel better. Radiation treatments, chemotherapy and living with one kidney are still hard. But her bunny blanket makes her braver than she can ever be alone.
One day, Lauren meets volunteers from Make-A-Wish®. They ask what her one true wish would be. She doesn't want to be, to go, to have, or to meet.
She wants to give.
Lauren imagines a bunny blanket like hers for each patient in the hospital … steadfast, plush-furred allies to help them all get through the toughest times of their lives. Each one hand-delivered by someone who knows every fear, every sleepless night.
Her big day arrives. Lauren leads the way as her helpers push a cart overflowing with stuffed bunny blankets, each her gift of hope and comfort to hospital patients. She hugs each bunny before she hands it to each patient. When she offers bunnies to the older kids, she worries: Are they too grown-up for a bunny? Do they like it?
Yes, they do. They understand, as only those facing a life-threatening condition can. Each gift of a blanket leaves giver and recipient smiling – not to mention everyone who witnesses Lauren's acts of kindness.
Lauren's mom, Marlena, is overcome with pride. She knows her daughter just made the world better.
"I've always said 'when I grow up, I want to be like Lauren,'" she says. "I can only hope."
As Lauren grows up, she can remember her wish and all it accomplished. She can know that it's possible to change lives. And she can find the strength to overcome her own challenges.
I've always said 'when I grow up, I want to be like Lauren.' I can only hope.
Share this quote
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Totally awesome young lady!! She has a wonderful upbringing. Teaching love instead of material possessions!! Pleasure to know your story
April 03, 2012 - 1:21 PM
I got a bunny from Lauren when I was in the hospital at Women and Childrens Hospital in Buffalo.It was cute and so is Lauren. I feel better when I think about her kindness. Thank you.
April 13, 2012 - 4:45 PM
June 12, 2012 - 10:44 PM
June 25, 2012 - 11:25 AM
In a world spinning out of control, it takes a child's simple heart to bring thing back into true prespective. She is offer every one's dream, "name it, and it is yours." Yet with s simple hug, a caring smile she makes all of us step back, regroup and cry. Her parents have taught and raised a wonderful child, and regardless of how, the world is a much better place with her around. God Bless, have a long, happy and fruitful life.
August 07, 2012 - 4:25 PM
This is a truly touching story. I wish that I could be just half the caring and wonderful person lil Lauren seems to be. Thank you!
May 24, 2013 - 1:52 PM
This story just made my day ! What an incredible story of a girl who just wanted to help others ! Truly touching
May 28, 2013 - 5:25 PM
What an amazing child and touching story. It is so easy to get caught up in all of the bad in the world. This little girl is proof of all of the good and love that exists. Way to set a great example for all of us grown ups, Lauren! If we all follow in your footsteps, the world would be a much better place.
July 25, 2013 - 3:44 PM
Thank you for sharing this story. It made my day.
September 10, 2013 - 5:22 PM
Wow I cannot believe out of all the wishes you could choose you chose this. What an amazing wish!
October 07, 2013 - 6:02 PM
A beautiful child with a bright smile that shows us that sometimes it is the simpler things that mean the most.Where is she now?
October 11, 2013 - 4:09 AM
My wish is to have more people like Lauren! God Bless her little heart...
November 13, 2013 - 8:25 AM
Has she responded to treatment? Where is she today? we need more people like her in this world.
November 16, 2013 - 1:41 PM
John @ Make-A-Wish
Jon, I contacted the wish granters at Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York and they wrote back, "Lauren is doing wonderful!"Thank you for asking.
November 17, 2013 - 9:44 AM
She is the most cutest thing! I would love to meet her. Honestly, she is so inspiring to others around her!
November 19, 2013 - 10:12 PM
I actually used Lauren in a powerpoint presentation at school. we had to find someone who was a "modern knight". I was really inspired by her.
November 27, 2013 - 12:00 PM
What a sweet child
January 02, 2014 - 3:19 PM
Eric T. B.
This is one amazing little girl. She was offered virtually anything a person could ever want and all she thought of was helping others...I have to go change my shirt now, it's soaked!
January 03, 2014 - 2:28 PM
Made my day to read this. Most people think what can I have or where can I go to make me happy but she said what can I do to make others happy? Just think if we all did that what a great world it would be.
January 13, 2014 - 9:44 PM
this story is really inspiring
January 23, 2014 - 3:18 PM
This brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing girl.
January 26, 2014 - 11:44 PM
Inspirational! Lauren has a lot to teach us all about true compassion and courage. Thank you Lauren for giving so much - not just to the recipients of your bunnies, but to the rest of us, as well!
August 22, 2014 - 8:59 AM
this is a very touching story sweet child
September 23, 2014 - 11:20 AM
This is so wonderful, I actually teared up! Lauren has a heart of gold, what a beautiful and selfless wish. I hope she has all of the happiness in the world. This story reinforces my dream of working with this organization in some way.
October 27, 2014 - 5:34 PM
Well Lauren and her wish just sold me on becoming a monthly donation giver. There is still hope. Thank you for sharing.
December 31, 2014 - 3:13 PM
This is amazing i never knew a kid would do something like that
February 03, 2015 - 3:16 PM
Brittany K.
This brought tears to my eyes I thought of my daughter when we stayed in the hospital she had given a stuffed animal to another little girl with cancer and told her it will be ok even with what my daughter was going through all she could think about was making someone else feel happy and feel like you are not alone it was truly touching.
May 05, 2015 - 10:13 PM
This story brought tears to my eyes!! For someone as young and as sick as Lauren to actually want to give back is truly inspiring and touching!! There should be more People like Lauren in this world today as it would be a better place !! I am sure she brought joy yo so many children battling their own illnesses in the hospital!! As a former hospital nursing unit worker,we would have loved to have had Lauren on our unit!! I too am battling a life threatening lung disease and I know how good I feel when I give back to others!! Going through illness changes the way you look at things in life and they way you treat others too!! Keep it up Lauren as you will get very far and help a lot of other people in life!!
May 11, 2015 - 2:16 PM
SOOO TOUCHING! such a nice wish. Lauren gave ALL the patients a bunny blanket. I would have done that to :)
May 14, 2015 - 2:11 PM
katie f
This really made my heart melt! Its amazing soo that this beautiful little angel is showing sooo much love and kindness and is helping all of the people in need even during a time that is most difficult for herself as well. She really is an angel and so are all the other people helping one another during hard times. Go, Lauren !!
July 23, 2015 - 9:54 PM
I wish to be the boss of the ice cream man
When I got sick, I was given a lot of guardian angel pins. I believe they helped me in my battle against my illness. I hope these pins will bring comfort to other people.
acute lymphoblastic leukemia
I wish to have a Yorkshire terrier puppy
Stay in Touch!
Sign up to receive email from Make-A-Wish.


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Morrisville State women's lacrosse, Cazenovia baseball raising funds for charities
MORRISVILLE >> A pair of Dispatch-area college teams are preparing to play for more than just themselves this spring.
The Morrisville State College women's lacrosse team has paired up with the Vera House and the One Love foundation to raise awareness in the fight against domestic violence while the Cazenovia College baseball team will be rasing funds for the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
"Domestic violence publicly affects a lot of women in my age group," said Megan Carlin, a sophomore midfielder for Morrisville.
This is the first time the team has done a fundraiser for awareness campaign like this.
The game is not until April 27 but the team has a lot of preparation to do before that. Fifth-year head coach Amanda Nobis said the team is trying to contact local businesses to put up flyers. They are working on getting a table at Destiny USA to get some promotion in the Syracuse area.
"Right now, we are really working on getting the word out locally," Nobis said.
On Monday Rusch's Bar and Grill in Hamilton will be donating 10 percent of their profits to the team's efforts. In addition to the night at Rusch's, the Mustangs will be holding raffles on game day and taking donations instead of admission fees at the game. The players will wear special purple jerseys that will be raffled off at athletics.morrisville.edu. Proceeds from each of the fundraisers will then go to the charities that the team is working with.
The Vera House, run out of Syracuse, was founded in 1977 and provides shelter for those that have been affected by domestic abuse. The One Love Foundation was founded in 2010 in memory of Yeardly Love, a University of Virginia lacrosse player who was killed by her boyfriend in a domestic dispute. The One Love Foundation seeks to end relationship violence through education
The game starts at 1 p.m. at Drake Field.
The Cazenovia College baseball team will be raising awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project with a double-header on April 27 against North Eastern Athletic Conference rival Keuka College.
"I went to a wedding where instead of a favor, the couple made a donation in each guest's name to the Wounded Warrior Project," said head coach Pete Way. "I thought it was a great idea and wanted to help out, so I brought it to the guys and their response was great."
The Wildcats will play at Veterans Memorial Park in West Seneca. A member of the American Legion will be at the game educating spectators on the Wounded Warrior Project. The team will be selling bracelets and asking for donations in lieu of admission fees.
The Wounded Warrior Project helps injured veterans recover after returning from service and raise awareness for the needs of injured veterans.
The first game of the April 27 twin-bill starts at 1 p.m. and the second game starts at 3 p.m.


text: When you think about Ray-Ban; you think luxury, style, sophistication. Ray-Ban was initially a pie-in-the-sky concept, developed by US Army Air Corps Colonel John A. Macready who wanted to create aviator sunglasses to enhance pilot's sight. Wearers such as Douglas MacArthur and Peter Fonda brought Ray-Ban to global success, these days Ray-Ban is synonymous with producing prestigious, reliable and iconic eyewear. So iconic, even the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, couldn't resist the Ray-Ban temptation. The brand was purchased by Luxoticca in 1999 for $640 million. With dazzling colours, shapes and materials, Ray-Ban offer glasses that will suit varied tastes. All your preferences for glasses design have been answered; stunning craftsmanship from Ray-Ban designers have produced a look to gain any wearer's admiration – whether you want the classic Aviator look Ray-Ban specialises in, or a lightweight, frameless pair. The palette of colour is equally outstanding; ranging from soothing blues to ravishing reds and Dark Havana themes. Guaranteed to be long in duration of use, reliable in assisting vision and ornate in appeal; whether looking for yourself or a loved one, what are you waiting for? Take advantage of Glasses Station diverse range of Ray-Ban Prescription eyewear – such as the unisex pair of Ray-Ban Glasses RX7159, available in four colour ranges from Matte-Black to Blue-Striped and Dark Havana.Mens Ray-Ban Glasses


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He is the heartthrob of millions of people.he is smart, he is dashing, he is magical,he is inspiring,he excels in watever he does, he is a multi-talented person...
He is Rithvik Dhanjani.
He started his carrer as a werewolf,and now plays our adorable Arjun in Pavitra Rishta,and is winning hearts all over,not only with his acting skills but with his superb dancing skills which are at par..
He has won the hearts of millions with his dancing skills..
He plays the guitar
He knows magic tricks as well
He plays the mouth-organ
Our KING of expressions
Career graph :-
Rithvik Dhanjani is an Indian TV actor,born on November 5th,1988 in Madhya Pradesh..He is a certified actor from Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Lab.
He debuted in Indian TV with the role of Parth Jhaveri in the show BANDINI.Then he did a cameo in the show TERE LIYE..He essayed the role of Jeh Khurana in the Indian version of Twilight aka PYAAR KI YEH YEH EK KAHANI..Rithvik Dhanjani is currently protraying the role of Arjun Kirloskar in the show PAVITRA RISHTA and is winning million of hearts not only in India,but all over the world..
He was a participant in the celebrity dance reality show JHALAK DIKHLA JA SEASON 5 where he impressed both the judges and the viewers with his immense dancing skills and secured the 3rd place.
He recieved the POPULAR FAVOURITE JODI award along with his co-star ASHA NEGI for portraying the roles of ARJUN-PURVI in the show PAVITRA RISHTA in the ZEE RISHTEY AWARDS..
He was also nominated in the category of Best actor in a negative role for his role as Jeh Khurana in PKYEK and Best Debut for his role as Arjun in PR..
He has also worked in Bollywood movies like AFTERMATH MUMBAI and JO HUM CHALEIN.
He has done many advertisements as Lipton,
Lays,Sprite,Jaguar,Airtel,VASCON etc..
Rithvik is a truely multi-talented person,who is not only a gifted actor,but also knows magic tricks,sings,plays the guitar and mouth-organ among others..
Rithvik Dhanjani was born in Ujjain,Madhya pradesh but afterwards his parents shifted to dubai and hence he was brought up there.He recieved schooling in dubai and then graduated from City College of London.
His priority is his acting career,but if he would not have been an actor,he would have been a choreographer or magician.
Rithvik's biggest inspiration is his teacher Abhijit Das and he is still taking training under him.
Before coming to small screen acting,he was a choreographer and back in Dubai he has choreographed Actor Sonu Sood for his international movie CITY OF LIFE.
He has done theatre(both commercial and communal) back in Dubai for 2 and a half years..
Rithvik's Official Facebook Fanpage
Rithvik's twitter account
Rithvik's profile on India Forums
Topic started by bonibright
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Big Papi notches 400th career homer
Big Papi notches 400th career homer
Ortiz swatted career home run No. 400 in the top of the fourth inning. And Big Papi's friends from around the league -- and there are many -- chimed in via text or voicemail.
"Oh yeah, my phone is still blowing up," said Ortiz. "I'd say around 30, 40 [messages], something like that. They're still kicking in."
His shot down the right-field line, which came against A's right-hander A.J. Griffin, tied the game at 1.
"It was in a big situation to tie the game," Ortiz said. "A lot of people were expecting that. It was just very exciting."
Few people could have expected it when the Minnesota Twins released Ortiz following the 2002 season, and anyone could have signed him. The Red Sox were the team that showed the initiative, and they've been reaping the benefits ever since.
"He was the guy that bounced around a little bit and then went to Boston and found a home -- it's an inspirational story," said A's outfielder Brandon Moss, who used to play with Ortiz in Boston. "You look at the career he ended up having, and this isn't his last year. He's just an amazing person, and he's fun to watch hit, whether you're playing with him or against him."
When Ortiz crossed home plate, he got a hug from Adrian Gonzalez, who was in the on-deck circle. Dustin Pedroia and Cody Ross were among the first players to greet him on the top step of the dugout.
"It was awesome," said Ross. "It seems like every pitch he's got that chance to do it. As soon as it went in the air, it was just a sigh of relief, for him especially to get that weight off his shoulders. I'm just so happy for him and proud."
When Ortiz stepped to the plate again in the sixth, the Athletics' public-address announcer informed the crowd that Ortiz had hit No. 400 in his previous at-bat. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.
"Yeah, that was pretty cool," Ortiz said. "You're playing on the road and you get something like that done on the road and people really appreciate it. It just tells you the way the game is going on these days. It was a nice appreciation."
Ortiz became the 49th Major Leaguer to reach the 400-homer plateau and is the 21st lefty to do it.
Big Papi, who is in his 10th season with the Red Sox, is one of eight active players to hit 400 home runs.
Ortiz has been one of the most beloved players in Red Sox history, thanks in large part to his clutch heroics en route to World Series championships in 2004 and '07, as well as his gregarious personality.
At the age of 36, Ortiz is having one of his best all-around seasons. The home run Wednesday was his 22nd of the season.
Ortiz is the first player to hit No. 400 in a Boston uniform since Manny Ramirez, who accomplished the feat in 2005.
One of the elite sluggers of the last decade, Ortiz is the only Major Leaguer with 20-plus homers in each of the last 11 seasons.
For Ortiz, it took the seventh and final game of the West Coast road trip to reach the milestone. He belted No. 399 at Fenway Park on June 27, the last game of the homestand.
"When I first got to the big leagues, I was just excited to be in the big leagues," Ortiz said. "But it's just consistency. You've got to work through it. I just tried to keep on working as hard as I can to continue producing."


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Take action at the first signs of heat illness to avoid emergencies
Checkup On Health
Exercise can become downright hazardous when temperatures soar. But by taking adequate precautions and knowing the danger signs of dehydration and heat stroke, everyone can still have fun in the sun this weekend and throughout the hot summer.
"Exercise and activity are crucial to help you stay healthy, but it's important to be careful in the summer to avoid heat stroke, dehydration and other consequences of overexertion," said Jeff Tanji, a physician at UC Davis Health System who specializes in sports medicine. "Luckily, a little common sense goes a long way."
Tanji offers the following tips to beat the heat:
Time it right
If possible, schedule exercise during the cooler morning and evening hours. And keep in mind that out-of-town visitors may not be accustomed to our temperatures and should especially take it easy the first few days. Even pro athletes adjust their routines during the first five days in a new climate.
Don't forget regular time-outs
This is especially important for youngsters who aren't always aware that they need rest periods and water breaks. Schedule a minimum of 10 minutes for every hour of exercise. Children, older people and those who are less fit need more rest. Of course, everyone should spend more time chilling out when it's particularly hot.
Stay hydrated!!
Before starting out on any outdoor activity, have a big glass of your favorite cool drink.
Make sure kids drink plenty of water since they don't realize how important it is to stay hydrated.
Heat illness can rapidly lead to a medical emergency, so it is essential to take action at the first warning.
Competitive athletes should tank up with two big glassfuls of fluids at least two hours before an event. Plain water is best, but fruit juices and Gatorade-type sports drinks are fine, too. Just avoid alcohol and caffeine, which contribute to dehydration.
Whenever possible, drink during exercise as well, at a rate of about 5 to 10 ounces every 15 minutes. For people engaging in prolonged exercise over a period of hours, it's important to replace salts and add energy with sports drinks rather than plain water.
Dress for the occasion
Football players with bulky, tight-fitting uniforms will be at higher risk for heat problems than runners in shorts and tanktops. Coaches and athletes need to adjust fluid requirements and resting times with these factors in mind on hot days.
Spectators also can get hot and tired sitting in the bleachers on a hot day. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose clothing made of cottons and other light, breathable fabric is recommended, and applying sunscreen to all exposed areas every few hours will help prevent sun damage to skin.
Act before emergency
Heat-induced illnesses include muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat illness can rapidly lead to a medical emergency, so it is essential to take action at the first warning. It's crucial to know the signs of "heat illnesses."
Heat-induced illnesses include muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions often occur in people working hard or exercising in hot weather, but can arise in anyone on a hot day. People especially at risk are the elderly, children, overweight individuals and those with heart conditions or taking certain medications, such as diuretics (water pills).
Muscle cramps are one painful form of heat illness. These frequently occur in the legs or abdomen and are due to salt depletion from excessive sweating. The cramps are usually relieved by rest, stretching and rehydration. Tanking up on fruit juice with a pinch of salt added or drinking sports drinks can help prevent salt depletion during hot weather.
Heat exhaustion is an early stage of heat stroke. The person feels excessively tired, weak, and nauseous, and may feel dizzy and even pass out briefly. The skin is cool and clammy, and may appear either flushed or pale. Have the person sit or lie down in a shady location and give cool drinks. Try anything to cool the victim down: Loosen or take off extra clothes, sponge with cold water, and place him or her near a fan. If the person does not feel better after a short while or if symptoms worsen, seek medical care.
Heat stroke can be a very dangerous condition. The body stops sweating and the internal temperature climbs to high levels. The skin will be quite dry and hot. The victim may become confused, agitated and have blurry or double vision. These symptoms indicate an extremely dangerous state. Have the person lie down, and seek medical help at once while others continue efforts to cool the victim down.


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The latest research data on US consumer electronics spending from analyst house NPD shows that Apple has a commanding market position, taking 19.9 per cent of all sales in 2012.
The top five companies by spending last year were Apple, Samsung, HP, Sony, and Dell, but of those only Apple and Samsung actually saw their market share rising; the Korean manufacturer's share grew from 7 per cent in 2011 to 9.3 per cent last year. The duo saw sales increase $6.5bn in 2012, while revenues in the rest of the industry fell by $9.5bn.
"While CE remains a dynamic industry the fact is that the stellar growth of the past few years has made growth today more difficult," said Stephen Baker, VP of industry analysis at NPD, in a statement.
"Most market segments have high penetration rates and the demand for additional devices is slowing, or declining. Tablets and smartphones have been able to stimulate demand for additional devices, but unfortunately it hasn't been enough, yet, to sustain positive growth trends."
Since tablets and smartphones are Apple's hottest items at the moment that's good news for Cupertino, and to a lesser extent for Samsung as it's also heavily invested in both markets. But for players in more established fields such as laptops and desktops, the data makes for grim reading, since it shows how far tablets in particular are cannibalizing sales.
Overall consumer electronics sales fell two per cent in 2012, double the rate of decline in 2011. According to the NPD, the sector has had only one quarter of growth in the last two years, but since that came at the end of 2012, things might be looking up.
"After struggles with declining categories, and increasingly saturated markets over the last few years, fourth quarter's results may be the first sign that even as a mature industry consumer technology can grow again, albeit with a very different dynamic than in previous growth spurts," concluded Baker. ®


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Secure The Outpost
|Secure The Outpost
|Mission Number
|Previous Mission
|Harvest The Jungle
|Following Mission
|Mushrooms In The Deep
Secure The Outpost is the fourth Mission in Far Cry 3. It begins right where the previous mission left you off. After spending your first two skill points, you'll speak to Dennis, who will make plans with you to liberate a nearby outpost.
- Eliminate all pirates in the outpost.
- Search for Liza in the main outpost building.
Master Difficulty Video Walkthrough
Written Walkthrough
Dennis has just driven you to a nearby outpost, and your objective is to eliminate all of the pirates within this outpost.
As you take out the pirates, remember that crouching will allow you to sneak up on your enemies and eliminate them silently, and that securing the outpost without alerting any enemies will reward you with bonus XP. Once you've killed every pirate within the outpost, you will liberate it, and be awarded with an amount of XP dependent upon whether or not you were detected.
Following the outpost's liberation, search for Liza, your girlfriend, in the main outpost building. After a brief cutscene, Liza isn't found within the building, and the mission ends.
NOTE - Even if you manage to liberate the outpost undetected, the requirement for the 'Ninja Step' skill in 'The Spider' skilltree will not get updated. Confirmed on PC.


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Classic though it may be, Biggie's "Things Done Changed" doesn't really address cars. Thankfully, we have our readers for that one.
While we were drooling over the top-mounted exhausts on the Porsche 918, willyolio stood up for engineering in the face of common disapproval.
Ah, to everyone saying "I don't like the fact that it's a hybrid"... I'm glad you're not engineers.
Plain old average joes think hybrids = low performance, thanks to the Prius. Kind of like how people think salads = healthiness. There is such a thing as eating too many salads and unhealthy salads, you know. Shortcut thinking = no innovation.
Hybrid drivetrains are just another form of tech. they increase performance while lowering fuel consumption. Just because Toyota's only been using it to "boost" an 80HP engine to 100HP of performance doesn't mean the tech couldn't be used to boost a 600HP engine to 700.
Thank you, Porsche, for exploring all applications to a technology. My god, imagine if all cars had to be made of steel only, because aluminum is for pop cans. Or no air conditioning, because cooling technology is for refrigerators. Or no GPS, because that shit's only for hikers. Or massaging seats, because vibrators are only for phones and dildos.


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Samantha Maloney
The Chelsea Girls
Samantha Maloney, accomplished musician and songwriter who studied music at the legendary fame school in NYC, has come a long way in a short time. Drumming for everyone from Joan Jett to Motley Crue to the genius composer Hans Zimmer, Samantha has been a busy girl.
Lately, her schedule has included film scoring and a ton of home studio production. Samantha received her first drum-kit at the age of five. Drumming immediately became a significant part of her life. At the age of fourteen she enrolled at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City, and for the next three years studied percussion extensively.
1993-1998 At the age of sixteen, she auditioned for the post-hardcore band Shift as a replacement drummer and the band gave her the position permanently. In 1997, Shift signed to Columbia Records and made their major-label debut album titled, Get In. Following the album's release the band toured.
In 1998, Maloney was offered an audition in Los Angeles for the role of drummer in Hole, a position vacated by Patty Schemel. With her audition a success she was accepted by the band and so officially joined up with Hole, leaving Shift behind to join the band. At 22, Maloney was on the road with Hole at the height of their popularity, playing sold out arenas and touring extensively in the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom whilst also appearing on television and in magazines, as well as Hole's recordings and videos.
In 2000, Hole went on hiatus and Maloney was offered the drum chair for Mötley Crüe to fill in for then drummer Randy Castillo, who was ill at the time. As the touring with Mötley Crüe came to a close in January 2001, Maloney moved from New York to Los Angeles, California where she continued her musical career. Samantha can be heard playing on the Mötley Crüe releases, "Lewd, Crüed & Tattooed" (DVD) and "New Tattoo" (on live bonus disc).
In 2002, Maloney, alongside Melissa Auf der Maur (The Smashing Pumpkins/Hole), Paz Lenchantin (A Perfect Circle), and Radio Sloan (The Need) created a new band called The Chelsea. The all-female supergroup only played one show before quickly going their separate ways.
2003-2004 Having worked with and for others on their music, the drummer decided to start composing her own album, and in mid-2003 she began to turn down high-profile gigs in order to start her solo project, pausing briefly on July 7, 2004, to fill in as the drummer for a band on Sympathy for the Record Industry called Scarling. in order to perform live at a group art show at the Copro/Nason Gallery (Santa Monica, California).
In 2004, just as she had completed her first batch of songs, Maloney was asked by former Hole frontwoman Courtney Love to fly to France (after drummer Patty Schemel departed for the second time) and add drums to Love's otherwise complete solo debut, America's Sweetheart. Returning to the States, Maloney was asked to assemble a live band for Courtney Love, reconnecting with guitarist Radio Sloan, finding guitarist Lisa Leveridge and bassist Dvin to form the core of the band.
After playing with the band for a few weeks Love decided to call her new band "The Chelsea" after Maloney's previous musical endeavour. Love added Violinist Emilie Autumn to the band at a later date. The band was put on hiatus after a small number of gigs, including Love's bizarre appearance on the "Late Show with David Letterman", where the singer bared her breasts, lit up a cigarette and rambled about Nicole Kidman, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and her legal problems and after performing at Plaid in New York where Love was arrested Thursday morning (March 18) at 2:30 a.m., after allegedly throwing a blunt object into the audience, hitting a 24-year-old man in the head.
However, Maloney was soon approached by old friend Josh Homme to drum for his side-project Eagles of Death Metal. Maloney accepted the gig and toured with Eagles of Death Metal opening for Queens of the Stone Age all over the world.
In 2006, Samantha toured with Electroclash punk artist Peaches' live band, The Herms along with JD Samson and Radio Sloan in support of her 2006 release Impeach My Bush. In January, 2009, Samantha joined with Allison Robertson (of The Donnas), former Playboy model/Disk-Jockey Tuesdae, and Corey Parks (ex. Nashville Pussy), to form the "Chelsea Girls". The band is an all-girl cover band. The band's name references an Andy Warhol flick and a premise—the greatest anthems from the likes of AC/DC, Judas Priest, Blondie and even some Madonna. In the spirit of Camp Freddy, they brought in special guests including Lemmy from Motörhead and Carmen Electra who is now the unofficial fifth member as the band's MC.
On August 2007 a new project was announced: The Ingenues. According to their MySpace page, they are "a select group of uber talented femmes who have collaborated with up and coming producer extraordinaire Samantha Maloney ( Hole, Eagles of Death Metal, The Herms, Mötley Crüe, Scarling.) to make a collection of songs to bring to their masses".
The project will include Jessicka (Scarling./Jack Off Jill), Radio Sloan (The Need, The Chelsea, The Herms, Le Tigre), and Lisa Leveridge. Maloney is working on new material along with singer Jessicka for The Ingenues. They have released one single titled "Happy For You" available on iTunes.
On June 30, 2010 Billy Ray Cyrus released on his Facebook information about the new alternative rock group, Brother Clyde, with the old members substituted by Samantha Maloney, Jamie Miller, Dan Knight and Dave Henning. He also stated that their single, Lately, was available on iTunes and that their debut album would be out on August 10, 2010.


text: Wondering if your little bundle of joy will be a boy or a girl? While the only accurate way to find out your baby's gender during pregnancy is from your doctor, playing the guessing game can be a lot of fun. Read on for some of the wackiest old wives' tales believed to predict the gender of your baby, and try some for yourself. And then tell us--were they right?


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Restaurant 33, SS 3
>> Wednesday, September 12, 2007
There's this restaurant in SS3, Petaling Jaya that offers a wide range of Chinese 'tai chow' food at a reasonable price. The taste isn't too bad, & their service is good :) Every weekday, there'll be a 'today's special' whereby certain dishes will be offered at a cheaper price. If I recall correctly, on Tuesday, the lemon chicken costs only RM8 (normally should be around RM12-15, I think).
They also have set dinners for 2-3 ppl, 4-5 ppl, & 6-8 ppl. The sets are pretty much static, but if you're going for a simple dinner & don't want to pay so much (and think too much on what to eat), this place is quite a good option.
Last weekend, my family had a taufu dish, a vegie, & a herbal chicken dish, which were quite good. We paid less than RM35 for this (not the set dinner). I think the chicken & the asparagus & pork costs RM12 each... can't recall clearly :D
Taufu (beancurd) dish
Stir-fried asparagus with roasted pork
Herbal chicken
-> If you know where's the pasar malam area in SS3, PJ, then you'll be able to see this corner restaurant. It faces a football field.
- Ruth


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Licensed salon & spa professionals can set up a Professional Account which entitles them to professional only pricing, professional only promotions and additional educational and marketing resources available to our salon & spa customers.
If you already have a Professional Account with us, please sign in below with your email and password in the "Sign In to My Professional Account" section.
To create a Salon - Spa Professional Account, please enter your email and a valid Cosmetology License in the section called "Create a Professional Account" below and click the "Create Account" button. You will then be asked for additional information.
Zoya Nail Polish
Max by Zoya can be best described as a light bordering on medium crimson-red with pink, coral and orange undertones. A sweet and pretty red to compliment any skin tone.
Please note: Neon pigments may vary slightly from batch to batch
Finish - Cream
Intensity - 3 (1 = Sheer - 5 = Opaque)
Tone - Cool
For Best Results
Step 1: Clean the nail plate with Remove Plus ( Remove ) nail polish remover and nail plate cleaner
Step 2: Choose and apply the right base coat: Zoya Anchor for regular healthy nails or Zoya GetEven for nails with ridges
Step 3: Apply 2 coats of your favorite Zoya Nail Polish Color
Step 4: Apply a coat of Zoya Armor Top Coat
Step 5: Drop one drop of Zoya Fast Drops to the base of your nail bed
Following these 5 steps guarantees up to 14 days of wear on natural nails.
Shade Spotlight
Ratings & Reviews
Zoya Nail Polish | Max Max
Pretty, cool red. Very sheer!
Zoya Nail Polish | MaxGreat color, but...
This is a great daiquiri color, but the coverage is very weird. Streaky, uneven and too watery.


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After performing at the kick-off concert for this FIFA World Cup™, Shakira will also contribute to Final day in South Africa when she sings the official tournament anthem, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), before the players of Netherlands and Spain take the field at Soccer City.
The Colombian pop singer, who also performed prior to the 2006 Final in Germany, took time out from rehearsing to reflect on an "inspiring" month and explain to FIFA.com why she is rooting for Spain and why she has fallen in love with both football and her South African hosts.
What has struck you most about being in South Africa?I think this whole month that I spent in South Africa has been so inspiring, so stimulating, one of the happiest months of my life in recent years. It's been so exciting to wake up every morning looking forward to the matches, looking forward to the newspaper just to open the sports section because I became such a football fanatic. The people of South Africa are definitely the highlight of this World Cup. They're amazing, they're so joyful, expressive and affectionate. I've been feeling the love since the first day I arrived, every day more and more. For the first time of my life, I arrived at immigration and I saw the immigration officers actually dancing and singing the Waka Waka. It's been such an amazing experience.
They're amazing, they're so joyful, expressive and affectionate.
Have you been to any games?I've been to three. I went to the first game right after the kick-off concert, Mexico-South Africa. I went to Argentina-Nigeria and to Spain-Paraguay. And tomorrow, Spain-Netherlands.
Which teams have you been following?Of course I was supporting the Latin teams. I think they've played an amazing role in this World Cup. Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil. But I think the Spanish team is quite amazing. And I support them big time. It's my moral duty, I'm Hispanic and I have to support the Spanish team.
Can you give your prediction for the Final?I wouldn't dare to predict the score but I think you have to believe the octopus. So whatever Paul says, I'll go with him.
Have you learned anything from practising and performing with the South African group Freshlyground?Absolutely. Freshlyground are such an amazing group. Zolani's voice is very unique, it's incredible. I love their flavours and how they combine different influences and pop music. They're just an amazing talent. I've been so pleased to work with them and to count on their talent for the Waka Waka song.
What is your best memory of the tournament?One of the most memorable moments I've experienced was when I was stuck in traffic going to the Argentina-Nigeria match and I saw people in the street, coming out of their cars, dancing and singing, and giving me so many hugs. I have never received so many hugs in one month! They're so affectionate, so sweet. All the time, you see a smile on their faces and that is quite inspiring. It has definitely shaped this World Cup. It has also influenced the entire environment, the surroundings and the tourist mood as well. Because I think the tourists feed from the locals' energy. And the locals have been so kind to them that no one can complain. You've seen that spirit of integration, respect and tolerance on the field and in the stadium too. You see how the soccer players hug themselves after a match, how the fans are completely in harmony with the football fans of the opposite team. I think that happens because this World Cup is being held here in South Africa. That influences everyone's state of mind in so many ways.


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Welcome to Benefits
The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) is the agency that administers the State Employees Group Insurance Programs. Full-time benefit eligible employees are able to participant in the provided health, dental, vision and life insurance plans. Part-time status employees working 50-99% may purchase the same coverage through the State by paying a proportionate share of the State's cost. Eligible dependents of a Member may participate in the same health, dental and vision plan. Coverage begins the date of hire and therefore new-hires must attend the orientation scheduled by the Office of Human Resources/ Benefit's Unit. Employee(s) may choose to Opt-Out of the State offered health and dental coverage (proof of other coverage not administered by CMS is required). Employees have an opportunity to make changes during the:
Refer to the State of Illinois Benefits Handbook to obtain additional information: www.benefitschoice.il.gov


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Council plans establish minimum requirements for operating businesses from a residential property. As a general rule, home occupations or home businesses are permitted and do not require council approval when the business has no adverse impact on the environment or your neighbours.
Small home offices or family day care generally do not require council approval.
You no longer need to lodge a town planning application with council if your home business meets the following self-assessable standards in the Home business code.
You live permanently in the home from which you want to operate the business.
Your home business:
Your operation does not:
Your business results in:
Your business operating hours are limited to 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday (except for commercial guest or home stay accommodation).
Your business only involves accommodation for travellers for a short-term paid stay.
You accommodate a maximum of:
Your home-stay guests occupy a maximum of 2 bedrooms.
You have no more than 7 pre-school children on the premises at any time, including the total number of children permanently living in the house and those for whom you care.
All home based businesses must comply with council policy.
A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Contact Email, Phone and Address Details for this service in simple two column table format, header then data.
Scenic Rim Regional Council


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A hire car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car is perfect for road trips, airport travel or to get around town at the weekend. Visit one of our many convenient neighbourhood car rental locations in Fort Worth or rent a car at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Western Currency Facility, watch a cattle drive on Exchange Avenue and explore the Fort Worth Zoo.
Full-Size Cars, Economy, SUVs, People Carriers, Luxury
Find great deals on hire cars throughout our Fort Worth city and airport locations and book today.


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The Financial FAQs
Reagan Budget Director David Stockman and even President Obama have called it the reverse the Robin Hood effect, or taking the meager wealth from the poorest to give to the wealthiest. Because the Tea Party has created the Republican election platform, their agenda has been laid bare, which is a blatant effort to suppress the wages and salaries of 80 percent of our workforce. This after more than 200 years of government working for both the advantaged and disadvantaged.
The Republican platform no longer even tries to hide what they want to do–make the poor and middle classes even poorer by shrinking the social safety net, as well as restrict or outright ban collective bargaining of both public and private sector employees.
It is unbelievable, but true. Their platform even includes removing all restrictions on assault rifles, with no limits on magazine sizes, and taking away a woman's freedom to choose her own health care options, including contraception.
They are doing it in their time-tested way, playing the blame game again. As Rick Santorum said in his convention speech—"Almost half of Americans are on some form of government assistance," implying that the poorest among US are too lazy to work. But most who receive government aid have retired on social security and Medicare, with very few on welfare, thanks to Clinton's welfare reform that required welfare recipients to find work.
In fact, playing the blame game is their attempt to direct attention away from their own wholesale draining of the public coffers with tax breaks for the wealthiest that continue to increase the federal deficit, while income inequality is already at record levels. They would even make it worse under the Paul Ryan's budget proposals by continuing to cut taxes, as well as social security, Medicare, education, and environmental protection programs.
Meanwhile defense spending would increase from some $500 trillion to over $900 trillion in 10 years by some estimates, if we follow Ryan's prescription, when we are the only super-power. This includes 9 super-carriers when no other country has even one.
What best confirms the Republican Party's outright suppression of wages and salaries is the change in labor laws that have happened since at least 1980, when President Reagan disbanded the FAA Air Traffic Controllers Union, after only 4 days of negotiations.
In a just released report by the Center for Policy and Research, "Protecting Fundamental Labor Rights: Lessons from Canada for the United States," begins with a comparison of the current state of organized labor in the United States and Canada. It notes that, from the 1920s to about 1960, Canada and the United States had roughly the same unionization rates. But in 1960, the two began to diverge. As of 2011, the unionization rate in Canada stood at 29.7 percent, compared to less than half that in the U.S., at 11.8 percent.
While Canada and the U.S. both have elections as one route to forming unions, Canadian workers in several provinces also have the much faster option of card-check certification. Under card check, once a majority of employees signs cards in support of unionizing, an employer is required by law to recognize their union. . While the United States, however, workers must first file a petition showing support for unionizing and then vote to unionize in an election before an employer is required to recognize their union, unless an employer voluntarily recognizes a union.
And this can take months, during which companies are able to employ tactics to intimidate their workers. "During this time, U.S. employers usually engage in anti-union campaigns, often committing illegal acts – such as threatening to close the workplace or threatening to fire workers – to discourage them from voting to form a union," said the report . "In fact, workers were illegally fired in about 30 percent of certification elections in 2007. Unfortunately, the legal response to such practices is slow and ineffective."
Even more damning is the direct suppression of wages in the 23 right to work states that say workers don't even have to join a union, or outright banning collective bargaining of public workers, such as teachers, police and fireman, in Wisconsin, which other states are attempting to emulate.
For instance, A February 2011 Economic Policy Institute study found:
- Wages in right-to-work states are 3.2 percent lower than those in non-RTW states, after controlling for a full complement of individual demographic and socioeconomic variables as well as state macroeconomic indicators. Using the average wage in non-RTW states as the base ($22.11), the average full-time, full-year worker in an RTW state makes about $1,500 less annually than a similar worker in a non-RTW state.
- The rate of employer-sponsored health insurance (ESI) is 2.6 percentage points lower in RTW states compared with non-RTW states, after controlling for individual, job, and state-level characteristics. If workers in non-RTW states were to receive ESI at this lower rate, 2 million fewer workers nationally would be covered.
- The rate of employer-sponsored pensions is 4.8 percentage points lower in RTW states, using the full complement of control variables in [the study's] regression model. If workers in non-RTW states were to receive pensions at this lower rate, 3.8 million fewer workers nationally would have pensions.
The damage to economic growth is considerable when the 80 percent of Americans who are wage and salary earners have not been able to boost their incomes sufficiently to grow the economy. The facts are daunting. Income inequality has been growing since the 1970s—so much so that economic growth will continue to suffer, unless workers have sufficient bargaining power to begin to grow their incomes again. But that can't happen unless/until they recognize who is blocking their path to greater prosperity.
Harlan Green © 2012


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USAC prepares to invade Florida Speedweeks for the Fifth Annual Winter Dirt Games at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, FL. Expect to see mmany of your favorite USAC drivers including: Tony Stewart Racings Bryan Clausen, Dave Darland, Brady Bacon, Chase Stockon, Kevin Thomas Jr, Tracy Hines, Robert Ballou, Chris Windom, Tyler Courtney, Shane Cottle, Damian Gardner and many more.
Advanced tickets can be purchased at Bubba Raceway Park website -> www.bubbaracewaypark.com


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The Hartford has sold its variable annuity marketing business as part of its effort to reduce its role in the life insurance business.
The Hartford officials announced Thursday that it had signed an agreement to sell the VA marketing unit to Forethought, a privately held diversified financial services company.
The sale will include all individual annuity new business capabilities, consisting of product management, distribution and marketing units, as well as the suite of products currently being sold.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but are not considered material to The Hartford's operations or financial results, its officials said.
The Hartford announced on March 21 its plans to divest its annuity operations in order to concentrate on wealth management and its property and casualty business.
At the time, The Hartford CEO Liam McGee said the company will stop new annuity sales effective on April 27 and expected to take a related after-tax charge of $15 million to $20 million in the second quarter of 2012.
At the time, The Hartford said it would stop selling new annuities as of today's date so the implication of the announcement to sell the marketing unit to Forethought implies that it hopes it will be a seamless sell-off.
Specifically, The Hartford said that as part of the agreement The Hartford will continue to write new annuity products during a transition period and Forethought will assume all expenses and risk for these sales through a reinsurance arrangement.
The agreement does not include The Hartford's in-force annuity book of business, according to David N. Levenson, president of The Hartford's Wealth Management division.
Levenson said that he expects that the "majority" of the current employees that support The Hartford's Individual Annuity new business capabilities will be offered positions with Forethought.
"We are pleased to announce an agreement with Forethought, an organization of proven integrity and a growing suite of high-value products," Levenson said, "Over the last 12 months our individual annuity team has done a tremendous job rebuilding our market presence through differentiated products and best-in-class distribution. Building on this track record, I am confident the business will thrive under Forethought's ownership."
John A. Graf, chairman, president, and CEO of Forethought, added that, "Forethought is excited to expand further into the annuity business, given the growing demand for income products in retirement and the demographic trends unfolding in the U.S. Being able to acquire a team of top-tier annuity professionals from The Hartford will allow us to capitalize on this opportunity at an accelerated pace."
The Hartford's decision to substantively reduce the risk in its life business was a capitulation to John Paulson, a New York-based fund manager.
He argued that the capital required to fund the life business was reducing The Hartford's results and its attractiveness to investors.
The divestitures are linked to the economic downturn, when it was caught with variable annuities that offered guarantees to investors.
The Hartford's innovations, including guarantees in the VA market forced other market players to follow. This resulted in an increase in a VA market that had been in the doldrums since the Bush tax cuts that helped lift total VA sales to $180 billion in 2007.
However, as the stock market plunged and the economy sunk, the product began to take a heavy toll on The Hartford.
By late 2008, it was seeking outside investors and funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program initiated by the Bush administration in the fall of 2008.


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Property Administrator
Falcondale Properties Ltd
This CPD will introduce the 5Ps of Business Continuity (Processes, People, Premises, Providers ...
MC Enda McGuane will be returning for this year's virtual PMFM Conference which will ...
The Construction section comprises of three Professional Groups, Building Surveyors, Project Management Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors.Read more
The Land sector comprises of four professional groups, Geomatic Surveyors, Mineral Surveyors, Planning and Development Surveyors and Rural Surveyors.Read more
The Property sector comprises of five Groups: Commercial Agency, Property & Facilities Management, Residential Agency, Valuation, and Art & Antiques Surveyors.Read more
Calculate the minimum value for which you should insure your house.Calculate
Arts and Antiques Surveyors
are experienced in advising clients on the valuation, sale, purchase and management of antiques and fine arts and are able to advise on storage, security, conservation and restoration, shipping and packaging
Building Surveyors
have an interest in all aspects of building surveying for residential and commercial property and provide professional advice on building structures, cost of essential repairs, leases and dilapidations
Commercial Agency Surveyors
are property professionals who with an interest in all types of Commercial Property. Members work in both the private and public sectors
Geomatics Surveyors
map the built and natural environment to provide accurate spatial data which facilitates planning, development and conservation
Minerals Surveyors
specialise in providing professional advice in the life cycle of minerals and waste developments ranging from initial site assessment through the period of extraction or infilling to site restoration and the final 'after use'
Planning and Development Surveyors
are involved in a broad variety of work including assessment of land and property use requirements and development, regeneration appraisal and related planning implementation processes in the public and private sector
Project Management Surveyors
liaise with statutory agencies and act as the client's representative when dealing with external regulatory organisations to facilitate the smooth running of the construction project to its successful conclusion
Properties and Facilities Management Surveyors
are property management professionals with an interest in all aspects of residential, commercial and industrial property management
Quantity Surveyors
provide professional project management and construction cost expertise to clients on a range of public and private construction projects
Residential Agency Surveyors
operate in all areas of residential property practice and provide professional expertise in relation to the sales, valuation and letting of residential property
Rural Agency Surveyors
are land and property professionals with an interest in all aspects of rural affairs
Valuation Surveyors
work in all types of asset valuation including general valuation as well as compensation bases, investment appraisal, performance measurement, rating valuation and property funding and financing
Considering a career in surveying? Take a look at this video to see the diversity in the profession.
Becoming a member of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland means you have achieved the regulated high professional standard and are competent in all areas of your work in the property and construction industry. You are gaining a valuable professional qualification in addition to your academic qualification and an elite professional standing within the industry.SCSI/DIT 3rd-level Courses


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Goins gets two hits in debut close to Texas home
HOUSTON -- The Blue Jays opening game in Houston on Friday is one they'd like to forget, but the same can't be said for their newest infielder, Ryan Goins.
Goins made his Major League debut in the 12-4 loss, and while most of his team struggled, the 25-year-old turned in a 2-for-4 performance at the plate. He grew up in Round Rock, Texas -- a three-hour drive from Houston -- and he had more than 20 family members in attendance for his debut.
The first hit came in the seventh inning on a single to center, and he quickly followed up with a double in the ninth to cap a memorable night at Minute Maid Park.
"It was good to just get the first one out of the way in the first game," Goins said. "In my first at-bats, I felt good, and then finally getting a hit in the third one felt great.
"The first couple of pitches, you get a little excited, a little jumpy, and then you settle in after your first at-bat, I think."
The 25-year-old hit out of the ninth spot and got the start at second base, where he'll receive some time when Munenori Kawasaki needs a day off. The only downside of his debut is that he didn't get to touch the ball on defense, as no grounders headed his way.
Goins almost had an opportunity in fifth inning, when shortstop Jose Reyes fielded a tailor-made double play. But instead of handing the ball off to Goins, Reyes touched the bag on his own before throwing to first base.
Manager John Gibbons lifted Reyes in the bottom of the seventh inning, putting Kawasaki at second base and shifting Goins to shortstop.
"I was waiting for the first one, I was just waiting," Goins said with a laugh. "I thought Jose was going to flip me the double-play ball, and he took it himself. I was like, 'I need to get the ball at some point.'"
Goins received a promotion from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday morning, when starting second baseman Maicer Izturis was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle. Izturis has since started using a walking boot and is expected to miss a significant period of time, possibly the rest of the season.
That has opened the door for Goins, who will serve as a utility infielder. Goins hit .257 with 29 extra-base hits and a .311 on-base percentage in 111 games with the Bisons this season.
"[It was fun] just having a lot of family in town, a lot of people drove up, a lot of people I played with before," Goins said. "It was good to have everybody come to the game and made me feel comfortable out there."


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The Polish startup Game Technologies has developed dice packed with an incredible amount of technology for use with game applications.
The six-sided Dice+ is shaped like most conventional dice, but that's where the similarities end. The electronic die is outfitted with LED numbers (capable of displaying 250 million colors), an ARM controller with temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, and a magnetic field sensor for orientation in a 3D space. All that technology is housed on a "3D-shaped cubed circuit board," all of which is packed inside a sound-dampening, abrasion-resistant enclosure that can obviously take repeated impacts while maintaining structural cohesion without damaging the electronics inside.
The Dice+ interacts with mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones (no word on if it can work with PCs yet) through an onboard Bluetooth 2.1/4.0 connection with a 15-foot range. The die battery gives users approximately 20 hours of uninterrupted game play and is recharged through a micro-USB port hidden on the lip of one of the six sides.
Only a handful of family and party games come with the Dice+ right now, but there is a developer kit on the market that allows developers to introduce more titles in the near future. The Dice+ sells for $39.99 US, including one die, a micro-USB cable, a manual, and a carrying pouch.
Let the games begin.
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Ceci-Cela's Spinach Pie, Sweet and Savory Breakfast All in One
When it comes to breakfast there's savory and sweet, and usually ne'er the two shall meet. Not so with Ceci-Cela's Spinach Pie ($3). The bakery's flaky, laminated dough is folded over a spinach and ricotta filling, leaving one side of the pie plain, slightly sweet, and croissant-like, while loading the other side with creamy ricotta and fresh, minerally spinach. One might call the unequal distribution of filling a pain. But stay optimistic! It's a sweet and savory breakfast all in one, both sides done well.
As you may recall, Ceci-Cela knows a thing or two about pastry. In 2010 we crowned their croissant as our favorite in New York.


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I made a list to show which PS2onlingaming.com community mambers own each PS2 LAN (Xlink Kai) game and each PS2 online game (no LAN/servers still up). So you can browse by the game title to see who owns each game, rather than having to look in everyone's profiles to see what they own.
Click Here to see the list:
Community Online Games List
Community Online Games List
Create a thread here to schedule a time to play PS2 games online through their normal servers.
1 post • Page 1 of 1
- site admin
- Posts: 1760
- Joined: Wed Aug 18, 2010 9:23 pm
- Xlink Kai Setup?: yes
- Xlink Kai username: lazyhobobum
- Location: west coast usa
- Contact:
Community Online Games List
aka lazybum...
my youtube channel
my game collection
my youtube channel
my game collection
1 post • Page 1 of 1


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ID Cards for Illegal Immigrants: A Good Thing?
President Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Wednesday criticized Arizona's law that makes failure to carry immigration documents a crime. But in contrast to Arizona, a growing number of cities around the country are taking a different approach: They are issuing identification cards (ID) designed to help illegal immigrants function within society. Government-issued ID is necessary to cash checks, pick up packages from mail centers or access clinics, doctor's offices, recreation centers or pools.
In New Jersey, Trenton and Princeton are among the latest cities endorsing a community-issued ID card. Bill Wakefield is with the group that spearheaded the ID card program there.
"It doesn't allow them to do many of the things that a passport or a state-issued drivers license would do. In other words, they can't get on an airplane. But they can go to the local library and check out a book."
Some immigration reform advocates strongly oppose the ID cards, saying the communities endorsing them are hampering the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
Three years ago, New Haven, Conn., became the first city to approve community ID cards, amid considerable controversy. Now, Mayor John DeStefano says it has been a success and is no longer generating any news.
"Different communities approach immigration issues differently. We see one approach in Arizona. Other communities, such as New Haven, have approached it a different way. The bottom line to me is that the greatest periods of growth in America are when we've had robust immigration."
In Asbury Park, N.J., which is about 1 mile square, about 250 cards have been issued since 2008. That city's Latino liaison, Eve Sanchez Silver, says the card is especially useful when emergency workers respond to someone ill or injured.
"If they find a card and it says 'Oaxaca, Mexico,' it's not much help in letting you know where that individual should be now, where that person's family is. So having this community ID card really has been a help."
In Arizona, the failure to carry immigration documents has been made a crime. Community ID cards, in contrast, are being used elsewhere to make life easier for illegal immigrants - who fill many jobs some Americans won't take, Wakefield points out.


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For The Associated Press
Author Terry Brooks has delivered some of the best fantasy tales written in the past 35 years. His latest, "Wards of Faerie: The Dark Legacy of Shannara," continues the saga that started with a sword in 1977.
The best fantasy novels immerse readers in an unusual, yet familiar world, and the Four Lands chronicled in Brooks' Shannara books highlight a jagged and potentially dangerous landscape. The classics in the genre also reveal strong and sympathetic characters, and Brooks has a flair for memorable ones that readers root for amid the chaos.
In "Wards of Faerie," a young Elven girl falls in love with a bad boy thousands of years ago. Their relationship deteriorates when they realize they cannot be together. Upset, he steals the powerful and magical Elfstones from her, leaving one stone behind that he claims will help her find him. She's unsuccessful in her quest, and she writes about her sorrow in a diary.
In the present, the young druid Aphenglow Elessedil stumbles on the forgotten words. She persuades the leader of the druids to launch an expedition to find the missing stones.
Brooks features the conflict between the world of magic and the growing movement for science. Secrets and a person's destiny also play key roles in the narrative.
The design of the Shannara books spreads the story line across centuries, yet also makes it easy for new readers to jump in at any point.
With the popularity of George R.R. Martin's "A Game of Thrones," the end of The Wheel of Time saga in January and the first part of "The Hobbit" opening in theaters in December, the world of fantasy is more prevalent than ever.
Brooks' Shannara series is a grand example of the best of the best in the genre.
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Hallowell receives AARP Challenge grant
KVCAP's annual diaper drive ongoing through October
Crowd gathers for Pence campaign stop in Hermon
UMF Visiting Writers Series to feature award-winning poet Amy Woolard
Election 2020
Florida begins early voting with no major problems reported


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Is Marriage Education Right For You?
This guest article from YourTango was written by SaraKay Smullens.
It comes as to no surprise to me that a recent major study confirms that education of couples about marital relationships and family life improves the chances of a happy and fulfilling marriage.
After grad school, I was the director of family life education for a large Philadelphia counseling agency. Through working there, I learned how much couples enjoy learning about relationship challenges both together and as individuals.
I learned that young couples who grow up in homes where they see, feel and experience their parents' fulfilling lives together have a much better chance of creating their own happy marriages. Life is just easier for them from minute one of marital life.
More from YourTango: 11 Benefits of Premarital Counseling – Why Even Happy Couples Need It
I noticed that those couples who grew up with rage, distance or contempt between their parents had a far harder time living with depth, commitment and harmony. Plus, they did not have a clue about how to handle disagreements and how to express their anger. Often, minor difficulty resulted in out-of-hand arguments that doomed the life of a healthy marriage.
In the family life education courses and seminars, I have continued to teach topics such as control, communication, intimacy and sexual fulfillment. I have also focused on various challenges that couples go through together in different chapters of their lives. In addition, I made it a point to teach couples when to know that counseling is necessary. I also explained when to know that a relationship could benefit from what I call an "intermission," and when an "intermission" should lead to a divorce.
Here's my take on control, communication, intimacy and the stages of marriage in a nutshell:
Control: This is a killer of relationships. Controlling partners who dictate what their partner must and must not do at all times can cause unhappy marriages. These type of controlling partners withhold love and affection if they do not get what they expect and make a fulfilling life impossible.
Communication: To be successful, marriage must include some give, some take and some compromise. Sometimes things are one way and sometimes another. Sometimes, couples must find a whole new way to do something, one that they each and both can agree on.
Intimacy: In some homes, closeness and intimacy is frowned upon as unnecessary and "show offy." It is only when couples learn that it is important to be tender and kind to each other that true, natural and easy intimacy can become part of an ongoing life.
Stages of Marriage: In each of these stages, when horrible fights cannot be avoided, counseling is truly necessary. Here is what should happen at each of the four stages of marriage:
1. In the first stage, the couple must shift their loyalties from their parents to their partners, who must become number one to each other. This does not mean that a couple no longer values or spends time with parents but that parents are no longer the most important family members to them. The parents cannot be the most important or necessary intimacy and devotion to a partner cannot develop.
2. In the second stage, if the couple has children, their loyalty and devotion is extended to them as the couple learns to balance these responsibilities with work responsibilities inside and outside of their homes. If they are successful, sadness and injustices are eased by the family love that is created and maintained.
More from YourTango: Do You Need Couples Counseling? Here's How to Tell
3. This third stage involves the growing up of children and how this in dealt with. This stage also involves any difficulties with health in the immediate and extended family (which could have come earlier also, of course). In this period, parents work very hard so that communication and time for close sharing between the couple and the entire family can be maintained.
4. The fourth stage involves the challenges and adjustments when sons and daughters are at the age of leaving home. Of course, in this financial climate, many sons and daughters cannot leave. This is a challenge in its own right.
5. The fifth stage five involves the changes in life as a couple ages or deals with devastating illness or death.
Sometimes time apart, or what my clients and I call an "intermission," as counseling continues can help a couple to become close once again. Couples usually know for themselves when divorce is necessary. If children are involved, continuing counseling can help a couple hold onto the determination that their children must suffer as little as possible for this decision.
More great content from YourTango:
Experts, Y. (2018). Is Marriage Education Right For You?. Psych Central. Retrieved on October 28, 2020, from https://psychcentral.com/blog/is-marriage-education-right-for-you/
Last reviewed: By a member of our scientific advisory board on 8 Jul 2018
Published on Psych Central.com. All rights reserved.


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~One girl. Two best friends. One night. One choice.~...
Can You Relate?64209952
- by QueenCrazy101
- Rating:
- Published: 9 Dec 2014
- Updated: 12 Dec 2014
- Status: In Progress
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For a time Monday, visitors to aldermen's offices at City Hall office were greeted by a 7-year-old whose Mets cap was barely visible over the top of a desk.
Chicago teachers were out on strike, so Roberto Maldonado II wasn't at Drummond Elementary School in Bucktown. He was with Dad at work.
"This is the effect," said Ald. Roberto Maldonado of the city's first teachers strike in 25 years. "I kept one (child), and my wife kept two."
The 26th Ward alderman was one of dozens who attended strike briefing sessions put together by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration. Much like the public, aldermen were told that negotiators for the mayor and Chicago Public Schools feel they are very close to a final agreement.
Like the mayor, many aldermen blamed the union for the upset the strike is causing. "Disappointing" seemed to be the adjective of the day.
"It's disappointing that the decision was made to strike today," said Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd. "I think it would have been more productive to possibly extend the strike deadline for a few more days."
Ald. Carrie Austin, 34th, who last week said the blame for a strike would be shared by Emanuel and Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, stood by that assessment while also questioning the need for the union to declare a strike.
"Are your demands such that you have to strike to get resolution?" she asked. "That's horrible that you say, 'Well, we're going to show you.'"
Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st, noted that three charter schools, where teachers are not part of a union, were open in his ward Monday.
"It's ridiculous that they're striking," Moreno said. "In my opinion, they had a fair offer, there is a fair offer, and I just think some of the union leadership are hell bent on striking. It's very unfortunate."
The willingness to cast blame on the union was not a universally held opinion among aldermen, however, evidenced by the fact only 33 out of 50 signed a weekend letter to Lewis urging her to "keep students in the classroom during negotiations."
Several aldermen, like Ald. Robert Fioretti, 2nd, and Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th, said the letter should have been directed to both Lewis and the Chicago Public Schools leaders appointed by Emanuel.
A few said they were never asked to sign. Among those was Nicholas Sposato, 36th, who was not pleased that it came down to a strike, but supported the union's right to hit the picket lines.
Ald. Timothy Cullerton, 38th, signed the letter, but expressed support for the teachers. "They certainly didn't want it to come to this," Cullerton said. "I support the teachers. I hope it comes to a quick resolution for everybody's sake."
Cullerton, a longtime union member, said he visited three schools on Monday morning before his briefing. "As I was out on the street with the teachers, a lot of people were driving by, honking their horns," he said. "There seems to be a lot of support for them."
Aldermen who represent city neighborhoods dealing with high levels of street violence said their primary concern is student safety.
"My concern right now is that the children have safe places to be during this time when the unprecedented level of violence we've seen in my community — across Austin, across West Garfield, East Garfield, North Lawndale," said Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th. "The key right now is making sure that the kids are safe."
Ervin sent out an e-mail blast early Monday, telling parents how they could sign up their kids for a partial day of supervised activity at some school buildings.
"We've been reaching out to local residents to encourage them to get their kids into a safe place — if it's not with CPS, with a local non-for-profit or a church," Ervin said. "As long as there's somewhere they can be safe during this period while the teachers may be out."
Maldonado, meanwhile, said he was more fortunate than most parents, because he, his work-from-home wife and their extended family were able to find ways to take care of the kids.
Roberto II's day did not pass without a civics lesson, however. Later Monday, Maldonado took his son to his ward office for "ward night," the time-honored Chicago tradition of setting aside time for walk-in residents to get an audience with the alderman.
Twitter @ReporterHal


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