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"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." – Anaïs Nin
I offer Online Psychotherapy, Coaching, and Consultation.
Online Psychotherapy has many advantages, detailed below. In terms of the technology you'll need, if you can stream Netflix, we should have no problem.
Just like therapy in a brick and mortar office, we will work together to improve the quality of your life. Together we will discover your innate ability to live the life you want, regardless of what's getting in the way. I help people free themselves from anxiety's hold, thrive in relationships, achieve career goals, and find what motivates them.
Unlike in a traditional brick and mortar office, I do not do trauma therapy online. While I am a trauma specialist, I made this choice because that intense work should be done in the same room as your therapist because of potential "abreactions." That's a fancy word for becoming tremedously overwhelmed. While this does not always happen, it is a possibility.
Due to this risk, I believe this is not the best available treatment option for psychological trauma. I'm looking forward to helping anyone who reaches out to me to find a skilled trauma therapist near their home. As an ally it's important to me people get the best help possible to alleviate the suffering caused by traumatic events.
I do help those who are supporting a trauma survivor. Loving someone struggling with trauma can be challenging. I coach people in supporting their loved one's recovery. Helping you help them, and take care of yourself and your relationship along the way. You can read more about that here.
How does online counseling work?
There are several options; my preference is to use a proprietary telehealth video chat system I have linked to my site. It's the most secure and confidential means of communicating. You will receive a link to my client portal prior to our first appointment and a link for the appointment. It is very reliable and user-friendly. A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) or app for Android or iOS devices can be used.
Are any sessions recorded?
What kind of smartphone or computer do I need to work with you?
- Windows version 7, 8, 10
- Macintosh version OS X 10.7 or newer
- Android
- iOS
One of the following Internet browsers:
- Chrome version 31 or newer
- Firefox version 24 or newer
- Internet Explorer version 9 or newer
A webcam and microphone (these may be integrated into your computer already, or are available in stores or online)
Of course, a good old phone call is an option as well. Texting is not an option for therapy sessions.
Are Your Services Private and Confidential?
What is Evidence-based Practice?
How Long is Each Therapy Session?
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
Let's Talk
Start with your complimentary phone consultation appointment
Why Online Therapy?
No waiting rooms, no fighting traffic, no leaving work early or waiting around after work. Start working on the things that get in the way of your life from anywhere: home, the beach, wherever is most comfortable for you.
You're not going to run into your neighbor or your boss in the waiting room. If you're shy about talking to a practitioner, or struggle with getting out of your home, online therapy can provide an additional sense of safety.
Research has shown over and over that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy.
No need to go to an office, no travel, no childcare expenses, and no wasted time. No time away from work-you can connect with me during your lunch hour.
Online therapy is an option for those of us who can't get to an office. For people dealing with chronic illness or disability, or those living in rural communities, a qualified therapist may be too far away for you to easily reach, making online services ideal.
Let's Talk
Start with your complimentary phone consultation appointment


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Forums › Help & support › How to change Main password on Axcrypt 2.X › Reply To: How to change Main password on Axcrypt 2.X
Thanks for your fast reply
I thougth it was for changig the password of the file not the main password. Thanks again for your reply and sorry for the inconvinience.
As I said I am a fan ofAx 1.7 and I'll give a try to version 2, although I'm a bit confussed with some of the new features
Anyhow i'll keep on advising Ax as great product

subset: commoncrawl


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A man battered his dad to death in a frenzied attack just weeks after moving in with him from an addicts' clinic, a jury was told.
Mark Jobson, had been receiving treatment for alcohol abuse before he joined his father Keith.
But as reported in later editions of last night's Chronicle they had only been sharing the three-bed terraced house in Ventnor Gardens, Whitley Bay for three weeks when Jobson launched a ferocious assault.
Jobson, who denies murder, accepts he carried out the attack last September.


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We do sell New Baby Gifts!
Posted on
Some of you may know that Daffodili's business used to be baby gifts, for many many years, it was always baby gifts and we loved it. But as with every business, we needed to adapt, and give new types of gifts a go. When I found my quirky gifts supplier, I intented to cater for children, but then I saw the novelty toilet brushes and the beautiful dragon ashcatcher, and the awesome funky shaped handle mugs and I just had to branch out to adults too. We never forgot about our baby gifts though. Mr F carried on selling them on our Amazon shop, also called Daffodili, so we still sell our snug baby blankets, cute baby towels, special shawls (fab as Christening gifts) and some adorable baby clothes too.
Click on this link if you'd like to browse our baby gifts: Daffodili Baby Gifts Shop on Amazon
I am slowly adding more baby gifts to the shop that can be personalised in either English or Welsh, so keep your eyes peeled. But in the meantime, please do check out our Amazon shop, you might just find that perfect gift!
I asked on my Facebook page for quotes about the best gift you have given or received and the wonderful Sonya from The Stag & The Unicorn replied with the most precious of responses "The best gift I ever gave to someone who had a new baby was love and support". This is hands down the best gift anyone can give, and the best gift you can receive.
When our nearly 4-year old was born, we were blown away by the most fabulous gifts. Our lovely friends actually prepared a meal for us, a tub full of chilli con carne cooked from scratch and a couple of pouches of microwave rice...we were living on something silly like one sandwich a day in those first couple of months, especially as Eifion had undiagnosed silent reflux (exhausting!) so we really appreciated having a proper meal.
My sister-in-law gave us a hamper full of snacks and some little bottles of wine and beers, and even added in a couple of plastic wine glasses, so practical with little ones around! We absolutely valued the personalised gifts he had, it was so magical to see his name on things, made it all very real. My Auntie and Uncle gave us a pack of nappies, which was an awesome gift!! My sisters gave me a special ring with Eifion's birth stone on it, I value it just as much as my engagement and wedding rings.
My Mother is a very good knitter and she knitted him a gorgeous green blanket, this was his indoors blanket. We had a stripey, funky blanket from my in-laws neighbours, and this became his outdoors blanket! We were given so much more than we could have ever imagined, way too many to list! But they are all still so special to us, and we love that we still play a part in someone's gift to a new baby, it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy!
I once wrote a poem to one of my best friend's new baby as if it were from our son, I enjoyed giving that, a truly unique gift. But I do enjoy giving baby blankets as gifts, they are always so handy, and I love seeing the babies out and about in their prams with one of our blankets keeping them nice and warm!
What was the best gift you were given when you had a baby? And what do you feel is the best gift you have given?
Thank you
Mrs F


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A bomb has exploded near a shopping mall in the southern Philippines, a day after two bombs killed a dozen people in the region. Authorities say separatist rebels with links to a regional terrorist organization may be responsible for the attacks.
There were no report casualties after a bomb exploded in the southern Philippine town of Cotabato, around 1,000 kilometers south of the capital, Manila.
It was the third attack in two days. On Tuesday two bombs in the same region claimed a dozen lives and injured around 30 people.
Philippines officials say rogue elements of the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which is in peace talks with the government, may be responsible for the attacks.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front spokesman Eid Kabalu denies his organization is behind the bombings.
He says Philippine president Gloria Arroyo has asked for the joint government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front panel overseeing their ceasefire to investigate who is behind the attacks, and he says his group welcomes the move.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is the largest Muslim separatist group in the mostly Roman Catholic country. It is negotiating with the government to end more than three decades of fighting. But talks have stalled over the rebels' demand for a Muslim ancestral homeland in Mindanao.
The police and military say a rogue faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front is collaborating with another rebel organization, the Abu Sayyaf group.
The Abu Sayyaf, the smallest and most violent of the rebel groups in the southern Philippines, is linked to the regional terrorist network, Jemaah Islamiyah, and is suspected of sheltering dozens of its members.
The governor of North Cotabato, Emmanuel Pinol, says the bombings are not random acts of violence.
"We all understand that this is related to something bigger. It could be related to the stalled peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front," he said. "It could be related to the ongoing operations against the Jemaah Islamiyah."
Since August, about 6,000 Philippine troops have been carrying out an offensive in the southern island of Jolo, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold, trying to hunt down two of Jemaah Islamiyah's most wanted members, Indonesians named Dulmatin and Umar Patek.
Both men are key suspects in the 2002 bombing that killed 202 people on Indonesia's Bali Island.
Dulmatin's wife was captured and arrested last week in Jolo and security officials also took custody of the couple's two children.


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Kashmir: Top Court dismissed GB Order 2018Kashmir, Kashmir -POK 2018-07-14, Comments Off 45
GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court on Friday dismissed the newly promulgated Govt. of Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 (GoGBO), and ordered complete restoration of the PPP era Empowerment and Self Governance Order 2009.
As People of GB have rejected this Oder and demanding to give POK or IOK like self empower step in Baltistan.
According to decision of Supreme Appellate Court GB council would be restored and will complete its time period .Cheif Justice Rana shameem and justice jawad Iqbal announced very short decision of this very important case.
It is pertinent to note that the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court had suspended the GoGBO last month and had served show-cause notices on key federal officials.
By dismissing the GoGB Order 2018, the Supreme Appellate Court has effectively rolled back a much-hyped, but highly controversial, reforms order which claimed to empower the GB Legislative Assembly, but instead gave most of the powers to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, who is not elected by the people of GB.
Huge protest demonstrations were held across Gilgit-Baltistan, by opposition parties, Awami Action Committee GB , lawyers,youth organization , students unions and people from different walks of life, saying the proposed Ordered would change the demography of GB by allowing citizens of Pakistan to settle in the region.And its violation of basic Human and political rights of depressed people of GB.


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Here Are Chicago's Best Retail Sales and Events This Week
Twelve ways you can get a deal on clothes, jewelry, spas and more.
- "Drive-in" flea market Vintage Garage Chicago (vintagegaragechicago.com) returns for its third season on Sunday, April 27. Held in an Uptown parking garage (5051 N. Broadway Ave.), shop everything from vinyl to vintage from 100 Midwest vintage dealers. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is $5.
- Threadless (threadless.com) is holding a $5–$8 Sample Sale this Saturday, April 26 at its old Lakeview store (3011 N. Broadway St.). From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. shop t-shirts, tanks, pillows, assorted home items, totes, beach towels, pet accessories and more, all priced $5 to $8. Though most of the apparel for sale will be size medium, there will be limited quantities of additional sizing.
- Roscoe Village holds its annual It's in the Bag shopping event on Thursday, April 24 from 5 to 9 p.m. Shos along Roscoe Street (between Damen Ave. and Oakley Ave.) at stores like A Pied (2037 W. Roscoe St.), Kickin' (2118 W. Roscoe St.), and Little Threads (2033 W. Roscoe St.) to receive gifts with your purchase and "mystery envelopes" filled with gift certificates.
- Baby shop Sprout San Francisco (1943 W. Division St., 773-489-0009, sproutsanfrancisco.com) celebrates its second anniversary in Chicago on Thursday, April 24. Join the party from 6 to 8 p.m. for refreshments, a 25 percent discount, and raffle (with $10 donation).
- Home décor store Jayson Home (jaysonhome.com) is holding a Bonus Warehouse Sale to shed excess inventory this weekend. Find the sale at 701 N. Albany Ave. on April 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Local jewelry designer Objets d'Envy (objetsdenvy.com) is holding a Warehouse Sale on Sunday, April 27 from noon to 3 p.m. Her line of handcrafted jewelry with Swarovski crystals will be marked up to 80 percent off, ranging from $5 to $100. Find the sale at Amazing Edibles Gourmet Catering (2419 West 14th St.) and enter off Western Ave.
- Randolph Street Market (randolphstreetmarket.com) holds its last indoor market before the big summer market season kicks off. Shop vintage and antiques at Beaux Arts Plumber's Hall (1340 W. Washington St) in the West Loop on April 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door or $8 in advance.
- The recently opened Splendid (3510 N. Southport Ave.) store is holding its grand opening party this Saturday, April 26 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Shoppers will receive 20 percent off all purchases during the event. Plus, bring the kids—A Muse will be on hand to show families how to make friendship bracelets Candyality will be supplying a candy buffet.
- Karli Positano of 10 Crosby Derek Lam (dereklam.com/10crosby) will be at space519 (900 N. Michigan Ave., fifth floor, 312-751-1519, space519.com) for a special shopping event on Thursday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. Shop an expanded selection of spring styles and pre-order fall 2014 styles from Lam, all while sipping champagne.
- It's Spa Week! Through April 27, a handful of spas in Illinois like Spa Space, Red Door Spa and Lincoln Park Aesthetics are discounted their services to $50. Find the full list at spaweek.com.
- Le Dress (1741 W. Division, 773-697-9855, ledressshop.com) shows off its newly renovated store and spring goods with a grand opening party on Friday, April 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. Stop by for signature cocktail, a DIY cupcake bar, and styling from local bloggers.
- The first Midwest outlet for Italian brand Etro, known for its iconic Paisley pattern, is now open at Fashion Outlets of Chicago (5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, 847-928-7500, fashionoutletsofchicago.com). More good news: Parking is now free for the first five hours.
A Jewelry Line Born of a Metalsmithing Elective
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2 months ago
White Veil, Meet Green Thumb
3 months ago
Have a Very Luxe Picnic… in Your Living Room
5 months ago
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The Japan District of Pilot International produced the following video to educate audiences about BrainMindersTM.
What is BrainMindersTM?
BrainMindersTM is Pilot International's signature program originally designed in 2001 to teach safety to children to help prevent brain injuries. It was made possible through an in-kind grant given to Pilot International Foundation and a gift from the estate of Callye Harrell Neese. Realizing the need to teach brain injury prevention to people of all ages, Pilots have expanded the program to include presentations for youth and seniors. Most Pilot Clubs as well as many Anchor Clubs present BrainMinderTM Programs to persons of all ages, based on the services needed in their community. Pilot International was awarded the prestigious 2001 Association Publications Contest Grand Prize for the BrainMindersTM Program. In 2017, an appointed Pilot International BrainMindersTM Committee developed an enhanced website presence and a program with revised and new materials for presentations to preschoolers, children, youth, and seniors. These materials include new snippets (scripts), additional puppets, new coloring and activity books, an updated logo, stickers, bookmarks, t-shirts, banners, and BRAIN-O for Seniors. These materials/resources are available on the Pilot website under BrainMindersTM or by visiting our Merchandise and Ordering Information webpage (Password Protected) found under Top Member Resources.
The Helmet People
BrainMinderTM Brochures
- BrainMindersTM Brochure – Adobe PDF – Posted 05/03/19
- BrainMinders TM Brochure – Microsoft Word – Posted 05/03/19
BrainMinderTM Order Forms
- BrainMinders Order Form – Last Revised 06/24/2019 – Adobe PDF – Revised 06/24/19
- BrainMindersTM Puppets and Banner Order Site
BrainMindersTM Press Release
BrainMinders Safety PSAs 2019 – Revised 05/03/19
BrainMinders TM Q&A – Added July 23, 2019
You may find additional resources at the following links:
BrainMindersTM Informational PowerPoint– Revised July 23, 2019
BrainMindersTM for Children
BrainMindersTM for Seniors
- Submit your our BrainMindersTM Volunteer Hours!
- Submit your picture and videos to email@example.com.
- Do you have questions? Contact Lia at email@example.com.


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Are you seeking for some high altitude venture with in spectacular and an awesome environment? If yes, then just do your packing and get ready to experience the most magnificent peaks, thrilling torrents and wonderful scenery of Nepal. It is considered a fascinating and a renowned vacationer spot. Below are some of the popular places which you must while your visit to Nepal.
Kathmandu :- It is Nepal's capital or you can say the cultural centre. Walking on the streets of this city, you may experience the culture, people and the history of Nepal which this city had embraced and relived for centuries. Here, you can enjoy trekking, rafting and many more other sports.
Nagarkot :- It is situated 32 kms east of Kathmandu if you want to enjoy the beautiful and majestic Himalayan mountain range, then you must visit this place once. There is one lookout tower situated here that allows visitors to catch a 360 degree view of Kathmandu valley.
Royal Chitwan National Park :- If want to experience some jungle venture and thrill with elephants and rapids, you must turn towards this park. This park covers about 932 kms and serves as a home for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. You can also enjoy jungle walks and safari drives.
Pokhara :- It is located 200 kms west of Kathmandu, for rafting and trekking, this enchanting city is an ideal place. This city offers astonishing scenery and natural beauty. The holiday experience which you will get here is not at all possible anywhere else.
Patan :- This place is ideal for art lovers and enthusiasts and this is one of the oldest city and is a home for Nepalese architecture, traditions and arts. It is certainly an open museum.
Pashupatinath Temple :- Located four kilometers east of Kathmandu, it has immeasurable sacredness for Hindu people. Hindus strongly believe that Pashupatinath release them from cycles of birth and rebirth.
Wildlife research of Koshi Tappu :- Situated near the river of Sapta-Koshi in Eastern Nepal, this wildlife research is an ideal place if you love seeing migratory birds. You must this place from January till March. The adventures available here ensure to provide you an unforgettable vacation experience.
Bhaktapur :- It is a primeval town situated in Kathmandu valley. Here, you will get an ultimate taste of Khopa Dhau and home curd. This place ensure to provide you a homely feeling.
Lumbini :- It's a perfect place if you want to gather information regarding cultural, religious and archaeological treasures. Its actually the birthplace of greatest man of religion world and that is Siddharth Gautam which is the founder of Buddhism religion.
Royal Bardia National Park :- Its been located in Western Terai. It is one of the biggest park in this region and a sanctuary for tigers and small mammals like deer, reptiles, birds, elephants and many more.
Overall, Nepal has too much to offer to visitors. So, get ready and plan your next trip to Nepal.


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Do you have a group already set?
ADVENTOURUS can make suggestions of exciting and exotic locations who can handle the group size you have … and depending on the size of the group, a discount may apply. This could be a reduced rate for all attendees or a free trip for the organizer.
Are you looking for a group to travel with?
Is your ideal trip a getaway you would prefer to spend with only your partner, closest friends and/or family?
Travel is one of the best motivators, providing renewed energy, creativity and productivity. In fact, travel is proven to be the greatest non-cash reward motivator. Bringing your associates together in an exciting environment with challenging activities solidifies relationships which in turn propel business. Unique arrangements can be made that are not available for individuals, your guests will feel special, and as a result, be more dedicated. Also, your organization can take advantage of volume discounts. Customized group incentive trips make business sense because they elevate your corporate image and brand. Our relationship with Vacation Station allows us preferred availability and rates at the finest hotels and resorts worldwide.
Are you an extended family looking for help selecting a destination just right for your varied tastes and budgets? Perhaps you are a teacher organizing a school weekend trip a little closer to home. Or are you a university or high school student who wants to spearhead a trip for your school to a lively destination such as St. Anton, Autstria? Tour leaders often travel at discounted rates or free. Maybe you are thinking of an annual boys ski escape to the most exotic and challenging destinations…say Kicking Horse and the Powder Highway of Western Canada or somewhere in South America. How about a womens escape blending a bit of European culture such as Trois Vallees France, ski slopes through assorted small towns with extended gourmet lunches and a relaxing spa experience? Maybe you work for a corporation who is looking for a fun way to inspire your employees and work on teambuilding?
Golf has become an international sport and can be blended with interesting sight-seeing and other activities like wine tasting, gourmet tours, opera, Formula One and relaxing Spa's. Challenge the guys; play a relaxing round with the family; build relationships with co-workers and clients. Destinations include Tuscany, Costa del Sol (otherwise known as "Costa del Golf"), California, Hilton Head, the Caribbean and virtually anywhere you can think of!
Bicycling is one of the fastest growing sports and is a great way to see a destination close-up. We can assist your group in finding the perfect trip for your tastes. Would you prefer a stay-put destination with assorted local rides so you don't have to pack up and move on a daily basis? Similar would be to charter a boat for a cycling trip. Again, you don't have to unpack and you can visit a number of destinations. Maybe you want a corporate challenge on part of the Tour de France route or watch part of the Giro in Italy. Perfect for student groups, extended families or a bunch of friends.
We offer you a great choice of both escorted and independent journeys, for both novice and experienced hikers.
How did you meet? Perhaps you are both skiers, cyclists or golfers? Why not celebrate all your passions on your special day and blend it with your honeymoon for a perfect destination wedding. We can assist you with all aspects from destination selection and accommodation to marriage certificates, menu design, decor and entertainment. We work with qualified suppliers to ensure your special day is perfect. We have a background in event management that includes weddings. We can work with individuals in the group as well to accommodate special requests.


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Keeping Your Pet Safe From Alligator Attack
Alligators May Attack Pets
Alligators do eat pets. The American alligator lives in an area that is larger than many people realize. They not only live in Florida but range as far west as Texas and as far north as North Carolina. Florida has a healthy and growing population of alligators, which occupy nearly every body of fresh water in the state.
Florida Alligator
Alligators Generally Avoid Humans
Human-alligator encounters do happen. Although some years do not see any fatal attacks, other years have seen as many as four. These numbers appear low in comparison to many other deadly animal encounters. This may be due to the alligator being primarily water-bound. Most people living in alligator territory know how to avoid them. It seems those visiting alligator territory are rarely as well informed.
Unsafe Proximity to Alligators
Below are pictures of a Florida pet owner walking her dogs too close to alligators. A woman with a foreign accent (not from Florida) walked her dogs on a long leash near the water. The bank from the water to the sidewalk measured roughly thirty to forty feet. Her leash extended over fifteen feet. She was allowing her dogs to run down the bank to the length of her leash, putting them within fifteen feet of the water. A seven-foot alligator swam across the retention pond toward them while they walked. The seven-foot alligator changed its course repeatedly to follow the dogs as they moved along the slope. Despite being warned, the woman allowed her dogs to play on the bank. The alligator swiftly popped up out of the water and the woman ran with her dogs. She left the area swiftly, hopefully the wiser.
Alligator Stalks Two Small Dogs
Safe Distance
Local Florida wisdom tells that one should stay at least ten to fifteen feet from the water to be safe from an alligator attack. Some suggest greater distances of twenty to sixty feet. Alligator experts, the late Steve Irwin included, say that alligators will most often avoid contact with humans. This is not true of smaller animals, especially dogs and cats. Alligators see these animals as potential meals. Every now and then, a pet goes missing and is never seen again. Though the cause of death in such cases is a mystery, alligators are often blamed. Some pet owners are not so lucky however, being on-scene during alligator attacks to their pets.
Control Your Pet
The size of the pet is an important factor. Small animals are easier prey than larger ones. The pet cannot be expected to know what is best. It is up to the pet owner to take caution. Keeping pets away from waters that contain alligators is fairly simple. Though the sidewalk from the above account runs between two ponds, it is fairly simple to keep pets twenty-five feet or more from the water. At another location nearby, pet owners routinely let their dogs off their leashes near a major waterway. An alligator reported to be fourteen-feet in length has been seen swimming by the pet running area. The protection for these pets is a mere growth of cattails along the bank. Some of the dogs run within five feet of the water. Avoiding such a scenario seems simple. Dogs enjoy running without leashes but pet owners should keep dogs leashed if the animal strays toward the water's edge when loose.
Alligator comes in for closer look
Keeping Pets Safe From Alligators
Keeping safe from alligators is actually quite simple. Florida waters are known to contain alligators. It is not safe to assume that any body of fresh water is alligator-free. Pet owners should keep their pets under good control. A distance of 25 feet or more from the water is not a bad idea. Keeping clear of the water's edge means keeping your pet safe.
This hub is intended to be commentary and should not be used as an official source for alligator safety.


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Forgotten promise
Karen Stevens was fast asleep in her bed with her long hair covering her face. She was alone, her boyfriend had to go out of town for a few days to help out his father and her parents where visiting a relative. The night was fairly calm but cold and the wind was picking up speed through the houses of the small Minnesota town. It was way past midnight and the sleepy town and it's residents were dreaming in piece. Only the dead could not dream and the wind carried something that could only be called wicked.
She jerked awake shaken by a bad dream but she could not remember what it was about. Her slim body was soaked in sweat, her brown eyes still blurry from the uneasy sleep. Karen usually slept on the left side of the bed and now she felt with her right hand the other side. It was a reflex-like movement she did to search for Tyler but then her hand touched the cold bed sheets.She remembered now that Tyler was dead. He was her boyfriend for almost a year but he died a little over four months ago. His motorcycle got hit by a stolen truck while he rode to work, the head injury he suffered killed him on the spot. They were close and they loved each other but despite this, Karen decided to move on. When she met Kyle it wasn't long until they got together. She felt somewhat guilty from the beginning of their relationship which was almost two weeks old. Now, wide awake and sweaty, she thought about Tyler again. The guilt returned with greater force than before.
As she lay there with her grief, clutching her blanket she noticed that the wind grew in intensity. It whistled wildly between the trees of the neighborhood. It made strange sounds in the attic, shifting through the cracks and spaces of the wooden roof. When she was a kid she always hated storms. When she heard the ominous sounds of the wind, rain and thunder she hid beneath her blanket. Shaking and afraid that if she looked, she would see something terrible in the room, the closet or maybe the window, staring at her. Hollow eyes full of malice, ready to act out whatever evil lurked behind them. But she had never seen such things.
Now all grown up, she wasn't so much afraid as in her childhood. But now the bad weather combined with the bad dream, brought a strange uneasiness on her. Just when she wanted to lay down again and try to sleep the wind made a loud hooting sound. Almost at the same time something made a screeching noise, like the creaking of door hinges. Long and thin, it felt like the sound will never stop, her skin crawled like a hundred little spiders. Jumping at the sound with goosebumps all over her, she stood in her bed afraid to move even a finger. Uneasiness turned into fright as she listened carefully, afraid even to blink or breathe. She knew the sound well, it was made by the door connecting the kitchen with the back yard. She stared at the window with eyes wide open. A strange shadow danced on the wall near the door but she didn't notice it. All kinds of thoughts raced through her head. She imagined monsters and robbers alike, careful footsteps on the wooden floor, the wood creaking as it yielded under an unknown assailant's weight. She imagined knife wielding serial killers, prowling under the cover of darkness, unable to contain their urges. Monsters with teeth and claws which appear out of the shadows, grinning happily at their next meal. Darkness is full of monsters, especially the darkness created by fear.
Karen calmed down a little because she could hear no other suspicious sounds. Her heart was still beating fast. She decided to check out what happened. She gathered herself trying to think rationally, not letting fear mess her up. Karen looked at the digital clock that was usually on the nightstand but it wasn't working. "Oh, great!" she thought, the power is out. Now she understood why as a lightning bolt struck somewhere nearby. Rain started pouring mercilessly. It was hammering on the roof and windowpanes like a thousand dwarves with hammers.
After gathering all her courage the girl got out of bed. She kept telling herself that it is all in her mind and the wind opened the door because it wasn't properly closed. She went slowly to the door but when her hand grasped the doorknob the TV suddenly switched on. Her hands jumped with lightning speed to her chest and she let out a gasping moan of fright. Turning to the TV revealed that it was only static on it. With trembling hands she reached for the remote and hit the off button and the television shut down. Trying to switch it on again was futile, looking at the clock she saw that the power was still out. So how did the TV switch on?
Karen waited for a while, she let her heart and breathing calm down a little. She kept telling herself that it had to have some normal explanation. A weather like this can wreak havoc through the power lines. Her dad would surely know what happened. He would laugh at her frightening encounter with the television.
After a few minutes of calming down and listening she opened the door and started walking down the stairs that lead into the hall. When she was about halfway down,lighting stroke somewhere outside illuminating the house, startling her. Her grasp on the balustrade got tighter, she stopped for a moment. Rain was batting against the windows and on the street, branches were swaying in every direction. The streetlights were out too so the whole town was plunged into an unforgiving darkness. She slowly continued on looking around in the process, she looked back up the stairs hoping that nothing was behind her. When she got to the base of the stairs she hit the light switch. She knew it won't work but tried anyway and wondered for a moment how many people did the same thing in situations like this.
The door to the back yard was wide open, the wind blew the rain inside soaking the floor. The chimes hanging in the terrace flailed wildly and made chaotic sounds that sent shivers down Karen's spine. She closed the door, which again made the familiar yet creepy creaking noise, and locked it. I've got to tell dad to put some oil on the hinges, she thought. She saw that the door indeed wasn't locked. With the door closed the air in the house became still. As she started back towards the stairs she felt a faint smell of wet earth and roadkill. Karen wandered where did the smell come from but it wasn't strong so she shrugged it off as something caused by the rain. Going back towards the hall, another lightning stroke the ground somewhere nearby and what she saw froze her blood.
Footprints leading from the back door to the living room, faint but distinct. Whoever made them came in before the raining started. So the opening of the door wasn't accidental after all. She stood there nailed to the floorboards not knowing what to do. Call 911, her mind told her, but her mobile phone was on the nightstand beside her bed. "Stupid cow," she muttered to herself with only her lips moving but without any sound. Using the phone from the hall was out of question, even if she managed to dial without a sound. The voice of the operator would have surely alerted whoever was in the house. It is strange, Karen thought, because she made some noise by shutting and locking the door but the intruder didn't notice. Why didn't the intruder come out of hiding to kill her? Looking around in despair she saw the knives on the kitchen table at about an arm's length. She reached for the biggest one and slowly drew it out of it's holder.
The front door was close to the living room where the footsteps lead and it was locked. She was sure she locked it because she came through the front door yesterday evening. This was when she forgot to check the back door. It is funny how a small thing, like forgetting to turn a key, might get you robbed or dead, she thought. She didn't want to risk opening the back door again because it might have made a lot of noise. The back yard was completely encircled by a tall wooden fence and hedges without a gate to the outside. Running out through that door was futile. Now the question struck her, how did the intruder get inside the back yard?
So her only option was trying to open the front door. Once open she could run like hell for the nearest neighbor and call for help. But where are the keys? After almost panicking she remembered that she left the keys in the door. This is her chance to save her own life, she thought.
She gripped the knife hard not really knowing what to do with it or if she had the courage to plunge it in somebody. Still it gave her a little sense of security. Step by step she was out in the hall. The foul smell was stronger here but not overwhelming, it must have come the wind, she thought. To her right were the stairs and a hallway to another room but that one didn't have a door to the outside. In front of her was the living room where the footsteps lead and to the left was the front door leading to freedom. She stopped and listened again, there were no sounds except those made by the cruel weather.
Karen stood in the little hall gathering her courage and wits to get out as quick as possible. No screwing around with the keys or the door. Only precise and definite movements…but she was shaking badly. She was trying to concentrate on her next, decisive move when CLICK!, a sound coming from the living room, after a few seconds again, CLICK! It was the sound the cap of a lighter makes when you open or close it. Her left hand jumped to her mouth to muffle a scream, her right hand clutched the knife in front of her, blade pointing to the floor. The second time she heard the clicking sound it was as if time had slowed down. The click seemed elongated and echoing through the house and her mind: CLIIIIICKKKK!
Her ex-boyfriend, Tyler, was a smoker and she gave him a lighter as a present. He loved that lighter, played with it all the time. As a final respect, they put a lighter beside him in his coffin. They imagined he might start playing with it if he got bored down there, even light a cigarette a pack of which had also been put in with his body. The thought that she might have heard Tyler's lighter scared her. She knew it was impossible and it had to be something else but her mind was a jumble of chaotic thoughts.
After three deep breaths she moved to quickly open the door and get the hell out. As she touched the keys a loud thunder shook the neighborhood and the lightning filled the house with light for a time as long as a heartbeat . Her heart almost jumped out from her chest but the voice coming from the living room was what made her bladder let go.
"Going somewhere…Karen?" the voice familiar yet strange, not heard for almost four months. Her world stood still, the voice was sad, suspicious and guttural. It resembled Tyler's voice, the accent was definitely his, but this was deeper, more malignant. Karen dared not to move. Her hands were on the keys but the same fear that made her piss herself was keeping her from moving. Coldness creeping up and down her back, her stomach a little knot.
"You haven't forgotten me, have you Karen?" the voice calm but suspicious…hellish.
"Who's…who's there?," she asked in a trembling voice, her mind desperately wrestling with the idea that it heard Tyler's voice. It can't be, she said to herself, Tyler is dead, am I going insane?
"You know damn well who I am," the voice growled.
"You can't be Tyler, he's dead," she said almost crying.
"Is he?"
"Yes, he's buried in Spring's Grove Cemetery." She took her hand from the keys and clutched the knife in both shaking hands. Her thoughts were too chaotic and she was still paralyzed by fear. The thought of unlocking the front door and running away still lingered somewhere in her brain but she feared that whoever was in the other room might catch her before she stepped out on the porch.
"And the promise you once made to him is buried as well?" the voice asked and her blood seemed to have turned into water. Only the two of them knew about the promise she made him on a romantic, starry night. It was a hasty promise, easily forgotten. They were on the shore of the lake near the town and after having some intimate time together, Tyler asked her if she will ever leave him. I'll never leave you, she replied, I promise I will never leave you. The only thing that remembered the promise was the darkness around them.
She heard the creaking of an armchair as the intruder stood up. "Oh my God, Tyler's chair," she thought because she recognized the noise of the chair. Tyler usually sat in that old chair while they spent afternoons together with her parents. She could see him with her minds eyes sitting there with a burning cigarette between his fingers while he was explaining something.
Footsteps…she braced herself for the inevitable, unimaginable…improbable; but what she saw was much worse…wicked. Shuffling, slow and steady, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness, its features yet unseen. Karen stood there shaking violently. Both of her hands were at her chest holding the knife, they were shaking too, the knife almost cutting her.
When the next lightning stroke, she saw who the intruder was as the light blitzed through the house. To her horror, it was Tyler, only a few months dead. She could see the wall between his ribs as the light zipped through. His burial clothes were just torn and hanging pieces of rags covered with mold. He had no eyes, only black, empty sockets. The left part of his head was open, blackish-brown liquid was flowing on the spot where the ear had been once. His mouth was a lipless permanent grin, his lower jaw tilted to one side. The smell coming from the thing was rank, nauseating.
"It…it can't be. You're dead."
"Yes, yet here I am. You can bury a man but you can never bury a promise."
"But you died!" she cried hopelessly.
"You promised me that you will never leave me," the walking corpse said, it's voice loosing the evil edge, it was only sad now, Karen just stood there frozen, her bladder threatening to let go again, her sanity too, "It's cold down there…and dark. I miss you."
The corpse started towards the girl but she reached for the keys in the door, unlocked it and darted towards the porch. She barely put a feet out as cold hands grabbed her. She couldn't scream as one hand was around her mouth, she dropped the knife on the porch as the dead man pulled her back in the house. The lighter fell onto the porch too. He jerked her feet up, she fell hitting her head hard against the floor flying into semi-consciousness. He started dragging her by the feet, out the back door into the yard. Through an opening in the fence he dragged her towards the cemetery.
The house was at the edge of town and the cemetery wasn't far away, one could reach it by taking a back road behind the houses. In her semi-conscious state Karen saw the hole in the fence. The planks had been ripped from the poles. They lay scattered nearby with nails still jutting out of some of them. Tyler dragged her onto the dirt road, she felt every rock and every pothole covering her body with bruises and scratches. She got muddy and wet, the rain kept falling and she started to come out from her dizzy state. She started to moan at first but as fear gave her strength she started to scream as loud as she could but the dragging continued. Hearing her cries was almost impossible for the town's residents as they were sleeping.
It wasn't long until they reached Spring's Grove Cemetery with it's iron gate wide open. It looked like it was waiting for them to arrive. She was dragged between the gravestones, some old, some new. The darkness was oppressive, her situation hopeless. There was no way she could escape from the hand grasping her ankle, it was cold and strong, it did not waver a second.
The dead man stopped beside his grave, staring motionlessly at something. Karen looked and saw a dark figure, black as night, his eyes fiery yellow. His breath like white fog drifting from it's lipless mouth. It wore a dark robe all over his body including it's head. It held a spade in front of it, just like an undertaker. The handle of the spade was covered with runes the color of fire that glowed in the dark undisturbed by the rain. The yellow-eyed figure nodded and the dead man started dragging Karen towards the open grave.
It was a dark hole, almost perfectly rectangular, it's depth obscured by darkness. It looked bottomless, the sort of hole that appears in the worst nightmares. You start falling into it and you know the fall will never end but then your brain snaps you awake. Had you fallen into one for real your heart would stop in an instant.
"Oh, my God!" she pleaded. "Don't do this, please!" She looked at the dark figure but it just stood there. She tried desperately to grab onto something but without success. "Now you will keep your promise," said Tyler's corpse in a coarse voice and dragged her in his coffin which now was full of mud. Held her in a death embrace as the lid closed and darkness enveloped them.When the shoveling started and earth began hitting the lid Karen woke up in her bed. She was sweaty shaking from a nightmare. Just when she started to calm down thinking that it was only a dream she heard the sound of the back door opening.
Did you enjoy my story? Please let me know what you think by leaving a review! Thanks, Coni_89Write a Review


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The Psychology of Hate: How We Deny Human Beings Their Humanity
One of the most amazing court cases you probably have never heard of had come down to this. Standing Bear, the reluctant chief of the Ponca tribe, rose on May 2, 1879, to address a packed audience in a Nebraska courtroom. At issue was the existence of a… [ Read More ]


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Dyeing clothes a neon color isn't for the faint of heart. Because the colors are so bright, using the proper dyes and associated materials is essential. Know what your fabric is made of, prepare the materials in advance, and read the instructions thoroughly. Depending on whether your garment is cotton or wool makes a difference in not only the dye brand, but the additives, as well. A tip? Silk fabrics can use either fiber-reactive or acid dyes.
Select your dye by analyzing the fabric. Fiber reactive dyes are best for cotton and other natural fabrics, such as linen. Acid dyes are necessary for wool. Silk fabrics can accommodate either dye. Pre-washing the fabric ensures that the color will take to the fabric evenly. Also, fabrics that have been treated with starch or are permanent-press in nature may end with uneven results.
Mix the dye, following the instructions on the dye bottle. You may need to add salt to the water. Pour the mix inside the plastic bottles. If possible, wear a face mask; it's possible to develop facial irritation from overexposure.
Soak the fabric in a soda ash and water solution for 15 minutes to one hour. Use a ratio of 1 cup of soda ash for 1 gallon of water. Don't use baking soda. Soda ash can be found at swimming pool supply stores.
Apply the dye while wearing gloves. Place the garment flat and drip or spray the dye onto the fabric. Keep the fabric wet for at least two hours, preferably for 24 hours. Place the fabric in a plastic bag to keep it wet.
Wash the fabric in the washing machine with cold water, then twice with hot water. You don't have to rinse the fabric before putting it in your washing machine.
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images


text: RAID is even not an option for several tasks. I for example use Linux as a real-time DAW, so raid would be much likely counter-productive and a VM would be completely unusable ;). Lets stay with backup options that are likely more pleasant for the averaged desktop user. IMO apart from what I prefer, there are just rsync based options ok and much likely just without RAID, VMs, tapes and what soever individual expert solutions. Regards, Ralf


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Akram Vignan is a practically applied spiritual science and is a 'shortcut' path to liberation.READ more
|31 October
|31 October
"May the world attain Ultimate Peace and may some attain Liberation"Read More
Located 20 kms from Ahmedabad, Simandhar City is a place for spiritual progress. It is known as "A Clean City, Green City & Pure City!!!"Read More
A unique non-sectarian Temple inspired by Akram Vignani, Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan.
Questioner: Just as one should not eat the 'vegetarian' egg, one should not drink the milk of a cow.
Dadashri: You cannot eat eggs but you can drink cows' milk, eat yogurt and some can even eat butter made from that milk. There are no restrictions.
The Lord had forbidden some people to eat butter, but that was for specific people and for a different reason. You can make puddings and sweets from that milk. Even if some scriptures forbid this, I will tell you that those scriptures are wrong and that there are no restrictions. Go ahead and enjoy them but take care not to overindulge.
Questioner: But nature had intended the milk for the calves and not for us.
Dadashri: That is completely false. Only the calves of the wild cows and buffaloes drink all their mother's milk. People however, feed and nurture cows so that both the calves and the humans can benefit from the cows' milk. This has been the practice from time immemorial. If you feed a cow well, it can produce up to fifteen liters of milk a day. If you feed it well it will produce more than the normal amount of milk so you would not be depriving the calf of its share and letting it go hungry.
Book Name: Non-violence (Page #54 Paragraph #4 Onwards,Page #55 Paragraph #1)


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Last week, I made Valentine's Day cards by hand. And while they turned out super cute, I wanted to create something a little different to give to grandparents and family. So, I looked around my home and took stock of what items I actually put up. And while I display my cards briefly, the things that I can stick to my fridge are the things that stick around forever. So, I thought what if I could make a Valentine's Day craft that could be given in the place of a card and enjoyed for quite some time. And as I watched J-Man work on a school project using Popsicle sticks, it came to me! So, I pulled out my supplies and started working on a custom Magnetic Valentine's Day picture frame made out of Popsicle sticks! Here's how you can make one too!
Valentine's Day Magnetic Popsicle Stick Picture Frames
What You Will Need
Popsicle Sticks
Red and Pink Paint
Wooden Hearts
Sticky Felt Hearts
Magnet Sheet
Hot Glue Gun
Favorite Picture
How to Make It
Start by putting together the back of your picture frame. Using your hot glue gun, create a flat surface by attaching two Popsicle sticks long way across a row of vertical Popsicle sticks.
Flip your picture frame base over and glue your favorite picture in.
Set your base with your picture on it aside and paint 8 Popsicle sticks red.
Once your popsicle sticks are dry, attach two to each side of the frame with your hot glue gun. Make sure to glue them far enough out that you can't see the base behind them.
Then attach the other four sticks, two on each side to complete the frame.
Now, flip over your picture frame and attach a large magnet to the back of it so that it covers the majority of the back surface.
Next, paint two of your hearts pink. Allow them to dry and then attach a red felt heart to the center of each one.
Finally attach your hearts to two of your corners, making sure they are on diagonal corners from each other.
Allow your picture frame to dry and it's ready to display or give as a gift!
And since it can be perfect displayed on the fridge, it's the perfect gift to say I love you all year long!


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Sharlto Copley in Talks for 'Maleficent'
Posted on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 by Angie Han
Forget Demián Bichir — this week belongs to Sharlto Copley. Just a couple of days ago, the District 9 star was confirmed as the villain in Spike Lee's Oldboy remake, even as he was packing his bags to shoot Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego's dark thriller Open Grave in Hungary. Today, Copley's has entered talks for Disney's live-action Sleeping Beauty retelling Maleficent, which stars Angelina Jolie in the title role. More details after the jump.
Deadline reports that Copley is negotiating for the role of King Stefan, father of Aurora. I don't recall the character being that prominent in Disney's original animated Sleeping Beauty, although my memory of that picture is admittedly rusty. But as Stefan's being described as the male lead in Maleficent, I imagine he'll be a fairly major character here. Elle Fanning has been circling the slumbering princess part since March, though she hasn't quite committed yet.
Written by Paul Dini and Linda Woolverton, Maleficent follows the classic fairy tale from the point of view of its villain, explaining why the self-proclaimed "Mistress of All Evil" was moved to curse the young Princess Aurora in the first place. After going through a string of potential helmers over the past couple of years, Disney finally gave the directing gig to Robert Stromberg in January. Stomberg has previously done visual effects and production design work on films like Disney's Alice in Wonderland and Oz: The Great and Powerful.
Though Copley first broke out in 2009 with District 9, he's only appeared in one other film since then, 2010's The A-Team. If everything pans out, however, he'll be downright ubiquitous for the next couple of years. In addition to his upcoming roles in Oldboy, Open Grave, and Maleficent, Copley's already wrapped Europa, a sci-fi thriller, and Elysium, the sophomore effort by District 9 director Neill Blomkamp. Both of those are due out next year. Maleficent will begin lensing this summer for a March 14, 2014 opening.


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Posted May 2, 2011
By Sean Michael Kerner
The open source PostgreSQL database is gearing up for a major new release.
PostgreSQL 9.1 is now available in beta, introducing a number of new features. Among the new features is support for synchronous replication for the database.
"The basic idea is that you have one or more asynchronous replicas that are set up using binary replication, and each of those replicas can identify themselves by a name," Josh Berkus, PostgreSQL core team member, told InternetNews.com. "By name, the master can say that things will be synchronously replicated to specific replicas in priority order."
Berkus added that in the beta there is also something called transaction-controlled synchronous replication, which provides control over what is and isn't replicated.
"What that means is the database administrator can decide on a per-transaction basis which ones need to be replicated and which ones don't," Berkus said. "The advantage of that is that there are a lot of mixed load applications which might have a small amount of essential data and a large amount of data that is not as important."
The overall advantage of having the transaction control is that it allows an enterprise to define the places where they are willing to pay the response penalty that comes with fully synchronous replication. Berkus said the response penalty for synchronous replication varies according to hardware.
PostgreSQL 9.1 has also made performance improvements that could affect replication, as well as other database operations. One of those performance improvements comes by way of the unlogged tables features. Berkus noted that unlogged tables could be thought of as in-memory tables.
"You can create tables within PostgreSQL that are not logged to the transaction logs for data that is ephemeral," Berkus said. "An example of that is updating current session information in a web application."
Berkus noted that historically, PostgreSQL users have leveraged memcached and other caching solutions in order to reduce the logging overhead.
"Unlogged tables eliminates the logging overhead, and once you eliminate that, the response time of the unlogged table becomes comparable to a non-relational data store," Berkus said.
The unlogged table feature is not intended as a high-availability caching feature. Rather, Berkus explained that use case is for the caching to provide a solution for data that has a high volume of writes, but is not very valuable.
"So in terms of providing a high-availability cache, you're still going to want an actual caching solution," Berkus said.
PostgreSQL 9.1 also adds support for SE-Postgres, which enables integration with SELinux. SELinux is a mandatory access control system, first developed by the National Security Agency and currently widely deployed on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. Berkus noted that prior to PostgreSQL 9.1, SE-Postgres was essentially a fork of the mainline. The SELinux capabilities are now being merged into the mainline improving the overall performance of the security implementation.
PostgreSQL 9.1 is also taking aim at extensibility with improved extensions capabilities. Extensions will now also be easier to find with the PostgreSQL extension network.
"We've added a whole packaging feature for Extensions; the idea is to have the same ease as you have with Mozilla add-ons on Firefox," Berkus said.
Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.
PostgreSQL Archives
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Pure Fish Oil: Nordic Naturals' 3rd Party Science Debunks Myths April 20, 2010
Pure fish oil manufacturer Nordic Naturals' 3rd party science debunks purity, processing and freshness myths in the marketplace
PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 20, 2010 – Watsonville, CA
Pure fish oil manufacturer Nordic Naturals, with years of science and research backing its fish oil production, debunks processing, purity, and freshness myths currently found in the marketplace with 3rd party science and research.
One myth says "Heat used in fish oil manufacturing causes excess oxidative damage (rancidity) and creates inferior oil." The fact is that all fish oil needs to be processed and purified in order to remove contaminants and meet minimal laws and standards such as California's Proposition 65. These laws and standards are set to protect consumers and this process always requires heat, be it high heat or low heat.
The important point is that heat itself does not cause oxidation — it only affects the rate of oxidation. Low heat is acceptable and used by many quality manufacturers today. Oxidative damage (rancidity) can be avoided by manufacturing in a vacuum, in a nitrogen-rich, oxygen-free environment, and in the absence of free radical catalysts such as iron and copper. Nordic Naturals utilizes a proprietary multi-patented manufacturing process that produces the purest and freshest fish oil products which far exceed the stringent Norwegian Medicinal Standard and European Pharmacopeia Standard limits. (http://www.nordicnaturals.com/en/Retailers/Third-Party_T …)
Another myth says "Cold pressed oil of a food grade nature is superior." The fact is cold-pressed fish oil still requires the use of heat processing to separate the oil from the fish body and strip the raw material of its impurities and meet minimal standards for fish oil (http://www.ifosprogram.com). In other words, fish oil can never be a "whole food" because it must, by its very nature, go through several manufacturing processes in order to become oil. Nordic Naturals is GMP certified with product coming from a Food Grade Facility that is in compliance with dietary supplements standards.
"Nordic Naturals has always been a research driven company where processing technology and product formulations are driven by the latest developments. We have been privileged that without solicitation, leading research institutions such as Harvard, Georgetown and Columbia universities as well as the National Institute of Health have chosen our products for many clinical studies," says Joar Opheim, MBA, and Norwegian born founder. "Additionally, Nordic Naturals was ranked #1 out of the top 10 fish oil brands in Norway for the highest concentration, freshness and purity, which speaks to our dedication to provide consumers with the best possible fish oil products."
"The internet has created a wonderful environment where information and opinion is only a key stroke away however it also makes it easy for anyone to publish content while rushing to put a product on the market. When looking for nutrition information, we encourage everyone to do full product research and to look for third party research and laboratory testing for purity and freshness to be certain they are getting a nutritional supplement that meets its marketing claims," says Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, Neurological Surgeon, researcher and author.
Dr. Joseph Maroon, a board certified neurosurgeon has become one of the nation's leading advocates of fish oil and has recently authored two books, "Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory" and "The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life."


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The Campaign to End Loneliness has a hefty goal. We're not talking about a simple human emotion here. Research on loneliness consistently shows concerning data that requires attention. According to Medical News Today, "loneliness [is] a bigger killer than obesity," with other research likening loneliness to smoking in terms of its affects on mortality rates.
A new report by health insurance company Cigna, details the results of surveying 20,000 Americans to understand the loneliness phenomenon. In it's opening letter, the Index Report specifies that, "Loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity."
While the Campaign to End Loneliness focuses on the elderly, (and for good reason,) Cigna's study reveals that
- Generation Z (adults ages 18-22) and Millennials (adults ages 23-37) are lonelier and claim to be in worse health than older generations.
- Students have higher loneliness scores than retirees.
The issue has been highlighted in Canada as well, with comparisons being drawn to the UK and their recent investments into addressing the loneliness challenges across the pond.
Why does this matter to a business audience?
At Smart Self we deeply believe that performance and productivity are contingent on the well being of the whole individual. If caring about our fellow humans wasn't enough, let's note how this affects the health of our economy.
Approximately 1 in 5 Canadians personally experience a mental health problem or illness (1 in 6 adults in the U.S.), and research shows that mental health issues are one of the most rapidly increasing causes of long-term sick leave. A Conference Board of Canada report, "[d]epression and anxiety cost the Canadian economy at least $32.3 billion a year and $17.3 billion a year, respectively, in foregone GDP due to lost productivity."
As well, Cigna's report indicates that "[w]hen examining the different issues affecting people with mental health conditions, there is a consistent part of the pathology: they also suffer from loneliness."
Not only does loneliness kill, not only do mental health issues have a dramatic affect on business, but also, we know that loneliness and mental health issues go hand in hand. So these issues must be on the minds of leaders in businesses everywhere.
It's hard to talk about these issues in a professional environment, but we must find a way. Our survival and success depends on our ability to address these issues. As far as your next strategic plan is concerned, perhaps employee well being should be just as (or perhaps more) important as revenue targets.


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The Book is finally here..! I am so happy I can finally share this with you all
On the 25th of April 2019 I launched the EMPOWER 7 Book in The Trampery in Tottenham. it was a long time coming but unbelieveably had only taken five months to Write and a further two months to Edit, Proofread and then Publish. It was Published by my Company Soul Conscious Creations Limited. It is my first book but I am no stranger to writing as I am celebrating 23 years of being a Published Writer this year (2019). My work can be found in Newspapers, Poetry Anthologies and a few old Health Journals. The stuff we all did before the digital age so I really need to get a Digital Portfolio before this year is out then I can post a link.
The book can be bought at the OFFER PRICE of £12.99 including FREE Postage until 15th JAN 2020. Order by PayPal £12.99 including full address and FREE POSTAGE here
Keep Updated with our newsletters and Mailouts (No more than 1 a week) here
There are also Links to the Contributors who are Phenomenal women in their own right who have a Quote in the Book all women I know or have met over the last few years. Please look out they will be posts.
I look forward to hearing your Reviews of the book. It is NOT on Amazon at the moment so can only be bought by myself. Send Reviews direct through this website.
Your Sister in Spirit and Remember…..
We don't have to be Victims of our Circumstances, We can be Soul Conscious Creators of our Future


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Review: New on DVD for December 25
Sarah Gopaul
Dec 24, 2012 in
This week's releases include an excellent drama starring Richard Gere; a competition that melts; a disturbing portrait of a family and their killer-to-hire; and a high intensity chase on two wheels.
VVS Films
(DVD & Blu-ray combo pack)
On the eve of his 60th birthday, New York hedge‐fund magnate Robert Miller (Richard Gere) appears the very portrait of success in American business and family life. But behind the gilded walls of his mansion, Miller is in over his head, desperately trying to complete the sale of his trading empire to a major bank before the depths of his fraud are revealed. Struggling to conceal his duplicity from loyal wife Ellen (Susan Sarandon) and brilliant daughter and heir‐apparent Brooke (Brit Marling), Miller's also balancing an affair with French art‐dealer Julie Côte (Laetitia Casta). Just as he's about to unload his troubled empire, an unexpected bloody error forces him to juggle family, business, and crime with the aid of Jimmy Grant (Nate Parker), a face from Miller's past. One wrong turn ignites the suspicions of NYPD Detective Michael Bryer (Tim Roth), who will stop at nothing in his pursuits. Running on borrowed time, Miller is forced to confront the limits of even his own moral duplicity.
Money is everything to Robert. Even his daughter does not know what they'd do together outside of the office. His family accepts that he's a workaholic, but they never realized how much it had skewed his sense of right and wrong. Gere is outstanding. He's always looked good in a suit and had the ability to promise the world with one look, but these talents don't compare to his talent to portray a self-centered jerk. He speaks about an opportunity "to basically print money" like it was a religious experience, which will stay with audiences long after the credits. This is Gere at his best. Sarandon isn't the most suitable socialite wife as she's so often portrayed as a woman who is down-to-earth. But there is a great scene at the end of the picture during which she lays into Robert for everything he's done to their family; it's in this moment that she shines.
Special features include: commentary with writer/director Nicholas Jarecki; deleted scenes with optional director commentary; "Who is Robert Miller" featurette; and "A glimpse into
" featurette. (VVS Films)
Alliance Films
In Iowa, butter carving is as cut-throat as a Presidential election, plagued with scandal, greed, blackmail, and sex—except with butter. When long-reigning champion butter sculptor, Bob Pickler (Ty Burrell), is forced to step down, his zealous wife, Laura (Jennifer Garner) enters the competition herself, to fight for their status as butter royalty. A win seems virtually guaranteed for the poised and studied candidate when a formidable contender emerges: the fresh-faced, effortlessly charismatic 10-year-old Destiny (Yara Shahidi), an African-American foster child of local couple, Jill and Ethan (Alicia Silverstone and Rob Corddry). Suddenly, it's anybody's game and Laura will do anything to win—even if it means resorting to sabotage and seducing her foolish ex-boyfriend Boyd (Hugh Jackman) as a co-conspirator.
There are a lot of competitions that appear tame to the outsider; but stepping behind the curtain reveals cutthroat competitors willing to do anything to win. Destiny's talent and motivation are pure, as is defending champion Bob's. His wife Laura, on the other hand, seeks the status of a winner, creating butter sculptures without any heart. The periphery characters, including Destiny's foster parents, a stripper who moonlights as a hooker (Olivia Wilde) and an easily persuaded car salesman, provide odd angles to the core plot. This is a quirky comedy with a few interesting performances and impressive sculptures, though the multiple stories is a bit more than what was required.
Special features include: deleted and extended scenes; and gag reel. (Alliance Films)
VVS Films
Killer Joe
(DVD & Blu-ray combo pack)
When 22‐year‐old Chris (Emile Hirsch) finds himself in debt to a drug lord, he hires a hit man to dispatch his mother, whose $50,000 life insurance policy benefits his sister Dottie (Juno Temple). Chris finds Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a creepy, crazy Dallas cop who moonlights as a contract killer. When Chris can't pay Joe upfront, Joe sets his sight on Dottie as collateral for the job. But the contract killer and his hostage develop an unusual bond.
There's weird and then there's good weird. This film falls into the latter category. Very deliberate and expertly delivered, the film grabs your attention in the first minute and holds it for the next 90, not letting go for a second. This family is beyond dysfunctional. Their treatment of each other ranges from caring to outright hostile, and can flip from one extreme to the other in a single conversation. The acting is outstanding. Church's role is small, but he dominates the scenes in which he features with few words and a straight face. Hirsch does not disappoint, delivering a stellar performance. It's clear the dialogue is straight from the script because it's so precise, but he still makes each line his own. Temple's whimsical Dottie is flawless. She finds the perfect balance between sweet and pure, and disturbing. This is a very different role for McConaughey. Joe is hard and seemingly heartless. This may be one of the most difficult roles the actor has played, especially in recent memory, but he is excellent.
Special features include: behind-the-scenes featurette; and cast and crew interviews. (VVS Films)
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Premium Rush
Dodging speeding cars, crazed cabbies and eight million cranky pedestrians is all in a day's work for Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), the best of New York's agile and aggressive bicycle messengers. It takes a special breed to ride the fixie – super lightweight, single-gear bikes with no brakes – and riders who are equal part skilled cyclists and nutcases who risk becoming a smear on the pavement every time they head into traffic. But a guy who's used to putting his life on the line is about to get more than even he is used to when his last envelope of the day – a routine "premium rush" run – turns into a life or death chase through the streets of Manhattan.
The whole movie is delivered in a pretty fast pace. The characters are introduced quickly, establishing their relationships, rivalries and personalities. Time is somewhat fluid, jumping from past to present to fill in the missing pieces. But in the end, the simplest and most accurate description of this movie is that it's a car chase film on bicycles. These bike couriers could help or damage riders' reputations, depending how you look at it. They're fast, but their street manoeuvres are often dangerous. Gordon-Levitt's calculating character has the ability to assess his options and consequences immediately, picking the best possible route through busy traffic. The action is thrilling and well shot to capture the intensity of the scene, though the plot is typically ridiculous.
Special features include: "Action and Stunts" featurette; "Behind the Wheels"; "The Starting Line"; and cast and crew interviews. (Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)
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The 2014 Globoforce Workforce Mood Tracker, from social recognition solutions provider Globoforce, has found that as new technologies change the workplace, most U.S workers (70 percent) do not believe that gamification is a positive addition to recognition programs. Other findings from the report include:
• 62 percent of respondents said recognition becomes less meaningful if points are given to the person giving that recognition.
• 79 percent would not work harder if the number of recognition awards received or given was ranked on a leader board.
• Just 4 percent of respondents felt that eThanks, with no gift or monetary value, would be a memorable form of recognition.
• 59 percent prefer a thank you that includes a gift or reward.
• 73 percent prefer milestone input from a manager and peers.
• 68 percent believe that years-of-service awards are more meaningful if they include career details.
• 25 percent of respondents reported receiving a years-of-service award for less than five years of service.
"Our latest Workforce Mood Tracker challenges widely held beliefs about what are the most powerful motivators in a successful recognition program. For one, eThanks without tangible rewards is insufficient as the sole means of recognition. Our survey also debunks the belief that gamification can enhance recognition programs," Eric Mosley, CEO of Globoforce, said. "By taking these realities into consideration when forming a recognition program, today's HR leaders can better meet the needs and desires of their multi-generational workforce."


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Wall to wall period style shelving and storage unit fitted in alcove beside fireplace. Frame and panel doors with adjustable shelves inside, solid bench top with long bookshelves above.
Size: 2.5m wide x 2.5m high x 0.5m deep
Materials: Solid and veneer Anigre timber stained dark mahogany with clear satin lacquer finish.


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These nutrient-rich foods are part of a traditional cuisine that is renowned for being both tasty and wholesome. They have numerous health and beauty benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and controlling blood sugar levels, and they are great for gut health, weight loss, youthful skin and beautiful hair. The even better news is that you can easily incorporate tasty and beneficial ancient Japanese superfoods such as amazake, azuki, daikon and wasabi into your everyday meals rather than relying only on Japanese meals.
It is now time to learn from ancient wisdom and incorporate real Japanese super foods to your daily meals. So what is it that makes Japanese superfoods so amazing?
Japanese superfoods are nutritious yet low calorie foods that were used popularly as medicines in ancient times.
They are also mostly alkaline foods, and an alkaline body (technically alkalinity in our blood) is essential for optimal health. When our blood is overly acidic, we are most prone to sickness and obesity.
It is very easy to get an acidic body since stress and exercise can cause a build up of acid. All animal products (meat, fish etc), carbs such as rice, pasta, bread, and drinks like coffee and alcohol, not to mention processed food and junk food, are all acidic.
So it is very important to neutralise the body with alkaline foods to bring it back to its preferred balance.
Green vegetables are a fabulous way to do this, but why not add variety to your diet since eating lots of vegetables can be a struggle and some of the Japanese superfoods you will learn about are tremendously powerful in comparison.
For example, Konnyaku (aka konjac) has the highest alkalinity levels in any food that I have ever known.
Let's talk about one of these Japanese superfoods, Matcha green tea.
Matcha green tea
Matcha is a bright, green tea powder traditionally used for tea ceremonies.
It is the product of finely milled dried tencha, which is a special whole green tealeaf that is kept shaded for 20 days before harvesting. This process increases the amount of L- Theanine, which is responsible for increased mental clarity and focus. It also contains chlorophyll, which gives the leaves more detoxing power and creates a clear resonating note of the unique umami flavors, the natural form of MSG.
With its various anti-ageing health and beauty benefits that derive from boosting the immune system and heart health, it should become a staple in our diet. However, we must eat wisely to gain the health and beauty benefits.
Here are three action steps to eat Japanese for health and beauty!
1. Use REAL Japanese superfoods
It is wonderful that we can purchase Japanese ingredients easily in Australia but there are also many inferior products available in both Japan and Australia. Even Japanese people find it hard to get real Japanese superfoods because people read the packaging and not the label.
Go to health food stores rather than Asian grocery stores to easily buy authentic Japanese superfoods. Just make sure they are Product of Japan.
For matcha green tea, choose organic, ceremony grade, stone ground products.
Non-Japanese green tea goes through different processes, which reduce the amount of anti-oxidants and non-umami flavor to leave pure bitterness. That is why you see fruit infused green tea in the market to reduce the bitterness.
2. Eat at home not at Japanese restaurants
Many people choose Japanese meals to become healthier and lose weight but most people don't realise that the meals served at most Japanese restaurants in Australia are far from our traditional Japanese meals.
They contain much more sugar and fat and contain none to very small amounts of Japanese superfoods.
Cook more meals at home using Japanese superfoods!
3. Cook wisely to get maximum health benefits
There are many ways to get maximum benefits from Japanese superfoods by simply knowing what we are eating. This will help you avoid certain things because healthy components are destroyed when they are in a certain condition.
For example, matcha green tea has many health benefits and they are mostly because of catechins, powerful flavonoid polyphenol compounds (antioxidants). The University of Kansas has found catechins to be 100 times more potent than Vitamin C and 25 times more potent than Vitamin E.
Two of the tea catechins, epicatechin and epigalloca techingallate (EGCG), have an impressive history of research. EGCG is a strong antioxidant and Matcha contains the highest amount (60% of tea catechins) of EGCG compared to other green teas. This makes Matcha one of the most powerful free radical scavengers in the world.
Drinking matcha lattes or eating green tea icecream prevents you from getting the benefits of EGCG since cow milk inhibits absorption of EGCG.
Avoid having matcha green tea with dairy milk, and switch to non-dairy options such as soymilk. You can also maximise your EGCG absorption by taking matcha green tea with protein and vitamin C.
There are so many tips for cooking without losing their amazing health benefits or buying REAL Japanese superfoods that are helpful to our health.
If you want to learn more about Japanese superfoods, please come and join my cooking classes filled with Japanese superfoods or check out my Japanese Superfoods cookbook!
Enjoy these two simple but gorgeous recipes from Yoshiko over summer...
Yoshiko Takeuchi is an experienced chef, health researcher, Managing Director of Cooking with Yoshiko and currently runs cooking classes using Japanese superfoods at Bondi Junction in Sydney. Her internationally published books Cooking with Soy and Japanese Superfoods are available from major book retailers and online.


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Published on November 20th, 2013 | by DrKaayla0
The Little Known Soy-Gluten Connection
Are you on a gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet? Are you eating lots of "healthy" processed and packaged gluten-free products that contain soy?
If so, your GFCF diet is probably not healing your body quickly . . . and maybe not at all.
The reason is, many people with gluten sensitivity also react to soy. That's a big problem given that soy ingredients are present in more than sixty percent of processed, packaged foods—including most of today's popular gluten-free products. While such products are billed as "healthy" and priced really high, the truth is gluten isn't the only devil troubling our guts and brains. While most people are aware of the casein link, the problem with soy is far less known though it has been identified as a risk in numerous medical journals including the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology,
Don't believe me? Some of the doctors and other experts interviewed at The Gluten Summit this week are saying so too. If you haven't yet tuned in to this outstanding educational event, don't miss your chance. Click here for free replays of the most popular speakers, including my friends and colleagues Drs. Liz Lipski, Mark Houston, Natasha Campbell-McBride and others. Don't wait though as the event will be soon be over.
I first exposed the soy-gluten connection back in 2005 in my book The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health, and I think it's high time this health-saving information reached the gluten-free community. I'm therefore thrilled and honored that Jenny McGruther of Nourished Kitchen is publishing my guest blog on why people on GFCF diets should avoid soy as well as most of today's processed packaged gluten free products and focus instead on healing their guts with a nourishing diet of real foods, whole foods and slow foods. To read my blog at Nourished Kitchen, click here.
Interested in doing laboratory testing for gluten sensitivity? Need private coaching? I'd be happy to help. Contact me directly at email@example.com.
PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.


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The 2001 BMW 325i Oil Capacity Specificationsby Andrew Tennyson
One of BMW's longest running model lines, the 3-series has been around since 1975. The 2001 BMW 325i is a "saloon"-style, four-door sedan. It features a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower engine.
Oil Capacity
According to the user's manual for the 2001 325i, the total oil capacity for the car is 7 qts. (6.62 liters). This total capacity also takes into account the half-quart required to fill the vehicle's oil filter. As such, in some places the total capacity will be listed as 6.5 quarts (6.15 liters), but this number does not include the oil required to fill the filter.
Oil Type
According to the user's manual, BMW recommends its own (BMW) 5W-30 High Performance Synthetic motor oil. If that oil is not readily available, the manual also recommends Valvoline SynTech, Castrol/Mobil 1 or any other synthetic motor oil provided that it is rated "API SH" or higher.
Expert Insight
In its original marketing material, BMW suggested that new 325i owners could wait until up to 15,000 miles between oil changes. According the experts at E46 Fanatics, a website dedicated to the 3-series, this recommendation could cause mechanical problems as the oil filter included with new 2001 325i cars was not built to last 15,000 miles. As such, many owners found that by the time they brought their vehicles in for an oil change at 15,000 miles, the filter itself had begun to disintegrate. BMW has since designed a new oil filter that it says can last the 15,000 miles between recommended oil changes.
- motor image by Petr Efremov from Fotolia.com


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Research Catalogue
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Ryuko Reid
Netherlands (residence) °1985
research expositions
Apollo's Banquet for children: Teaching baroque music to the young violinist
Ryuko Reid
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KC Research Portal
Name: Ryuko Reid Main Subject: Baroque Violin Research Supervisor: Johannes Boer Title of Research: Apollo's Banquet for Children: Teaching baroque music to the young violinist Research Question: How can the baroque "rules" being used today in the field of historically informed performance practice be taught at a young age? Summary of Results: The purpose of this study is to investigate what aspects of the musical language of the baroque era can be experienced from twenty songs found in John Playford's Apollo's Banquet. This is a collection of country-dances, broad street ballads, theatre tunes, tunes from Morris dancing, Scottish tunes and French dances, that were published for the amateur violinist in 1670. In this study, these songs were taught to students between the ages of 5 and 10 with activities designed to create awareness of gestures, bar hierarchy, light cadences and other important baroque features, in a fun and approachable way. Videos and observations of the lessons show that the repertoire was well received and the paper shows that the use of the songs provided an effective initial stage in experiencing baroque music However the students would need to be exposed to many more examples of these baroque elements before they become consciously learned. This paper also concludes that other elements of baroque music not included in this study, such as rhetorical devices and improvisation could be investigated, and exploring folk music repertoire of the seventeenth century would provide our students with a richer experience of the baroque style. Biography: Ryuko Reid is a baroque violinist specialising in historically informed performance practice and is the artist director and leader of Amsterdam Corelli Collective. Ryuko works as a violin teacher in Muziekschool Amstelveen and studied the Kodály method at Koninklijk Conservatorium. She came to study baroque violin with Sophie Gent at Conservatorium van Amsterdam and is currently finishing her masters at Koninklijk Conservatorium, with Kati Debretzeni and Walter Reiter. Before moving to Amsterdam, she studied modern violin with Jan Repko, taught at Chetham's School of Music and studied Dalcroze method in Manchester, UK.
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How to Save on Your Food Shop!
03 February 2020 Hints & Tips
Everyone knows what student life is like financially, especially after the festive season has taken a big hit at your bank account. Moving back to uni and having to once again fend for yourself isn't really ideal after being treated like royalty over Christmas, however with deadlines coming at you left right and centre its unfortunately a necessity. Food shopping can make a large dint in your funds if you're not careful, so we have a few tips to help save you a bit of cash!
Don't shop on an empty stomach!
Although it might be tempting to procrastinate and leave your shopping until the last minute, walking around the shop whilst you're staaaarving is a very bad idea. You'll end up buying more than you would normally, and it most likely won't be healthy food either. Get into a routine of going, say, everything Tuesday afternoon after your lunch. The routine will help ensure you've always got food in, and going when you've eaten will cut down on mindless snack buying.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
Make a solid plan of what you're going to eat for lunch and tea on each day, and write a list of ingredients you will need for each. Factor in for a few snacks and the occasional treat, but try to be quite strict when you're shopping and stick to the list. a Quick google search will give you loads of quick, easy and healthy meals you can prepare, check out this handy collection if youre stuck for inspiration - https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/quick-and-healthy
Although years of conditioning has drilled into us that frozen food is bad, things such as frozen vegetables and meats may actually be better. Flash-freezing ensures that the optimal amount of nutrients are retained in the food, and is often much cheaper than buying fresh. It also lasts much longer which is handy!
Brand snob?
Do you often find yourself going for the big brand rather than the supermarkets own equivalent? For cupboard basics there's really no point, and over time the price difference between them definitely adds up. Most variations are often made of the exact same ingredients, the only difference is the packaging so be aware! Don't get mugged off.
Try and buy ingredients in bulk, and make large batches of meals. You can always freeze them once you've made them so you've got something to fall back on just in case! It may also be worth nipping to your local wholesalers for things such as pasta, sauces, meat etc, as they do large quantities for less than retail prices! Bookers Wholesale do 5kg of good quality, large chicken breasts for £20!
Happy shopping!


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Hundreds of people buy cars every day in India – who would have thought that the process was so crazy – or maybe it was just me. My tryst with this process started about 10 months ago:
I had just landed myself with a job in Gurgaon, and anyone who's been in Gurgaon knows that you cannot survive here without a means of transportation – as there is no public transportation to speak of. I had seen the Ritz while in Shimla a couple of days earlier, and had liked the car. It was the "new kid on the block" and everyone was after one – and hence the models we wanted weren't available. We scoured through the showroom in Gurgaon till we found one which had what we wanted – a Blue Ritz Ldi (diesel) model. We promptly booked the car – using Sonali's debit card – and then started the looooong process.
The showroom managers had told me getting a loan was very easy – and I was pretty confident that it should not be a problem – I had a substantial income before ISB, and my accounts had money before I went to ISB – but there lay the fallacy. The money was in my account one and a half years back, and during the previous year in ISB, I had whittled down my savings and in effect there was no money in my accounts now. Also since I had just joined the workforce – I could not back it up with 6 months of payslips – someone please explain to the banks what a sabbatical means and how you do not earn money while studying!! So – my initial applications through the car dealership to HDFC, Kotak, SBI were rejected summarily. I decided to take matters into my hands and applied directly to ICICI – I had an account with them for the past 5 years and had maintained a healthy balance all throughout (except the last one year – of course); and the officials decided that they would see only the last one year's statement. So there was another rejection . . . . however after endless negotiations, and providing statements of my joint account with papa, the loan was finally approved – albeit for 85% of the ex-showroom price instead of the normal 90-95%.
So with an SMS approval in hand – I went to the showroom; and lo and behold – the process had taken so much time – they had sold "our" car to someone else and now there was a waiting for 2 months for a "Blue Ritz Ldi". Till now the showroom manager was after my life to take the car, and now the bank officer was after my life – unfortunately before there was a car and NO loan approval; now there was a loan approval by NO car.
To make matters worse – the officials at ICICI bank checked my IT returns in Delhi and found no record – obvious to me as they were filed in Shimla. So they came back to me and revoked the loan application saying that I had forged my IT returns!! Now NO loan AND NO car. So we had to cancel the booking – leading to another issue – the booking was in the name of "Dushyant Ahuja" and the payment was made in the name of "Sonali Mehta". They didn't have any problems while taking the money – but to refund they needed a "relationship proof". Wonder what happens to people who're living together or haven't registered their marriage. Anyways, as we had registered our marriage, after almost two months of booking a car, we came home with the money back.
Sick and tired of the process – I decided to wait till I had my 6-month payslips. Luckily, HDFC decided to setup a pre-approved loan on my salary account. Also by now the Chevrolet Beat had come into the market – and we liked it better. So after an initial recce of different cars; a few test-drives and we decided on the Beat – however this time did not book the car till my loan was finalised. Luckily, as the loan was pre-approved it was approved (!). Of course – the pre-approval was for 4,75,000; and the approval came for 3,78,000 – hahahaha (that was a maniacal laughter). Anyways – booked the car – but how can things be so easy? The loan could not be disbursed till I gave them three post-dated cheques (from my salary account) – and my cheque-book had just one leaf. SO had to order a new cheque-book from HDFC as they don't give any loose leaves and the wait started yet again. While waiting HDFC decided to increase their interest rates by 0.5%, and the loan which was approved at 10% may go up to 10.5% :-(.
Luckily the wait was just for a couple of days, and the cheque book came in yesterday. So hopefully, today the loan would be disbursed and I'll be a proud owner of a brand new car AND a brand new EMI. . . .
Wish me luck.
Update: 6:10 pm April 22:
Yesterday, the officer who was supposed to collect the papers was out of town – so the task was delegated to someone else. He had his own clients first – so came to me at 6:30 last evening. So the entire process was delayed by one more day – the papers reached the concerned officer today and the loan disbursement will only happen tonight – which means the dealer will get the money tomorrow morning and I don't get the car today.
To complicate matters – I'm leaving for Jaipur tonight and won't be here the entire day tomorrow. So, the car should come day after tomorrow. (Fingers crossed)