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Severe mine subsidence damage has cost the state of New South Wales $8.7 million in the last five years, a cost which is bound to rise according to mine subsidence expert Professor Phillip Pells.
The Newcastle Herald yesterday revealed that the Mine Subsidence board purchased five subsidence-damaged homes in Lambton last financial year for $3.8 million.
Fourteen homes were damaged when a section of the Old Lambton Colliery Workings collapsed in 2012.
Professor Pells said more compensation will be paid as time passes, as it is inevitable that old mine workings will fail.
"As time goes on pillars collapse and workings collapse and we are going to see ongoing problems with sinkholes," he said.
"This will continue to occur, that is why the Mine Subsidence Compensation Act was set up, because it was known this type of thing was going to happen on a regular basis."
At September last year the Mine Subsidence Board owned 21 properties affected by subsidence, at a total cost of $8.7 million.
Pells said the laws relating to compensation for people affected by mine subsidence need to be changed, as the present legal situation only compensates for property improvements such as buildings, rather than the land itself.
"It is far too narrow and the onus is always on the residents to prove, against opposition from the board, that the damage is from mine subsidence," Pells said.
"It can very, very, very difficult for people who are impacted by sinkholes or subsidence to be looked after or compensated."
Only 10 per cent of subsidence claims have been compensated in 2011-12, which is 44 of 438 claims.
Earlier this year Newcastle councillor Tim Crakanthorp called on government to identify a better system to address mine subsidence, while also facilitating development in the CBD.
The Hunter branch of the Property Council identified subsidence as the key obstacle for investment in the inner-city, with the costly grouting process required to stabilise old mine workings a significant barrier for developers.
Crakanthorp said grouting old mine workings was crucial.
"The whole of Newcastle's CBD is undermined," he said.
"We've got a compromise there where we get that working again with the state government to look at how we are going to do grouting under the CBD."
The Property Council of Australia has proposed a developer contribution scheme to fund mine grouting strategies, where the government would contribute up front and the cost of the work would be recouped from developers.
Urban Development Institute of Australia chief executive Stephen Albin said ''Something needs to be done".
"While we have a lot of benefits out of mining… we need to find a way that the government can assist,'' he said.
Image: Pebblescience


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So, right... new member here.
Well, new... I've been knocking around Dune fandom online since the mid-nineties, though I gradually drifted out of it over the last ten years or so. Back in the day, alt.fan.dune was the main place for knowledgeable, deep and incredibly time-consuming Dune discussion, but it seems like that's pretty much dead now. With the Old Dune Imperium Scattered across the known internet universe, fragmenting its wisdom into uncountable pearls of awareness, this seems like the closest thing to a community keeping the old ways alive (though I'm not yet sure whether you're Bene Gesserit or Honored Matres in this metaphor).
To establish my credentials: I've read Dune probably a dozen times, and been through the other books two, three, four times. I know the Frank Herbert canon well. I've also seen the movie and the two miniseries, played the computer games, listened to the music, read many of Herbert's essays and interviews, some parts of the Dune Encyclopedia, etc. And since this is apparently a test of initiation among the Cast Out: No, I didn't like the Brian Herbert/Kevin J. Anderson books. When the first ones came out I was pretty mad about it, and at the writers, but then I decided to just ignore them. I got over it, and don't see any point harping on about them.
So, hi to you all. I hope to have some interesting chat and debate about things called Dune that are worth talking about.
Oh hello!
Moderators: Omphalos, Freakzilla, ᴶᵛᵀᴬ
6 posts • Page 1 of 1
- Cpt. Aramsham
- Posts: 151
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- Omphalos
- Inglorious Bastard
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Re: Oh hello!
Welcome aboard, Cap'n!
The New & Improved Book Review Blog
Goodnight Golden Path!
- Freakzilla
- Lead Singer and Driver of the Winnebego
- Posts: 18329
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Re: Oh hello!
Paul of Dune was so bad it gave me a seizure that dislocated both of my shoulders and prolapsed my anus.
~Pink Snowman
- Serkanner
- Administrator
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Re: Oh hello!
Welcome Home!
"... the mystery of life isn't a problem to solve but a reality to experience."
"There is no escape—we pay for the violence of our ancestors."
Sandrider: "Keith went to Bobo's for a weekend of drinking, watched some DVDs,
and wrote a Dune Novel."
"There is no escape—we pay for the violence of our ancestors."
Sandrider: "Keith went to Bobo's for a weekend of drinking, watched some DVDs,
and wrote a Dune Novel."
- Naïve mind
- Posts: 388
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Re: Oh hello!
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Re: Oh hello!
DUNE, as interpreted by a blue man with a green tushie
6 posts • Page 1 of 1

subset: commoncrawl


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How I Became a Techie: Amy Villasenor
Oct 14, 2016
Qualcomm products mentioned within this post are offered by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
"Sometimes, you run into a road block and you're stuck, but that's what engineering is all about: finding a better solution." — Amy Villasenor
A digital clock in my parents' room was the first object that got me interested in technology. I was seven years old, and I'd stare at it and wonder, "How does that clock know that that number needs to change? How does it know that 60 seconds just passed?"
I was about nine years old when we got our first home computer. It was around the same time that they started introducing them in schools. I'd spend hours on it, just trying to see what it could do. I wanted to know everything about how to use it, I started with this program that was basically a competitive typing game. I'd play it to see how many words per minute I could type because back then even typing quickly wasn't yet normal
In my junior year of high school, I thought I was going to be an accountant. I really like numbers and because I was into math, I thought that accounting would be the best use of my interests. I didn't really know there was such a thing as computer science or computer engineering.
Then a few recruiters from Georgia Tech came to visit my high school. I met them and when they started talking about engineering, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. That was what opened up that world to me — just hearing about it. I hadn't been exposed to it before.
I ended up attending Georgia Tech, where everyone has to take computer science regardless of their major. Since I was undecided, I took the class my first semester. By November of my freshman year, I knew that was what I wanted to do. The course was very introductory level, but I loved the fact that you could write a program and have it do whatever you want. You immediately knew if it worked or if it didn't, which I thought was pretty cool.
Now, I'm a software engineer and I love learning from the people I work with — I love watching how they work and how they approach problems to get to a solution.
My day-to-day job is mostly in development. I work on one of the modem software teams here at Qualcomm Technologies, and we work on the SIM card protocol stack.
As an engineer, the best advice that I've been given is: There's always more than one way to do something. Sometimes, you run into a road block and you're stuck, but that's what engineering is all about: finding a better solution.
Amy Villasenor has been working at Qualcomm Technologies as a software engineer for a little over two years. She received her B.S. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has recently enrolled as a student in their OMSCS program where she is working towards her Masters in Computer Science with the Computing Systems specialization. On campus, Amy was proactively involved in outreach initiatives whose goal was to expose underrepresented minorities to the benefits and opportunities that come with a career in STEM. This work has carried over to her everyday life post undergrad. She is currently on the board of LatinQ, an employee network at Qualcomm Technologies, where she helps drive similar initiatives on a larger scale.


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Maple balsamic Brussels sprouts are irresistibly sweet & tangy in this hearty side, and caramelized roasted onions add delicious depth of flavor.
Let the Thanksgiving countdown begin!
This year we're starting with the vegetable that everyone used to hate that everyone now loves – Brussels sprouts! This recipe is a spin on one of our first-ever blog posts. In that recipe, I roasted the sprouts with a combo of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. As a result, they become nicely sweet and caramelized and have a great tang from the balsamic vinegar. This recipe is identical, except I roasted onions along with the Brussels sprouts and mixed them with nutty farro to make this a more substantial dish.
So, I made these roasted maple balsamic Brussels sprouts!
The basic concept of this recipe is the same – I roast Brussels sprouts on high heat with maple and balsamic, but this time, I added a few extra components.
- Oven-roasted onions – This easy addition goes a long way. Slicing a red onion, roasting with your Brussels sprouts, and tossing it in the final dish adds a punch of sweet, caramelized flavor to this side.
- Farro – Farro makes this side a little heartier, but even more, it adds yummy nuttiness and chewy texture.
- Cranberries – They're festive for fall! Also, they add sweetness, chewiness, and a pop of color here.
- Pecans – You couldn't have great a roasted Brussels sprouts dish without a little crunch, so I tossed in a handful of toasted pecans. In addition, their flavor is wonderful with the maple/balsamic/cranberry combination.
- Lemon juice + Dijon – It wouldn't be one of my recipes without a squeeze of lemon, right? These ingredients are essential for adding a bright finish to this dish!
I really love the balance of flavors and textures here – it's perfect as a holiday side dish, but it's also a great weeknight dinner.
Bonus – if you end up with leftover farro and Brussels sprouts, you're already halfway to having Farro Fried Rice the next night!
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Salad
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, sliced in half
- 1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 cups cooked farro
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup toasted pecans
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- Handful of microgreens (optional)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Make the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the Brussels sprouts and red onion wedges onto the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and generous pinches of salt and pepper. Toss to coat and roast until tender and browned around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Make the Farro Salad: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and pinches of salt and pepper. Add the farro and toss. Add the Brussels sprouts, along with the pecans and cranberries. Toss and season to taste with more salt, pepper and lemon juice. Serve with microgreens for garnish, if using, and enjoy.
For a gluten-free version: skip the farro or use quinoa instead.


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Q&A: Your Relationship to Your Children
Q: I've been told that it's not good to be called "your child's friend," but we should always be a parent. What do you think?
Gary: I think it depends on what you mean by "friend." I think you can be both a parent and friend to your children. No, you are certainly not their peer. You have more wisdom, maturity, and responsibilities. You set the boundaries and bring discipline to your children when appropriate. In being friendly to them don't cease to be a parent. It's not either/or, but the emphasis is on parenting.


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Looking gorgeous can be expensive, especially if you have a penchant for upmarket cosmetics and hair-care products. The likes of the Kardashians and Jenners make it look very easy when they appear in a constant stream of glamorous selfies looking perfect, but it is important to remember that they have a lot of help behind the scenes!
Indeed, Kim has admitted in the past that she often takes 200+ photos before choosing one to upload to her Instagram account. To be frank, the rest of us don't have the time for such behavior. We also can't afford to use the same products as her, so if you are looking to save some cash on your beauty routine, here are a few tips.
Streamline Your Beauty Routine
The first, and most obvious, tactic is to look at your daily routine and see whether there are any areas where you can make savings. Say, for example, you have a habit of only using brand name cosmetics and beautify products. Do you really need to splash out on these? On the other hand, are there cheaper brands that work just as well? Do some online research. There may be products available for a fraction of the cost that does a better job.
Make Your Own Products
Face cleansers and face masks can be pretty expensive, yet it isn't so difficult to make your own natural products. You can use ingredients available at home: oatmeal, honey, natural yogurt, aloe, avocado, banana, and sea salt. Mix and match to create delicious products that cleanse and moisturize your skin. There are lots of recipes available online, so be creative.
Use Testers and Freebies
Most big brands give away small test pots of their products, to help customers decide whether the product is right for them. If you play your cards right, you can acquire plenty of test pots for free and avoid paying full price for the product. Visit your local store and see what testers you can try. Freebies and test pots are also available online.
Have a Discount Haircut
Don't pay full-price for a haircut. If you have short hair, use hair clippers from www.beautyplussalon.com to keep it tidy. Alternatively, if you prefer a less drastic look, make an appointment when it is trainee night at your local salon. The prices will be a lot cheaper and since all trainees are monitored very carefully, you don't need to worry about dodgy haircuts.
Cheap Hair Color
Why pay salon prices when you can color your hair at home for free? Natural henna hair dye is effective and non-permanent; there are also lots of home hair-dye products available at supermarkets and discount beauty stores. Just be sure to do a skin test before you use them.
Blog about Beauty
Writing a blog about beauty topics is fun. You may also be able to score some free products in return for unbiased product reviews once you build a readership.
Going for a natural look is the cheapest beauty routine in the world, so try it out at the weekend. You never know you might like it.


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Call for Entries Accepted Artists
Artist Youngla Park
Los Angeles, California, USA
Epic #706, Floating
Ink and Pen
Artist Statement
Line. It is contained in every thing in the world, every thing that comes into being, grows and disappears, as well as leaves traces behind. It exists everywhere, equally in mountains and water, in light and the physical expression of persons, in buildings and any object. At the same time each line is unique. It embodies its characteristic and specific order and regulation.
I want to create a line which is perfectly independent, which does not serve as an attribute. It is a specific being with its own identity and term.
Inside the visual space of the picture the line can exist absolutely, as its own epitome. To prove the identity of my line objects I invite a void into the visual space. Inside the empty space the objects stop or pass; they struggle with each other or become engulfed in themselves; they boast or dally; they reach for the top or fade away.
Nevertheless, my objects of lines are purely visual. They exist merely in my visual world, namely in my picture frame. They are illusions. Ironically simultaneously they exist in reality as painted lines on the surface of a painting. In the tension between purely visual illusion and real being I again and again face the specific object; the line that speaks for itself.


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Dalam pengertian umum, ilustrasi adalah sebuah visualisasi dari suatu tulisan. Advertising and communication design on a website may identify what works for its target market. Over the past year, lots of net design companies of different sizes have emerged, closed their operations or cut back. By partnering with the best internet design company you might be placing yourself in the perfect position to make sure that your web site is a profitable one. In both case, movement graphic design may make the distinction between more effective visuals or distracting visuals. Careful consideration may be made to make sure that the aesthetics or total design of a site do not clash with the clarity and accuracy of the content or the convenience of web navigation , 10 particularly on a B2B website. On Upwork, you will find extremely rated net design professionals who will use their creativeness, creativity, and stable understanding of the digital area to deal with your design challenge and convey your ideas to life.
By reaching out to prospects and search engines alike, Web site design serves an vital dual function that has an awesome impact in your online sales. Primarily based within the coronary heart of London, we satisfaction ourselves on our beautiful web design and our proven SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION search engine optimisation skills. This new function makes it extremely straightforward to edit WebDesign's inbuilt templates as well as existing websites you need to open in WebDesign. We construct creative Interface designs for net and mobile work broadly with utility development companies, small firms and founders in getting the usability and visual of their needs. Mixture of various approaches will probably be your finest guess in hunt of internet design firm on your mission.
A creative Company with top marks for spectacular internet designers UK. We believe aesthetics is essential in net design and up to now are thought-about a number one internet design agency in london. Make sure that you just have all the required components to create for a superb site. We all know the trade nicely, and will likely be comfortable to advise you on what is going to work and what is not going to for net design. Responsive internet design insures that no matter what system someone makes use of, your web site delivers content material in the best method.
Choose KD Web when it comes to the perfect and most professional net designers so that you will be comfortable and have an excellent return on funding. We would tackle the company as our IT protagonist, a stepping stone and a thrust that pushed us throughout. Whatever the sector to which an organization belongs, it's these days a prerequisite to have a properly-designed business website to rule the web. The Greatest Designs is a curation of one of the best of net design and their designers, featured for design excellence. When marketers and business owners ask, Why is not my website design converting?" the answer is most often an absence of call to actions. You need to doc them and use them as a basis for evaluating each internet design firm.
Website design crosses a number of disciplines of information techniques, info expertise and communication design. At 2Cubed Web Design Wexford and Dublin, we construct beautiful bespoke customer-friendly web sites. Have your web designer put your contact data on the footer of each web page along with quick hyperlinks to your most beneficial content material. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that modern net customers are getting increasingly subtle and they stay up for a platform they'll trust. An expert internet designer can assist you design a web site which meets what you are promoting requirements. For complicated web site designs, custom cellular design could also be necessary, however in no occasion ought to cellular guests be left with the standard desktop version. We're an expert Volusion store design firm, listed with Volusion as a reseller.


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Honey Bear Pillow
A sweet (pun intended) Honey Bear shaped pillow for all to love. Made in Bolivia by a self-managed community of indigenous women. In line with fair trade principles, our artisans are paid a living wage, which enables them to afford healthcare and education for their children. This product is made from soft, luxurious baby alpaca wool which is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly.
100% baby alpaca wool
Spot clean with a mild detergent.
This is a Final Sale Item


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Gas strut is a multipurpose product of simple cylindrical shape with mesh to fit, working as a gas spring with a dampening effect on the basis of compressed air and oil fill. Helps, or more precisely, makes it easy to open and close, lowering or raising, while locking in suitable terminal position, adapted to the moving parts of different devices.
In the basic version, the gas strut produces a stroke of 110, 160 and 200 mm, with a metal mesh with different dimensions, respectively plastic with ball pin. Power parameters of the gas springs (struts) are from 100 to 400N. The product is under constant pressure of gas, and therefore it is not allowed to interfere in the product.
- long life
- high reliability
- maintenance-free and trouble-free operation
- agriculture
- automotive industry
- construction
- furniture
Based on the individual needs of our customers we can make and supply various types of gas springs.


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| 7.3°C Belfast
Neil Lennon paid tribute to Northern Ireland keeper Alan Mannus after Celtic contrived to draw 1-1 with St Johnstone in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League encounter at McDiarmid Park.
In the 37th minute of a first half controlled by the champions, defender Efe Ambrose scored his second goal in two games after twice costing the Hoops in their 3-0 Champions League last-16 defeat against Juventus a week ago.
Ulsterman Steve Lomas' side made a better fist of the second half and had the ball in the net twice through Steven MacLean and then Fraser Wright, only to see both efforts ruled out for off-side.
However, with eight minutes remaining substitute Nigel Hasselbaink, on for Rowan Vine, curled a fantastic shot past Fraser Forster to stun the Parkhead side.
With Motherwell losing 1-0 at home to Dundee United the Hoops stretched their lead at the top of the table over the Steelmen to 19 points, but it was Celtic's first half performance which pleased their boss more.
"The first 45 minutes was the best football I have seen under my time here," said the Ulsterman.
"On a glue pot of a pitch, the football, the pace, the movement was exceptional and it is a travesty we haven't won the game because that 45 minutes alone would have won two games.
"But for the goalkeeper it should have been six.
"I thought we looked a quality side in the first 45 minutes. We had chance after chance, we cut them open at will and I knew half-time gave them a chance to regroup and make changes.
"Sometimes it is hard to replicate the tempo of the game and that proved to be the case.
"But even our reaction after their goal was very good and I'm sitting here scratching my head as to why we haven't won the game.
"We will probably tip our hat off to their keeper Alan Mannus – he had one of those games.
"But at 1-0 you always give a team encouragement. They are at home, anything can happen, but we should have been out of sight.
"I am not too disappointed. Motherwell lost so we have gained a point so it hasn't been a bad night after all."
Celtic have dropped seven points to St Johnstone in three games this season, but Saints boss Lomas admitted the game could have been over in half an hour.
The former Northern Ireland skipper said: "It is an old cliche but it was a game of two halves and we are not stupid – we know it could have been well and truly over by 30 minutes and we could have been looking at a long evening if it wasn't for Alan, who made four or five great saves, and the back four.
"You have to hold your hands up and say Celtic's passing and movement was a joy to watch.
"But we had a change for the second half when we put Gregory Tade on, went to four in midfield and were then able to compete and I think we were well worth it in the second half."
Saints' Wright claimed he had been on-side when he headed in Liam Craig's free-kick.
He said: "I just watched it (on television) and I am two yards on-side. I feel a wee bit (hard done by) but it's a hard job they've (the officials) got."
Belfast Telegraph


text:
|Payment Type:
|Min. Order:
|1000 Bag/Bags
|Delivery Time:
|25 Days
Model No.: MKH-002
Wheels: 2 Wheels
Battery Type: Lithium Battery
Certification: ISO9001, EN15194, CE
Frame Material: Aluminum Alloy
Foldable: Foldable
Packaging: Neutral Color Retail Box
Productivity: 1000Pcs per Day
Brand: OEM
Transportation: Air
Place of Origin: Shenzhen
Supply Ability: 1000Pcs per Day
Certificate: CE/FCC/ROHS
HS Code: 8711901090
Port: Shenzhen
ES1 Smart Electric Scooter Foldable
ES1 smart electric scooter was built with the unique App, the user
can get all sport information, such as battery capacity, speed etc from
the High Power Electric Scooter, which is also a Foldable Electric Scooter.
Color: Black
Battery Cell: 20pcs 3.6V/2200mAh LG battery cell
Battery Pack: Peak Power: 187W, Max Power: 158.4WH
Max Speed:25KMH
Max Range: 35km
Max Drive Weight: 120kg
Waterproof: IP54 Water Resistant
Net Weight: 11kg
Frame Material: Aluminum/Alloy
Expanded Size:1020*1430*1130mm(L*W*H)
Folded: 1130*430*400mm
Retail Box: 1025*2050*3250mm
Accessories: Charger*1pcs, Usual Manual*1pcs
3. Outlook details
4.1 Dual Motor Wheels
5. Our Story
MKARDA Technology focused on developing the best short distance transportation for human beings, especially for electric scooter area,
which mainly are electric scooter
5.1 Electric scooter is not a simple work, first you need prepare all metal parts mould, the most important scooter tube parts as below:
5.2 More parts of the electric scooter;
5.3 Assembly Product Line
5.4 OEM&ODM Service are available
Product Categories : Electric Scooter > High Power Electric Scooter


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Panoramic sea views and vast outdoor living spaces combine for the ultimate luxury in Mykonos
Villa Grace, located merely 10 km from the town of Mykonos and 3 km away from the village of Ano Mera, offers a great view over the Aegean Sea.
From the spacious covered terrace, guests can take in the views at sunset and admire the nearby islands of Paros and Naxos. The Mediterranean garden, the swimming pool and the dining and living areas with shaded pergolas add to the beauty of the villa and ensure guests feel pampered during their stay.
The design of the villa with its simple features characterising the Cycladic architecture blends in perfectly with the natural environment, creating a welcoming atmosphere where guests can relax and spend memorable moments.
Although preserving some of the typical features, the villa is not short of modern comforts and the white and grey colour scheme, which is carried over into the minimalist furnishings creates a sense of quiet and calm.
The property, laid out on two floors, comprises a living room with a cosy dining area and a modern kitchen, and five bedrooms which can sleep up to ten guests.
Villa Grace is the perfect property for a relaxing seaside holiday with family and friends.
ENTRANCE LEVEL 1 x large master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom
LOWER LEVEL 1 x large master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom 1 x twin bedroom with 2 x single beds and a private bathroom 1 x large master bedroom with 2 x single beds and en-suite bathroom 1 x twin bedroom with 2 x single beds and en-suite bathroom (Suitable for staff)
Extra Services
Located right above the popular Elia Beach, Villa Grace is close to the town of Mykonos and the traditional village of Ano Mera.
The panoramic sea views are truly magnificent, to Naxos and Paros in the distance, and to the surrounding mountains. There are a small number of other villas some distance apart, which will not disturb the tranquil environment of this glamorous villa.
Disclaimer: the location on the map may be approximate due to privacy reasons.
Contact us
© MyPrivateVillas 2020


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Listen to the wind, it talks.
Listen to the silence, it speaks.
Listen to your heart, it knows.
Native American Proverb
The Practical Mystic
A mystic is someone who desires a direct relationship with the Divine. They know that there is a whole other reality all around us: a multi-faceted and wonder-filled way of experiencing life.
Mysticism is often considered the realm of yogis and sufis; reading ancient texts, prayer, beautiful poetry and whirling dervishes. (This, too, is all true.) But being a mystic actually brings us into our whole human experience. It is often the missing piece of why we struggle in life, why we ache to find meaning in life, why we often feel so lost.
Being a "practical mystic" means that we bring this wisdom into every aspect of our lives. We know that we can ask for help. Then, we listen within for guidance. And then we have the courage to act upon it!
This is where everything starts to change in our lives because we are no longer acting on the ideas that are already stored in our brains. We are able to move beyond what we know and feel confident in our choices and real peace in our lives.
What You Will Learn
Module I: Being a Mystic in Today's World
This course is about BEING a mystic.. A mystic who is fully involved in living in society! Many ancient mystics renounced the world to connect with God. This course is about connecting with the Divine, healing ourselves, and spreading that love out into the world.
- Why the world needs mystics
- How jnana yoga brings us peace
- What is the inner link that connects us to the divine?
- Creating your person vision
Module II: Releasing to Mystery
The mystic path is not an intellectual one. The universe is full of mystery and infinite possibilities.. impossible for our rational mind to compute.. And yet, this is the path to enlightenment. This is the path to understanding… Or at least fathoming and loving that which cannot be understood.
- What is God? What are we listening to?
- When you know you've had a mystical experience
- Embracing the mystery
- Bathing in the Sacred
Module III: Connecting Deeply & Listening
By definition, a mystic is one who desires intimate connection with the divine. How do we do this? How do we sort through the many voices in our mind? What happens when you can't hear the guidance? How do you trust what you're hearing?
- Finding our unique path
- Clearing the mind to hear the divine
- Trusting our inner wisdom
- Being meditative & listening all day
Module IV: The Grounded Mystic
We will explore our personal alignment and flow through the chakra energy system of the body. Often, mystics remain in the "upper" chakras.. content to dream and meditate and expand that way. But we also want the lower energy centres and the heart to be active and flowing out into the world.. In this way, our mystical insights manifest on the earth.. And our colourful experiences on the earth feed our inspiration and mystical journey.
- Personal journey through your chakras
- Personal alchemy
- Healing with Divine Guidance
- From Horizontal to Vertical Alignment
- Choosing Transformational Sadhana
Module V: Being Called by Spirit to Act
When we live as a mystic in this world, we navigate in a different way. We know that we are connected to a deeper wisdom and so we ask for directions.. Each time that we hear the call and have the faith to act on it, we deepen our connection even further.. It's not always the comfortable way, but it's definitely the most exciting.
- How mystics Communicate
- Trusting the Calling
- Wisdom & Truth
- Deepening the Connection through Inspired Action
Module VI: Living as a Mystic in an Enchanted World
The world is so much more interesting than we can imagine. There are aspects and layers and colours that we can only see if we look closely. So what does going to work feel like as a mystic? Raising children? Going to the in-laws? How can we play with infinity within this limited body and ego?
- Touching the World and Letting it Go
- Going Beyond Perfec
- Swimming in Mystery
- Relaxing into the Flow
Bonus I: Tantric Mysticism
Tantra is a form of mysticism since its foundation is about experiencing the divine through the world. Its connection with sexuality stems from the fact that our sexual energy is in fact our life force. It is the energy that brings us joy, inspires us to create and to spread love with everyone. When we bring this intention into our relationships, incredible things can happen.. We already know that orgasm is one of those experiences that we cannot explain.. it is timeless and beyond description.. But what is beyond that when two people connect spiritually, sexually and fully connected to Source? Hmmm… Behold the path of the Tantric Mystic.
- Tantric applications of this course
- Divinizing each other
- Hieros Gamos – Sacred Union
- Creating the Body Ecstatic
Bonus II: Parenting as a Mystic
Being a mystic is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children. Because it means that we are truly connecting with them on a soul level and asking for guidance that is beyond our own current state of understanding. When my children were very small, I remember thinking, "How can I possibly know the right way to respond to this? The effects of my choices could affect their whole lives."
Luckily, when they were 2 and 4 years old, I went through a healing crisis (described in my book "What if You Could Skip the Cancer?").. and this shifted my consciousness to asking inside for help.. I had always been a mystic.. But now it REALLY mattered. I had to trust completely. And this consciousness carried over into my parenting. And I'm so thankful for that.
- Being Sanctuary for your Children
- Nurturing your child's Soul
- Teaching our Children to trust inside
- Being Comfortable not knowing everything
You Will Receive
6 Teaching Modules
Katrina teaches a number of videos for each module. They are all online in our Academy and so they are available whenever you would like to watch them. The beautiful thing about video classes is that it's like having a conversation together (albeit kinda one-sided)… But with talking about being a mystic, there is a real spirit and understanding that can be conveyed through listening to and seeing someone speak… It's one of the wonderful benefits of our international online world!
Mystic Workbook & Questions for Me
This Mystic Workbook is a beautiful journal filled with inspirational quotes from mystics of all time. It accompanies the course with questions and thoughts as you journey deeper and deeper on your mystic's path.
Plus, you can ask me questions at any point during the course. This is my favourite part of teaching this course. I love connecting with you and hearing about your journey.. And definitely answering any questions you might have along the way!!
Study at Your Own Pace
Some participants love to do the course in 6-weeks… Others have found that it's nice to take time to really let the new ideas and their experiences sink in before learning the next module. And sometimes life just has other plans for us. 🙂
So whatever your perfect schedule is will work!
Create Your Own Start Date
I once had a woman sign up for a course to do with her husband as an anniversary present and didn't want to start for a few weeks – on their anniversary date. I thought this was such a great idea!
So, you can now create your own future start date that lines up with a time that you want to take your course.
It's like signing up for a painting or dance class in the fall. We might be crazy busy right now. But if we plan it for the fall, we know that we will have something lined up for our own personal growth in a time that is a little less busy.
What Students Are Saying
Katrina is a wonder-filled woman who's wide heart and eyes open a space for exploration and intimacy with her genuine, giving spirit. I feel safe going into any experience knowing that she is my guide.
Hilary Lake, Nine Mountains Resort Manager | Plainfield, MA
Take a deep breath in Katrina Bos' presence and feel your heart open and expand immediately. Katrina's Tantric nature and her own commitment to spiritual awakening are the perfect confluence of skills for bringing her students to the next step on their paths. I highly recommend Tantra Fusion and Katrina Bos as your mentor and guide to deep, authentic, sacred intimacy
Robyn Vogel, Tantric Intimacy & Sex Coach | Boston, MA
"I've known Katrina for at least 15 years, and I've always found her to be excellent at investigating the quality of relationship, the quality of all relationships and creating trust within relationships. She helped to bring ME out of my shell and is endlessly encouraging. Her working with the most intimate possibility that humans have – the superpowers that are inside them – to actually bring that forward into a relationship – this is what she does best – it's her perfect area. I endorse her and recommend her highly."
Nelda McEwen, Medical Intuitive | Goderich, Ontario
You have personally changed my entire realm of thinking and although I may not be at every yoga class, the years with you have taught me a lot more in depth about my life and how I perceive life inhale it and exhale it out. You have been a mentor and a motivator. And the things you have taught me are lessons and advice I carry forth daily in my life and is well known amongst my support circle. I know completely that I one day wish to be a yoga teacher specifically kundalini yoga and when that time comes I'll have a wonderfully beautiful and inspiring teacher to thank. I wish you only the very best and I hope you send many updates. Sending you many positive thoughts and prayers. Namaste great teacher.
Well, among us, we are fortunate to have such a guide as Katrina. A mystic, even. Her countless hours working with individuals, couples and groups have built her ability in being always open hearted, authentic to herself and all who meet her. Her greatest intention, is only to serve others and see them blossom in each their own individual journeys. It warms me to see the success and progression of Katrina's own journey. Sat Nam.
I would like to say how easy, casual and friendly the classes were. I like the concept of doing Yoga with closed eyes. When I first met you with my daughter, I felt that I was in the presences of a deep essence of being or can I will simply say an old soul. That is the reason why I immediately bought your book. I wanted to know your story. As wrote before, you have something and know more than you think you know. If that makes sense.
Your wisdom and ability to heal me from a distance has been a gift, even last night, you kept saying about living in the moment, it is my choice. And it is, I just need to be "stronger than you think you are".
Katrina is our local 'Oprah'. She has a math degree from Waterloo (smart), she is a card carrying Mensa member (she's smart). Yet it is the size of her heart that never ceases to amaze me. She is gorgeous and articulate; fun and kind. A winning combination. Anyway, I think what you are doing is awesome and I think Kat is awesome and mighty. Thanks for being you.
Katrina Bos is Fun! She has an innate intelligence about life, the whole "big" picture and the significance of tantra in respect to both. Her introductory workshop was a warm and cozy experience….absolutely comfortable for anyone who may feel any reservation about the idea of tantra. Her knowledge is extensive. During the workshop, we were invited to spend time in our partner's personal space with simple exercises, that felt loving, but definitely not beyond the normal comfort zone.
I had the pleasure of working with Katrina in a shamanic and tantric healing ceremony. Katrina has one of the biggest, most loving hearts that I have ever met, and carries herself with grace and dignity. She embodies "Love-of-All" in the truest sense and goes the extra mile for those she is helping, healing or teaching. I can not wait to continue working with Katrina as her student, as I have already benefited greatly by my experience with her as a Healer.
Katrina is one amazing being and teacher. When you are in her presence, you just know that you have encountered a woman that is deeply spiritual, sensual, caring and passionate—all in one. Katrina knows how to both deeply hold you in a safe and caring container… while also profoundly help you work with your edges as a woman around your sensuality and what draws you most in life. I couldn't recommend Katrina more highly as someone to study with.
Other Payment Options
The payment buttons above accept all credit cards. If this isn't an option for you, then we can also accept:
E-Transfer (for Canadians)
PayPal (for everyone)
If you would prefer any of the above options, please email us and we'll set it up for you.
From Mathematician to Mystic
I have always been a mystic.. Although I didn't call it that. Even as a teenager, I studied religion and read every sacred text I could find. My grandfather and uncle were both ministers, yet it wasn't really the church I was interested in. It was the direct connection with God that I desired.
And then I discovered that there were others.. And they were called mystics.. Meister Eckhart, Rumi, St. Francis… I read anything I could find about them..
In University, I studied mathematics.. Mathematics is the philosophy/science of looking at the universe and seeking patterns that can be described through the pure medium of numbers.. My mind expanded and expanded..
And then I fell in love with a farmer.. I moved to a dairy farm in the middle of the country in Ontario.. And here I would have my greatest turning point. I was a computer programmer until I had children and then I was full-time on the farm, milking cows with babies on my back.. (Apparently I was meant to have a very grounding experience)..
When my children were 2 & 4 years old, I discovered breast lumps growing quickly.. My mom had just died of breast cancer 4 years before.. Her mom and sister had also died of cancer before her.. As serendipity would have it, a "guru" appeared in my life and guided me through the experience to an eventual miraculous healing (that I describe in detail in my book "What If You Could Skip the Cancer?").
There were many, many things I went through.. dark nights of the soul, incredible healing times.. but most importantly, I had to learn to listen. I had to learn to pray, listen and then follow through on the answer I heard.. This meant turning off my brain (which had served me so well) and trusting something greater.
That was back in 2001.. And I can only live this way now. All my decisions are made this way. My mathematical mind still does all my webdesign, balances the books and does logic puzzles when I'm on holidays.. But I am always in prayer, listening – when I write, when I teach, when I'm talking to my children..
The most amazing shift was that miracles are everywhere in my life. Miracles are so common, that my husband and children would just say "Well, that's Katrina's World"… Personally, it feels like I really have nothing to do with it.. I just listen and amazing things happen..
So, I am thrilled to share this incredible path with you… To explore, to go inside, and watch the world transform before our eyes.
Chat soon,
Katrina Bos


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It is a strange and trying time for all of us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We certainly understand times are tough for you, as they are for us. We have been proud to bring Stage Directions for free all these many years and we will continue to provide you with complimentary subscriptions during the pandemic. However, we would like to ask in these difficult times that you consider a small donation to help support our efforts here at Stage Directions as we work to keep our industry up to date by providing you with a continuous stream of current and vital information when it is needed, today more than ever, to keep us all in the theater community connected.
Beginning with an insightful foreword about the presence and place of sound in our consciousness by Peter Sellars, Sound and Music for the Theatre sets out to dissect and explain both the art and craft of sound design and composition for the theatre. The new fourth edition includes the prefaces from each previous edition as a kind of reminder of how far the field has come in thirty-odd years.
Kaye and Lebrecht do not start their book as a compendium of technical terms and expensive equipment. Instead, their fundamentals begin with the imperative to allow one's self to "aurally daydream" and begin designing from an imaginative place. The text is in some ways applicable to any aspect of theatre making. Replace the words "sound" or "music" with light or scenery or staging and much of the work applies.
Interjected throughout are anecdotes from both writers about specific moments in their design careers, as well as historical facts and concise technical pointers or explications:
"Since the 1990s Russia has had a VLF (very low frequency) modulator under development, operating at frequencies below 20 Hz. At low power, this directable acoustic weapon could induce nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. At high power, it could cause a person's bones to resonate, which is apparently quite painful, and incapacitating. While this might be a bit of overkill for a theatrical event, it does underline the human body's sensitivity to the visceral effects of sound"
The second half of the book is made up of a series of "Feedback" chapters, each of which asks theatre professionals to discuss their relationship to sound or a specific aspect thereof. Directors and playwrights discuss how sound impacts their work. Other sound designers and composers discuss their processes. Sound designers specifically working on large-scale events like musicals discuss sound reinforcement design (as separate from design and composition of cues). And finally, sound operators and mixers and stage managers "sound off" on their relationships to sound design as the execute the visions of the designers.
As someone with only a minimum of experience with sound design aside from through collaboration, I found the book both thorough and readable. I am always a fan of the focus on art over technology as a starting place, but I do not feel that Kaye and Lebrecht let the craft and technology emphasis suffer. The text strikes a satisfying balance between the two. I am sure that Sound and Music for the Theatre would be an excellent textbook for a college level class in sound design. It is also a class in itself, thorough, readable, combining equal parts art and craft, into a single text. The "Feedback Forums" allow the book to encompass a diverse number of voices, points of view, processes and approaches to sound design—serving as a kind of guest-lecture series for the class already contained within the covers of the book.


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South Wisconsin District Financial Aid Guidelines
Who may apply for financial assistance?
Members of congregations of the South Wisconsin District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod preparing for full-time* church work in the LCMS are eligible to receive financial assistance from the South Wisconsin District. * Full-time service is defined as any position available through the Board of Assignments of the Synod.
How to apply for financial assistance (deadline: May 15)
- Complete the District financial aid form and return it to your college/seminary and request that pertinent information be forwarded to the South Wisconsin District student aid & recruitment BY MAY 15 OF EACH YEAR.
- Complete the South Wisconsin District personal aid application form for church worker assistance and return BY MAY 15 OF EACH YEAR to: Student Aid & Recruitment, South Wisconsin District, 8100 W. Capitol Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53222-1920.
- It is each student's responsibility to see that his or her forms are completed and returned by the May 15 deadline. Students should double check with pastors and financial aid officers to see that all forms are returned in time. The District will inform you concerning the financial assistance action taken.
Financial assistance policies
- Applicants for District financial assistance should have applied for assistance from their home congregation.
- Financial aid requests must be submitted each year to the school and the District.
- The amount of assistance will be determined by the Student Aid & Recruitment Committee on the basis of the information received and resources available.
- Monies granted for financial assistance will be forwarded to the school where the student is enrolled, to be applied to the student's account.
- A student receiving financial aid is expected to lead a Christian life and to be faithful in their studies, maintaining a C average (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or above. All students receiving financial assistance are expected to complete a minimum of two (2) years of full-time service in the church upon graduation (as assigned though the Synod's placement committee and the normal call process). If this minimum service is not completed, the student shall repay all financial assistance monies granted by the South Wisconsin District.
For questions, contact Robin Mueller at (414) 292-0741 or (800) 793-3678.
LCEF Scholarships
Seven scholarships, each in the amount of $1,000, will be awarded to seven graduating high school seniors or current full-time post-secondary students at an accredited institution with at least one year of courses remaining. Candidates must also be members of a congregation belonging to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod located in one of the following LCMS districts: Iowa East, Iowa West, Minnesota North, Minnesota South, North Dakota, North Wisconsin or South Wisconsin.
Click here for more scholarship information
LWML Scholarships
Utilizing the proceeds from its Female Churchworker Scholarship Fund, the SWD Lutheran Women's Missionary League each year gives several scholarships to women who are enrolled at LCMS colleges and universities and studying to be full-time church workers (teachers, DCEs, deaconesses or lay ministers—any position available through the LCMS Board of Assignments). Application form download.
Siebert Lutheran Foundation Grants
Instructions for seminary students – tuition aid and financial aid form – Siebert Seminary Student Aid


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Headway Emergency Fund
Supported by The Stewarts Law Foundation
Why does the fund exist?
The Emergency Fund provides grants of up to £500 in the immediate aftermath of brain injury, to help adult brain injury survivors and their families cope with the sudden practical implications.
Who can apply?
Anyone may apply to the Headway Emergency Fund. We are unable to support applicants who do not reside in the United Kingdom.
Only one application per survivor of a brain injury can be considered.
The purpose of the Headway Emergency Fund is to support families facing an increased financial burden following a brain injury. The fund is limited, so Headway will take into account the financial situation of each applicant when allocating funds and prioritise those with limited resources. We cannot consider applications for families with savings of more than £1000.
What support can we provide?
- Travel costs for families visiting relatives in hospital or rehabilitation
- Travel costs to outpatient appointments relating to the brain injury
- Emergency accommodation costs
- Essential white goods, e.g. a cooker or a fridge
- Other family costs in the immediate aftermath of brain injury
- A one week self-catered carer's break at a cottage in Pickering, Yorkshire
We are unable fund:
- Taxi journeys
- Mortgage or rent payments
- Food
- Everyday household expenses
- Debts
- Private medical treatment
- Utility bills
- Childcare
- Items or services that are the responsibility of the local authority or NHS to provide
- Funeral costs
Please note that there must be a link between the request and the brain injury.
How to apply
Click the button below to make an application online. Alternatively, you can download an Emergency Fund application form to print, complete and send back to us.
What happens next?
There are three stages to processing your application:
1. Once we have received the application form, we will contact the applicant and the person in need of the grant (if applicable) for further information.
2. We require confirmation of the brain injury from a medical professional, Headway group/branch, HATS nurse or with an NHS letter. This will be discussed during the initial call with you.
3. Your application will then be assessed. We will be in touch as soon as we have an outcome.
Once we have all the information we require, we will endeavour to make a decision as soon as possible. The decision will be final and we will not enter into further correspondence with applicants.
Whether an application is successful or not, Headway staff and volunteers will endeavour to secure alternative assistance or appropriate signposting for applicants.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Emergency Fund application process or how to complete this form, please feel free to get in contact.
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Telephone: 0208 640 8413
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
My story
'It meant I could breathe'
Imagine being unable to afford to travel to be by the hospital bedside of your partner as they lie in a coma having sustained a brain injury? For Eleanor Simcox, and hundreds of others across the UK, this nightmare became a reality.
Find out how the Headway Emergency Fund gave the family space to cope.Read story


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Buyers & Homeowners info:
I thought I would provide a link and info on how to homestead in Las Vegas, Nv. I hope you find this information to be of benefit.
|Homestead Declaration
When you record a Declaration of Homestead, Nevada law protects the equity in your home up to $550,000. This protection precludes seizure or forced sale of your residence by general creditor claims. Click here to display the Assessor page that describes what the Declaration of Homestead protects and does not protect. To print a Declaration of Homestead, click on the PDF icon to the right.
NOTE: The homestead form must be printed legibly in black ink. Text cannot extend beyond the one inch margins on all sides of the form. An additional $25.00 recording fee could be applied if the form does not meet these requirements at time of recording.
Dawn Barrier at HOMESMART ENCORE Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 812-4550
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 2020
Any Stats are on Resale Single Family homes only per the GLVAR MLS as of this writing or as noted,covers the Las Vegas Valley, North Las Vegas, Henderson area or as noted.
All photography on this site are the property of Dawn Barrer unless otherwise noted and are
protected by U.S. Copyright laws and are not allowed to be downloaded or reproduced in any
way without written permission of Dawn Barrier.If you would like permission to use a photo
please email Dawn Important Notice -This is a personal blog.
HOMESMART ENCORE Las Vegas Dawn Barrier
(702) 812-4550


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Special meeting of Council adjourned as mark of respect to the late Seamus Pattison
The former TD will be laid to rest tomorrow
County Hall
A Special Meeting of Kilkenny County Council has been adjourned as a mark of respect to former Labour TD, Seamus Pattison - who will be laid to rest tomorrow.
Mr Pattison was a former Labour TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Mayor of Kilkenny, MEP and Ceann Comhairle of the Dail from 1997 to 2002.
Labour Cllr Maurice Shortall led the tributes to Mr Pattison today and described him as a "father to us all" and an absolute gentleman.
The Council was due to address a new handbook issued to tenants in local authority housing here but that meeting has now been adjourned to February 19.
Mr Pattison's remains will repose at St. Patrick's Church, College Road, Kilkenny today, Monday from 5 to 8pm with Rosary and vigil prayers at 7pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to Foulkstown Cemetery. House private please.


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Pokeball Costume Photo 5 of 7
Rate this costume:
4 votes
|add a comment
|Costume type:
|Costumes for Boys
This homemade costume for boys entered our 2017 Halloween Costume Contest.
A word from Tanya, the 'Pokeball' costume creator:
I saw a Pinterest post for Violet Beauregarde and thought i could adopt it to make a Pokeball. We inflated an exercise ball, covered it with three layers of paper mache, painted it, cut wholes... Read more »


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Building Information Modelling video channel The B1M have shared details with us exclusively regarding the sponsorship for the upcoming fourth edition of their The B1M Mail publication.
The only BIM newspaper in the world, The B1M Mail is sent to over 3,000 professionals across six continents and features editorial pieces, the latest news, information regarding upcoming events, and of course, the ever-popular BIM Crossword.
Sponsoring the next issue is the UK's original BIM library and content creation platform, bimstore. The company certainly have a lot to discuss due to their stance as manufacturer-specific content providers, creators of the bimstore Bible set of standards, and their recent launch in the United States.
"The B1M Mail is a global publication and we always love to work with global partners. We've collaborated with both Autodesk and Exactal in the past and with their US launch this summer, bimstore are very much in the same league," explained Co-Founder of The B1M, Fred Mills. "They're a pleasure to work with and the publication is looking… well, pretty awesome."
Providing comment from the bimstore camp, the business' Marketing Coordinator, Joanna Marshall explained that bimstore are proud to work alongside the "inspiring and engaging" video portal: "bimstore are proud to sponsor the next issue of The B1M Mail. With their inspiring and engaging video content, The B1M have proved themselves to be an extremely valuable resource for all things BIM and we're excited to be a part of this unique publication and to be able to showcase bimstore and what we have to offer to their global readership."
You may wonder as to why a very modern video platform like The B1M also produce an accompanying newspaper. For those intrigued by The B1M Mail's origins, Fred explained to us the reason why it is an integral piece of The B1M's output:
"Creating a hard copy publication about the digital age might seem like madness. But if we're going to take our industry digital then we need to reach out to people in the analogue world; the people that aren't on social media, who don't use YouTube. The paper is the perfect complement to our core video channel."
Issue 4 of The B1M Mail is scheduled for a September release date, and the digital copy can be downloaded exclusively via BIMcrunch. To learn more about distribution, see below.
Digital Copy:
• You can obtain a digital copy right here on BIMcrunch when the paper lands in mid-September or by looking out for the freely shared link on the BIMcrunch and The B1M social media channels.
Hard Copy:
• You can subscribe for the hard copy by joining The B1M. Existing members can opt into The B1M Mail or update their address details by logging into their accounts. Hard copy subscribers are automatically emailed a digital copy in any case.
• Hard copies will also be available through The B1M's distribution partners and at selected industry events around the world. Copies will be available in the Built Environment departments of Loughborough, Brighton and Westminster Universities in the UK.
BIMcrunch will have more developments relating to The B1M Mail's next edition in the coming weeks.


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Enraciné dans la discipline (plus que dans le plaisir)—
Encres et stylo sur papier
michael lilin 2016
Throw away thy rod,
Throw away thy wrath:
O my God,
Take the gentle path.
For my heart's desire
Unto thine is bent:
I aspire
To a full consent.
Not a word or look
I affect to own,
But by book,
And thy book alone.
Though I fail, I weep:
Though I halt in pace,
Yet I creep
To the throne of grace.
Then let wrath remove;
Love will do the deed:
For with love
Stony hearts will bleed.
Love is swift of foot;
Love's a man of war,
And can shoot,
And can hit from far.
Who can 'scape his bow?
That which wrought on thee,
Brought thee low,
Needs must work on me.
Throw away thy rod;
Though man frailties hath,
Thou art God:
Throw away thy wrath.
George Herbert


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Room Magazine and Massy Books have partnered to create Indigenous Brilliance, a quarterly reading series for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit writers to showcase their work. Hosted by Jessica Johns, jaye simpson, Patricia Massy, and Emily Dundas Oke, this series is dedicated to featuring emerging and established Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer artists.
Room with a View
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 2017 Cover Art Contest, as selected by our esteemed judge Judge Zainub Verjee, the Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Arts Galleries in Toronto. Please join us in congratulating the artists!
Alicia Elliot joins Mica on the couch to discuss why seeing yourself and your community lovingly represented in literature is so important, and also why colonialism sucks. Also included: Alicia reveals her favourite shade of lipstick, tells us why land acknowledgments can be so problematic, and discusses the Mohawk translation of "depression" and its significance to her.
We are thrilled to announce the shortlist of our 2017 Cover Art Contest! Judge Zainub Verjee, the Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Arts Galleries in Toronto, selected these pieces for special recognition. Please join us in congratulating the artists!
Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival returns March 1-4, 2018 to Vancouver's Mount Pleasant neighbourhood (traditional, unceded, and ancestral territory of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish peoples).
Growing Room: A Feminist Literary Festival (March 1-4, 2018) is returning for the second year and once again seeking volunteers! Get involved behind-the-scenes and help us make this literary event a success. We are looking to fill roles including Venue Assistants, Event Assistants, and Active Listeners. All experience and skill levels welcome. The deadline to apply is midnight on Thursday, February 15, 2018, but shifts will be filled on a... more
Whether you're building a New Year's resolution reading list or hoping to renew your faith in #CanLit, we at Room are here to help. This list of some of our most beloved fiction, poetry, and non-fiction books by queer Canadian writers, compiled by fourteen members of the Room collective, is a great place to start.
Sooo . . . now what? It's the question on everybody's mind, and here to help us sort through the raging garbage fire of our culture (aka rampant sexism) is Morgan Brayton, a most wonderful actor, comedian and writer. Morgan's contribution to the #MeToo dialogue is essential, in part because the movement has impacted her on a very personal level. Join Mica and Morgan for an emotionally intense, but ultimately morale-boosting, interview that... more
Do we ever really know our parents? Do we even want to? These are just some of the questions author Gurjinder Basran (Everything Was Goodbye, Someone You Love is Gone) tackles with host Mica Lemiski on Part 2 of our Family Secrets episode of Fainting Couch Feminists. Also included in this episode: a dove flies into Mica's window, Gurjinder reveals her past as a nosey child and discusses the importance of grieving on your own terms.
Our yearly round-up of the most popular posts on our website.
When a loved one dies, is "closure" something we really want? Carys Cragg (pictured)—author of Dead Reckoning: How I Came To Meet the Man Who Murdered My Father—doesn't think so, and says her relationship with her father, who was murdered when she was only eleven, continues to evolve 25 years after the crime. In Part 1 of our "Family Secrets" episode, host Mica Lemiski chats with Carys about why she decided to contact the man who killed her... more
EXTENDED Deadline: December 15, 2017. Enter for a chance to see your artwork on our June 2018 issue (featuring new writing by Katherena Vermette). First Prize: $500 + publication on the cover of issue 41.2. Judged by Zainub Verjee.
Currently on Newsstands
Room 43.2, Devour
Edited by Jessica Johns
In this issue:
Manahil Bandukwala, Dessa Bayrock, Megan Beadle, Brandi Bird, lue boileau, Rachel Burlock, Justina Chong, Mollie Cronin, Marilyn Dumont, Edzi'u, Ashleigh Giffen, katia hernandez velasco, erica hiroko, Jessica Johns, Shaelyn Johnston, Yume Kitasei, Mica Lemiski, Jessie Loyer, Annick MacAskill, Callista Markotich, Sonali Menezes, Kai Minosh Pyle, Natasha Ramoutar, Carmina Ravanera, Rohsni Riar, Jessica Rose, Rowan Siah, Eli Tareq El Bechelany-Lynch, Kelly S. Thompson, Arielle Twist, Phoebe Wang, Yu-Sen Zhou.


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Craig Finn talks solo album Clear Heart Full Eyes
For nearly two decades, Craig Finn has sought comfort amid cranked amps and heavy riffs. First, here in the Twin Cities to cult acclaim as frontman of ahead-of-their-time skewed-punk pranksters Lifter Puller, and then on to global accolades as head poet of classic-rock revivalists the Hold Steady in Brooklyn. Seeking to reinvent himself away from the roaring rock 'n' roll din for the first time, Finn turned a five-month break from the Hold Steady in early 2011 into a launching pad for a solo career pitched at distinctly lower decibels than he's ever embraced before.
The resulting record, Clear Heart Full Eyes, comes off like hard-boiled Americana. Here, Finn's distinctive bark is slowed down and surprisingly dulcet as he leads a crack band of Austin musicians through a set of songs that recall his prior work only on rare occasions. Thankfully, Finn is focused more on reinvention than recreation, and the bulk of the album presses forward impressively into previously foreign terrain made up of jaunty, honky-tonk numbers and fragile, finger-picked weepers.
Prior to his long sold-out Twin Cities return at the Triple Rock Social Club, Finn took time out to talk with City Pages.
City Pages: The Hold Steady kept a breakneck pace between 2003 and 2010, releasing five records in that time. Last year was the band's first quiet year on the touring and recording front. Why the break?
Craig Finn: We felt we would all benefit from taking a break for five months and trying something new. The solo record was a way to try and get better at what I do, or at least get some fresh perspective on it. The Hold Steady has habits—they aren't necessarily bad habits, but they're habits. I was trying to break through them to get at something new. The solo record was an itch I always wanted to scratch. It was nice doing something at a lower volume that didn't make my voice hurt.
In Lifter Puller and the Hold Steady, I always played down-tuned guitars, and on this solo record I was writing in standard tuning. It got my hands doing different things. I was hearing different parts of the chords. Those kinds of changes are helpful. I left to make the solo album on July 5 and I remember coming home from a July 4 party and kind of freaking out thinking, "Shit, what have I got myself into?"
CP: Are you anxious at all how these gentler songs will be received on tour by boisterous Hold Steady fans?
Finn: We did one show in Austin and that was interesting because I remember getting off stage and being like, "Did we just play a show? We can't have. I'm not dripping sweat. I don't feel terrible [laughs]." There was certainly a different energy to that show; no one was climbing on top of each other or throwing beer in the air, but it's one I appreciate. The challenge with quieter music is to engage everyone so you don't have to compete with background chatter. I'm in awe of how a band like Low can make that many people so quiet. That's something I aspire to.
CP: Part of why your fans are so passionate is that it feels like a reciprocated love affair. Is maintaining that sense of joy difficult now that making music is your full-time job?
Finn: It's a little easier for me than a lot of other people, because we didn't get to this place career-wise until I was in my mid-30s. I have a lot of years to draw back on from before that time, so I know that this is way better than that [laughs]. If we had some sort of big success when I was 21 years old, I'm sure I would be a completely different person. That being said, you have to make conscious decisions to keep it manageable and fun. Do we really want to do Tulsa and Toledo on this run of the tour, or just stick to Chicago and Minneapolis?
CP: Speaking of Minneapolis, you moved away in 2000, but the place still keeps rearing its head in your songs. Will the Twin Cities always feature in at least one song on your albums? [Editor's note: The Clear Heart Full Eyes' song "No Future" features the lyrical refrain "The devil's a person, I met him at the Riverside Perkins."]
Finn: I think there probably always will be at least one song with a Twin Cities reference on there. My teens and my 20s happened in Minneapolis, and that's a time I draw on for writing about certain types of things. The Riverside Perkins just felt like an appropriately godless place in the context of "No Future" [laughs]. I've been in New York 11 years. I was talking with a friend the other day about how crazy it is to actually have decade-old memories from my time here. Both places are in my heart, but I think there will always be some part of Minneapolis in my songs. I still have a hard time writing songs about New York. That feels like something I should leave to Lou Reed [laughs].


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Love the Irish 30 Seconds board game?? So do we!!!!
Check out all the latest competition info below or why not send us your ideas for the game, names that should be included or even send us some photos of you and your family, friends or colleagues playing the board game.


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5.25" A#/B Note Etched Himalayan Singing Bowl #a5200217
The note of the bowl when it is struck like a bell is A# 113 hz
Size: 5.25 in diameter by 2.75 high
Weight: 1 lbs., 2.4 oz, 520 grams
Rim Thickness: Averages 2.1 mm
This bowl was sung with the pictured suede striker, singing on the rim and struck like a bell.
Includes a free striker and the pillow shown in the picture.
This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!


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Prince William County Kids
Woodbridge, VA 22195
About Prince William County Kids
It takes a village to raise a child!
The mission of PWC Kids is to enrich the lives of children in Prince William County, Manassas Park and Manassas City through mentorship, social and developmental opportunities.
Prince William County Kids (PWC Kids) is a community organization established in 2012 dedicated to serving Prince William County and Manassas Youth.
With the ongoing help of our local community and businesses, we will strive to develop unique and affordable children's programs. Our activities are designed to promote education, confidence, integrity and social awareness.
We believe "It takes a village to raise a child," and welcome your involvement. Our staff and volunteers are experienced professionals willing to go the extra mile to impact Prince William County! To become a PWC Kids volunteer, please email firstname.lastname@example.com
Prince William County Kids
P.O. Box 7532
Woodbridge, VA 22195


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5 Ways To Fix IPhone Error 3194
Using an iPhone usually means pure enjoyment. These phones provided by Apple are considered to be high-quality devices, but that does not mean they will always work perfectly. If you have an issue when trying to update or restore your iPhone via iTunes, and if you see an error 3194, don't worry, it can be fixed, and we will show you how. Check out 5 ways to fix iPhone error 3194, and one of the listed solutions will solve the issue, and you can continue with upgrading or restoring.
See also:5 Ways To Fix ITunes Error 53 (Solved)
5 ways to fix iPhone error 3194
Solution No.1: Check your anti-virus program.
This error may occur because of your anti-virus software. Turn it off, and try to perform the update or restore.
Solution No.2: Firewall.
The other reason that can cause this annoying error is your firewall. Perhaps it is blocking certain files. You have two options. The first one is to allow iTunes over the firewall. The other option is to simply disable the firewall, until you are not finished with the update.
Solution No.3: Update iTunes to the latest version.
If you do not have the latest version of iTunes, certain errors can occur, and one of them is the error 3194. To fix the issue, update iTunes.
- For Mac users: open the program on your computer. Open the menu, click on iTunes, and then click on Check for Updates.
- For Windows users: open the iTunes, and in the menu bar, select Help, and then Check for Updates.
Solution No.4: Internet connectivity.
In some cases, the problem can be your internet connection. Turn off your modem, and after several seconds, turn it back on. Sometimes, the reset may fix this.
Solution No.5: Host file.
First, quit iTunes on your computer. The next step is to open the host file. For Mac users: /ect/hosts; For Windows users: c:windowssystem32driversetchosts. By using the administrate rights, open the host file. Find: 184.108.40.206 gs.apple.com line, and delete it. Save the file, but don't change the name of it. Plug your device into your computer, and start iTunes. Try to update or restore again.
Users are successfully solving this problem with these simple 5 ways to fix iPhone error 3194, and we are pretty sure you will find them useful.


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Protests erupt in SF over proposed transgender military ban
Daniel McGuire,
July 31, 2017
On July 26, 2017, hours after President Donald Trump tweeted his plan to ban transgender people to serve in any military, a protest was organized by members of the LGBTQI community in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood. At the protest's scheduled 6 p.m. start time, there were about 200 people in ...
Somewhere over this rainbow
Casey Peuser,
Online and Social Media Editor
July 5, 2017
At the risk of fulfilling the stereotype, lately I've found myself identifying with the great Judy Garland in wishing that I, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, was somewhere over the rainbow. By 'rainbow,' I'm referring to LGBTQ Pride. And by 'over,' I mean discouraged by the lack of...
Queer community make themselves known
Tishauna Carrell,
Staff Writer
March 15, 2017
On March 3 and 4, CSUEB students, universities, nonprofit organizations, a plethora of 18 to mid-20-year-olds and parents entered the New Union at Cal State East Bay's Hayward campus armed with goodie bags filled with notebooks, pens, brochures and plastic water bottles for the 2nd annual Queer Confer...
Oakland Pride to close out the summer
Ira Lazo,
August 24, 2016
Every six months, Oakland's Queer Gym staff hosts a queer sensitivity program, in which local community members and personal trainers have the opportunity to ask awkward or uncomfortable questions about the gender spectrum. This is the only queer-focused gym in the East Bay and every workout begins...
California schools diversify curriculum
Kali Persall,
Managing Editor
July 27, 2016
Lessons about the accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans and people with disabilities will be added to California public school curriculum, beginning with second grade textbooks. On July 14, the California State Board of Education, which has 11 members, voted unanimously...


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How Netflix's New Mexico Investment Affects Arizona
Published: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - 12:22pm
Updated: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - 12:23pm
Netflix says it'll open a production hub in New Mexico and buy a studio there. Overall, the streaming service plans to bring $1 billion in production to our eastern neighbor.
The state has a tax incentive for filming, and shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" are shot there. So, where does that leave Arizona?
The Show spoke with Chris LaMont, a clinical assistant professor in the School of Film, Dance and Theater at ASU's Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, to learn more about it.


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Hi to all,
This are my first questions on here so you'll have to bare with me.
I have just started an apprenticeship with British Gas and am looking to get a couple of the books we have been using like Corgi Essential Gas & Safety, Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances, and any other books that may be of use. They supply alot of the literature but there are a couple that we can get ourselves to use at home.
Also cheeky question, does anyone know the names of the three different types of gas injectors and the reason for there differing characteristics.
Many Thanks Ben


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Lambda Criticizes Ohio Supreme Court Ruling in Jimmy Bird Case
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(CHICAGO, May 6,1998) Refusing to address the medically unsupported claim that spit can transmit HIV, the Ohio Supreme Court Wednesday upheld a man's conviction on a charge of assault with a deadly weapon for spitting at a police officer, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said.
Only one judge addressed the HIV issues raised in the case of Jimmy Bird, and he firmly rejected the notion that the spit of a person with HIV poses any danger to others. Bird is infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.
"The fact that the indictment calls something a deadly weapon does not make it so," wrote Justice Paul Pfeiffer in his dissent. He called Bird's spitting no more dangerous than an assault "with a powder puff, a water balloon, or a jelly doughnut."
Ruling on technical issues in the case, the court voted 6-1 against the appeal by Bird, who was imprisoned after he pleaded "no contest" following his arrest for disorderly conduct in 1993.
Although Bird, now 41, has said he was trying to clear his mouth of pepper spray during his arrest, he was charged with felony assault when prosecutors learned he had HIV. Sentenced to three-to-15 years in prison, Bird has served more than three years of that sentence.
Heather Sawyer, Lambda Midwest Regional Office staff attorney, who argued the HIV aspect of Bird's appeal, said, "The bottom line with this ruling is that a man is behind bars merely for spitting. No person should be imprisoned for activity that clearly is not criminal. Bird's conviction and sentence violate state and federal law."
Lambda AIDS Project Director Catherine Hanssens said, "It is a travesty that this court would ignore the law's definition of a deadly weapon and endorse incarceration for a harmless act. Saliva has never been shown to transmit HIV, and the spit of someone with HIV could never be a deadly weapon. Through this ruling, the Court supports a grandstanding prosecutor's end-run around the law in order to make what would be at most a rude act into a felony when the person doing it has HIV."
In its ruling, the Court said, "It is unnecessary to decide whether the (human immunodeficiency) virus may be communicated through saliva and whether saliva may be considered a deadly weapon."
A state court of appeals had upheld Bird's conviction, and Sawyer and David Strait of the Franklin County Public Defender's Office argued the appeal for Jimmy Bird before the Supreme Court on February 18.
Lambda, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, is the oldest and largest lesbian and gay legal organization. With a headquarters in New York, Lambda has regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
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Contact: Peg Byron, 212-809-8585 x 230, 888-987-1984 pager; Heather Sawyer, 312-663-4413


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If you have already completed one of our courses then use this easier booking form for existing pupils.
We will only use the information you provide to communicate with you about our classes. Your name and any health issues you mention in Step FIVE will also be shared with the teacher running your class.
We will use your email to communicate with you about the course you have booked and to tell you about future courses. We also like to have your mobile number in case there's a last minute problem with your class. We won't try and sell you anything else or share your information.
All evening classes are held at the Art's Ed with the exception of the Tuesday Club Classes which are held at St Michaels and All Angels, as are the Wednesday morning classes.
Check our Schedule page for full class details.
Should your preferred class be available we will respond with a booking reference and instructions for you to complete your booking.
IMPORTANT - Health By clicking submit on this form you are confirming that there are no medical reasons why you should not take part in our matwork classes. Please talk to your doctor if you are unsure. This is especially important at the moment.
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Greeley Garage Sale Theatre closes out successful two-week run in 'Earnest'
February 8, 2019
The name is Greeley Garage Sale Theatre, but there's no garage sale to be found.
Instead, performances take place inside Family of Christ Presbyterian Church, 2410 35th Ave.
The theater troupe is closing out its two-weekend run of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" this weekend, following a historic sold-out opening night last weekend.
All proceeds will go toward funding Greeley Garage Sale Theatre's summer production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Funds from that show will go toward a local organization.
"We're helping ourselves with this show, then helping others with the summer show," said Seth Willis, a member of the production council who also plays the Rev. Canon Chasuble in the show. Add to that: "The Importance of Being Earnest" is in the public domain, which means they don't have to pay for royalties.
If you go
Greeley Garage Sale Theatre's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" will close out with a show at 7 p.m. Friday and at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15 or $5 with a student ID.
The name of the theater organization came from the founding member wanting to incorporate a garage sale, but it never materialized.
Daniel Mothershed, the director, has wanted to bring "Earnest," his favorite play, to the stage for some time, he said. Having something light and fun for people attend in the cold winter seemed like the perfect time to do so.
The current political climate accentuated.
"I felt like it resonated with right now — that idea of wealthy people doggedly hanging on to custom, traditions and ideas," Mothershed said.
Heath Howes plays Algernon Moncrieff, a character in the play who is historically noted as being based on Wilde's flamboyant, narcissistic self.
"It's fun taking that aspect on," Howes said. "He's already a character who is historically noted. It's very easy to (incorporate) those attributes."
Rob Walker has to go way deep into character as Lady Bracknell. He auditioned for two of the female parts for fun and landed one of them, he said.
But that adds to the humor of it all, he said.
"Every time I'm suited up I feel like I'm going into space," Walker said of the drag he has to wear. "I had to learn how to walk properly and have good posture."
— Adam Poulisse is the go and do reporter for the Greeley Tribune. Let him know of anything fun going on in the area by calling him at 970-392-4440 or emailing him at email@example.com.


text: JuCluCeeDavid Michael BrooksAt the ladies get-together that night, Maria pulled Janice aside and asked her if she had noticed any mail in her box that afternoon from a new ad she had responded to. "I saw the ad appear a couple days ago, but I was still waiting for the first one to respond so I didn't think much about it. Well, today I got a response." Janice didn't even pretend to be excited for Maria about what the first response had been. She could tell it had not been a favorable one just from the original question. "So what did it say?" she asked politely, anyway. "Well, all it really said, basically, was that I was too late, which is too bad because his response was a nice one, too. But..." she quickly added, "I looked at that one from just a couple days ago and a couple new ones today, figuring I'll give it just one more try, and I did respond to one, a Mark with a bunch of numbers behind his name." "What? And then you are giving up on the idea already? Not that I think you should or shouldn't, that's your decision all the way, but it hasn't even been two weeks yet," Janice whispered. "You might want to take your time and just browse a while without responding.""I don't know what I want," Maria sarcastically whined. "Somebody I don't even know spoiled me rotten for one afternoon fifteen years ago and I just can't get it out of my mind. It was soooooo.... I don't know," she trailed off as she shrugged her shoulders and gazed at the floor."Anyway..." Maria continued whispering a little softer, "I sent this 'Mark' guy a response asking for more info about him and if he doesn't respond by Monday, I don't think I can take another week of suspense. Must be like the piano ordeal a while back," she giggled, "I'm just too impatient to make some beautiful music.""Well keep it under wraps, girl, til you know what you're doing, some things just can't be rushed if you want to do it right, you know what I mean?""Yes, Jan, I do. And thanks for all your support, and I'm fine, really...just horny!" Maria added with a laugh and the two of them turned and rejoined the conversation and laughter going on at the big table next to them.Maria arrived at Janice's townhouse at 9:25 sharp, same time she had been arriving every morning after getting Robbie on his 9:00 school bus. Janice hadn't been there while Maria was visiting since the very first day the two of them had set everything up on the computer. She knew when Maria would be there and had conveniently scheduled houses to show or work that needed being done at the main office so as to leave Maria with her privacy. Janice had, on a couple occasions, left a little S.O.S. note on the kitchen table for Maria to help eat a cake she had made, or a box of chocolates a client had given her, to help prevent her from eating it all herself and gaining 10 pounds, which Maria had obliged, as her craving for sweets was second only to one other less obtainable craving she seemingly always had anymore. "Todaaaay," Maria told herself as she slid into the executive chair and double-clicked on the AON icon on Janice's monitor, "must be the last day for me. If Mark-numbers-guy hasn't responded today, I don't want to wait all weekend just to find out he didn't respond on Monday, either. So this is it," and she typed in her password and hit the 'enter' key."You've Got Mail!""Okay, here it is," Maria said to herself dramatically, "What's it gonna be? Yes?...No?" and she clicked on the icon of the mailbox and read the response from Mark10876.She knew at once, seeing the heading that read "Nice to meet you" next to his screen name, that it wasn't going to be the same type of response her first letter had brought her, but she still wasn't counting her chickens yet. He could still turn out to be a weirdo, she reminded herself, but was very pleasantly surprised by the fact that he was asking questions and not sending invitations ...yet.Maria suddenly felt like babbling her whole life story into the next e-mail to Mark-numbers-guy and asking him to do the same, but then, remembering the eternal ache that had been planted in her fifteen years earlier, she felt that little information, besides being Janice's most stern caution, could also be even more exciting in a kind of erotic way. She reread the new e-mail several times, noticing that, once again, she really knew absolutely nothing about this Mark character and ultimately decided that she should learn as much as possible. She clicked on the 'respond' square and began to type her response.Hi Mark, My name is Maria. I guess there's one thing we have in common, both our names start with 'M'. I really don't know how to begin this line of communication. One of the things I am missing in my life is excitement. Nothing excites me right now. Due to the obvious cautions a woman must take in a venture such as this (I'm sure you understand), I would like to read a long note from you talking about your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, your work, even your wife if you want, anything you feel like writing about, if that is okay with you, before I say much more than I have. I am very interested in potentially meeting you, but I want to be sure it is what we both want before we take any steps we might regret. I will look for your response on Monday, as I am not even using my own computer for this in an attempt for the utmost discretion. Thank you.Maria


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Hundreds of deaths of vulnerable homeless people in England and Wales are going unexamined, an investigation has found.
Web scraping and freedom of information requests submitted by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) have revealed that safeguarding adults reviews (SARs) – which charities say are crucial to determining whether the deaths could have been prevented – have almost never been set up after homeless people's deaths.
Nearly 300 homeless people have died since 2013, data previously compiled by the BIJ – as part of its Dying Homeless project – and the Guardian has shown. Of those deaths, 102 have occurred since October last year, an average of three people a week.
Despite that, only eight SARs into homeless deaths have been launched since 2010, the research showed. They also found that not a single official review has been launched into any of 83 recent deaths. In those cases, just one informal review had been launched.
Experts have warned that, with no formal count of deaths and with so few reviews, officials cannot determine why so many homeless people are dying and take action to prevent future deaths.
Jeremy Swain, chief executive of Thames Reach, called the findings "enormously disappointing." He added: "This unfortunately leads me to the disturbing conclusion that the death of someone sleeping rough is viewed as less important than of a housed person."
The deaths this year include a 41-year-old man in Bristol who was said to be suffering "prolonged starvation", an 81 year-old man with no known family members, and a 69-year-old man found in an abandoned shed, whose body was so badly decomposed that the coroner could find no cause of death.
This week, Worcester City council published an informal review into Cardon Banfield's death. It comes years after local campaigner and former rough sleeper Hugo Sugg took up the cause. He had met Banfield years before and remembers "a talkative and really interesting guy".
Banfield's partially mummified body was found in a tent, just metres from a public footpath in Worcester. The homeless 74-year-old, who had settled in the UK from the Caribbean in 1961, part of the Windrush generation, was so badly decomposed that the coroner was only able to identify him through DNA testing.
Through freedom of information requests, Sugg uncovered council paperwork, seen by the BIJ, which proved that the council's housing team had registered the man in 2014.
"Cardon's name was right there, 20cm from the council's logo," he said, "so them saying that he'd never accessed services was just wrong."
At first the council said it would only hold a review if and when there was another homeless death. "Which shocked everyone ... This notion of you're going to wait until someone else dies, this again before you do anything?! I was utterly horrified by that," said Sugg.
The city council has since completed an informal review, which was published earlier this week. However, because of the informal nature of the council's review, the independent investigator had no statutory or legal powers to force people to comply or hand over relevant information. The report's author also notes that, given the timeframe, many people who would have been aware of Banfield have moved on and were not contactable.
The report contains a series of recommendations for the council, including the suggestion that it: "Develop and implement a protocol for working with individuals that are transient. This protocol should include an 'alert' system for services to indicate when an individual that is known to be transient presents in the area and is at possible risk of rough sleeping".
Homelessness charities, including Homeless Link, say the best practice is for every homeless death to be followed by a SAR. A review of this nature brings together agencies and individuals that worked with a vulnerable adult – including doctors and outreach workers – to determine what could have been done differently to prevent a harm or death.
While there is no central database for SARs, the BIJ investigation found 52 reviews published online since 2010.
Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, called the findings "concerning". He added: "[Reviews] will help public and voluntary agencies to identify how they might have intervened earlier or worked differently to avoid an individual falling through the gaps. The learning and recommendations from these reviews are invaluable."
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "Every death of someone sleeping rough on our streets or without a home is one too many.
"We are taking bold action and are determined to halve rough sleeping by 2022 and eliminate it by 2027. Just this month we announced more than £25m for new Housing First pilots to get people into stable and affordable accommodation, and in total we are investing more than £1.2bn to tackle all forms of homelessness."


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'Style Guy' Finds Tom Brokaw's Hair 'Elegant,' Donald Trump-Brand Clothing Line 'Sleazy'
GQ celebrated the release of its fall/winter issue last night with a soiree at The Huxley featuring "Style Guy" Glenn O'Brien. The event was hosted by Robert Finfer, Founder and CEO of Integrity Capital Partners and Co-Founder of Tomahawk Capital, LLC.
Dropping in on a cocktail party attended by a well-known fashion/style critic, we expected to see guests decked out in their finest attire. And we did. But we also spotted a few questionable choices, like a sequined dress that didn't fit so well (pictured right).
That's neither here nor there.
FishbowlDC sat down with O'Brien himself for a quick Q&A to get his expertise on style in the news media world.
FBDC: What's your media diet like?
GOB: I read the New York Times every morning. I try to watch Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert when I can. But I don't watch the evening news or anything like that.
FBDC: Who's the best-dressed man or woman in news media?…
GOB: Peter Jennings always looked good but we don't have him anymore. Who's the older gentleman on NBC? He has really elegant hair… Tom Brokaw. And the lady on "60 Minutes." [Here O'Brien explained that "every two hours" he blanks on names.] She just did a thing on my friend Eric Goode about endangered turtles. Lesley Stahl.
FBDC: Worst dressed?
GOB: Well there's good worst and there's bad worst. I can't say anything about that guy Tony Blankley because he died of cancer. But he was always dressed exuberantly on the "McLaughlin Report." They don't really let you on TV if you're dressed bad.
FBDC: What's one bit of style advice you'd give to all journalists?
GOB: Don't ever wear anything manufactured by Donald Trump.
FBDC: Why?
GOB: I just don't like him. He has this really sleazy line of stuff he'd never wear himself. I just don't think he's a nice man.