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Eisenhower Memorial Commission Responds to Questions from House Subcommittee
On March 20, 2012, the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands of the House Committee on Natural Resources held a historic hearing about Frank Gehry's proposed design for the Eisenhower Memorial. Howard Segermark, chairman emeritus of the National Civic Art Society, testified against the design and the process that selected it. (His remarks can be found here.)
Also testifying against the design were Anne and Susan Eisenhower, granddaughters of President Eisenhower; Bruce Cole, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities; and Rodney Cook, president of the National Monuments Foundation. C-SPAN broadcast the event, which you can watch here.
In the follow-up to the hearing, Chairman Rob Bishop sent written questions to the Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Below is the the Commission's frequently evasive response (PDF available here).
QFRs Submitted by Chairman Bishop
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands hearing on
"Proposed Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial"
March 20, 2012
Questions for Reddel
1. How has the commission attempted to reconcile the design concerns of the Eisenhower Family?
The Eisenhower Memorial Commission (EMC) has been making, and continues to make, a sincere effort to engage the Eisenhower family to discuss design concerns with the designer, Frank Gehry. In fact, as recently as April 16th, 2012, Mr. Gehry has offered to meet with the family at their convenience. Frank Gehry has indicated that there are still opportunities for the family to provide counsel and input on the memorial design.
The Commission has worked with the Eisenhower family since it was created by Congress in 1999 and, for over a decade, very much benefitted from their input. David Eisenhower was appointed to the Commission by President Clinton and Commission staff and fellow Commissioners were united in their presumption that he represented the family on the Commission until his resignation in December 2011.
The Commission was consistently assured by David Eisenhower that he represented the family. In fact, in May 2011, Mr. Eisenhower along with his sister Anne, participated in a lengthy private meeting in New York with Frank Gehry. The design concept of the tapestries representing a Kansas landscape, a statue of young Eisenhower, and the bas reliefs representing the President and General, were portrayed in a large design model and in a variety of presentation materials that were viewed by the family during this meeting. The design concept was fully discussed, including extensive conversations at dinner later that evening.
At the conclusion of the July 2011 meeting of the Commission, David Eisenhower seconded the motion to direct Mr. Gehry to complete the design. Directly following the meeting, Commissioner Eisenhower spoke informally with a small group to express his full support of the evolving progress of the memorial's design. He said that he had spoken with his father, John S.D. Eisenhower, and that they were both supportive of the Commission's progress and its ongoing work with Frank Gehry. By that time, design preparation was at the completion of the development stage and had progressed into the construction document preparation phase.
However, in October 2011, Anne and Susan expressed concerns about Eisenhower's memorialization and attempts were made to arrange a meeting for them with Frank Gehry. Due to schedule constraints on both sides, this meeting was set for December 1st, 2011.
On December 1st, 2011, Mr. Gehry came to New York, to meet with David, Susan, and Anne Eisenhower. Susan and Anne arrived and said that David would not be attending the meeting. Mr. Gehry reviewed the concept guiding his evolving design and addressed the concerns of the Susan and Anne Eisenhower, including maintenance issues. Several days later, Anne Eisenhower sent an email to Mr. Gehry stating that the family did not like elements of the design but that it was not up to them to make suggestions for adjusting the design to their liking. A week later, the Commission was surprised and disappointed when David Eisenhower resigned, stating in previous private communications that he would resign rather than be in public dispute with his sisters.
Following the meeting with Anne and Susan Eisenhower in December 2011, Mr. Gehry and his design team believed they had made significant progress in understanding the concerns of the Eisenhower family and were prepared for additional engagement on design elements. They were then confronted with Anne Eisenhower's subsequent statements that the design was wholly unacceptable and that the family had no responsibility to propose changes.
Despite the sisters' negative response, Mr. Gehry has consistently expressed his openness to working with the family and has repeatedly affirmed his availability to meet with the Eisenhower sisters. Alternative dates have been offered by Mr. Gehry to the family to travel to Mr. Gehry's studio to see the working models and to listen to the family's concerns.
Although no visits have been scheduled, Mr. Gehry has remained willing to meet with the sisters and has asked them to send him dates when they would like to come to his studio. Mr. Gehry has indicated that opportunities remain for the family to provide substantive input on the design. On April 9th, 2012, Anne Eisenhower responded to Mr. Gehry saying they would not be meeting with him to help develop the evolving design.
Anne Eisenhower's letter in response to Mr. Gehry's invitation for the sisters to meet with him greatly mischaracterizes several important points. Neither Mr. Siciliano nor any member of the Commission staff has stated that there will be "no significant changes in the design." The Commission has supported the design concept, and Senators Inouye and Roberts have expressly solicited the views of the family. In fact, it is because of this willingness to work with the family that Mr. Gehry offered to make himself available at the sisters' convenience and Senators Inouye and Roberts encouraged them to do so in a letter dated March 27th.
Anne's letter also implies that the family has raised concerns for a significant period of time and that the Chairman and the Commission staff have not been responsive to these concerns. As noted in this response, the major concerns raised by Susan and Anne are of a very recent origin. They began in late 2011, yet the Commission had been hard at work with David representing the family as a Commissioner since 1999. The Commission has responded promptly and frequently with offers to meet and address these issues, including the aforementioned meeting in December 2011 and subsequent invitations from Mr. Gehry.
2. Has a meeting, since the hearing, been scheduled between Mr. Gehry and the Eisenhower Family?
The EMC and Frank Gehry's staff have worked closely together to coordinate a visit for the Eisenhower family to Mr. Gehry's studio in Los Angeles. An open-ended invitation was issued by Frank Gehry to the sisters asking them to suggest dates compatible with their schedules. Mr. Gehry wants to be as accommodating as possible, to ensure that the family can travel to Los Angeles to view the refinements Frank Gehry has made in response to the December 2011 meeting and their recent comments, and to further provide insight, refinement, and advice within the framework of the design.
On March 27, 2012, Senators Roberts, Inouye and the Commission asked the family to make a trip to Los Angeles in the next sixty days, in an effort to enable the memorial to proceed on schedule and on budget. While the tapestry that surrounds the memorial and the centralization of the heroic depiction of Eisenhower as General and President remain as elements of the design, Mr. Gehry has indicated he wants the family to work with him on other elements of the memorial.
In addition to Frank Gehry and the Commission's efforts, Senator Pat Roberts and his staff have been working on behalf of the Commission's Executive Committee to encourage, arrange, and schedule Eisenhower family meetings at the Commission's expense with Frank Gehry and other pertinent parties.
3. It says in the 2006 meeting minutes that Chairman Siciliano spoke with Frank Gehry about designing the Eisenhower Memorial a few years prior to that. Being that Gehry was ultimately selected (in 2009), it could leave the impression that he was preselected. Was Gehry the preferred candidate from the onset? How can we know the competition was fair?
There was no pre-selection of a designer or preferred candidate. In fact, when the selection was approved by the Commission at a Commission meeting in March 2009, David Eisenhower stated "as a Commissioner and a member of the Eisenhower family he could vouch for the integrity and excellence of the selection process."
The competition was fair and unbiased. It was conducted in accordance with established procedures of federal law and executed by the Central Office of GSA in coordination with the National Capital Region. Representatives from the Eisenhower Memorial Commission constituted less than one third of the voting members of the Evaluation Board. The other members were selected by GSA Central Office and no representatives from the Eisenhower Memorial Commission chaired any of the panels. The entire process was overseen by a GSA contracting officer. David Eisenhower was the only Commissioner to serve on both the non-voting Design Jury as well as the GSA Design Evaluation Board.
4. Why did you simply ask for qualifications and "design philosophy," but not actual designs from architects?
The RFQ announcement identified a three-stage procurement process under the GSA Design Excellence Program. It was a portfolio-based selection. The announcement offers the opportunity for interested parties to ask the Contracting Officer for a copy of Volume 1 of the Pre-Design Program by way of further introduction to the project. In this way, interested parties do not have to rely on "the word on the street" to learn about the project and they cannot contact EMC or any government entity concerned with the procurement once the RFQ is out for response. The Stage 1 submittal is mostly portfolio and resume information required of the proposed lead designer and her/his associated firm.
Evaluation Criteria
The FBO Announcement included the Stage 1 evaluation criteria which were as follows:
1. Lead designer portfolio [55%]
2. Philosophy and Design Intent [20%]
3. Past Performance on Design [15%]
4. Lead Designer Profile [10%]
Evaluation Criteria were similarly included in the announcement of each successive evaluation stage.
Selection Process
According to the Commission's Executive Architect, the GSA Report details that GSA Central Office was in charge of the memorial designer selection process along with the Contracting Officer from GSA National Capital Region. An Evaluation Board of 12 members [the only Commission representatives on this board were two EMC Commissioners, Rocco Siciliano and David Eisenhower, and the EMC Executive Architect Dan Feil] reviewed the forty-four [44] proposed lead designer portfolios and the other components of the submittals. The Evaluation Board voted on a preliminary short list of seven [7] designers and associated firms for further consideration. All votes had equal weight. Stage 2 submittals by this short list of seven firms identified the full design team and provided a preliminary vision for the memorial. The preliminary vision is the lead designer's interpretation of the Program in sketch form. They were presented at individual team interviews. The vision is not a design concept; that can only be developed once the actual designer and design team is selected and under contract. Stage 2 resulted in a final short list of four teams which continued to Stage 3. In Stage 3, firms received a stipend and were asked to further develop their vision. A Jury of eight [8] Professional Peers and Commissioner David Eisenhower reviewed and commented on the submitted Stage 3 visions to the Evaluation Board. Interviews with the four [4] final short-listed firms were held. The Evaluation Board then fully evaluated the final short list and recommended the first and second place firms.
Only three [3] of the twelve [12] member Evaluation Board were EMC Commissioners or staff. Only one [1] Commissioner (David Eisenhower) was a member of the nine [9] member Jury. The Evaluation Board was chaired by GSA and the jury was chaired by an architect in private practice. Neither EMC Commissioners nor staff chaired the panels. GSA Central Office had to approve all panel members and invited all participants. Only David Eisenhower served on both panels, the Jury and Evaluation Board. Professional Peers are routinely used by GSA on these evaluation boards and juries. Additionally, EMC Commissioners Alfred Geduldig and Susan Banes Harris were both observers for the evaluation process. This allowed them to attend the interviews and the panel deliberations, but not to ask questions of the Panels during deliberations. They were non-voting.
The recommendation of the Panel was also formally reviewed by GSA-National Capital Region (Office of Legal Counsel and the Contracting Officer) and a report prepared. The report with the decision of the Evaluation Board was signed by each member. The recommendation was then forwarded to the Commission, which held a Commission meeting on March 31, 2009 to decide whether or not to accept this recommendation.
This is the formal process for this type of federal procurement. It is inappropriate to ask for actualized designs for the memorial without providing an opportunity for the designer to meet with the appropriate federal review agencies the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), National Capital Memorial Advisory Commission (NCMAC)), the Eisenhower family, and with the Eisenhower Memorial Commission. Federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act require public input during the design process.
5. How did you publicize that Americans could apply to design the Eisenhower Memorial?
The competition was advertised on FedBizOpps. This is considered "required reading" for federal business opportunities and is considered normal procedure for federal design and building opportunities.
The memorial design contract was a public federal procurement and followed the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The overall process was administered by the General Services Administration/National Capital Region [GSA/NCR] with the management of the memorial designer selection process by the GSA Central Office. The design project was announced publicly in the Federal Business Opportunities [FBO] website. With the approval of the Contracting Officer, notice of the Request for Qualifications was also listed by the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects on their respective websites after it was posted on FBO. The announcement was also listed prominently on the EMC website and on the GSA website once it was public information on FBO. See also answer #4.
6. Why did you choose to run the competition via the Design Excellence Program despite its difficulties in the case of the National World War II Memorial competition, including the public outcry against the initial competition? Were you aware of those difficulties?
The Eisenhower Memorial Commission has very limited direct contracting authority. The National Capital Region of the General Services Administration is set up to provide design services contracting for federal commissions such as ours. The GSA Design Excellence Program is well-respected within the design community as signifying the desire for a high quality design effort. The nature of the GSA Design Excellence program was well expressed by William Guerin, Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Construction Programs, Public Building Service, U.S. General Services Administration, in the following testimony before the Subcommittee on March 20, 2012:
GSA's Design Excellence process seeks to commission the nation's most talented architects, and engineers to design projects of outstanding quality and value. We use the Design Excellence process to select Architect/Engineer firms for our new constriction and major modernizations. These projects aim to demonstrate the value of truly integrated design that balances aesthetics, function, cost, constructability, reliability, reduced energy consumption, and gives form and meaning to our democratic values.
The Design Excellence program provides a competitive and streamlined process for identifying qualified firms, and then asking a short list of highly qualified firms for design proposals that allow us to select the firm representing the best value to the government. As part of this process, GSA utilizes the expertise of private sector peers to assist in evaluating the firms, ensuring that we benefit from the knowledge of a wide variety of individuals.
In March 2008, EMC conducted a survey of its Commissioners as to whether they preferred a portfolio-based competition, such as the one used when the World War II Memorial design competition was initiated, or whether they wanted to open the competitive process to a broader group, such as was eventually done for the World War II project. The pros and cons of both methodologies were discussed with the EMC commissioners prior to their polling and they ultimately chose to pursue a portfolio-based selection.
7. Do you think it was sufficient that the Eisenhower Memorial competition was advertised only at FedBizOpps.gov? Did the Eisenhower Memorial Commission seek to maximize interest in the competition? If not, why?
The memorial design contract was a public federal procurement and followed the Federal Acquisition Regulations. The overall process was administered by the General Services Administration/National Capital Region [GSA/NCR] with the management of the memorial designer selection process by the GSA Central Office. The design project was announced publicly in the Federal Business Opportunities [FBO] website. With the approval of the Contracting Officer, notice of the Request for Qualifications was also listed by the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects on their respective websites after it was posted on FBO. The announcement was also listed prominently on the EMC website and on the GSA website once it was public information on FBO.
8. Of the 44 entries the competition received, how many and which ones were specifically solicited by the Eisenhower Memorial Commission and/or its agents?
After the RFQ was published in FedBizOpps and published on other sites as noted previously, with the approval of the GSA Contracting Officer, letters were sent by the Eisenhower Memorial Commission Executive Architect to thirty architects and landscape architects announcing the RFQ for design services for the Eisenhower Memorial. These were not a solicitation of any kind. This was another outreach effort to ensure the Commission received as broad a range of responses to the RFQ as possible.
GSA did not analyze the question of whether any of the recipients of the letters in fact responded to the RFQ.
9. Have you ever made the competition entries public?
GSA has control over the submissions by prospective designers and has allowed the individual designers to release their submissions at their discretion. The Eisenhower Memorial Commission has no authority in this area and we encourage the Committee to make this inquiry directly to GSA.
10. Would you provide the committee with Frank Gehry's submission?
The submissions are under the control of GSA and we suggest you make this inquiry to GSA.
11. What official actions, including votes, did the Eisenhower Memorial Commission take between its 2007 and 2009 meetings? If, as you stated in your testimony, there were no official meetings during that time period, on what authority were those actions taken?
When the Commission was first created by Congress in 1999, it faced multiple challenges of deciding where and what the memorial to General and President Eisenhower would be. After the memorial's site was approved by Congress and the President in 2006, we knew the 'where.' The next step was to determine the 'what.' In order to do this, the Commission undertook the creation of a Pre-Design Program. EMC staff worked with the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) to develop this Program. Its purpose was to lay out the challenges of the memorial's site and detail the historical legacy of the memorial's subject to prepare the future design firm.
After the Pre-Design Program was completed, Commissioners would decide whether to accept it (which they did), and they needed to choose the process by which a designer would be selected. Commissioners and their staff were thoroughly briefed on the details and the ramifications of these decisions, both in-person and through written materials, and Commissioners agreed to clearly indicate their preferences via poll.
Commissioners were polled on the following matters: support or oppose the Pre-Design Program; select a Manager of Design and Construction among GSA, NPS, or Architect of the Capitol; to proceed with a portfolio-based Competition or an Open Competition; and whether the project should be open to international designers or national designers.
In March 2008, Commissioners indicated their preference to: 1) support the Pre-Design Program; 2) use GSA as the design and construction management services provider; 3) proceed with a portfolio-based competition; 4) restrict the project to national designers.
Once this decision was made, the procurement process was organized and announced publicly. Once the procurement process began, it was the major focus of the efforts of the Commission, and due to procurement rules, it was not a subject that could be publicly discussed by the Commission. It would have been inappropriate to hold a Commission meeting during this process to discuss the procurement.
The schedule for the entire process was as follows:
August 2008 – Announcement in FedBizOpps
October 2008 – Stage 1
Evaluation Board Meeting – 44 submittals to 7
December 2008 – Stage 2
Evaluation Board Meeting – 7 to 4
March 2009 – Stage 3
Jury Meeting – Pros and Cons of Vision Statements
Evaluation Board Meeting – Selection of Nos. 1 and 2.
March 31, 2009 – Commission Meeting
Selection was approved by Commissioners
Please note, intervals between Eisenhower Memorial Commission meetings have been the following between 2001 and 2011: 3, 7, 14, 5, 9, 9, 12, 3, 3, 6, 16, 20, 12, and 16 months.
12. What unofficial Eisenhower Memorial Commission meetings or assemblies were held between its 2007 and 2009 official meetings? What was the business of those meetings or assemblies, and were all Commissioners invited to them? Were those meetings or assemblies held off the record, and if so, why?
As stated above, there were no unofficial meetings or assemblies between 2007 and 2009.
13. How much will you pay the Washington, DC government for lost parking revenue?
The Commission has been working for the past several years with the District's Department of Transportation (DDOT) to determine a fair market value rate to compensate for the permanent loss of revenue from 69 parking meters. We have worked through DDOT staff, staff from the Deputy Mayor's office, and members of the D.C. Council, but have yet to determine a precise value. Councilman Tommy Wells' staff has agreed to assist the Commission in determining this amount, but has advised that we not pursue this until the Commission attains design approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
14. What do we know about the durability of the tapestry? How long could it be expected to last without replacement? On what are these estimates based? What will be the annual maintenance cost for the tapestry?
Since the inception of the project, the Commission has worked with its sponsor, the National Park Service, which will operate and maintain the memorial after it is completed, to ensure that all elements of the memorial will be maintainable and lasting. It is mandated in the designer's contract that all elements of the memorial shall last for a period of at least 100 years.
The design team has performed material testing for the stainless steel wire proposed to produce the tapestry. Those test results indicate no corrosion to the surface of the material when exposed to conditions simulating the environment. The testing represents accelerated age testing.
Further testing along with the National Park Service will be continuing, with a series of performance tests using final production of the tapestry itself. The performance tests will provide results for in-situ conditions. The tapestry and supporting elements have also been studied in a wind tunnel laboratory. Those results have helped the engineers with supporting information in the design of the structural integrity. Maintenance planning will be based upon the performance testing. Maintenance and accessibility plans are considered and incorporated into the planning of the memorial.
Gehry Partners has had many meetings regarding the maintenance of the tapestries, and the design team has created a strategy for accessing all surfaces of the tapestries for general cleaning and maintenance. This system will ensure that NPS staff can easily access and maintain the tapestries.
As designer Frank Gehry indicated in his statement to the Committee on March 19, 2012, EMC, NPS, and GSA have repeatedly "drilled" into the design team the importance of ensuring that the tapestries are cleanable, durable, and maintainable.
15. Typically, memorials under the Commemorative Works Act must have all funding in place before construction can proceed. Is that the case with the Eisenhower Memorial? If not, why was this accommodation made?
In its FY12 appropriations, Congress decided to fund memorial construction in increments as opposed to a lump sum. To accomplish this, Interior Appropriations staff included language in the Commission's appropriations legislation that "the funds appropriated herein shall be deemed to satisfy the criteria for issuing a permit contained in 40 U.S.C. 8906(a)(4) and (b)," which allows the Commission to proceed with construction.
16. If the Eisenhower Memorial was cancelled tomorrow, what are the outstanding obligations of the commission and the status of the $33 million for the fiscal year 2012 appropriation?
These funds have been appropriated and are in our account. They are being used as is designated. Currently, there are approximately $9 million of obligations outstanding.
17. Would you please submit the bylaws of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission?
The Commission is not a corporate body and does not operate under a set of by-laws. The Commission, which was established by Congress, operates under the authority of its enabling legislation, P.L. 106-79, as amended by P.L. 110-229.
18. In the letter you submitted by Frank Gehry, he stated that the artist Charles Ray "is not currently nor has he ever been formally connected with the project." In what non-formal ways has Mr. Ray been connected with the project? Did he receive compensation for any work he did for the Memorial? If so, how much?
Mr. Ray has never had a formal connection to the project. EMC staff have not had any formal, or non-formal, contact or communications with Mr. Ray, nor made any payments to Mr. Ray.
19. What is the status of private fundraising for the memorial?
In the spring of 2011, through a competition overseen by GSA, the Commission awarded a private fundraising contract to Odell, Simms & Lynch (OSL), an accomplished and successful fundraising firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. OSL has developed a fundraising strategy which it is in the process of executing. Senator Roberts has sought to arrange a meeting of OSL with Anne and Susan Eisenhower to discuss the effort.
20. Did you ever do a feasibility study on the commission's ability to conduct private fundraising?
The Commission was urged to undertake a feasibility study by House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee staff in 2008. Upon request, Senator Pat Roberts' staff recently shared this study with the Eisenhower family. It was pointed out to the family that the information contained is outdated and does not reflect the current market conditions. The Commission's fundraising strategy is based on the expertise of OSL and current market conditions.
21. When did the full commission vote to formally approve the concept design?
At a formal meeting of the Commission on March 25, 2010, the Commission voted to unanimously approve the preferred design concept. This concept was unanimously re-affirmed at a subsequent Commission meeting on July 12, 2011 and directed Mr. Gehry to complete the design as presented to the Commission at that meeting.
22. How many paid employees, including consultants does the Commission have?
As indicated in the Commission's FY13 Budget Justification, the Commission has seven full-time temporary federal employees, and four contract employees, including the Commission's Executive Architect.
23. Is there a retail component to the design? If so, what are the plans?
The Park Service will have a small bookstore/ranger station on-site, similar to the facilities at the FDR and the MLK memorials. The bookstore operations are conceived by NPS as an integral part of their education efforts. The NPS ranger station is co-located within the bookstore space to facilitate this goal.
CommentsOne Response to "Eisenhower Memorial Commission Responds to Questions from House Subcommittee"
the Gehry design is a truly bad design. I would hope mr. g. would recognize (I am certain that he does) that not everything he nor anyone else does is always "a home run", and that he has struck out here (again I have to believe that he does feel this way). After so much effort which he surely has put into this project, I would hope that he would be graceful about this and bow out with dignity.
My observation is that this is a cannot win design, and more about his thinking of himself as a fine artist in some modernist way, which he surely does, than a simple strong unconfused statement about producing a clean civic monument. It seems a mishmosh and not a clear simple force and fine example of something other than a modernist ego…"we" are tired of that and want a place of rest, silent contemplation and repose for a change.
This design will be a lousy park, a disappointing monument and a black mark for mr. g…this can all be avoided, by mr. gerhry "gettin out", and do all a favor…this of course does not mean the next attempt will be any better, but better than nothing as it now is planned
Oh..w/out knowing the Contractual Agreement, I would hope that those in charge (the Committee?) would have the sense to put the kibosh on this if they cannot persuade Mr. G to resign


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6 past events Bleggio Superiore | 40547 past events Italy
Past events Bleggio Superiore
Saturday 31 October 2020
Christmas Markets
Category: Shows
Time: From 26/11/2016 to 27/12/2016
The village comes to life with a Christmas atmosphere and festive lights, smells and colours, allowing visitors to discover the beauty and uniqueness of the Christmas market with its gourmet specialities, handicrafts and numerous ideas for gifts. These days are accompanied by music and festivals.
When: 26, 27 November; 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 26, 27 December
Where: Rango di Bleggio Superiore
Web-site: www.visitacomano.it
Simposio di scultura lignea
Category: Art exhibitions
Time: From 14/07/2014 to 20/07/2014
An event dedicated to wood sculptures.
Where: Balbido - Rango
Convivium under the stars
Category: Shows
Time: On 10/08/2014
The event features a dinner with a medieval re-enactment. From 20.
Where: Square in Rango
Address: Rango - Bleggio Superiore
Sagra del borgo e mercatino di antiquariato
Category: Shows
Time: On 31/05/2015
A town festival and an antiques market.
Where: Rango
Web-site: www.visitacomano.it
#albeinmalga. Dawn in a hut
Category: Shows
Time: On 05/08/2016
You can discover the jobs in a hut from the dawn. Further information on the website.
Where: Malga Stabio
Web-site: www.visittrentino.it/it/guida/eventi/alb
Walnut festival
Category: Shows
Time: From 05/11/2016 to 06/11/2016
The event is dedicated walnuts from Bleggio. It includes an exhibition-market and other events.
Where: Cavrasto
Web-site: www.visitacomano.it

subset: commoncrawl


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"Bucky Balls" Magnetic Balls Cube Toy
These things are FUN! They're tiny, magnetic metal balls. If that's all you knew about them, you probably wouldn't think much of them. <infomercial voice>BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!</infomercial voice>
These magnetic balls (also known as bucky balls, neocubes, nanodots or neomagnetic cubes) are addictingly awesome! Like Legos, they can be transformed into an infinite variety of shapes.
They're super pleasing to the touch and very soothing to play with. Each set comes with 216 of these beautiful little spheres.
They can be a puzzle, a stress reliever, a form of art, or a desk toy that you come back to again and again. (A desk toy that distracts you from way too much time at work btw.)
Using the principle of mathematics and magnetism you can create an infinite variety of patterns and geometric shapes.
And, they're an absolute STEAL at the price we're selling them. There are very few places you can buy these.
Now, we have to say that while these are fun for almost any age, they can be dangerous to kids under 8. They can be easily swallowed and cause intestinal issues. Be VERY careful with these around younger kids.
That aside, these things are so much fun! You'll be playing with them for hours and hours. Your kids and office mates will borrow/steal them and you'll be sad. So buy 2. ;)
Age Range: > 8 years old
Type: Magic Ball (Yes, it's really magic. ;) )
Material: Metal (Duh.)
Color: Silver
Pieces: 216
Net Weight (kg): 0.03
Dimension (cm): 2.4*2.4*2.4


text:
May is Older Americans Month
May 09, 2014
Although baby boomers don't want to be called seniors, some of them are now age 65 and older. Born between 1946 and 1964, boomers on their birthday's this year will be turning between ages 50 to 68.
After meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens, Pres. John F. Kennedy designated May 1963 as Senior Citizens Month, a time to pay tribute to older people across the country. In 1980, Pres. Jimmy Carter's proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month.
To learn more about seniors, check out these facts and figures on seniors from the U.S. Census Bureau:
43.1 million
The number of people who were 65 and older in the United States on July 1, 2012. This group made up 13.7 percent of the population.
Projected population of people 65 and older in 2060. People in this age group would be more than one in five U.S. residents then. Of 92 million, 18.2 million would be 85 or older.
2.4 million
Projected number of baby boomers in 2060. Then, the youngest baby boomers would be 96 years old.
The year when for the first time, the population 65 and older would outnumber people younger than 18 in the U.S.
Income and poverty
The 2012 median income of households with householders 65 and older, about the same as previous year.
The percent of people 65 and older – 3.9 million – who were in poverty in 2012.
Median net worth for householders 65 and older in 2011, down from $203,015, in 2011 dollars in 2005.
Percent supplemental poverty rate for those 65 and older, equaling 6.4 million people. Excluding Social Security would leave the majority of this population – 54.7 percent or 23.7 million – in poverty.
Military service
9.6 million
Estimated number of people 65 and older who were veterans of the armed forces in 2012.
Labor force participation rate for men 65 and older in 2012, up from 17.6 percent in 1990 and significantly higher than the rate for women 65 and older at 13.4 percent and 8.4 percent in 1990.
4.3 million
Number of full-time, year-round workers 65 and older with earnings in 2012, up from 1.3 million in 1992.
Proportion of people 65 and older in 2013 who had completed high school or higher education.
Percentage of the population 65 and older in 2013 who had earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
Marital status and living arrangements
Percentage of people 65 and older who were married in 2013.
Percentage of people 65 and older in 2013 who were widowed.
Computer and Internet use
The percentage of those 65 and older who reported living in homes with computers in 2011. In addition, 45.5 percent accessed the Internet either from home or elsewhere.
Percentage for those 65 and older who reported casting a ballot in the 2012 presidential election.
Percentage of householders 65 and older who owned their homes as of the end of 2013.
Where seniors live
Percentage of Florida's population that was 65 and older in 2012, followed by Maine at 17 percent and West Virginia at 16.8 percent. Alaska had the lowest percentage at 8.5 percent, with the next states Utah at 9.5 percent and Texas at 10.9 percent.
Percentage of the population in Sumter, Fla., that was 65 and older in 2012 – which led all of the nation's counties. Other counties were Charlotte, Fla., 36 percent, and La Paz, Ariz., 34.9 percent. Chattahoochee, Ga., 3.6 percent, had the lowest percentage.
The number of people age 100 and older counted by the 2010 Census.
For every 100 centenarian women, the number of centenarian men in 2010.
In 2010, percentage of centenarian men who lived with others in a household, the most common living arrangement for this group. For females this age, the most common living arrangement was residing in a nursing home, 35.2 percent.
Number of centenarians per 10,000 people in North Dakota in 2010. North Dakota was the only state with more than three centenarians per 10,000 people.


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'African-Americans for Obama' Revived; Media Double Standard Obvious
It wouldn't take more than a nanosecond for the establishment press and TV talking heads to rip into any white political candidate — Democrat or Republican — who carved out a web site devoted to "Whites for Candidate X."
About a weeks ago, President Obama, with his powers of incumbency in tow, decided to revive something he created back in 2007: "African-Americans for Obama." And, as seen in the Obama video which appears at the site and in what appears to be a new twist, the Obama campaign is driving a Mack through the alleged wall of separation between church and state by finding so-called "congregation captains" to maximize African-American support on his behalf. As would unfortunately be expected, the press has not covered campaign's move; A Google News search on "African Americans for Obama" (in quotes) returns only 17 results, only four of which are arguably mainstream media items.
The results for CNN and Mediaite are only listed because commenters at otherwise unrelated posts brought up the "AAs for BHO" launch. One found at Kansas.com simply lists readers' brief comments, and also isn't a result of the publication's original work.
The fourth mainstream result comes from the Times Herald in Vallejo, California. It too isn't a product of the papers journalists or editorialists, but is instead a letter to the editor from a Doris Robinson. It's worth posting most of it here, especially its delicious final sentence:
Of the million ways our first black president could have honored Black History Month, he chose to debut "African-Americans for Obama." Once again, this self-indulgent man plays the race card, creating social and political division, and ignores the many, many accomplishments of past and present black Americans.
Are you aware, Mr. President:
* That it was Republicans who supported the Civil Rights Act while the Democrats conducted a 57-day filibuster against racial equality. Sen. Robert Byrd, the late Democrat from West Virginia, spoke against the civil rights bill for 14 straight hours.
* That it was a Democrat governor (George Wallace) who blocked the schoolhouse door to keep out black students
* That the police chief of Birmingham, Ala., was Eugene "Bull" Connor, a Democrat and KKK member who ordered the police attack on thousands of peacefully demonstrating black children. They assaulted with high-pressure hoses, clubs and dogs and then jailed nearly a thousand children. "Bull" Connor was Alabama's Democratic National Committeeman and was later elected to statewide office.
* That it was a Republican federal judge, Frank Johnson, who in 1956 ruled in favor of Rosa Parks and who in 1965 ordered the Democratic governor, George Wallace, to allow Martin Luther King's voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery.
African Americans have suffered greatly at the hands of your political party, Mr. Obama.
… What have you really done for black Americans in the last three years? You have used them and their painful history to create your own personal playground while they stand outside the fence looking in.
You should be as ashamed of rallying "African-Americans for Obama" as I would be if Newt Gingrich was pushing "Whites for Gingrich" or Mitt Romney's campaign slogan was "Mormons for Mitt."
… you call yourself the "great uniter" while you systematically pit one half of your heritage against the other whenever it suits your political career.
It should also be noted that the 2007 version of "African-Americans for Obama" was marred by its original selection of a certain person to represent it in Nevada:
In other Mayweather news, it was reported by the AP last week that Floyd was MIA from a Las Vegas campaign event for Illinois Senator Barack Obama after the campaign had concerns about his rap sheet. He had been billed as the co-host of African Americans for Obama in Nevada.
In 2004, Floyd was convicted of misdemeanor battery for punching two women at a Las Vegas nightclub in 2003. He was given suspended prison sentences, $1,000 in fines, and ordered to complete impulse control counseling.
In 2005, he was acquitted of a felony domestic violence charge after his accuser, former girlfriend Josie Harris, changed her story. He was also convicted of misdemeanor battery for a bar fight in Grand Rapids.
This is the same Floyd Mayweather who recently tweeted is disdain for New York Knicks guard Jeremy Lin's sudden and unprecedented breakout success as follows: "Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he's Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don't get the same praise." It shouldn't surprise anyone that Mayweather won't back down.
Cross-posted at NewsBusters.org.


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בַּעַל שֵׁם טוב – Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer, also known as the Ba'al Shem Tov (BeShT), was the founder of ḥasidut (חסידות), the Hasidic movement. Born around 1700 in what is now Ukraine, the BeShT was orphaned at a young age and was adopted into a religious community in the borderlands between modern-day Poland and Ukraine. He quickly became a beloved teacher and was devoted to the young children of his school. He lived a humble rural life, though many renowned scholars traveled to become his disciples. He died in 1760, having left no written teachings. Only his oral teachings have been transmitted through the generations beginning with his students in the 18th century.
Read more in the Jewish Encyclopedia.


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Young Entrepreneur Turns Passion For Baking Into Charity
RANDOLPH — Madelia Griffith loves to bake and she has turned her passion into a business to help others who are less fortunate.
A fourth grade student at Gail N. Chapman Elementary School in Randolph, Madelia recently started her own baking business, "Season's Sweet Sensations," for the purpose of helping people in the community.
"I've always dreamed of opening my own bakery business and when I got the idea it was very fun for me," she said. "My mom came up with a different name for my business, but I already had a name, which surprised her."
The young entrepreneur takes orders and makes a different themed cookie each month, then she donates a portion of the proceeds to a local charity. Whether the donation is big or small, Madelia gives it with a big generous heart. Her mother, JamieLynn Griffith, a second grade teacher at the school, said donating a portion of the proceeds to charity is her daughter's focus, along with creating caring cards that include kind words to the recipient.
Madelia started the year out by making almond snowflake cutouts and donating to the Randolph Community Cupboard, in January. This month, she is appropriately making dark chocolate heart cutouts beautifully decorated with a delicate zig-zag design. She bakes most of the cookies on her own but because these were more complex, her father, Rob Griffith, helped. He is the CA BOCES Technology Integration technician at Randolph Central School.
On Feb. 13, she presented Ellen Beck, head librarian at the Randolph Free Library, with a donation. She said she chose the library for February because of the love on Valentine's Day and her love of reading.
Beck said she's known Madelia since she was a little kid. She's one of her special library patrons and she loves to see her come in.
"I think she's great and doing this for the library is about the best thing in the world," she said.
Madelia said she got some ideas on how to run her business from her parents and her brother, Mathurin, who is in the sixth grade. He also helped her select some of the charities.
Her mother said Madelia didn't have a business plan in writing or drawn up, but she presented the idea that she had been creatively thinking about and it seemed doable so, as a family, they encouraged her.
"We're very proud of her," she said. "Madelia planned it all out to be once a month and how she was going to reach out to the different charities suggested by her brother. She also planned out the different cookies to help her with her baking experience."
Elementary Principal Jerry Mottern said Madelia is a very sweet girl who is mature, kind, bright and hard working. He's very proud of her, and he likes that she found something she enjoys doing and is using that talent to further her cause.
"I've always known that we have amazing students here at the elementary school and this is a perfect example," he said. "I have so much respect for anyone willing to go an extra mile to help others less fortunate, but when it's a fourth grade student it's so much more impressive."
Madelia is planning to have a cookie theme of colorful rainbows and lucky wishes for March, and she plans to donate to the Western New York Make-A-Wish Foundation. She doesn't notify the charity ahead of time; she makes a card with the donation inside and presents it to them as a surprise.
Mostly friends, family and school staff order for now, but the community is invited to participate. Anyone who would like to help with her cause can come to the Gail N. Chapman Elementary School, 22 Main St., in Randolph, where they may order cookies in the faculty room and read Madelia's flyer.


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Sep 25, 2020
Used custom measurements and it came perfectly as expected. 100% satisfied with my dress.
Sep 05, 2020
Overall, I really like my dress. It just arrived a couple days ago. Still a little time before the wedding to do a few little tweaks. The quality is excellent, except the tiny little zipper. It is a pain to get it past the waist seam. Just know it might take some work or even need to be replaced. But for basically an "off the rack" dress.....I just ordered a standard size, it is fantastic. The stitching is good, and some women might get away with just the built in boning and padding. Love me all brides, I have a couple of things I will do to make it my own.
Aug 29, 2020
The fabric is beautiful, I want a wedding dress like this but is there way close up the front and the back
Aug 27, 2020
Fits amazing and so beautiful.
Aug 03, 2020
Just what I expected.
May 08, 2020
This dress was perfect and The quality was way better than I expected. I was also 27 weeks pregnant on my wedding day so this dress can be for maternity due to the high waist, just make sure you order custom measurements.
Apr 24, 2020
Is good
Apr 23, 2020
My dress is beautiful ???? fits perfect can't wait for my wedding day thank you so much. My dress actually came early as well very pleased
Apr 21, 2020
Stunning dress Can't wait to wear it Thank you so much for a quick service & beautifully made dress
Mar 29, 2020
Mar 25, 2020
Great dress!
Mar 14, 2020
I'm so happy to get this dress for my wedding dress
Feb 12, 2020
Dress is made exactly like photo seen, absolutely beautiful! Only issue is bottom not as puffy as I thought it would be and the mesh doesn't blend well w/ darker skin tones it appears white instead of transparent or close to. However if that doesn't bother you I definitely recommend this dress! Also they did my custom measurements perfect!
Feb 06, 2020
This dress gave me everything that I was looking for! I was hesitant initially, but after it was altered to my liking I loved everything about it! A sash comes with it, but I purchased a gold one off of Amazon to go with my wedding colors. Everyone thought my dress was expensive, but it wasn't!! The only thing that upset Ted me was that the buttons were properly sewn on. My alterations lady had to go in and fix them individually. Other than that, I loved it!! Thanks lalamira!!
Feb 04, 2020
I absolutely love my dress I am very appreciative of the other ladies who shared their photos and reviews of this dress that's what really made me want to purchase it I got it customized and it still came in 2 weeks time I will bring them in this site to any bride who's looking for a wonderful dress and reasonable prices
Jan 08, 2020
Looks exactly like picture!!!!
Jan 04, 2020
I may have gotten lucky, but my entire experience with Lalamira.com was just perfect! The website purchase experience was "seamless." :) I included my own measurements just to be safe. The dress came by DHL in about 2 weeks (super fast)! And when I wore it, nothing at all needed to be tailored! Someone gave me an (amazing!) train to attach to the back of the dress, but without it, the dress was still absolutely breathtaking! See for yourself. Wedding perfection! Budget perfection! God is good!
Dec 27, 2019
This is the dress I will be wearing on my big day and I can't wait to wear it on my wedding day also I can't wait to see the look on my fiancé face when I am walking down the aisle towards him
Nov 22, 2019
Everyone loved my dress so much that I was attacked by compliments all day long. It was simple and elegant.
Nov 21, 2019
I measure to be a size 4 but ordered another dress in a size 4 and it was too big. I ordered this dress in a size 2 and it fit perfect!! Looked soooo beautiful on me- I didn't want to take it off! Very fine detailing and well-made dress. I cannot believe how inexpensive this dress was. It was fitted down to my knees and literally hugged every curve on my body close and comfortable. Probably the best dress I have had in my life!
Nov 05, 2019
Just as described
Oct 28, 2019
Great dress
Sep 25, 2019
I was so nervous on buying a dress online, but I am OBSESSED with it! I ordered the normal measurements for a US 8 and I am 5'5 135 pounds. I am going to take off the train for my personal liking, but overall amazing quality and definitely would recommend! I ordered it Feb. 11, 2020 and received it Feb. 26, 2020, shipping came with tracking and all!!! 10/10 recommend.
Sep 18, 2019
It was really nice I did have it altered a little but it was beautifully made I was very pleased
Sep 09, 2019
I had to do minor alterations to the sleeves of this dress but it was exactly what I wanted and will be ordering another soon
Aug 27, 2019
My dress was just beautiful, the fit was jus for me , I highly recommended.
I received a lot of compliments from family, friends and estranges .
Aug 26, 2019
I used it as my sweet sixteen dress and required minor alterations but was amazing
Aug 26, 2019
I can't wait to wear this wedding dress on my special day and it's absolutely perfect in every way
Aug 25, 2019
Beautiful dress! So beautiful very well made except for the beading. The beads seem to be glued on not sewed on and I have lost 5 since I opened the bag this afternoon
Aug 03, 2019
Loving this dress OMG!
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By Mark Morris
Like many baby boomers I am reluctantly coming to terms with the need to bump up my superannuation contributions so that I can fund a reasonable lifestyle in retirement.
However, I find it hard to generate much enthusiasm for the prospect given the tantalising alternatives of an annual trip to London or an upgrade of the family car. Nonetheless the rationalist in me knows it is something I should do.
Accordingly, one of the very last things I want to grapple with when I struggle to make extra superannuation contributions is yet another barrage of tax changes to our superannuation laws.
However, I accept that tax changes to our superannuation regime are now inevitable as the costs of maintaining the existing superannuation rules are unsustainable and difficult to justify in the more straightened times we live in.
In part, this is because Treasury's 2014 Tax Expenditures Statement vividly illustrates the burgeoning costs of maintaining our current superannuation regime most of which was set in place way back in May 2006 when the country was thriving under the mining boom. For example, Treasury estimated that the cost of maintaining the concessional tax treatment of employer sponsored contributions alone would be $18.1 billion for the 2016-17 year.
At the same time the Turnbull Government needs to urgently find sufficient revenue to finance the cuts in corporate and personal tax rates needed to lift national investment and productivity in a period of falling revenues.
In this context it looks increasingly unlikely that such cuts will be fully financed through an increase in the Goods and Services Tax rate and/or base, especially given the Opposition's commitment to fight such reforms.
Accordingly, the Turnbull Government is slowly but surely building up its rhetoric on superannuation reform including its oft mentioned references to tax reform which is both fair and equitable.
In doing so it rarely refers to the fact that it is easier to sell superannuation reform where the impact of cost savings only hit home at some vague point in the future as opposed to GST reform where increased prices will immediately hit the hip pocket.
You really grasp such reforms are almost fated to occur when the Financial Services Council urge the Federal Government to cut back superannuation concessions for high income earners as they did on January 14. When a peak body representing superannuation and management funds calls for a revamp of superannuation concessions for the wealthy you know that a major overhaul to the superannuation regime is almost certainly on the agenda.
Hence, as there is growing consensus that there needs to be some form of superannuation reform, what policy options are available to effect those changes? Especially if the Federal government wants to generate sufficient revenue to help finance more broad-based tax reform?
In my view the Federal government should consider four major policy changes.
First and foremost there is real merit in revisiting Recommendation 18 of the Henry Tax Review which proposed that the tax on superannuation contributions be abolished, and that superannuation contributions should be taxed as income in the hands of individuals at their marginal rates, albeit subject to a 15% refundable tax offset.
In these circumstances a high income earner subject to the current highest marginal rate of tax of 49% would obtain a 15% tax offset in respect of any employer superannuation contributions made whilst a low income earner on the 19% tax rate would similarly receive a 15% tax offset thereby leading to a more equitable tax treatment of superannuation contributions.
We would therefore avoid the current scenario where a multi-millionaire's superannuation fund effectively pays 15% tax on contributions received being the same 15% tax rate that would apply to a fund receiving employer contributions made on behalf of a sales assistant deriving an annual taxable income of $40,000.
Deloitte recently championed a variant of this proposal in its publication "Shedding light on the debate – Myth busting tax reform" which it suggested would generate a reform dividend of around $6 billion in the 2016-17 year. Not surprisingly similar changes are also the centrepiece of the recent modelling undertaken by the Financial Services Council in tandem with PWC on possible superannuation reforms.
Second, the Turnbull Government should consider the former Government's proposal that income derived by a fund in pension mode should only be tax-free up to $100,000 a year with any excess subject to tax at a rate of 15%. Whilst this change was only expected to generate around $350 million back in April 2013 the revenue take from such a proposal could be further increased if transitional relief under that measure was ditched and a more punitive rate than 15% applied to funds generating $300,000 or more taxable income per year.
Third, we should revisit the notion that funds are entitled to a refund for excess imputation credits. It is wholly appropriate that funds should be able to extinguish their 15% tax liability during the contributions phase but another thing altogether to allow them to also get a refund of the 15% surplus franking credits on dividends franked at 30% in the dollar.
Finally, it makes little sense that funds in the contribution phase should only pay an effective tax rate of 10% on any capital gains made, being a one third discount on the 15% tax rate that applies to such funds. In a sense this is a doubling up of concessions as the fund is already subject to a low rate of tax being 15% and does not require an additional CGT concession to encourage investment.
Of course we should all recognise that implementing the above changes will invariably mean that some people are worse off being predominantly high income earners.
As is the case with any tax reform some will lose and will have to wear some grief.
However, such changes are absolutely crucial if we are to sustain a superannuation regime which is both robust and fair, and which will provide the additional revenue needed to finance much needed tax reform.
Put simply, superannuation tax reform is a change we have to have if the country is to prosper.


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Owners of the limited edition Brabham BT62 track car now have the option of driving their cars on public roads, thanks to the new Road Compliance Conversion option that will make their cars road legal. The Conversion option will first be offered in Europe where Brabham Automotive in the UK …Read More »
Motorsport film races LaFerrari, Brabham BT62, F1 car in the streets of Adelaide
It isn't everyday we get to see the 'royalty' of motorsport including David Brabham, Ivan Capelli, Pierluigi Martini, Craig Lowndes, Tim Slade and Alister McRae get together to drive some of the most desirable machines ever made but that's what the Adelaide Motorsport Festival's "Race to the City 2018" has …Read More »
Brabham BT62 $1.8m supercar to be built in Australia
Brabham has taken the wraps off its new $1.8 million BT62 supercar which is set to mark a return of car manufacturing in Australia. Unveiled in London at the Australia House, Brabham Automotive's carbon fibre bodied, V8 supercar will be built in South Australia, making it the only car currently …Read More »


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Lanson Black Label, NV, 75cl with two branded Clear Lanson Champagne Flutes all in a fully branded Lanson Coffret Gift setAlcohol Volume- 12.5 % Bottle Size- 75 cl Type- Brut Country Of Origin- France EAN- 03029440003317 Brand - Lanson
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$12.98 $21.63
Personliazed letter you're my person Necklace
You're My Person with ASL charm to say I Love you - You are my person
Beautiful phrase from Grey's Anatomy and perfect gift for your best friend or whoever might be "your person"!
There is an option to purchase necklace length from 16 inches to 20 inches and you can also choose length with initial. If you choose with initial please mention nitial in the note or email me
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You can add gift box card or gift pouch card for giving gift with personalized message by clicking below link to purchase
I specialize in keepsake gift for moms, sisters, daughters, grandmas, dads, grandpas, teachers or anyone you cherish in your life. This necklace makes a thoughtful, personalized gift for Easter, confirmation, baptism, or Holiday Gift
Click on fashionjewelryforeve.etsy.com to see my other designs. Each piece is carefully thought out and is my own original design.
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May 16, 2016


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I am in process of building a Jan Ridders Glass Cylinder engine and it requires T2.5 timing pulleys. I am not fond of spending money (it is a hereditary thing I think) so I intend to make my own pulleys. Originally I was going to use the fly cutter technique but with the tiny tip size I am concerned that the tool will not last cutting 3 pulleys.So, I need to make proper cutters and then relieve them. As Duplex states in his original article series in Model Engineer 1949, more teeth is easier on the machine. Not wanting to cave in and use the alternatives, I need a relieving device. I researched a lot of patents, including the Hendley cross slide version but it turns out the Eureka is more feasible with the tools I have. I found Balzer's original 1895 patent for a previous version of the Eureka but the article I am basing this off is from the Centennial Model Engineer archive. A patent describing a more recent version (1906) resembles the Eureka. Off to the metal pile to find the chunks of steel from which to carve this thing. I opted to make the anchor and ratchet plates first so that the mandrels can be turned for a good fit. Not having a large boring head I bolted the 2 plates together after laying out and drilling a .125 guide pin hole in the centre. This was mounted in the 4 jaw and centred on the hole. A boring boring operation later and I reached the 1.500 dimension.
Off to the bandsaw for some rough trimming and then to the horizontal milling machine for cutting the slots and cleaning up the straight bits. The round portions were trimmed on a belt/disc grinder and filed to the lines.


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Bail Nan Cnoc
T: +44(0)1528 544346E: email@example.com: www.gaskbeg.co.uk
Bail Nan Cnoc
The house for all seasons. In autumn and winter you are warm and cosy in front of the aga and open fire plus central heating; in summer simply open the doors to a 'barbeque heaven'. This bright, modern, architect designed farmhouse offers incredibly spacious family accommodation. Stunningly situated in an elevated position, amidst well kept grounds, you have superb views around the strath to the hills, making it a wonderful place to stay. The house is south facing catching all the sun for summer fun and barbeques, while maximising winter sunshine and daylight. You will realise why for a 1000 years people have chosen to live on this spot. (The foundation stones of the original croft house form a fascinating feature of the front lawn).
Bail nan Cnoc is furnished and equipped to a high standard, and is fully central heated and double glazed. You will experience a memorable stay in it's beamed farmhouse kitchen, boasting its very own aga, while the bright airy living room offers comfort and relaxation in front of the warm open fire with its bespoke hearth and sandstone lintel.
Potters cabin is adjacent to Bail nan Cnoc and is for the exclusive use of guests staying at Bail nan Cnoc. Fantastic for older children who want a bit of extra space. £150 for the week.
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Bail Nan Cnoc
Tel: +44(0)1528 544346


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Divorce Lawyers: Lawyers Assisting With Marriage Termination
Divorce Lawyer in Barrie
Obtaining a Divorce in Barrie can only be done through the Superior Court of Justice or Unified Family Court. A Divorce simply means the termination of the marriage. In Canada, spouses can obtain a divorce on one of the following grounds:
- The spouses have lived separate and apart for at least one year (most common ground);
- The spouse against whom the divorce is brought has (during the marriage):
- Committed adultery, or
- Treated the other spouse with physical or mental cruelty of such a kind as to render intolerable the continued cohabitation of the spouses.
A Divorce is separate from other issues in a separation/divorce such as support issues, custody/access, and property division, but the Divorce can be added to the litigation of those issues. One spouse can ask for a divorce or both spouses can apply for a joint divorce.
The Divorce, ideally, should be the final issue that is resolved after the spouses have entered into a proper Separation Agreement dealing with the other issues such as child support, spousal support parenting and equalization/property division, or the Divorce should be made part of the court case dealing with those issues. If you try to get a divorce before resolving these other issues:
- A court may deny the divorce if proper child support arrangements have not been made;
- If you are divorced, the family home may no longer be a matrimonial home and rights of possession and other rights may be lost;
- You could be decreasing the amount of time for you to resolve the issue of equalization (i.e. property division in a marriage) before your claims terminate due to a limitations issue (i.e., limitations mean you have run out of time to make your claim).
To obtain a Divorce only with one of our Divorce Lawyers, Chapman McAlpine Law charges a one-time flat fee of $1550.00 which includes court costs/fees and HST. Please contact us today if you would like us to represent you in your Divorce.
Kara-Lynne worked so quickly and efficiently to do the very best and get me to a place where I now know I have something to count on when I retire. In family law matters having someone standing beside you, guiding you and representing you and your best interest can make such a difference as you go through the process. She is a one in a million lawyer that I continue to recommend to anyone who is need.
Absolutely AMAZING team!! Not only do they accommodate my crazy work schedule, but Kara, Barry, and Paul actually work with me on my case to ensure my kids are coming first. They're always available when I need them and their dedication to their clients is bar none, and I don't know where I would be without them! I cannot say enough good things about everyone who works here and recommend them to anyone who is in need of a family lawyer!
I came to Chapman McAlpine Law after phone calls with many other law firms, but once I spoke to Paul, the level of comfort I had, I decided to canceled my other appointments. The attention to details, and level of attentiveness I've received from Kara-Lynne Chapman is unfounded. I now feel like I'm not going through this fight on my own. I know she'll clarify anything I don't understand, and walk me through everything.
"Allison McAlpine did a great job at making me feel comfortable throughout the whole court process. I originally worked with her when she was first with a prior firm and now she is executing the same skill set at her own firm for a much more affordable price!!! As a father dealing with Family Court, I would 100% retain her again.
I hired Kara Chapman for my divorce and various following motions. I can't say enough about how incredibly professional, honest, thoughtful and considerate she was. She made the legal aspect of the experience much easier and I could always rely on her opinion and expertise.
Kara-Lynne is determined, motivated and very compassionate. Her knowledge on family law is extensive. She works hard for her clients. She successfully helped me receive what was best for my children. I was awarded more than I originally thought I would; which was a huge relief.
Kara is very professional and will go the extra mile for her client. She will always fight for her client and will not back down until a reasonable agreement is reached. You're in good hands with Kara on your side.
Allison and Paul have been quite expedient, informative and have shown genuine concern for my situation. I appreciate all of your efforts, upholding my confidence in your team to represent me in the best manner possible. Thank you.
I am very thankful that I found Allison. She listened with compassion, provided sound advice and was very proactive in getting resolution to a difficult situation. Working with Allison was absolutely life changing. I highly recommend Allison and her staff.
I would sincerely like to thank Allison McAlpine and Chapman McAlpine Law for representing me during a very difficult and lengthy separation. Allison's support, patience and legal acumen most certainly guided me through the process to a satisfactory end result and I can now move forward with a new chapter in my life.
Often in times of need, it is very important to work with professionals; who are attentive, who are smart and who are willing to listen with compassion, honesty and integrity. Allison and Paul were all of these and more. They typically went above and beyond, and provided excellent service, guidance and support. They were efficient, accurate and prompt making me feel comfortable throughout the process, as well as showed respect for my time too.


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Price: $30.50
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Photo by Montrose, 40 Union St, Columbus O.
Standard-size postcard.
Unused, unwritten, unmailed, undated.
Dimensions given, if any, are approximate. Scans large to show any defects. Unseen defects described. VG or better condition. Item complete as issued unless otherwise stated.
Title: Old gal reads Kipling on Easter Columbus OH RPPC 1915
Categories: Postcards,
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Seller ID: 1206621


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One of my biggest pet peeves is when a marijuana reform opponent automatically assumes that because someone smokes marijuana that they are some lazy loser that lives in their parents basement. Not all marijuana consumers are lazy. Not all marijuana consumers live with their parents. In fact, most marijuana consumers are hardworking, responsible adults that just happen to choose a product that is safer to consume than alcohol.
According to a new poll released by YouGov.com, most Americans agree with me. According to the poll, "The latest research from YouGov shows that most Americans (59%) think that it is possible to occasionally smoke marijuana and still be a responsible adult, though 28% disagree."
Do you consume marijuana? Are you a responsible adult? I have always felt that people that are lazy and unproductive are that way regardless of if they smoke marijuana, or really anything else. Lazy people are lazy. Unproductive people are unproductive. Marijuana consumption doesn't add to that or take away from it. What do readers think?
Stereotyping marijuana consumers as being lazy bums has been a 'go-to' tactic for marijuana opponents for a long time. This form of propaganda has been successful for many decades, but those days are gone. Marijuana is mainstream, and people are more educated on the topic than ever before. Marijuana opponents know it, whether they want to admit it or not.


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This was published 12 years ago
Revenge of the nerds
Building on the success of their witty stage show, radio's resident science buffs Dr Karl and Adam Spencer are set to challenge TV viewers, writes Sacha Molitorisz.
As far as eggheads go, Karl Kruszelnicki and Adam Spencer are pin-up boys. They're the Lara Bingles of Aussie science. So it's a little surprising to hear them arguing that they aren't really scientists.
"Dr Karl and I consider ourselves far more scientific storytellers than scientists," says Spencer, a mathematician and radio presenter.
"We are storytellers, which is an ancient and honourable profession," says Kruszelnicki, a lecturer and bestselling author. "I saw that on a documentary; it was called Xena, where the ancient storytellers would wander from village to village, be fed, have alcohol, have sex with all the nicest women, and men, and then go on to the next town."
Give or take a few details, that sums up the origins of the pair's new TV show, Sleek Geeks. An anarchic mix of experiments and entertainment, the format is based on a stage show of the same name, which began as a one-off lecture and grew into a national tour.
"We did the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth, Broome, Albany, Darwin, the Alice," Spencer says. "After a few years that became too exhausting, so the temptation was there to do a TV show based on the same philosophical and ethical principles ..."
"Yes," interrupts Kruszelnicki, "and based on Kimba the lion, who believes in doing right. We don't grab people by the neck and say, 'Here's Einstein's theory of relativity and the theory of Fitzgerald-Lorentz contractions."'
They can explain, for example, the workings of global positioning systems "because I reckon with rationality and truth you go further in life".
With the modest aim of taking viewers further in life, each half-hour episode is structured around a theme. Episode one is about the senses. For sight, Kruszelnicki and Spencer show how a man dressed as a gorilla can be rendered invisible. For sound, a soprano tries to shatter glass. For touch, the two hosts attempt a firewalk.
In episode two, Mind Games, an Aussie memory champion is interviewed, Spencer is hypnotised and Macquarie University experts analyse Kruszelnicki's prosopagnosia, or inability to remember faces and names. "Faces to me are just like bricks in a wall," he says. "I've only got it to relatively mild degree. I met a guy in Maroubra who couldn't recognise his son at soccer."
This is a large part of the show's appeal; Kruszelnicki and Spencer regularly play the role of guinea pig.
"The challenge is to do a show where the hosts are immersed in doing things but there is some science involved," Spencer says. "Karl and I both demand a very high scientific content, which is difficult to do on television. Take Mythbusters. That just depresses me, especially when it has phrases in its ads like, 'Beware, science happening!' There's no science happening in Mythbusters. I would say it's constructively anti-scientific."
Don't even mention Brainiac.
"That was embarrassing," Kruszelnicki says. "That was women jumping on trampolines."
With Sleek Geeks, then, Kruszelnicki and Spencer are aiming to be the Mythbusters-busters.
"We'd been talking about doing a show like this for quite a few years," Spencer says, "such is the slow-moving beast that is television. If you go back and look at various incarnations of things we've proposed, I'm pretty sure we pitched Mythbusters a long time before anyone did Mythbusters, partly out of Karl's Mythconceptions that he does for the newspaper [the Herald's magazine, Good Weekend]. We arrived at the Sleek Geeks format because it's the only thing that hasn't been attempted yet, unless there are some guys in Finland who are gonna sue our arses off."
The pair enjoyed making the show, even if TV presents peculiar challenges. "Everything takes so long," Kruszelnicki says. "It's like trying to push a pyramid. Also, the only time I've ever met amoral people are in the psychiatric wards, when I was a medical doctor, and in other TV stations. By amoral, I mean they do not know when they're telling lies."
Sleek Geeks is amusing and impressive, its gags and silliness underpinned by substance and info. Watching it is like eating a tasty meal, only to realise suddenly that it's healthy, too. And the presenters, who both have formidable CVs, complement each other.
A surfer and ex-hippie who drives a hybrid car, Kruszelnicki first appeared on radio in 1981, when he began presenting Great Moments In Science on Double Jay. In 1984, he published the first of 26 books, a spin-off from the radio segments; in 1985 he began his TV career as a presenter on Quantum; and in 1995, he took the position of Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at Sydney University.
A pedal-pushing sports lover, Spencer won Triple J's Raw Comedy competition in 1996. He began appearing on air more regularly and landed a co-host role opposite Wil Anderson on Triple J from 1999 to 2004. He has also presented on Quantum and, since 2006, has been hosting breakfast on ABC 702.
"He's really smart," says Kruszelnicki of Spencer. "Look at his head from side on. See how it bulges forward, that's extra brain that I don't have. We have different skills. Adam can do crosswords."
"Karl's scientific knowledge vastly outstrips mine," Spencer says. "But coming from a stand-up impro background I've got more of an idea of what works as a story and how to perform it. With the stage show, and to an extent the TV show, Karl tells me something really interesting, and I ask a series of dumb-arse questions that approximate what the audience might ask. I work more on the structure of the story, but 95 per cent of the scientific info originates with Karl. I have no formal scientific qualifications. I failed a year 8 chemistry test but Karl's got multiple PhDs."
"A masters is my highest," Kruszelnicki says. "I've got one masters and three bachelor degrees, and several non-degree years."
Spencer: "Wasted childhood."
Kruszelnicki: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Australian taxpayers for paying for it."
In conversation, these two break speed limits with their words per minute. Both are funny, smart and quick-witted but their personalities are contrasting. Kruszelnicki is the excitable infomaniac, his brain travelling so fast he wants to explore every alleyway, byway and cul-de-sac all at once. Spencer is more brooding and circumspect, standing back and taking it all in before letting rip.
But both have a passion for learning and for encouraging learning. That's why they're offering the Eureka Schools Prize, which invites university and school students to make short videos about science (see http://www.drkarl.com). The best entries may screen on future episodes of Sleek Geeks.
As Kruszelnicki says, "We're trying to work ourselves out of a job by encouraging the next generation of science presenters."
Do they think Australia has an anti-intellectual streak? "No, but the balance is slightly too much for sport," Kruszelnicki says. "I love that in Australia we have lots of sports but the Greeks were right when they [idealised] a healthy mind and a healthy body."
Sleek Geeks premieres on the ABC on Thursday at 8pm.


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It's early in the 2013 wedding season but I can confidently say that any wedding that has the entire service staff outfitted in "Keep Calm and Join the Circus" t-shirts is going to be one of my favourites. Enjoy the Purkis Circus. I sure did.
Life is busy and in my house, it's no different. Both my wife Janey and I are entrepreneurs and we both run successful and growing businesses while sharing the responsibilities or raising a 2 and 1/2 yr old. So even though I take photos for a living, it's not very often that I'm able to get one of my favourite models to sit in front of my lens for more then 1/125 of a second. Recent Janey booked a session with yours truly (work related of course) for some new photos for her website www.weesleep.ca Meet my beautiful wife.
My portrait business is growing. I can honestly say it's because I'm getting better at what I do. I also put a lot of value on the fact that I'm taking job that I enjoy shooting. Here are a few samples of some of some recent and dramatic portraits.
Part of being a photographer is building your brand. Sure you have take great pictures, that's a given but in todays world it's all about brand. Are you cool or quirky? Are you outgoing or are you shy? Are you a bad ass or nerd? There are no right or wrong answers. The cool, out going bad ass is no better then the quirky, shy, nerd. Clients are looking for a connection. Especially brides looking to hire their wedding photographer; consider that a wedding photographer is going to be with a couple all day, (oh ya, it just so happens it's the most important day of their life together!) I'm very confident in who I am as a person and as a photographer but I still struggle with how I should package (brand) myself to my clients. As an example: Last year I wanted to separate myself from the all the other photographers in my area by using a kind of in your face, shock value campaign "Who the F@#K is Brian Reilly Photography"
The funny thing is I never really used it anywhere. Not sure why. Was it because I wasn't as much of a bad ass (lol) as I thought I was or because I was afraid of offending some mother looking for maternity pics of her little angel? Still not sure what the answer is but it did lead my to understanding that I want the kind of clients that I'm going to enjoy working with and that are going to enjoy working with me.
2012 was a big year for me as a father, a husband, a photographer and subsequently for my photography.
Here are some of the top weddings from last season. Keep in mind that it was a transition year and almost half of my wedding were shot back in BC and half in Ontario.
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May 2002 Magazine Archive
You're missing out!
The stories you see here are just a taste of what you'll find in the print version of Land Line. Click here to sign up for your free subscription.
Focus on our national borders
By Dick Larsen
OOIDA tells feds
By Dick Larsen
Issues & Positions
By Jim Johnston
Washington Insider
By Paul Cullen Jr.
I-376: The road to better treament from your motor carrier
By James J. Whittle
Inside OOIDA: Truck insurance
Owner-Operator Services Inc.
Bottom Line
By Paul Abelson
Tire maintenance
By Paul Abelson
Trucking Outlook
By Dick Larsen
OOIDA Member Info
By Donna Ryun
Road Law
By Jeff McConnell and James Mennella
Line One
Trucker Perspectives
By By G. Ray Gompf


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Along your journey through SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, one of Melbourne's top attractions, you'll encounter some of the world's most incredible animals. Get up close to playful penguins, huge sharks, massive sawfish, majestic stingrays, beautiful seahorses, thousands of tropical fish and much, much more!
There is so much to see and a wide array of fun things to do for young and old, you won't regret a trip to SEA LIFE Melbourne.
Click on the slider above to jump to a zone or scroll down...
Ice Age: No Time For Nuts
4-D Cinema Experience
Join Scrat, Ice Age's resident nut-crazed sabre-toothed squirrel, as he time travels in his zaniest adventure to date, Ice Age: No Time For Nuts 4-D. Scrat battles a wonky time-machine that has zapped his beloved nut, and with buddies Manny, Diego and especially Sid along for the ride the laughs are right on time in this custom 4-D special effects extravaganza!
Join Scrat On An Adventure
The Ice Age: No Time For Nuts 4-D experience is included in the cost of admission and is fully wheel chair accessible.
Explore A World Unlike Any Other
Penguin Playground
Explore a world unlike any other in Penguin Playground and marvel as the majestic King and cheeky Gentoo penguins slip and slide across the snow-covered ice. Chill out with the penguins as they get up to mischief and splash about in the penguin pool.
Did you know?
The speed of our cute Gentoo penguins is sure to impress as they swim up to 36km per hour!
Blob on in to
Ocean Invaders
Discover some of the extraordinary, transparent, squishy creatures, in the new interactive exhibit!
At a glance
Some of the animals you'll see here...
- Clownfish
- Moon Jellies
Explore the depths of the Port Phillip Bay
Bay Of Rays
Journey beneath the surface of Melbourne's iconic Port Phillip Bay, where you will encounter some of the graceful marine creatures that ordinarily reside well out of eye-sight. Gaze at the graceful Fiddler rays and other residents including the iconic Port Jackson shark The crawl-through heads up display provides the perfect opportunity for kids to peek into the fascinating underwater world of Port Phillip Bay!
At a Glance
Some of the animals you'll see here...
- Port Jackson Shark
- Fiddler Ray
- Sun Starfish
Touch & Feel
Discovery Rockpools
Get your hands wet and discover the world that lies below the waves at the interactive Discovery Rockpools, where you can touch beautiful Sea stars and shark eggs! Explore the Mangrove Nursery, where the mangroves provide the perfect playground for juvenile fish.
Did you know...
There are some 2,000 species of Sea stars worldwide, from tropical habitats to the cold seafloor.
Come face-to-face with Pinjarra
Crocodile Lair
From two spectacular viewing levels, come face-to-face with Pinjarra – one of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles. A full, 360 degree, jaw-dropping viewing experience.
Wrap your jaws around these saltwater crocodile fun facts!
- Saltwater Crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world
- It is generally assumed that the body of a crocodile is nine times the size of its head!
Discover the wonder
Mermaid Garden
Venture into the awe-inspiring depths of Australia's oceans as you walk beneath our 2.2 million litre Oceanarium. Take a moment to soak up the breathtaking panoramic view as huge stingrays, massive sharks and hundreds of multi-coloured marine creatures swim by. An enchanting underwater paradise awaits at Mermaid Garden!
At a Glance
Some of the animals you'll see here...
- Grey Nurse Shark
- Smooth Stingray
Marvel at the vibrant creatures
Coral Atoll
This colourful underwater wonderland is home to a variety of exotic animals, including moray eels, and hundreds of multi-coloured fish. See if you can spot Dory, the famous Southern Blue Tang. Coral Atoll is just one of many habitats to discover at SEA LIFE Melbourne, where you can lose yourself in a colourful underwater world.
At a Glance
Some of the animals you'll see here...
- Green Moray
- Southern Blue Tang
Run across the Ocean Floor, see bubbles fly!
Interactive Wonder Wall
The Interactive Wonder Room is an all-new immersive, digital installation inspired by underwater movement. Colour in your own Jellyfish one one of our interactive screens then watch it float!
How it Works
- Colour in your Jellyfish on the interactive screens.
- Get your photo taken.
- Watch your Jellyfish and your photo swimming along the interactive wall.
- When you dance bubbles appear and the interactive floor changes colour as you dance!
Journey deep below
Shipwreck Explorer
Journey deep below and encounter some of the aquarium's largest marine creatures. Relax on the steps of the Ocean Theatre; your window into the underwater world and watch a presentation about the amazing marine creatures floating by.
Talk Times
Let's Talk Ocean Predators
- 12:00pm
- 1:00pm
- 2:00pm
- 3:00pm
Discover weird and wonderful creatures
Seahorse Pier
Housing our stunning seahorse and sea dragon species, experience a rainbow of stunning colours and weird and wonderful creatures in Seahorse Pier. This exhibit is also home to SEA LIFE Melbournes internationally-recognised Weedy Seadragon breeding program.
At a Glance
Some of the animals you'll see here...
- Giant Cuttlefish
- Sea Dragons
Learn More About our Unique Residents
Rainforest Adventure
Prepare to be transported from the depths of the ocean to the lush and humid temperatures of the tropical north where you can wonder at some of the unique Australian animals, including Lungfish, turtles, snakes, lizards and frogs.
At a Glance
Some of the animals you can see...
- Lungfish
- Fresh Water Turtles


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After delivering her daughter this morning the Duchess of Cambridge has left St. Mary's hospital in London...and with her goes... THE NEW ROYAL BABY. Kate and Will exited the hospital with the princess (whee!) and gave us the first glimpse at the little girl:
Kate is wearing a bespoke buttercup-print Jenny Packham silk shift dress—the same designer of the blue polka dot dress she chose to wear for George's debut—and nude heels, because even though she gave birth to a child mere hours ago, Kate Middleton is a BOSS.
And away they go!
What a SMUSH!
We probably won't get any official photos of the newborn for awhile, so until then, we can content ourselves by staring at photos of the cutest royal human (er, second cutest? uhoh) alive, Prince George, visiting his mum and sister in the hospital earlier today.
All the Pictures from the Royal Birth
From: ELLE US


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Regular price
Mixed Love Unisex Short Sleeve Jersey T-Shirt - "MIXED" by MIXEDLOVE.This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping• Side-seamed
Size guide
Available shipping options
Order Summary
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