text:
Some people trudge to work and trudge home, turn on the TV and zone out accepting each day as something to survive.
Others look at life through different lenses, find different work and different ways to live and be and do. Different ways to make our world a better place.
David Johnson was tired of the Western media exploiting Africa with scenes of death and destruction while giving back little in return.
And every time he traveled overseas on summer breaks during the eight years he taught English at Providence Day School, he became more convinced that new and different stories were waiting to be told.
Three years ago, Johnson, 34, dropped his correcting pen and picked up his long-lens camera full-time to document those stories in two picture books spotlighting Africa.
His giveback all profits go to dig wells in Sudan and provide micro-business loans to African women. His first book raised $50,000.
Im just kind of looking for stories that I feel arent being told well, says the Charlotte Catholic High and UNC-Chapel Hill grad.
As president of the Charlotte-based nonprofit, Silent Images, Johnson has turned his lens on street children in Kenya, sex trafficking in Cambodia and homeless youth in Charlotte. His latest book, Voice of Beauty, spotlights African women, young and old.
The thing I began to see through the lens of my camera was the strength, beauty and resilience the women had held on to, in spite of their conditions, says Johnson. No one really shows off their beauty. Of course, if you have been to Africa, you see their beauty everywhere. I want to help people come to a fresh perspective on the African woman.
Read the rest of this Qcitymetro.com article, by Patsy Pressley, here.
Showing 1-1 of 1

subset: commoncrawl


text:
I love sensory activities that are super easy to set up. With Halloween on the horizon, I knew I wanted to put something together for my toddler that wasn't too spooky, but still had the Halloween spirit. I always save our expired spaghetti noodles because dyed spaghetti is such a fun sensory material; between that and the pack of ping pong balls I'd bought at our local Dollar Tree, I knew just what to make. The whole activity took just a few minutes to get ready and my toddler had an absolute blast.
What you'll need for this activity:
Spaghetti or linguine noodles (wheat, corn, rice, or gluten-free); paper towel; food coloring or liquid watercolors; ping pong balls; permanent marker; Ziploc bag or tupperware.
What to do:
- Cook your noodles according to the directions on the package.
- Rinse the cooked noodles in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the noodles in a Ziploc bag or tupperware container and add liquid watercolors a teaspoon at a time (or 6-8 drops of food coloring mixed into a teaspoon of water), shaking between each addition, until noodles are completely dyed.
- Set the noodles on a paper towel for a minute or two to absorb any excess dye.
- If the noodles are still hot to the touch, place them in a refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. An adult should thoroughly check that the temperature of the noodles is appropriate before giving them to a child for play. (Dyed spaghetti can be kept in a sealed container in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours.)
- Add pupils to ping pong balls with a permanent marker.
- Add cooled colored noodles to a dish and place the ping pong eyeballs throughout.
Note: If you use food coloring, your child may have some slight hand-staining after play. Noodles will eventually dry out (if left out for hours) or mold after a few days!
Images via Asia Citro


text:
Preview 2012:
-- Interview & Article by Christine Leonard
Say "sayonara!" to Sailor Jerry, the modern tattoo parlour doesn't rely on crudely drawn catalogues of nicotine-stained flash art to earn its bread and butter. Pushing the dimensions of this age-old form of body modification into new realms, today's tattoo artist deals in transcribing their client's dreams into ink-under-skin reality. Having come further in the past hundred years than it has in the entirety of its 6,000 year history, the art of pushing pigment into the epidermis still has its share of perilous pitfalls. As far as the reputation of the barb-wired and be-anchored goes, society's attitudes have been slow to evolve. As it stands, even the most accomplished and talented of ink-jockeys must defend their honour against ill-reputed tattoo schools, who churn out graduates on a bi-monthly basis, not to mention racks of soft-coeur industry zines that read like a high school drop-out's yearbook of regrettable fascinations.
"We like to think of tattooing as the second oldest profession," muses Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival coordinator Steve Peace. "Festivals like ours give people a chance to seek out a tattoo artist that's really compatible to their own personal style, someone they can see themselves being comfortable working with for eighteen or twenty hours at a time. Price should be your last consideration and never pick your design off a wall. If your favourite artist is booked solid, you should definitely wait. Some people don't want to wait for an appointment. If they did, there would be a lot less cover-up work going on. It's a pain in the ass, so wait.
"Now, if you've got a piece you are particularly proud of, our tattoo competition is open to anyone. We have awards for 'tattoo of the day,' as well as a unique 'tattoo challenge,' where six artists will go head-to-head for a $1,000 purse."
Peace and his fellow organizers, under the Alberta Bound banner, endeavour to provide a showcase of top quality artists combined with some of the best tattoo supplies available in the business. Competition is stiff, but a double-blind audition process and an apolitical stance to providing vendor and artist access assure fairness and objectivity in the process. This measured approach has earned Calgary's colourful skin show a golden reputation amongst artists and enthusiasts alike, and not just because of the seasonally appropriate autumnal theme.
"Our desire to put on the best run, most organized festival possible to our exhibitors comes from our own personal experiences going to other shows around the world," Peace explains. "I've taken a $49 dollar cab ride to get paper towels. That's why we make sure to provide all of our artists with any supplies they may require, right down to gloves and sterile water. Our show is cleaner than your average tattoo shop and our booths are five feet larger than the booths you'll find at similar shows. As far as our invitees themselves, we try to set the talent bar high. We can't promote people who aren't ready. There's no politics to it. It's up to the artist to work harder and get better."
No stranger to putting the needle to the groove, Peace advises would-be grinders to develop their skills by diversifying their portfolios. Galleries across Europe and North America are opening their doors and their arms to tattoo artists who have made the leap from living flesh to linen canvas. As in previous years, the autumnal theme of 2012's showcase will encompass a display of oil paintings and other non-human artwork generated by portrait, script, colour and grayscale experts who are usually known for their corporeal creations.
"A lot of artists are switching over to oil painting," he confirms. "You can learn so much more about colour and composition by branching out and, in turn, you will bring that depth of knowledge over into your artwork as a tattoo artist. The results can be quite mind blowing.
"Lots of people who are attracted to paintings aren't interested in getting a tattoo. Artists who can develop their own style and transition between the two are better able to support themselves in their professional careers. As an artist working in the field, I expect to tattoo just about every day, and then I go home and spend hours drawing designs for the next day," Peace elaborates. "All of the work I do is custom. The top artists will always be spending as much time drawing as they do tattooing."
Of course, it's not all work and no play for the ink-slingers and their admirers. Peace believes that variety is the key to keeping the festival fresh and entertaining. And adding an adult aspect to the proceedings seemed like the perfect way to compliment this year's contingent of international artists and bod-mod celebrities.
"This is our ninth year and the entire time I've done everything on the premise that we have to keep changing things up. One year it's dodgeball, the next it's classic cars, or roller derby, or Kat Von D. This is the first time we've attempted an Adults Night. It's a special, eighteen-and-over evening where people can walk around with their drinks and enjoy entertainment that's a little more adult in nature. That will run from four to midnight and then Megan Massacre of New York Ink will be hosting the after-party for our Adults Only Friday Night at the Palomino Smoke House. She'll be performing a DJ set up stairs with her boyfriend, spinning records for the crowd. Meanwhile, downstairs we're super excited to be presenting our special musical guests, Fucked Up, who will be featured at the Palomino Friday and Saturday night!"
Providing added value is just one of the ways Steve Peace and the festival presenters at Alberta Bound demonstrate their desire to give back to the community. The organization is currently undergoing a significant realignment that will see future proceeds distributed to those charities close to Peace's heart.
"We've been lucky enough to attract an average of 10,000 people a year to our festival. Now that we've settled into our new October dates, we hope to be able continue as a viable annual event. I'm already working on our line-up for our tenth anniversary festival," he surmises. "We're still going through the registration process, but, by this time next year, Alberta Bound will be a different company. We'll be opening our doors as a non-profit enterprise and, this way, people will know the festival operates under that official status. We're planning to work closely with foundations which provide art supplies and tuition to children in [developing countries]. I've travelled to countries like Cambodia, where the kids beg for Bic pens so they can draw. I'm really looking forward to being on-side with charities that are making life better for those kids and providing them with the necessities of life."
The Alberta Bound Tattoo & Arts Festival runs from October 12 to 14, 2012 at the BMO Centre. After-parties will be hosted at the Palomino on Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13 and feature Megan Massacre of New York Ink on Friday night (upstairs) and Fucked Up on Friday and Saturday (downstairs).
Originally published in Beat Route Magazine October 2012
By Christine Leonard
Photos: Andras Schram
Original Tiki Tattoo by Jime Litwalk (CTAC Oct. 2012)


text:
I never know when I write something if it will resonate with others or not. My last blog, "The College Lacrosse Recruiting System Is Broken," certainly struck a chord with a number of readers, though. I received many emails, Facebook comments and Tweets replying back to the subject at hand. I think this matter simply rang true for a lot of individuals and families within our game.
One thing that I find challenging
about writing is the balance between grabbing the attention of my
audience and then also getting my point across. I think in the case of
this last piece, I certainly grabbed people's attention, especially with
the headline. Many people agreed with that statement and relayed back
to me that something must be done to fix it…and now!
However, that was not the true point of my article. Could the coaches or the tournament directors or the lacrosse company owners or even the NCAA make some changes to improve the whole experience? Sure. I would not hold my breath on that, but yes, that could happen and make a difference. But, let me make my point more clearly…
Really, each one of us is individually responsible for changing to improve our experience of summer lacrosse.
If you are a player, you can realize that summer teams, tournaments and camps are not just so you can win trophies and get recruited. They are an opportunity for you to grow as a player and as a person right now!
If you are a parent, you can know that it is totally okay if your son's team does not win the tournament or if they do not get recruited by a single college. You can rest assured that these experiences alone are tremendous opportunities for your son, as an athlete and as a young man, to play a sport that they love and learn something about themselves.
If you are a coach, you can see that these events are not just so you can build your reputation as a winning coach and someone who gets their players recruited. You can use them as opportunities to teach your players lessons that they can use throughout their life and be a good role model and leader.
If you are a tournament or camp director, you can understand that
your events are there for a much greater good than just putting money in
your bank account. You can make sure to do everything in your power to
provide people with an educational and enjoyable event that everyone
gets something out of, regardless of whether they take home a trophy or a
college scout writes them a letter.
So, my point was…yeah, our system is broken…but it is up to all of us individually to take personal responsibility for why that is the case. This can apply to our lives in an infinite number of ways. I find it funny (and sad at the same time) when I see people on television blaming our politicians or bankers or bosses or celebrities for the quality of their own experience. Nobody else is in charge of the quality of your own life other than YOU, not even Obama or Romney!
We all
agree…the "system" of summer lacrosse is flawed at best. But, instead of
screaming, ranting, raving and protesting that which is unlikely to
change, what if we all choose to change our approach, our expectations
and our thoughts and feelings toward that system? From my experience
this summer, it has worked well for me. I am feeling more fulfilled
through my work by using lacrosse as a way to teach and learn life
lessons and to have fun. After years of approaching it from the more
ego-driven side, this way is a lot more enjoyable for me and I have
learned a lot more about myself.
And for your experience to change, if need be? Well…that is up to you.


text:
BackStage Swing Away Platform Hitch Rack
Product Description:
The BackStage is the only swing away platform hitch rack on the market that swings out 180 degrees. This rack allows full access to the back of any van, truck or SUV.
Product Features:
- The industry's first 180 degree swing away platform hitch rack
- Provides full access to the back of the vehicle, even with bikes loaded
- Anti-wobble feature
- Fits skinny road tires up to 5" fat bike tires & 20-29" diameter wheels, 48" max wheelbase
- Carries bikes up to 60lbs
- Folds flat against vehicle, tilts down 30 degrees for rear access
- Rack weight 63lbs (shipping weight 75lbs)
- 2" hitch only
- Includes locking hitch pin and cable lock, keyed alike
- No frame contact, secures bicycle by front wheel
- Not for use with bicycles with front fenders
- BackStage is a two bike rack only and not expandable to three bikes.
- Click here for the User Manual
- Click here to see the BackStage on a Sprinter Van
- Click here to see Hitch Rack Dimensions


text:
According to a Harris Poll released last week, most Americans say they aren't very knowledgeable about the food choices their family makes. And we wonder why we have an obesity epidemic.
When asked to choose why the majority of Americans are overweight or obese, more Americans attribute blame to our sedentary lifestyles and our lack of physical activity than to our individual food choices and our poor eating habits. Now, I am sure the right answer is really both.
But while waiting for the first 40 of the 45 minutes that I sat on my doctor's paper-thin-covered- piece of lumber-he-calls-a-bed, I had plenty of time to stare resentfully at his BMI chart (since all the signs artfully displayed said I couldn't use my cell phone and it was the only non-pharma sponsored wall hanging in the room). And since I go to the gym more than I often than I go to religious services (sorry Mom!), I do actually blame my diet of "What?! sweet potato fries and ketchup aren't vegetables??" for any extra pounds I still have from pregnancy.
Clearly, I am hardly one to talk. But I am not alone; only 27% of Americans say they feel extremely or very knowledgeable about the health and nutritional values of the food they and their families eat on a regular basis. And, it appears even Mayor Bloomberg himself (that is, the mayor who forced fast-food chains to eliminate trans fats, post calorie counts and cut their use of salt) could use some paternalistic guidance now and then.
What do you think? How knowledgeable do you feel about the food you put into your body?


text:
It's Back! Our Annual Free Sunday Bootcamps for the Community!Name: It's Back! Our Annual Free Sunday Bootcamps for the Community!Date: August 12, 2018Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PDTEvent Description:Are you looking for a serious fat-burning workout?
Do you want to lose weight, tone and sculpt your body and get into the best shape of your life?
Whether you're looking for a great workout, a fast way to get in shape or an activity that takes you out of the four walls of a gym, this group training workout is for you.
The program runs Sundays at 9:00 AM from June 10th -August 26th
Warning: This weekly workout is not for the timid. Be prepared to sweat! No whiners allowed. Okay, you can come, but when you start complaining, we'll just nod, smile and make you do more! You know you need that!
This workout will take place outdoors utilizing many of the local parks in downtown Vancouver including the Columbia River waterfront, Fort Vancouver and in Salmon Creek at 3six0 Fitness!
Mark your calendars!
Non-Member Welcome, call us at 360.574.7292 to get signed up today!
Cost? It's FREE! It's our way of giving back to the community and having some Summer fun!


text:
Yes, it is that beloved time of year again. For most teachers, nothing strikes terror into their hearts more than a looming reporting deadline. Here are a couple of great resources to make the task slightly less daunting, or at least, minimize the chance that you will have a principal demanding rewrites!
1. MISA London is an amazing teacher resource. I highly recommend taking a look at their comment frameworks as well as their learning skill videos. I continually revisit this site as a refresher before delving into comment writing.
MISA London Assessment and Evaluation
2. Growing Success, the "bible" of assessment, evaluation and reporting in Ontario Schools. When in doubt, look it up here.
Ontario Ministry of Education Growing Success


text:
You don't have to experience life as a serious, stressful, day-to-day grind. In this course, you will identify the mental habits you may have developed which create tension, guilt and self-doubt. See how inappropriate expectations cloud your ability to experience unconditional love.
• Learn how you are unconsciously telling others how to treat you, to fit your unconscious expectations.
• Discover ways you may still be following the unconscious expectations of others or trying to live up to unhealthy models of perfection.


text:
"You may delay, but time will not." – Benjamin Franklin
The joys of summer are upon us. While we all have our favorite sights, sounds and smells of the season, it's also a reminder that 2014 has reached its halfway point. Time flies.
Let's roll back the calendar six months or so. Did you make a New Year's resolution? If you're like most Americans, your personal pledge was broken a long time ago. But that ok. It's never too late to try again, and you don't have to wait 'til next year.
According to a Harris poll, "Get a New Job" was one of the top resolutions in 2014. Did you make that pledge? Did you land the new job? If your answers are "yes" and "no," it's time to reassess. What made you aspire to a new job in the first place? You may be genuinely unhappy in your job or, more likely, it's simply time to move on. The possible reasons are endless. You may be primed for a well-deserved advancement, or you're interested in relocating to a new and exciting place or to be nearer to family, or you're just ready to try something new. Whatever your unique situation, it's a good time to reflect on why you haven't switched jobs as you had hoped. Change is exciting, but it can also be hard. Sometimes it's easy, and totally understandable, to become complacent. Also, let's face it – it can be tough out there. You may be actively searching, but just haven't snared that new job yet.
Fortus Healthcare Resources can help. We have open positions throughout the country, and many of them are never advertised. And we're getting new orders every day so, even if we don't have the right fit for you now, there a good chance that we'll have a good match soon. Our services are completely free and totally confidential.
Your New Year's resolutions may have come and gone, but setting goals for yourself is a year-around proposition. So pour yourself a glass of lemonade and ponder those personal goals again.
This article was published in the June newsletter of Fortus Permanent Healthcare Resources.


text:
"Let's go now, let's go, Uncle, we want to learn now!" they told him.
Their old uncle tried to make them wait but they were too impatient.
Finally he said to his young nephews, "Okay then, we'll go tonight. When
we get there we'll make our camp on the river bend. We'll make our
humpy then look for some straight sticks to make our spears".
So that night, after they made their humpy up, they went for a walk.
"Don't pick up the crooked sticks. They've got to be straight," the old
uncle said. So the boys collected the sticks and gave them to their uncle.
He showed them how to strip the saplings, trim the bark and get the
notches off. After he made their spears the uncle made the boys a
woomera each.
When the uncle had finished making the spears and woomeras he told the
boys that it was time to sleep; they would get up early tomorrow and go
hunting. But the boys didn't like that idea. "No, let's go now! We want to
go and look for a kangaroo." The uncle was reluctant but he finally told
the young boys that they could go.
"But when you go," the old uncle warned the boys, "Be very careful around
the river bends. You have to be very, very careful and promise not to
touch something. You can't hurt it or harm it or touch it at all."
The boys looked at each other, thinking old Uncle is crazy- what's he
talking about? . Finally the uncle said, "Do not touch old Koockard,
the big river goanna. There will be trouble if you do". The boys told
their uncle that they would not harm or touch Koockard, as long as they
could go hunting that night.
So the boys went walking around the river bend that night, and sooner or
later they saw some long grass moving. "Let's see what's moving that
grass," they said. "Maybe it's a kangaroo." Then suddenly they came around
a corner and almost walked on Koockard the river goanna's big old
At first the boys were respectful, remembering what their old uncle had
told them, as Koockard ate some meat on the riverbank. But then one of
the boys said "Let's have some fun with Koockard. I'll go and stick my
spear under Koockard's arm on one side, then you go and tickle him
under the other arm. Wait until he's started eating again after I tickle
him and he'll be tricked".
The boys separated and started to tickle Koockard; on one side at first,
then the boy on the other side would stick his spear under the old
goanna's arm. Koockard kept jumping up and looking around but he
couldn't find what was tickling him because the grass was too high.
Eventually one of the boys got the giggles watching the old river goanna
twist and turn. He let go of his spear and rolled and it hit a log.
When Koockard heard the sound he jumped up and spun around in a big
cirle. His giant head and tail hit the boys and flattened them so they
There were two kookaburras sitting in a tree above the goanna, and they
saw the whole thing. Up until then the kookaburra couldn't laugh, but
when they saw the goanna flatten the boys they looked at each other and
started to laugh. They laughed and laughed at what they had seen.
And that's how kookaburras got their laugh.
Sign up
Need help? email@example.com


text:
Good morning! After starting my day by reading through one of my favorite blogs Nutritionella and learning about this wonderful program Odwalla is doing I decided to take it into my hands and plant a tree myself 🙂 What do I mean by planting a tree? We'll Odwalla has put together this program and is working … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Health
Favorite Baking Substitutes
Happy Friday all! Time to get the weekend rolling 🙂 Tonight will be a fun and exciting girls night at the bowling alley! Tomorrow I'll start my day with 50 minutes of spinning and maybe a little tennis with the hubby? Sunday is exercise rest day so that calls for a motorcycle ride. There is … Continue reading


text:
- We kick off our bumper New Year's update with a comprehensive Q&A session with the organisers of the Royal International Air Tattoo. There was a lot of feedback and reaction to the 2011 event, and we put all the key points that were raised on the UKAR forums across to 'the powers that be' on your behalf, as well as touching on recent trends and looking ahead to the future of the event.
See what they had to say in our exclusive RIAT Debrief.
- Our second feature article is our annual ranking of the UK Top Ten 'Airshow Moments' of 2011.
Do you agree with our choices?
- "Stellar Display" - Phil Whalley has a late report from the Duxford Autumn Air Show that concentrates on the public display debut of Meteor T.7 WA591.
- The final Pictures of the Week update for 2011 is now online.
Week 52, December:
Congratulations to all those chosen - you're all in with a chance of a PlanesTV DVD when Iain publishes his next blog.
- Finally, a short message to wish all our members and readers all the very best for the year ahead.


text:
Getting My tour packages to sri lanka To WorkWith interesting local climate and quaint colonial experience, this town is a paradise for travellers. Also, appreciate a town tour of Colombo and discover the historic, religious and professional web-sites with the money city. Pack your luggage and revel in a great 5-working day family vacation in Sri Lanka. inclusions
Deem your excursion incomplete in the event you have not witnessed the nightlife and purchasing scene of Sri Lanka's money, Colombo. You will be enamored with the glamor and sprightly spirit in the spot. Our earnest tour managers ensure you have all the fun and no trouble around the excursion; Hence, return home with renewed vigor and everlasting. inclusions
The island region of Sri Lanka provides an assortment of beauteous beach locations, adventurous things to do, breathtaking hills and monuments and ruins, steeped in historical past to choose from. Revel in the purely natural magnificence and lovely temperature in the Buddhist town of Kandy. Pay a visit to The gorgeous Kandy Lake and observe area artists mesmerize you with their effectiveness. Get keen about the gorgeous beauty and sites of touristic worth in Nuwara Eliya.
Customisable itineraries where you may well pick out transportation, remain & sightseeing as per your flavor & comfort.
More info The eight working day tour deal actually provides a great taster of what an extended stay listed here in Sri Lanka is like.
TripAdvisor LLC isn't to blame for articles on external Web pages. Taxes, fees not involved for offers information.
Witness the tableau of magnificence on the Madu River cruise in Bentota and watch turtles hatch for the hatchery. Eventually witness the cosmopolitan lifetime of Colombo. Yatra journey authorities have packed in The key locations to go to in these 6 times in your case employing their professional competencies. A quick but genuinely memorable holiday to Sri Lanka awaits you. inclusions
Attractive shorelines, heritage temples, an exotic wildlife, loads of spice gardens and huge tea plantations are synonymous with Sri Lankan tourism. Get our 6-day tour to Sri Lanka and knowledge the best possible this nation has to offer. inclusions
More details The 8 working day tour offer really provides a superior taster of what a longer stay here in Sri Lanka is like.
Customisable itineraries in which you may perhaps select that site transportation, keep & sightseeing as per your flavor & convenience.
All Sri Lanka tour packages involve visits to the favored tourist points of interest and enticing pleasurable-stuffed functions.
Additional information For just shy of weekly, come and maximise your travel to Sri Lanka by means of our triple metropolis, 6 working day journey by way of The gorgeous Sri Lankan isle.
More info Our four working day tour package will just take you to discover the top in find more info the South of the island and have a excursion on the Madu Ganga lake to find out some outstanding wildlife of the island.
More info Our 4 working day tour package deal will get you to see web link the top of your South of the island and have a vacation on the Madu Ganga lake to find out some outstanding wildlife from the island.


text:
Record crowds of 15,000 are expected at the annual Revesby Country Fair on Sunday.
Visitors can expect an action-packed main ring programme, featuring new acts as well as old favourites.
Organisers of the show are thrilled to have added competive relay show jumping to the main arena with teams from local hunts.
Another exciting additionwill be Ben Atkinson and his stunt horses.
John Roe, chairman of the show committee, said: "Ben provided 'Poldark's' horse on the popular BBC series, though sadly Mr Poldark himself won't be able to make it!"
As well as new entertainment, this year's diverse programme also welcomes the return of events that have been popular for years.
Most notable is the terrier racing, which has expanded to include heats in the early afternoon, with additional 'Revesby Style' terrier racing from 5pm.
The show welcomes in excess of 220 trade stands and promises the 'widest imaginable range of cuisine' - from ice creams to crocodile burgers. There are also opportunities to try out some country sports on the day.


text:
Beach and dune renourishment of the Jacksonville Beaches is anticipated to begin construction in early October 2018 and continue through to January 2019. The project will place approximately 880,...
Meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
7:00 pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall
The Board of Adjustment hears, reviews, approves, approves with conditions, or denies variances to the terms of the Land Development Code. The Board of Adjustment's members are appointed by the City Council. Five members serve four-year terms, while two alternates serve for two-year terms. No member of the Board may be employed by the City. Members must be residents of Jacksonville Beach for at least two years and a qualified elector.
Gary Cater (2nd Alt) 09/17/2018 12/31/2019
Scott Cummings 07/13/2013 12/31/2019
John Moreland 08/02/2004 12/31/2021
Sylvia Osewalt, Chair 07/19/2010 12/20/2020
Francis Reddington 03/17/2014 12/31/2018
Lucas Snyder (1st Alt) 09/17/2018 12/31/2019
Jeff Truhlar, Vice-Chair 03/13/2014 12/31/2019


text:
New Isenglass installed July 2018
2nd Owner - Well Maintained - Excellent Condition
'07 Chaparral 280 Signature powered by twin 4.3 MPI Mercruisers with Alpha Outdrives.
Radar Arch with Bimini Top and Full Enclosure
Air Conditioning and Reverse Cycle Heat
Electronics include VHF Radio, Garmin 740S GPS-Chartplotter, Depthfinder,
Additional systems on board include Battery Charger, Trim Tabs, Windlass
Galley includes Microwave, AC/DC Refrigerator, Electric Stove, and Solid surface countertop
The Hours on the motors is low with only 377 showing on the Hour Meters
Please Contact Jim O'Brien
631-682-5557 Mobile
P.O. Box 72
Brightwaters, NY 11718
United States


text:
As we embark on our next 25 years, NSBE DC Professionals needs your support to better serve the next generation of scientist, technologist, engineers, and mathematicians. Your contributions will be applied to ward these areas with our organization:
• PCI Future's Innovators Scholarship Fund
• Community Programming
For 25 years, NSBE DC has been a pillar in the region and one of only a handful of locally STEM focused organizations. NSBE DC's community service has impacted….. NSBE DC supports its members. NSBE DC will expand its service to the community by producing programs that address gaps in blacks and STEM academic programs, careers, and industries. NSBE DC Community Programming will also allow us to amplify the important….We need your support to produce this necessary programming.
General Funds
Funding for NSBE DC will continue to improve various areas of operations, including staffing and technical resources that our 501(c)(3) needs to maintain high quality of service to accommodate an expanding community from D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
The organization will use the funds to continue to provide training, mentoring, academic, and technical resources to those interested in advancing their skills in STEM. We will continue to expand the presence of, and access to STEM in the community.
Please select your donation amount below and click "Donate Now" to enter your billing information and payment. Consider donating with us weekly, monthly, or annually. Your donation and contributions are always tax-deductible.
USA Science and Engineering Festival
NSBE DC partnered with NSBE Baltimore Chapter, NSBE Greenbelt Space Chapter and the Northern Virginia NSBE Jr. Chapter to participate in the USA Science and Engineering Festival on April 26-27, 2014. During the two day event, NSBE DC led numerous STEM activities including a forum on STEM careers, robotics demonstration, demonstration of Solar Energy and an interactive LEGO toothpick challenge designed to educate kids about construction engineering. Over 350 attendees visited the NSBE DC booth to participate in demonstrations and learn more about STEM.
To sign up for the subcommittee or to express interest in volunteering on-site on the days of the festival, please sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/mbzTJbjcU
In addition to signing up to volunteer, you must sign up to register to attend the festival. Please do so at https://usasciencefestival.
Amazon Smile
Shop for everyone on your gift list this holiday at smile.amazon.com/ch/52-2233445 and Amazon donates to National Society of Black Engineers, Washington D.C. Metro Area Professionals Chapter (NSBE DC).
Fill out the form here to make a difference and donate today.


text:
But if you're a service member who's hung, let my bbw girlfriend suck you and ride you fuck buddy Gulf Breeze Florida Drumnadrochit ohio nude girl Rock And Roll ! She agreed that I should find someone to be happy, but keeping the marriage.
In case you didnt catch that the first time, she wants you to join her for a mutual web cam to web cam masturbation session so fire up your free sex cam and help each other cum.


text:
This is a video of my little dick cumming after watching porn for an hour. Tell me about my small guy.
If the wife doesn't want to suck your cock try what I do fuck the vacuum cleaner. Ours is a cylinder vacuum and I just uncouple the hose stick my cock in the hole switch it on and get a blow job like you've never had before.
To heighten the thrill take your cock out and let the vacuum suck your balls in its fucking awesome.
The only thing wrong with your cock is that it wasn't in my mouth when you filmed this
Not a little dick at all....would suck that in a moment....yum


text:
Jamaica's well-known love affair with athletics has lasted for decades and has evolved into a fruitful marriage. The Olympic and World Championship gold medal victories of Jamaican athletes in 2008 and 2009 is the latest reminder of that fact. In 2008, the Jamaican government carried out very lavish celebrations for the athletes. Many Jamaicans argued that the government went overboard. Was too much money spent ? I don't have the exact figures but I strongly believe that more money should have been spent in a way that would actually benefit the athletes. Ever thought of a Jamaican athlete insurance fund ?
Athletes push their bodies to the limit and are not immune from injury. This is especially true in a sport like track and field. Sprinters, for example, put their bodies through tremendous stress while constantly seeking to push the limit of human performance. They put their bodies on the line. When they run for their country, they are putting their body on the line for their country. What if a sudden injury had prevented Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser and Melaine Walker from obtaining the gold medals for which they are revered today ? Would people care as much about their (the medalists) health as they do now ? Probably not. Yet the fact remains that they would have gotten injured while trying to earn a medal for their country. Hence the establishment of a Jamaican athlete insurance fund.
The creation of an insurance fund for athletes who represent Jamaica would allow the injured athletes to cover their often-high medical bills regardless of whether the injury occurs while competing at the youth, junior or senior level. Believe it or not, track and field does not pay well, especially compared to other professional sports such as basketball, football or tennis. Only a handful of athletes get to live off appearance fees alone. Unless they benefit from private sponsorship or government subsidies (as is the case in some countries), the rest have to find other sources of income during the off-season. A serious injury could cause an athlete to miss training and work for an extended period of time. It is a shame when an athlete's career is cut short because he or she cannot afford to pay for proper medical treatment.
If untreated in a timely manner, a sports injury can force an athlete into premature retirement from his or her sport. A Jamaican athlete insurance fund would prevent such tragedies from happening. How would this fund be established and financed?
Bodies such as the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA), Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Jamaican Government could come together to establish the fund. Proper legislation should follow the establishment of the fund. I would suggest the that the following laws be passed:
• The mandatory requirement for promoters and media houses to invest 10% of all revenue generated from the organization of track meets in Jamaica into the Jamaican Athlete Insurance Fund.
• Companies wishing to sign endorsement deals with Jamaican athletes would be required to make an annual payment to the Jamaican Athlete Insurance Fund for the entire length of time that the athlete is contracted to them.
• The Jamaican Amateur Athletics Association would be required to invest 25% of its revenue into the Jamaican Athlete Insurance Fund.
Many more laws could be added as time goes on. Our athletes are human beings, not pieces of meat that one disposes of in favor of a new attraction. They train extremely hard. As fans, let us not be fickle. Waving flags with pride when our athletes win is easy, let us also look out for them if and when times get rough.
Tags : Jamaica, athletics, insurance fund
views : 3571
|Page Size.


text:
Nuclear power expansion for DTE in Michigan is long-range strategy option
Despite the Trump administration's opposition to using the federal regulatory process to improve the quality of breathable air by mandating a reduction in carbon emissions, top executives of Consumers Energy Co. and DTE Energy Co. say they plan to continue to invest in renewable energy and replace 25 aging, inefficient and dirty coal-fired power plants over the next decade.
But Consumers and DTE have slightly different strategies when it comes to how they will replace the shuttered plants going forward. Both tell me they will invest millions in natural gas, renewables like wind and solar and energy efficiency programs over the next decade.
The difference appears to be that DTE wants to keep open the option of expanding nuclear energy generation — DTE's Fermi 2 supplies 18 percent of its current electricity production — while Consumers has no future plans for nuclear after Entergy closes its Palisades nuclear power plant in Covert Township in the fall of 2018, pending Michigan Public Service Commission approval.
"We are not currently planning to build or purchase energy from nuclear plants. Our long-term supply strategy is to continue to develop low-emissions energy options with an emphasis on renewable energy, natural gas, and energy efficiency," Brian Wheeler, a spokesman with Consumers, said in a statement to Crain's.
On the other hand, Gerry Anderson, DTE's chairman, president and CEO, told me recently that the state's largest utility will hold onto its "cards" for the nuclear energy option. And why not? DTE spent $100 million in the six-year regulatory process to garner the Fermi 3 nuclear plant license.
"We applied for Fermi 3 back in 2008 when oil was $120 per barrel, then the economic crunch hit and technology made it possible to increase shale gas (production) at lower costs," said Anderson, adding that costs for such renewable energy sources as wind and solar also dropped substantially.
It is clear to energy and environmental experts that DTE had once planned to build and open a nuclear generating plant by as early as 2023.
Now, says Anderson, "We are looking at replacing our coal plants with natural gas and maybe in the mid-2020s" will take another look at nuclear again.
So after six long years, DTE was finally awarded a license in late 2015 from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build Fermi 3. If built, it would be on the same site as the currently operating 1,170-megawatt Fermi 2 on the shores of Lake Erie near Monroe, about 30 miles south of Detroit.
Fermi 2 is also next to closed-down Fermi 1, an experimental breeder reactor that partially (1 percent) melted down in 1966. This event was 13 years before the even worse near-catastrophe meltdown at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania.
Back in 2008, the estimated price for the 1,560-megawatt Fermi 3 plant was $9.6 billion, a figure that environmental lawyer Howard Learner expects will top more than $10 billion now.
Learner, like many environmentalists in Michigan, is asking the question: Why is DTE still considering nuclear?
"DTE has already sunk $100 million into this new nuclear plant that is economically uncompetitive in the Midwest and is highly unlikely to ever be built," Learner, executive director of Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center, said in an interview with Crain's.
"DTE's board of directors would be slammed by Wall Street if the utility moved forward with the Fermi 3 nuclear plant in light of the lessons learned from the ongoing nuclear plant financial debacle in two other states (Georgia and South Carolina)," Learner said.
If DTE has $10 billion to invest, Learner and other environmentalists suggest the company spend it on wind turbines, solar panels and renewable energy projects that have greater return on investment or don't threaten humans and animals with radiation poisoning.
"DTE should instead invest more in modern cost-effective energy efficiency and clean solar energy and storage technologies, which will create jobs and deliver more benefits to customers and the environment with much less risk," Learner said.
Consumers and DTE have already met the state mandate that they generate 10 percent of their electric sales by 2015 from renewable energy sources. They also plan to meet a new 2016 energy bill mandate to extended that goal to 15 percent by 2021.
Based on a number of factors, including the economic downturn, newer technology and energy-efficiency programs, Michiganians are also using less electricity per person than a decade ago. EIA data show total power use in the U.S. declined 1.1 percent between 2008 and 2015 as electricity sales within Michigan fell 1 percent in 2016 and more than 7 percent since 2005.
Despite having higher-than-average electricity prices per kilowatt hour, EIA said, Michigan now ranks 31st in average per capita energy consumption at 291 million BTU per capita. Louisiana uses the most at 921 BTU per capita and New York the least at 190. Neighboring Midwestern states are Indiana (444), Ohio (329) and Illinois (314).
Learner also points out that DTE's electricity sales have declined since 2013 even as the economy as grown, similar to Commonwealth Edison in Illinois.
For example, DTE's electricity sales declined 1.7 percent from 2013 to 2016 as it added 100,000 customers and Michigan's gross domestic product increased by 13.5 percent, Learner said. ComEd also had declining electricity sales, down 1.8 percent after adding 121,973 new customers and Illinois GDP growing by 11.5 percent.
"The forecast for DTE and overall Midwest is flat/declining electricity sales as energy efficiency takes hold – more energy efficienct appliances, LED lighting, more efficient HVAC, pumps and motors, all of which saves business and residential consumers money on their utility bills – and as solar energy and energy storage grows in the market," Learner said.
DTE electric sales flat
Irene Dimitry, DTE's vice president of business planning and development, confirmed DTE's electricity sales have been flat for some time and are projected to remain flat in the coming few years.
Still, DTE views increased nuclear energy as a valuable future baseload option, especially when more of its coal-fired plants go offline.


text:
You will probably be asking what is Laravel MVC Framework or will have already known about Laravel MVC Framework but do not know its full capabilities or may be looking for a good company that offers its services. For the latter group of readers, you can get to contact us directly and be rest assured we are always available to offer our assistance.
Laravel is the one of the most well known clean & classy PHP framework available. Within 3 years, it has shown itself dependable and superior over other platforms. It is very easy to learn and use. Laravel development allows for the creation of the best web and mobile applications by making use of simple, expressive syntax.
Laravel MVC Framework is used by developers to code syntax that is simple and expressive and provide web applications that are developer friendly and code that is maintainable.
Laravel is also preferred by people who need highly professional web applications with smooth workflow, an awesome user interface and experience.
Compared to several other PHP frameworks, Laravel MVC Framework is a better secured and more stable PHP framework. These are few ways it stands out from the others
Our goal at Virtuffy is to eliminate downtime and maximize benefits of critical applications. Our Experienced Laravel MVC framework developers at Virtuffy will
Take a look at some of our previous works and Contact us today!


text:
After all the pressures that my two children went through these past few weeks, I think they both deserve a good treat. If they were both busy and still are, I could say, I am equally pressured too, accomplishing documents for migration. I think that we all need a spa with electric pool heater to energize us and have more power to face more challenges to come. After all, we're not done yet and only half way of what we're going through right now.
We might try ace water spa on Friday for four hours. It would be fun together with some friends who also need some relaxation. Surely, it will work on me to wake up my physical body and destress my mind from unnecessary thoughts. I shouldn't mind them at all but why do they keep popping up on my thoughts. Oh why, oh why?


text:
This is it. This is the last IGN Assemble! before we're all able to see Man of Steel next weekend. We're heading into a whole new era...
This week, we talk about DC's announcement of Villains Month, their new digital initiatives, and Batman: Black and White, along with some Ernest P. Worrell thrown in for good measure.
As for this week's comics, we talk: Daredevil: End of Days, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Age of Ultron, All-New X-Men, Superior Spider-Man, Winter Soldier, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Action Comics, Detective Comics, and Swamp Thing.
As always, there are spoilers for everything discussed, so you've been warned.
In the interest of self-promotion:
Check out the IGN Assemble! Facebook Group!
Check out the IGN Assemble! Wiki Page!
If you've got a question, comment, or art, feel free to drop us a line at firstname.lastname@example.com.
IGN Assemble! Podcast: Episode #85
Subscribe to IGN Assemble! on iTunes
Follow us on Twitter:
Joey is IGN's Comics Editor and a comic book creator himself. Follow Joey on Twitter, or find him on IGN. He will love Star Wars until the end of his days.


text:
British Embassy Brussels
Avenue d'Auderghem 10
1040 Brussels
Telephone (+32) 2 287 62 11
Fax (+32) 2 287 62 50
For enquiries that are not about consular issues, email email@example.com
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
2018 public holidays
- Monday 1 January
- Friday 30 March
- Monday 2 April
- Tuesday 1 May
- Thursday 10 May
- Friday 11 May
- Monday 21 May
- Wednesday 15 August
- Thursday 1 November
- Friday 2 November
- Monday 24 December
- Tuesday 25 December
- Wednesday 26 December
Getting to the embassy
By public transport
The nearest Metro stop is Schuman, on underground line 1 (Erasmus-Stockel) and 5 (Gare de l'Ouest-Hermann-Debroux). Buses number 12 and 21 (to and from Brussels national airport), as well as 22, 36, 60, 79, 344 and 345 (De Lijn) and E (TEC) also stop near our building. You can find further information on the local transportation website.
By car, bicycle or taxi
Parking can be difficult to find around Schuman. A excellent alternative is to use the city bicycle hire scheme Villo!. There are several Villo! bicycle stations nearby. Alternatively, you can also come by taxi.
Disabled access
The embassy is committed to enabling disabled visitors to carry out their work in Belgium in an effective and professional way. The embassy is ready to provide support to disabled visitors. Support could include, but is not limited to, meeting disabled visitors at the airport or train-station, arranging transport, accompanying visitors to meetings or secretarial assistance with writing and distributing reports. Every individual's needs will be different. In order to ensure that we can make arrangements to meet your requirements, please contact the embassy Visits team (tel: +32 2 287 8305) at least 48 hours before you travel.
All visitors will have to go through the security checkpoint at the entrance. Please co-operate with the security team as they conduct their checks which should only take a few minutes. The security measures in place are for the benefit of visitors and staff.


text:
Los Angeles: Grammy-winning R&B singer Miguel has been arrested for driving under influence of alcohol.
The `Adorn` singer was originally pulled over because of speed violation and illegal tinted windows, but the officer noticed the smell of alcohol and performed some field sobriety tests, which Miguel failed, reported Ace Showbiz.
A spokesperson for California Highway Patrol Corina Munoz said that an officer pulled over Miguel`s car in the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Mindaneo Way.
Miguel, who collaborated with Mariah Carey in `Beautiful`, was taken into custody and released a few hours later after posting USD 5,000 bail. His court appearance has been scheduled for September.
The 27-year-old singer is currently nominated for two MTV Music Video Awards. Besides receiving nomination in Best Hip-Hop Video category for his work in J Cole`s video `Powertrip`, he is nominated for Best Video with a Social Message through his hit `Candle in the Sun`.


text:
It was all glitz, glamour and of course, fun at the CÎROC Circle hangout over the weekend.
The eventful Velvett Lounge and Restaurant buzzed with activity as guests, friends and media personalities joined the newly inaugurated CÎROC Circle alongside Roger Bonds, an Atlanta-based lifestyle specialist and CÎROC global influencer, in a close knit and specially curated dinner to accentuate CÎROC's luxury lifestyle.
The guest list contained the likes of Celebrity stylist and designer Swanky Jerry, Multi-media personality Folu Storms, Fashionpreneur Ochanya Lawani, Events guru Onoja Adole, and Superstar publicist Andrea Giaccagila.
The CÎROC team noted that the 'Circle' is a group of social influencers who capture the scene of celebration amongst everyday consumers and make CÎROC a centrepiece of their special occasions.
"The CÎROC Circle is known for their embodiment of the CÎROC values through their various lifestyles, encouraging people to emulate them by celebrating the good life, success and achievements in the best of ways. Akin to the top cosmopolitan cities around the world such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills and Ibiza, Lagos and other cities in Nigeria will not be an exception as the CÎROC Circle will take their peers and Nigerians alike on thrilling and elevating experiences," says the group.
Speaking at the unveiling of the CÎROC Circle influencers, Joe Nazzal, the Head of Reserve at DIAGEO said "With about six years of operation in Nigeria, CÎROC has continued to celebrate people who depict the luxurious lifestyle and the CÎROC Circle is an avenue to continue this way of life – The CÎROC Life."
The event treated beautifully-dressed guests to a fabulous assortment of CÎROC Summer cocktails whilst savouring the lavish selection of favorites from appetizers to sumptuous desserts.
Also speaking, Bonds noted that, "CÎROC has been around since 2007, and my joining the family in 2011 has been of utmost importance to me and the brand as I have been able to showcase a lifestyle everybody wants to be a part of."
The global influencer has represented the CÎROC brand for over 5 years and has attended several high-class shows, events and parties alongside other hugely celebrated American celebrities with who he exhibits the opulent and enviable lifestyle that CÎROC exudes.
The Celebration continued into the night, as The CÎROC Circle and Roger Bonds met at Escape Night Club to begin their CÎROC club tour!
Written by Oluwatoyin Adeleye


text:
Package highlights include:
- 3 nights aboard the Indian Pacific travelling from Perth to Sydney in Gold or Platinum Service including all meals, drinks & Off Train Experiences.
- Transfer from Sydney Central Station to your accommodation.
- 6 night stay in Sydney at the Travelodge Wynyard including breakfast.
- Full day Grand Blue Mountains Tour.
- 48 Hour Hop on Hop off Discover Sydney Pass.
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise.
- Transfer from your accommodation to the Sydney Cruise Terminal.
- 16 nights aboard Radiance of the Seas cruising from Sydney to Fremantle with port calls in Brisbane, Yorkey's Knob, Darwin, Benoa (Bali), Port Hedland and Geraldton. Includes on board meals and entertainment.


text: Hi, looking at an opportunity involving selling Western Digital hard drives into the Apple market. WD are a strong player in the Windows market but have been quite slow in the Apple channel. I was looking for feedback from Apple people on why you like or dislike WD and any other constructive feedback on the brand.


text:
What is the difference between the SM58 and the BG3.1 mics?
Though these mics have similar specifications, the SM58 definitely sounds better: more low end and an extended high end.
If you intend to use the mic only for speech, you will likely hear little difference between these two models. But in a music application, the SM58 will be better.


text:
This is a professional forum, please post in a way that reflects this. Please show courtesy to others. Please refrain from using language that is likely to cause offence. Thank you.
New members, please read before posting.
Science Technicians.org » Discussions » General Discussion » New members, please read before posting.
Similar topics
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum


text:
More Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise
This morning it started.
David's phone rang at 6:00 AM. (Yeah, um… not an effective marketing technique. Sure, maybe we did want to further our education with your fine establishment, but at 6:00 in the morning I don't want to further a thing, homeboy. Just sayin'.)
Anyway, once that happened my mind started working overtime:
It's December 1st! You need to start the countdown today. How are you going to make Christmas memorable for your kids if you spend December 1st in Las Vegas, New Mexico, eating free nachos? I mean, where's the Baby Jesus in the gooey cheese sauce?
The cheerleaders are competing in State this Saturday! The chants. The baskets! The signs!! The bows!!! Oh, the bows. Do they all have their bows?
I have bills to pay, the house to clean, cookies to bake, presents to buy, and Gilder to frame for it.
In the middle of this epic freakout, a beautiful face came to mind, and I was instantly calmed:
Before you think that I've completely lost it, let me explain. (No, let there is no time. Let me sum up.)
About a year ago I wrote a post about the Noise of Christmas. And in the post I gave myself – and all of you – a wonderful gift.
As the year went by I forgot about this, but thankfully I was reminded this morning. So I want to share it with you, again:
All the Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise (Originally posted December 23, 2013)
Today is Christmas Eve Eve. I know that it might seem silly to acknowledge the eve of Christmas Eve, but in our house we have been acknowledging eves since Christmas Eve Eve Eve Eve…Eve…Eve.
We have been doing a fun advent calendar where every day we do a Christmas activity. We've strung popcorn, made snowflakes, had baking days, and the kidlets even took some time to ring the bell at the Salvation Army kettle and hand out candy.
One of the most common activities, though, is family movie night. The reason should be obvious… it's cheap (thank you, Netflix) and everyone loves it.
Do you know how many interpretations of A Christmas Carol are out there? I wonder what Charles Dickens would have done if someone told him that 170 years after he published his story, cartoon ducks would be learning the same lesson as Ebenezer Scrooge. (The other night my daughter said, "Wow, ducks sure don't have the Christmas spirit. Donald didn't. Daffy didn't. What's wrong with the ducks?")
Another one of our favorites is The Grinch. I prefer the live action one, but this is mainly because I have a panic attack every time the cartoon Grinch gets stuck in the chimney. Seriously. My heart starts pounding and I have to look away. I know he'll get unstuck – he always does – but still. I just can't take it. What if this time it's different?
My favorite line in both versions of that movie is when the Grinch is airing his grievances with Christmas and he complains about all the noise (noise, noise, noise).
If I had a complaint about Christmas, that would be mine as well.
All the noise. (Noise, noise, noise.)
Now, I'm a homeschooling mother of four, a youth pastor's wife, and a former teacher. I am used to noise. Especially Christmas noise. I'm used to the giggles, the squeals, the drums (pa rum pum pum pum), the questions, the toys, and the sound of glass ornaments shattering on the ground.
Those aren't the noises that bother me.
The noise (noise, noise, noise) that bothers me most is actually noise that no one else can hear. And unfortunately it isn't just limited to Christmas time.
It's the noise inside my head, the constant battle I have with myself.
And I know I'm not alone.
"I'm not doing enough for my kids."
"I'm spoiling my kids."
"We're focusing too much on the secular aspects of Christmas."
"There's nothing wrong with having a little fun."
"I should do that elf thing."
"There's no way I'm doing that creepy elf thing."
"What is wrong with those moms who put so much effort into that creepy elf thing?"
"I really admire those moms who go the extra mile to give their kids incredible Christmas memories."
"She looks really pretty today."
"Why didn't I wear my nice clothes? I look frumpy next to her."
"My kids are running all around the church. I'm a terrible mother."
"I hope someone notices I curled my daughter's hair. At least I put some effort into getting her ready today."
"I should bake cookies with the kids."
"The last thing I need to eat is another cookie."
And on, and on, and on.
Noise. Noise. Noise. Noise.
So you know what I am giving myself this Christmas? And the gift I want to give to all of you out there who are tired of the noise?
The realization that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and His works are wonderful.
The knowledge that yes, parenting is hard. Yes, life is hard. But we are not alone. Our God is with us, the Mighty Warrior who saves. And He delights in us, and He sings over us.
Yes, us.
So enjoy the silence, and let it last beyond the Christmas season.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas!
See you soon.
One thought on "More Noise, Noise, Noise, Noise"
Hi Jennifer. Just want you to know how much I enjoy your blogs. Judy sends them to me and I love each and every one.
I'm going to concentrate on getting control of the ""noise"" this year. Thanks for the wonderful message. xoKaren
Merry Christmas to all of you!


text:
|I love hockey, and boy did I love this book. I got a kick out of Brit. Elise girl, hockey is your thing!! This book had it all. Sports, romance, a great story, humor, and characters I loved. I like that Brit is a tough girl mixed in with the boys. She is a kick a$$ chick! I adored her and Stefan together. I am excited to get more of this series! I can't wait.
If you enjoy a sporty romance or are a hockey lover, then I'd recommend this book to you!


text:
Let's get the obligatory "Wow, I won! What do I say?" out of the way.
This is such an interesting platform to have. Faced with a (mildly interested) audience, what do I say? What do I tell you that you don't already know? I don't feel compelled to give advice or tell "my story." In this moment I am faced with a desire to want to say The Right Things. I need to go get some lunch and think about this. One hour and fifty-six minutes left to write something of which I can feel at least somewhat proud.
I'll share with you a quote that I really love, which is,
"If nothing changes, nothing changes."
It's simple—perhaps too much so—but it speaks to me. The idea that positive things and the life that we want to live comes (at times) at the price of sacrificing the comfortable and familiar.
I am somewhat plagued by inertia. In fact, I won The Listserve just over a year ago in December 2016. And I never submitted anything. I wasn't sure what I wanted to say, which felt daunting, but I also just got lazy. This slothfulness creeps into most of the various areas of my life. (Ironically, I have a deep-seated fear of sloths.) I know the solution, and it's pretty simple: when I take action, I feel good in the long-term; when I do nothing, it's comfortable but ultimately that comfort is short-lived. How do you overcome this? By simply taking the initial step, I suppose. And then the inertia of simply keeping moving kicks in, and things get done.
Over the past eight months, I've gone through a lot of changes—so I can't really say that "nothing has changed" but that quote has certainly made me reflect on the ways in which I do want my life to change and what I want it to become. And the fact of the matter is, it's not going to get that way on its own. I've surprised myself by doing some things I never thought I would do, but then again, I've also not surprised myself by continuing some of the same behaviors of complacency. Change can be so slow. To all (ten) of you reading this, go and do something that you know you should but have been putting off! And then tell me what you did.
I'm glad to have had the opportunity to share this quote and my thoughts with you and grateful for the many good things life has to offer. I hope you feel that way today, too.
If you're in Minneapolis and want to connect, please let me know!
Minneapolis, Minnesota
[email protected]


text:
Graphics Terms of Use
These terms of use apply to any clipart or graphics set that you purchase from my Teachers Pay Teachers store. The TOU's are included in each download, so no need to copy these!
Purchasing this clipart set entitles you to one non-transferable single-user license. You may use these graphics for personal and/or commercial use. However, by purchasing, you agree to the following terms:
Credit in Non-Web/Blog Usage: Any product/item you distribute (commercially or as a free item on your blog/site/store) must provide credit back to me. Stating "Graphics by A Hughes Design" is fine, but using my button and a clickable link to my store is even better!
Security: You must ensure that the graphics cannot be easily copied, extracted, downloaded, or shared. All products created with these graphics must be flattened into a PDF or protected in a way that does not allow for easy extraction of the graphics. You may flatten them by turning the background into an image.
Use Within Product: Your commercial creations cannot contain just pages of graphics "as is" (like bulletin board elements) and nothing else. They must be used in conjunction with other elements, such as backgrounds, border, text, and considered part of an activity or printable. My art must not be the focus or the only design element.
Web Use: You may use these graphics to create blog and website components, but you MUST combine them with other elements, such as background, border, or text. You may not post the graphics "as is" in any online presence. For blog/website uses, you must provide credit with a clickable link on each page. This can be done in the sidebar or footer.
Alter/Redesign: You may not alter, resell, share, or distribute the graphics. They may not be combined with other digital artwork and resold as graphics/clipart (stamps, brushes, ten frames, scrapbook sets, stickers, etc.). I'd be glad to recolor/alter an image for you. Please see the listing in my store.
Resale: You may not use these graphics to create materials for others to resell.
Digital Products: You may create digital products (SMART board, Mimeo, Apps, etc.), but the graphics must not be the only elements and they must not be easily extractable.
Not Okay: You may not use these graphics to create commercial-use items (stationary, bulletin board elements, or products on sites such as Zazzle) where my art is the main artistic element of the product.
Purchasing does not mean you own the graphics and you may not claim them as your own. Ashley Hughes (A Hughes Design) retains the copyright to all graphics and images.
These terms are subject to change without notice. Please contact me if you have any questions about acceptable use or further licensing options. Due to the digital nature of this product, no returns or refunds are available.


text:
Hi!... My name is Roberto Fresca, and I'm part of the MAME Dev Team since 1998. Here you can find some technical things about rare hardware. This site is intended to avoid duplicated efforts. This page is *always* in construction... :-)
--- 2016/11/14 14:20 ---
Attract working!... Here some snaps.
Also added button-lamps and coin counter support to American Music Poker...
--- 2016/11/12 21:50 ---
Found an old and unknown Amusco board in an auction and Charles MacDonald was kind enough to get it...
Finally was Draw 88 Poker (V2.0), running in the same Amusco platform than American Music Poker. This will help to understand a lot of things about this platform.
Here some snaps...
The game is still not working due to some coin issues. Also detects the current inputs as an attempt to tampering. Need more work on them...
--- 2016/02/08 17:00 ---
This board was dumped by f205v. It's similar to the former one, but...
The game have some odd things...
GFX devices are 4 times bigger and contains 4 times the same data (Maybe the manufacturers run out of proper devices)...
The background is not set properly due to a palette error. The program ROM stores the palette at offset 0xC700 onwards... The value stored at 0xC780 (color 0x80) should be black to mask the reels tilemaps and turn them 'invisible'. This program has a value of 0x40 instead, turning the tilemaps blue and therefore visible. The results is an odd effect that shouldn't be there. Need to be checked with the real board.
The hardware uses only the second half of the program ROM (double sized), that replaces the double-up's cards graphics with 'drakkars' (scandinavian / viking ships).
Here some snaps...
The Double-Up feature with scandinavian ships instead of cards (due to italian laws)...
--- 2016/01/20 21:14 ---
After long hours, got the correct bankswitching. Also found the I/O ports, hooked the YM2149 and I'm right now finishing the second CPU support for the samples sound system.
You must choose a character from the following ones:
1st: Boketa
2nd: Kunio
3rd: Pyon-Pyon
4th: Pyokorin
5th: Botechin
Then press start. The pads start to roll like reels and when finish, the character that can cross the lake is the winner. Here some snaps...
The race starts...
We have a winner!...
Also some final bonus...
And last the settings/bookkeeping mode...
And here a video of the attract running plus a couple of played games, to show you the game in action with accurate samples support...
Now we have two games of the 'Pyon Pyon' series preserved... :-) Still need to find the first one called just 'Pyon Pyon' (a marathon game where the same characters are runners).
Hopefully one day!... :-)
--- 2016/01/18 17:22 ---
I was a bit out of the scene due to health troubles. Some days ago Ryan Holtz, Smitdogg, Shoutime, and The Dumping Union got a japanese Success board that caught my attention...
The game is 'Pyon Pyon Jump'. A japanese medal game from Success / Taiyo Jidoki. It runs in similar hardware than Kuru Kuru Pyon Pyon, but with different addressing, banks, bankswitching, etc... In fact is a MSX2 on steroids... 2x Z80 (one for audio purposes), 1x YM2149 for regular sounds, 1x OKI M5205 for samples, and a Yamaha VDP for video. Since I love these obscure games, I decided start to work in this one.
This is very preliminary, but found the writes to the Yamaha VDP registers and hooked properly the V9938. Now at least have some response on screen. After some tweaks, got the attract running, but no graphics due to the different bankswitching...
Here some snaps...
Some graphics appeared, but still wrong banking... Keep trying... ;-)
--- 2015/11/20 14:05 ---
As I ever said, I love when rare/dark stuff appear... This time, I started to work with a dump coming from a not working hacked board with a weird banking. A lot of patches found in the program ROMs to do weird things, even in the interrupt routines.
But my surprise was once I decoded the graphics... See the tiles!
Need a lot of work to understand what the hell the program is doing... Wish me luck!
--- 2015/11/15 13:16 ---
I'm dealing with a new Aristocrat MKIV dump. I have almost working 'Fever Pitch' (not sure if it's the correct name). Inputs are still incomplete due to lack of the different betting ones (only have max bet, but doesn't behaves like maximum bet allowed). I'll try to fix this one, and get the remaining missing inputs to get the game working properly.
Here some snaps...
Identified the game name... :-)
Got all the inputs, so the game now is working properly.
Also added a new set of Potten's Poker. Seems for amusement (at least has the 'just 4 fun' string on screen replacing the 'Insert Coins' one. Here some snaps too:
And also added more new Aristocrat MKV sets...
- Tropical Delight (PHG0625-02, Export, 92.25%).
- The Gambler (EHG0916, Export, 92.268%).
- Party Gras (MV4115/3, Export, touch).
- Queen of the Nile (MV4091, NSW/ACT). - The Chariot Challenge (04J00714, NSW/ACT).
- Cash Chameleon (Export).
- Bumble Bugs (Export, 92.691%).
--- 2015/11/04 08:54 ---
Well... Thanks to Matt B, that kindly dumped his boards, we have 2 new working additions. The first one, running on a ICP-1 blue board is a new set of 'Genie'. It's like a poker game, but with lamps and nasty genies (NSFW) instead of cards. The game is for amusement only. The board has some hacks to get this game running...
And here some snaps of the game running, so... Rub the lamps!
The second one is a 2/3-hand poker (configurable through the input system) entitled 'Super 98'. This one is running in a ICP-1 board, but also with hacks and different connections to prevent roms swaps.
The game is still not working due to nested checks on the NVRAM / zeropage registers that could be harcoded from factory. Also is waiting for
the PIAs, expecting some entered info. Maybe an unlock code....
For now I bypassed some routines to get a way to go on, and work on the game emulation... The game has settings through DIP switches and 'on screen'.
Here some snaps...
Also added a new set of Potten's Poker... (I'm always asking me if it's the real name). This set is very stable and is set from factory to 2 coin for credit. The good thing is that the supervisor mode allow to change the coin settings. Here some snaps too:
And last (but not least), added some new Aristocrat MKV sets...
- Enchanted Forest (MV4033, Export, 94.97%).
- Chicken (RHG0730, Export, 92.588%).
- Golden Pyramids (AHG1206-99, NSW/ACT, 87.928%).
- Koala Mint (MV4137, Export).
- Magic Garden (AHG1211, Export, 88.26%).
- Margarita Magic (EHG1559, NSW/ACT).
- Sweet Hearts II (PHG0742, Export, 92.252%).
--- 2015/10/26 20:41 ---
I made some moves 'alla 'Impossible Mission' to get some new games for the Aristocrat MKV platform. Also I got a mainboard for documentation and analysis purposes.
And his I/O board with a big dual UART 16C452 (not mine)...
Note these loopbacks in the board. If some of them are disconnected, the system doesn't boot.
The dumped and added titles are:
- Cuckoo (MV4104, Export).
- Mine, Mine, Mine (Export).
- Party Gras (MV4115/6, Export).
- Penguin Pays (Export).
- Wild Cougar (Export).
- Boot Scootin' (Export, 92.767%).
- Bumble Bugs (Export, 92.691%).
- Cash Chameleon (Export).
- The Chariot Challenge (04J00714, NSW/ACT).
- Dolphin Treasure (Export).
- Magic Mask (MV4115, Export, set 2).
- Adonis (MV4124/1, Export).
- Adonis (0100751V, NSW/ACT).
- Queen of the Nile (MV4091, NSW/ACT).
Some more titles are coming...
--- 2014/10/26 19:22 ---
Some years ago, when sharing some words about SuSiLu's Ms PacMan Twin, the owner of MIKI SRL told me that they released a double command PacMan, but didn't recall details at all. Just the title... "Club Pacman".
Now... Thanks to the effort of a MAME friendly called 'ytsejam', we have a proto board for this game.
See these ghastly odd hacks!!!
Controls need more work, due they are multiplexed. Need to investigate how they work... Here some pics:
--- 2014/06/16 20:55 ---
Warning: These stealth games are not related to the modern ones where the player is forced to do a 'stealth' rol. They are innocent games that have gambling games hidden inside. See the previous post for a better explanation.
Well... Back to the stealth games, I got a new PCB dump. Whilst we had a similar one in MAME (cmv4a) but without the front game code, this one is quite complete and works... It's... TETRIS!
Same strategic combo, but with different inputs combinations to trigger/switch between games. The game boots on Tetris. You can coin-up and play the game...
And again, triggering some magical inputs combo... The game turns into a Cherry Master game!
This game is also running in a taiwanese Cherry Master blue board, with some mods.
BTW, this game is also working properly, and also got the workaround to switch between games. :-)
--- 2014/06/15 23:55 ---
From ages ago, we're warned that these games exist. They are (as the 'stealth' word suggest) undetectable. Normally they have an innocent front game, and with a hidden inputs combo, you can switch to a gambling game forth and back...
Why?... Well, back then, when some countries started to prohibit the gambling games, these games start to appear as an easy way to avoid inspections, government visitors and police. You can switch from the front game to the gambling game, without to lose the stats/settings, conserving the credits, bets, etc... BTW, the Front games are totally playable. I'm currently ill and can't go further in the explanation, but I'm sure that David (or maybe another dev) will post something more elaborated about them, since they are an important piece in the videogames history.
See this one: A nice and crappy 'Super PacMan' game...
And touching some hidden switch... Turns into Cherry Master game!
The game is running in a taiwanese Cherry Master blue board, with a daughterboard placed in the Z80 location.
Here some details of the daughterboard...
BTW, the game is working properly. Also got the workaround to switch between games.
More soon!... :)


text:
Free Recovery Webinar: Managing Grief in the Recovery Process
March 21, 2018, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Managing Grief in the Recovery Process
Presented by: Jancey Wickstrom, AM, LCSW
Wednesday, March 21st
Losing loved ones and experiencing grief is a natural part of life. Nevertheless, just because something is natural does not make it easy. In the midst of managing your recovery you may find yourself faced with having to say goodbye to a loved one – a friend, family member, even a pet. This process deserves special attention, as your inclination to return to unhealthy ways of coping may come back at this emotional time.
Please join Jancey Wickstrom, Clinical Training Specialist for The Renfrew Centers, as she discusses how to manage grief during the recovery process, one of our most requested webinar topics. The various stages of grief will be explored and we will be addressing the difficult and very personal issue of losing loved ones to our own illness - eating disorders. We look forward to having you participate in yet another invigorating presentation to help further your recovery.
About the Presenter:
Jancey Wickstrom, AM, LCSW, is the Clinical Training Specialist for The Renfrew Centers. She graduated from Grinnell College in Iowa and The University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. Ms. Wickstrom is passionate about ensuring evidence-based practice is made available to those who need it. She is intensively trained in contextual therapeutic approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and The Renfrew Center Unified Treatment Model for Eating Disorders®. She contributed the chapter titled 'Healing Self-Inflicted Violence in Adolescents with Eating Disorders' in the textbook Treatment of Eating Disorders: Bridging the Research-Practice Gap. Ms. Wickstrom is an adjunct lecturer at The University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration and has worked in residential, outpatient and inpatient treatment settings.


text:
Yellow Warning for Snow
Update: 23rd January 11:15
The Met Office have issued a Yellow warning for snow for West Midlands region.
Further outbreaks of sleet or snow will affect parts of Wales and southwest England through today. A further 2-5 cm is likely in places with perhaps as much as 10 cm over high ground. The public should be aware that this may lead to localised disruption to transport
Update: 18th January 15:45hrs
A number of bus and train services are affected (i.e. delays, routes, and/or cancellations). Check travel websites before making journeys e.g. Help2Travel (http://www.help2travel.co.uk/mattisse/index.htm), Network West Midlands (http://www.networkwestmidlands.com/ServiceAlterations/alterations.aspx), Highways Agency (www.highways.gov.uk/traffic).
The usual Friday afternoon peak traffic has started early. Traffic is moving slowly particularly within the inner ring road but priority routes on the outbound carriageways are moving steadily. Take extra care when travelling. Plan your journey before you set out. Check the weather forecast and road conditions. Leave extra time if travel conditions are poor and consider delaying your journey if needed.
Update at 18th January 13:30hrs
An Amber Severe Weather Warning is in place today for snow. We are liaising with colleagues in the Met Office who have informed us (as at 12:15hrs) that the radar shows persistent snow across much of the West Midlands region at the moment and this is expected to continue well into the afternoon. Much of the snow will be light but the intensity is expected to increase at times to bring heavier bursts of snow. However, from around mid-afternoon the snow is expected to become less continuous and more intermittent with any heavier bursts becoming less likely.
During the evening and overnight further snow is possible at times but is expected to be mostly light. Overnight temperatures will remain around freezing or slightly below.
The cold weather is expected to continue through the weekend with mostly dry conditions on Saturday apart from some patchy light snow. Much of Sunday will be dry but there may well be further snow later on Sunday. Confidence regarding this is low at present.
Highways and Resilience colleagues are liaising with internal and partner agency colleagues.
Our fleet of gritter vehicles are out and about treating the priority highway network. Highways officers are monitoring CCTV and indicate that traffic flows are moving as well as can be expected on priority routes.
School closures are being widely reported via all usual mechanisms (radio stations, BCC website (http://disruption.birmingham.gov.uk/) , individual school messaging systems, etc).
We have not received any snow related incident reports from the emergency services. Key infrastructure locations such as hospitals are included within the priority gritting routes.
Bus companies are still operating, although in some areas they are diverting routes to keep to the priority roads. They have inspectors on the ground monitoring conditions and advising the public accordingly.
Refer to the usual public transport (bus and rail) disruption websites, e.g. www.help2travel.co.uk, http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands, twitter feeds, telephone numbers for up to date information about specific routes. There are some service delays and local disruption.
We will continue to liaise with internal and external colleagues and issue updates accordingly.
For more information and advice visit the Met Office or our snow and low temperature advice pages.
Update at: 17 Jan 2013, 10.10 AM: Cold Weather Alert – Level 3
The Met Office have issued a Level 3 Cold Weather Alert which indicates that there is 90 % probability of severe cold weather / icy conditions / heavy snow between 0900 on Thursday (17 January 2013) until 0800 on Monday (21 January 2013) that is likely to affect parts of England, including the West Midlands.
This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. For more details follow the attached link to the Met Office Website http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/cold-weather-alert/#?tab=coldWeatherAlert and http://www.birminghamprepared.gov.uk/advice/specific-risks/snow-and-low-temperatures/ for helpful advice during snow and low temperatures.
The cold weather health watch comprises four levels of response based on cold weather thresholds. The thresholds have been developed to trigger an alert when severe cold weather is likely to significantly affect people's health. The alerts take account of temperature along with other winter weather threats such as ice and snow.
Update at: 17 Jan 2013, 8.42 AM: Amber Alert for Snow
The Met Office have issued an Amber Alert for snow from 0400 – 1800 on Friday 18 January 2013 throughout the UK. An area of snow looks increasingly likely to spread from the southwest. Winds will strengthen and blizzard conditions are likely, especially over high ground. Accumulations of more than 10-15 cm of snow could well occur quite widely, with the risk of 25 cm or more over high ground.
Clearly there is the potential for some severe disruption, and the public are advised to watch for updates to this warning and to be prepared to alter travel plans.
For further information and advice visit the Met Office http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/?regionName=wm
Check weather forecasts and take appropriate precautions


text:
The Target Ion Source
The SPIRAL Target Ion Source production system
In the classic ISOL technique a proton or a light-ion beam is accelerated to a high energy and bombards a thick target producing radioactive nuclei by spallation reactions, fragmentation of the target and/or induced fission. Other reaction mechanisms, however, come into play with heavy ions. In particular, projectile fragmentation is the process of most importance. In all cases, the fragments are stopped in the target which is heated to a high temperature (1800K to 2300K) to facilitate the migration of the radioactive atoms to the surface. Usually the target is located a short distance from the ion source and the radioactive atoms effuse via a transfer tube to the plasma region where they are ionised and then accelerated.
However, given the relatively short range of heavy ions (typically they stop in the production target) one may consider employing very small targets located inside the ion source. Such a configuration would thus eliminate the losses due to sticking of radioactive atoms in the transfer tube - a major source of losses in systems presently in use. As the atoms are ionised and accelerated in a manner identical to that for stable beams, the resulting radioactive beams have good dynamical and optical characteristics when compared with projectile fragmentation, as well as an energy which may be precisely adjusted. The originality of the GANIL project lies in the use of an extended range of heavy-ions produced at high intensities and up to the maximum available energies (e.g. 95 A.MeV, 7.4 eµA for 36Ar18+). Such an approach differs from the proton (or light-ion) beam technique in that the projectile rather than the target is varied in order to produce the different radioactive species.


text:
|Home > Inventory > Texas Longhorn > Reference_Sire >
The Shadow
Shadow Kay71-5/8" T2T - dob is 5/10/99 Sold at 2006 Legacy Sale for $57,000
Photo Credit: Mark Hubbell
Registered Texas Longhorns since 1967
DCCI~~~ Purveyor of "one owner" quality Longhorns.
Copyright notice:
All images and content on this website are copyrighted. Dickinson Cattle Co., Inc., www.texaslonghorn.com, and/or Darol Dickinson are under no obligation to provide professional photos carte blanche. US copyright law is clear that all intellectual property belongs to the author or creator. Photos here are not "Public Domain". Articles here are not "Public Domain".
However; you are welcome to use any photo or article on this site accompanied by a credit and a valid web link. The photo credit needs to state: "Photo courtesy of Dickinson Cattle Co. LLC" and the link provided to www.texaslonghorn.com
Any other use is considered unauthorized plagiarism.


text:
Black Belt Deluxe is one of MC's most popular packages. If you're serious about applying for consulting, this package is our creme de la creme, and will give you everything you need to ace your interviews:
- 8 Hours of Interview Prep/Case Studies
- Resume & Cover Letter Editing
- The MC Book Bundle:
- Consulting Roadmap
- Consulting Resume & Cover Letter Bible
- The Consultant's Networking Bible
- Consulting Interview Bible
- The Consulting Case Bank
- 3 Month Mastery
- The Consulting Bootcamp Combo+ (online video courses)
- The Consulting Case Interview Bootcamp – Online
- The Consulting Fit Interview Bootcamp – Online
- Mental Math for Consulting
- Networking for Consulting
- The Consulting Resume and Cover Letter Bootcamp – Online
- PowerPoint for Consulting (online video course)
- Excel for Consulting (online video course)
- Free Session Recordings
We've spent the last 5 years putting this package together, and it's been insanely effective. 55% of our Black Belts land offers at Top 10 firms, compared to 3% industry-wide. Sign up today!


text:
By Diana Rohini La Vigne
Musician aka Designer? Yes! Some of the world's most famous names in the music industry are adding another title to their resume. Fashion Designer. Although in many cases the musicians act only as financial supporters and inspirations, music celebs are lining up for the opportunity to see their clothing lines being hung in every closet across America.
Ladies First
Jennifer Lopez is one of the world's most recognized names. She is hot, creative, and extremely marketable! The J. Lo collection offers low hip riders, slinky spaghetti string tops, and unique urban wear. The collection will be available at selected Boston department stores and specialty stores this spring.
From Lopez to Lopes, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, hip-hop artist with the group TLC, is obviously drawn to 'after hours' attire. Recently, she jumped into the lingerie business. Neither musician plans to retire from their music to design though. This is a side act.
Gentlemen Start Your Engines
Music artist and record label mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs launched his own men's clothing line, Sean John in 1998. Following close behind, 'N Sync's Chris Kirkpatrick launched the FuMan Skeeto line. Rapper and Designer Jay-Z wanted more than just one collection. His clothing lines Phat Farm and Rockwear are flying off the shelves. Not all stories have a happy ending as Carlos Santana discovered. His "Carlos" shoe line is reportedly failing because consumers find it hard to imagine him wearing the cheap mules. What the musician actually sells is important to its success.
Here's Looking at You Boston
We recruited one of the hottest New Bands in Boston to get the 411 on the impact of fashion in Boston's music scene. International Duo, Red Velvet Slide -www.redvelvetslide.com has just returned from a 5-month tour including Prague, Sweden, and parts of the United States to promote their self-titled CD. Swedish Berklee Graduate Extraordinaire, Chris Brenne incorporates his skillful guitar melodies with the soulful vocals of Indian bombshell, Parul Vakani to put fourth a sensational rhythm. Their mix creates an alternative pop sound that is reminiscent of early Paul Cole. Receiving an honorable mention in the infamous John Lennon Songwriting Competition and playing at venues like the Kendall Café (a training ground for megastars like Jewel and Elvis Costello) Red Velvet Slide is destined to become a household name.
Of course, musicians dress differently on stage than off stage. Parul, the outdoors type, is always in a pair of jeans. Chris is a natural fashion maven. He is able to pull together random pieces to create an outfit that is sharp and sexy without any effort. On stage, Parul lives more on the edge by choosing fashions that push the limits of intriguingly sexy and unique. Likewise, Chris takes on another facade by becoming the quintessential rock star. Being Swedish, Chris exudes a bit more European flair in his wear. He even matches his attire to his guitar color!
"One of our favorite stores is Jasmine Sola. Their clothes are extremely unique," states Parul. "In my closet you'll find Nicole Miller from Betsy Jenney. I can wear it on stage and off. Another favorite of mine is Emporio Armani because of the clean lines. I shop at Banana Republic for the basics and BCBG for its leather jeans. For shoes, I love Cuoio. Chris tends to wear Calvin Klein, the Liz Claiborne men's wear, and other major fashion labels."
When asked if they would like to design their own clothing one day, Parul and Chris state that they would rather focus on their music and leave designing to the experts. With all the great fashions and shops in Boston, musicians can sit back, relax and focus on their music. The designer can continue bringing us fashions to die for and musicians can continue brining music to enhance our ears, souls, and lives.
Writings >


text:
Therapy dogs receive training but have a completely different type of job from service dogs. Their responsibilities are to provide psychological or physiological therapy to individuals other than their handlers. These dogs have stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personalities. Typically, they visit hospitals, schools, hospices, nursing homes and more. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on-duty including petting the therapy dog.
Therapy dogs may also visit schools, day cares, group homes and rehabilitation centers. Their roles vary from dogs who give learning disabled children the confidence to read out loud, to actively participating in physical rehabilitation therapy. In some cases, a therapy dog will work in an establishment exclusively, such as a psychotherapy practice.
Therapy dogs may be trained by just about anyone, but must meet set standards to be registered and actively participate in the program. They are usually handled by their owners, but in some cases of Animal Assisted Therapy, the therapy dog may be handled by a trained professional.
Service Dogs are trained to perform tasks and to do work that eases their handlers' disabilities. Working as part of a team with their disabled partners, service dogs help them attain safety and independence. It is very important to note that these dogs are not for petting as it could prevent them from performing their job correctly. Most service dogs have a "no petting" policy established by their owners.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service dogs in public places such as restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels. Additional laws such as the Department of Transportation's Air Carrier Access Act, the Housing and Urban Development's Fair Housing Act, and the Federal Rehabilitation Act protect the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in a wide variety of circumstances under which the ADA may not be applicable.


text:
- Contributors
A. E. Denham is Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy, St. Anne's College, Oxford. She is the author of Metaphor and Moral Experience (2000) and various essays in aesthetics and moral philosophy. Denham is the incumbent holder of Iris Murdoch's College Fellowship.
W. S. Hampl <email@example.com> teaches in the English department in the BOOST program at the Naval Education and Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island. He has an upcoming review in Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature, and his work has also been published in Studies in the Novel and The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.
David Herman <email@example.com> is Professor of English at North Carolina State University and Adjunct Professor of English Linguistics at Duke University. He is the author of Universal Grammar and Narrative Form (1995) and Story Logic: Problems and Possibilities of Narrative (forthcoming in 2002), as well as the editor of Narratologies: New Perspectives on Narrative Analysis (1999). He is currently working on several projects exploring the interrelations between linguistics, narrative theory, and cognitive science.
Michael Levenson is William B. Christian Professor of English at the University of Virginia, where he is currently chair of the department. He is the author of A Genealogy of Modernism (1984), Modernism and the Fate of Individuality (1991), and the co-author (with Karen Chase) of The Spectacle of Intimacy (2000). He has also edited the Cambridge Companion to Modernism and is currently at work on a new book called What was Modernism?
Bran Nicol is the author of Iris Murdoch: The Retrospective Fiction (1999). Forthcoming publications include an article on Slavoj Žižek in Paragraph, a book on D. M. Thomas, and a reader on Postmodernism and the Contemporary Novel. He is currently exploring the interrelation between psychopathology and late-twentieth-century fiction, culture, and theory. He teaches contemporary literature and theory at the University of Portsmouth, UK. [End Page 2]
S. B. Sagare is the author of A Tour of the Sandcastle: A Study of Iris Murdoch's World-View and is Reader in English at Shriman Bhausaheb Zadbuke College, Mahavidyalaya, India. He is currently working on a critical study of John Fowles.
Richard Todd <firstname.lastname@example.com> is the author of Consuming Fictions: The Booker Prize and Fiction in Britain Today (1996), Iris Murdoch (1984), and Iris Murdoch: The Shakespearian Interest (1979). He has also published a short monograph on A. S. Byatt (1997). A specialist in the early modern lyric, he is an assistant textual editor to the ongoing Variorum Edition of the poetry of John Donne. He teaches at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
Katherine Weese is Associate Professor of English and Director of Rhetoric at Hampden-Sydney College. She has co-edited and contributed to the volume Teaching Academic Literacy and has published articles on Toni Morrison and Katherine Dunn as part of her work on contemporary women authors' uses of the fantastic. In addition, she teaches and publishes about film.


text:
Product Description
Replace your boring cabinet handles with unique antler handles that will be sure to catch the eye of the hunter. Each polyresin handle is hand painted.
- Measures 6"W x 1"H
- Measures 3.5" between screws
- Includes one handle and hardware
- Made of polyresin material
- Hand Painted
- Rustic design
Brand: Demdaco


text:
Views: 531, Replies: 0 » Jump to the end
By Tom
I needed plant markers to keep track of all the new seedlings I started this year. I was tired of my old method using popsicle sticks. They tend to mold, and when they get moist the words run together and blur. So, I had the idea of using an old rinsed out milk jug. I cut it up into small strips, and now my words will stay clear and no more moldy popsicle sticks!
Apr 13, 2013 6:39 AM CST
|That is a great idea, I always shorting my mini blinds and then cut up the slats for my markers...
|« Garden.org Homepage
« Back to the top
« Forums List
« Cheap and Plentiful Plant Markers