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(By Thomas Gazis)
As we know, not only the individuals but the countries too have a zodiacal sign. Everything born in a particular moment in time bears the quality of that moment. Thus, by knowing the date and time of birth of a country we can determine its natal chart – provided of course we can identify the country's exact moment of birth! Because, contrary to a human being – the birth of which is evident to the people around it – the countries may have many and different kinds of "births", some of which are not so evident. Take Greece for example. When was this ancient country really "born"? This turns to be a rather complicated issue!
First of all, Greece is not a country that was born in the last few centuries – as i.e. the U.S.A. It has been there for thousands of years! Thus, its birth is lost in the mist of time. How and when Greece was born turns to be a sort of a mystery. Did the geographical area that corresponds to Greece remain uninhabited for millennia till suddenly a day the "Greeks" jumped over its fences and poured over this southern "offshoot" of the Balkans? Had that – somehow hilarious – event happened, then yes, we could say that Greece was born into a particular moment in time (and our only concern would be then to identify that moment). In ancient times however there was not a single ethnic group called "Greeks", but various kinshipped "tribes" who in successive periods descended to Greece (the Dorians, Ionians etc.). The gradual amalgamation of all these tribes eventually gave birth to ancient Greece, but that was done gradually over time and not at a unique, specific date. In addition ancient Greece had been mostly a conglomeration of independent city-states and was not a single nation-State, a country that is – as we would call it today.
Of course some very significant and prominent historical events had occurred in the Greek past, out of which we could draw some clues (such as the formation of the "Athenian League" – an almost national institution that came very close to be what we consider today a "country"). But we do not know when exactly the Delian league was officialy formed! And without a specific date we cannot cast a natal chart! We can only speculate and a plausible speculation would be that ancient Greece was much influenced by the sign of Sagittarius. The major ancient Greeks' deity was Zeus – Jupiter, the archetypal figure that rules the sign of Sagittarius. Maybe that's a mere coincidence…On the other hand it might say a lot about ancient Greece's "geist"…
Zeus was the father of all Gods and of all the people. He was very liberated, playful and Jovial (as ancient Greeks themselves were). Moreover, the Greeks were considering the virtue of hospitality – a typically Sagittarian trait – as a supreme one, and people were normally expected to host any stranger they were meeting – as any one of them could be God Jupiter himself, in disguise! Additionally, a unique and unprecedented spirit of freedom and democracy was reigning in ancient Greece, a spirit that was quite rare to its epoch! Not to mention that this ancient country is the cradle of philosophy, a Sagittarian field!
But even if we knew with certainty the zodiacal sign of ancient Greece then a new question would arise: does the sign of a country remain the same as the millennia pass over? I think not! First of all, "everything is flux" as the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated. The correlation between a nation and the cosmic forces ever changes! On the other hand – if we follow the exact definition of what a "country" is – no "country" has ever managed to survive as an absolutely homogenous entity for thousands of years. Not to mention the fact that the the so called "country" or "nation-State" is actually a contemporary invention! Most of the nation-States, of the countries that we know today have been formed in the 19th or 20th century! There might be some exceptions – because some scholars consider Japan and China as two countries that were formed many centuries ago. But even in such a case a "country" cannot last eternally. Countries do dissolve and then reconstitute, incarnating each time under a different "state" form. What has to do for example today's Egypt with the Pharaohs' one? What has to do today's Greece with the 5th century BC "Golden Century" Greece? Ancient and contemporary Greece are quite different in spirit and essence and consequently, their charts should be different!
When was contemporary Greece born? In order to find it out we have to wrap back the thread and find out when was the last time that Greece "died" as a free and separate country. Apart a small period in World War II (which was really brief, to alter the essence of Greece or its constitution) the last time that Greece ceased to exist was when the Turks military occupied the country in the 15th century and annexed it to the then forming Ottoman Empire! Subsequently, Greece was reborn – this time as "contemporary Greece" – when the Greeks massively revolt against the Turks and expelled them from their country, in the beginning of the 19th century! So, we know the time period but we still do not have a specific date.
First of all, we must set forth the necessary prerequisites for the formation of a new country – stepping a little bit onto onto the terrain of Political Sciences. The basic premise is that there must be a relative "roofless" nation, which has full «conscience of its entity». This nation must have explicitly expressed its will to become a constitutional country – usually in a geographical area historically related to it. Adverse conditions though (usually the fact that such a nation is subject to another country) might have hampered for a long time the materialization of such a will. Another important parameter to consider is that new countries do not come into being on historically insignificant moments but on the very climax of historical events, after a revolution, an overthrow of centuries old regimes etc. In Greece's case all of the above features are strongly manifested around 1821, in the year when the Greeks revolted against the Turks, who for 4 whole centuries had militarily occupied Greece and the whole of South – Eastern Europe!
The revolution was allegedly proclaimed (give or take a couple of days) on the 25 March 1821 Old Style (6th of April actual date). So, could this be the date of contemporary Greece's birth? The answer is no! The revolution of 25 March mostly denotes a revolt of certain important Greek chieftains against the Turks (a revolt that was neither the first nor the unique) and not the very establishment of the Greek State. This is made clear by a document issued by certain delegates from all over Greece who met at Epidaurus, 9 months after the beginning of the revolution. Almost in an apologetic tone they write: «It should not seem strange that we have postponed till now the political "arrangement" of our fatherland, that we have not yet declared our independence and stand as equals in front of the other legitimate nations of the world. Because it was impossible to think about our political existence unless we first ascertained our physical one"! The authors of this declaration sound like they knew astrology! Because no situation can really exist and prosper in our physical dimensions unless it goes through the stabilizing phase of Taurus. And this phase cannot be obtained unless the generating phase of Aries has been completed first! So, the mystery remains. Which one is Greece's birth date?
Some 20 years ago it came to my attention the copy of an old document, that I felt very significant! It was entitled «Declaration of the Political Existence and Independence of the Greek Nation». Let us see what this document says:
«In the name of the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, the Greek Nation that in the last four centuries has been under the horrible Turkish rule, unable to bear any more the heavy and unprecedented tyranny, which with huge sacrifices we have finally thrown off, is proclaiming today – through its legitimate delegates here assembled – in front of God and humanity, its political existence and Independence! Epidaurus January 1st 1822».
There is no doubt that this declaration constitutes the birth certificate of contemporary Greece! It fulfils all the criteria we set up and unambiguously states the creation of the contemporary country of Greece. The birthday of Greece is on the 13th of January (on the Gregorian calendar. Contemporary Greece is a Capricornian country). You can see Greece's national horoscope (its natal chart) below:
There is a key expression in this historical declaration that we should emphasize: the one that goes "with huge sacrifices we have finally thrown off". This expression is telling us a lot about the mental state of the people who signed the Greek declaration of independence. Actually, this very expression reveals a "certainty" from the part of the authors of the declaration, the certainty that for the first time ever in almost 400 years of Turkish occupation the Greeks had begun to take the "upper hand" against their oppressors – the Turks – and they were feeling confident enough to establish a sovereign state! For the first time ever they had achieved that "critical mass" which we might call "a certainty that they could sustain their liberation and independence and establish a sovereign state". This is a crucial element that plays a key role in the choice of the date January 1, 1822 as the "birthday" of contemporary Greece. You see, a basic argument of those who reject the date January 1, 1822 as the birth date of contemporary Greece is the fact that Greece consisted then by just a fraction of its current territory. This element though I do not consider as crucial as the element of reaching that "critical mass" that triggers the permanent and irreversible "dynamics of liberation, independence and establishment of a state." And although the USA were annexing territories as far as 1912 (New Mexico and Arizona) and 1959 (Hawai and Alaska) their undisputed National Horoscope is considered the one of July 4th 1776!
If contemporary Greece looses or gains – out of a military conflict – some islet should we cast a new horoscope for Greece? Certainly not, because contemporary Greece was "born" as a nation-state in the historical 1822 National Assembly of Epidaurus (the Greeks reached then the "critical mass" for their liberation, independence and establishment of a nation-state) and not during any eventual loss or recovery of any partial territory. When the holy fathers of the USA signed the Declaration of Independence (4 July 1776), the USA consisted of just 13 eastern states, maybe of the 1/20 of its current territory. Still, the natal horoscope of the USA is considered the one of July 4, 1776 (because it was then when the Americans reached the "critical mass" for their liberation, independence and establishment of a state)!
Cultured astrology is not very much advanced in contemporary Greece and the vast majority of the Greek astrologers (who are surprisingly giving credit to the "highly scientific" methods of the "hearsay" and of the "everybody says so…") believe that their country was born on the 3rd of February 1830 – when by the 3rd London protocol the major forces of the time (England, France, Russia) RECOGNIZED the independence of contemporary Greece. Essentially, this 3rd London protocol established the "Kingdom of Greece" (imposing on the Greek throne a Geman king!). But a country is not born when some foreign powers decide it – under their own terms – but when its own people will it! Otherwise contemporary Greece should not be considered a sovereign country but a mere protectorate!
By no means the London protocol defines the birth date of Greece. It rather defines the (imposed by the foreign powers) "Greek Kingdom", a rather tributary state that is under the foreign powers suzerainty! Clearly, we are not talking here about a SOVEREIGN state! In addition, monarchy has been constitutionally abolished in Greece since 1974 – by a national referendum. Thus this 3 February 1830 horoscope is not applicable any more – in any way whatsoever. Obviously Nicholas Campion realized this fact because in his book "The Book of World Horoscopes" he states: "Regarding the significance of the international recognition of 3 February 1830, it should be remembered that Greece was already a fully functioning state with its own government, and had been for some years." Moreover – as you will read below – the political scientists argue that the mere diplomatic recognition of a country by foreign powers does not constitute its foundation act.
And in any case, if Greece was born as a nation-state when the major powers of the epoch decided it then we should apply the same method in the case of the United States. The founding date of this country should be the one in which the major powers of the period recognized the independence of the United States, on the 3rd of September 1783 by the Treaty of Versailles, France. The overwhelming majority of the astrologers world-wide though consider the 4th of July as the birth date of the United States. The September 3rd date is by now an obsolete one, a date that has been forgotten in the drawers of history, a date almost no astrologer ever mentions!
The same goes for all the countries who were liberated from a foreign power, as i.e. Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba etc. etc. Argentina's horoscope for example results from the date on which the Argentinian colonies unilaterally proclaimed their independence from Spain (on 9 July 1816 that is). Spain and the other powers of the time recognized the independence of Argentina much later (Great Britain in 1825). And yet, the universally accepted "birth" date of Argentina is the July 9, 1816, when the people of Argentina – by their representatives – unilaterally declared their independence!
Why should we then apply in Greece's similar case not only different but quite opposite criteria? It makes no sense at all!
And ultimately, this is a matter of political sciences too, thus let us hear what a Greek professor of Political Sciences (George Dimakopoulos) has to say. He argues:
«the Declaration of the Political Existence and Independence of the Greek Nation is the constitutive act of the Greek State, whose foundation, legally and historically has to be regarded as from January 1st, 1822 (old calendar, meaning January 13 on the gregorian calendar). Certain points of view that appoint it to a different day – ultimately connecting it to the diplomatic recognition of the Greek State by foreign powers – not only are contrary to the applied Greek national law, but to the international law too. Because in no way the diplomatic recognition of a State by a foreign power can be made up a constituent part of that State!»!
So, even the political scientists maintain that contemporary Greece was born on January 13th, 1822 (the correct date, on the Gregorian calendar.) Those astrologers who believe that contemporary Greece was "born" on February 3, 1830 instead of January 13, 1822 they are actually maintaining the thesis that a man/woman is not born when s/he comes out the womb of his/her mother but when s/he is baptized!
Greece is NOT an Aquarian country – as very many people believe in Greece – but a Capricornian one! And it has all the characteristics of a Capricornian country. It is an old country, which due to its glorious past it enjoys the respect of all the other countries. It is a conservative country and much materialistic but lacking the material and financial abundance of the other western European countries (should we blame this to Saturn, Greece's solar ruler – Saturn bringing deprivations and hardships)? It is a State whose public sector – associated with the sign of Capricorn – is over inflated. Out of a population of 11 million in Greece there are almost a million civil servants!
Greece is also a country where social status is extremely important! To realise what I mean just picture this: 2 cars mildly crashing in a Greek street. In several instances, the two Greek drivers would jump out of the car and most probably would yell to each other this line, as a kind of intimidation: «Do you know who I am?» – as if every single Greek were at least a tycoon! This is VERY Capricornian and personally I have never encountered it anywhere else in the world!
The fact is that neither any American, English etc. astrologer possessed a documented date for the birth date of Greece (since it was much harder for them to find the relevant sources). In 1994 I met the famous astrologer Nicholas Campion (at his summer astrology school, in the Greek island of Kos). Campion was writing then his very successful book "Book of World Horoscopes» but had no clear view on Greece's horoscope. I explained him my findings and he accepted the January 13, 1822 as the birth date of contemporary Greece (he included it in his book).
One more word on Greece's Ascendant: we know its birthday (13 January 1822) but not the exact time the declaration was pronounced – nor we have some specific information on it! And since we are seeking the Ascendant of Greece my very first thought was "what is the main characteristic that Greece is projecting to the people abroad?" The answers that came to my mind were these: "A maritime and somehow exotic country". " A mythological country"!
Well, these two characteristics resonate a lot with the sign of Pisces. And they are rather "projected" by contemporary Greece, as they are not constituting the entirety of its "body" (the people of mainland Greece for example have a different image of their country in their minds, as been a rather continental and mountainous – and that resonates a lot with Capricorn. Actually Greece – partially maritime, partially continental and mountainous country – something that is resonating a lot with Capricorn)! In any case, this hypothesis of a Pisces Ascendant worked well when I tried to rectify some major historical events in the history of Greece. The speculative birth time I am proposing would be around 9:25 AM. The village where the Independence of Greece was proclaimed – and where actually contemporary Greece's "birth" took place – is Nea Epidavros, close to the famous ancient Epidaurus theater!
It is worth mentioning that some astrologers favour a more recent birthday for contemporary Greece (placing its birth in the period following the fall of the Greek military junta in 1974). These astrologers are claiming that contemporary Greece's national horoscope should stem out of the date its last Constitution was drafted (on the 11th June 1975 – after the collapse of the military dictatorship). But how proper is it to study astrologically a country not using its "foundation" horoscope but what actually is the horoscope of a posterior constitutional "amendment"? If somebody studies the 1st January 1822 Constitution s/he will realize that it is essentially as democratic and advanced as the Constitution of 1975. Thus, in 1975 we did not experience a major constitutional shift in regard to the VERY Greek constitution (the constitution upon which Greece was founded on). We just experienced a shift in regard to the imposed by the military junta regime – a regime that lasted just 7 years, not so many to alter the "soul" of Greece and its original constitution.
Some other astrologers (mostly English) are claiming that contemporary Greece's horoscope should stem out of the moment its first post-dictatorship Prime Minister was sworn in – on the 24th of July 1974. But as I explained before, the seven years military junta did not essentially change either the "soul" or the constitution of Greece. Why should we then consider the July 24, 1974 chart as the "national horoscope" of Greece and not the original January 13, 1822 one? By claiming that either the 1974 or the 1975 chart represents THE National Horoscope of Greece then we are automatically cutting off something like the 90% of contemporary Greek History – four major war periods and a civil war period, historical battles, some brilliant Greek politicians in office, major deeds (the first Olympic games of 1896 i.e.), military coups, almost everything! It's like claiming that a person is not actually born when s/he comes out of his/her mother's uterus but when s/he draws his/her pension…
Thomas Gazis
Copyright:Thomas D. Gazis
P.S. You may also read the relative article "The Greek Declaration of Independence (and the true horosocpe of Greece)


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Handling desperate times in careerThursday, February 04, 2010
Watch out for desperation in your career! Last year gave us ample reasons to choke with desperation, especially ones who lost their jobs or students who failed to get their dream placements after the completion of degrees. Desperation brings in negativity. It causes loss of confidence which may prove expensive to his/her experience. Sometimes circumstances do not follow as planned and it gives rise to a crisis situation. In that sense desperation while at an interview cannot be stopped but it can definitely be checked. Here's how we accomplish that:
- Behold the designation. Have you been looking out for way too long? If so, then be vigilant to the choices you make. Desperation for a new job might push you to accept a job offer which does not accelerate your career. At times, people wanting to join a particular organisation compromise on their designation. This settlement is only acceptable if you are absolutely sure that it will enhance your career in the long run and be happy at.
- Negotiate salary well. Whether or not you are going to join the new company, it is always sensible to complete all the interview rounds which include the HR round. The main ingredient of discussion in this round is the salary. Showing meekness or uncaring attitude regarding salary might reflect you poorly with stumpy self regard. Quote your worth and ensure a healthy conversation around it. Even if you are not joining them now, you can never predict the future.
- Following up aggressively. A follow up after an interview is necessary but haunting them with it time and again is not. Wait for a week before pursuing the matter. It normally takes a week to sort out the process. In case, you don't hear from the company then drop in a mail or call them. If they still remain mum about it then try other pastures. Avoid annoying them frequently.
- Hide 'lucky to work for you' feeling. You maybe desperate to work in a certain company but it is wise to mask the desperation. Selling yourself unabashed for the profile can boomerang. Be subtle in showing your keenness for the job. Don't fall short of efforts while doing it either. Instead portray yourself as the right fit for the job.
Namrata Ekka

subset: commoncrawl


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Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its harshness. ~ Ecclesiastes 8:1b
There is great possibility in face-to-face encounter. ~ Jean Fleming, Pursue the Intentional Life
Have you ever thought about how much your appearance and expressions are communicating something to those around you?
What is it that you have been saying when you haven't been speaking?
It was Jean Fleming in her transformative work, Pursue the Intentional Life, who first scattered seed for an idea that rooted quick and deep in my heart and soul: the ministry of countenance.
Jean says it this way:
Those of us who know God, who have been saved from destruction and eternal lostness, who carry around in our bodies the treasure of knowing the gospel and the Holy Spirit Himself, should radiate something of that wonder." (p. 84, Pursue the Intentional Life)
Our countenance reveals who we are, and a radiant countenance can reveal Whose we are.
The difference between forcing a smile and something birthed in our interior places (when God removes our stony, stubborn hearts and replaces them with tender, responsive hearts (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)) is ev-er-y-thing.
Our pastor once offered this simple definition for wisdom: seeing our lives, the world and circumstance through God's eyes. How I long to gain the kind of Ecclesiastical wisdom that "puts light in my eyes and gives gentleness to my words and manners." (Ecclesiastes 8:1 MSG)
A ministry of countenance is less about what we say or do (though these things are important) and more about how we speak and respond–
- Active listening vs. passive or distracted listening
- Being fully present, interested and observant
- Maintaining eye contact
- Demonstrating kindness, love, encouragement, empathy, patience and concern with our words and body language
And it hit me that a ministry of countenance is true hospitality–when someone leaves my company feeling better about themselves than about me!
We don't have to be entertaining guests in our home to extend hospitality; it's demonstrated every time we offer friendly and generous treatment to others.
A ministry of countenance goes hand in hand with a hospitable spirit. Together they have the potential and power to impact everyone they touch for the better.
The opposite is true, too. An inhospitable spirit and dour countenance can crush the heart it touches.
During the year we lived in Germany, we took advantage of our location to travel around Europe as much as we could afford. We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in London, happening upon a Remembrance Day parade during an afternoon stroll. I'll never forget a conversation I overheard while smushed among the parade-going throng–
"…speak our language…!" said a very angry man with a British accent. I turned toward the hostile man to see him speaking to a younger man of a different ethnicity. I have no idea what prompted the initial exchange, but the younger man politely replied in heavily accented but understandable English, "Excuse me?"
The Londoner replied even more hatefully, "If you're going to be in this country, learn to speak the language!" The young man shook his head and looked down, an incredulous smile masking nerves (I think).
There was no where for anyone to go, and most people overhearing the conversation looked embarrassed or uncomfortable.
The older man was one of the most inhospitable people I've ever observed. His countenance was an ominous cloud.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was Ute. I met her one day while shopping in our German hometown.
"Excuse me, but are you Tad's wife?" Her English was impeccable, fringed in a German accent.
I looked at this woman, obviously confused at how she could possibly know me (or who I was married to). Ute explained she had overheard me talking to the sales clerk about my son. She worked as a translator for my husband's company and was aware his wife and son had accompanied him to Germany. In a small town, it wasn't difficult for her to figure out who I was.
Ute's friendliness and kindness changed the course of my day. Her countenance was light and joy, and soon enough we'd become fast friends. It was hardly a surprise when I discovered she was a Christian, something not nearly as common in Southern Bavaria as it is in the Bible Belt where I've lived all my life.Hospitality in its simplest form knows no bounds. It goes wherever we go (or it should). As children of the King, we are loved wholly and without reservation, and that should cause our faces to shine.
I firmly believe "there is great possibility in face-to-face encounter" and I want those possibilities to be lavished with grace and goodness and kindness and mercy and friendliness and generosity . I pray that my countenance is a conduit for what Jesus has done for me – loved me beyond understanding – so that my only response is to love others fully and well.
Your turn: Did anyone come to mind when you read the words "radiant countenance" or "hospitable spirit"? What is it about her/him that draws you to them? How have you seen hospitality expressed in other cultures or countries than your own? Don't be shy–I'd love to hear any thoughts that come to mind!
Karrilee Aggett
Oh I love this Robin! You… YOU came to mind! Honestly! …and this episode of Comedians in Cars Drinking Coffee with Jerry Seinfeld and Sarah Silverman… ahem… the language may be offensive, so I wouldn't suggest it necessarily but one story she shared was about a girl whose countenance was – shall we say – less than hospitable… she always looked angry but it was just her 'default face'. Sarah told her, "I'm about to change your life. Just put a smile on there!" The ministry of countenance! Sharing this post because – Amen!!!May 20th, 2015 16:5001
Robin Dancehttp://www.pensieve.me/
Karrilee!!!! YOU are so kind friend! I find you to be one of the most encouraging people in this space, and I'm grateful for how you minister kindness and generosity to not only me, but so many others. Truly, that's one of your super powers. xo (I've never seen that show but as a diehard Seinfeld fan, it'd probably make me laugh out loud…)May 24th, 2015 0:4202
I, too, lived in Germany for a few years, not Bavaria though. I'll never forget the first few weeks we lived there. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. We lived in a hotel while we were waiting for a house to be available and there were so many new things to learn. I was determined to make the best of it and one day the kids and I were strolling the streets of Landstuhl looking for historic sites we found in a brochure. We came upon a church that was on our list, but the door was locked (rather unusual). A woman I'd never met and who only spoke German saw us there and motioned for us to wait. She walked around the building and came back with a set of keys! She let us in to see the building and then locked the doors when we left. After all the struggles we had been going through, her kindness was just the encouragement I needed – and we didn't even need to speak her language!May 20th, 2015 23:3403
Robin Dancehttp://www.pensieve.me/
Oh, Melanie…what a WONDERFUL story! Our first weeks in Burghausen were like drinking water from a fire hydrant. Everything was familiar and yet so different. I understand exactly how this was encouraging to you. So precious xo.May 24th, 2015 0:4004
This is lovely, Robin, and so very true. My mother, even in her dementia, wears a welcoming smile on her face 90% of the time. I have several friends who fairly radiate welcome with every breath – and that is a great and lovely gift to receive. Thanks for this.May 21st, 2015 5:3605
Robin Dancehttp://www.pensieve.me/
Dementia can be a cruel thing, robbing expression; I'm thankful this isn't the case for your mother :). I know you and I haven't met, but YOUR countenance radiates from your words–I can only imagine that you've inherited this this very thing from your sweet mama.May 24th, 2015 0:3606
I, too, relate to my Ma having a radiant countenance (as much as possible) during the last years of her life. That's so precious, even midst the dark, isn't it?
This is wonderful. This topic is passing across my vision a lot lately – Michael Hyatt just posted a lovely podcast on the very same thing, with his own angle.June 1st, 2015 22:3607
Gay Boston
"It was hardly a surprise when I discovered she was a Christian,
something not nearly as common in Southern Bavaria as it is in the Bible
Belt where I've lived all my life." Robin, where were you? I lived in Berchtesgaden for 2 years and met nothing but friendly, helpful people, almost all of whom spoke English and also were Christians (mostly Catholics and Lutherans). I would go back in a heartbeat!
My mother came to visit, and when one of my new German friends learned that Mama had hoped to see snow on the mountains, she contacted a friend of hers who had the keys to get us past the gates to stop people who didn't belong. Up, up we drove, to a mountain gasthaus (hotel/restaurant) which in the summer catered to tourists, but in the winter was a rest-stop for German Army units doing special training. There were only a few soldiers there at the time, and they welcomed us, fed us, and, in general, were delighted to have the American ladies on their mountain. Mama had stories to tell for many years. I also lived in Crailsheim for 2 years, but no mountains there. Still had lovely people, though.August 12th, 2015 2:4708
Robin Dancehttp://www.pensieve.me/
We lived in Burghausen, a tiny little town with the world's longest castle :). It straddled the Austrian/German border, 45 minutes west of Salzburg and about an hour east of Munich. It was magical :).
What a lovely story you've told here! We'd go back, too, but it gets complicated where my children are concerned and stage of life. It truly was a mid-life God-gift, something I never wanted or dreamed of, and yet it was an incredibly formative, precious year.
Thanks for asking (and commenting to this post, Gay!!)August 17th, 2015 21:0609


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L'Addition (1984)
Directed by Denis AmarGenres - Crime | Sub-Genres - Prison Film, Post-Noir (Modern Noir) | Run Time - 82 min. | Countries - France | MPAA Rating - R
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Synopsis by Robert Firsching
This technically impressive throwback to the early days of film noir stars Richard Berry as Bruno, a young actor who seems to get blamed for everything. Spotting a gorgeous female shoplifter (Victoria Abril) in trouble, Bruno decides to help her and gets arrested in her place. While lamenting his fate in prison, he is blamed for an escape attempt in which a psychotic guard (Richard Bohringer) is shot. When Bruno's sentence is lengthened, the guard makes his life a nightmare until the terrorized prisoner must lash out in the ultimate rebellion against (and surrender to) his inescapable fate. Director Denis Amar's moody film is strong on atmosphere but weak in characterization, despite an impressively sadistic turn by Bohringer, and the movie leaves the viewer flat rather than moved.
prison, arrest, escape, false-accusation, guard, shoplifting


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On Friday August 29th, I took the bullet train to Chongqing for what has become my annual trip to Chengdu's sister city. This time, as with last year in Chongqing, I stayed at the Hongya Hotel which is built inside of a 2,000 year old famous cave development in the Yuzhong district of the city. As with the previous year, I visited the Shibati (???) neighborhood, also known as 18 Steps. A long-dilapidated fading memory of old Chongqing, this area is finally disappearing. As you can see from the photos below, it is mostly demolished.
Photos: Weekend Chongqing, 2014


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Known as the Red Bull Neptune Steps, Glasgow will host this unique open water swimming event on April 9.
Up to 200 entrants will tackle what could be called an 'uphill swimming course'. It's like a cross between open water swimming and obstacle racing.
Based in a canal system, the course consists of a 420 metre swim through icy water before entrants have to clamber over 18 metres of eight canal lock gates.
Finding a location to train specifically for such an event could be challenging for Aussie swimmers, but this looks like a pretty special event to be a part of.
The event was trialled in 2015 but is all set to attract a larger field this April.


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Baby boomers and millennials go together about as well as peanut butter on a tuna fish sandwich.
The battle between the two generations is centered around a giant "blame game": Baby boomers believe millennials are entitled and lazy. And millennials blame baby boomers for risky financial practices that contributed to housing and stock market crashes.
Even Forbes weighed in on the debate in a March 19 article, "Who's More 'Entitled': Baby Boomers or Millennials?"
While both groups have gripes about the other, they have more in common than many realize…
North Korea Believes in Trump: Donald Trump received a very interesting endorsement recently. A media outlet in North Korea hailed the business mogul as a "wise politician" and even bashed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Here's more…
Each generation has been marked by social change, rapid advancements in technology — and unfortunately, death and war.
Baby boomers were born in the years following World War II, between 1946 and 1964.
During and around that time, major social and technological changes hit the nation:
- The assassinations of JFK and Martin Luther King, Jr.
- The Cuban Missile Crisis
- The Civil Rights Movement
- The moon landing
- The first color television sets were sold
- Phones changed from rotary dials to touchtone keypads
For millennials, born between 1982 and 2004, these were the major events that shaped their youth:
- High-speed Internet access
- Cell phones
- The rise of social media
- 9/11
- The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq
- Widespread school shootings
- Growing political movements and fights for equal rights through Occupy Wall Street, Black Lives Matter, and LGBT organizations
Of course, there are still key differences between each of these groups that drive them apart.
We've illustrated five of the biggest differences between the baby-boom generation and millennials in an infographic below. Our data derives from a 2014 research study from Pew Research Center.
Infographic: 5 Key Differences Between Baby Boomers and Millennials
Are baby boomers and millennials really not that different? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @moneymorning and Facebook.
Will Malls Become Extinct? Some real estate research firms believe 15% of malls will close by 2025. And in a final attempt to win back customers, mall owners are turning to a surprising source. You won't believe what it is…
Related Articles:
- AllianceStaff.com: Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Generation Y (Millennials)
- Forbes: Who's More 'Entitled': Baby Boomers or Millennials?
- U.S. News & World Report: 8 Differences Between Boomers and Millennials
- Pew Research Center: The Whys and Hows of Generations Research


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Wistron to Produce New iPhones in 2017
Wistron has become the third supplier that will be responsible for the production of the iPhone 8. According to the latest report from Taiwanese sources, the manufacturer has recently received orders for the production of new iPhones in 2017. So far, however, neither Apple, nor Wistron have confirmed the rumor.
Wistron will invest additional funds in the plant in Kunshan, China. Instead of $135 million, the supplier will spend $200 million. Apart from Wistron, Foxconn and Pegatron will produce next-generation iPhones.
Wistron will utilize its expertise gained from its previous production of iPhone 5c for the manufacture of the next generation iPhone products, noted the paper. Foxconn Electronics and Pegatron are currently the two iPhone producers.
Apple is expected to release the iPhone 8 next fall. There should be three models.
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Adam joined ASK Italian back in 2009 and has been promoted into a number of positions including General Manager, BOH Training Manager, Operations Manager, New Openings Operations Manager and more recently to Senior Operations Manager.
Why did you choose a career in Hospitality?
Like most people, you kind of fall into it.. I started working in the kitchen of my local restaurant at Mill House Inns at 14 and quickly got hooked on preparing and cooking food. I enjoyed the energy in the kitchen and discovered a passion for food and thrived on working in a team. I progressed to be Head Chef leading a team of 12 at the age of 17 then went on to become Assistant Manager then Deputy Manager!
What were you doing before ASK Italian?
I was at Caffé Nero for 3 years as a General Manager in Hull and also supported in opening up new stores in the business. I was tasked in setting up high performing teams and Hull was recognised as a site with exceptional standards and training. After Nero I then went to Barracuda Bars as a Relief Manager taking on difficult situations in restaurants and bars which needed stewardship within short time periods. Overseeing 16 restaurants and bars at Barracuda it gave me experience that I use to this day. I then returned to Mill House Inns as a GM for a flagship restaurant and now with ASK Italian!
What do you do in your day to day role?
I lead all new opening restaurants at ASK Italian from acquiring a site, supporting the recruitment of great talent, building great teams and working with Head Office teams to put together a robust new openings plan. I also support in the transformations of existing sites to ensure a smooth process that allows our great teams to develop and build after a refurbishment.
What excites you about ASK Italian at the moment?
Same thing as the reason I joined ASK Italian 7 years ago – the amazing food that I'm proud to serve every day! The food stops conversation and the focus on the development of our people is the heart and soul of our business - working with good people is easy!
What advice would you give someone who wants a career in Hospitality?
Remember that through a positive outlook and a focus on the customer you can deliver an exceptional customer experience – and most importantly you can enjoy something that you care passionately about. For anyone looking to progress it's good to have a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to self-improve every day.
Interested in joining ASK Italian? Take a look at our current opportunities here.


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Your vehicle depends on quality automotive maintenance in order to keep running smoothly for years to come. Get your car, truck or SUV in for the service it needs using our convenient scheduling form here. We work on all vehicles and charge a fair price for the work we do. Visit us today!


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Local Students Participate in Legislative Shadowing Project
Submitted Photo
Haylie Heathington, Representative Robert Ross and Athena Hood participate in the FCCLA Legislative Shadowing Project.
Submitted by Brooke Kuhn
Athena Hood, a senior at Licking High School, and Haylie Heathington, a Senior at Houston High School, participated in the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Legislative Shadowing Project on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Mrs. Wytney Steelman is the chapter advisor for Houston and Mrs. Brooke Kuhn is the chapter advisor at Licking High School and accompanied the students to the Capital City. Sponsored by the Missouri Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), the program provides an opportunity for junior and senior high school students to spend a day with their state representative, senator or other public official at the State Capitol. The students observe hearings, meetings and other public duties.
The Legislative Shadowing Project, now in its 19th year, is conducted by Missouri FCCLA, the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) for Family and Consumer Sciences Education. A reception and opening session was held for participants on Tuesday, February 5. Tours of the State Capitol and Supreme Court Building also were provided.
The Legislative Shadowing Project allows students to connect their interests in law, public service, civic issues and the political process with their education. The event is designed to help students develop a better understanding of the political process and its impact on citizens.
FCCLA attempts to match students with officials from their local school districts wherever possible. The students prepare for the event by becoming familiar with their official's responsibilities and current issues. If matched with a legislator, the student becomes knowledgeable about the bills introduced and committees on which the legislator serves.
FCCLA is a nonprofit student organization for young men and women, grades 6-12, in family consumer sciences education. Missouri FCCLA has more than 9,500 members in nearly 330 local chapters, making it the fifth-largest FCCLA state association in the nation.


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Sample Non-Profit Self-Audit Human Resource Checklist
Non-profit organizations hire and pay employees just like for-profit businesses. However, if your small business is a non-profit, you must audit yourself to make sure you are in compliance with federal laws regarding non-profits and employees. By checking several areas of how your business runs every quarter, you can ensure that you are following the rules and will not lose your non-profit status.
Determine Number of Employees
List all the employees who work for your company in your initial headcount. After you determine how many employees you have, determine how to classify them. For example, count how many full-time employees you have as opposed to part-time employees and how many temporary employees you have. Check your policies on how many hours make an employee full time and double-check that all your employees have the correct status.
Check Job Descriptions
Make sure that every position in your company has an adequate job description. Each employee should be aware of what his job duties are. If you do not have adequate descriptions for any position within your company, write them. Talk to employees and make sure that your understanding of their jobs and their understanding of their jobs match. Make changes to job descriptions as needed.
Examine Recruitment Efforts
Determine how your company got to be the size it is. Write down the strategies used to get the company to its current size. Look at your advertising budget and determine whether it is appropriate for your current recruitment goals. Write down all the positions you must fill and determine whether you can fill them by promoting employees currently working for your company or whether you should attempt to recruit new labor for the positions. Examine how you conduct interviews and whether your interviewers are adequately trained in interview techniques.
Documentation and Compensation
Check your filing systems to make sure all timesheets, employee contracts and pay stubs are filed in an organized manner. Pay careful attention to payroll procedures -- make sure payroll is handled appropriately so that employees get paid the proper amount and get paid on time. Examine your compensation procedures as well. Look carefully at how you determine the base rate of pay for new employees and the criteria for providing raises to employees.
Photo Credits
- James Woodson/Photodisc/Getty Images


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Razer's new Lycosa gaming keyboard has several unique features. The rubber coating on the keys provides a soft, comfortable touch. You can switch between three backlight configurations via a touch-sensitive control pad. You can even use Razer's software to program each of the Lycosa's keys to work as a separate macro, either individually or in combination with one another. We're frustrated, though, by a few things left half-baked. None of the Lycosa's issues are bad enough to make us dislike it outright, and we'd recommend it--especially for confident touch-typing gamers. For $80, though, we expect Razer to follow through on the promises of its features.
Setting up the Lycosa is only a little convoluted. It requires two USB inputs, as well as separate audio inputs if you want to plug in your own headset and microphone. Because the Lycosa has a single spare USB 2.0 jack on its top edge, we understand why Razer relies on two USB outputs; presumably it wants to preserve the pristine data stream for the keyboard itself to ensure typing responsiveness. Fair enough. Razer still could have added a second USB input, though, since the current one has a dedicated data stream all to itself via the second USB cable.
The software is easy to set up, although hard to navigate because of small type and a less-than intuitive layout. If you don't plan on using macros, you might not even need it. The touch pad's media control and backlit profile button work without installing anything.
The Lycosa's backlighting is its biggest problem. With the blue LED turned off, you're left with an almost illegible keyboard, that's similar to the purposefully blank Das keyboard of a few years ago. If you're not secure in your touch-typing prowess, the reasonable thing to do would be to turn on the Lycosa's backlighting, which reveals the letters on the keys, along with the touch pad buttons. The problem is that the lighting is so faint that in a lit room, it gives you only a suggestion of which key is which. Unlike Saitek's Eclipse II keyboards, there's no way to adjust the brightness on the Lycosa's LED, let alone the color.


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We all have pieces of artwork that have made an impact on us personally. One such work was on display at the International Lettering Arts Conference "Celebrations" held at Ohio Weslyan University in 2003.
Nancy Culmone's "Parable of the Talents"* fairly shined through it's glass display case. I don't know what attracted me initially, and I didn't even get to look through the book itself... just a couple of pages that were displayed. I guess I didn't really need to see the whole thing because I could feel the whole thing already.
|Nancy Culmone "The Parable of the Talents" ca.1990 #3 of 3
What made the impression on me was the correlation of the word "talent". That word for a biblical unit of money had never impressed me before as something personal like it did that day. Yet there it was, staring me right in the face. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with this parable, I have included this text at the end of this page).
Though I had read and heard correlations on this passage, nothing had ever hit me so emotionally regarding my own "talent" and responsibility before... perhaps because I was finally practicing my true gift. I began to consider what I was doing with my artwork, why I was doing it, and what goals I might have in my explorations of my mediums. I made some serious personal observations, and this little encounter helped me to clarify a base philosophy of how I would attempt to "use" my talent, and that philosophy further helps me to decide on taking or turning down a commissioned painting.
Driving around today this concept of "not burying your talent" came back to me. I began to think of the many artists, actors, business people and just plain old joes like me who have taken parts of themselves and put their talent into action for a positive goal. They have used their talent for a purpose.
|Randall M. Hasson - Journals
In addition to the many "famous" people who have traveled to Hurricane Katrina ravaged areas, or to Africa for various causes, I think of many of our own community who simply are involved. Mel Albhorn's Portraits for Peace series honors and remembers our soldiers... heroes. Based in New Mexico, Rick Iannuci and Nancy De Santis have an organization called "Horses for Heroes" that helps war vets re-orient to a non war society. Alice Hancock has an organization called "Greentherapie" with a motto of "Live Right" that counsels on healthy lifestyles for education and prevention of cancer. In a more committed fashion, a friend from High School, Jeff Seed, took off and went to Africa and has been serving there for over 20 years... first for CARE and currently for DKT International. He is making a difference.
These are just "tip of the iceberg" examples of people making a difference... people using their time and talent for a positive purpose... people who are making a difference in someone else's life.
|Randall M. Hasson - Journals
So the question becomes one for self evaluation... it certainly doesn't have to be some big thing, some huge move. I think of my wife Valerie who found out that she was a GREAT manager and actually has made a tangible difference in peoples lives with her counsel, advice and example. Friend Don Miller who is a big-time band leader also makes a difference in his son and other kids lives by being a scout leader.
Jennifer Hamady is a vocal coach who reveals methods for people to allow their gift to come forth through singing by understanding who they are and overcoming barriers they have set for themselves. And of course your always remember your teachers and coaches... High School classmate Doreen Barbee is making a difference to art students somewhere deep in the heart of Texas, influenced by our great High School art teacher, Mr. Jenkins.
What do you do... What are your true talents... your passions? What do you know that is your gifting? Encouraging people? Organization? Making a statement with artwork or acting or speaking or singing? Helping someone without resources to fix their house? Teaching? Where are you using your true gifts and talents? Giving usually gives the "giver" as much as the receiver. Using your talent makes giving your gifts effortless... or maybe at least less taxing! Are you using it? What are you waiting for?
A man who commissioned a painting said to me during an interview:
"if you are doing your true passion, you'll work seven days a week and wish for an 8th".
I don't think he is too far off.
*Note: Nancy Culmone does not have a website, however information about Nancy and her above referenced book can be found here. Examples of her books are in the libraries of Harvard, Duke University, Universities of Michigan and Utah, Wellesley College, as well as in private collections.
The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV)14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents[a] of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. 19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him...


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Day By Day August 23, 2011 – These Are The Times
New York Times reporter Eric Lichtblau opened his Monday front page story on the overlap between Rep. Darrell Issa's business and governmental work with a compelling scene:
"Here on the third floor of a gleaming office building overlooking a golf course in the rugged foothills north of San Diego, Darrell Issa, the entrepreneur, oversees the hub of a growing financial empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars."
But here's the problem: Lichtblau, a Pulitzer Prize winner, says he never saw that exact view of Shadowridge Country Club — though he did visit the third floor of the building. And Issa's office says the course cannot be seen from anywhere in the building.
That's only a minor point in a story that Issa, the chair of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee, is saying is riddled with inaccuracies. In the days since the story ran, Issa has been on a crusade against the story, which put Issa's business and political life under a tough spotlight.
Issa claims that The Times asserted a building he bought went up in value, when it did not and the story said Issa went easy on Toyota during congressional inquiries because a company he founded was a supplier to them, when in fact Issa says his Directed Electronics corporation does not have a relationship with Toyota. Issa's camp also says the Times' assertion that his charitable foundation reaped a windfall from a financial holding is false, as he actually lost money on the investment.
The credibility of the New York Times is like the rest of the MSM.
Take it with a grain of salt – trust but verify.
The Day By Day Archive


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This is a video tutorial of How To Make Starbucks Cups Jewelry with a thimble and hot glue (glue gun). These mini Starbucks Coffee Cups (earrings and a pendant) are easy to make and they look adorable!
For DIY Mini Starbucks you will need: two paper clips, a thimble, a glue gun (hot glue) and nail polishes (I used white for the foam, brown for chocolate topping, milky brown for the cup (coffee with cream)). But you can use pink color to make your Starbucks cup strawberry 🙂
These mini Starbucks drinks are really awesome! You can follow my idea and make earrings and a pendant of it, or use them as a keys charm. Also you can make a necklace from these cute tiny Starbucks cocktails. It's up to you!
So good luck! Be creative!
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These pretty, yet sexy nail designs ideas will go easy on short and long nails alike.
Who said nail art has to be difficult, here we bring you 50 beautiful and trendy nail designs that are very simple to create.
Pretty manicure is every girl's constant dream
But not all of us are so lucky to have the chance to visit beauty parlors every other day. Still breaking your head on what cool nail art to get to fit as many outfits? Consider these…
Perfect on every nail, these lace designs add a sultry element to your overall look, whether it is day or night.
These pretty nail designs can be achieved by using any two nail polish colors, for example, black and nude.
If you are already versed in basic nail art, you could use a small brush to draw the lace designs. This maneuver will take a bit of your time, depending on how steady and accurate your hand is. Alternatively, you could purchase special stickers. They go right on your nail after your basic color has been applied and dried. Once set, you paint your nail with the color you choose for the lace. Wait a few seconds and carefully peel of the sticker. Let dry, and put on a top coat. Remember, these special stickers come in variety of different shapes, letting you experiment as much as you want.
Here are some examples of this sexy nail art on short nails.
Note the different lace patterns on each finger.
Here are more ideas for using classic black and white color combination.
You could also add a French manicure tip to the design; simply switch your white nail polish color with black.
Add some twist to cool designs by adding some interesting patterns.
Easy sexy nails for fake, acrylic or gel nails.
You could go a step further, and create trendy abstract styles.
Check out these hot ideas.
Floral patterns are always in the trend. They are perfect for summer, and very popular in winter.
White goes with every colour; it adds an innocent feel to the image.
However, it's worth noting that stains can be easily left. For example, an ink dot from your gel pen.
Play up the matte nail design with a gauze pattern.
More classic monotone design for longer nails.
Some ideas with other colours.
Pink is always hot, no matter what you wear and where you go.
Beautiful ombre pink nail art.
Add a little drama to the mix, by choosing darker nail polish colors.
This cool nail design could be achieved by painting your nails pink, letting them completely dry. Then take a plastic glass with tap water, pour a drop of white nail polish, let is spread. After, take a hair spray, and spray it over the plastic glass with white polish in it. The hair spray will dissolve the polish it comes in contacting with giving you a beautiful spider web. Dib your finger in, and then clean up the remaining mess around your nail. This is called water marble technique.
These design are for ladies who adore all things red…
You could use a nail polish plate and stamp to achieve this pretty pattern.
Simply clean your metallic plate with acetone. Then apply the polish on selected pattern, remove excess with the slider. Press gently yet firmly with the stamp onto the plate. Now, roll the stamp onto the nail. Do this in one moment, in swift manner. Clean excess with a q-tip dipped in acetone. Apply a drying coat. You are good to go…


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Castelbajac Perfume
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Reviews (16)
1 - 5 (of 16 Reviews)
I saw this purfume in PARIS FRANCE a few year's ago,I have looking everywhere for it,been unable to find....HOPE YOU GET IT BACK IN STOCK.....BEEN WAITING FOR 5 OR MORE YEARS NOW......
Written by gloria ok on November 21, 2011
I was given Castelbajac as a gift from my daughter, who purchased it at a department store - it is a fragrance that is hard to define, because it is so breath taking - I am almost out of my bottle of Castelbajac 2.9 fluid oz with the pull on off chain - I love this perfume and not sure why it is not in the stores. I am reading how popular this fragrance is. It's popularity warrants it to be available. I feel so sexy when I wear it.
Written by Susie on November 10, 2011
One of the best fragrances I have ever used. I have not found another fragrance that comes close to this scent. If it's out there, I have not found it. I have been trying to purchase this perfume for a couple of years now and it is always out of stock. I always see the gel and lotion, but no perfume. After reading the other reviews, I see that I am not alone in how I feel...I simply love this fragrance and always got compliments when I wore it. PLEASE BRING CASTELBAJAC PERFUME BACK! I promise you won't regret it...you will have more orders to fill than you know what to do with. Thank you.
Written by Karen on October 12, 2011
1 - 5 (of 16 Reviews)


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Estate Sales - Online Auctions
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Instead of dwelling on my unfortunate circumstances, I decided to take control and look to the future. Deep down, I had not accepted defeat and embraced the lessons that I was learning. In hindsight, my infertility was a blessing and it gave me a new start in life.
"Logotherapy, is a conviction that the primary human drive is not the search for pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful"
Infertility became a gift that I used for spiritual growth and an opportunity to develop strength in the face of adversity. My struggles taught me to understand that everybody suffers and we can control how we react to suffering.
I have two beautiful twins and I'm grateful to have them in my life. The miracle of having twins has turned out to be my next struggle. Raising twins has presented Olivia and I with a whole new host of unexpected challenges. There are times when the sleep deprivation and stress can be overwhelming.


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Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from Virtual Hosting Company. As we
gather today with Family and Friends, loved ones, and those who we cherish, we want to pass along the Merriest of Christmas wishes to each and every one of you.
In an effort to encourage our visitors, customers, and potential customers to spend time with their Friends and Family, we have decided not to have any active promotions today. We hope our Clients (and potential Clients) understand.


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Pay or no pay, we're powerless – POTAG sizes up salary freeze .
The Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana says it has nothing to say if government decides to freeze salaries of striking POTAG members.
The Polytechnic Teachers Association of Ghana began an indefinite nationwide strike in May this year to protest government's unwillingness to pay their book and research allowance for the 2013/2014 academic year.
Joy News checks have revealed that government is considering petitions from concerned citizens who want government to stop paying the salaries of the Polytechnic teachers who have been on strike.
But the President of POTAG, James Dugrah, has indicated that government can do as it pleases.
He however found it shocking that the government would take such a decision when what the teachers do go beyond teaching and conducting examinations.
In total, each polytechnic teacher renders 21 services including supervising the dissertation of students, he claimed, and cautioned against classifying some more important than others.
"If they decide not to pay us for rendering the 19 services, that one, we don't have anything to say, we are powerless… if the government decides not to pay [us] it is ok," he told Joy News.
Listen to POTAG President
An Accra High Court last month dismissed a case brought before it by the Labour Commission challenging the legality of the strike declared by the Polytechnic teachers.
The court insists the strike by the lecturers was legal and ordered a compulsory arbitration to resolve the impasse.
Meanwhile, Labour consultant, Austin Gamey says POTAG lost their right to resist any freeze on their salary after the court ruling.
"From the date they went on the strike and until the judgment, they can be paid but; from the date that the judgment was handed down they have to go back to work."
Listen to Austin Gamey
He therefore urged striking POTAG members to obey the court's directive and resume work.


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Rest Easy
For some reason, human beings spend a third of their lives asleep. For the lucky few for whom sleep comes easily, bedtime is a blissful part of life. Unfortunately, 40 percent of Canadians report at least one feature of disordered sleep every week. That's why insomnia is one of the most common reasons for visits to the family doctor and costs a huge amount of money in lost productivity.
Experts used to think that insomnia was simply a symptom of another medical illness, such as depression or chronic pain. We now know that it can actually be a disease unto itself with its own constellation of consequences.
Beyond making you feel lousy, poor sleep is associated with depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease in the long term. We also see higher rates of substance abuse in people with insomnia, possibly because they're using drugs and alcohol to get to sleep. Despite the magnitude of the problem, we still have very limited resources for dealing with insomnia. That said, most people can find some relief by adopting a few simple strategies—and sticking to them.
My first recommendation is to start a sleep diary (templates can be found online). These diaries can help clarify the severity of the problem. They act as a baseline, so the effect of various interventions can be tested objectively.
I typically avoid using medication for insomnia unless absolutely necessary. I focus on what is called "sleep hygiene" or the pattern of behaviours as we wind down the day. Preparing for a good night's sleep begins during the day. It's important to avoid caffeine after lunch. That means paying attention to the additives in workout supplements and energy drinks. Stay away from alcohol too close to bedtime, as it might help you get to sleep but often you'll wake up in the middle of the night as its effects wear off. I recommend moderate exercise every day, but not too late in the evening. And quitting smoking goes without saying.
Another thing to remember: A bed should be used only for sleep and sex. Working, reading or Facebooking there suddenly turns the bedroom into a place for thinking, not relaxing. Light-emitting screens can trigger a daylight response, tricking your brain into thinking it's time for work. Read before going into the bedroom and get into bed only when you're ready for sleep. Forcing yourself to sleep is an exercise in frustration. If you're lying in bed for more than 20 minutes without falling asleep, get up and move to a different room to do a mundane activity. That doesn't mean rewarding yourself with TV or a snack: Go read something boring or listen to calming music.
It's important to get up at the same time every day, even if you've had a bad night of sleep or it's the weekend. You may be exhausted for the day, but the next night you'll fall asleep more easily. Once awake, get out of bed immediately and avoid napping during the day. Some people encourage napping for alertness, but poor sleepers don't have that luxury: It's more likely to make sleeping even tougher later on. Consider meditation as an alternative.
If these strategies fail, a short course of a sedative or hypnotic is the next step. These drugs work well in most people but should be used intermittently and for short periods since they can cause dependence. We've also seen recently that there might be a link between sleeping pills and memory impairment. To get around that, and for people who need a longer-term solution, some doctors will instead prescribe sedating antidepressants at very low doses to help with sleep.
There's nothing like a full night of deep sleep to feel recharged. Alas, for some of us, such sleep is rare. Sleep science is still very new, and, although we have limited treatment options now, I see things rapidly changing.
Until a breakthrough, I like to remind my patients not to worry too much about sleep. Sure, it's frustrating when it won't come, and there can be some long-term consequences. But a few rough nights of sleep is never dangerous.
Dr. Malcolm Hedgcock is a Toronto-trained family doctor living and working in Vancouver. He has a special interest in gay men's health issues, including the primary care of those living with HIV and AIDS.


text: Hi guys, usually i am total and absolute cr#* at flash photography....i have sooooooooooooo much to learn. These are 2 flukes that i was really happy with... i love the lighting... only have no idea how i did it!! What do you think.... am i on the right track... Comments welcome & WANTED:hail: This little nan recently lost her partner, so i loved that you could see her wedding rings so clearly... okay... maybe not the best shot of nan who looks like shes having a ciggie.... but i'm talking about the lighting! xx Any advice re. taking pics indoors with flash would be appreciated muchly.xx


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According to a report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), wind power is now cheaper to produce than coal by up to 44 per cent.
After extensive research modelling the cost of generating electricity in Australia, Bloomberg New Energy Finace's Sydney team has concluded that unsubsidised renewable energy is cheaper to produce than coal or gas energy in Australia — one of the world's largest coal producers.
In a statement released 7 February, BNEF revealed that electricity from a wind farm can be produced at a cost of AU$80 per megawatt hour — compared to AU$143/MWh for a new coal plant and AU$116/MWh for a new gas plant — 44 per cent and 31 per cent less, respectively.
That calculation includes carbon pricing; however, even when you take carbon pricing away, wind energy is still cheaper than coal by 14 per cent and gas by 18 per cent. These figures also account for the cost of building new stations.
Michael Liebreich, chief executive of BNEF, said:
The perception that fossil fuels are cheap and renewables are expensive is now out of date. The fact that wind power is now cheaper than coal and gas in a country with some of the world's best fossil fuel resources shows that clean energy is a game changer, which promises to turn the economics of power systems on its head.
Since 2011, the cost of wind generation has fallen by 10 per cent and the cost of solar voltaics has fallen by 29 per cent. However, the cost of fossil fuels — a finite resource — is rising. According to Kobad Bhavnagi, head of clean energy research for BNEF Australia, said that this means that coal stations are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.
"It is very unlikely that new coal-fired power stations will be built in Australia. They are just too expensive now, compared to renewables," he said. "Even baseload gas may struggle to compete with renewables. Australia is unlikely to require new baseload capacity until after 2020, and by this time, wind and large-scale PV should be significantly cheaper than burning expensive, export-priced gas. By 2020-30, we will be finding new and innovative ways to deal with the intermittency of wind and solar, so it is quite conceivable that we could leapfrog straight from coal to renewables to reduce emissions as carbon prices rise."


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Exterior Wall Coatings Manchester
Exterior Wall Coatings Manchester – Protect Your Property
The outside of your home is something most people really want to look good.
It is, after all, the part that the rest of the world gets to see. However, it can also be one of the most challenging when it comes to maintenance.
Problems like cracks, damp patches, stains, chipped paint or jaded, tired looking paintwork can stop your home looking as nice as you would like it to.
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Resin wall coatings form a protective barrier, that is micro porous to allow walls to breathe, but also incredibly resilient. Wall coatings of this type can:
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More and more people are seeing the advantages of the simple process of adding a resin wall coating, and in many cases, are able to dramatically improve the look of their homes through this process alone.
If you like the way your walls look, for example, if you have stone cladding or red brick you want to keep the appearance of, there is also the choice to use a clear coating that will do this while still giving you the effects of protecting your walls and reducing maintenance effort.
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Practice Management
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Article Category: Home Care, Senior Care, Eldercare, In-Home Care, Caregivers, Home.
"Between the storms and through dark clouds,
Over rocky fields we'd roam.
But no matter where we landed…
There is only one place we wanted to be…
Back Home — sweet, sweet Home…"
— Anonymous WWII Veteran
Those who protected us are now in their 80s and 90s.
At Abington Caregivers™ we believe that
Home was, is and will always be a special place
– especially for our aging Veterans.
Let us honor those who fought for our freedom
by allowing them to be cared for at Home.
We believe that Home is their best Medicine.
With love for the Elderly… Happy Veteran's Day!
Article Topic: Home Care, Senior Care, Eldercare, In-Home Care, Caregivers, Home
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I am Lucia Camposilvan and I will personally welcome you at the B & B. I have always loved travelling and I could do it for study, work, and humanitarian projects… always driven by passion. After so much wandering I decided to take a backward journey, hosting "the world" in my house.
Gracious and full of light, the three rooms are decorated differently to offer you unique experiences. All with feature wooden floors and wooden beams, antique family furniture, and, to brighten up sleep, comfortable memory foam mattresses and embroidered sheets that smell fresh. Each room has its own private bathroom and independent air conditioning.


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The trend of blending vintage style with modern advancement in the internal working of a product has gained a good deal of popularity across a wide range industry in the past few years. Be it a record player that looks like it could be from the mid-20th century but has a USB input in the back, or a high performing kitchen appliance, sea foam and retro in every way, but enjoying the latest improvements in micro motor engineering on the inside.
Sometimes a retro design is simply a better design, meaning that when people buy vintage, they are not necessarily making a judgement based on culture or nostalgia, but are actually simply going with the superior product. In other words, design aesthetics hit a peak in the mid 1960s, and since then the desire to fix that which is not broken is what has given us a visual sea of mediocrity with the rare diamond cresting waves too few and far between.
The Dutch brothers Paul and Tino Huet understand this completely. It is from this stance on design and aesthetics that they launched Huet Brothers, a boutique vintage racing style automotive manufacturer. The HB Coupe Concept, pictured above, is a perfect example of their appealing brand. While the exterior design is an important and defining characteristic for the car, it was very much designed with road racing in mind:
"We want a sports coupe, for rain and sunny weather," said a Huet's representative, "With modern day comforts, with classic lines, which doesn't rust, which can carry our bags, which can handle mountain roads as well as traffic jams, which can be serviced at any garage, which will put a smile on our faces every day and not to forget that drives to the Swiss Alps from Amsterdam on 48 litres. Mmhmmm, but we are not like everybody… because that car would surely exist already. So maybe some of us don't like classic lines too much and maybe some of us don't really care about tanking after 1200 km. Some of us want a race car for on the road – a road racer."
As of right now there are no distribution lines set in place for Huet in North America, but Phoenix Valley auto enthusiasts can keep an eye tuned to Vroom for updates. A product like this will be welcome and in high demand among circles of luxury, classic, and vintage racing enthusiasts the world over, so it is only a matter of time before Huet finds their way to wherever the customers are, including the Phoenix Valley area.


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Good morning, I thought today I would give just a few pointers on how to get a Writing Agents attention. I know not everyone uses an agent but just in case you want on here on a few tips:
- Be authentic, show your true self, be energetic and sincere
- Build your platform now. Don't wait until your book is published to start working to sell your book.
- Be knowledgeable and honest enough about yourself to showcase your best skills.
- Be Prepared with chapters to show, outline, your ideas for shaping your book.
- Be original, open minds, and "capture a fundamental sentiment that we hadn't been able to articulate on our own" stated agent Rita Rosenkranz.
The following is an article posted by Rachelle Gardner in The Writer Magazine on why writers need agents. I hope you enjoy.
Many times I've answered the question of why you, a writer (singular), might need an agent (also singular). I addressed it in posts such as 10 Things to Expect from an Agent and Earning Our Keep. Agent Nathan Bransford gave a terrific rundown on what agents do, here and my client Jody Hedlund gave the perspective of a contracted, newly agented author here.
But today I want to answer a slightly different question. Why do authors, collectively, need agents (plural)? How does the existence of agents in this business help all authors?
You, as an individual author, may or may not require the services of an individual agent. But whether or not you realize it, whenever you deal with a publisher, you're benefitting from the collective work of agents over the years.
For the last few decades, agents have been on the front lines when it comes to advocating for authors in their relationships with publishers. It's interesting to speculate on the state of publishing contracts if agents had never been involved and authors had to fend for themselves or just take whatever the publisher was offering.
The economics of publishing are tough, and like in any business, publishers are always trying to figure ways to save money – or a least keep their money longer. Naturally, they come up with brilliant money-saving ideas that involve paying authors less. They try to lower royalty rates; they try to bump up the royalty breaks (i.e. raise the number of copies you must sell before bumping to a higher royalty rate); they may want to extend the length of time over which they pay out the author's advance (a huge bone of contention right now between agents and a couple of the largest publishers); and of course, they sometimes try to pay lower advances.
Those are the simple things. The last couple of years have seen publishers and agents battling it out over e-book royalty rates and numerous other areas related to new digital technologies. And besides the money, there are other contract points that agents constantly work to keep fair for their clients—everything from option clauses to author copies to author buy-back rates and more. It's complicated and tricky trying to negotiate all these points in such a rapidly changing publishing environment.
But over all the years and all the changes in publishing, agents collectively have had the knowledge and the clout to duke it out with publishers on a contract-by-contract basis, holding as much ground for authors as possible. For example, if you sign a contract on your own with a small independent publisher, and they offer you a 25% royalty on e-book sales, you have agents to thank for that, because at first, many publishers were trying to fold e-book sales into their regular royalty schedule, meaning you'd only be making 10% to 15% royalty. But agents have, for the most part, changed that.
An interesting nod to the importance of agents in the publishing process happened last month when Random House CEO Markus Dohle sent a detailed letter explaining the company's new policy involving e-rights (which quickly became known as RH's "retroactive rights grab"). To whom did Mr. Dohle send the letter? Literary agents.
As we continue into the confusing new world of digital publishing, authors are going to need advocates more than ever. You are going to have your hands full, trying to work your full-time job plus write your books plus market them. You won't have time to become an expert on publishing contracts, too.
Just remember, if you choose to sign with a royalty publisher and stay agent-less, you may be missing out on the latest knowledge and expertise that will protect the value of your intellectual property; but you'll probably also benefit from the work agents have already done in the last few decades.
Your agent doesn't just work for you. Each agent is, in their own small way, protecting the rights of all authors. So love 'em or hate 'em, it doesn't matter because if you're an author, agents are your friends.
P.S. I imagine some of you will argue that it's really the other way around—that agents need authors. Well, of course, that's true. We need authors if we want this job. But if authors didn't need agents, none of us would have this agenting job in the first place, so it's kind of a moot point. When authors stop needing agents, agents will cease to play a part in the publishing industry.


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|What Size AC Does My House Need ?
|HVAC & Energy Library - Residential Information
What size air conditioner do I need for my house?
One Ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU's (British Thermal Units), which incidentially is the heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree F.
The correct BTU value (or tonnage) you need for your house is an engineered value unique to your home. It involves heat gain values (in BTU's that enter the house thru walls, doors and windows. The higher the insulation or 'R' value in these area, the lower BTU air conditioner you will need. It also takes in the solar load. Obviously, a house with a lot of south facing glass is going to require more air conditioning than one with little or shaded south facing glass. Finally, ventilation and infiltration of air are factors. Is the house built to currrent standards and is tight, or is it an old original farm house where a 10 MPH wind outside relates to a 5 MPH wind inside? Hot humid air entering the house puts additional load on the air conditioner.
Central air conditioning comes in some standard sizes: 1.5 latest celebrity news Ton, 2 Ton, 2.5 Ton, 3 Ton, 4 Ton, & 5 Ton, so depending on the result of a heat gain study, you will not likely an get an air conditioner to match the results and will have the select the one that most closely matches your results.
One problem that faces our industry is over sizing air conditioning. The thought is if 2 Ton will do the job, lets put a 3 Ton unit in and it should do it better. Wrong, the problem with oversizing is that the air conditioner only dehumidifys while it is running (as seen by the condensate water running out of the drain from the indoor portion of your air conditioner. If the air conditioner is oversized it will cool the house down quicker but then will shut off. The temperature will be right but the humidity may still be too high and you will still feel uncomfortable. You may have to lower the temperature even further in order to remove the humidity. If your air conditioner needs to run steady during a heat wave, perfect. Your house will be dry and even at 76 degrees F, you will feel comfortable.
Not every customer is willing to go to the expense of a heat gain study, so many contractors will, thru experience, Gay Porn estimate the required tonnage. Realistically, we can get pretty close to the required tonnage this way, but unless the job is engineered for cooling, there is no guarantee. Many will use a rule of thumb: 1000 sq. ft. per ton of cooling, and make adjustments to this value if the house has any unusual considerations.
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Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services
- Chair:
- Senator
Aaron Bean(R)
- Vice Chair:
- Senator
Gayle Harrell(R)
The Senate Journals contain committee information and actions for all sessions.
Before each meeting, the official Meeting Notice is published. After each meeting, the Expanded Agenda, detailing committee action on each agenda item, and the Attendance form, noting the presence of committee members at the meeting, are published.


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McCain: Earned Citizenship, Not Amnesty
March 28, 2006 -- Sen. John McCain insists that immigration legislation passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday night does not grant amnesty to the estimated 11 million immigrants currently living in this country illegally.
"Amnesty is forgiveness," McCain, R-Ariz., told "Good Morning America." "This is payment of a fine. This is admission of guilt. … This is earned citizenship, that's what it is."
A bipartisan group of senators voted, 12-6, to approve the sweeping legislation that would allow immigrants who were in the United States before 2004 to become citizens if they pay $2,000 in fines, pass a background check, learn English, and work for six years. New immigrants -- "guest workers" -- would need temporary work visas, and would also be eligible for legal permanent residency after six years.
"There are 11 million people here illegally, many of them have been here for 40 or 50 years," McCain said. "The only way you solve the problem is to punish those who have come here illegally -- and it is a severe punishment -- but at the same time give them an opportunity for citizenship if they fulfill very serious obligations."
The bill also adds up to 14,000 new border patrol agents by 2011 to the current force of 11,300 and authorizes a "virtual wall" of unmanned vehicles, cameras and sensors to monitor the U.S.-Mexico border.
"Our first priority is strengthening our border and having border security," McCain said.
He acknowledged there were "sharp divisions" among the Republican Party regarding the legislation. The House also recently passed a much harsher bill that included criminal penalties for illegal migrants, verification of whether foreign employees were legally in the country, and building a fence along portions of the Mexican border.
But McCain is hoping President Bush's support of a "guest worker" program will encourage Congress to pass the Senate version.
"I think it's important that the president has spoken out recently on the importance of the 'guest worker' program," McCain said. "He understands the issue very, very well having been governor of Texas."
There have been mass demonstrations protesting legislation to crack down on illegal immigrants. Tens of thousands of students walked out of school in California and other states Monday, waving flags and chanting slogans in a second week of protests. In Washington, 100 demonstrators wore handcuffs at the Capitol. More than 500,000 people demonstrated in Los Angeles on Saturday, and others rallied in Phoenix and Milwaukee, Wis., last week.
"I'd like to point out a lot of these young people are children and grandchildren of people who came here illegally and who are citizens themselves and don't want to see their grandma sent back to Guadalajara, [Mexico]," McCain said.
If Congress grants status for illegal immigrants, it will be the most extensive revision of immigration law in 20 years, since a 1986 amnesty under President Reagan made about 2.7 million illegal migrants eligible for green cards.